 I started blogging in April 2015. These are books that I won in giveaways from when I first started blogging that I have not yet read. They are sitting on my shelf, my kindle e-reader, or Audible waiting for me to read or listen to them. So many choices! Add these books to your Goodreads shelf by clicking on the image.
What books do you have sitting on your shelf waiting for you to read?
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About the Book
Whether in your family, your ward, or your community, you’ve observed them: those noble individuals who are strong, patient, and stalwart in the face of adversity. When times are tough, how do they manage the challenging shift from victim to victor? Chances are they have figured out the balance of control—what they have charge of and what is in the Lord’s hands.
Trying to manage the ups and downs of life can feel overwhelming, but fortunately we’re not alone on this journey. With inspiring doctrinal insights and a healthy dose of humor, author Michelle Wilson inspires readers to let go of fear and find peace, even in the midst of lost jobs, health challenges, or everyday chaos at home. In a world that seems so tempestuous, The Beautiful Balance is a sweet reminder of exactly what we can control—ourselves—and what God controls—all the rest. About the Author
Michelle Wilson writes magical realism and inspirational nonfiction. She is the author of "Does This Insecurity Make Me Look Fat?" and "The Beautiful Balance: Claiming Personal Control and Giving the Rest to God," along with other fiction and nonfiction works on the way.
She is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of the Corvisiero Literary Agency. Michelle loves faith, family, food, and smiling. She is an expert at Guitar Hero, has a bad habit of laughing at the wrong times, and hates writing about herself in third person because it's just weird. Review
Michelle Wilson’s The Beautiful Balance is about finding a balance in one’s personal life between trying to be in control, what you do not have control over, and leaning on the Lord. Life is full of ups and downs that we do and do not expect. This book inspires readers to be an influence for good and to try to let go of some of that control that we all feel we so desperately need! I would recommend this book to readers that need a bit of inspiration in their lives.
Genre: non-fiction; LDS Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: August 1, 2016 Number of pages: 152 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars Other books in the series: 5 stars 
A review copy of this book was provided byCovenant Communications.
GiveawayTour Schedule
Aug. 22nd:
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About the Book Robert came to Galveston to fulfill his promise to a dying man and look after his widow. He didn't expect to find love in the unlikeliest of places. Robert Truax, former Second Lieutenant and Confederate officer in the Civil War, made a promise to his comrade Phillip Markham. If anything happened to Phillip, Robert would look after his beloved wife, Miranda. She was his life, his world, his everything. After the war, Robert is left to pick up the pieces and fulfill his pact. When he arrives at Miranda's home in Galveston, Texas, things are worse than he imagined. Phillip's name has been dragged through the mud, everyone in town believes him to be a traitor, and his widow is treated as an outcast. Even more disturbing is her emotional well-being. Miranda seems hopeless, lost, and so very alone. Robert had thought his duty would be simple. He would help Miranda as quickly as possible in order to honor a promise. But the moment Robert laid eyes on her, his plans changed. He's mesmerized by her beauty and yearns to help her in any way he can. He makes it his duty to protect Miranda, turn her reputation around, and to find some way to help her smile again. But it doesn't prove to be an easy task---Robert knows something about Phillip that could shake Miranda to the core and alter her view of the man she thought she knew so well. About the Author Shelley Shepard Gray is aNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail. ReviewReaders will be thrilled with Shelley Shepard Gray’s book one in the Lone Star Hero Series, The Loyal Heart. A beautifully written novel that is full of historic incites, loveable characters, and a love story that includes a passion and fierce loyalty not only to love but to protect. A huge fan of historical fiction, I immediately fell in love with this delightful story and its characters. Shelley’s research of the historical background of the story also shines through, bringing this novel to life. I would recommend this story to readers that enjoy books written by Shelley Shepard Gray, as well as fans of historical romance. Series: Lone Star Hero Genre: historical, romance, Christian Publisher: Zondervan Publication date: July 12, 2016 Number of pages: 320 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars  Other books in the series: 2-An Uncommon Protector (coming February 2017) A review copy of this book was provided by LitFuse.  About the Book An ounce of courage. A split-second leap of faith. Together, they propel two young women to chase a new life—one that’s reimagined from what they might have become. In turn-of-the-century America, a young girl dreams of a world that stretches beyond the confines of a quiet life on the family farm. With little more than her wit and a cigar box of treasures to call her own, Mable steps away from all she knows, seeking the limitless marvels of the Chicago World’s Fair. There, a chance encounter triggers her destiny—a life with a famed showman by the name of John Ringling. A quarter of a century later, Lady Rosamund Easling of Yorkshire, England, boards a ship to America as a last adventure before her life is planned out for her. There, the twenties are roaring, and the rich and famous gather at opulent, Gatsby-esque parties in the grandest ballrooms the country has to offer. The Jazz Age has arrived, and with it, the golden era of the American circus, whose queen is none other than the enigmatic Mable Ringling. When Rosamund’s path crosses with Mable’s and the Ringlings’ glittering world, she makes the life-altering decision to leave behind a comfortable future of estates and propriety, instead choosing the nomadic life of a trick rider in the Ringling Brothers’ circus. A novel that is at once captivating, deeply poignant, and swirling with exquisite historical details of a bygone world, The Ringmaster’s Wife will escort readers into the center ring, with its bright lights, exotic animals, and a dazzling performance that can only be described as the greatest show on earth! About the Author Kristy Cambron fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her second novel, A Sparrow in Terezin, was named Library Journal Reviews’ “Pick of the Month (Christian Fiction)” for February 2015. Cambron is an art/design manager at TheGROVEstory.com storytelling ministry. She holds a degree in art history from Indiana University and has nearly 15 years of experience in instructional design and communications for a Fortune-100 company. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good Christian fiction read. Interview with the Author...
ReviewWow! Kristy Cambron has done it again and blown me away with her historical, romance novel, The Ringmaster’s Wife. Kristy has a beautifully written historical, romance! I love the duel timeline of Rosamund Easling and Mabel Ringling. The story of these two women beautifully and creatively are intertwined and at one point they cross. Kristy has spent time researching and paying attention to details that bring to life not only the historical setting of her story, but her wonderfully developed characters as well. This is one of those stories that readers will not want to put down. I would recommend this story to readers that enjoy Kristy’s other novels, as well as those that enjoy historical, romance. Genre: historical, romance, Christian Publisher: Harper Collins Publication date: June 7, 2016 Number of pages: 356 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars  A review copy of this book was provided by LitFuse.  About the Book Do you feel like you’re the only mom who serves store-bought birthday treats, dreads school plays, and misses the days of going to the bathroom by herself? Unnatural Mom gives you permission to say that mothering doesn’t always come naturally to you. Parenting expert and self-proclaimed unnatural mom Hettie Brittz helps you… —Recognize how unrealistic our culture’s standards of mothering are —Move beyond the myths of “supermom” —Complete a profile to determine your own parenting style —Understand and forgive the mothers who hurt you —Embrace your capabilities as well as your challenges Come find new hope in discovering that every mother has unique gifts. In Christ, the “unnatural” mom becomes the supernatural mom who is just right for her family! About the Author Hettie Brittz is an author, international speaker, and one of South Africa’s foremost voices on parenting advice. She is the developer of the Evergreen Parenting Course and Tall Trees Profiles. Hettie and her husband, Gospel singer Louis Brittz, live in South Africa with their three children. Review(un)Natural Mom is a fantastic book written for mom’s to help them recognize that they don’t have to be perfect in their parenting methods. It discusses how moms are criticized sometimes for the way they do things or just feel inadequate all on their own when comparing themselves to other moms. This book is just right for empowering and inspiring moms to be the best mom they can be in their own skin. I would recommend this book to any struggling or successful mom or mom to be. Genre: non-fiction, parenting Publisher: David C. Cook Publication date: August 1, 2016 Number of pages: 288 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars  A review copy of this book was provided by LitFuse.  First Line Fridays -- 08.19.16
8/19/2016
 It is Friday and I am joining Carrie from Reading is My SuperPower, Rachel from Bookworm Mama, and Beth from Faithfully Bookish in First Line Fridays (click the links and check out their first lines too). If you would like to join us, send Carrie a meassage and let her know! Today I am going to switch it up a little... Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first paragraph! Today I am going to post a paragraph from An Elegant Façade book two in the Hawthorne House Series by Kristi Ann Hunter. This is a book that has been on my much awaited and anticipated list and I should be starting it soon!! GOODREADS | AMAZON--KINDLE & PRINT  There was something fascinating about the rhythm of writing, at least when someone else was doing it. Dip the quill, write a line, dip the quill, write a line. The quiet scritch of quill against paper broke the silence of the night, accompanied only by Lady Georgina Hawthorne's steady breathing ruffling the yellow curls on the end of teh doll clutched against her chest. What are you reading? What is your first paragraph? Open the book nearest you and post the first paragraph... 
 It was a match made in heaven. Or so everyone thought. Sadie Mae Cummings is all set to marry her childhood sweetheart, Kyle, when she is assigned to tutor Lincoln, the new college football running back. This sophomore phenomenon has all the girls on campus knocking on his door. But Sadie isn't interested in his advances.
Lincoln’s overblown ego doesn't take well to being shunned, and he resolves to make Sadie his own. He pursues her relentlessly, until finally Kyle finds himself shut out of Sadie's life, with their shared future crumbling around him.
After two years, Sadie’s relationship with Lincoln ends, and she is left having to put the pieces of her life back together. She desires nothing more than to recapture her relationship with Kyle. He has stayed true to the dreams they had planned together, living the vision even without Sadie by his side.
When she moves back to her hometown, she labors to rekindle their love. But things have changed, and Kyle has moved on. Sadie quickly discovers how hard it is to rebuild burned bridges.
Follow Sadie’s story as she fights for a chance to restore broken dreams. Will love endure?
This inspirational romance by E. C. Jackson is book two of the Hope series and is a standalone book.
 E. C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play Pajama Party. For three and a half years, she published the Confidence in Life newsletter for Alpha Production Ministries, in addition to writing tracts and devotionals. Teaching a women’s Bible study at her church for eleven years led naturally to her current endeavor, writing inspirational romance novels. Her mission: spiritual maturity in the body of Christ through fiction.
Connect with the Author here:
Once again E.C. Jackson has written a beautiful and emotionally attaching novel. In this story Sadie was set to marry her childhood sweetheart, Kyle. But while away at college and tutoring football player Lincoln, Sadie falls into a trap. At first she evades Lincoln’s advances, but one thing leads to another and Sadie makes one of the worst mistakes of her life, and cheats on her fiancé. Twice. Sadie believes that Kyle can never forgive her and stays with Lincoln. But eventually, Sadie breaks things off with Lincoln and returns home to try to make amends with her family, whom Sadie had been pushing away, and with Kyle. Love, heart-break, sorrow, happiness, and forgiveness, are all strong themes in this engaging and delightful story. Readers will definitely not want to miss this inspirational and touching novel! I would recommend this story to readers that enjoy contemporary romance and stories that will inspire and touch their hearts.
Series: The Hope Series
Genre: contemporary, romance
Publisher: E.C. Jackson
Publication date: July 31, 2016
Number of pages: 297
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
Other books in the series:
1-A Gateway to Hope
A review copy of this book was provided by the author via Loving the Book.
Top Ten Favourite List
Favorite book: Pride and Prejudice
Favorite soda: ginger ale
Favorite ice cream: French vanilla
Favorite cake: yellow cake with chocolate icing
Favorite candy: milk chocolate
Favorite flower: tiger lily
Favorite season: summer
Favorite musical: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Favorite television channel: HGTV
Favorite characters: Hercule Poirot and Jane Marple
A Living Hope Chapter One Excerpt
Restless, twenty-one-year-old Sadie Cummings wiped down the counter space in her small kitchen nook. It was eleven o’clock. Five minutes had passed since the last time she’d checked. Sighing, she fretted about her boyfriend’s visit that morning.
“Why does he agree to come over, then not show up?â€
In no time, morning had slipped into early afternoon. The breakfast she’d hoped would receive raves from Lincoln congealed on the stovetop. So much for using her cooking skills to entice him. With several swift movements, she scraped the masterpiece into the garbage disposal, fighting to control the uneasiness she couldn’t dismiss.
She was an expert at fooling herself and others, but today her mind refused to be pacified. One could only pretend for so long before the bottom dropped out completely. Truth had a bad habit of intruding into fairy tales. Especially when the make-believe stories were about real-life events.
The ringing cell phone grabbed Sadie’s attention. That her mother was on the other end was a forgone conclusion. Except for an occasional chat with her younger sister and older brother, the cell phone never rang. These days only her mother contacted Sadie on a regular basis. She peeked at the caller ID.
A moment before the call transferred to voicemail, Sadie snatched up the cell phone, held it against her chest, then gave a cheery greeting. Minutes later, she sauntered through the studio apartment thinking up reasonable excuses to end the call early. Jeanette Cummings expected a good deal more than her middle child was able to give.
Still stumped about finding an excuse to satisfy her mother, Sadie walked around in circles.
“Mother, I’m not trying to hurry you off the phone. I recognize your concern for the Franklins. Our families have been friends for years. It’s just . . . look . . . it’s . . . mother, I don’t have time to talk now.â€
Sadie picked up twine from the counter and wove it between her fingers. Pulling it too tight, she winced, then unwound it from around her fingers and wrapped it around her thumb.
“I made plans for the day.â€
Lincoln could arrive any moment. Somehow, she had to quickly end this conversation without hurting the only person who regularly called. Friendships were difficult to maintain these days. And her brother and sister only gave duty calls, then ended the conversation in a snap.
Jeanette sighed loudly. “I would offer to call back at a better time, but there isn’t one, is there, Sadie?â€
“Mom . . .â€
Sadie slowly shook her head. Guilt surfaced each time she talked to her mother. Raised in an orphanage, her mother wasn’t a clingy parent. She believed loneliness caused people to accept unhealthy conditions that a person who felt treasured might avoid.
“Of course, you’re removed from the lives of the families in Shiatown,†said Jeanette.
Blowing breath through her lips, Sadie laid her head on the cabinet with more force than intended. Wincing in pain, she rubbed the sore spot. The lull in the conversation helped gather her thoughts as her fingers massaged the painful area on her forehead. She parted her lips, then she shut them in hopes that her mother would continue speaking.
After a long pause, Jeanette spoke with a harsher tone than any she’d ever used with her daughter. “Listen to me. The Franklin family supported us through your father’s illness and death. We are burying Pastor Franklin this afternoon. His wife deserves a phone call from you.â€
She paused before continuing. “Don’t forget, Sarah treated you like a daughter. You and Pastor Franklin shared the same birthday. September twelfth is four days away. My friend is burying her husband four days before his fifty-eighth birthday. And . . . what about Kyle? He lost his father and inherited a ton of responsibility on top of it. Honey, be the friend that I know you are. Time is slipping away. The funeral starts in two hours.â€
Sadie stretched her neck from side to side, hanging her head in despair. Lately, her mother had begun to accept her decisions without fussing. However, today she seemed determined for Sadie to send well wishes to a man she’d rather forget. Feeling faint, she squeezed her eyelids together, but all she could see was Kyle’s sad gaze begging, pleading with her to choose him over the man Sadie picked.
Instantly, anger rose as Sadie justified that choice. She couldn’t back down now. There was too much lost ground and no way to regain her footing. The future she’d hoped for was gone. Somehow the leftovers had to be salvaged into a win or, at least, a tolerable solution.
Eyes darting around the room, she braced against the wall. “Friend? Kyle and I didn’t break up as friends. He acted like a judgmental pig; his last remarks were cruel.â€
Sadie fumed. With one look Kyle had made her feel like trash. Less than the muck beneath his shoes. Disposable at best, and at worse . . .
“Sadie—â€
“Don’t excuse him, Mom. Kyle humiliated me in front of Lincoln.†She glanced at her shoes.
And the truth is, I didn’t deserve any better.
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Chaotic Courtship Book Blitz
8/19/2016
When she doesn’t have pen to paper (or fingertips to laptop keyboard), she can generally be found with a book in hand. In her spare time, Bethany reviews books for a book site called More Than A Review.
Connect with the Author here:
 Twenty year old Diana Forester, a country bred young woman fears that her inexperience and uncertainties has driven Mr. John Richfield away. On arriving back home from London, she learns that he is already there, ready to continue their acquaintance. If Diana thought that it was difficult in London, courting takes on a whole new aspect when Diana's younger siblings become involved. She finds herself dealing with her own feelings, her sister, her younger brother, jealous members of a house party, a jilted suitor, and a highwayman as she falls in love with the charming Mr. Richfield.
Find all of the Authors books on:
Snippet:
“You recall I met a Mr. Richfield in London, shortly after I first arrived?â€
“Yes, you mentioned him several times in your letters.â€
Her tone was matter of fact, giving absolutely nothing away.
“Well...†I hesitated as I sought the right words. I rubbed my palms against my skirt. “At Aunt Forester’s last dinner party, Mr. Richfield asked for my permission to come speak to Father.â€
For a moment, there was silence. “What was your answer?†Mother asked, as calm as ever.
I bit my lip and found I could no longer meet her gaze. “I fear I may have spoken without thinking.†Back when I had said the words, I had been surprised. Now though, I realized just how mistaken I had been. “I said it’s always pleasant to have someone new visit.â€
“I see. Do you like him?â€
Ah, there was the question. “I think so.†I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “He is respectable, at least as far as Uncle Forester could discover. No one ever had a word to say against him. I think he is a good man.â€
“And yet, you don’t seem enthusiastic about marrying him.â€
“I have only known him for a few weeks.†It felt good to be able to talk this out with my mother, now that the awkwardness of saying the words had passed. If anyone could help me untangle my feelings, it was her. “Is that enough time to know a person? You knew Papa your whole life before he proposed.â€
Mother’s hand came over mine. “Diana, look at me.†I lifted my eyes to hers. “You are the only one who can make this decision. It is your right to refuse an offer you find distasteful. However, you need to understand it is not likely you will have the opportunity to travel again and meet other people.â€
“I don’t find the offer distasteful. I just don’t think I know him well enough to accept his hand in marriage.†I sighed. “I wish I had had the time to know more of him.â€
“Perhaps you will.â€
I shook my head. That seemed an impossibility. “Mama, you didn’t see the look on his face when I pretended I didn’t understand. He was so disappointed. I acted as if I were a senseless, empty-headed child! What kind of man would pursue me in the face of that?â€
“A man who would be understanding. Someone who would realize your shy nature.â€
As soon as I pulled my hand away, I reached to pour myself some much-needed tea. “There are other, much prettier girls with better dowries than I,†I remarked, adding just the right amount of cream and sugar. “I doubt I will ever see him again.â€
Of that I was quite certain. I’d had hours to consider the whole mess. I sipped my tea as I watched my mother’s face. Her smile was one I couldn’t quite understand. Why did she look so amused?
“Mr. Richfield is already here.â€
To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page
 Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday! Today's theme is books set in a particular setting. I chose to feature twelve books that take place on the American Frontier. Click the graphics below to add the book to your Goodreads TBR shelf.
Have you read any of these books? What books do you enjoy that take place on the American Frontier? Thirty-Four Going on Bride Blast
8/15/2016
 Thirty-Four Going on Bride by Becky Monson
Julia Dorning is about to lose it. Between her over-the-top wedding that her sister, Anna, took upon herself to create, and the under-staffed popular bakery that she runs, she can barely find time to breathe. All Julia ever wanted was a quaint wedding on the beach with family and friends. But now Julia has to contend with not only her sister's plans, but those of her future mother-in-law, as well. Not wanting to step on anyone's toes, especially her mother-in-law's, Julia just goes along with it. She can only take so much, though, and when her newest employee, Kate, makes things harder at the bakery, Julia has to find a way to simplify her life. Can she do it or will she end up a basket case? Find out how she does it in this hilarious conclusion to the Spinster series!
 Author Becky Monson
By day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last... but it probably won't.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest
Praise for the Book
"My favorite of the series!" - Author Jennifer Peel
"Becky Monson did it again!" - Amazon Reviewer
"It’s rare that I want to give a book six stars, but this is certainly one of them." -Blogger Connie Fischer, Bookworm2bookworm
Excerpt
“Pick it up, Julia! You can do this!”
I’m in the seventh circle of hell.
“Come on! Let’s move faster!” My sister Anna yells over the construction that we’re currently passing. As expected, we get a few whoops and whistles tossed at us from the workers. Pity flattery, I’m sure. Well, maybe not for Anna, but certainly for me. There’s absolutely nothing attractive about me right now.
To start, I don’t know if I’ve ever sweated this hard in my life. I look like I’ve taken a shower fully clothed. I’m sticky and perspiring, and it’s not even that hot outside. It’s a typical day near the end of May in Denver, Colorado. How did I let Anna convince me to do this? Oh that’s right, there was no convincing. She forced me. “It’ll be good for you,” she had said, lying through her devil teeth.
At this point I don’t know if my lungs will ever be the same. They actually ache with pain. And then there’s the ache in my calves, and really every other part of my body. Whoever thought of running as an extracurricular activity should be shot. A form of torture, yes. Exercise? I’d rather get a tooth pulled without Novocain.
$100 Blast Giveaway 
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 9/1/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. |
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