Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Psalm 37:3
Today’s first line comes from the Christmas novella, Just In Time For Christmas, by Davalynn Spencer. I will be sharing my review and more about this story on Tuesday, November 19th. Folks this is Western writing at its best! I really needed a pick-me-up read this week and this novella fit the bill!
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Here’s The First Line!
Autumn 1875
The Catamounts, El Paso County, Colorado Territory
The chair tipped beneath her boots.
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I hope you will stop back by The Reading Daisy on Tuesday November 19th when I dive a little deeper into Just in Time For Christmas. Thank you for being with me today! I sure hope you feel at home here!
Blessings Y’all!
🌼Mandy🌼
I would like to thank Hoarding Books for hosting First Line Fridays! What an awesome community building project!
http://www.hoardingbooksblog.wordpress.com
First Line Friday #4
Here’s the First Line: The tip of Anna Hostettler’s pencil broke when she picked it up to write in her journal.
Amish Country is known for an atmosphere of peace and quiet, perfect for front-porch sitting with a good book. Join New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, as they share 18 heartwarming stories from Amish Country. These fictional short stories include journeys we can all relate to as we seek how to live led by love, joy, peace, patience, and other Fruits of the Spirit. Meet Anna, who struggles to show love to a cantankerous neighbor; Laura, who endures infertility; Nora, whose pride threatens to consume her life; and other women who walk in their faith each day.
This book is on sale now on Amazon and all other major bookstores. I hope you give it a read and enjoy it!
I would like to say a BIG thank you to Hoarding Books for allowing me to join in on their party. Hopefully I’ll get to make a new friend in this endeavor! Thanks to all who follow or support my blog. It truly means a lot! Share this post like crazy if you enjoyed it.
Blessings Y’all!
Mandy
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First Line Friday #3
It took a lot to shock Luke Schrock.
Now it’s your turn! Tell me what your first line is in the comments!
Here’s the synopsis for Stitches In Time🌼
Detachment had worked well as a life strategy for horse trainer Sam Schrock. Until he met Mollie Graber . . .
New to Stoney Ridge, schoolteacher Mollie has come to town for a fresh start. Aware of how fleeting and fragile life is, she wants to live it boldly and bravely. When Luke Schrock, new to his role as deacon, asks the church to take in foster girls from a group home, she’s the first to raise her hand. The power of love, she believes, can pick up the dropped stitches in a child’s heart and knit them back together.
Mollie envisions sleepovers and pillow fights. What the 11-year-old twins bring to her home is anything but. Visits from the sheriff at midnight. Phone calls from the school truancy officer. And then the most humiliating moment of all: the girls accuse Mollie of drug addiction.
There’s only one thing that breaks through the girls’ hard shell–an interest in horses. Reluctantly and skeptically, Sam Schrock gets drawn into Mollie’s chaotic life. What he didn’t expect was for love to knit together the dropped stitches in his own heart . . . just in time.
Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the little Amish church of Stoney Ridge for a touching story of the power of love.
Author Bio🌼
Suzanne Woods Fisher has a specialty: she writes about real people living in faith-based communities. With over 750,000 copies of books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than twenty-five books, ranging from children’s books (‘The Adventures of Lily Lapp’ series) to novels (“The Choice”) to non-fiction books (“Amish Peace: Simple Living for a Complicated World”).
When Suzanne isn’t writing, she’s probably playing with puppies. She’s been involved with Guide Dogs for the Blind for over fifteen years. Raising puppies, she says, is like eating a potato chip. You just can’t stop at one.
Readers are invited to stop by Suzanne’s website at: http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
My Review 🌼
Suzanne has been one of my favorite authors since my friend, JoEllen, introduced me to her books in 2010. Now I know if it is a book (especially Amish) that she has written I will enjoy it. I have even read a few of her contemporary books, and contemporary is usually not my cup of tea. She has written several series set in the Amish community of Stoney Ridge and I have been there every step of the way. It feels like home to me. I can see it in the heart of my mind. I love visiting these old friends. And it thrills my heart to meet new friends along the way. From the very first page of Stitches In Time I felt welcomed back for a visit in Stoney Ridge. This read is book two of The Deacon’s Family series. There are more than two main characters. Yes, there is the story of Sam and Mollie, but in the midst of their thread are other stories up front. I never tire of these people or this place and I appreciate the fact that Ms. Suzanne has the ability to continue making these characters come alive and remain interesting to readers like me. I have enjoyed seeing how Luke Schrock is making a respectable man of himself, how Ruth is getting along without Amos, and how poor Hank has not lost one decibel of volume when he talks. The Amish People are ones I respect. They are humble, honest, and full of humility. They take life at a slower pace than the rest of the world and they know what it means to love your neighbor as Christ loved us. They don’t scream their beliefs in your face. They show it in their actions loud and clear. These traits of the Amish are portrayed beautifully in Stitches In Time. I’m giving this great read 4 stars! ****
I would like to thank Revell Publishing and Netgalley for providing me a copy of Stitches In Time. Please give this read a try!
I would also like to thank Hoarding Books for hosting First Line Fridays! What an awesome platform for readers and bloggers!
🌼Mandy🌼
Reader Interview: Julie Baldridge
TRD:
Julie: Psalm 51:10 – Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
I have known who Julie was for most of my life. We live in a tiny town and she was a cousin to one of my best friends in school. She is younger than me, so we were not in the same class, and therefore were not close friends. She and her family began coming to the same church as me and my husband about seven years ago. We were talking one night at church and she said she liked to read. Well, I latched onto that statement like chickens on a June bug, as we say here in the South. My reader’s heart was silently begging her to love the same books as me, but I didn’t count on it, I didn’t want to be disappointed. I finally asked, “What kinds of books do you like to read?”
She replied, “I read Christian fiction, mostly historical. Do you know Jan Watson?”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! I’d never met anyone who knew Jan Watson and her amazing Troublesome Creek series! I then asked, “Have you read anything by Laura Frantz?” She hadn’t, but already had Courting Morrow Little on her Kindle. She read it, and was hooked like me! Well, folks, that’s all she wrote as they say. We have been friends ever since! We only live about 4 miles from each other, and we continue to go to church together. We are sisters by blood……..the blood of Jesus Christ! She was excited that I asked her to be a guest on my blog, I was excited too. She did an interview for The Reading Daisy and she’s bringing an audiobook review to us as well. I hope you enjoy this post full of friendship, faith, and fantastic books!
If you have met a friend through the love of reading please share your story in the comments!
TRD: If you could read only one fiction book for the rest of your life what book would you choose?
Julie: Courting Morrow Little By Laura Frantz – early Kentucky history, romance, and Red Shirt. Nothing else needed!
TRD: Which genre (within Christian Fiction) is your favorite to read?
Julie: Historical Romance
TRD: Who are your top five favorite authors?
Julie:
1. Laura Frantz 2. Elizabeth Camden 3. Tamera Alexander 4. Karen Witemeyer 5. Amber Lynn Perry Do I have to stop?
TRD: What is the best thing an author or promoter can do to make you want to read their book?
Julie: Eye-catching cover! I think the cover can completely set the tone for the story. And the details better match the story! I will totally notice.
TRD: What is the best thing an author or promoter can do to make you want to read their book?
Julie: Avid Readers of Christian Fiction. I love getting new recommendations there as well as starting conversations about books.
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Julie’s Thoughts On Audiobooks and A Review of “The Number Of Love” by Roseanna M. White
My latest reading love is audiobooks! I was hesitant to begin at first, because I was like, “Is this really reading?! Can I still get engrossed in the story?” I have discovered that the answer to both is a huge “YES!” Since I commute 70 miles each day that I work and my family travels a lot, this is the absolute best way to pass drive time.
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There are some authors that I have discovered and LOVE that I have only “read” their books through audio versions. One of these authors is Roseanna M White. Her newest release, The Number of Love, was amazing!
Here’s the blurb:
Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.
Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.
Julie’s Review
First of all, I have to say that the narrator of this book was amazing! That can make or break an audiobook for me. If the story is good enough, I will continue with a narrator that isn’t great, but it definitely detracts from the overall experience. Back to the book at hand. The Number of Love has one of the most unique heroines I’ve ever read and the author absolutely brought her to life in the story. She had such a “voice” that you had no question about which character’s POV was being expressed just based on her words, thoughts, etc. And lets not forget the military hero. SWOON! I am so excited that this is the first book in a new series. I absolutely cannot wait for the second book to release!
Thanks for having me, Mandy! You’re the best and you know how much I love to talk books!
The Roll Of The Drums by: Jan Drexler
Happy Friday Reader Friends!
Today I’ll be sharing my honest review of The Roll Of The Drums by Jan Drexler. Last week on the blog post named First Line Fridays #2 I added the synopsis and author information for this book. Head over to that post to check it out. I don’t want to bore you with it by giving it to you twice. 😉 If you have read this book be sure to chime in in the comments and let me know what you thought about it. Let’s jump into my review!
🌼My Review🌼
Reading The Roll Of The Drums was my first time experiencing the writing of Jan Drexler. I love, love, love the fact that this book is about the Amish during the American Civil War. For me, it was the best of two worlds. I enjoyed seeing two of my favorite genres meshing in one incredible story. I fell in love with the characters from the start. In the beginning Ruby reminded me of a feisty Anne of Green Gables, and not only because of her red hair! But, as the book progressed I feel Ruby grew. I truly appreciate the Godly, Spiritual growth that was shown in this book from more than one character. As I read the growth within the characters it also ministered to me. People with real problems were presented. They were not perfect, bit like me, they served a perfect Savior, Jesus Christ!
If I had one complaint it would be that the phrase “for sure” was overused in an annoying way. It seems petty, I suppose, but it was ridiculous how many times it was in this book. I have read hundreds of Amish books, I have been to Amish Country several times, and have even had dinner in Amish households, and I have never heard an Amish person say for sure. That doesn’t mean some of them don’t use it, but it just seemed odd to me.
All in all it was a great read! I would like to thank Revell and Netgalley for my copy of this book.
This book gets…⭐⭐⭐⭐!
I hope this helps when deciding to read this title. It was a great book, and I’m glad I was introduced to this author. It will not be my last selection written by her! I pray you all have an awesome weekend.
Blessings Y’all!
🌼Mandy🌼
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. PSALM 33:12
First Line Fridays #2
Happy Friday, Reader Friends! Welcome to “First Line Fridays” where everyone shares the first line of the book they’re reading or perhaps the first line of the book lying nearest to them. It’s so much fun! Here we go!
This week I am starting a new book titled “The Roll Of The Drums” by author Jan Drexler. It is a historical fiction story about the Amish during the American Civil War. For me it’s the best of both worlds. I enjoy Amish fiction and historical fiction. My most favorite era to read about is the Civil War era, so this book covers all my favorites! I am just starting this book and this will be my first Jan Drexler book. I have heard great things about her writing and I’m looking forward to digging in!
Ruby Weaver’s curly red hair isn’t the only thing that sets her apart from her Amish community in 1863. Twenty-eight and single, Ruby doesn’t believe a woman needs to be married in order to be happy. Her ailing friend Lovinia Fischer, however, has other ideas and wants Ruby to promise to marry her husband after she dies. Never imagining she’d have to fulfill that vow, Ruby agrees. And she’s not the only one. Lovinia has extracted a similar promise from her husband, Gideon.
With both Ruby and Gideon reluctant to keep their promises, a compromise must be reached. Ruby will spend her days with Gideon’s family–helping to raise the children and keep the house–but her nights will be spent at her sister’s neighboring house. But this arrangement raises eyebrows in their conservative Amish community, and it soon becomes clear that Ruby must make a decision–marry Gideon or turn her back on her friend, the children she’s grown to love . . . and their father.
Jan and her family have lived all through the mid-west, from Indiana to Texas to Kentucky to South Dakota, with a few others in between. Born in Michigan, Jan still proudly carries her pocket map of Michigan on the end of her arm, like all true Michiganders, and will gladly give you a tour of her home state. But her current love is the Black Hills of South Dakota, where she can be found hiking the Hills at all times of the year and regularly visiting the “boys” at Mt. Rushmore.
Jan brings a unique understanding of the Amish culture to her writing, with ancestors who were among the first Amish immigrants to Pennsylvania. She has written several books for Love Inspired Historical as well as “The Journey to Pleasant Prairie” series from Revell.
Visit Jan at http://www.JanDrexler.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JanDrexlerAuthor
Now it’s your turn! Find the book nearest to you and share the first line in the comments. I can’t wait to read your first lines and I hope to makes some new bookish friends. Have a great weekend!
Blessings Y’all!
Mandy
I’d like to thank Hoarding Books for sponsoring First Line Fridays.
The Spice King Review
Y’all!!!! We have to talk about The Spice King! I know, I know I’m late to The Spice King game, but I couldn’t read this book and let it pass without saying a word about it. You have to let me know…..Have you read it? What did you think? Will you forever be reading food labels? I will! Lol!
Here’s what The Spice King is all about.
Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building his very successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before it spirals out of control, he returns to his ancestral home to save his brother and sister before it’s too late.
As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.
Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?
My Review
Elizabeth Camden has done it again! She found a subject I have never read about and made an awesome story surrounding that subject. The amount of historical facts are staggering, yet they are not laid onto the page as a boring list. The facts meld into the story, as if they are undercover. I was learning so much about American History without realizing that was what was happening. This book held shock, betrayal, patriotism, loyalty, love, and so much more. The Spice King is book one in a series of three. I am certainly looking forward to the second story.
Mandy
First Line Friday #1
Today I’m joining other Christian Fiction bloggers in First Line Friday where I will post the first line of the book I am currently reading. Next it’s your turn to join in! In the comments below tell us the first line in the book you are reading or maybe the first line of the book located nearest to you at this time. Sound fun? It does to me! Let’s get started.
Annabelle Larkin hadn’t meant to offend the world’s leading spice tycoon with her bold request, yet it seemed she had.
For my initial First Line Friday I am featuring The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden. I am only 64 pages into this just released novel, so I will save my review for another day. Be looking for that soon!
About The Spice King
Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building his very successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before it spirals out of control, he returns to his ancestral home to save his brother and sister before it’s too late.
As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.
Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?
About the Author, Elizabeth Camden
Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered story lines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.
Now it’s your turn! Type those first lines in! I look forward to reading them. To see what First Lines others are sharing this week head over to Hoarding Books.
First Line Fridays are hosted by Hoarding Books http://www.hoardingbooksblog.wordpress.com
I was invited to join by fellow blogger, The Becca Files. Please check out her blog. http://www.thebeccafiles.com
Happy Reading and Blessings Y’all!
Mandy
Author Interview: Shannon McNear
Bio:
Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in the Deep South, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. As the author, however, of three novellas and one-going-on-three full-length novels, her greatest joy is in being a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three and grammie of three. She’s also a contributor to Colonial Quills and a member of ACFW and RWA. When not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.
Hello to all my reader friends! I have a wonderful book to bring to you today! The book is The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear. Although it is part of the Mayflower Bride series it is a standalone story. The sad part is that it doesn’t release until December 1st. I feel so passionately about this book that I wanted to announce it early so you can add it to your TBR pile now. For those of you who are not quite as obsessed with all things bookish, like me TBR is To Be Read. Ha! Before we get too far into the post I want to let you know that Mrs. McNear has agreed to giveaway a paperback or ebook of her novel, The Cumberland Bride, to one blessed reader who comments on this blog post. The contest will end at midnight on Sunday, October 6th. I would like to thank Mrs. McNear for being on the blog today and for being gracious enough to giveaway one of her awesome books. Me being a Kentucky girl the history in The Cumberland Bride is near and dear to my heart, so she chose the perfect title for the giveaway. Let’s get into the synopsis for The Rebel Bride.
SYNOPSIS
Can Love Form Amidst Tensions of War? During the clash between Union and Confederacy, quiet Tennessean Pearl MacFarlane is compelled to nurse both Rebel and Yankee wounded who seek refuge at her family’s farm. She is determined to remain unmoved by the Yankee cause—until she faces the silent struggle of Union soldier Joshua Wheeler, a recent amputee. The MacFarlane family fits no stereotype Joshua believed in; still he is desperate to regain his footing—as a soldier, as a man, as a Christian—in the aftermath of his debilitating injury. He will use his time behind enemy lines to gather useful intelligence for the Union—if the courageous Rebel woman will stay out of the line of danger.
Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Rebel Brideby Shannon McNear.
My favorite time in history to read about is the American Civil War era, so I was won over on this book by simply reading the title. But then, I opened the cover and sank my teeth into story and, as they say, “That’s all she wrote!” This tale was told with most of the scenes taking place on the grounds of one farm. I didn’t realize this, of course, until I was nearly finished. Normally that would make for a mundane telling of a story, but that’s not the case with this book. Mrs. McNear weaves a tapestry that wows no matter the setting! Add The Rebel Bride to the December 1st block on your calendar so you won’t miss out on this epic wartime novel.
My Review:
The Civil War. A time discussed often, but only on the surface. Most often the stories of this period are told from two perspectives- one being the plantation owner who wants to keep slaves, the other a person from the North who is fighting to abolish slavery. The Rebel Bride is an in depth tale from very different points of view. Perhaps ones not many have thought about. Shannon McNear definitely did research, and left no fact buried. Historically accurate this novel could act as a sort of textbook. Romantically this book could cause a Southern Belle to swoon. All wrapped up in a neat package, this read is a gift to every reader who chooses to crack open the cover.
INTERVIEW
TRD: If you could only choose two Bible Verses to guide your life what would they be?
Mrs. McNear: Only two??? How is that fair … LOL
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
For since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him. (Isaiah 64:4)
TRD: If you could read only one fiction book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Mrs. McNear: You like the tough questions, don’t you? 😊
Perelandra, by C.S. Lewis.
TRD: What is your least favorite part of getting a book from research to sitting on a shelf?
Mrs. McNear: Proofing the galleys. Seriously. I have to read SO slowly, to be sure I catch any mistakes, and the whole story just feels stupid to me at that pace.
TRD: What is your favorite part of that same process?
Mrs. McNear: I love the research—seriously! And seeing story threads jell. (Or is that, gel?) And the process of discovering who the characters are …
Oh, and the weary relief of typing, THE END. 😊
TRD: Your books are set in the 18th century. If you could choose anything from one of your character’s closet, shoebox, or jewelry box, what would it be?
Mrs. McNear: Believe it or not, a well-fitting set of stays. Because they’re the foundation for everything else that’s properly 18th century—and the piece of period wear I find most difficult to create and fit for myself.
I would really also love the moccasins Kate wears in The Cumberland Bride, though.
TRD: What can we expect from you in the upcoming year in the Christian fiction world? I know your fans want to know, including me. 🙂
Mrs. McNear: Well, after The Rebel Bride releases in December, The Blue Cloak releases March 2020, as part of Barbour’s True Colors series. This story was something a little different for me—historical romantic suspense meets true crime, a little (okay, a lot) on the dark side, but with what I pray is a strongly redemptive spiritual thread. And I just signed a contract for another novella—a generational Christmas collection titled Love’s Pure Light with Deb Raney, Susanne Dietze, and Janine Roche. Mine is set in 1919, on a train journey from Charleston, South Carolina, to either St. Louis or Kansas City, Missouri. That one is set to release December 2020, so … that’s a little more than a year. But there you go.
Thank you so much for having me!
I really enjoyed that interview and getting to know the sweet Shannon McNear a little better. I hope you enjoyed it as well. Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of The Cumberland Bride!
Blessings Y’all!
Mandy
The Reading Daisy 