"8 is Great" Baptism-themed Giveaway from Jessica B. Ellingson!

FOLLOW Author Jessica B. Ellingson and LIKE & COMMENT on this Facebook post to be entered to win! And because we like to share, if you tag someone in your comment who you know would like this, THEY WIN TOO! Both of you will be sent the following prizes:

• I Want to be Baptized by Annalisa Hall (Get on Amazon)
• The Sacrament is for Me by Jessica B. Ellingson (Get here or on Amazon)
• Color Your Way to Baptism Pamphlet by Kinsey Becket (Get on Amazon)
• CTR Shield and Number 8 Cookie Cutters by Pioneer Plus (Get on Amazon)

The giveaway starts on January 20, 2017 and ends at midnight (MDT) on January 31, 2017. The winner will be announced February 1, 2017.

Review: The Reformer by Jaima Fixsen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Mary Buchanan has bigger worries than the radical journalist moving in next door who’s spoiling her father’s digestion: unrequited love for a footman, a fractious aunt, patiently awaiting her destiny…

Already she’s nearly eighteen. No sign of destiny yet, but Mary’s certain he’ll be handsome.

Then she meets the reformer, this Mr. Samuel Brown. Destiny is closer at hand than Mary has supposed—if she can just get Mr. Brown to realize it.

My Review

Another favorite from the Power of the Matchmaker series, and a new-to-me author discovered! I really enjoyed the writing style, the way the author protrayed the mundane and repressed life of Mary without it being boring, and her transformation into somewhat of a rebel. Mary's one passion she is allowed to have is drawing, and the descriptions of the caricatures she draws of those around her reveal a wry and cynical part of her personality, which make some of her later choices understandable. She develops a romantic obsession with Samuel, a man she hardly knows but finds herself attracted to, which brings with it an association with Samuel's good friend and protector, Niall. He isn't pleasant to her in an effort to scare her off his friend, but it backfires by helping her find her spine and he becomes an outlet for her before-hidden sassiness. I loved their interactions!!! Poor Niall finds himself shifting from defender of Samuel to self-appointed protector of Mary, and the twists in the plot were angst-inducing. I enjoyed the historical setting and learning more about the reform movement in England, which also provided some action when the riots start. The matchmaker's role in the story as Mary's neighbor Mrs. Chin is an integral one which I liked since it didn't make her seem random. Her love for gardening, long talks with Niall, and appreciation of Mary's drawing skills are endearing and I felt like she was more well-rounded in this story than in some of the others. I'm looking forward to reading the other books written by this author!

(I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: Rescue Me by Susan May Warren

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When Deputy Sam Brooks commits to something, nothing can sway him--not just on the job as liaison between the Mercy Falls sheriff's department and PEAK Rescue, but in his private life. He's the one who stuck around to take care of his mother after his father's accidental death. And he's the one--perhaps the only one--who believes Sierra Rose is the perfect girl for him. Safe, practical, and organized, she's nothing like her hippie, impulsive, bleeding heart sister, Willow.

Willow, however, has been in love with Sam Brooks for as long as she can remember. But she wants her sister to have a happy ending. Besides, Willow has other things to focus on--namely, nabbing the job as youth pastor for her small-town church. Best thing for her to do is to purge Sam from her heart.

Neither can predict the events that will bring them together in a fight for their lives in the forbidding wilderness of Glacier National Park. Stranded, injured, and with the winter weather closing in, Sam and Willow will have to work together to save a crew of terrified teenagers. As they fight to survive, they might just discover a new hope for love.

My Review

I can hardly believe it, but I just might have loved this second book in the Montana Rescue series even more than the first!!! (And that's saying a lot...) The action is way ramped up throughout the entire book, and I was literally biting my fingernails at times. (It was like watching a movie in my head!) I love the author's method of including two romances in the story- the main one between Sam and Willow, and also one between team members Jess and Pete, Sam's younger brother. The characters are strong, yet flawed, and all their journeys- physical and emotional- are compelling and human. I think that's why I connected with this story- each character has some major hang-ups, but it made them easier to relate to as they struggled and tried their best to do what they felt was right. The romances were both very "will they/won't they" and kept me turning pages and invested in the outcome. I'm loving this series and just can't wait for the third book!!! Highly recommend!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Cover Reveal! My Dearest Love by Sarah M. Eden

From the USA Today Bestselling author of the Longing for Home series, a new romance set in the beloved world of Hope Springs: MY DEAREST LOVE, coming July 2017!

Add it to your Goodreads list!

Synopsis

Alone in the world and far from home, Biddy holds out little hope of lasting happiness. Ian, loving her silently from afar, dreams of one day capturing her heart.
 

From the author's Facebook post:

Return with the O'Connor family back to their early years in New York, working in a textile factory, struggling from day to day, and hoping for something better to come, back when Ian O'Connor first met his beloved Biddy. We had a tiny glimpse into their tender courtship in the Longing for Home series, and it comes to life in this brand new story.

As an added bonus, you get to see Tavish O'Connor as a mischievous teenager and dear Finbarr as a sweet little boy. It was incredibly fun to revisit these characters, and I think you'll enjoy it as well.

Didn't read the Longing for Home series?? Never fear!! This story stands entirely on its own two feet and you'll love it!