Review ~ The Best We've Been (Thatcher Sisters 3) by Beth K Vogt

Coming May 5 from Tyndale House Publishers!!!

How can you choose what is right for you when your decision will break the heart of someone you love?

Having abandoned her childhood dream years ago, Johanna Thatcher knows what she wants from life. Discovering that her fiancé was cheating on her only convinces Johanna it’s best to maintain control and protect her heart.

Despite years of distance and friction, Johanna and her sisters, Jillian and Payton, have moved from a truce toward a fragile friendship. But then Johanna reveals she has the one thing Jillian wants most and may never have―and Johanna doesn’t want it. As Johanna wrestles with a choice that will change her life and her relationships with her sisters forever, the cracks in Jillian’s marriage and faith deepen. Through it all, the Thatcher sisters must decide once and for all what it means to be family.

My Review 

5 STARS!!!

I'd deprived myself of so much because I'd looked...and seen the wrong thing.

Vogt’s conclusion to the Thatcher Sister’s series is an emotional story for all three siblings that I'm glad to have experienced.

I’m not even sure how to break it down where it makes sense but one of the things that moved me the most was Payton’s experience when she went to her first Bible study. I can vividly remember being a new Christian and when I was around mature Christians it was easy to feel ‘stupid’ when they were talking about biblical things. Payton’s struggle reminded me I need to be sensitive to others who may not know the ‘lingo’ and that maybe I need to stop using so much church slang.

Jillian’s journey is ongoing and I can’t say I’m completely satisfied with where she and her husband ended up. It’s like real life though. Sometimes we have to focus on the present, not what we are wishing for in the future. They settled in a good place for now but I sure would like to know what happens in a year or two. *hint hint ;-)

Johanna….oh, Johanna! In the first two books, I didn’t like her at all. I was seriously wondering how the author was going to make me care about her but oh, boy, did she! Not until I went through the ringer again though. I was grumbling under my breath about a decision she was facing but then the beauty of Vogt’s story telling brought hope and love into Jo’s life. Later the author showed me how a single misunderstood moment can have a devastating impact on a young girl. My heart ached for Johanna and I was brought to tears when she finally realized the truth of the situation so long ago. I think she is another character that needs a sequel one day. ;-)

The Best We’ve Been is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It is a top read in 2020 for sure! Anyone who enjoys family drama and complex characters facing challenging life circumstances will find promise in this book. I recommend reading the series in order for the full affect.

I was provided an electronic copy of the book from the publisher (Tyndale) via Net galley. I was under no obligation to write a review. No compensation has been received.

Review ~ Moments We Forget by Beth K Vogt + Goodreads Giveaway

Happy Release Day!!!

Paperback, 448 pages

Published May 7th 2019 by Tyndale House Publishers 

Jillian Thatcher has spent most of her life playing the family peacemaker, caught in the middle between her driven, talented older sister and her younger, spotlight-stealing twin sisters. Then on the night of her engagement party, a cancer diagnosis threatens to once again steal her chance to shine.

Now, Jillian's on the road to recovery after finally finishing chemo and radiation, but residual effects of the treatment keep her from reclaiming her life as she'd hoped. And just when her dreams might be falling into place, a life-altering revelation from her husband sends her reeling again.

Will Jillian ever achieve her own dreams, or will she always be "just Jillian," the less-than Thatcher sister? Can she count on her sisters as she tries to step into a stronger place, or are they stuck in their childhood roles forever? 

Purchase links are for Ebook:

Amazon (4.99)

B&N (4.99)

CBD (3.99)

I am NOT affiliated with any of these vendors. Links are for your convenience only. 
All links are for Ebook but paperback and hardcover are also available to purchase. 

Beth K. Vogt

Beth K. Vogt is a nonfiction author and editor who said she'd never write fiction. She's the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice) who said she'd never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four who said she'd never have kids. Now Beth believes God's best often waits behind doors marked Never. Beth's first novel for Tyndale House Publishers, Things I Never Told You, released in May 2018. Moments We Forget, book two in the Thatcher Sisters series, releases May 2019.

Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015 RITA Award finalist. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2014. A November Bride was part of the Year of Weddings series by Zondervan. Having authored nine contemporary romance novels or novellas, Beth believes there's more to happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us.

An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Novel Academy and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers' groups and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband, Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people, and their youngest daughter, Christa, who loves to play volleyball and enjoys writing her own stories. Connect with Beth at bethvogt.com.

My Review

5 STARS!!!

‘A single thread of hope is still a very powerful thing.’

Moments We Forget is an incredibly moving story. I will admit it was hard for me to read. I see parts of myself in all three of the Thatcher sisters. Each one has unique protective measures in place and they’re explored with depth and clarity. My emotions swirled and at times plummeted like a kite losing its wind.

Johanna, the oldest sister, is a piece of work and I often found myself talking to her, even scoffing at her. Out loud, of course, because that’s the way I roll. Then as the story progressed and circumstances unfolded, my heart was deeply affected, as it was toward Jillian and how she is surviving the aftermath of cancer and chemo. And she is in survival mode. It’s raw and real.

It isn’t all gravity and we get a glimpse into some tender moments that truly show the bond between sisters no matter what is taking place. Personality differences aside, in the end, your sister is still your sister.

You might be a little like me and you’ll see a broken or strained relationship represented here between yourself and your mom or daughter. I envisioned scenarios in my life with the ones closest to me and ended up stopping several times to pray and seek God’s wisdom.

I anticipate a fabulous end to this series when the final book releases because Vogt’s writing is amazing, intense and convicting. Moments We Forget will touch many readers deep in their hearts; discoveries will be made and hope found.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher. No review was required. No compensation received. 

Giveaway Information:
Stuff & Nonsense is in no way affiliated with this giveaway. 
It is solely offered through Goodreads!!
Link to giveaway -- click here.

AWESOME PRE-ORDER SALE for Moments We Forget by Beth K. Vogt

Don’t miss the opportunity to pre-order the 

e-book of Moments We Forget, book 2 in the Thatcher Sisters Series by award-winning author Beth K. Vogt​ for only $4.99. Author Deborah Raney says, “It’s rare when a second novel in a series surpasses the first, but Moments We Forget is just such a book.”

  

Jillian Thatcher has spent most of her life playing the family peacemaker, caught in the middle between her driven, talented older sister and her younger, spotlight-stealing twin sisters. Then on the night of her engagement party, a cancer diagnosis threatens to once again steal her chance to shine.

Now, Jillian’s on the road to recovery after finally finishing chemo and radiation, but residual effects of the treatment keep her from reclaiming her life as she’d hoped. And just when her dreams might be falling into place, a life-altering revelation from her husband sends her reeling again.

Will Jillian ever achieve her own dreams, or will she always be “just Jillian,” the less-than Thatcher sister? Can she count on her sisters as she tries to step into a stronger place, or are they stuck in their childhood roles forever? 

Read an excerpt HERE.

Pre-order link for e-book HERE.

.....

Beth K. Vogt

Beth K. Vogt is a nonfiction author and editor who said she'd never write fiction. She's the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice) who said she'd never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four who said she'd never have kids. Now Beth believes God's best often waits behind doors marked Never. Beth's first novel for Tyndale House Publishers, Things I Never Told You, released in May 2018. Moments We Forget, book two in the Thatcher Sisters series, releases May 2019.

Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015 RITA Award finalist. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2014. A November Bride was part of the Year of Weddings series by Zondervan. Having authored nine contemporary romance novels or novellas, Beth believes there's more to happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us.

An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Novel Academy and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers' groups and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband, Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people, and their youngest daughter, Christa, who loves to play volleyball and enjoys writing her own stories. Connect with Beth at bethvogt.com.

~Happy Reading, Y'all!~

Things I Never Told You by Beth K Vogt is ON SALE!!!

Y'all don't want to miss this beautiful beginning to 

the Thatcher Sisters series! 

It’s been ten years since Payton Thatcher’s twin sister died in an accident, leaving the entire family to cope in whatever ways they could. No longer half of a pair, Payton reinvents herself as a partner in a successful party-planning business and is doing just fine—as long as she manages to hold her memories and her family at arm’s length.

But with her middle sister Jillian’s engagement, Payton’s party-planning skills are called into action. Which means working alongside her opinionated oldest sister, Johanna, who always seems ready for a fight. They can only hope that a wedding might be just the occasion to heal the resentment and jealousy that divides them . . . until a frightening diagnosis threatens Jillian’s plans and her future. As old wounds are reopened and the family faces the possibility of another tragedy, the Thatchers must decide if they will pull together or be driven further apart.

READ AN EXCERPT HERE!!!

READ MY REVIEW HERE!!! 

Visit the publishers website for more information: Tyndale 

Get to know the author, Beth K Vogt:

• Visit Beth's Website!
• Check Out Beth's Most Recent Blog Post!
• Follow Beth on Facebook!
• Follow Beth on Twitter!
• Find Beth on Pinterest!
• Follow Beth on Instagram!

Review ~ Things I Never Told You by Beth K Vogt, Coming May 2018 ~ Pre-order now!

From Goodreads: It's been ten years since Payton Thatcher's twin sister died in an accident, leaving the entire family to cope in whatever ways they could. No longer half of a pair, Payton reinvents herself as a partner in a successful party-planning business and is doing just fine--as long as she manages to hold her memories and her family at arm's length.

But with her middle sister Jillian's engagement, Payton's party-planning skills are called into action. Which means working alongside her opinionated oldest sister, Johanna, who always seems ready for a fight. They can only hope that a wedding might be just the occasion to heal the resentment and jealousy that divides them . . . until a frightening diagnosis threatens Jillian's plans and her future. As old wounds are reopened and the family faces the possibility of another tragedy, the Thatchers must decide if they will pull together or be driven further apart.

*CBD has the most reasonable pre-order price @ $12.99 for paperback!

Purchase link: CBD (*Christian Book Distributors)

About Beth

God’s best is often found behind the doors marked “Never.” So many times I approached life with with a virtual roll of yellow duct tape emblazoned with the word NEVER. Over and over again I sealed off certain opportunities.

I would never marry a doctor or anyone in the military.
I would never have children.
I would never write fiction.

And don’t you know God stripped off the duct tape and walked me through each of those NEVER doors?

Have you ever marked a door NEVER … only to discover his best waited where you said you’d never go?

Following God through that door doesn’t mean we’re on “easy street,”‘even though we’re where he wants us to be.

There’s more to happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us. We’re living real life — and relationships are messy, even when you believe in God. Even when you anchor your life to his promises.

I live my life acknowledging these realities … And I weave these truths into the stories I write.

My Review 

5 STARS!!! 

“Healing relationships take time—and it’s not just up to you to make it happen. Believe me, I know.” 

Vogt is well known for her works of fiction in the Contemporary/Romance genre but has now crossed into Women’s fiction with a confident step forward. Things I Never Told You wrapped around my heart like a ribbon on a package. I honestly did not think I would be as enraptured with it as I was but I had a hard time not thinking about the characters when I had to put it down to do normal things like laundry and cooking and basic mom stuff. I was anxious to pick it back up and continue on in the lives of Johanna, Jillian and Payton, the Thatcher sisters. Their relationships are complex, strained, emotional, and in desperate need of healing. As is often in real life, relationships have problems going on under the surface and a tragedy is what brings them to light. Grief is prominent in the story and the driving force behind much of what happens but it is not the be-all and end-all. I enjoyed the complexity of the characters. They seemed so real. 

The focus of this story is Payton, the youngest sister but with ample time given to Johanna and Jillian, along with their boyfriends, makes me look forward to reading the next two books in the Thatcher Sisters Series. This book would be a great choice for a book club. It is a gem, for sure! 

I highly recommend Things I Never Told You to all fans of Women’s fiction. And if you are like me, one who does not usually read that genre, I encourage you to give this story a try. I am sure glad I did! 

I was gifted a copy of the book from the author and was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received. 

~Happy Reading~

ALSO!!!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the Spring Author Soiree! On Tuesday, May 15, at 7 PM (ET), join Tyndale House authors Amy Sorrells, Beth K. Vogt, Courtney Walsh, Heidi Chiavaroli, and Jennifer Marshall Bleakley for a fun night of conversation and a chance to win signed copies of all their books — and more! https://buff.ly/2KdUKoM

*I am in no way affiliated with CBD and do not receive any monetary compensation for including a link to their website. I am only out to offer my blog readers the most economical place to order the book.

Review ~ Almost Like Being in Love (Destination Wedding Series #2) by Beth K. Vogt

Paperback, 384 pages

Published June 28th 2016 by Howard Books (first published May 17th 2016)

5 STARS!!!

Vogt's skill with a pen is AH-MAZ-ING! Heart and soul, I was transported along on the journeys of Caron, Alex, and Kade. This isn't your average feel-good romance although it certainly contains romance. J The characters bear real life struggles and they're worked out on the page with refined delicacy. It's an emotional read encompassing disappointment, fear, joy, and love-- just to name a few. The settings leap off the page, they're so descriptive! And the secondary characters…let’s just say this supporting cast is perfect!

I highly recommend this book to fans of Contemporary/Christian/Inspirational fiction. 

I received a copy from the author and publisher in exchange for review purposes. No compensation has been received.

Pick up a copy at a favorite retailer.
 Amazon 
Barnes & Noble
CBD

: : : 

About Beth

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, as well as a 2015 RITA® finalist, and three-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. She continues her destination wedding series with You Can’t Hurry Love (May 2016) and Almost Like Being in Love (June 2016). Visit Beth at bethvogt.com.

~Happy Reading~ 

WINNER!!!

In My TBR (To Be Read) + GIVEAWAY -- You Can't Hurry Love (an E-Novella) by Beth Vogt

GIVEAWAY has ended!

I always think I'm making a dent in my TBR stack, but with so many great books continuing to come out each month, it just grows and grows and grows.

Here are a few books I'm reading over the next few weeks. Yes, I'm probably overestimating my time available to read since two of these weeks family is coming to visit, but hey, a girl can dream, right?

(You Can't Hurry Love (an E-Novella) by Beth Vogt is up for giveaway!)

And these aren't including some seriously awesome looking books I have won recently! Here's a sampling...

What's in your TBR?

Share in the comments below and you will be entered to win the E-Novella, 

You Can't Hurry Love by Beth Vogt!

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) who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four who said she’d never have kids. Now Beth believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” A 2015 RITA^® Finalist and a two-time Carol Award finalist, Beth is a contemporary romance novelist with Howard Books. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2014.  Beth enjoys writing contemporary romance because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Find out more about her books at bethvogt.com. An established magazine writer and former editor of Connections, the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth is also part of the leadership team for My Book Therapy, the writing community founded by best-selling author Susan May Warren.  

Beth is one of my favorite Christian fiction authors! Be sure and visit her website or connect with her on Facebook.

: : :

Leave your email address in a non-spammy format like this -- you[at]here[dot]com -- to be entered to win an E-Novella copy of You Can't Hurry Love!

Being a follower is not required for the giveaway but is greatly appreciated. :)

Giveaway ends May 11. Open Internationally. Winner will be notified by email on May 12.

DISCLAIMER!!!
For the most part, ebooks can be 'sent' anywhere, BUT on occasion, when trying to send to Australia, they haven't been able to be redeemed.  Just so you know, in case you live in an area where it's finicky. I've never had trouble 'sending' to anywhere in Europe,although there's a first time for everything. So there's my International Disclaimer! :-)

~Happy Reading~

Review ~ Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth Vogt, with an Official Release Giveaway

 About the Book

Paramedic Vanessa Hollister has put her adolescence behind her, including the unwanted label of being the new kid in town over and over again, thanks to her father’s military career. She’s overcome what her mother called “the biggest mistake of her life” and is planning an elegant destination wedding in Destin, Florida with her new fiancé. But will the reappearance of her first husband from her what-were-you-thinking teenage elopement disrupt her dream of an idyllic beach wedding?

As a professional storm chaser, Logan Hollister is used to taking risks. However, a reckless decision during the last tornado season has him questioning the future of his team, the Stormmeisters. Coming face to face with his ex-wife eight years after their divorce compels him to confront his greatest regret: losing Vanessa. Does their past give him the right to interfere with her future?

A fast-moving, powerful hurricane throws Vanessa and Logan together as they evacuate to a storm shelter along with other residents of the Florida Gulf Coast. Forced to spend time together, the pair battles unexpected renewed feelings for each other.

Vanessa and Logan are faced with a choice: Should they accept, once and for all, their teenage marital mistake? Or is God offering them a second chance at happily ever after?

:::

My Review

Once in a while I find myself so infinitely entrenched in the pages of a book, I lose track of time and maybe a little sleep. Such was the case with Vogt’s latest release, Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Plus, I was so caught up in the storyline between Vanessa and Logan, I found myself in tears on more than one occasion.  

This line jumped out at me and I knew I had to put it on this photo of the beach. It's where I always feel God's vast and all-encompassing power the most–standing at the ocean's edge–and I know He is capable of rescue in any situation.

On the surface it appears to be a story about two people who are being reunited after divorce almost a decade earlier but it goes much deeper than that. Much. Deeper. I was completely blown away by the author’s writing. Seriously, Vogt just gets better and better. The plot is well-developed with characters who have real struggles and doubts and fears. I like how the whole story plays out on the page in a balanced manor; plenty of compelling dialogue to go with some pretty intense introspection from both characters. It flows along effortlessly and then picks up some serious emotional speed toward the end. 

The wedding scene…oh. my. goodness. Talk about romantic. Logan Hollister has got to be Christian fiction’s ultimate bridegroom ever!

Anyone who enjoys Contemporary fiction with a strong faith theme will fall in love with Crazy Little Thing Called Love. I know it has everything this reader wanted and more. 

My deepest gratitude to the author and Howard Books for providing a copy for review purposes. This is my honest opinion of the book. No monetary compensation has been received.

Click the link below to enter the giveaway sponsored
by Beth Vogt and maybe you will be a winner.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Official Release GIVEAWAY!!


You cannot enter the giveaway on this blog!
You MUST follow the link above.
This blog and its owner is in no way affiliated with the giveaway.


~Happy Reading~

Coming Soon to a Bookstore Near You...

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth Vogt Releases JUNE 30th!!!

Wedding bells and storm clouds collide in the first engaging novel in a brand-new series about destination weddings, the power of love, and the possible mishaps and missteps that happen on a couple’s journey down the aisle to “I do.”
Paramedic Vanessa Hollister has put her adolescence behind her, including the unwanted label of being the new kid in town over and over again, thanks to her father’s military career. She’s overcome what her mother called “the biggest mistake of her life” and is planning an elegant destination wedding in Destin, Florida with her new fiancé. But will the reappearance of her first husband from her what-were-you-thinking teenage elopement disrupt her dream of an idyllic beach wedding?
As a professional storm chaser, Logan Hollister is used to taking risks. However, a reckless decision during the last tornado season has him questioning the future of his team, the Stormmeisters. Coming face to face with his ex-wife eight years after their divorce compels him to confront his greatest regret: losing Vanessa. Does their past give him the right to interfere with her future?
A fast-moving, powerful hurricane throws Vanessa and Logan together as they evacuate to a storm shelter along with other residents of the Florida Gulf Coast. Forced to spend time together, the pair battles unexpected renewed feelings for each other.
Vanessa and Logan are faced with a choice: Should they accept, once and for all, their teenage marital mistake? Or is God offering them a second chance at happily ever after?
Preorder Now Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Christian Book Distributors ~Happy Reading~

Review & Giveaway ~ Can't Buy Me Love (eNovella) by Beth Vogt

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:14

Can't Buy Me Love eNovella

Beth Vogt has a magical touch when it comes to filling the pages with entertaining characters and refreshing dialogue. Once I started this novella I couldn’t put it down. Can’t Buy Me Love is a fast-paced contemporary romance that gives the reader a small glimpse into the many complications that can arise when planning a wedding.

A modern day bride heap loads of pressure on herself when she spends one too many hours on Pinterest, gazing adoringly at ‘dream’ wedding ideas. Bellamy begins to doubt herself and her suitability to be Reid Stanton’s wife. After all, she’s just a dog groomer and he’s part of the social elite.

How can he really love her?

But he does, and oh boy, is he romantic!

Can’t Buy Me Love kicks off the new series and in July we get a full novel, Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Destination Wedding #1). Can’t wait!!!

 I'm giving away a Kindle copy of Can't Buy Me Love. 

It's ONLY available as an e-novella!

Leave a comment below to be entered.

Be sure and leave your email address, too!

Ends on June 5 and winner will be announced on June 6.

~Have a blessed week~

Short Review & Giveaway ~ A November Bride by Beth Vogt

About the Book

Can a decades-long friendship marred by two romantic missteps ever lead to happily ever after? 

Sadie McAllister’s clients know how lucky they are to have her: an ultra-fastidious personal chef who leaves behind a spotless kitchen and a week’s worth of mouth-watering meals. 

Erik Davis, her best friend since middle school, is content to enjoy Sadie’s culinary skills too while maintaining their “friends only” status. Most of his energy is focused on his just-launched freelance business and casual dates that never come close to a commitment. 

But when Sadie is offered a once-in-a-lifetime cooking job across country, Erik realizes maybe he’s taken his best friend for granted.  Even more, he’s about to lose his only chance for lasting love. 

How can Erik convince Sadie that the well-known adage “Marry your best friend” just might apply to them? With God’s help, can they both move past their assumptions about each other and their future? Should Sadie and Erik risk taking their relationship to the romantic point of no return? If they do, their decades-long friendship is as a good as done . . . unless it ends at the altar.  

My Thoughts 

I could not wait for this novella to come out. I pre-ordered it from Amazon but when it said it wouldn't be delivered until four days after its release, I cancelled my order and bought it on release day. I mean, why wait four more days, right?!

After I finished the story, I enjoyed it so much I thought I would share the love, so I purchased a Gift Certificate through Amazon for one of my readers. 

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment with your email address. No email, no entry. I’ll draw a winner on Nov 7^th!

Remember, This drawing is for an *E-book ONLY!!!  

*Not to worry if you don't own an e-reader. Amazon has FREE Kindle apps that make it possible to read an E-book on your laptop, desktop, tablet, or smart phone. You can search their website for more info before entering by clicking here.

Have a blessed week in the Lord!