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Review: "Hope in My Heart" by Alexis Goring

11/25/2014

Book Description:

Hope in My Heart is a collection of short, heartwarming stories with characters in need of hope.

In “Love Unexpected,” a car crash brings commitment-wary Sebastian and career woman Chandra together. Neither is looking for romance, but those around them see the potential, and Sebastian and Chandra discover that sometimes love shows up unexpectedly.

Christmastime is the setting for the middle story, “The Best Gift.” Christina desires to lose ten pounds so she can fit into her dress for her sister's wedding. Jordan wishes her mom would stop trying to marry her off. And Joshua hopes to be reunited with his ex-girlfriend but eventually learns that the best gift this Christmas will be the restoration of his relationship with God.

In “Peace and Love,” three characters living in a metropolitan area are desperately searching. Elle, a starving artist, aspires to become a paid professional. Eric, a divorce attorney, wants to resolve his issues concerning his parents' divorce. Kristine anticipates finding her birth mom before she marries Derek. All characters pray their searches will conclude this holiday season and fill their hearts with peace and love.

My Thoughts:

Perfect for the Holidays! This is a sweet, heartwarming collection of inspirational romance short stories. I usually read novels and I am used to that style of writing, but this book provided a nice change for me. All the stories were quick, easy reads that carried simple, timeless messages. Very enjoyable.

(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars!

Purchase your copy here:

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Review: "The Butterfly and the Violin" by Kristy Cambron

11/25/2014

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Book Description:

A Mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz—and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl—a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover—the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul—who maybe the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting’s subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy of 1942, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

My Thoughts:

This novel was lots of things: beautiful, heartbreaking, painful, suspenseful, hopeful, lovable... And that doesn't even scratch the surface! The author switches back and forth between 2 stories, one set in the past and one set in the present. I found the historical aspects fascinating. The novel had a great pace to it and I had a hard time putting it down. It was a pleasure to read this book and I highly recommend it.

(I received a copy of this book through Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

Purchase your copy here:

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Review and Giveaway: "Cedar Creek Seasons" by Eileen Key, Becky Melby, Rachael Phillips, and Cynthia Ruchti

11/18/2014

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Book Blurb:

Romantic in every season of the calendar, charming Cedarburg, Wisconsin, works its magic on everyone. . .from free-spirited forty-something Willow, who meets her opposite; to twenty-five-year-old musician Francesca, who’s working with a man who sings off-key; and from silver-haired Claire, who gets surprised by a long-ago love; to thirty-something Beth, a shop owner who really doesn’t have time for a relationship. And be forewarned: you may leave your heart in Cedarburg, too!

My Thoughts:

This is a delightful collection of novellas that’s an easy read. The stories all take place in the charming town of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. It seems that there’s a story for every age here, ranging from mid-twenties to senior citizens. I thought the variety was a nice touch. Each of the four stories is cute and unique, but I think #4 was my favorite. Very nice, ladies.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Giveaway!

To enter, just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. (If the link in the email doesn't work, just click over to www.AnnaWeaverBooks.com and enter there.) This giveaway will end November 25th. Thanks for entering and God bless!

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Review and Giveaway: "Meant to be Mine" by Becky Wade

11/18/2014

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Book Blurb:

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school--irresistible. When their paths cross again after college--still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He's a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he's long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he's known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia's trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this sweet, laid-back romance. This is the second book I've read by Becky Wade. While I didn't love it as much as "My Stubborn Heart," it was still a great read. I loved both the hero and the heroine, and the little girl was precious. Side note: I didn't read the first in this series before reading this one, but I never felt lost, so I'd say it's a stand-alone story. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys inspirational romance.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

Giveaway!

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Review: The Advent Bride by Mary Connealy

11/11/2014

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Book Description:

New--The 12 Brides of Christmas! You're invited to a Christmas wedding...that is twelve of them! Discover the joy of an old-fashioned Christmas romance with these twelve heart-warming stories. Brand-new stories from renowned inspirational fiction authors will take you into the heartland of historical America. Releasing each week starting October 6, you'll want to read all of them.

#1: The Advent Bride
Melanie Douglas is alone on the Nebraska plains, teaching school to get by. She finds a unique box with hidden drawers to use over the advent season to engage a young boy in his schooling. When Henry O’Keeffe sees a positive change in his son, he has to see for himself what this new teacher is doing.

Don't be late! Watch for all 12 stories:
October 6 - #1: The Advent Bride
October 13 - #2: The Nutcracker Bride
October 20 - #3: The Evergreen Bride
October 27 - #4: The Gift-Wrapped Bride
November 3 - #5: The Yuletide Bride
November 10 - #6: The Gingerbread Bride
November 17 - #7: The Nativity Bride
November 24 - #8: The Christmas Tree Bride
December 1 - #9: The Festive Bride
December 8 - #10: The Christmas Star Bride
December 15 - #11: The Snowbound Bride
December 22 - #12: The Fruitcake Bride

...have yourself a Cozy Little Christmas!

My Thoughts:

This is a charming little novella that I finished in one evening. It's the perfect book when you need to escape life for a little while. It was sweet, endearing, and just in time for the upcoming holiday season. Highly recommended!

(I received a free e-copy from Netgalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

Pick up your copy here:

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Review: In The Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar

11/11/2014

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Book Description:

Destitute, grief-stricken, and unwanted by the people of God, Ruth arrives in Israel with
nothing to recommend her but Naomi's, love. Her loftiest hope is to provide enough food to save Naomi and herself from starvation. But God has other plans for her life.

While everyone considers Ruth an outcast, she is astounded to find one of the most honored men of Judah showing her favor. Long since a widower and determined to stay that way, Boaz is irresistibly drawn to the foreign woman with the haunted eyes. He tells himself he is only being kind to his Cousin Naomi's chosen daughter when he goes out of his way to protect her from
harm, but his heart knows better.

Based on the biblical account of Ruth, In the Field of Grace is the story of a love that ultimately changes the course of Israel's destiny and the future of the whole world.

My Thoughts:

Every now and then, you stumble upon a story that is so real, so easy to get lost in, that you forget everything else in your life. I read "In the Field of Grace" in 48 hours, which has to be a personal record for me.

I love Biblical fiction, but I've never seen the story of Ruth and Boaz brought to life so beautifully before. I was hooked from the first page.

I've been a fan of this author since reading "Pearl in the Sand," and I'm eager to look up the other two books she has written. I truly enjoyed this book. Highly recommended to any inspirational fiction fans.

(I received a copy of this book through Netgalley and Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

Pick up your copy here:

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Review: A Bound Heart by Dawn Crandall

11/11/2014

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Book Description:

The Everstone Chronicles Series Book 2

One accidental kiss from Lawry Hampton. That was all it took to throw Meredyth Summercourt's world upside-down. Determined to marry the ever-elusive Vance Everstone, she simply doesn't have the time or the desire to fall for her best friend. But with Vance out of the country, and with Lawry at her side nearly every day, teaching her what the world is like through the eyes of a little orphan girl named Wynn--Meredyth can't deny that what's holding her to Vance is nothing more than a desire to redeem herself from her past. Will she marry Vance once he returns from Europe? Or will she be strong enough to break free from the tangled web she's convinced she deserves, and accept that God's plan for her life includes redemption...and, quite possibly, Lawry Hampton?

My Thoughts:

This is my favorite book of the series so far. I enjoyed “The Hesitant Heiress”, but “The Bound Heart” was a very powerful story, told on a much deeper level. This story follows Meredyth Summercourt, one of the characters introduced in the previous book. Her journey to redemption was a roller coaster of emotions, both heartbreaking and gloriously happy. Let's just say that she earned her Happily Ever After. :) I was hooked from the first chapter. Highly recommended.

(I received a free e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars!

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Review and Giveaway: Rocky Mountain Oasis by Lynnette Bonner

11/4/2014

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Book Blurb:

He’s different from any man she’s ever known.
However, she’s sworn never to risk her heart again.

Brooke Baker, sold as a mail-order bride, looks to her future with dread but firm resolve. If she survived Uncle Jackson, she can survive anyone.

When Sky Jordan hears that his nefarious cousin has sent for a mail-order bride, he knows he has to prevent the marriage. No woman deserves to be left to that fate. Still, he’s as surprised as anyone to find himself standing next to her before the minister.

Brooke’s new husband turns out to be kinder than any man has ever been. But then the unthinkable happens and she holds the key that might save innocent lives but destroy Sky all in one fell swoop. It’s a choice too unbearable to contemplate…but a choice that must be made.

A thirsty soul. Alluring hope. An Oasis of love.
Step into a day when outlaws ran free, the land was wild, and guns blazed at the drop of a hat.

My Thoughts:

This was a sweet romantic story about an abused mail-order bride and an accidental husband. I really enjoyed it. It had just the right amount of suspense and intrigue to keep the pages turning. Both the hero and the heroine are well developed and their motivations make sense. There were many characters introduced as well. While that could make the story difficult to navigate, it didn’t, because they were all deep and well-developed. I look forward to getting to know them better in later books. There was a bold message of faith woven through the story as well. All in all, a great read.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars!

Giveaway!

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Freebie Alert!

This book is free on Kindle right now. Download your copy here:

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November Author Newsletter

11/4/2014

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Happy November!

Is it just me or has winter sneaked up on us this year? I can’t believe it’s gonna be Thanksgiving (and after that, Christmas!) soon! We've been getting a few cold snaps here in North Florida, just enough to break out the hot chocolate and footie pajamas. (Modeled by yours truly in the picture above.) What are some of your favorite winter traditions?

Life Stuff:

God has definitely been teaching me patience and thankfulness over the past month, which ties in nicely with my Thanksgiving theme. Between the new puppy (who is settling in nicely) and more car trouble (very long story short: totaled new car thanks to a suspended-license driver with no insurance, old car's alternator going out and replacing it ourselves = 2 weeks of not having a car), October was a rough month. However, God was there for us the entire time, from providing Hubbins' rides to work to ensuring that we'd have enough groceries to last until we got it fixed. And providing the wisdom and ability to fix it ourselves! It's amazing how God keeps taking care of His children, even when we make mistakes and get it wrong. Aren't you thankful for that? I sure am. :)

As we head into the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, what are you thankful for? Has God provided amazingly for you this month?

Writing Stuff:

As I mentioned last month, I’m splitting my time between editing my latest manuscript and judging a writing contest. It’s been lots of fun and I’m excited about the progress I’ve been making. Here’s hoping it will be ready to send out into the world soon! :)

Reading Stuff:

Here's what I've read in the last month. How about you?

And I'm currently reading:

Prayer Request Stuff:

Anne G. - had major surgery on Oct. 22nd, prayers for continued healing and no complications.

Debbie R. - that she can find an affordable, nice house to rent for herself, her disabled husband, and her developmentally delayed son.

Kelly B. - that she will be able to reach her writing goals as she participates in NaNoWriMo this month. (Good luck, Kelly!)

Maxie A. - prayers for our nation during the elections.

Sharon P. - that her daughter will be able to become pregnant.

Carol S. - that the Lord would be with her sons.

Jan H. - for her parents, Andy and Lee. They've been going through physically and emotionally tough times, prayers for peace, protection, and strength to endure.

Cheri S. - for her oldest son in the Navy, for her house to sell so she and her children can join her husband at his new job or for him to find a job closer to home, for peace and endurance for all of them.

And our continuing list from last month:

Tina W. – requests prayer for debt relief and stability.

Christina S. – her husband Brandon is battling severe alcoholism.

Jenn. D. – had a partial hysterectomy on Tuesday, Oct. 7th, prayers for continued healing and no complications.

Linda F. – requests prayer for her van to be paid off soon and road-ready. Also, for firewood for the winter and her husband Mark’s healing.

Becky G. – wisdom in financial matters and as she starts writing a book.

Maxie A. – Her daughter and granddaughter who have many health problems, also for her daughter’s work difficulties.

Melody D. - missionary in Nicaragua

My family - safety as they travel and sing

Heidi T. - a friend going through chemo right now, prayers for her family requested, too.

Polly P. - her husband passed away.

Please feel free to message your prayer requests to me or comment with them and I'll add them to the list. God bless you, prayer warriors. Thank you for what you do.

Last Month's Winners:

Congrats to the winners of last month's giveaways:

Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits - Maxie A.!*

Sharpshooter in Petticoats - Amy C.!*

A Canyon Springs Courtship - Kelly B.!

All winners have a month to reply to my emails or I will draw a new winner. * = winner has claimed her prize. Be sure to check back soon for this month's giveaways and reviews.

Thanks for reading and God bless!

4 Comments

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