Hearts Made Whole

  Although Jody Hedlund did not use this verse in Hearts Made Whole I believe it suits the story: Isaiah 40:31King James Version (KJV) But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
  Caroline Taylor has been running the Windmill Point Lighthouse since before her father's death. Now the head of the lighthouse board says a woman can't be in charge, and in fact she needs to pack up her family and belongings and get out.
  Ryan Taylor, drunken, addicted to painkillers, wounded Civil War Veteran is appointed to take Carolines place. He can't do the job and Caroline needs the home that comes with the position, so they work out a compromise. If only life was that easy!
  Hearts Made Whole is a skillfully written novel that reveals the trials and blessings of waiting on the L-rd. Caroline is learning to lean on G-d and not her own devices. Ryan meanwhile must remember where G-d has brought him from and to depend on G-d for everything, every day. I loved the way Jody wove several storylines together into one cohesive novel, with strong characters and well-developed themes.
   Although I was given this novel by the author for review purposes, the opinions are my own. I would not hesitate to buy a Jody Hedlund novel as she never disappoints.

The Salt Covenants by Sylvia Bambola

I really enjoyed Sylvia Bambola's The Salt Covenants. It is the story of Isabel, a 'Converso' Jew during the Spanish Inquisition. While yet a young teen she is divorced by her arranged 'husband', forced to marry a man she does not love. She must then leave her home and family in order to join her husband on Christopher Columbus' voyage to the New World. 

The Salt Covenants is an interesting book, but by no means a quick read. The Characters are well developed and the book is full of historical information.I learned quite a bit about the Jews of the Middle ages in Spain and about the history of Christopher Columbus' voyages.I found myself cheering Isabel on and cringing at some of the plots in the book. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart as there are some graphic scenes...it is the Inquisition after all! So if you love history and don't mind a slower pace, I can certainly recommend The Salt Covenants as a great read.

I was given this book by the author for review purposes, but the opinions stated are entirely my own.

A Harvest Of Hope

I never pass up a chance to visit Blessing North Dakota. A Harvest of Hope is the 19th book about the people of Blessing and it did not disappoint. I love the way Lauraine has made the town and characters come to life. Ingeborg and Kaaren still guide their family with the help of John Solberg, and just as in real life there are changes. It is the same with Blessing. A Harvest of Hope takes place soon after the death of Ingeborg's beloved Haaken and everyone is in shock. Dr.Elizabeth is expecting a baby and is confined to bed leaving Dr.Astrid to care for the townspeople with the help of her nurses. Through love and laughter, grief and tears Nurse Miriam Hastings from Chicago helps the town through several tragedies as she is being courted by Trygve.Should she give up all of her plans and follow G-d's plans for her life? Does G-d even care about her, or is He as malicious as she has always believed?

The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest

The Huntress of Thornbeck Forrest is Melanie Dickerson's newest YA novel. Odette Menkels, an orphan has been raised by her Uncle Rutger in great luxury. She is allowed to learn to read and spends her days doing as she pleases. She is also allowed to choose her own husband, an unheard of privilege. She also spends her nights poaching deer to feed the poor.

Jorgen Hartman is the Margrave's forester charged with protecting the king's deer. He fall's in love with Odette the first time he sees her.

I really enjoyed reading this retelling of Robin Hood with a charming female cast in the traditionally masculine role. I found myself cheering for Odette, hoping she would decide that Jorgen, although poor was actually a much better person than the rich Mathis. The story brings to the forefront a moral dilemma, is it morally right to poach deer if you are doing it to not to benefit yourself, but to provide for the wellbeing of children who would otherwise starve? G-d must be on her side, right?

I was given this book by the author in return for my honest review, but the opinions are my own.

Pepper Basham's The Thorn Bearer

The Thorn Bearer is an engrossing story of brokenness and G-d's restorative powers. Pepper Basham has written a story that begins with 2 broken people, Ashleigh and Sam. Sam is engaged to Ashleigh's sister Catherine. Ashleigh is going to England to nurse the wounded soldiers and try to get over a broken engagement. Both Ashleigh and Sam are broken people and are traveling together on the Lusitania so that Sam can join Catherine and Ashleigh will join the staff of a private hospital and start an orphanage.

Pepper Basham has done a wonderful job of creating realistic characters that one could envision themselves sitting down to chat with. I,at times, found myself so caught up in the story that I would jump when the telephone rang or realize with surprise that time had passed and I needed to put my book down and attend to my chores. I love when a book draws me into the story and lets me feel what the characters feel. The Thorn Bearer is such a book. There are themes of brokenness and betrayal, loyalty and devotion. The greatest theme of all is forgiveness that G-d freely offers if only we ask. Pepper has woven all of these themes into a touching and engrossing tale that will leave you longing for more.

I received this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Just a few more days to enter this a-ma-zing giveaway! These are some crazy awesome prizes...I'm kinda sad I can't win myself. To whoever wins the home theater projector and classic movies, I would not be sad if you invited me over for a movie night! smile emoticon https://promosimple.com/ps/6ff5

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If you'd like to enter more giveaways for a chance to win my books, I'm posting a new one almost every day for the next week as part of The Captive Imposter blog tour! Here are some of the other books that are being given away at the moment too....
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