Bluebonnet Bride: Love across the Sea Novel by Colleen Coble

Bluebonnet Bride by Colleen Coble is about Elli, a woman from Finland who leaves her home to come to American as a mail order bride. When Elli's father died suspiciously she felt the need to escape to keep from her neighbor from stealing her inheritance.

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As she steps off the train in Texas, Elli’s first glimpses of her future husband and his young niece suggest the safe future she sought, yet with an unexpected limitation. Nathan White only requested a bride to love and care for his niece, four-year-old Hannah. For the sake of security, Elli adjusts to the demands of the situation. Soon, a series of brutal attacks and intruders threatens the perceived security of the budding marriage, Elli and Nathan draw together to face their enemy, fighting to stay alive and for the chance to love one another.

Other reviews imply Bluebonnet Bride continues from previous book Butterfly Palace which explains information lacking. The title states that this story is a novel, but at 68 pages it is a short novella and some of those pages have questions at the end for discussion. I kept looking back to see if I missed something. I have enjoyed other of Coble’s books. If this story were longer (about 50 pages or more) I would have liked it better. I liked the story and the characters were interesting, but solutions were gained too quickly.  I hesitate to say more of the story for fear of giving it away. If you have read the  Butterfly Palace you probably will enjoy Bluebonnet Bride.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this EBook free from Thomas Nelson publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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The Storm Inside:Trade the Chaos of How You Feel for the Truth of Who You Are By Sheila Walsh

As always Sheila Walsh delivers a powerful message! Walsh's wisdom grounded in scripture, with her authenticity in sharing pain and joy, sharing the truth of The Storm Inside with topics like forgiveness, disappointment, regret, and shame. So often in the church the message is that we are not supposed to have feelings of disappointment, heartbreak, fear, or shame; if we truly trust in Jesus we wouldn't feel these negative emotions. But Walsh eloquently, and gently, tells us that it is ok to have these feelings. Walsh leads you to God’s path of healing, wholeness, love, truth, and hope to the loving God who transforms your life.

There is always a storm brewing. Either we have just been through one, are going through one, or one is headed our way. It is just a fact of life. I love that she just doesn't talk about the storm. She explores how to get through it and transition to something better. At the end of each chapter, Walsh provides a section called, "Standing Through Your Storm,” gives practical ideas on how you can come out on the other side of it all. Great ideas to work with in your own life, with verses to memorize, questions to answer or journal about, and a prayer to pray.

I would highly recommend her book whether you are suffering through a storm or not, because at some time you will. Your emotions may shipwreck you, but the truth will lead you into a safe harbor every time. I agree with Max Lucado “Sheila Walsh has an uncanny ability to plumb the deepest truths without sounding superficial or preachy. She touches the heart, soothes the soul, and lifts the spirit. I am so thankful for her and this book!”  A great bible study alone or in a group setting. Definitely buy this book for yourself and give as a gift.

                                                          

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Thomas Nelson through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Murder Simply Brewed by Vannetta Chapman

Murder Simply Brewed begins with murder in a coffee shop, in Middlebury's Amish Artisan Village. Two women from different walks of life must join together to solve the mystery. Spring has arrived in Middlebury, Indiana and Amber Wright is optimistic about the growing profit from her collection of Amish shops. When Amber hires a young Amish woman, Hannah Troyer, to take over the shop's duties, the two women become fast friends as well as amateur sleuths. The police believe Gray's death is a by-product of vandalism, but Amber and Hannah aren't convinced. Thus, beginning the mystery and romance, in a realistic setting with themes of loss, trust, and of course love.

This is the first book I have read by Vannetta Chapman, and I thoroughly loved it. Murder Simply Brewed is an engaging and entertaining tale. Chapman has created an enjoyable blend of mystery, friendship, and romance. The murder and acts of vandalism had me interested to discover the mystery and I delighted in the friendships and romances that blossomed. The glossary of Amish terms and the map of the Amish Artisan Village that were included in the front of the book was a nice touch. 

I loved Murder Simply Brewed and will check out the next book in the series to see Chapman is cooking up next in the Amish Village. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves mystery with a little romance. A good story for book clubs too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this EBook free from Zondervan through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Shadow Hand by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Anne Elisabeth Stengl weaves a tale of love, sacrifice, courage, despair, darkness, hope, and triumph.   Readers will be surprised by the vast and bizarre array of the denizens of the Wood, but even more so, by the way Time is handled. 

By her father's wish, Lady Daylily is betrothed to the Prince of Southlands. Not the prince she loves, handsome and dispossessed Lionheart, but his cousin, the awkward and foolish Prince Foxbrush. As her wedding day dawns, Daylily flees into the dangerous Wilderlands, and her only desire is to vanish from living memory.

But Foxbrush, determined to rescue his betrothed, pursues Daylily into a new world of magic and peril, a world where vicious Faerie beasts hold sway, a world invaded by a lethal parasite and many other dangers.

This is my first story by this author I agree with other reviewers that you must read the series in order. Although interesting, it took me about half way to get the characters and story straight to make some sort of sense.

The heroes and villains in Shadow Hand are a complicated story, one that is as old as time itself. That our true selves are most free in service To the One who names us; that even the part of us we most fear can be transformed by our Prince into something beautiful. If you really are into Sci-Fi, I believe you would like this story, if read from the beginning of the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this EBook free from Net Galley through the Bakers Publishing Group and Bethany House book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Distortion by Terri Blackstock

Juliet Cole has spent most of her adult life as a devoted wife to a successful doctor and mother of two sons, but her world changes forever when she witnesses the murder of her husband. As she deals with the trauma of the loss and tries to make sense of what she believed was a random shooting, she soon discovers a threatening voicemail message on her deceased husband's phone, hinting that his death was in fact, a planned execution. She and her sons could now be in danger.

Not only does Terri Blackstock weave a great mystery, but while doing so she delves into her characters emotions and what makes them come to life.  Blackstock combines mystery, romance, and faith in intriguing ways. I couldn't put the book down.  From the start, this book has suspense that doesn’t end.

As the characters search towards a solution, there are all kinds of obstacles in their way; drugs, intrigue, police interaction. A thrilling, suspense-filled winner does not disappoint. I highly recommend this one. Discussion questions are included.

Received copy of EBook from Net Galley with Zondervan Fiction for my review

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