About the Book
Young women serving as missionaries today are carrying on a noble legacy of faith and dedication that extends back to the early days of the Church. But who were the brave women who paved the way for modern-day sister missionaries? In Sweet Is the Work, author Breanna Olaveson delves into a previously unexplored history that demonstrates the unique ability of women to carry out the errand of angels. Discover the powerful experiences of twelve of the earliest sister missionaries, from the first single proselytizing women in 1898 to some of the wellknown sisters in Church history who were themselves pioneering missionaries. The women highlighted in this volume demonstrate the valiant and noble history of sister missionaries in an account that is sure to inspire readers to boldly go forth to share the truths of the gospel.
About the AuthorReview
Sweet is the Work is an enjoyable inspirational read. It shares different stories of the first female missionaries in the LDS church. This book shows the powerful experiences that these historical women had and the lives that they changed and made a difference in. It inspires women today to go on a mission and boldly share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. This is an easy and quick book that readers will appreciate.
Genre: nonfiction, inspirational Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: March 2017 Number of pages: 98 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 3 stars 
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
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 Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line! Today I am going to post a line from Restoring Love by Jennifer Slattery Last year at the first Christian Fiction Readers Retreat (CFRR) in Nashville Tennessee, I had the amazing experience of meeting Jennifer. Can I just say WOW! She is super sweet and fun! And her books are great. So don't miss out on reading them!! Add them to your GOODREADS TBR pile.   Restoring Love, a contemporary novel, offers readers a beautiful picture of God's restoring love. Mitch, a restoration-contractor, and Angela, a wacky neighborhood transplant, find they are both compassionately drawn to helping an abandoned young neighborhood mom. But will their regrets hold them back or unite them and bring redemption? My first line: "I don't know why you stay with that loser anyway." What are you reading? What is your first line?
Open the book nearest you and post the first line in the comments below... Now head on over and join these lovely ladies in First Line Fridays on their blogs too: Reading is My SuperPower | Bookworm Mama | Faithfully Bookish Radiant Light | Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | All the Book Blog Names are Taken Robin's Nest | Fiction Aficionado | Bibliophile Reviews Kathleen Denly | Lauraine's Notes | With a Joyful Noise | A Baker's Perspective (If you’d like to join us on your blog for First Line Fridays, shoot me a message and let me know!) About the Book
Single mom, Eisley Barrett, prefers to keep romance safely housed within a centuries-old mystery, but when she travels to England to unearth the secret, an actor with a sordid past offers her reluctant heart a very different type of discovery.
Wes Harrison has a past he’s ashamed to confess. Suspicious and cynical, he’s managed to avoid romantic entanglements since a tragedy upended his career and life, that is until American Eisley Barrett comes along. Her authenticity and kindness upend his bitter assumptions and send his heart into unscripted territory. When his past threatens to ruin a second chance at love, can some Appalachian matchmaking and letters from the grave salvage their unexpected romance? About the Author
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus. Her debut historical novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015 and has garnered awards such as Reader’s Favorites Award, finalist in the Grace Awards, shortlisted for the Inspy Awards, and most recently a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards. Her second historical novel, The Thorn Keeper, released in Feb 2016 and her first contemporary romance, A Twist of Faith, released in April 2016 with a 4 star review from Romantic Times. The third book in the Penned in Time series, The Thorn Healer, released in December 2017 with a 4 1/2 star review from RT and Top Pick rating.
Pepper’s first novella arrived in March as part of a Love at First Laugh novella compilation and her novel, Just the Way You Are, releases on April 6th – a funfilled Britallachian romance! Both books are up for preorder on Amazon. Author Interview
Check out the interview with Pepper HERE.
Review
Just the Way You Are, book one in the Pleasant Gap Romance series is a delightful and swoon worthy romance story that readers will thoroughly enjoy. This is a charming and funny story about an unlikely pair, a single mom, Eisley, from the Appalachian Mountains and British movie star, Wes Harrison. It is about how a friendship and a second chance at love takes place. It discusses having trust issues in romantic relationships, as well as how people make mistakes. This story is beautifully written and has lots of memorable lines, such as “Gracious sakes! I squished a grandpa.” Readers will immediately fall in love with the characters and the story, not wanting to put the book down until the last page is turned.
Genre: contemporary, romance, inspirational, Christian Publisher: Indie Publication date: April 6, 2017 Number of pages: 315 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars 
A review copy of this book was provided by the author via the author’s street team. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Giveaway
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About the Book Thirteen years ago, Natalie lost a part of herself when her twin sister died. Will traveling back to the family winery finally put the memory to rest, or will it completely destroy her? When Natalie Mitchell learns her beloved grandfather has had a heart attack, she’s forced to return to their family-owned winery in Sonoma, something she never intended to do. She’s avoided her grandparents’ sprawling home and all its memories since the summer her sister died—the awful summer Natalie’s nightmares began. But the winery is failing, and Natalie’s father wants her to shut it down. As the majority shareholder, she has the power to do so. And Natalie never says no to her father. Tanner Collins, the vintner on Maoilios, is trying to salvage a bad season and put the Mitchell family’s winery back in business. When Natalie Mitchell shows up, Tanner sees his future about to be crushed. Natalie intends to close the gates, unless he can convince her otherwise. But the Natalie he remembers from childhood is long gone, and he’s not so sure he likes the woman she’s become. Still, the haunted look she wears hints at secrets he wants to unearth. He soon discovers that on the night her sister died, the real Natalie died too. And Tanner must do whatever it takes to resurrect her. But finding freedom from the past means facing it. About the Author Catherine West is an award-winning author writing stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine holds a degree in English from the University of Toronto. When she's not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two grown children. Catherine is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, and is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary Management. Having previously published three popular romance and women's fiction titles, Catherine will publish her first novel through Harper Collins Christian Publishing this summer. The Things We Knew, a family drama set on Nantucket, released July 12th, 2016.  ReviewCatherine West has written a beautiful, inspiring, and soul searching story that will touch the heart of readers. From page one West draws readers into the story with the various family dynamics her characters deal with, including conflict, guilt and regret from past mistakes, and heart-churning love. Throughout the story, West takes readers through a turbulent ride of emotions, causing readers to both laugh and cry. This story causes deep thoughts and emotions as readers reflect on their own life and personal successes and challenges. Readers will not be able to put this well-written and sensitive and attaching story down. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy inspirational contemporary romance. Genre: contemporary, romance, Christian Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publication date: March 28, 2017 Number of pages: 320 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars  A review copy of the book was provided by the publisher via the author's street team. A review was not required and all views and opinons expressed are my own.
 About the Book Struggling through college and balancing her summer job with the Wylie Camping Company, Carrie simply doesn’t have time to consider romance. War Veteran Sergeant Ned Ramsey isn’t looking for love either, busy with his own complicated affairs. But as the magic of Yellowstone starts making its way into their hearts, both begin to see love move up their priority list. About the Author Carla Kelly is a veteran of the New York and international publishing world. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas for Donald I. Fine Co., Signet, and Harlequin, Carla is the recipient of two Rita Awards (think Oscars for romance writing) from Romance Writers of America and two Spur Awards (think Oscars for western fiction) from Western Writers of America. She is also a recipient of a Whitney Award for “Borrowed Light,” “My Loving Vigil Keeping,” and “Softly Falling.” ReviewReview coming soon... A print review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Tour ScheduleMarch 14: Emmy Mom March 15: March 16: LDS and Loving It March 17: Kindle and Me || My Book a Day March 18: Blooming With Books March 19: March 20: Wishful Endings March 21: Books and Benches March 22: Robyn Echols March 23: Heidi Reads March 24: Mel’s Shelves March 25: Deal Sharing Aunt March 26: Jorie Loves a Story March 27: Bookworm Lisa || Julie Coulter Bellon March 28: Getting Your Read On March 29: Singing Librarian Books || Rockin’ Book Reviews March 30: Katie’s Clean Book Collection || Sweetly Made March 31: Bookworm2Bookworm || Book Love  About the Book The Boden clan thought their troubles were over with the death of a dangerous enemy. But with new evidence on Cole's shooting, Justin can't deny that the plot to take their ranch was bigger than one man. While the doctor and his distractingly pretty assistant help Cole, Justin has to uncover the trail of a decades-old secret as danger closes in. The Books in the SeriesAbout the Author Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 48 books and novellas. Her most recent three book series are: Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers. Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper. ReviewThe second book in The Cimarron Legacy series, Long Time Gone, continues the story of the Boden family and is about one of the Boden brothers, Justin. It is yet another exciting adventure with a bit of danger and suspense, causing readers to be on the edge of their seats waiting to see what happens next. Connealy once again brings to life another engaging, entertaining, and funny story in her well-written and pleasant novel. I would highly recommend this charming western romance. Series: The Cimarron Legacy Genre: historical, western, romance, Christian Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: February 28, 2017 Number of pages: 304 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars Other books in the series: 0.5-The Boden Birthright 1-No Way Up 3-Too Far Down  A print review copy of this novel was provided by the publisher via the author’s team, as well as a copy purchased from Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own
About the Book When Cimarron ranch patriarch Chance Boden is caught in an avalanche, the quick actions of hired hand Heath Kincaid save him. Badly injured, Chance demands that his will be read and its conditions be enforced immediately. Without anyone else to serve as a witness, Heath is pressed into reading the will. If Justin, Sadie, and Cole Boden don't live and work at home for the entire year, the ranch will go to their low-down cousin Mike. Then Heath discovers the avalanche was a murder attempt, and more danger might follow. Deeply involved with the family, Heath's desire to protect Sadie goes far beyond friendship. The danger keeps them close together, and their feelings grow until being apart is the last thing on their minds. The Books in the SeriesAbout the Author Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 48 books and novellas. Her most recent three book series are: Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers. Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper. ReviewFrom page one, No Way Up, the first book in The Cimarron Legacy series, is a reader’s absolute delight. This western romance novel is enjoyable, entertaining, and humorous. Connealy has a lovely way of bringing her wonderful characters and their stories to life. This story is filled with adventure, danger, and a bit of suspense, that will leave readers on their toes wondering what will happen next. Each of the books in this series is about a different Boden sibling, this one is from the point of view of Sadie. This novel is an excellent beginning to an exciting new series from Connealy. I would highly recommend this charming western romance. Series: The Cimarron Legacy Genre: historical, western, romance, Christian Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: July 5, 2016 Number of pages: 304 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars  A print copy of this novel, as well as an Audible copy was purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
About the Book After the death of his wife, prosperous businessman Chance Boden heads west along the Santa Fe Trail with his son to escape the powerful, controlling hands of his in-laws. He has plans to establish his own ranch, but instead he finds work with Frank Chastain, owner of a vast amount of land. Chance doesn't want to work for anyone, but Frank's beautiful daughter gives him reason to delay buying his own holdings. With winter coming, no home in which to live, and Veronica's offer to care for young Cole while Chance learns the ways of successful ranching in the desert, Chance has little choice but to accept the Chastains' offer to stay on. When Frank is attacked, his dying wish is that Chance marry his daughter, but after dealing with his in-laws, Chance isn't going to let anyone come between him and his son. Then Frank's precarious hold on the land he received as part of an old Spanish Land Grant forces Frank to make a desperate choice to save Veronica's inheritance--and also gives the men who attacked Frank reason to come after him. The Books in the SeriesAbout the Author Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 48 books and novellas. Her most recent three book series are: Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers. Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper. ReviewThe Boden Birthright is a prequel novella to The Cimarron Legacy series. It explains the details of how the Boden sibling’s parents came to be together and became the owner of The Cimarron Ranch. It is a fun and engaging novella that readers will be sure to enjoy. I would highly recommend reading this novella before delving into the series, although it is not necessary to do so. Series: The Cimarron Legacy Genre: historical, western, romance, Christian Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: May 3, 2016 Number of pages: 72 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars  An e-copy of this novella purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own
Traci and Marc may be the perfect match, but they don’t know it yet. With God’s guidance and the help of Gina’s matchmaking skills honed by her career as a bestselling romance novelist, there is hope for a happily ever after for these two broken hearts.
About the Author
Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.
Check out the interviewHERE.
Chapter 1
Knee-deep in debt from wedding expenses, Traci Hightower sighed as she filed through the credit card statements. She should be married now, back from her honeymoon in Bali, and settled into her new home with her husband.
Happy. Not single and broke. She slapped an envelope against the desk. Five months of struggling to survive and pay off the debt. Her meager, entry-level journalist salary didn’t stretch far enough. She’d been paying her dues for seven years. She rubbed her temples. The numbers on the credit card statement blurred in front of her eyes. The doorbell rang. A little thrill rushed through her. She stood from her cross-legged position on the floor and hopped over the mess of papers and laundry that decorated her living room. “Who is it?” “The woman who gave you birth.” For the first time today, Traci smiled. She opened the door and reached for a hug from the one person who never left her hanging. “Hi, Mom.” Her mom returned her daughter’s embrace, then dragged her suitcase inside. She glanced around. “Oh, my.” Traci locked her door, then turned and shrugged. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve been looking forward to this. Can’t you stay for more than two days though?” Mom stopped picking up the bills from the floor and faced her daughter. “No, honey. I’m sorry, but I need to return home by Wednesday morning. Dad and I have an important meeting later that day.” Traci’s heart dipped. Mom paused and placed the bills and the stack of paper she’d picked off the floor on Traci’s kitchen counter. “Oh, sweetie.” She cocooned her daughter in another embrace. Traci snuggled close. She inhaled the familiar scent of her mother’s favorite perfume. It smelt like coconut and lime. “You always were a cuddler.” Mom stroked her hair. “Still up to your eyeballs in debt?” Traci nodded. “Why don’t you let me and your father help?” Traci took a step back and made eye contact with her mom. “We’ve been through this. I got myself into this mess. I’ll get myself out.” Mom smiled. “Your father and I were talking. We hate to see you struggling.” “You don’t exactly live in a palace either. I know you want to retire soon, and I won’t have you dipping into that money.” Mom reached into her purse. “Living in the nation’s capital area is expensive.” She rummaged through her handbag’s contents. “Have you considered moving home?” “I can’t do that. I don’t ever want to live anywhere else. My life and career are here.” “How’s that going for you?” Traci picked at her fingernails. “It could be better.” Better boss, better pay, better office space. The works. Mom nodded as she retrieved one sealed envelope from her purse. She looked toward Traci’s kitchen. “Can we make some tea? I’d like to talk with you.” “Sure. Come with me.” Traci reached for the box of peppermint tea bags and got a bottle of honey from her refrigerator. As she put the kettle on to boil, her mom settled into a wobbly kitchen chair. She smoothed the creased edges of the envelope. Traci poured the hot water over the tea bags in each mug and the scent of peppermint filled the air. “Everything okay?” “Just thinking, honey.” “About what?” “Have a seat.” “Sure, just let me allow the tea to steep.” After she placed a plate over each mug and set it aside, she settled into the chair across from her mom. “What’s up?” “I never did like Greg.” Traci traced a ring stain on the table. “Do we have to talk about my ex-fiancé?” “Yes, because your grandfather always trusted my judgment.” “So, Grandpa didn’t like Greg either?” “I inherited my instincts of discernment from him. Speaking of discernment, here.” She pushed the envelope within Traci’s reach. She frowned as she picked it up and tried to flatten its wrinkles. “What’s this?” “Open it. Read it, and I’ll bring our tea to the table.” Traci turned over the letter-sized, manila-hued paper that was addressed to her. She drew out the paper. Dear Traci, If you’re reading this, it means I’ve passed away, and your mother kept her promise to give this to you at the right time. As you know, I like to cut to the chase first and explain later. So here it is, plain and simple: I left an inheritance for you. It’s enough for you to make a solid and secure living, for it will cover more than what you need for the rest of your life. Traci dropped the letter, her hands shaking. This could be the answer to her financial struggles and give her what she always dreamed of. Her own bookstore. The thought stole her breath for a moment. She envisioned the words on the sign out front. Hallee’s House. Just like she promised her cousin Hallee before she passed away from cancer. Tears welled in Traci’s eyes. Forcing herself to take a deep breath and will the emotional waterworks away, she picked the paper off the floor and continued reading. But you cannot receive the money until after you are married, and before you are, your mother must approve of the man you want to wed. Why? Because your mother inherited my sense of judgment and discernment between right and wrong when it comes to people. She can spot someone who’s going to break your heart from a mile away. I trust that you will listen to your mother now that I’m gone and can no longer advise you. So there you have it, dear. You have an inheritance. Sounds like a movie, right? Only it’s not. It’s better, because it’s now part of the story of your life. After you’re married, you and your husband need to visit my lawyer, Chadwick Morrison. Provide him with the original copy of your marriage certificate, and he will give you your inheritance. Your grandmother and I loved you. We wanted nothing more than for you to find the type of love that we had during our lifetime. Now, I trust that you will allow yourself to be guided by God, your mother’s love, and your father’s protection. With love, your grandfather, Henry Allen Fort P.S. Take this seriously. Don’t marry the wrong man just to get the money. Let love happen. There’s no deadline. My will said you had to be married first. It didn’t say when. “Let love happen.” Traci snorted as she folded the letter and placed it into the envelope. “The last time I let love happen, I was left at the altar with nothing more than a pile of bills.” Mom placed her mug on the table. “It’s time for you to move on and trust God.” “I trusted God to bring me a husband. He brought me Greg. Remember? The man who left me on my wedding day and ran off with my best friend?” “Honey, I know it hurts, but that was months ago. You shouldn’t allow Greg’s actions and wayward heart to tarnish your future. Be glad he showed you his true colors before tying the knot. Honestly, look at this as a blessing. God protected you from a lifetime of heartache.” Traci focused on her I Love Maryland mug. Mom touched her hand. “Your grandfather just wanted to see you happy in a committed romantic relationship like he and your grandma had. Like your father and I have.” Traci sipped her tea. “Keep the letter.” Mrs. Hightower pushed her chair back. “Do you want me to stay here or at a hotel?” “Here, Mom, of course. You can stay in my room. I’ll sleep on the couch.” “Alright then. I’m going to put my luggage in your room. After that, we’ll clean your apartment.” Traci picked up the mugs while her mind ran a marathon. Forgive her ex-fiancé and move on? Trust God? Impossible. 
A Second Chance by Alexis A. Goring is a sweet contemporary romance story. This novel is a fun, easy, and fairly quick read that readers will appreciate. It discusses old and new romantic relationships, trust issues, and eventually falling in love with the right person. Goring’s story comes to life between the pages and readers will enjoy this pleasant read. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy contemporary romance.
Genre: contemporary, romance Publisher: Forget Me Not Romance Publication date: January 25, 2017 Number of pages: 154 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 4 stars 
A review copy of this book was provided by the author via SLB Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
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 Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line! Today I am going to post a line from Close to Home by Deborah Raney From page one, this novel resonated in my heart. For some reason stories that have characters impacted by war always touch a sensitive place in my heart. Close to Home is the fourth book in the Chicory Inn Series. I would highly recommend this novel, as well as an of the other books in this series. Deborah Rainey is fantastic and this series is deep, touch, and truely inspiring.  Bree Cordel Whitman is a Whitman by marriage, but sometimes she forgets she wasn't born into Grant and Audrey's family. Her late husband, Timothy Whitman, gave his life for his country on a windblown hill in Afghanistan. Bree has let the love of Tim's family keep her ties to him strong--in the same way she keeps Tim's memory alive for them. But it's been almost five years, and she can't hang onto the past forever. Fighting the guilt she feels for wanting to love again, she can't help her dreams about a tall, dark, and handsome man--a man who is not her Tim. How can she accept the flirtations from Drew Brooks without throwing the Whitman family back into grieving? And how can Drew compete with the ghost of a hero and the hero's very alive family who seem to hold some spell over the woman who shares their name . . . a woman he might just love? The Books in the SeriesAdd the books in the series to your GOODREADS TBR pile. My first line: "Can I bother you for a minute?" What are you reading? What is your first line?
Open the book nearest you and post the first line in the comments below... Now head on over and join these lovely ladies in First Line Fridays on their blogs too: Reading is My SuperPower | Bookworm Mama | Faithfully Bookish Radiant Light | Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | All the Book Blog Names are Taken Robin's Nest | Fiction Aficionado | Bibliophile Reviews Kathleen Denly | Lauraine's Notes | With a Joyful Noise | A Baker's Perspective (If you’d like to join us on your blog for First Line Fridays, shoot me a message and let me know!) |
