Back..to write another day for Him!

Wow, It's been almost 3 years since I last posted and boy did so much happen. But the short of it is that I have since graduated high school (got me a dee-plom-ah and a heapin' of fine grammar skillz) and have learned what it really means to live another day for Him. A year ago (give or take a few months) as I was about to enter my senior year of high school, I was asked the question that every senior dreads: what are you going to do after high school?”  I contemplated the usual options: doctor, lawyer, an evil genius with plans to take over the World. But I knew the Lord had something greater in mind for me than even I could think up. Of course the Lord worked in His own timing.

Now I am headed to Southeast Asia for a year. To live with missionaries there and labor and love beside them for the Gospel. The precious people there are part of a nation where to believe in the True God is treason, and to accept the Lordship of Christ will cost them their family, friends, and many times their lives. My heartbreaks to hear that a fellow-believer had to become an outcast among their own to become a child of God. I see this sacrifice and know that I have never been asked to make that choice and the Lord has given me a love for those that do. I want to go 10,000 miles away to live among these people and love them, with a fraction of the love that Christ showed us on the Cross. These people may no be apart of their blood-family once they become believers, but they are adopted into a much greater family, the family of God, that spans the entire globe. 

I ask y'all as my fellow bloggers and readers that you pray for these people and for me. Pray that the new believers and ones soon to come will be strengthened in spirit against the enemy, and in understanding that God has not forgotten them and that He is simply waiting on His own timing to reveal to us all His full and glorious face. To Him be the glory forever and ever. 

Now I hate asking for money, and goodness knows my Momma taught me likewise, but the Lord uses missions trip not only to reach others, but to reach and teach us to be humble before our fellow brothers and to share the blessing of being apart of something bigger than ourselves to bring God glory and further His kingdom. But instead of just asking for money, I wanted y'all to get something to help spread the word about global missions and something that'll look good doing it! :)
So I have these AWESOME T-SHIRTS made (and hopefully yall think they're awesome too) and I would love for you to buy one and share the link and let you're friends and family know that Southeast Asia needs Christ and the love He showed us all on the Cross. 

 Love Y'all forever in Christ,
Ashley!;)

My review of: A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes

 Title: A Necessary Deceptions (The Daughters of Bainbridge House Bk. 1)
Author: Laurie Alice Eakes
Genre: fiction-historical romance
 
Stars(1-5): *** 1/2
Age rating: PG-13 
I think this book was pretty mild in terms of romance, and besides the mentions of lost honor and a few make-out scenes (we just walk in on the couples a few times), A Necessary Deception is clean and very interesting for anyone who loves a good historical mystery. 

Back cover:
When young widow Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreams she will see him again. But just as the London Season gets under way, the man presents himself in her parlor. While she should be focused on getting her headstrong younger sister prepared for her entrée into Society, Lady Gale finds herself preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can she trust him? Or is she putting herself and her family in danger
Discover a world of elegance and intrigue, balls and masquerades as Laurie Alice Eakes whisks you into the drawing rooms of London Society on this exciting quest to let the past stay in the past--and let love guide the future.

My Thoughts:
I'm probably one of the biggest critics of Regency novels. Mainly because, in all the Regency book I've read,  it was a struggle for the author to make the life in that era, interesting. To me it seemed like all anyone did back then was sit in a parlor, drink tea, and try not to make any slight faux pas, or else stories, even the Grimm brother couldn't think up, would be spread about you. Nevertheless, even before reading A Necessary Deception, I knew it wouldn't be "just another unexciting Jane Austen-isk" book. The cover is stunning, and captures the intrigue of deception, that awaits us. I liked that most of the characters weren't obsessed with getting married, as you might typically find in a book set in this time period. And I liked how Lydia's sisters stood up for themselves a few times but, on the whole, they was a wee bit irksome and whiny most of the time. The main characters Lydia and Christien were made for each other, yet I felt Lydia's hesitance towards a romance with Christien was cold and added an unnecessary weak point to the plot. I'm all for lovers who can't be with each other, but when that happens because the one person is selfish and has misplaced guilt, it leaves the story flat and the reader annoyed. Which is what happened in A Necessary Deception. There was a great story and plot, and the characters had all the right stuff, except the good-widow, Lydia Gale. Overall, I think Lauria Eakes  wrote a nice novel that started off amazingly, but found it's Achille's heel later on. The whisper-of-a-message of how our own selfishness gets in the way of our relationships with others, and more importantly with God was nice. Yet, I wish there had been more of a spiritual struggle with the Hero and Heroin in the end.  The historical details of Regency England, and the many romances, make A Necessary Deception a necessary read for the romantic-heart, but not a major tear-jerkier for those looking for a book with conviction.   

Available October  2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. 

If you'd like to know more about Laurie Alice Eakes and her books, got to:
HER WEBSITE
THE PUBLISHER
GOODREADS

Love Y'all, Ashley

*I have been so blessed by Donna Hausler @Revell Books, for sending me a review copy of  A Necessary Deception in exchange for my honest opinion*

Book Review of A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman

Title: A Heart Revealed (Winds Of Change bk.2)
Author: Julie Lessman
Genre: historical, romance , Christian
Stars(1-5): ****
Age rating: RE-17
Domestic violence, miscarriages and heated love scenes make this book intense, but perhaps too intense, and mature, than younger teen would enjoy.
Back cover:
 Her heart is tied to a youthful vow . . . but can true love set it free?
Ten years ago, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston, running for her life. Her emotional wounds have finally faded, and her life is now full of purpose and free from the pain of her past. But when she falls for her friend Charity's handsome and charming brother, Sean O'Connor, fear and shame threaten to destroy her. Could Sean and Emma ever have a future together? Or is Emma doomed to live out the rest of her life denying the only true love she's ever known?

My Thoughts: 
Ask anyone, and they will tell you that I'm one of Julie Lessman's most devoted readers ( and that's not an exaggeration) and  loved every one of her books. So why didn't I give A Heart Revealed 5 stars? Probably because I just didn’t get to see Sean And Emma as I'd hoped,and instead we got a look at the other couples a bit more than usual.
The story picks up where A Hope Undaunted left off. Katie and Luke have finally been married, and the next one up on the marital chopping block is sweet-tempered Sean, who is purely focused on work and content to lead the life of a bachelor. But God has other plans, they in involve an equally sweet and shyly beautiful, Emma Malloy. However,  the story wouldn’t be Julie’s if it didn't have the sub-stories of our favorite Irish family, the O'Connors. Julie  writes her characters with a beating heart, and at times, I swear I can hear them breathing, which is why you end up falling in love with the whole O’Connor clan. One reason I couldn’t give AR a full 5 stars was due to  how slow the story seemed to start off. I mean Sean and Emma (the two main characters) didn't even kiss until much later in the book (which is practically a sin in romance books). In fact it almost felt as if Sean and Emma's story, as a whole, didn't really get going till chapter 12 or so. And I was excited to see more of them together, even from before I picked up the book.
When it comes to matters of faith, Mrs. Lessman is never at a lose. She tackles the gritty problems we don’t always see in Christian books, and  shows through her characters, that by putting our problems in God's loving and capable hands, we can find forgiveness, redemption, and our heat’s deepest desires revealed to us in blessings. I can never read her books without crying, because she writes with  a convicting passion, a true gift from God. And really, shouldn't that be what’s makes a wonderful novel? Of course the romance and drama doesn't hurt either.

Once again, Julie Lessman has written a romance novel that has more drama, passion and love for God in it, to keep you turning the page till the end. As always, I can't wait for her next novel.



Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
 

If you'd like to know more about Julie Lessman and her books, go to: 
WEBSITE 
THE PUBLISHER 
GOODREADS 

*Bonus* 

Read and excerpt of A Heart Revealed by clicking on the link! 

More Reviews to be coming soon!

Love Y'all, 

Ashley

*I have been so blessed by Donna Hausler @Revell Books, for sending me a review copy of  A Heart Revealed in exchange for my honest opinion*

My Review Of: The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

Title: The Colonel's Lady
Author: Laura Frantz
Genre: Historical romance/ Christian fiction
Stars(1-5): **** 1/2
Age rating: PG-13
I think young teens would enjoy this book with content that wouldn't be likely to concern parents, although when I was 13 yrs. old I  wouldn't have liked reading historical fiction, just because its too much like studying.
Back cover: 
Can love survive the secrets kept buried within a tormented heart?
Roxanna Rowan may be a genteel Virginia woman, but she is determined to brave the wilds of the untamed frontier to reach a remote Kentucky fort. Eager to reunite with her father, who serves under Colonel Cassius McLinn, Roxanna is devastated to find that her father has been killed on a campaign.
Penniless and out of options, Roxanna is forced to remain at the fort. As she spends more and more time with the fiery Colonel McLinn, the fort is abuzz with intrigue and innuendo. Can Roxanna truly know who the colonel is--and what he's done?
Immerse yourself in this powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness set in the tumultuous world of the frontier in 1779.

My Thoughts: 
Well, I'm not sure how many times you can use the word "winsome" before it gets annoying, but Laura Frantz once again shows what a talented writer she truly is. All of her books I've read have been fantastic, and I loved this one as well, but probably not as much for but one reason: kissing. I know it sounds as if I'm just picky, but I have a 5 kiss minimum I hold to all the romance books I read. Not really, but I do love a few good kisses in novels and I just wish Ms. Frantz would have treated us to a few more of them in this book. As I mentioned before, the winsome showed up probably more than 10X in TCL, but I think that the word pretty much describes the main character, Roxie. She is winsome and beautiful, but she is sure she will be a spinster her the rest of her life...if she can survive the winter at Fort Endeavor, that is. The message of forgiveness was laced throughout the book: brothers forgiving each other, spurned lovers forgiving the each other and the like. However,  I didn't  feel like the spiritual message stood out that much from the other major themes of the book, but that is just me. The writing was top notch and the character's practically breathed air. The twist at the end was such a surprise I had to re-read it a few times just to make sure I wasn't seeing things. And the best part was the epilogue, but if I say anymore you wouldn't need to read the book, which I would recommend everyone to do.
*I have been so blessed by Donna Hausler @Revell Books, for sending me a review copy of  The Colonel's Lady in exchange for my honest opinion*

Available Auguste 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.    
 
If you'd like to know more about Laura Frantz and her books, got to:
HER BLOG
THE PUBLISHER
GOODREADS
Love Y'all, 
Ashley
P.S
Make sure to watch the trailer for TCL, which is one the side bar over there ---->

My Review Of: Mine Is The Night by Liz Curtis Higgs

I've been so busy this summer that I haven't gotten to visit some of my favorite blogs or get to post as much as I would like. Thank you guys for being so patient and sticking around.

Title: Mine Is The Night
Author: Liz Curtis Higgs 
Stars (out of 5): *****
Age rating: PG-12
The book was clean, but there were references to lewd behavior and

Back cover (from Waterbrook Multnomah): 
SHE LOST EVERYTHING SHE LOVED.

HE HAD EVERYTHING SHE NEEDED.
BUT COULD SHE FIND THE COURAGE TO TRUST HIM?

Stepping from a battered coach on a rainy April eve, newly widowed Elisabeth Kerr must begin again, without husband or title, property or fortune. She is unafraid of work and gifted with a needle, but how will she stitch together the tattered remnants of her life? And who will mend her heart, torn asunder by betrayal and deception?
Elisabeth has not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman undone, having buried her husband, her sons, and any promise of grandchildren. Dependent upon a distant cousin with meager resources, Marjory dreads the future almost as much as she regrets the past. Yet joy still comes knocking, and hope is often found in unexpected places.
Then a worthy hero steps forward, rekindling a spark of hope. Will he risk his reputation to defend two women labeled as traitors to the Crown? Or will a wealthy beauty, untainted by scandal, capture his affections?
The heartrending journey of the Kerr women comes to a glorious finish in Mine Is the Night, a sparkling gem of redemption and restoration set in eighteenth-century Scotland.

My Thoughts:
The last book in Mrs. Higgs's Scottish-Ruth & Naomi story, was surprisingly light in comparison to her other novels. I loved that humor wasn’t lost in this book and that everybody found their own kind of Boaz. The character, as always tend to trick me into believing their sitting next to me, having bannocks and cold mutton (if we're lucky. LOL). In the first book, the Scottish brogue was often too thick at times and ended up bogging the story down. Book 2 still had much of the same language/accent, but I felt it was slightly easier to understand (or else the story ended differently than I thought I read). Mine Is The Light, is the perfect read when the desire to travel to Scotland (or any place at all) brings you very near buying one round trip ticket $600. Because Liz Curtis Higgs has a true gift of fitting all of Scotland in a fantastically written 450 page book and no need to pack a bag.

*Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for providing a review copy of Mine Is The Night, in exchange for my honest review*

If you'd like to know more about Liz and her books, go to:
Her Website
Publisher
Goodreads



If you would like to see more reviews of Waterbrook Multnomah books, Please rate my review by verifying your e-mail below(and don't worry, they won't use it for anything other than making sure you're not a robot;)
You guys are awesome, your support and friendship keeps this blog going.




Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review of So Not Happening

This is one of my favorite books I've gotten to review this year. Hope you get the chance to enjoy it too!!!

Title: So Not Happening (A Charmed Life Bk.1)
 Author: Jenny B. Jones
Genre: Young Adult fiction, with a little romance and mystery.
 Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Date released:   May 5th 2009
 ISBN: 1595545417

Stars (out of 5):***** 
Age rating: PG-12
This book is targeted to teens, but I think this book hold appeal to even older. As to content, there are a few kisses (one in particular that I won't soon forget, it was that good) and some serious themes, such as murder and hazing gone wrong.
 Back cover (from Thomas Nelson.com):

New York's social darling just woke up in a nightmare: Oklahoma. Problem is, it's right where God wants her.

Bella Kirkwood had it all: A-list friends at her prestigious private school, Broadway in her backyard, and Daddy's MasterCard in her wallet. Then her father, a plastic surgeon to the stars, decided to trade her mother in for a newer model.
When Bella's mom falls in love with a man she met on the Internet--a factory worker with two bratty sons--Bella has to pack up and move in with her new family in Truman, Oklahoma. On a farm no less!
Forced to trade her uber-trendy NYC lifestyle for down-home charm, Bella feels like a pair of Rock & Republic jeans in a sea of Wranglers.
At least some of the people in her new high school are pretty cool. Especially the hunky football player who invites her to lunch. And maybe even the annoying--but kinda hot--editor of the school newspaper.
But before long, Bella smells something rotten in the town of Truman, and it's not just the cow pasture. With her savvy reporter's instincts, she is determined to find the story behind all the secrets.

How can a girl go on when her charmed life is gone and God appears to be giving her the total smackdown?

My Thoughts:

Bella Kirkwood -New York socialite, fashionista, school advice columnist and Oklahoma Cowgirl? Bella doesn’t think so either, and she’s determined to get a one-way ticket back to her glamorous life in the city, one way or another.  But, God has other plans, like new friends, and irritating editor and a mystery that Bella just can’t help but stick her nose in.

“So Not Happening" is the funniest book I’ve ever read, and my favorite read of this year. I mean, you’d be hard pressed to find a YA novel where the characters don’t morph, turn or transits into some mythical teen creature, with really good taste in clothes. Jenny B. Jones has written a snarky New Yorker, named Bella, and I can’t tell you how much I LOVE her. She is so fresh, salad would be jealous, and in Bella’s mind, her life is a royal mess, but as long as her Jimmy Choos don’t have cow poop on them, it’s not completely over. Bella is very real and believable, and I feel like she could be my sister from another mister. LOL And don’t even get me started on Luke Sullivan. He is super hot without even having to take his shirt off. Edward, without the lame sparkles and freaky pale skin. Jacob, without the long Rapunzle hair and need to howl at the moon. Like Justin Timberlake, before….well, you get what mean. Anyways, even with all the hilarity, the book carries a strong Godly message about being open to whatever God may have planned for you, whether that means talking to strange people, or moving to a Podunk town in the middle of Oklahoma, and all without having to bore you to tears.

And though it’s summer, there was some serious chemistry between Bella and her too-handsome-for-words , cowboy editor, Luke. I love they’re love-hate relationship. Bella can’t stand Luke, and for that matter, neither can Luke, but there are more than just snarky words flying between these two. I can’t wait to see where Ms. Jones takes her “A Charmed Life” characters next, and since I came into this series late, it won’t be long. This book is the perfect summer read, for the young adult and young at heart!

 
 
If you'd like to know more about Jenny B. Jones and her books, go to:
Her Website
The Publisher
Goodreads
 
Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review Of: A Great Catch By Lorna Seilstad

 
 Title: A Great Catch (Lake Manawa Bk.2)
Author: Lorna Seilstad
Genre: Historical Christian fiction, with lots of romance and baseball.

Publisher: Revell Books
Date released: June 1st. 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3446-6
Stars (out of 5): **** 1/2
Age rating: PG
The content of this book was mild and for the occasional kiss (which there could always be more) and criminal  (don't want to give too  much away) the book would be fantastic for the romance beginner
Back cover (from Revell):

 She wants to change the world.
He wants to change her mind.

It's the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa resort in Iowa, but some things never change. When Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor. She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.
Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and a pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.
When their worlds collide, neither Emily nor Carter could have guessed what would come next. Will Carter strike out? Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?
The perfect summer novel, A Great Catch will enchant you with its breezy setting and endearing characters.

My Thoughts:
Last summer I got to read Ms. Seilstad's first book, Making Waves, and LOVE it, and A Creat Catch was nothing short of baseball bliss. The heroin, Emily, was great (and I don't just say that about every heroin). She was real to the core and it was so easy to believe I was her, and had a handsome baseball player all starry-eyed with me, that's how realistic Ms.Seilstad writing style was. I loved that the author brought back characters from book 1, and continued they're story, without taking away from Emily's. Most Christian author strive to have a mini salvation message laced throughout the book, and I really enjoy read God's Truths, and biblical lessons applied to characters, that otherwise would be dull and lifeless. But, in A Great Catch, the author didn't do a salvation message, a lesson I sorely needed to hear, about not making time for God. As Christians, we can be saved since 5 years old, but without daily time with God, and building that relationship, our faith shrivels up and dies, like a flame.I loved that the message was speaking to us Christian that need that kick in the pants to remind us, we need that one-on-one with God, EVERYDAY!  Over all, this was the perfect read to get the summer going. So, have your Catcher's mitt out, cause you won't want to miss this home run of a romance.

Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group!

 
If you'd like to know more about Lorna and her books, go to:
The Publisher
Her Website
Goodreads

Love Y'all,

Ashley

My Review of A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan

Title: A Heart Divided (Heart Of The Rockies Bk. 1)

Author: Kathleen Morgan

Genre: Historic inspirational romance

Publisher: Revell Books

Date released: May. 11

ISBN: 978-0-8007-1884-8

Stars (out of 5): ****

Age rating:  PG-14:

There are only a few comments about the two main characters and their activates on their honeymoon, which might raise questions from a younger reader. 

Back cover (from Revell): 

When fate brings them together, they must choose between family ties and love.

The Caldwells and Wainwrights have been feuding for decades. Still, Sarah Caldwell has misgivings when her father pressures her into distracting a ranch hand while he and her brothers rob the Wainwright place. When it becomes clear that hand is actually Cord Wainwright, heir of the Wainwright holdings, Sarah realizes things have gone too far.

As the feud boils over, Cord and Sarah make a most inconvenient discovery--they just might be falling in love. Can they betray their families to see where this attraction leads? Or will their families betray them?

Against the beautiful and wild backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in 1878 comes this sweeping saga of romance, betrayal, and forgiveness from beloved author Kathleen Morgan.

My Thoughts: 

A Heart Divided was a sweet, if superficial, romance that captured the Rockies with vivid and colorful writing that was a joy to read. When feuding families, the Caldwells and the Wainwrights, bring their children into the fray, things get sticky. Sarah and Cord are bitter enemies, because their no-good-rotten-cheatin'-scoundrels fathers let their hate run over unto their children. But, for Cord and Sarah, the feud took backseat to their new-found love. I found Sarah and Cord to be to typical, and I felt their romance was a very hasty affair. Even after things get really serious, Sarah believes she made a mistake in loving Cord.  I was hoping for a more exciting feud, with the Caldwell-Wainwright feud, but they weren't as trigger-happy as I would have liked (that came out wrong. LOL)  Ms. Morgan's writing style was very good and she didn't hold back when it came to thoughts and emotions. Unfortunately, it didn't seem like there was a clear biblical message in A Heart Divided, but I've never been one to catch on to these things easily. My favorite part of this book though, was Nick Wainwright, Cord's brother. He was sweet, handsome and had a heart for God that would make any woman swoon.  I can't wait to see if Ms. Morgan writes him his own book (which would be awesome!). Overall, A Heart Divided started out with so much promise, but after that, it fell flat like an open Coke. The characters were wonderful, but Sarah and Cord's romance was based mostly on attraction, and in the end, they were only a little closer to actually understanding true and abiding love. If you love western romances with action, then A Heart Divided is your escape to the Rockies.

Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

If you'd like to know more about Kathleen Morgan and her books go to:   

The Publisher

Her Website

Goodreads

Love Y'all,

Ashley

M is for Maternal, O is for one-of-a-kind, and that last M stands for marvelous Love, in her arms I find..

 Long title, I know, but Mother's Day is always a special holiday, I felt I needed a special heading to go along with it. Further more,  My mom is the best. I'm not bragging, just stating a fact. Though, I know that every child would probably say the same, but it's true. Mom's being the best, that is.
  Mothers are always doing things first for their family, and thinking of themselves second. They do are laundry, help with homework and are amazing cooks, even if their just whipping up a special order of Mac & Cheese with hot dogs. Yum! Yes, mothers have been a much-needed commodity, which we find we can't live with out. But, mothers are much more than a really nice maid, who'll listen to your troubles and give you advice, their the women who make us, and for that we can never thank them enough.  My mom has always and will always be there for me. Even when she gives me that look that says "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out just as easy!".
She is my teacher (even when I fail to be the student), my comforter (not like on my bed), my best friend and my hero (a great position to hold with me)! Mom, I don't know what I would do or who I would be, without you.

I hope y'all get the chance today to thank God for your mothers. And for those of you who never got the chance to know your mother, thank God anyways that He lade upon your mothers hearts, to bring you into this world as a shining new life for Him.  Let's let our mothers know just how much we love them and cherish every moment we get or got to spend with them, this Mother's Day. And to remember  God's ever abiding love He is constantly showing us, through our Moms.

Love Y'all,

Ashley

A Friend For Life Is Hard To Find...

...But I did, and her name is Hannah.
Hannah~
You didn't have to write a post for me, but you did.
You don't have to pray for me, but you do.
You didn't have to stay up all hours to talk to me in my darkest hour, but you did and I know now you always will.
You have so much going on in your life that are so much more important than some girl you met on the internet (who is still too chicken to call you), but in you sweet heart you made room for this poor little homeschooled outcast, and I thank God that you read my silly post about chinchillas. I don't know if I'll ever have a sister has great as you are, or loving or kind or sweet, or God-fearing.
You have touched my life in some many different ways, I'll never be the same.
I cried when I read that post and I cried even harder when I read Y'all comments.

God is really putting those prayers to go use, and I can only and truly pray that you and all my blogger friends are blessed and cherished seven-fold, as the children of God you are.



 With all my prayers and love to you Hannah (and Casey and Julie and Renee and Amber),
Love Y'all,
Ashley

My review of The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh

 Title: The Deepest Waters

Author: Dan Walsh
Genre: Christian historical fiction with a touch of romance
Publisher: Revell Books

Date released: May 1st, 2011

ISBN: 0800719808
Stars (out of 5): ***
Age rating:  PG-12
This book was completely clean ( beside the occasional kiss) and would be appropriate for a 12 year old, although it wasn't very exciting and probably wouldn't be very entertaining to them.
Back cover (from Goodreads.com):
What began as a fairytale honeymoon in 1857 for John and Laura Foster aboard the steamship SS Vandervere becomes a nightmare when a hurricane causes their ship to sink into the murky depths of the Atlantic. Laura finds herself with the other women and children aboard a sailing ship while John and a hundred other men drift on the open sea on anything they could grab as the Vandervere went down. Suspecting her John is gone but still daring to hope for a miracle, Laura must face the possibility of life alone--and meeting her new in-laws without their son if she ever reaches New York. Readers will be holding their breath as they sail through this emotional and honest story of hope, faith, and love in the face of uncertainty. Talented author Dan Walsh skillfully tells an epic story through an intimate focus on two lost lovers. Inspired by real events, this moving novel will capture the hearts of all who dive into its pages.
My Thoughts: 
Deepest waters is the tragic tale of newlywed couple Laura and john forgets....and I though I'd never get to the end, but in a good way. The story starts out with Laura Foster on the a ship named the Cutlass, sailing away from a ship wreck and her doomed husband. The story was almost agonizing with how some people missed each other by mere seconds sometimes, or at least it seemed that way. And I almost didn't have enough courage to read the last chapter, least a certain someones, didn't make it. But as a historical novel, the details were spot on, and though the story was centered on romance, I didn't feel there was quite enough for me. But of course, to me, there is no such thing as too much romance. Unfortunately, this is one of those books, that when given the choice, you probably wouldn't read again just because you already know how it ends and that is the the most exciting part of the story. But this book is a nice edition to my bookshelf and if your a history nut, I know you'd find enough interesting facts and history to keep turning the pages.
 
*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*

Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. 

If you'd like to know more about Dan Walsh and his books, go to:
The Publisher
His Website
Goodreads
 


 I want to give a shout-out to Coco and Renee (Coco's Mommy). Happy 3rd Birthday sweet Coco and Happy Blogaversary to you Renee!!! Love, love, LOVE your blog and Coco is just the cutest, can't wait to see what you guys going to do next. ;~)

And  I have a lot more reviews to come, so be on the look out. 

Love Y'all,

Ashley

Absent, But wishing to be there...

Hey Ya'll,
I know I've been gone for awhile and I've missed a very important blogaversary of a dear blogger-friend of mine and I hate that I wasn't there and didn't get the chance to wish her a happy and blessed blogaversary. So Amber? HAPPY BlOGAVERSARY!!!
And may you have many years of blessed blogging to come!
Love Ya,
Ashley

My Review of The Charlatan's Boy by Jonathan Rogers

Here is a fun book I know you'll not want to miss...

Title: The Charlatan's Boy
Author: Johnathan Rogers

Genre: YA Fantasy Christian Fiction
Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Date released: Oct 5, 2010
ISBN: 9780307458223
 Stars (out of 5): **** 3/4
Age rating: 10 & UP
 Back cover (from Jonathan Roger's website):
As far back as he can remember, the orphan Grady has tramped from village to village in the company of a huckster named Floyd. With his adolescent accomplice, Floyd perpetrates a variety of hoaxes and flimflams on the good citizens of the Corenwald frontier, such as the Ugliest Boy in the World act.


It’s a hard way to make a living, made harder by the memory of fatter times when audiences thronged to see young Grady perform as “The Wild Man of the Feechiefen Swamp.” But what can they do? Nobody believes in feechies anymore.
When Floyd stages an elaborate plot to revive Corenwalders’ belief in the mythical swamp-dwellers known as the feechiefolk, he overshoots the mark. Floyd’s Great Feechie Scare becomes widespread panic. Eager audiences become angry mobs, and in the ensuing chaos, the Charlatan’s Boy discovers the truth that has evaded him all his life—and will change his path forever.

My Thoughts:
THEY ARE AMONG US...

Though no self-respecting Civilizer would believe the word of some country bumpkin husker. But, Proffesor Floyd has a plan: if nobody thinks theres proof feechies exist, than he'll give ‘em proof…and plenty of it.
Grady has been with Floyd as long as he can recollect, but he knows nothing of his parents or who he truly is. The life of a traveling showman is all he has ever known, and that’s just fine with him. Until Grady finds out he isn’t a feechie at all, just an ugly boy, and he's ok with that too, if it means he'll belong. But, Grady will the adventure of a lifetime before him, and before he finds the place called home.

I’m Jonathan Rogers biggest fans…or at least I’d like to think I am, and I was so very excited to get my little feechie-free hands on his latest book. The Charlatan’s Boy is not like Roger’s Wilderking Trilogy, yet is just as adventures, fun , action-packed and FULL of Feechies. The story line was a little slow in the beginning, but after chapter 5 or so, the story really picked up, and by the end, I couldn’t put it down. And though I'm a teenage girl, I loved all the action and mischief, and would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a great adventure novel, witty characters and a WHOLE lot of green swamp people!

*Many thanks to WaterBrook press  for sending me a copy of The Charlatan's Boy. I was in no way paid for my review and this is my honest opinion of this book*

If you'd like to know more about
 Johnathan Rogers and his books, go to:
His Website
Publisher
Goodreads


I pray you guys are having a great week, full of blessings.
As always...
Love Y'all,
Ashley

Guest Blogger's of Things I Wish I Knew Before I got Married by Gary Chapman

I'm back guys, well sorta. Actually it's my sister who is appearing on my blog today with her review of Things I wish I knew Before I Got Married. My sister was in engage and I really wanted to get her something I knew she would use, so when this book was up for review, I just had to get it for her. Only problem: she had to write a 200 or more word review on it. Needless to say, she went along with it and so here is her review...

Title: Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got Married
Author: Gary Chapman
Genre: NONFICTION - ADULT: Family & Home: Family & Relationships: Other

Publisher: Moody Publishers
Date released: 09/01/2010
ISBN: 9780802481832
Stars (out of 5): ***
Age rating:  This book is geared toward mostly engaged and married couples
Back cover:
"Most people spend far more time in preparation for their vocation than they do in preparation for marriage,” Dr. Gary Chapman


No wonder the divorce rate hovers around fifty percent.
Bestselling author and marriage counselor, Gary Chapman, hopes to change that with his newest book. Gary, with more than 35 years of counseling couples, believes that divorce is the lack of preparation for marriage and the failure to learn the skills of working together as intimate teammates.
So he put together this practical little book, packed with wisdom and tips that will help many develop the loving, supportive and mutually beneficial marriage men and women long for. It’s the type of information Gary himself wished he had before he got married.
This is not a book simply to be read. It is a book to be experienced. The material lends itself to heart-felt discussions by dating or engaged couples. To jump-start the exchanges, each short chapter includes insightful “Talking it Over” questions and suggestions. And, the book includes information on interactive websites as well as books that will enhance the couples experience.
Dr. Chapman even includes a thought-provoking appendix. By understanding and balancing the five key aspects of life, dating couples can experience a healthy dating relationship. A revealing learning exercise for dating couples is included at the end.


Angela's Thoughts:
Things I wish I knew before I got married was an interesting book. It was well written and clear in its presentation of the information. I would like to see some more suggestions on how to fix concerns that are brought up in each chapter. Concerns are presented and explored but with little help on how to avoid or correct anything. As a woman who is recently engaged and fast approaching my marriage, this book scared me. I see the potential for disaster around every corner and don’t know how to avoid any of it. The information is well presented though. Each issue is explored in detail and has examples to clarify any misunderstandings. This book could be very helpful to any person with a little more advice. I knew that marriage was not going to be easy but I did not know all the situations I would be facing. This book did open my eyes to issues I had not considered. I would love to see more help in this book. More helpful suggestions and things that will improve these issues.


*Many thanks Moody Publishers for sending me a copy of Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got Married. I was in no way paid for my review and is my honest opinion of this book*
 

 
If you'd like to know more about Gary Chapman and his books go to:
HIS WEBSITE
PUBLISHER
GOODREADS
 
 
 
 
 
Well, I'm off with Angela to Atlanta to actually pick up her wedding dress (coindenece?). As always...
 Love Y'all,
Ashley

Winners! (one month late)

Would you believe me if I said I've been without internet for the last month? Neither would I, but my family and I have finally moved (YEAH!) and getting the internet set up, took much longer than I thought. Who know, right?Anywas, I've been dying to to get on the computer and I know it wasn't fair to you guys, I hope you can forgive me, the Windstream guy and my procrastinating ways, for this infraction. Ok, enough of all that boring stuff. Onto the winners of my Top Ten Of 2010 giveaway!!!

There were a lot of entreies and I loved reading Y'all's list (and I saw a lot of books I hadn't even heard of), so I want to thank each and every one of you for taking part in this giveaway. And, without further ado...the first winner of the Top Ten Of '10 giveaway is....

LEE SMITH!! Congrats Lee, and I have already sent you an e-mail, so be on the look out for it.
The second winner of the giveaway is...
TAMMY (BLUEROSE)!! I've sent you a an e-mail as well.

Ladies, you both have 48 hours to respond to the e-mail After that time, if you haven't gotten back with me, I'll choose another winner.

NEWS: Because of school and my job (and a whole other stuff I can't get into), I sadly won't be able to blog anymore. Or, at least until things get a little less crazy. I'll still be posting the occasional review, I just won't be around the Bloggerworld like I used to.  It really saddens me that I won't get to "hang out" with you guys, and that I won't be able to join in all the upcoming events y'all planned, like before. But, wild horses won't be able to keep me away for long...or so I hope. ;)

I hope you all the best week and a blessed day, tomorrow!

Love Y'all,

Ashley

So, if you haven't yet guessed from the giant sparkling "Happy Sweet 16..." or the "Happy Birthday" above that it's my birthday, then I need to get more flashing blinkies, or something. LOL jk
But, alas it is my birthday and my 16th to be exact! I'm not real big on my birthday parties. I never know what to do or where to go or who to invite, so I usually stay home and read. So, what am I doing today to make it special? Well, this morning at 6:30am my mom, my dad and I all went to Waffle House, before my dad went off to work. I had a Pecan waffle with butter spread and syrup w/ a side order of hash browns "smothered", "diced", and "chunked". That translates into: Hash browns with grilled onions, tomatoes and ham. The whole breakfast was really good, and believe or not, Waffle House has the BEST waffles hands down! Who knew, right?LOL;~) Now, it's 11:00am and it's  raining cats and dogs, but that just makes it better, IMO.

To celebrate my birthday here on my blog, I decided to pick, not just one, but TWO winners for the End-Of-The-Year giveaway I'm  hosting on my blog. Also, I'll be extending the giveaway another week, so make sure to enter.:D And I hope you guys have a very merry un-birthday today!
Love Y'all,
Ashley

Happy New Year

Have a happy New Year and may God bless you and your own in 2011. And I can't wait to read all the great books coming out next, er...I guess, this year!! Y'all!! And I just can't wait



Love Y'all,
Ashley

P.S
Make sure to head over to my End-Of-The-Year giveaway and enter. Winner will receive one book of their choice

My Top 10 Books Of 2010! +Giveaway!

It's New Year's Eve and that means it's time to tell you my Top Ten Books Of 2010 and for After All, Tomorrow Is Another Day's annul End-Of-The-Year Giveaway. Last year, I made a resolution to host giveaways on my blog and I had so much fun reading Y'all Top Ten list last time, that I wanted to it again, this year.  To enter the giveaway and if you have a blog, simply leave a comment with your e-mail address and post your Top Ten Of 2010 book list (either published, read or wanted to read in 2010) on your blog, then leave the link in a comment. Or if you don't have a blog, just list your top five right there in the comment.  The prize (which is what the giveaway is all about) will be one book of your choosing, off your Top Ten list (if you already have the books on your list, then you may choose another book). Sound like fun?
Well, now unto to my Top 10 Books Of 2010 (in no particular order)

 A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
"This book was the highlight of the year, for me.
Julie Lessman did it again and I can't wait for her newest release next year!"

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin
"I'd never read WWII novels before, this book changed that, and I can say I now LOVE WWII fiction"
















 Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad
"This was such a fun read, I really can't wait to read it again. And when book 2 comes out this next year, I'll be the first in line to get it"

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
"Laura Frantz is such a great writer, I'm just sorry I didn't get the chance to read on her books till now"

Disaster Status by Candace Calvert
"A wonderful mix of drama, medicine, and romance.  I would prescribe took a doses of Candace Calvert, as needed throughout the day. I can't wait to read the whole series, in order this time"

Love Finds You In Hershey  Pennsylvania by Cerella Sechrist
"I wasn't a fan of contemporary fiction, but this a sweet read that I enjoyed more then a Hershey Kiss, and that's saying a lot. "

Angel's Den by Jamie Carie
"I was asked to read this be the publisher and I'm so happy I said yes. This book, though sad, was a great book and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Carie!"

The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough
"A fun and frolicking read and a great  series to get into"

The Raven Saint by M.L Tyndall
"I LOVE pirates, what can I say? LOL!"

Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs
"I tried reading her Lowlands Of Scotland series, but just couldn't get past all the sadness. But I surprisingly LOVED this book so much more."












Ok, so now for the boring, but, important stuff.......

Giveaway Rules:
* You must have a valid e-mail address (you must leave your e-mail address in the comment to be entered in the contest. To prevent spammers write e-mail like this.... i.e: i95fahrenheit[at]ymail[dot]com)
* Must have a valid U.S mailing address.
* U.S residents only
*The giveaway will start on Dec. 31th 2010 and end on Jan. 8th 11:59 pm, 2011
Any entries after the set date will not be entered in the giveaway * The winner will be announced on Jan 9th 2011 on this blog. The winner will be contacted via e-mail. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the e-mail. If they do not reply within the 48 hours, a new winner will chosen.
For extra entries:
1+ For commenting (including the link and your e-mail address)
2+ For becoming a new follower
3+ For being an old follower
5+ For post (on the sidebar of your blog) about this giveaway on your blog
Be sure to include all extra entries in the one comment


I can't wait to see those lists!!!:)
I hope Y'all have a safe, blessed and God-filled New Year!
Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review: Masquerade by Nancy Moser

Last review!! WooHoo! I thought I'd never get to write those words. There have been so many great books this year, that, like all of my other blogging friends have done, I must comprise a list of my top 10 of 2010. So, be on the lookout for that post, later today.

Title: Masquerade
Author: Nancy Moser
Genre: Histroical inspirational romance 
Publisher: Bethany House
Date released: Aug. 10
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0751-8
Stars (out of 5):****
Age rating: PG-11
I found this book to be very clean and very Princess And The Pauper-like.

Back cover (from Bethany House):
1886. Charlotte Gleason embarks from England with conflicting emotions. She is headed for New York to marry one of America's wealthiest heirs--a man she has never even met. When her doubts gain the upper hand, she swaps identities with her maid Dora. She wants a chance at "real life," even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it's a risk she's willing to take. But what begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl becomes a test of survival beyond her blackest nightmare.

For Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She is thrust into a fairy tale amid ball gowns and lavish mansions, yet is tormented by the possibility of discovery--and humiliation. And what of the man who believes she is indeed his intended? Is this what her heart truly longs for?

My Thoughts:
Masquerade is the tale of two friends; one rich, and the other a servant. When tragedy and disgrace befall the Gleason household, Mrs. Gleason arranges for her daughter, Charlotte, to accept the marriage proposal of a rich American. But sadly, Mrs. Gleason, who was going to accompany Charlotte on her voyage across the ocean, falls ill, and Charlotte’s maid, Dora, must take her place.
I really enjoyed this first encounter with Ms. Moser’s writing and I loved how she put drawings of the dresses, she wrote into the book. I liked the richness of her writing and the details. The characters were fun and had emotions that were real and often raw. The romance in the book was a little to...perfect, in my mind, but I did enjoy it none the less. I learned a lot while following Charlotte around Five Points and Dora around dress shops and mansions. One thing that I noticed, which really didn’t change the story or the plot, was the fact that when we happen upon Dora in New York, she always refers to herself as Charlotte and never Dora. But, other than that, the story was a nice read, which I would recommend.

*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*

If you'd like to learn more about Nancy Moser and her books, go to:
The Publisher
Her Website
Goodreads







Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review: In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Only one left. I can't belive I actually did it! Well, almost.

Title: In Every Heartbeat
Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer
Genre: Historical inspirational romance

Publisher: Bethany House
Date released: Sep. 10
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0510-1
Stars (out of 5): **1/2
Age rating: PG-12
There wasn't anything untoward, but I did feel that I older reader and especially those in college, would enjoy this book more.

 Back cover (from Bethany House):
As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well.


When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?

My Thoughts:

In Every Heartbeat centers on three friends, all orphans and all starting off their first year at college, together. Bennett Martin has only one goal while at college; to get in to a fraternity. Pete Leidig is on a mission to become a pastor, but not before he confronts the family who abandoned him. Libby Conley wants to be a journalist, but feels the teachers are holding her back. Bennett did add life to the plot, which I like and Pete with his family trials made the story line all that more interesting. When Libby started writing those romance serials for the women’s’ magazine, I had high hopes. But, besides all that, the story just feels short for me.  The romance between to Libby and Pete was…less then sparkling; it was a little rushed and I didn’t feel it was very romantic at all. To me it felt as if Libby and Pete “agreed” to fall in love together rather than just let it happen.  And I’m sure it’s just how I interpreted it, but I felt the author “put down” romance novels. See, when Libby starts writing the romance stories, Pete starts his campaign against them. In the end, Libby sees that Pete is right and that her romance stories are bad and shouldn’t be published.  What I didn’t see and I was pretty sure I would, was the author explaining how without God, romance is empty and filthy, but when we have romance that centers around God and is, in fact, a reflection of God’s love for us, then it is the purest and most lovely thing. This was not so in In Every Heartbeat and I’ll say that left me a little more than disappointed. I thought this book was okay, but wouldn’t read it again, that’s not to say, you shouldn’t.  

*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*   

If you'd like to learn more about Kim Vogel Sawyer and her books, go to:
The Publisher
Her Website
Goodreads





Love Y'all,
Ashley