Roots Of Wood And Stone By Amanda Wen & Giveaway

Roots of Wood and Stone

by Amanda Wen

Publisher: Kregel

ISBN: 9780825446689

SO grateful to I Read With Audra for the opportunity to read this story from debut author Amanda Wen. She really knocks it out of the park with her first story! I was sent the book for review.

Summary:

This historic home holds the keys to their destiny . . . and their hearts

Abandoned at birth, her family roots a mystery, historical museum curator Sloane Kelley has dedicated her life to making sure others know theirs. When a donor drops off a dusty old satchel, she doesn't expect much from the common artifact . . .until she finds real treasure inside: a nineteenth-century diary. Now she's on the hunt to find out more.

Garrett Anderson just wanted to clean out his grandmother's historic but tumbledown farmhouse before selling it to fund her medical care. With her advancing Alzheimer's, he can't afford to be sentimental about the family home. But his carefully ordered plan runs up against two formidable obstacles: Sloane, who's fallen in love with both the diaries and the house, and his own heart, which is irresistibly drawn to Sloane.

A century and a half earlier, motherless Annabelle Collins embarks with her aunt and uncle on the adventure of a lifetime: settling the prairies of Sedgwick County, Kansas. The diaries she left behind paint a portrait of life, loss, and love--and a God who faithfully carries her through it all. Paging through the diaries together takes Sloane and Garrett on a journey they never could have planned, which will change them in ways they never imagined.

This warm, beautifully written split-time novel will resonate with readers looking for stories that reveal the beauty of God's plan for our lives, and how our actions ripple for generations.

My Review:

You know how you feel when you start a book by a new author, right? A bit of trepidation? I'm not alone with that am I? When I agreed to read Roots of Wood and Stone I had the thought of, "what do I do if I don't care for her writing and she's just starting?" Insert a * cringe * face here. Well, well, well, my friends, let me tell you right now, that I had no need to worry. I'm going to start off my review by letting you know that this was a 5 star read for me!

I already reached out to Amanda telling her I knew I wasn't going to be able to put how I feel about this story into adequate words. So, she already knows. HA! With that out of the way, I'm going to give it a go!

This is a time-slip novel. We go from the mid 1800s to current day. I'll tell you what, I've fallen in love with this genre! We meet Sloane - a woman who was abandoned at birth on a bus - who has a fascinating job, which leads her to meeting Garrett. Garrett, the guy who's only in town on weekends as he helps his sister go through their grandma's belonging.

Sloane seems to have a rather neat and tidy life. She researches and organizes historical items and has a side gig that is rather surprising given her somber life. Garrett has a well planned life. Aside from his grandma's Alzheimer's, his mom's death, and his dad creating a new life with a new family nowhere near them, it's well planned. And then he drops off a diary with Sloane and the ball rolls from there.

Let me just say that I love Lauren, Garrett's sister in this story. She's a snarky, little cuss and I think we'd get along splendidly. I think she gets it from her grandma. Lauren has been living with grandma since her health started going downhill.

And let's talk about the past.

Annabelle. Oh my word, I loved her part of this story so much. Well, her and Jack that is. I'm going to note here so that I'll always remember where to go back to... if you want a romantic scene that will cause you to fan yourself and consider swooning WITHOUT a single touch you'll find it about 1/3 of the way through the story. Someone get me a fan!

I love looking back to my own ancestors and seeing how people were connected through this story as well as the legacy to the land and the house just made the story incredibly deep and heartwarming. To read the legacy of Annabelle's family was incredible. I'll have to admit, I welled up with tears, laughed, and got shivers as I read this part of the story.

It was wonderful watching Sloane grow and work through her pain of abandonment from her birth mother and always feeling like Plan B to everyone who comes into her life. And then watching Garrett struggle with his plans coming unraveled while he tries to line them all back up was rough. I think I can see a bit of myself in him. I'm not a planner, but I like to have my ducks in a row.

I'm telling you, I'm not giving this story its due. There's a lot I CAN'T tell you because it would ruin the story. We can't have that. Let me just say that you won't be disappointed if you read this story!

About the Author:

Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. She has placed first in multiple writing contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions contests. She was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest finalist.
 
Wen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She also frequently interviews authors for her blog and is a contributor to the God Is Love blog. Her debut novel, Roots of Wood and Stone, releases from Kregel Publications on February 2, 2021.
 
In addition to her writing, Wen is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team. She serves as a choral accompanist as well. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Wen lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.
 
To find Amanda Wen’s blog and short stories, visit www.amandawen.com. Readers can also follower her on Facebook (@AuthorAmandaWen), Twitter (@AuthorAmandaWen), and Instagram (@authoramandawen).

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Can't Buy Me Love By Susan May Warren & Andrea Christenson

Can't Buy Me Love

by Susan May Warren & Andrea Christenson

Series: Deep Haven Collection

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

ISBN: B08M5HZRNV

I was SO thrilled to join the launch team for book 2 of the Deep Haven Collection series! I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to the second one. Thankful that they sent me the ebook for my review.

Summary:

She’s not looking for love…

Housekeeper-slash-entrepreneur Ella Bradley prides herself on being ready for anything. After all, with a father who died—and lied to her—and a stepmom and stepsister who despise her, she has no one else to depend on. But on the biggest night of her life, she’s unprepared to be trapped in an elevator with the man of her dreams.

He doesn’t mean to lie…

Wealthy prince-to-a-fortune Adrian Vassos wants nothing more than to shed his reputation as a party boy and prove that he is a savvy businessman. Even, a gentleman. But when he’s trapped with a woman who knows his reputation but not his face, he gives into the temptation to be someone else—and lies.

A disastrous beginning leads to a fresh start…

When serendipity brings them together again—this time to work off community service—can their combined sentences spark a new ending? Maybe…if Adrian’s lies don’t find him out. Again.

My Review:

I'm ready to pack my bags and move to Deep Haven, MN! I'm not convinced it doesn't exist even though the authors are clear that it's a fictional town. Listen, this Minnesota gal gets all of the "Minnesota nice" vides in this story!

I haven't ever read any retellings, and while Can't Buy Me Love has a light touch of Cinderella, it's ALL Deep Haven!

Ella has made her way to Deep Haven to make a new start. Unfortunately, that start has hit some snags and it's hard to not feel sorry for her. It was so fun to notice the underlying retelling, but not have it stick out as we got to know her. It's cute that her father was the "King of Clean" and she's starting her own environmentally friendly cleaning line.

Her meet-cute with Adrian was pretty funny, but it all blows up in his face. Top off that meeting with her "wicked" stepsister entering the scene and the meet-cute ends up being disastrous. Honestly, it was easy to have a quick soft spot for Adrian. Yes, he's got a not-so-glowing past, but he's resolved to change that. Of course, that plan is to take place in none other than Deep Haven!

Just when you think Deep Haven is the place to escape to and start all over, people are being handcuffed, put in jail cells, being "defended" by someone who doesn't seep to give a hoot, and a judge who seems to not give one whit about finding out the truth. Hence, the shared community service both end up committed to.

As we all know, Deep Haven is full of friendly, God fearing folk who come along just in time to lend a hand. I'm here to tell you again, like I did in Still the One's review, Minnesota nice is truly a thing and tends to shine brightly in small towns. I love when Deep Haven characters from other books show up in these stories. There's a cohesiveness that can't be beat!

And just like any good Minnesotan, Adrian has meddlesome ladies in his life in the form of his mom and cousin, Athena. hahaha They're both interested in his love life and he's not so interested in their input. Athena is not subtle in any way and definitely does not take a hint.

Adrian and Ella are on opposite sides of the fence when it comes to the waterpark he wants to build in Deep Haven. You can understand why he wants to prove to his father that he's a good businessman, but at what cost? Ella and he are out to show the world that they can be successful in their own right and it will take a wing and a prayer for them to figure out what God really has for them!

While you get the sense of Deep Haven running through this story, you can see how Andrea's writing is different than Rachel's, but you still feel Susan's tether that keeps them tied together. With the sampler of book 3 at the end, I'm already looking forward to book three!

About the Authors:

With over 1 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over seventy-five novels with Revell, Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas. 

Andrea Christenson lives in the Minneapolis suburbs with her husband and two daughters. When she is not busy homeschooling her girls, she loves to read anything she can get her hands on, bake bread, eat cheese, and watch Netflix--though not usually all at the same time. Andrea's prayer is to write stories revealing God's love.

The Beauty Of An Uncluttered Soul By Carla Gasser

The Beauty of an Uncluttered Soul

by Carla Gasser

Illustrated by Vivian Kammel

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 9780764235184

I don't know about you, but just the title of this book spoke to me. The idea of having an uncluttered soul is incredibly appealing. So, of course I asked to review the book so they sent me a gorgeous hardcover copy!

Summary:

Allow God's Spirit to Transform You from the Inside Out

When the world seems chaotic, extreme, and out of control, we sometimes find ourselves wishing for order and simplicity in our personal lives, hoping to gain a sense of peace and purpose. Scroll through social media, read bestselling self-help books, or watch any DIY television show, and you will discover there are plenty of ways to transform your home, your body, and your life.

But how do we care for our souls?
The Bible teaches us how to apply the principles of self-care and minimalism to the clutter within. Using the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) as a guide, this nine-week devotional will help you cleanse yourself from the inside out by allowing God's Spirit to come and produce the soul qualities you're longing for.

Purge your past. 
Shake out worry. 
Open your heart. 
Cleanse your mind.
Declutter your attitudes.

We all want more love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control. Let this book be your guide to soul transformation.

My Review:

I've never wanted to get a piece of furniture because of a book, but The Beauty of an Uncluttered Soul made a coffee table more appealing to me for a change. While this is really a devotional, not a coffee table book, it's beautiful enough to take center stage.

First, I like how the book is set up. The author starts off by teaching the reader to use the acronym SOUL: search, observe, use, and learn. In the beginning she teaches us, "Whether you desire a healthier body that functions optimally, a clean home that invites peace and purpose, or a clutter-free soul that thrives, picturing the end result helps give focus and motivation." I need to work on picturing end goals! From there, she helps us understand each piece of the acronym. We're also given a list of tools that will help the book come in handy. I even went through the art supply section at a craft store looking at supplies I could possibly use as I worked through the devotional!

Second, the illustrations throughout the book create a sense of beauty and peace as you turn each page. There's something about the watercolors that invites a smile to my face with each page that I turn. Oh to have a gift like the illustrator.

Each section (chapter) of the book encourages us to look at Scripture for understanding and growing in the topic being discussed. And if you're anything like me, you're hesitant to write in these books. To me, it mars the pristine-ness of the book when it's so gorgeous as is. I know that's not the purpose of the book, but if you're not going to use the spaces they give you, grab a journal so you can write down your answers. I know writing things down like that strengthens what I've learned and helps me remember it better.

I love that this book is all about the fruit of the Spirit. I appreciate that the author challenges what we know or understand about each of the attributes. Let's take "patience" for example. I was like the author when I thought of how I'd describe a person who I deemed "patient". That whole section challenged me because unlike God I look at the circumstances, not the person and respond accordingly, which would be the incorrect way to respond. 

There is a lot of opportunity for soul growth through this devotional, but an even greater opportunity to draw nearer to the Lord. This book would be perfect as a gift or treat yourself to this beautiful book. Take daily time to immerse yourself in the study and grow through it!

About the Author:

Carla Gasser is a speaker, teacher, blogger, and writer. Carla is passionate about communicating truth and grace, connecting passion and purpose, and championing others to share their stories. She is the proud mother of four young adults and lives in Hudson, Ohio, with her husband, Michael. You can learn more about her and join her on the journey by visiting www.carlagasser.com.

Vivian Kammel is an artist and graphic designer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When not designing or creating, she spends her time exploring the city with her husband, Caleb. View more of her work and story at www.viviankammel.com or on Instagram @viviankammel.

Trial and Error by Robert Whitlow & Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Trial and Error by Robert Whitlow, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: TRIAL AND ERROR
Author: Robert Whitlow
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: February 2, 2021
Genre: Christian Suspense/Legal Thriller

A small-town lawyer has been searching for his daughter for eighteen years. Now another young woman is missing, and he’s determined to find them both—no matter the cost.

Buddy Smith built his law practice around tracking down missing children. After all, he knows the agony of being separated from a child. Not long after his daughter’s birth, her mother ran away and Buddy never saw either one again. 

Gracie Blaylock has known Buddy her entire life, and now that she is clerk of court for the county, their paths cross frequently. When Gracie hears that a teenager in town, Reagan, has gone missing, she knows Buddy is the one for the case. 

Reagan’s parents are desperate for answers. Together with Gracie and Mayleah—the new detective in town—Buddy chases all leads, hoping to reach Reagan before it’s too late. And as he pursues one teen girl, he uncovers clues that could bring him closer to the girl he thought he lost forever: his own daughter. 

Master legal writer Robert Whitlow will keep you guessing in this gripping legal drama while reminding you of the power of God’s restoration.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

ALSO AVAILABLE

My Review:

So, this was an interesting read for me. I haven't read any of this author's work before. As I was reading, I kept wondering to myself what this book reminded me of. More than halfway though the story I realized it reminds me of a mini-series.

Let me explain. There is SO much going on in this story. It's not cut and dry. Yes, we know who the main characters are, but Trial and Error is bigger than those two main people. There's a mom whose husband kidnaps their son, a girl who has gone missing, a new detective, a man who has been searching 17 years for his baby, a temporary judge who's come to town, and more. I'm telling you, there's a lot going on in this story.

I'll admit, I almost threw the towel in before I was halfway done with the story. * cringe * There were just so many things I didn't understand being added to it. Just every day occurrences or discussions. At least that's how it seemed to me. I was like, "let's get on with the story!" When the momentum started picking up and I got more invested in the story, and as I got towards the end, I think I began to understand why the author added all of that stuff at the front of the book. Now, let's not go crazy because I'm not a deep thinker and I'm not great at analyzing an author's intentions. My 2 cents (for what it's worth) is that he was getting us invested in the people. As the reader we became a part of their lives - part of the mundane. I felt like I understood the town, the people as I headed for the end.

And it was kind of funny, I was rooting for a lot to happen, but in the end, I wasn't so much a huge cheerleader as I was satisfied that mysteries had been solved. That people had peace in their hearts. I wasn't so focused on "ooo will this person end up with that person?" I kind of liked that!

While faith played a role at the beginning of the story, towards the middle and definitely through the end, it comes on like a gentle bulldozer. Yes, I realize that's an oxymoron, but it's true. Gracie runs people over with the truth, but in a gentle, loving way. The aspect I appreciated most on this front is that they prayers Gracie prayed were described, not written out. I LOVED that because I think sometimes a prayer written out doesn't explain to someone who doesn't pray, WHY the person was praying the way they were.

Speaking of Gracie, I really enjoyed her character. She's reserved, but where she feels comfortable, say the softball field or in her office, she's confident and thoughtful. Then there's Buddy. He seems like the town son. Everyone knows him and his family. He's got a law firm that helps families find children because of the loss in his own life. Through him (and his mom, Beatrice) we get a taste of the southern lifestyle. I can see where the author's personal experience comes through in the story.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Whitlow is the bestselling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. He received his JD with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review.

CONNECT WITH ROBERT: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(3) winners will receive a print copy of Trial and Error!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 8, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 15, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Waltz In The Wilderness By Kathleen Denly

Waltz in the Wilderness

by Kathleen Denly

Publisher: Wild Heart Books

ISBN: 978-1942265153

Huge thank you to Kathleen for reaching out to me and asking me to review her book! Thankful to this introduction to her writing. She sent me her book for this review.

Summary:

She's desperate to find her missing father. His conscience demands he risk all to help. 

Eliza Brooks is haunted by her role in her mother's death, so she'll do anything to find her missing pa—even if it means sneaking aboard a southbound ship. When those meant to protect her abandon and betray her instead, a family friend's unexpected assistance is a blessing she can't refuse.

Daniel Clarke came to California to make his fortune, and a stable job as a San Francisco carpenter has earned him more than most have scraped from the local goldfields. But it's been four years since he left Massachusetts and his fiancée is impatient for his return. Bound for home at last, Daniel Clarke finds his heart and plans challenged by a tenacious young woman with haunted eyes. Though every word he utters seems to offend her, he is determined to see her safely returned to her father. Even if that means risking his fragile engagement.
​
When disaster befalls them in the remote wilderness of the Southern California mountains, true feelings are revealed, and both must face heart-rending decisions. But how to decide when every choice before them leads to someone getting hurt?

My Review:

If you are a fan of the time period of the gold rush, (unexpected) adventure, and strong characters, you'll enjoy Waltz in the Wilderness!

It was so funny when I started the book because at first I thought I was mixed up and the story was about a boy, not a girl. It didn't take long to understand my mixup. What's a dad to do when he's in the wilderness with a teen girl? Make her look like a boy! It gives us good insight into the main character of Eli(za).

Eliza is left with her Uncle Henry and Aunt who is a wretched piece of work. I tell you what, I could not for the life of me figure out WHY he married her or what he ever saw in her. Jeepers. I guess that's a consideration for another day. Anyhow, I could see why Eliza would want to leave them after a few years. That and the fact that her Pa stopped writing her! This is a gal who is extremely independent and was her pa's caretaker for so many years.

Enter Daniel. He works for Uncle Henry, but is heading back to Boston to marry his fiancé. Dear Alice, who he hasn't heard from in months. Of course he meets Eliza just before he's headed out and she decides to go find her Pa. They end up on the same ship and Daniel unwittingly becomes her chaperone. Enter a shipwreck that probably saves Eliza from danger and things are literally uphill from there.

Isn't it funny how we become so involved in these characters lives and their stories? There's a scene towards the end where Daniel and Eliza are almost forced to marry each other and I was all, hold up wait a minute... what about the scene prior to this when we heard about someone else's story that seemed vaguely familiar, huh? lol Thankfully that little misunderstanding makes a bit more sense at the end, but I was seriously annoyed with one of the characters at the time. Ha!

I enjoyed the wilderness of the wee, little towns we now know as sprawling cities. It's easy to forget what it used to be like, but the author sets it up to give us readers a visual of what it must've been like there in that time.

Oh, and I almost forgot, I enjoyed how the author went back and forth between the west coast and the east coast where Alice was. Instead of her just ending up in California we see what the catalyst was for her and her brother to be sailing away. Let's just say that even in 2021 it would've been shocking. Back in mid-1800s I'd have liked to knock some heads. Thank you, Richard for doing that for me. * wink *

An overall enjoyable book for a time period that I love!

About the Author:

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
Kathleen tied for Second Place in the 2017 Badge of Honor Contest and won first place in the historical romance category of the ACFW First Impressions Contest in 2017. She is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the San Diego Christian Writers’ Guild.