Monday, February 26, 2018

Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren Review & Giveaway

Keturah
by Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN:

I don't know about you, but I'm one of those people who feels elated to start the first book in a series. So much anticipation before I turn the cover open to begin reading. When I saw Keturah come across my email I was hooked immediately by the cover (isn't it always the cover), the author, and the synopsis of the story! Thanks to Litfuse Publicity for the opportunity to review it and set out on a journey.

Summary:

In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.
Although it flies against all the conventions, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, conventions are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined-and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this harsh and unfamiliar world.
Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.
To keep her family together and save the plantation that is her last chance at providing for them, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

keturah pin2


My Review:

I'm all about the historical fiction. If it's well written, don't bother trying to talk to me because I'll be entwined in the story! That's exactly how it was from the first page of the first chapter in Keturah! From the start it was quite an adventure.

Keturah is a character I can relate to. Her past has caused her to rely on herself and certainly never ask a man for help. Her and her sisters' present puts them in a situation that almost forces them to rely on the men around them. I enjoyed getting to know Ket, Verity, and Selah because it sets us up to want more when the next books come out! I was ready for book two by the time the sisters set sail on the Redemption.

We also meet Gray Covington. My first thought was, "He must be a rake!" Something seemed shifty about him from the start. Guess that should teach me to judge someone by the first few sentences I read about them. Just like any of us, Gray made some poor choices and is doing what he can to redeem himself.

What Keturah (along with her sisters) and Gray have to go through to try and revive the plantations they own in the West Indies is more than most could bear. It's clear that it's going to be even harder than either one of them expected, and more dangerous.

I loved everything about this story from beginning to end. The characters drew me in, rooting for and against them with a lot of fervor! I guess if there is any "negative" I felt like the story spent quite a bit of time on the ship, which meant it seemed like they were doing or talking about the same thing. Of course, if you're spending 6 weeks on a ship heading to your destination a lot can happen during that time. I'm already looking forward to book two!

Enter to win a copy of Keturah. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced March 13 on the Litfuse blog!



About the Author:

Lisa T. Bergren has published more than 40 books with more than 3 million books sold combined. She's the author of the Christy Award-winning "Waterfall," RITA®-finalist "Firestorm," bestselling "God Gave Us You," and popular historical series like Homeward, Grand Tour, and more. She's also a recipient of the RT Lifetime Achievement Award. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and three teen-and-older children.
Find out more about Lisa at http://lisatawnbergren.com.

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Valentine's Day Gifts For Her

What does the lady in your life want for Valentine's Day? Don't have a clue? I've got some great ideas! These would be perfect for your wife, mom, sister, aunt, and daughter! it's entirely possible a couple of these might be on my wish list!

The last item, the metal bookmark is actually one I got from one of my bosses for Christmas. I love it and thought any reader in your life would love, too! I've got a super old hand mixer, and as much as I'd love a stand mixer, it's probably something I'll have to ask for at Christmas.

This past Christmas my mom gave me a wonderful plant stand, but I think I need a bigger one to make sure all of my plants get the sun they need! Who knew I'd be able to keep indoor plants alive? I actually brought in three of my outdoor plants inside to see if I could keep them alive over the winter! So far so good.


Keurig K15 Single Serve


Bluetooth Speakers, COMISO


Professional Skin Care Face and Body Brush System

URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser



KitchenAid KHM512IC 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer



Plant Flower Stand Rack Shelf



JBL E45BT On-Ear Wireless Headphones


Hydro Flask



PopSockets 707030






Have you figured out what to get the ladies in your life yet? Hopefully these ideas helped. If you find anything else, be sure to let me know because I have quite a few ladies in my life!

Monday, February 5, 2018

Valentine's Day Gifts For Him

Have you figured out what gift to get your boyfriend, fiancé, or husband? I've been thinking of what to get Fred for about a month, and have yet to come up with anything. He already got my gift a couple weeks ago! What do you get a guy who doesn't really have any hobbies and doesn't collect anything?

Sometimes I think I can only get him "so" many t-shirts about Pittsburg Steelers or  Big Bang Theory. Yes, he wears them, but how many themed t-shirts can one guy have? lol So, here are some of the things I've been coming up with for this Valentine's Day for my hubby. Maybe they'll help you, too!



JBL Clip+ Splashproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

HUHD Universal 2.4Ghz Optical Wireless Gaming Headset


Plano Angled Tackle System


Running Vest and LED Safety Light Sets


ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters - SingleNest Hammock


Kacebela BBQ Tools Set


Build-On Brick Mug Coffee Cup


R3-Promo Kreg R3 Jig Pocket Hole Kit With Free Classic Clamp Pack-In



Find 10 Valentine's Day gift ideas for the hard to buy for man in your life! These suggestions will help you out! #affiliate

Saturday, February 3, 2018

The Ladies Of Ivy Cottage By Julie Klassen

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage
by Julie Klassen
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764218156

This is the second novel in the Tales From Ivy Hill series. I read book one, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill last year thanks to a review from Bethany House. I've also received book 2 as a review. This series is a departure from Julie's stand alone novels.

Summary:

Return to Ivy Hill as friendships deepen, romances blossom, and mysteries unfold . . .
A gentlewoman in reduced circumstances, Miss Rachel Ashford lives as a guest in Ivy Cottage. With her meager funds rapidly depleting, she is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. Her friend Jane Bell and the other village women encourage her to open a circulating library with the many books she's inherited from her father. As villagers donate additional books and Rachel begins sorting through the volumes, she discovers mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but both find more than they bargained for.

Rachel's hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and finds fulfillment in managing her girls school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what--or whom--has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all.

My Review:

Reading book 1 of this series was a bit difficult for me to wrap my head around. I'll explain why. I'm used to Mrs. Klassen's stand alone novel type of writing. So I was trying to marry the two types of writing, but it wasn't working. I enjoyed The Inkeeper of Ivy Hill, it was just different than what I was expecting.

As we start in book 2, The Ladies of Ivy Cottage, it was nice to become reacquainted with the familiar characters. I have to admit, I kept mixing up Mercy and Rachel for the first part of the novel. I don't know why, but I couldn't remember their story lines and who they were connected to. HA! Halfway through, I finally had it figured out in my brain.

What I realized that I really enjoyed about this series is, the reader is basically a fly on the wall in the lives of quite a few people, but this setting mostly focuses on Mercy and Rachel. It actually took me longer to read this book than most. I think that's because there is so much going on with not only the main characters, but the supporting ones as well. There are a lot of details to take in, and you don't want to rush through anything.

I loved the process of Rachel's story with her library and the mysteries that are uncovered as she starts her new life. Of course, the idea of starting a library sounds wonderful, but as the reader knows, books aren't Rachel's strong suit. Mercy's storyline makes me excited for her opportunities until her parents decide to make decisions for her. Grrr And then there's Jane who is going through her own struggles while she runs the Inn.

I'm already looking forward to the next installation of this series. I have to say I enjoyed book 2 more than book 1, but that might be because I already knew the characters from book 1. I also felt like it was more to the writing I'm used to with the author. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

About the Author:

JULIE KLASSEN loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. Three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for genre fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's BEST Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America's RITA Awards and ACFW's Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

$100 Cash Giveaway Event

Can you believe it, it is already February! What better way to celebrate February then entering to win $100.00! You have the option of choosing between $100 PayPal Cash OR an Amazon Gift Card. This event was organized by This Mamas Life, The More The Merrier, Woven By Words and Anderson's Angels, and sponsored by amazing bloggers.

Who wouldn't love to win some cash this month?! What better way for us to show the love to our followers than to give away some cash along with a group of bloggers! This is a month long event, so you have plenty of time to enter to win! Good luck. We're excited for this giveaway!!


Disclaimer: ONE entrant will be selected by the Giveaway Tools to win $100 PayPal cash or Amazon Gift Card. This giveaway is open for entry worldwide. You must be 18 or older to enter. Giveaway will run from 02/01/18 at 12:01 a.m. EST thru 02/28/18 at 11:59 p.m. EST. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The winner will be chosen March 2, 2018. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to notification email to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected. We Three Moms is responsible for sending the winner their prize via PayPal or e-gift card. The winner has the option of choosing between PayPal and an e-gift card of choice.

 
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Woven by Words by Mimi B is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.