A Sister's Wish and An Amish Family Christmas by Shelley Shepard Gray

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these books 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: 

A Sister's Wish (Avon Inspire, September 2016)

In Shelley Shepard Gray's third book in her Charmed Amish Life series, a respectable young woman finds herself falling for an Amish man from the wrong side of the tracks.

Amelia Kinsinger is the perfect Amish woman---at least according to her neighbors. And while Amelia takes pride in her role as homemaker, she's also harboring a secret: She's been in love with bad boy Simon Hochstetler for as long as she can remember. Too bad he's about as far from "perfect" as an Amish man could get . . . but that's exactly why she's so drawn to him.

Life hasn't been kind to Simon. He ran away from an abusive home at fifteen and things went downhill from there. Eventually, Simon landed in prison. But the experience changed him. Now back in Charm as a grown man, he's determined to make a new life for himself and not think too much about his wild past . . . unless it pertains to Amelia.

He's loved Amelia for years. To him, she represents everything good and kind in the world. When he realizes that she returns his affections, he starts calling on her in secret, even though her older brother Lukas---who just happens to be Simon's best friend---has made it perfectly clear that Amelia deserves better. Simon disagrees and believes he's the only one who can truly make her happy.

But when Amelia gets hurt, it sets off a chain of events that forces them to consider their future together---and face their past mistakes. There's a chance for love . . . but only if Simon dares to trust Amelia with the secrets of his past.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2e2XBTQ

About the book: 

An Amish Family Christmas (Avon Inspire, October 2016)

In Shelley Shepard Gray's fourth book in her Charmed Amish Life series, an unlikely Amish romance reveals that Christmas is a time for family, miracles---and love.

Ever since his father died in a tragic fire, Levi Kinsinger has felt adrift. Newly returned to Charm, Ohio, Levi is trying to fit into his old life, only to discover he seems to have outgrown it.

But when Julia, his young widowed neighbor, asks for his help with a Christmas project, Levi finds a sense of purpose for the first time in months. She and her daughter are new to Charm and could use a friend, a job Levi takes personally. Soon enough, friendship grows into attraction, but Levi can't help having doubts. There's something about Julia that doesn't ring quite true . . .

Like Levi, Julia Kemps has survived her fair share of hardships---but only by hiding the truth of her past. Being an unmarried mother in an Amish community was unthinkable. Feeling hopeless, Julia did the only thing she could do: she moved to a new town and pretended to be a widow. But meeting Levi, she's hopeful for the first time. Little by little, she begins to imagine telling him her darkest secret, and eventually . . . perhaps even sharing her life with him.

Christmas is a time for family, and as the holiday draws closer, Julia and Levi will have to face their pasts together . . . in order to find the healing, support and love they so desperately desire.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2dYRwqr

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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 

Dynamic Uno here: I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the fictional people living in the Amish town of Charm, Ohio.   The first two books in the series: A Son's Vow and A Daughter's Dream were just the introduction to the Kinsinger family saga, with these two as the book-endings.

A Sister's Wish is book 3 in the series and focuses on Amelia, the sister who takes care of the home front while the other siblings are off either working, or in Levi's case, away from the family.  While she is by far the sweetest of the Kinsinger clan, I could see why she had a soft spot for the rough and tumble Simon.  (After all, isn't the stereotype that the good girls want the bad boys because they see a sense of adventure and daring that they wouldn't have otherwise?)  Thankfully, for Amelia's sake, Simon no longer lived the rough lifestyle that he grew up with and that carried over into part of his adult life.  

I enjoyed this book in the series because it reminds us all that no matter what we have done in our past, God still forgives and has redeemed us.  Something I know that I need to be reminded of on a regular basis.


Book 4, An Amish Family Christmas, was a great way to wrap up the series--although if it were up to me, it would have been waaaaayyyy longer because I don't want to say goodbye to the characters.  Levi has finally returned home after fleeing to Pinecraft, Florida after their father's death.  Rather than live in the large family home, he decides to rent a house in town.  There, he begins a friendship with his neighbor Julia and her daughter Penny.  Julia has her own issues and secrets, but after Levi befriends her, she begins to realize that she doesn't have to be ashamed of her past and her secrets no longer have to stay that way.

I think out of all four of the books in the series this one was my favorite.  All of the siblings found their life-match and despite the difficulties they had to endure, they were able to overcome them with the help of friends, family, and their faith in God.  

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this series.  The Kinsinger clan and the the other characters were realistically written and had to overcome many of the same struggles that you and I face each day.  It's nice to read an author who is not afraid to tackle these challenges in her writing and to portray them in such a way that hope and love are the remaining responses.

If you think the Amish have an idealistic life and that nothing bad ever happens to them, you're wrong.  They suffer from the same tragedies and heartaches that the rest of us face, but they rely on their faith, friends, and family to help them get by.  This is an excellent series and I can't wait to read more by this author!

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

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BOOK GIVEAWAY TIME...

Click on the link below to enter to win the book pack giveaway!

https://promosimple.com/ps/a725

Join Becky Wade for a Facebook Party May 5!

 

A female bodyguard plus her star NFL client plus danger equals a great recipe for romance! Her One and Only, book four in Becky Wade's Porter Family novels, releases May 3. To celebrate, Becky is hosting an author chat party on her Facebook page on May 5 at 5 PM PDT/8 PM EDT. Join Becky for an evening of book chat with other bookworms and prizes.

Plus a portion of all pre-sales and sales the release week of Her One and Only will be donated to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. For more details on how to purchase a copy, click here.

About the Book

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans. But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives — and their hearts — to one another.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

A Son's Vow 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: 

A Son's Vow (Avon Inspire, January 2016)

Three months ago, everything changed for Darla Kurtz and her family.

Darla's father was responsible for a terrible fire at Charm's lumber mill which killed five Amish men. And though he, too, lost his life, the town of Charm hasn't looked at her family the same since. Even Lukas Kinsinger---with whom Darla used to have a close friendship.

Now her brother's anger at the town is spilling over onto Darla, and she has the bruises to prove it. The accident already cost five lives, but if something doesn't change soon, Darla fears it will cost her---and her family---even more.

Lukas Kinsinger wants to mourn the loss of his father, but he can hardly find the time to breathe. Suddenly the head of his father's lumber mill and responsible for taking care of his three siblings, he's feeling the pressure. He has also never felt more alone---especially with the new tension between he and Darla. But when he learns of her troubles at home, Lukas knows he can't simply stand by and watch. Someone has to help her before another tragedy occurs.

As Lukas and Darla attempt to repair their families, they discover something deeper than friendship growing between them. But will Lukas and Darla's love be accepted after so much loss? Or will the pain of the past overcome any chance of future happiness?

Shelley Shepard Gray's first book in her Charmed Amish Life series is set in the quaint Amish village of Charm, Ohio, and tells the stories of the Kinsinger siblings who are each struggling to find both forgiveness and love in the face of tragedy. 

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1TnOt9W 

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.

Connect with Shelley:  website, Twitter, Facebook,Pinterest

Dynamic Uno here: As I've mentioned before, I have always idealized the Amish as having less stress and generally being happy since they have less of society's "burdens" within their communities.  However, the more I read about the Amish through this author's eyes, the more I realize that they do have the same troubles and struggles as everyone else.  

In A Son's Vow, grief and resentment had built up so much inside one of the characters, that he was taking his anger/frustration out on other people both verbally and physically.  I was a little surprised at first, but when I thought about the loss of my grandmother last year, I could relate to the frustration and grief and anger that I felt over the circumstances of her death.

Another emotion I could relate to was that of being "unexpectedly happy."  In this instance, another character had moved beyond her grief and was starting to see that she didn't have to be sad and unhappy just because her loved one had passed away.  She hadn't realized that she had moved on until she was asked how she felt and "unexpectedly happy" was her response.  

Forgiveness was a huge theme throughout the book, as well as love.  (You knew there had to be a bit of romance in there somewhere, right?)  After several of the characters finally chose to forgive themselves and each other, they were finally able to move past their differences and difficulties, which allowed love to sweep in and start romance brewing among the community members.

I really enjoyed reading this first book of The Charmed Amish Life series and cannot wait to meet more of the characters in this cute little town.  If you enjoy reading uplifting inspirational romances with Amish characters, then you won't be disappointed.

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

Enter by using this link!

What Pro-Life Really Means | Evangelicals for Life

Even if you're not heading to Washington, D.C., January 21–22 for the March for Life event, block out some time those two days because you'll be able to attend some of the events in the comfort of your own home. Focus on the Family and The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission will host Evangelicals for Life, a major pro-life conference held in conjunction with the March for Life event.

The event will take place in Washington, D.C., at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Evangelicals from across the country will gather to hear from leading speakers, such as David Platt, Russell Moore, Jim Daly, Kelly Rosati, and others—to be equipped and encouraged to become a voice for life! The event will also be simulcast for FREE so individuals, churches, and organizations from coast-to-coast and around the world can take part.

Speakers will encourage evangelicals to engage the culture on issues of abortion and end-of-life decisions, and the event will affirm the evangelical belief in the sanctity of life, that every life matters to God and is created in His image.

For more information, visit http://evangelicals.life/.

Readers of this blog will receive 15% off their registration by using the code FocusLife.

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What Pro-Life Really Means

By Daniel Darling

It was a flippant comment by the spokesmen for a presidential candidate: “It doesn’t matter. They’re just Muslims.” But it made shudder.

This is how societies begin to dehumanize a people group, and every generation of Christians is responsible to face this thinking and fight it. This is what it means to be a pro-life champion.

We are pro-life because we are pro-human dignity. It is the uniquely Christian message that sees in every soul a person created in the image of God.

When Planned Parenthood and their allies say, “That’s just a fetus,” we say, “No, that’s a baby, a human life, that deserves dignity and respect.”

When corrupt profiteers look at vulnerable young girls and boys and say, “They are just a commodity to be trafficked for money,” we say, “No, they are boys and girls created in the image of God and deserving of dignity and respect.”

When eugenicists look at the elderly and say, “They are just burdens to be managed,” we say, “No, human dignity is not defined by utility, but is a unique gift given by God.”

When politicians look at immigrants and say, “They are a drain on society,” we say, “No, they are created in the image of God and worthy of kindness, welcoming, and respect.”

When ISIS brutally dehumanizes its victims—Christians, Muslims, Jews, and anyone who doesn’t subscribe to their ideology—and they say, “They are just infidels,” we say, by our acts of justice, “No, they are people created in the image of God and worthy of life and respect.”

When the disabled are marginalized, we say, “No, each was created in the image of God and is worthy of our full love and acceptance.”

Even in our discourse, even when we look across the aisle, across the screen, across the table at someone who doesn’t share our beliefs, we say to ourselves, “This person is worthy of respect and dignity because they too were created in the image of God.”

Human dignity, the intrinsic worth of every human soul, is not just a once-every-four-years mantra for voter guides and political scorecards. We live out the imago de as a way of life, and we seek justice wherever human dignity is compromised.

This is why ERLC and Focus on the Family join hands to help raise up a new generation of evangelicals who are passionate about the sanctity of human life. This why you should come to Washington, D.C., this January to the Evangelicals for Life event or participate via the free simulcast at your church or on your computer.

You should join Evangelicals for Life, not simply to make a powerful stand in the nation’s capital. You should come, not simply to be stirred by the gifted speakers. You should come, not only to fellowship and strategize with other champions for life.

You should be a part of of Evangelicals for Life because God is calling you, in this time and in your sphere of influence, to be a voice for human dignity.

Answer for yourself what it means to have a pro-life, whole-life vision. Discover where your gifts and talents best serve the kingdom of God in this way, and send a message to the world that your Christianity compels you to look every human being in the eye and not see what everyone sees. You see in them the image of their Creator.

Daniel Darling is the Vice President for Communications for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention (ERLC), the co-sponsor of the Evangelicals for Life conference. Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry from Dayspring Bible College and has studied at  Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Angela have four children and reside in the Nashville area. They attend Green Hill Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, where Dan serves as Pastor of Teaching and Discipleship.

Counting on a Cowboy (A Four of Hearts Ranch Romance) by Debra Clopton

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group 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:

Counting on a Cowboy (Thomas Nelson, August 2015)

After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk.

Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she’s brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins.

Bo Monahan isn’t interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become—or the women who might be looking at him like he’s their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn’t looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down.

This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs help. Even Abby can see that, and despite her best efforts to keep her distance, she can’t help but be drawn to this new father-son duo. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the Author:

Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra's goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.

Find Debra online: website, Facebook, Twitter

To learn more about Counting on a Cowboy by Debra Clopton, visit the LitFuse Publicity Group's page here.





Dynamic Uno here: I absolutely adore Debra Clopton's writing style.  It's like she crawls inside my inner-most parts and seeks out what secret desires I have hiding in my heart and uses those emotions in writing her characters.  The realistic emotions and reactions of those characters make me feel like I'm right beside them as they journey through their lives, which makes me root for them even more.  I don't think I've read another author who has made me feel this large of an emotional connection in awhile.  (Of course, it could just be that I really, really am enamored with cowboys and small towns, so I live vicariously through the characters, but that's a story for my therapist. LOL!)

It seems that the Monahan brothers and their small town of Wishing Springs are still a destination spot for female tourists trying to find themselves a "real" cowboy due to Maggie Hope's TV interview.  (Counting on a Cowboy is book #2 in the Four of Hearts Ranch series.  Book #1 is Betting on Hope.  You can read my review here.)  Book #2 focuses on Bo and Abby, a new resident of Wishing Springs who is trying to escape her painful past.  

Forgiveness is a huge factor, and being able to forgive yourself for past mistakes is a major theme throughout this story.  Bo and Abby get off on the wrong foot and the hits keep coming as even more complications arise in their lives. The crazy residents of Wishing Springs will have you laughing and crying as they try to "help" the two realize their feelings for each other.

Heartfelt, realistic, and a good, clean romance is what is offered in Ms. Clopton's second book of her Four of Hearts Ranch series.  If you enjoy reading about cowboys and romance, then this is the book for you!

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

Happy to be Alive, Because by Chelsea Jacobs

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book for free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book  blogger campaign and 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: (Information taken directly from LitFuse Publicity's Landing Page.)

Avery is a seventeen-year-old girl whose reality has just been shattered by the death of her mother. Feeling a desperate need to flee from what has become her life, she follows a travel plan meant for her mom and her that leads her to the little beach town where her mom grew up. It's there that she meets a group of three adventurous friends who adopt her into their circle, allowing her to experience a summer she never thought would be possible after suffering such a great loss. Unfortunately, her summer full of experiences threatens to end abruptly when she realizes that one of the three has a secret that causes her to question everything about the new life she has been building.

Avery must learn to balance her grief and her desire for a future in order to achieve her mother's final wish for her: That she would be happy to be alive.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/xlD3V

About the author: 

(Information taken directly from LitFuse Publicity's Landing Page.)

Chelsea grew up with an immense love for words---both reading them and writing them. She obtained her degree in English and has spent the time since then getting married to her high school sweetheart and chasing adventure so she'll have something to write about. When she's not drinking copious amounts of coffee while writing, she spends her time reading, playing with her puppy named Gatsby, and dreaming, always dreaming.

Chelsea can be found at: website, Twitter

Dynamic Uno here: When I closed the last page of this book I literally could only say, "Wow," because that was the only word I could find to describe how I felt after reading Happy to be Alive, Because.  I sat on the couch and really thought about my life and how I take many people for granted, because they've always been there for me.  How would I cope if they suddenly were not around and would never be again?

After reading Avery's story about the loss of her mother to cancer, I thought back to my own  mother going in to Moffitt at the beginning of the year (New Years Eve) to have a tumor removed that was possibly cancerous.  After the surgery, her doctor told us that it was the size of a small football-about 8 lbs.-and thankfully, was not cancerous, but I remember having to prepare myself to help her battle something that could possibly end her life.  What would I do without my mom?

Reading about Avery's goal to follow through with the trip to Florida, her mother had planned, reminded me of what I tend to do when faced with situations I don't want to particularly deal with, and that is to flee/pretend it's not happening.

While Avery still deeply felt the loss of her mother, she was able to go through the grieving process with the help of her new friends-Rob, Major, and Lily.  By hanging out with them and developing a routine that led to some semblance of a "normal" life, Avery was able to finally look past her grief into the life she wanted to live.

Despite a set-back when learning a dark secret Rob had kept hidden, Avery learned that she truly could be "Happy to be Alive," as she journaled each thing that led her to being happy on a daily basis.  (Something I think I may pick up to help me through the crazy dark days.)

Happy to be Alive, Because was an enjoyable book.  While it's geared towards young adults, I can see this book quickly gaining popularity with adults as well.  It will definitely be one that I recommend to my students and teachers when they are going through tough times as well.

You can purchase Ms. Jacobs' book here.  What are you waiting for?  Go buy it now--you won't regret it!

1. Happy to be Alive, Because...I get to enjoy playing with my little girl (cat) Madison!

2. Happy to be Alive, Because...I get to read and blog about awesome books!

3. Happy to be Alive, Because...chocolate was invented to soothe my savage inner beast.

4.  Your turn...

As always, let me know what you think,  and Happy Reading!

A SEASON OF CHANGE from Lynette Sowell | Kindle HDX giveaway and Facebook Party!

In A Season of Change, book one of Lynette Sowell's new series, Seasons of Pinecraft, readers will discover a different side of the Amish community. A Season of Change follows Natalie and Amish widower Jacob Miller as they each discover the mysterious ways God works. Inspired by the image of a Plain woman sitting on a three-wheeled bicycle by the Pinecraft (an Amish community in Florida) post office, Sowell’s latest is a new take on the popular trend in fiction.

Lynette is celebrating with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on June 12th.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• A Season of Change by Lynette Sowell

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 12th. Winner will be announced at the A Season of Change Facebook author chat party on June 12th. Connect with Lynette for an evening of fun book chat, Amish-themed trivia, and prizes. Lynette will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in the Seasons of Pinecraft series!

So grab your copy of A Season of Change and join Lynette on the evening of June 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!

New from @RonieKendig | Raptor 6! Enter to win a Kindle HDX.

Don't miss the first book, Raptor 6, in Ronie Kendig's new Quiet Professionals series. Ronie combines a dangerous romance and explosive action for a thrilling and satisfying ride. "Lock and load for this Spec Op, fighting under God’s 'rules of engagement.'" —Bob Hamer, veteran FBI undercover agent and award-winning author

Ronie is celebrating with a Kindle HDX Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 15th. Winner will be announced June 16th on Ronie's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Ronie's blog on June 16th to see if you won.

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig (The Quiet Professionals book #1)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book for free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book  blogger campaign and 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 RAPTOR 6: (Information taken Directly from LitFuse Publicity Promotions Page)

The Quiet Professionals series | Raptor 6

His team. His mission. A mission that comes at the highest cost!

Captain Dean Watters keeps his mission and his team in the forefront of his laser-like focus. So when Dean’s mission and team are threatened, his Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Failing to stop hackers from stealing national security secrets from the military’s secure computers and networks isn’t an option.

Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. And a target. When Zahrah is captured because of her expertise in quantum cryptology, compromising the U.S. military, Dean is forced to crack the lockbox around his heart—a move that might come at the highest cost.

Find out more and purchase a copy at Ronie’s website.

ABOUT RONIE KENDIG}

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. She married a veteran, and together their lives are never dull with four children and two dogs–a a Maltese Menace and a retired military working dog, Vvolt N629. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters. Since launching onto the publishing scene in 2010, Ronie and her books have hit bestseller lists and garnered awards and critical acclaim.

Find out more about Ronie at http://roniekendig.com.

Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest

Dynamic Uno Here: Raptor 6 grabs you from the first page and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.  

I thought that once I had read The Discarded Heroes series by Ms. Kendig, that nothing would be able to top it.  Boy was I WRONG!  (Thank goodness!)  Action around every turned page, and the reality of the men and women that are currently deployed facing the risks and challenges that were throughout this story gave me a whole new appreciation for those wearing a uniform.

Having to constantly be on guard and ten steps ahead of your opponent actually caused me a little bit of anxiety as I felt the helplessness and hopelessness of the characters.  I admired the strong faith of Zahrah despite the turmoil and abuse she lived through.  I don't think I would have handled the situation quite as calm and clear-minded as she did.  In fact, I can almost guarantee that I would have just given up and given in to my captors.

Reading the struggles Dean faced on a previous mission and then having to volunteer to face them again showed me true courage and honor.  I think I would have told my boss to "stick it" if he requested that I face the same challenges as before, and that there was a chance that I might not come back alive.  (I guess that's why I'm not in uniform.  Thankfully, there are many others who would.)

I enjoyed reading about the missionary work that Zahrah did while in Afghanistan--teaching the young girls to read and speak English.  I definitely take for granted that I am allowed to have an education in this country--especially when so many others do not allow women or young girls to have one.  I thought she was very noble to stick with her students, even after the threats and destruction of their school, but as a fellow teacher, I completely understand her stance.

I was frustrated when I read about the "mole."  I didn't realize at first what the situation was, but later, the mole's antics made sense.  I have some ideas on who it may be, but if I've learned anything from reading Raptor 6, is that what is expected is not what is going to happen.

If you enjoy action and suspense, with a hint of romance, then this is the book for you!  (Guys, don't let the romance stint cause you to balk at the story--there's not much included since propriety must be followed in Afghanistan, but knowing the thoughts of the characters definitely helps.)

I say, go get the book and read it already!  I want to discuss it with someone!!!

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!!

Critical Condition by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book for free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book  blogger campaign and 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: (Information taken directly from LitFuse Publicity's Promotions page.)

Dr. Frasier couldn’t save the gunshot victim on her front lawn. Now she’s fighting for her own life.

It began as a quiet dinner party honoring Dr. Shannon Frasier’s colleague, but became a nightmare when a man was shot on her lawn, reviving emotions from a similar episode a decade ago. Then a midnight call from her sister, Megan, causes Shannon to fear that her sister is on drugs again.

Her “almost-fiancé” Dr. Mark Gilbert’s support only adds to Shannon’s feelings of guilt, since she can’t bring herself to fully commit to him. She turns for help to her pastor-father, only to learn that he’s just been diagnosed with leukemia.
Shannon thought it couldn’t get any worse. Then the late-night, threatening phone calls begin, the rough voice asking, “What did he say before he died?”

With everything around her in a critical state, simply staying alive will require all the resources and focus Shannon has.

Learn more and purchase a copy at Richard’s website.

A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader’s Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.

              Read Chapters 1 & 2 of Critical Condition on Dr. Mabry's website-here.

Dynamic Uno here: If you've been following my blog or book reviews for any length of time, you know that I love suspense, action, and romance.  Critical Condition has all three of these elements and more!  

The action grabbed me from the beginning when we learn about Dr. Shannon Frasier's sad loss which inspired her to become a doctor and help save others.  Then to have the situation, although with a stranger, repeated during a dinner party--I could only imagine the shock that would have been to her, but it didn't stop there. Situation after crazy situation continued to happen leaving Shannon with only one place to go--God's loving and open arms.

I really enjoyed reading about Shannon's life in the hospital community.  I'd never really thought about how doctors learn to be doctors after medical school, so seeing how she mentored the new ones and offered advice was eye-opening.  Plus, she seemed to be very well connected.  (Yes, I realize this is fictionalized, but it's nice to think that there are still doctors out there who actually care about their patients' welfare instead of being run over by the insurance companies. *stepping off soap-box*)  

Putting myself in her place and having to deal with the craziness that her sister brought into her life, I don't think I'd be as graceful as Shannon.  I probably would have told my sister to find other lodgings so I didn't have to put up with her shenanigans--especially after Mark, Shannon's boyfriend, ends up in a fight with Megan's ex when they go back to his house to get her things. I know she thought this on occasion, but then guilt made Shannon change her mind and let Megan off the hook because of all she's been through in life.  I think I would have thrown in the towel and booted her out.  (I enjoy reading drama, I just don't enjoy living with it.)

Then, to find out that her dad is fighting for his life, a crazy man is trying to kill her for information from the guy who was shot in her front yard--the very same one who may have caused her to have a life-threatening virus, and a detective who flirts with her--Shannon has an awful lot to deal with on a daily basis.  Not to mention the twist of events towards the end. I would have curled up in the corner and rocked back and forth until the nice men in the white coats came to take me away.

Overall, Critical Condition will having you biting your nails and making sure the doors and windows are locked up tight.  If you enjoy suspense, action, a lot of drama, and a touch of romance, then this is the book for you!!

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!!

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