Once Upon a Prince

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing this book in exchange for my honest review. 

I just love modern fairy tales! There was even a fairy godmother of sorts in here. Life doesn't always go according to how we plan it. Some times we have long periods of waiting that seem to accomplish nothing. Some times they are just what we need before our next big adventure comes. 

Susanna is a fantastic character! She has so much grace and wisdom and practicality. Seriously, I have never been so thrilled to see a practical character. She makes it look honorable and desirable. She may not have much insight into her own life in the beginning but she has so much to offer others. 

Nathaniel is honorable and fantastically responsible. I get so tired of characters in all mediums of entertainment that just shun their responsibilities and somehow it all turns out fine. Here is one that will do the right thing and think outside the box when confronted with an apparently unwinnable problem.

I love that this is book is a "book one." I am really looking forward to reading more in this series. I also really enjoyed the way she brought other royals (that are real) into the book. It added a fun element to it all. Add this one to your summer reading as well! You won't regret it.  

Book Info

About Once Upon A Prince:  The Royal Wedding Series Book One Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life. The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon's Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family's tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aid under the fabled Lover's Oak, he is blindsided by love. Their lives are worlds apart. He's a royal prince. She's a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel's coronation. It's the ultimate choice. His kingdom or her heart? God's will or their own? Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/kFb0Y Watch the Trailer:   Meet Rachel: Rachel Hauck is the bestselling author of Carol Award winner "Sweet Caroline", and RITA Finalist "Love Starts With Elle", and of the critically acclaimed fiction collaboration with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, "The Songbird Novels". She lives in sunny, though sometimes hurricane plagued, central Florida with her husband and their ornery pets. Rachel earned a degree in Journalism from Ohio State University and is a huge Buckeyes football fan. She is the past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and now sits on the board as an Advisor. Find out more about Rachel at:http://RachelHauck.com

Catch a Falling Star

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing this in exchange for my honest review.

Love. Love. Love. This book just hit home for me. It touched on so many tough and deep things but was still a fun and enjoyable novel. I felt like it was written for my friends. A professional, 36 year old woman who is single but hoping not to be forever. A mom struggling to connect to an adopted son. Loss. Trouble connecting/letting people in. A book that includes the Air Force (After working for them for 4.5 years, I have a soft spot for them!). These are reality for people I know. As it is a novel, clearly their struggles are cut short or we only see a glimpse of them. We join them at the end of years of struggle just as the hope they've longed for arrives. That is the part that keeps it fun and enjoyable and not just the mundane struggle of daily life. 

I seriously read this book in two days. I could not put it down. Beth Vogt is going to be a new favorite for me. I am on the hunt for more books by her. I will probably go back and reread this one. It felt like a Susan May Warren (very high praise from me) book, I was rushing to see what would happen. I was so caught up in the story. Now, I need to go back and savor the book. I honestly fell in love with these characters. I want Kendall's office/loft. I have a huge soft spot for Griffin and Ian--I could see people I know in each of them. I just wanted to hug them. I love that they are not teenagers or young 20's. When I was younger, I hated reading books about people so much older than me. In the same vein, I find it refreshing to read books with people in my current age group with struggles that reflect mine and those of the other people in my life. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be exposed to this author. 

Put this book on your summer reading list. It will be a lovely summer afternoon read. 

Book Info

About Catch a Falling Star:  What does a girl do when life doesn't go according to her plan?  At 36, Kendall Haynes has seen some of her dreams come true. She's a family physician helping kids with severe allergies and asthma achieve more fulfilling lives-a childhood struggle she knows all too well. But the feeling of being "the kid never picked" looms large when romance continues to evade her and yet another one of her closest friends gets engaged. Are Kendall's dreams of having it all-a career, a husband, children-nothing more than childish wishing upon a star? Should she hold out for her elusive Plan A? Dust off Plan B? Or is it time to settle? God says he knows the plans he has for her-why can't Kendall figure them out and be content with her life? Griffin Walker prefers flying solo-both as an Air Force pilot and in his personal life. But a wrong choice and health problems pulled him out of the cockpit. His attempts to get out of "flying a desk" are complicated by his parents' death-making Griffin the reluctant guardian of his sixteen-year-old brother, Ian. How did his life get so off course? Can God get his life back on track ... or has there been a divine plan all along? Catch a Falling Star reminds readers that romance isn't just for twenty-somethings and that sometimes letting go of your "wish I may, wish I might" dreams is the only way to embrace everything God has waiting for you. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/kUDLa Meet Beth:  Beth K. Vogt is a non-fiction author and editor who said she'd never write fiction. She's the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice), though she said she'd never marry a doctor-or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four, though she said she'd never have kids. She's discovered that God's best often waits behind the doors marked "Never." Her contemporary romance novel, "Wish You Were Here", debuted in May 2012 (Howard Books), and "Catch a Falling Star" releases May 2013. An established magazine writer and former editor of Connections, the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth is also the Skills Coach for My Book Therapy, the writing community founded by best-selling author Susan May Warren.  Find out more about Beth K. at http://bethvogt.com.

Arwen's Bedtime Prayer

When I got home tonight from work, the girls were already in bed but not asleep. I went up to give them hugs and kisses. Greer asked me to pray with her and snuggle. Then Arwen says, " Mom, the man in our song asked Jesus to light his way. Will you pray that God will light that corner and that corner and under there? Do you think He will say yes?" It was a heart melting.

It Happened At The Fair

Thanks to Litfuse for providing this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a neat concept for a book! I've had a growing interest in the World Fair's since we've moved close to the location of one--Seattle. I loved the excitement and grandeur of it all that Deeanne Gist was able to infuse into the book itself. She even included pictures of the actual Chicago World's Fair. It was so fun to see them, especially since most of the buildings did not survive. 

Cullen McNamara is like a fish out of water in his own environment. So much so, that it was hard to connect in the beginning of the book for me. Once he got to the World's Fair, he seemed to really click as a character for me. I felt like that is where I could really connect to and understand him. 

I loved Della. She was a woman with a purpose working for a cause she believed in. Not that cause was without struggle. I loved seeing how far we've come in regards to deafness but in some ways it was interesting to see how some things have not changed. It seems there is always a debate about what's "best" in regards to educating or raising deaf children.    

This was a beautiful love story written in a magical setting. I think I will have to do some more reading about the Chicago World Fair. I very much enjoyed my "visit" via this book.

Book Info

More about It Happened at the Fair:  A transporting historical novel about a promising young inventor, his struggle with loss, and the attractive teacher who changes his life, all set against the razzle-dazzle of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Gambling everything, including the family farm, Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with his most recent invention. But the noise in the Fair's Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading. The young teacher is reluctant to participate, and Cullen has trouble keeping his mind on his lessons while intently watching her lips. Like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, he is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground, or will he be carried away? Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/komrd Meet Deeanne: Deeanne Gist---known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee---has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very fun, very original historicals. She has received numerous RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, and rave reviews. Deeanne has a background in education and journalism and a degree from Texas A&M. She has written for People, Parents, and Parenting. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and has four grown children. She has a very active online community on her website atIWantHerBook.com and atFacebook.com/DeesFriends.

Dutchess

Thank you to Litfuse for providing this in exchange for my honest review. 

This series is amazing. It is big and epic and beautiful. There is so much in all of them about grace and mercy and redemption. This book in particular. I loved the theme of meekness running through it. I felt like Susan May Warren beautifully portrayed how even when we have outward success, it can still be lacking. That we need more than what the eye can see. I also felt like she did an amazing job of showing how God can work everything for good. I saw in this book that we can never really derail God's plan.

I loved that it took place in the golden age of the movies! It was so fun to see "behind the scenes" as it were. Rolfe is a fascinating character. I might have fallen in love with him a bit myself. This book was so big and epic, I feel I may need to go back and read it again. As with all of Susan May Warren's books, I am so enamored with them, I read ferociously to get to the end and see what's going to happen. Then I feel a need to go back and relish the story. In fact, I feel a need to go back and read the series again from beginning to end.

Rosie's life takes on so many forms and names, it can be a bit overwhelming to summarize. I would just say you need to read these books. The first and second could be read on their own but I think this book, in particular, is best read in the context of at least the last book, Baroness.

In case I haven't mentioned it before, Susan May Warren is one of my favorite authors. I may be a bit biased as a result. Enjoy these books! I sure have and will be again.

Book Info

About Duchess: Book Three in the Daughters of Fortune series. When her country needs her, will she have the courage to surrender her glittering world and her one true love? The golden age of Hollywood is in the business of creating stars. Rosie Worth, now starlet Roxy Price, has found everything she's wanted in the glamour of the silver screen. With adoring fans and a studio-mogul husband, she's finally silenced the voices-and grief-of the past. Her future shines bright...until the fated Black Friday when it all comes crashing down. When Roxy loses everything, she finds herself disgraced and penniless. Her only hope is to join forces with Belgian duke Rolfe Van Horne, a longtime film investor. But Rolfe is not who he seems, and he has other plans for Roxy and her movies-plans to support a growing unrest in Europe, plans that could break her heart and endanger her life. Find out more about the series by clicking on these links. Heiress. Baroness. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/jZmj7  Meet Susan: Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com

The Heiress of Winterwood

Thank you to Litfuse for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a great read. I had a hard time putting it down after starting it. This was my first time reading anything by Sarah Ladd but I am confident it won't be my last. 

I was immediately drawn in my Amelia. She is a supremely like able character, intriguing. Graham was equally well written. I fell in love with both of them. Amelia is so determined, so focused on her dream of raising her friend's baby. Graham is lost and unsure of how to care for his daughter but a very capable sea captain. Very intriguing in his own right as a character. In fact, I would love a "prelude" book more about his story and Katherine's. The whole book felt very reminiscent of Jane Austen to me. I thought it was a beautiful love story with a great dose of intrigue and a hint of danger as well. I am excited to see where the next chapter of this story goes. There are so many characters that I would love to see more of--Helena, the cousin; the Sulter family, even brother William. I definitely recommend this book. 

Book Info

About The Heiress of Winterwood: Pride goes before the fall . . . but what comes after? Darbury, England, 1814 Amelia Barrett gave her word. Keeping it could cost her everything. Amelia Barrett, heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend's baby. She'll risk everything to keep her word-even to the point of proposing to the child's father-a sea captain she's never met. When the child vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting at her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the boundaries of their love for this little one. Amelia's detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she's forced to examine her soul and face her one weakness: pride. Graham's strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline. And away from the family he has sworn to love and protect. Both must learn to have faith and relinquish control so they can embrace the future ahead of them.  Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/jXbHV Meet Sarah: Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever. Find out more about Sarah athttp://www.sarahladd.com.

Sarah Ladd is celebrating the release of The Heiress of Winterwood with a Downton Abbey Kindle Prize Pack Giveaway!

 One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Downton Abbey, seasons 1-3

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 30th. Winner will be announced on 5/2/13 {HERE}.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Tales of the Defended Ones

Thanks to Litfuse for providing this book free in exchange for my honest review. 

This book was amazing! I will definitely be using this book and most likely the others she has written to help my girls see the needs of those around them, how God is working and how they can join Him in His work. I was on a train reading this and crying-or trying not to. Every. Single. Story. Got to me. It was beautifully written. I just loved how she was able to make these super heavy topics understandable and age appropriate for kids without sugar coating them. I also loved how it pointed kids to action--to loving God and people more. I am always struggling with how to present hard things. How do I show them what God is doing without minimizing people's pain? I am so grateful to be introduced to Beth and the Storyweaver series. I think these are an invaluable resource for parents.

Book Info

About Tales of the Defended Ones: Ben and Joseph lose their mothers, but find a family looking just for them. Antonio is rescued from what seems like a hopeless situation. Caitlyn dares to trust that truth will set her free. Jorani is delivered from slavery into the arms of grace.  Follow these real-life stories as they take you on a journey to foreign places and extreme struggles. Travel through their challenges and see the hand of the great Storyweaver - our Defender God shielding and defending the defenseless in the amazing ways only he can.These are the tales of the ones left wounded and weak-ones made whole and strong . . . Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/jJ8g6  Meet Beth: Beth Guckenberger and her husband, Todd, are the founders of Back2Back Ministries which communicates a lifestyle of service by sharing the love of Christ and serving God through service to others. Guckenberger travels and speaks regularly at women's and missions conferences, as well as youth gatherings and church services. In addition to her children's releases in the Storyweaver series, Guckenberger has written two mission-minded books. She has also partnered with Standard Publishing on the mission content in its 2013 VBS program. The Guckenberger family lives and serves in Monterrey, Mexico.  Find out more about Beth at http://www.bethguckenberger.com/.

Beth Guckenberger is celebrating the release of her new book in the Storyweaver series, Tales of the Defended Ones, with an iPad giveaway and Facebook party {4/25}. 

 One fortunate winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A Tales of the Defended Ones small group kit (books and DVD)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 24th. Winner will be announced at the "Storyweaver" Author Chat Party on April 25th. Beth will be chatting with guests, answering questions, and offering tips about beginning a dialog with children and youth about the orphans around the world, the basic needs of children living in poverty, and what we can all do to help. (It’s okay if you haven’t read the book – who knows, you might WIN a copy!) Beth will also be hosting a fun trivia contest and giving away tons of great stuff! (Gift certificates, books, and more!)

So grab your copy of Tales of the Defended Ones and join Beth and friends on the evening of the April 25th 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 25th!

Growing too fast

Didn't I just have another baby in these pj's?! That baby (aka Greer) told me today she could snuggle without her Nuk "because I'm a big girl, Mommy." Even though I've been prepping her to throw her Nuk away in less than a month, my heart broke a little bit when she said that. It makes me grateful this pumpkin doesn't want to walk yet. We can almost see 12 months, but she's still my baby.