Cover Reveal!!!

Something Borrowed

Christmas Weddings Collection

Always Been Yours by Jaycee Weaver — Hanady's planning her dream wedding, but her injured best friend Keenan isn't the groom. If she can't see she's marrying the wrong guy soon, his leg won't be the only thing broken.

All the Moore by Toni Shiloh — Leilah Anderson has been living behind the screen to hide her disability, then she meets Reggie Moore face-to-face. Can their relationship survive the truth and distance between them?

A Holly, Bolly Christmas by Mikal Dawn — A dream wedding venue at Christmas? Sign Chahna Kapoor up. Even if her fiancé doesn’t know it…

Somehow, This Christmas by Teresa Tysinger — When not-so-merry mishaps threaten wedding planner Cate Forsyth's holiday wedding and reputation, will her own happily ever after with sweetheart Noah Bennett melt away?

A Promise So Sweet by Andrea Boyd — Lydia Osborn hasn't heard from her ex in ten years, so imagine her surprise when he shows up proposing marriage. Tis the season for love?

Don't forget to pre-order your copy for only .99!

Amazon

Gentle Reminder

There seems to be so many loud and often times angry voices about masks and when I saw this graphic on FB yesterday, I knew it needed to be shared. 

Image/Graphic -- I am not taking any credit for this image. It was shared on Facebook.

I understand there are people who are immuno-compromised and it's risky for them to go out. But please put a little more thought into why someone might not be wearing a mask and stop saying they are being selfish and/or don't love others. And certainly stop calling into question someone's Christianity because they choose not wear a mask. That's just plain judgmental. Here's a really good article on that at JenniferRichmond.com.

I will be meditating on the following verses and asking the Lord to calm all our anxieties, thereby bringing His peace to our hearts. 

John 16:33

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Psalm 4:8

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Daniel 10:19

“And he said, ‘O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.' And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, 'Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.’ ”

Isaiah 53:5

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Review ~ Miss Fanshawe's Fortune (The Brides of Mayfair 2) by Linore Burkard

Respectability was all she needed to win his heart…and precisely what she lacked.

Miss Frances Fanshawe’s past is shrouded in mystery. Raised genteelly as an heiress to a fortune, she is forced to question everything after her mother dies and leaves her with only a single clue to the money. Unless she can locate her father or otherwise prove her heritage, not only the fortune but her very respectability is at stake.

In line for a baronetcy, Sebastian Arundell has no time for sorting out questionable tangles for young women with dubious histories. No matter if they are young, appealing, and have ridiculously large chocolate eyes to melt a man’s heart. But when it becomes apparent that other people are after Frannie’s supposed fortune, he is drawn to investigate. As the search deepens, Frannie falls in love with handsome, proper Sebastian. But if it only proves what he suspects—that she's an illegitimate pauper—will all hope to win his heart be lost? 

Pre-order:
Amazon

My Review

4.5 STARS

Sebastian would be the first bearer of the news, the breaker, so to speak, between the harsh ocean and the shore of Frannie’s heart.

Frannie Fanshawe is a likable girl and in a bit of a pickle as she’s been tossed out of her home after her 'aunt' dies and has little to no funds. She must figure out who her father is in order to claim a mysterious fortune that awaits her.

Sebastian Arundell, future baronet of Bartlett Hall, is rather a sublime sort. When his younger brother, Edward, brings Frannie to their doorstep, or breakfast table as the case may be, Sebastian is soon drawn into unraveling the cords of secrecy surrounding Frannie’s father. He’s sure she is illegitimate though and this poses a severe problem as he begins to grow fond of her.

I absolutely enjoyed Burkard’s second book in The Brides of Mayfair series! This is a clean Regency romance that churns with just enough tension to keep the story moving forward at a steady pace. It encompasses mild intrigue while descriptive language makes it easy to imagine. The characters make up a delightful menagerie and I found myself chuckling at their wittiness while enjoying the moments of mayhem.

I received an electronic copy of the book from the author. No review was required.

Inspirational Quote Graphics on this Blessed Sabbath

Y'all know I enjoy making Scripture and Inspirational quote graphics. With all the strangeness that's been going on, it helps me focus on what is important and what is truth. 

I thought I'd share a few I've made this year in hopes you're encouraged as well. 

Pixabay has been my go-to place for images. It's a blessing that so many gifted artists make their works available for free. Attribution isn't required but appreciated. Sometimes I forget to do that but I I am thankful for their generosity.

I pray each of you has a blessed Sabbath day of rest and rejuvenation. 

The Lord knows we need it!!!

SUMMER COVER LOVE: June to September by Rachael Farnsworth-Merritt

Rachael Farnsworth-Merritt is a homemaker, wife, mother, homeschooler, and disciple of Christ who enjoys crafting, simple money saving tips, and loves farm life. She is also an avid book reviewer and blogger. 

______________________________________

Stuff and Nonsense has graciously allowed me to post my reviews on their website until I can get mine back. (At this point I’m beginning to wonder if it is lost somewhere in unknown cyberspace forever...but I digress). 

Anne thought it a good idea to do a post on cover love for summer releases. We as readers seem to all love cover reveals and seeing what our favorite author has next for a fantastic eye appealing novel. There are actually few covers I despise, I find. 

Rebecca chose covers from May and June. Aren't they great? 

Anne chose some beautiful ones, and I love that we have such a variety of tastes! 

Note from Anne: Rakes & Roses is not CF but it is CLEAN fiction. I included it because Regency is my favorite era
and the cover is gorgeous!!!

A few of Rebecca and Anne’s were ones I considered. I did include two from June that I simply couldn’t leave out. I think we all found that limiting the list wasn’t easy. 

I learned something about what I like in doing this because ten covers are all together...I seem to have a theme of covers that appeal which I had never noticed: sky, prairie, and a flare for the dramatic. I grew up in the plains of Oklahoma; The prairie speaks of home. I’ve always loved God’s portraits that he paints in the sky. The dramatic ones surprised even me, but they really grab the eye don’t they? The books are meant to do that as many readers actually do judge a book by its cover.

Perhaps you can see a pattern in the other hosts that chose their favorite covers of summer releases?? Do you have some on the list that are your favorites?? Perhaps you have a favorite we missed?? 

Please share your comments about a subject we readers seem to all love-Cover Love.

Rebecca Reviews ~ Don't Keep Silent (Uncommon Justice, #3) by Elizabeth Goddard

Justice comes easy for these two. But forgiveness? That's another matter altogether.

Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he doesn't feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he's less than thrilled. But Rae's keen investigative skills have led her down the right path--and directly into the dragon's mouth--leaving Liam no choice but to protect her.

As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other.

Purchase:

Revell Publishing

*I'm not affiliated with any vendors. Links are provided as a courtesy only.

Rebecca's Review
4 STARS!!!

"Investigating is excruciating when you have a personal stake in it." . . . . .

And for Rae Burke, the stakes are incredibly high; not only has her sister-in-law gone missing, but the one man who has the skill set to investigate Zoey's disappearance probably won't even speak to her. Approaching Liam McKade is risky business, for both are now "formers" in their fields because of Rae's previous missteps; she was fired and Liam nearly lost his life. What makes her think that this time will be any different? . . . . . . except that keeping silent is not an option.

This story is incredibly layered, not only with complicated character relationships but with ping-ponging plot lines that propel readers to the edge of their seats and back, while remaining completely perplexed . . . and that's a good thing. There's the fast pace that romantic suspense enthusiasts expect and appreciate, but the story also breathes in a way fits the tender moments. And there are those . . . "he knew this moment was meant to be - proof that things happened for a reason, after all. . . . Could they resurrect what they'd shared before?"

A great finish to the series!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Senior Reviewer, Rebecca Maney

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

Review ~ Start with Me by Kara Isaac

• Bellbird Press (June 29, 2020)
• June 29, 2020

Lacey O’Connor is finally a sure thing for the promotion she’s spent ten years working for. But when a scandal rocks her firm she finds herself on a collision course with the one person she has spent five years trying to forget. Only to discover he doesn’t even remember her…

Victor Carlisle has spent the last three years trying to convince his family he’s no longer the playboy alcoholic who tore their life apart. When a company merger is announced with a US sister firm, he’s presented with the perfect opportunity to prove he’s changed. Only to find himself falling for his competition and the one woman his family will never accept.

As the competition intensifies the choice looms between the professional and the personal. Can they find a way beyond their past decisions and present aspirations to take a chance on the one thing they’re not looking for?


FREE to read on Kindle Unlimited.

My Review

3 Stars

Start With Me is a contemporary romance with a light faith theme that many will enjoy. Victor’s redemption story is quite moving; an alcoholic playboy redeemed by God’s glorious grace. And no one wants to believe the change is genuine and judges him rather harshly time and again. I have much affection for him.

Lacey’s spiritual journey was unfulfilling and rather weak, like watered down tea. I was expecting the faith element would be much stronger from some of the reviews that influenced me to read the book. And then the story ended...abruptly. I went back and forth on my Kindle trying to figure out where the rest of the story was. I’m pretty sure it was all there though.

I'm not sure of all my reasons for not appreciating this story as much as I had hoped to but it felt off somehow.  I found the sentence structure weird at times and it had nothing to do with British diction. I’m the odd one out in the reviews, I know, so don’t take my word for it. Reading is subjective and what I didn't care for might actually be what someone else loves.

I read this book on KU and wasn’t obligated to leave a review.

Have you read a Kara Isaac book?

Pink Perennial

 Isaiah 40:8

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

I don't know about you but sometimes I forget what I buy in the garden dept. This perennial wasn't blooming when I bought it. The tag (I know I should have saved it) had a lovely colorful image of it in full bloom. I was completely and utterly in love with it so I bought it. 

On a long and delicate stem sits this lovely pink bloom. It's had a few of them sparsely on the plant but definitely not the profusion that I remember being on the tag.

The whole plant has a wild and free flowing look to it, swaying gently in the coastal breeze.

My question to all y'all gardening friends is...

What is it?? 

If you have any idea, I would love to hear from you in the comments.

I hope your summer gardening is off to a good start.

I'm linking up with More of Him.net