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Paperback, 368 pages
Published May 3rd 2016 by Bethany House Publishers
Gray Fowler, star NFL tight end, is being pursued by a stalker, so his team hires a protection agency to keep Gray under the watch of a bodyguard at all times. When Gray meets Dru Porter, an agent assigned to him, he's indignant. How can an attractive young female half his size possibly protect him?
But Dru's a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt. She's also ferociously determined to uncover the identity of Gray's stalker. And she's just as determined to avoid any kind of romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past. But the closer they get to finding the stalker, the closer they grow to each other. As the danger rises, can Dru and Gray entrust their hearts--and their lives--to one another?
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Anne's Review
3 STARS
Dru Porter is a personal protection agent who became too emotionally attached to her last assignment and is determined not to let that happen again. NFL superstar Gray Fowler sees his new bodyguard as another gorgeous woman to be conquered. You can imagine what kind of sparks are going to fly!
Dru’s character is intriguing, especially since she is a former Marine. She's always trying to prove herself so it’s interesting to see how her family dynamics work with three older brothers. Gray Fowler is a complex character. He’s a chauvinistic, spoiled and obnoxious famous athlete who has a tragic familial back story. Gray is the stereotypical football player—tall, broad shouldered, and fabulously gorgeous to look at with an ego the size of a stadium.
With an engaging plot and vivid dialogue, the story moved at a fast pace. I truly enjoyed the suspense element! It was excellent from beginning to end. Ms. Wade is an expert at writing vivid imagery which usually makes for a delightful read. In Her One and Only, the 'romance' went too far for my own personal taste. I thought there was an excess of physical desire between Dru and Gray, crossing over into lust. I realize this doesn’t bother some readers, but it does me. Plus, I was hoping to see Gray make some serious spiritual changes sooner in the story but he didn’t. By the time he did, it felt rushed and over too soon. I liked the story but I didn't love it. I will say that Ms. Wade knows how to weave a family drama and draw me into the lives of the characters, making me care about them. I'll definitely be on the lookout for her next book series.
I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
~Happy Reading~
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Monday, October 3, 2016
Review ~ Her One and Only (Porter Family #4) by Becky Wade
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Faith-based Art Journaling
With two major moves in a year, I've been a little stressed out. My art supplies have been pretty much packed away because there was no place to unpack and set them up. I stuck to coloring most of the time. It's a great stress reliever and doesn't take up much space.
But lately, I've had the 'itch' to do more. While digging through a box a week ago, I found my 5x7 Strathmore mixed media book. That led me to open more boxes and pretty soon I had accumulated a few supplies to help me with my 'need' to illustrate my thoughts on paper. I created this art journal page using Gesso, liquid inks, a Prismacolor
marker and paper flowers w/ stick on centers. Since my handwriting is
not anything to praise, I printed out the lettering using a design I
made with Picmonkey.
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| taken with phone camera so quality is not good |
These words resonate with me because ofcircumstances that have arisen in my life recently. They are based on numerous Scriptures I've read but mostly Proverbs 16:24 where it says ~
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Father, make my words pleasant.
Amen.
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Do you ever feel the need to illustrate your feelings/thoughts on paper? If so, what's your favorite way to express them? Please share, as I am always looking for new ideas. :)
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Rebecca Reviews ~ Keep Holding On (Walker Family #3) by Melissa Tagg
RELEASE DAY!!!
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Paperback, 346 pages
Published September 27th 2016 by Larkspur Press
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Swoon-worthy Romance. Small-town Charm.
Best friends reunite in Tagg's latest novel of second chances and enduring love.
Beckett Walker hasn't stepped foot in Maple Valley in years. There's no getting past the painful memories, and there's every chance he'll be arrested as soon as he shows his face. Which is exactly what happens when he finally returns. Suddenly his dream of adventure as a military lawyer comes skidding to a halt.
Horticulturist Kit Danby has spent too much time missing home and her childhood best friend--Beckett Walker. Now she might have a shot at reclaiming both. After years of living abroad, she returns to run her family's apple orchard. She has one season to turn a profit and impress the father she barely knows. But she can't do it alone.
It should be simple: Beckett needs community service hours. Kit needs a helping hand. But there's more at stake than either of them planned. With a tangled past and futures that look nothing alike, they'll have to find a way to weather the storms of the present . . . or risk losing everything.
Purchase link:
Amazon
: : :
Rebecca's Review
4 STARS!!!
"Sometimes God whispers. Sometimes He shouts. He doesn't always communicate the same way twice, but . . . . . . . even when we are confused, God is faithful."
Kit Danby and Beckett Walker are confused; about life, about love, about the future, about their calling. Yet, they have both ended up back in their home town, working together on Kit's fledgling apple farm, in spite of the fact that Beckett maintains plans to leave Maple Valley again very soon.
Completing hundreds of community service hours, to erase a years-old local warrant, Beckett's dream job; becoming an JAG Corps Officer, is just within reach. Kit, on the other hand, is determined to remain local, working tirelessly to revitalize her grandparents' orchard property into an iconic Maple Valley tourism destination. Being around Beckett, after years of separation and unresolved memories, has been a blessing and a heartache, because those closest to Kit's heart have always left her behind.
Melissa Tagg has written a beautifully scripted story, rippling with tender romance and deep inspiration, reminding her readers of a mighty God, who is faithful to all His promises and extraordinarily reckless in His unwavering love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Best friends reunite in Tagg's latest novel of second chances and enduring love.
Beckett Walker hasn't stepped foot in Maple Valley in years. There's no getting past the painful memories, and there's every chance he'll be arrested as soon as he shows his face. Which is exactly what happens when he finally returns. Suddenly his dream of adventure as a military lawyer comes skidding to a halt.
Horticulturist Kit Danby has spent too much time missing home and her childhood best friend--Beckett Walker. Now she might have a shot at reclaiming both. After years of living abroad, she returns to run her family's apple orchard. She has one season to turn a profit and impress the father she barely knows. But she can't do it alone.
It should be simple: Beckett needs community service hours. Kit needs a helping hand. But there's more at stake than either of them planned. With a tangled past and futures that look nothing alike, they'll have to find a way to weather the storms of the present . . . or risk losing everything.
Purchase link:
Amazon
: : :
Rebecca's Review
4 STARS!!!
"Sometimes God whispers. Sometimes He shouts. He doesn't always communicate the same way twice, but . . . . . . . even when we are confused, God is faithful."
Kit Danby and Beckett Walker are confused; about life, about love, about the future, about their calling. Yet, they have both ended up back in their home town, working together on Kit's fledgling apple farm, in spite of the fact that Beckett maintains plans to leave Maple Valley again very soon.
Completing hundreds of community service hours, to erase a years-old local warrant, Beckett's dream job; becoming an JAG Corps Officer, is just within reach. Kit, on the other hand, is determined to remain local, working tirelessly to revitalize her grandparents' orchard property into an iconic Maple Valley tourism destination. Being around Beckett, after years of separation and unresolved memories, has been a blessing and a heartache, because those closest to Kit's heart have always left her behind.
Melissa Tagg has written a beautifully scripted story, rippling with tender romance and deep inspiration, reminding her readers of a mighty God, who is faithful to all His promises and extraordinarily reckless in His unwavering love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, in exchange for my honest opinion.
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 nearly 28 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".
~Happy Reading~
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Rebecca Reviews ~ Newton and Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace by Jody Hedlund
Happy Release Day!!!
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Paperback, 400 pages
Published September 20th 2016 by WaterBrook
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Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found
Now remembered as the author of the world s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father until the night he hears Polly Catlett s enchanting voice, caroling. He s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.
An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?
Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe."
: : :
Rebecca's Review
5 STARS!!!
"He hated his father. He hated God. Most of all he hated himself."
How could the same man, once filled with so much hate, manage to pen the words to one of Christendom's most beloved hymns? . . . . .. . The answer is startlingly simple, amazing grace.
It was love at first sight for John Newton. Polly Catlett had the voice of an angel, coupled with a face and form that a man could not easily forget. Innocent, enchanting and deeply religious, Polly embodied everything that Newton was not, for although young and intelligent, John Newton was daring, reckless and habitually irresponsible.
Paying the price for his obstinate behavior, John finds himself impressed into the British navy, violently punished for insubordination and ripped from any hope of a future with the lovely Polly. Yet his steadfast devotion to her memory, along with God's powerful, providential and unconditional love, ultimately saves Newton's life; paving the way for one of history's most incredulous stories surrounding a prodigal, who finds his way home.
"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see." Jody Hedlund has penned a masterpiece!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
: : :
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found
Now remembered as the author of the world s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father until the night he hears Polly Catlett s enchanting voice, caroling. He s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.
An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?
Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe."
: : :
Rebecca's Review
5 STARS!!!
"He hated his father. He hated God. Most of all he hated himself."
How could the same man, once filled with so much hate, manage to pen the words to one of Christendom's most beloved hymns? . . . . .. . The answer is startlingly simple, amazing grace.
It was love at first sight for John Newton. Polly Catlett had the voice of an angel, coupled with a face and form that a man could not easily forget. Innocent, enchanting and deeply religious, Polly embodied everything that Newton was not, for although young and intelligent, John Newton was daring, reckless and habitually irresponsible.
Paying the price for his obstinate behavior, John finds himself impressed into the British navy, violently punished for insubordination and ripped from any hope of a future with the lovely Polly. Yet his steadfast devotion to her memory, along with God's powerful, providential and unconditional love, ultimately saves Newton's life; paving the way for one of history's most incredulous stories surrounding a prodigal, who finds his way home.
"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see." Jody Hedlund has penned a masterpiece!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
: : :
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 nearly 28 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".
~Happy Reading~
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Review ~ Almost Like Being in Love (Destination Wedding Series #2) by Beth K. Vogt
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Paperback, 384 pages
Published June 28th 2016 by Howard Books
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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
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
CBD
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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~
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