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Deb’s Dozen: To knit with love and prayer is to share His love everywhere. My mother knit and did counted cross-stitch and read and accomplished all those things with love. She was a wonderful woman, and I miss her terribly. While I read The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady by Sharon J. Mondragón, one of her characters, Margaret, needed to be in control much like I do. Margaret regretted not talking with her mother more before she died. Although I talked with Mom up until she couldn’t any longer, I wish I had spent more time with her during the sweet period before she went Home. All of the women in the Heavenly Hugs Prayer Shawl Ministry have secret wishes they hope will come true. They’ve knitted for ages in the Prayer Chapel at their church. A failing church slated to be closed. The pastor, in a stroke of brilliance (or a nudge from above), suggests they take their knitting to the local mall while a volunteer paints the chapel they’d been knitting in. From a quiet group not doing anything but knitting and praying, they become an active group that still knits and prays. They also become involved in the lives of the people who work in the mall and see them knitting. Will this activity help them surmount their own problems and concerns? Come and meet Margaret and Fran and Jane and Rose and the others. Maybe you’ll even learn to knit. Sharon Mondragón wrote a delightful set of characters and a delightful story in which to display them. You’ll love them as much as I’ve grown to. Five stars. Sharon J. Mondragón herself facilitates a prayer shawl ministry for a group near her home in Midlothian, Texas. She also teaches knitting. She has lived every writer’s dream of having her work made into a motion picture after it earned recognition from the Saturday Evening Post Great American Fiction Contest and ACFW. Kregel Publications gave me a copy of The Unlikely Yarn but did not obligate me in any way to write a review. Should you purchase this book (and I hope you will) from any of the links in this blog post, I may receive a small commission as an Amazon associate. a Rafflecopter giveaway The post Knit by Pendragón: a Cozy Little Tale appeared first on Positive Grace by Deb Haggerty.

Deb’s Dozen: Mulligans Are Second Chances. Sometimes, a Second Chance for Life and Love. I was always a fan of mulligans when I played golf. As a duffer, I frequently needed a second chance. This wonderful movie, The Mulligan, is about second chances. The main character (Eric Close) has lost his way and become seduced by greed and power. Along the way, he’s become estranged from his wife and son. When he blows up during a golf match, he’s introduced to the “Old Pro” (Pat Boone). Working with the “OP” on his golf game, he learns even more about life. Loved the characters, loved the story, loved the movie. A book or movie that makes me laugh, cry, and think deeply is definitely a 5-Star. Watch on Amazon Prime: Mulligan DVD The post The Mulligan for Life appeared first on Positive Grace by Deb Haggerty.

I subscribe to the Clubhouse Jr. and Clubhouse magazines for me. Clubhouse Jr. is written for kids four- to eight-year-olds. Clubhouse is targeted for eight- to twelve-year-olds. I’ve been told that many young teens, thirteen and fourteen years old also read the magazine. Even though I am way past the ages for which the magazines are targeted, I’m a fan. I have been for years. These kids’ magazines are fun; they are informative, and they are good food for a child’s soul. Today I want to give you a better idea of what a child can find if you subscribe for him/her. The theme for their March issues is humor. Clubhouse Jr. opens with this thought: “God is not grumpy. He has a sense of humor. He created us to laugh.” The first story is “Snakes and Stones.” It is a gentle, humorous short story that shows us Jesus telling a group of people that God is like a good father who gives His children good gifts, not stones or snakes. A boy listening to Jesus later plays a joke on his family using stones and a stick. This story helps young children put Jesus’ words in the context of a familiar setting and shows children the sweetness and joy of His rich heart. Another short story—a cute, cute fantasy–involves the misadventure of two talking kangaroo rats. In the end children learn there is a big difference between laughing at someone and laughing together. And there is more fun stuff in the magazine. This issue has a recipe for making pretzels that can be decorated to look like funny faces. There are also how-tos for silly games that families can play together. And then there are the funny and fun to do activity pages. Activity pages like these are regular features of the magazine. I’ve noticed that the editors of the magazine believe that kids like serious fun too. Kids like to learn about God’s creation and His creatures.  The March issue spotlights creatures that are “Super Slimy.” And concludes with the thought “… just because something is funny or gross, it doesn’t mean God didn’t create them with a purpose. Instead of giggling or making fun of things that are different, learn more about them. Then you can appreciate the awesome ways God designed the world.” You will have to read Clubhouse Jr. to younger children, but those of school age who are learning to read will find that parts of the magazine they can read on their own. And the more they see they can read, the more they will want to read. Clubhouse, Focus on the Family’s magazine for older children, has a number of regular features that I just love. It has a kid detective two-page mystery. The solution is on a different page and so kids are challenged to use their smarts. Focus on the Family gathered a group of these stories into a book I reviewed, Jones & Parker Case Files. Another regular feature of the magazine is a page of jokes and riddles. You and the kids will groan over these puns and knock-knock jokes sometimes, but it’s worthwhile groaning. Clubhouse also regularly has a one-pager that recounts the misadventures of Average Boy, a pre-teener with a knack for comic experiences. This month “Average Boy” learns something about when to let his comic skills shine and when to restrain himself. (He admits that he may still have some learning to do.) The magazine often has quizzes. In the March issue a reader can discover what kind of humor he/she has. Humor can be tricky. We all know that, and kids are learning it. While affirming each type of humor, the quiz gives its readers info about how to know when each kind of humor can go too far. Quizzes in other issues have helped kids think about managing their time, looking at the kind of friend they are, etc. Like Clubhouse Jr., Clubhouse also looks into the world God has created. In Clubhouse that often means humans. In “What’s so Funny about Your Funny Bone?” in the March issue kids learn something about the nerves in their bodies. There’s a lot more that is fun and interesting in this issue—stories, puzzles, recipes, comic strips, profiles of kids and adults serving God, and more, but this should give you some idea of what’s in this issue and the kind of material you and your child might expect to find in future issues. Clubhouse Jr. and Clubhouse are so much fun they will encourage your kids to read, and we all want the kids to read. But we want them to read the good stuff, right? These magazines can be included in the good stuff. You can subscribe at: FocusOnTheFamily.com/kidsmags Nancy Ellen Hird is a mom, a writer and a credentialed teacher. (She taught seventh grade and preschool.) I Get a Clue and We All Get a Clue are her most recent works. These novels are mysteries for kids, ages 10 to 13. For several years she was a freelance reviewer of children’s and teen’s literature for the Focus on the Family website.   

Rosie and Scamper was written by Vicki Watson and published by Christian Cowgirl; Second Edition (2012). Rosie’s grandmother owns Sonrise Stables. Rosie loves being around horses. She loves riding and dreams of competing. When the novel opens, Rosie is eight and has only recently been allowed to ride. Jet is her pony. Grandma tells Rosie that Jet is going to have a foal. Rosie is very excited. One March night, some months later, there is a big storm. Going out to the barn, Grandma finds that Jet’s stall is empty. She searches for her. In the woods Grandma discovers a newborn foal. Going a little further she finds the dead Jet, and a coydog trampled to death beside her. Grandma takes the foal and with the help of the vet begins to take of him. She names him Scamper. When Rosie comes to her grandmother’s the next morning, she learns of Jet’s death and is brokenhearted. Grandma says that she has been praying. Brushing away her own tears, Grandma shares that Jet’s sacrifice to protect her foal helps her see a little better how much Jesus loves her and everyone—how in His love He died for all of us. Grandma wisely does not make light of Rosie’s sadness and tells her that she will hurt for some time. In the meantime, she would like Rosie’s help feeding the newborn who must be bottle fed every two hours. Rosie agrees to help. Three months later when Grandma is teaching Rosie how to train Scamper, Carrie, a foster child, living with one of Grandma’s neighbor comes to the farm. Carrie goads Rosie into getting up onto Grandma’s horse, Kezzie. Rosie is forbidden to ride when Grandma is not present. Grandma scolds her for not only breaking that rule, but also for not practicing safety rules—wearing a helmet and putting a halter on Kezzie. Grandma says Rosie may not come to the farm for two weeks. In a few weeks Grandma takes a “sorry” Carrie under her wing and Carrie and Rosie become friends. Grandma begins teaching Carrie to ride. The story fast forwards two years and it’s time for Scamper to accept a rider. Rosie is frightened to ride him for the first time and makes an excuse, but Grandma sees through the excuse and with a personal experience story helps her to overcome her fear and ride Scamper. The story has more fun and interesting times coming for young readers. Grandma is planning Cousins Camp. All of her grandchildren, their parents and Carrie are being invited to come to the farm for a week of work and horse riding activities. The whole family work and play together. There is also a trail ride. Remembering some of the things Grandma has told her and sensing the love of God, Carrie invites Jesus into her heart. The novel ends with a horse show competition at the county fair in which Rosie and Carrie participate. There’s a surprise for Carrie. For girls, eight- to ten-years-old, who love animals and horses in particular this book will be a delight. There is a lot in it about taking care of horses, training them and riding. I think girls will also like and learn a lot from Grandma’s (stories) lessons because they usually involve horses. Her stories often have a God-application as well and that will bless young readers. Rosie and Scamper is the first book in the Sonrise Stables Series. Books can seem expensive, but I think when you can find a book like Rosie and Scamper it is worth the price. Also consider forming a group with your child’s Christian friends so the children can share their books. Nancy Ellen Hird is a mom, a writer and a credentialed teacher. (She taught seventh grade and preschool.) I Get a Clue and We All Get a Clue are her most recent works. These novels are mysteries for kids, ages 10 to 13. For several years she was a freelance reviewer of children’s and teen’s literature for the Focus on the Family website.   

Prayers for Prodigals: 90 Days of Prayer for Your Child, written by James Banks and published by Our Daily Bread Publishing: New Edition, Updated and Expanded (2022) will encourage your heart. It was written by a pastor and church planter, and it is very helpful for parents whose children have gone astray. It will help you to know that God is at work, even in difficult times. Having two adult children, James Banks knows the pain of children who have not always followed the Lord. He offers a solution and that is to pray and trust in God. I myself know there are many times with grown children when you feel completely helpless and unable to fix a certain situation. I pray often for my grown children, and it definitely offers a peace that passes all understanding. A verse at the beginning of this book expresses one particular reason why we pray for our kids. It is 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (NIV) It gives us tremendous joy to see our children following the Lord and His plans for their lives.  The 90 prayers, one for each day, are organized into weeks. Each week has a theme/title. Some of the titles are, Don’t Cry, The Power of a Parent’s Prayers, Wanting what God Wants, The Running Father, The Stretcher of Faith, Just Say the Word, Coming to Our Senses, Treasured in Our Hearts, and Waiting for an Answer. Each day of this book will encourage you and make you think of how greatly the Lord loves your children. The introduction to this book is very helpful. The first quote comes from Ruth Bell Graham, “Prodigals are not limited in gender, race, age or color. They do have one thing in common: they have left home and they are missed.” Next come some thought-provoking comments from the author, “When you have a prodigal child, prayer doesn’t always come easily. You know you need to pray, but you don’t know where to begin. That’s why this book was written. God blessed me with two prodigals. I use the word blessed because they are a gift, just like every child. Prodigals are an especially precious gift because they teach us much, including patience, the depth of our own need for forgiveness, and continual dependence on God in prayer. When our children bring us to our knees, we’re in the best position for God to help us. I was greatly encouraged by this book, and I know you will be as well. It will help you to realize that you are not alone in your experience and that God is always with you and your child. Patsy Ledbetter has written poetry, short stories, devotionals, and book reviews for many years. She has also been a drama instructor, special needs teacher and substitute teacher. She and Kevin have been married for 41 years. They recently lost their oldest son Craig, age 33. They now have three children, Vanessa, Bethany and David. They also have four grandchildren, Elyse, Aurora, Hayden, and Molly. Kevin has been a music pastor most of his life and together they serve the Lord in a local church. Patsy loves to read, pray, and spend time outdoors and with family and friends. Her main desire is to bring glory to God through all the talents He has given her.

The Best Thing About Easter was written by Christine Harder Tangvald, illustrated by Kathy Couri and published by Standard Publishing, (first paperback printing, 1997). It will let your pre-schooler delight in the fun customs of Easter, but your child will also discover that there is more to Easter than dyeing eggs and eating candy. This little book is short and its words few, but the truth that it conveys is rich and deep and wide. Jesus and His love for us is the best thing about Easter.  Speaking to the child at eye level, Christine romps through all the customs that many of us keep, helping the child to see the joy in them. With each custom, the author involves the child, asking the child questions about what they like. The story builds—she doesn’t give away the ending before it’s time—and we are in suspense as she tells us that there is something better than dyeing eggs, eating candy, enjoying Spring, and even being together in church. Jesus, she says finally, is the very best thing about Easter. She tells the story of Easter, acknowledging that it started sad, but she moves quickly and emphatically (“Jesus Did Not Stay Dead! No, He Did Not!”) to the joy that his friends had and that we can have too. With gentleness and yet abundant enthusiasm, she lets the child know that Jesus’ death and resurrection was part of God’s amazing plan. God loves us. A child will hear that God loves them personally and that “Jesus died and lives again . . . for me.”  I don’t think this book will impress adults. It’s not visually sophisticated and the questions the author asks will not intrigue adults. But I think small children will love this book. It is written at their level. And I think it does something else. It helps a child begin to see what is most important in life, what is best to seek after. We can recommend other books about Easter as well. Check out Book Lists to find more titles that we’ve reviewed. Nancy Ellen Hird is a mom, a writer and a credentialed teacher. (She taught seventh grade and preschool.) I Get a Clue and We All Get a Clue are her most recent works. These novels are mysteries for kids, ages 10 to 13. For several years she was a freelance reviewer of children’s and teen’s literature for the Focus on the Family website.   

Passover this year, 2023, begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 5, and ends at sundown on Thursday, April 13. Easter falls in the middle on Sunday, April 9. Knowing about Passover will bless Christian kids. They will learn that Passover is a remembrance and sacred celebration of the freedom that God brought to the Israelites when he brought them out of slavery in Egypt. In the gospels we read about Jesus and his disciples celebrating the Passover on the night before the morning of Good Friday. Jesus helped his disciples know that he was now going to free them from a greater bondage–a bondage to sin. The Passover of Egypt so many years before was a foreshadowing of the bigger plan of God. Jesus would soon become their and our Passover lamb, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29 (NIV). Knowing about Passover will nourish your child’s soul, pointing him to the greatness and goodness of God. Our God cares for and delivers his beloved ones. We can recommend two books that we have previously reviewed, the beautifully illustrated Exodus and Walk with Y’shua Through the Jewish Year which has a chapter on the Passover. Patsy has also found a fun, interactive book for children (you’ll have fun too) that tells about the origin of Passover and how Jews celebrate it. ABC Passover Hunt, written by Tilda Balsley, illustrated by Helen Poole, and published by Kar-Ben Publishing (2016), isn’t your everyday picture book. The first page says, “An alphabet Passover scene. Find all the letters in between!” The last page reads, ” Z’man cheruteinu……We celebrate that we are free! Happy Passover to every family!” On each page of this book and for each letter of the alphabet, there is a word pertaining to Jewish history, the Bible or the Passover holiday. The book uses questions and colorful, cartoon-like drawings to explain aspects of Passover and its celebration. For example, the question on the “B” page asks what was baby Moses’ boat on the Nile. The drawing on the page shows a box, an inner tube, a leaf, a rowboat, a rubber ducky, and a basket. The child guesses which was Moses’ boat. The answers to all of the questions are at the end of the book. I found ABC Passover Hunt interesting and fun, with poems that rhyme and that describe what is being conveyed. Pictures depict Bible characters, food used in the Passover meal, maps, families celebrating together, etc. There are some Hebrew letters and words. One of the questions for the letter N is “Nisan…..This is the month that Passover’s in. On which day does it begin?” As I mentioned before, all the answers are on the last page of the book, in addition to a paragraph entitled “About Passover.” This book describes and illustrates Passover in a very clear way that young children can understand. The best age of readers would be from four to twelve years. I learned a lot from this 32-page book and I hope you will as well. Patsy Ledbetter has written poetry, short stories, devotionals, and book reviews for many years. She has also been a drama instructor, special needs teacher and substitute teacher. She and Kevin have been married for 41 years. They recently lost their oldest son Craig, age 33. They now have three children, Vanessa, Bethany and David. They also have four grandchildren, Elyse, Aurora, Hayden, and Molly. Kevin has been a music pastor most of his life and together they serve the Lord in a local church. Patsy loves to read, pray, and spend time outdoors and with family and friends. Her main desire is to bring glory to God through all the talents He has given her.

Synopsis The Fiona the Hippo book series, by Christian illustrator Richard Cowdrey, is inspired by a real-life baby hippopotamus born at the Cincinnati Zoo in January 2017. Fiona the Hippo and Meet Fiona the Hippo introduce Fiona and recount actual events that happened. These books tell about her premature birth, her developmental milestones, the zoo team that raised her, and the millions of fans that rooted for her. The rest of the series contains fictional stories about a personified Fiona with her personified zoo animal friends. In the first published fiction book, A Very Fiona Christmas, little Fiona asks her friends what is Christmas. She discovers Christmas is not only enjoying fun festivities but also showing love to a new friend. Fiona recruits her friends in Fiona Saves the Day to rescue a baby penguin from a ledge. On her first birthday in Happy Birthday, Fiona, Fiona is so excited by the photoshoots and fan mail and gifts that she forgets about her friends. She soon realizes her special day is empty without her friends and invites them to a party where she gives gifts to them. Later, in Fiona’s Train Ride, the little hippo learns how to drive the zoo train so she and her friends can visit the newborn baby red panda. In the newly released Fiona Plays Soccer, she and Flamingo find a soccer ball in a bush and start kicking it. The kicking soon turns into a traveling game as other animals join in when the ball bounces from one friend’s habitat to another’s. A new book, You’ve Got This, Fiona: A Book About Change is scheduled to be released in August 2023. A complete listing of books in this series can be found on Zondervan’s website: https://www.zondervan.com/p/fiona-book/#books. Reading Level This series is just right for kindergartners and first graders. Guided Reading Level and Lexile Framework for Reading ratings are not available for the entire series. Eight of the Fiona the Hippo books are rated level 1 in the I-Can-Read system and are available in paperback. Level 1 I-Can-Read books are designed for beginning independent readers and are written with simple concepts, familiar words, and short sentences. Fiona the Hippo books are available at local public libraries as well as bookstores and online retailers.  My Opinion When you were a child, after an outing to your local zoo, did you wonder if animals came to life and sang and danced after the human visitors and caretakers left?  The Fiona the Hippo series transports kindergartners and first graders to a special zoo where animals talk and engage in human-like activities. The colorful and realistic illustrations, along with recognition of favorite zoo animals, draw children into the stories. Talking animals, playing and solving problems, capture and hold their attention until the end. While immersed in this special zoo, young readers learn various life lessons that covertly align with God’s Word. They learn from Fantastic Fiona that every creature, whether animal or human being, is special and unique. In books like Fiona Helps a Friend and Fiona Gets the Sniffles, Fiona shows readers how to recognize when a friend is in trouble and to recruit others to help the friend. Children learn, in Happy Birthday, Fiona, that true happiness on a birthday is not from gifts or fame but from celebrating with friends. Throughout the stories, Fiona shows children how to explore, meet new friends, and approach every situation with a can-do attitude and kindness. Unlike some recently released children’s books, the Fiona the Hippo series does not contain current cultural ideas. Each book is filled with childhood innocence and fun. The books capture children’s imagination while helping them learn to read independently. Carissa Excelsis is a storyteller and a mom. She has been telling original stories ever since she captivated her kindergarten classmates with her story about a mama bunny going to the hospital to have a baby bunny. She loves to capture children’s imagination through oral and written stories. Prior to being a mom, she created product branding strategies and wrote marketing copy. She hopes one day to have her children’s stories and God-stories published. 

From Dr. David Jeremiah’s online devotion for Friday, April 7, 2023: “I read of a man wandering through an art gallery in Glasgow, Scotland. He saw a boy gazing intently at a painting. It was a depiction of the crucifixion of Christ. After watching him a moment, the man went over and asked, ‘Young fellow, what is that picture about?’ The boy said, ‘Why, sir, don’t you know? It’s our Lord dying on the cross. He’s bearing our sins.’ The man smiled and nodded, then continued his stroll through the gallery looking at other paintings. Suddenly he felt a tug at his sleeve. It was the boy. ‘Pardon me, sir. I have forgotten one thing. He is not dead anymore. He’s alive!’” Jesus promised on the night before he went to the cross, “If you really love me, you will keep the commandments I have given you and I shall ask the Father to give you Someone else to stand by you, to be with you always. I mean the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, for it can neither see nor recognise that Spirit. But you recognise him, for he is with you now and will be in your hearts. I am not going to leave you alone in the world—I am coming to you. In a very little while, the world will see me no more but you will see me, because I am really alive and you will be alive too. When that day comes, you will realise that I am in my Father, that you are in me, and I am in you.” John 14. (The New Testament in Modern English, J.B. Phillips) Jesus kept his promise and He is keeping His promise still. Happy Easter!!!!

Be Loved, written by Emma Mae Jenkins, with most photographs by Mallory Zynda and published by New Growth Press (2019), is inspiring, upbeat, and full of one young woman’s enthusiasm and love for God. Jenkins (now McDaniel) is a speaker, social media influencer, and host of the “Have You Heard?” podcast. Now twenty-four, she was still a teen when she wrote the book. It looks different than most books—lots of photos, lots of drawings, lots of color, informal fonts (looks like it’s been handwritten and sometimes in marking pens). But it is not just the format that’s different, its tone is different. Sadie Robertson says in the Foreword, “I know Emma’s heart would be to sit down with every single one of you and have a cup of tea. Since she may not be able to do that, I know she has put every ounce of truth and wisdom into a book that is wrapped in love and filled with joy, just for you!” Emma writes of teen-girl world. She talks the topics that are often part of that life—finding out who you are, connecting with other teens, struggling with perfectionism, doing your schoolwork, playing sports, other people’s perception of you, going to prom. She does it in a way that makes you, the reader, a part of that world. It’s intimate. You feel as if she really is sitting down with you over tea or ice cream and having a heart-to-heart. And what is more amazing is that she is putting all these topics through the lens of her love for Jesus. In Emma’s words and actions you see that loving Jesus, following Him really can change and beautify your life. Chapter titles include Be Loved. Be Free; Go Private before You Go Public; Lunch; School Work; Sports; Be Loved, Be You. Each chapter ends with prayers and scripture verses that pertain to that chapter. However, Emma does not consign scripture verses to the ends of things. God’s word is what she stands on, where she lives. As she shows readers her life in high school and her decisions there, she points us readers to the scriptures that that she stands on. For example, in the chapter called “Sports,” she relates a time when she and her soccer teammates were told to finish their workout with laps. Girls stopped short of running the last lap. Emma had to decide whether to continue or stop like the others. She decided to be faithful and obey. She says that there is an incredible power in it. It gives peace. And, she continues, the Lord will use our faithfulness to inspire others. She quotes, “Let us not grow weary or discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap if we do not give in,” Galatians 6:9 AMP. Be Loved is not intended as a how-to. Emma stresses that God made us all different, with different talents and personalities and that He plans to use those differences for His glory. Rather the book is meant to encourage girls and young women by reminding them that God loves each us and by showing them that a life following Jesus can be rich and exciting and rewarding. Nancy Ellen Hird is a mom, a writer and a credentialed teacher. (She taught seventh grade and preschool.) I Get a Clue and We All Get a Clue are her most recent works. These novels are mysteries for kids, ages 10 to 13. For several years she was a freelance reviewer of children’s and teen’s literature for the Focus on the Family website.   

Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God’s Image in Every Person is an educational picture book written by Christian author Laura Wifler, art by Skylar White and published by Harvest Kids (2023). The story’s narrator takes readers into a day in his life with his four-year-old brother with disabilities. Synopsis The day starts with the narrator helping his younger brother get dressed and into the car for his therapy appointment. While the therapist works with the brother, the narrator notices other children with different disabilities in the waiting room. The mom tells the narrator that each child, despite the disability, is uniquely made by God. After lunch at a nearby sandwich shop, the narrator goes sledding with his friends and his brother. Later, the brothers and a friend head inside the house to warm up with hot cocoa and to build a fort. Every time the narrator and his friend finish constructing the fort, the brother knocks it down. The mom hears the commotion and takes the brother into the kitchen. The day ends with the dad reading a book to the boys in front of a cozy fire. The mom tucks in each boy with a blessing, “God made you, God loves you, God is kind to you.” Reading Level This picture book can be read independently by first and second graders. Preschoolers and kindergarteners can enjoy the book when it is read to them. Guided Reading Level and Lexile Framework for Reading ratings are not available. This book may not be at local public libraries but can be purchased through online retailers.  My Opinion Like Me is one of the few Christian picture books on the market that covers the topic of disabilities. It is a descriptive book that tells the story from the perspective of the sibling of the person with disabilities, not the person with disabilities. This book educates the general young reader population while affirming a subset of this population. The warm, rich-colored illustrations in Like Me draw young readers to open the book and start reading. Many of them, though, may lose interest halfway into it. There is no action or suspense to hold their attention. They may find the topic foreign because they do not know anyone who has disabilities or a sibling with disabilities. If young readers are encouraged to read Like Me until the end, they will develop an appreciation for their peers who have disabilities or a sibling with disabilities. Readers are introduced to tools people with disabilities use such as therapy, leg braces, walkers, guide dogs. The narrator demonstrates how to look beyond the person’s words or actions that do not make sense and use body language to understand the message the person is trying to communicate. The mom in the story teaches readers all human beings, regardless of disability, are uniquely made in God’s image. Children learn they can include their peers with disabilities in everyday activities by making a few accommodations. While the information is new to most young readers, it is all too familiar to the subset of readers who have a sibling with disabilities. Like Me shows these readers that they are not alone, that there are other children like them who experience the daily challenges and joys of living with a sibling with disabilities. They see that helping their sibling with daily self-care tasks and going to therapy appointments are common and normal. They see that including their sibling with disabilities into play activities can be fun at times but frustrating at other times. Even though most children may read Like Me only once, the one-time read will impress an important truth into their hearts: God’s image is found in every human being, regardless of ability or disability. Carissa Excelsis is a storyteller and a mom. She has been telling original stories ever since she captivated her kindergarten classmates with her story about a mama bunny going to the hospital to have a baby bunny. She loves to capture children’s imagination through oral and written stories. Prior to being a mom, she created product branding strategies and wrote marketing copy. She hopes one day to have her children’s stories and God-stories published. 

Lee Strobel, the author of The Case for Christ, had a successful career as an investigative reporter when he decided to look into the validity of Christianity. In the process of his investigation, he became a believer. The “Case” books are the result of this journey. There are three versions of The Case for Christ. The original book is nearly 400 pages long, containing interviews with experts. The “Student Edition” is short and concise, with many charts that present pertinent information simply. The “For Kids” version has a lot of stories and drawings to engage children. Each of these books answers three questions: 1) Who is Jesus? 2) How reliable is the information about him? 3) Is the resurrection possible? The Case for Christ Student Edition written by Lee Strobel with Jane Vogel was published by Zondervan (2014). The format is very approachable. It appeals to people who like to think through questions and make decisions based on evidence. The author starts with his personal testimony, and then systematically explains his case for each of the questions. These are broken down into smaller questions like: Did Jesus really think he was God? Was Jesus crazy to make this claim? Is Christianity intolerant? Did Jesus fake his death? The chapters are short and packed. Some details are gritty, like the kind of stories Strobel covered as a reporter, and like the descriptions of Jesus’ physical suffering during the crucifixion. The author is very honest and forthright. After presenting persuasive arguments in answering the above questions, he leaves the final decision-making to the reader. This book would be an interesting read for a seeker, for a believer who is struggling with doubts, or for someone who wants to better understand the proofs for Christianity. It is a good book to have on your shelf as a refresher on apologetics. You can find The Case for Christ Student Edition at Christianbook.com and Zondervan.com. It is available in paperback and e-book form. Previously, this book was titled The Case for Christ Youth Edition. That version has been updated and is now called The Case for Christ Student Edition (although you can still get it as The Case for Christ Youth Edition on Amazon.com). There are also more titles than the ones I’ve listed and some of them are available in Spanish. Also, there are leader’s guides and study guides for some of these, as well as videos. For further reading, related titles by Lee Strobel include The Case for a Creator, The Case for Faith, The Case for Christmas, and The Case for Easter. Donna Fujimoto’s children love to read. She is a graduate of Alliance Theological Seminary. Her collection of short stories, 9 Slightly Strange Stories with an Uplifting Edge  is available as an e-book at Amazon.

This story kept me reading to find out what was going to happen next! I loved the way Daniel went out of his way to help Faith. I also loved how good he was with baby Rose. I was frustrated that these two continually jumped to conclusions or made decisions with only partial facts. Simple conversations, asking a question, or making a clarifying statement now and then would have solved a lot of heartache. However, it would have also made for a short story instead of a novel! So, even though I kept wanting the two main characters to speak their feelings, the fact that they didn’t added some great tension to the story. The novel had a good faith message, however, I was a bit surprised when the Lord’s name was taken in vain by a side character once and another time when there was a curse word uttered by a stranger. Overall, I enjoyed this Amish tale and reading something from a new to me author. (4 stars) I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ABOUT THE BOOK The rewards of faith are plentiful in this sweet Amish romance from the author of The Gift of Joy . The quietest of the three Kanagy boys, Daniel, would prefer to spend his time keeping his bees and selling the honey rather than tending his family’s gift shop. But with both his brothers breaking away from the family business, his parents need Daniel more than ever. Contrary to town gossip, Faith Kemp didn’t jump the fence—she left to track down her twin sister, Mercy. When Faith returns home with a newborn baby, the rumors are tough to set right, and not everyone in the community is welcoming. To help support her family, Faith sells dried flower arrangements to the popular gift shop in town. Each visit, she looks forward to seeing Daniel Kanagy. He doesn’t say much, but his steady strength speaks to her just the same. With girls buzzing around Daniel and trying to catch his eye, why would he turn his gaze to a quiet, plain girl who has a baby and too many rumors about her? PURCHASE YOUR OWN COPY HERE ABOUT THE AUTHOR Represented by Evan MarshallThe Marshall Agency Romance author Kristen McKanagh writes sweet contemporary romance & Amish romance. She loves plots that warm the heart, feisty heroines with sass, heroes with heart, a dash of snark, and oodles of HEAs! Other titles include wife, mother, Star Wars geek, ex-competitive skydiver, spreadsheet lover, eMBA, organizational guru, Texan, Aggie, and chocoholic. Kristen attempted to find a practical career by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing) and an MBA. However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it. Kristen currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own swoon-worthy hero, their angelic teenagers, and two adorable fur babies. WEBSITE FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Expired Hope by Megan Besing & Lisa Phillips,hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! About the Book Title: Expired HopeSeries: Last Chance Fire and Rescue #2Authors: Megan Besing & Lisa PhillipsPublisher: Sunrise PublishingRelease Date: April 25, 2023Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense She battled every fire she ever faced. He’s risking everything for the chance to belong. Veteran and therapist Natalie Atkinson watched her Army career explode in her face. All she ever wanted was to help people carry their burdens. Seeking a new future in Last Chance County doesn’t start so well when she’s the one being rescued from a client’s burning house. To make matters worse, now she’s stuck evaluating the truck and rescue squads for the fire department. When the chief overhears why she left her last job, she’s determined to prove to him and her boss that she’s still the right therapist to assess his crew. No matter if success takes everything she’s got. Fire Chief Macon James is the right man for the job. He doesn’t need a therapist interfering with the running of his crew or putting his position in jeopardy when a counselor is what tore his family apart. He’s got to get his firefighters to be a team, and he can do it without Natalie’s help. After an explosion destroys her car, it quickly becomes clear she might need him as much as everyone thinks he needs her. If these two stubborn hearts will surrender, they could have everything they want. Or it could all go down in flames. PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub More Books in this Series My Review Expired Hope was an action packed suspense story woven with a great romantic thread. I really liked the two main characters, Natalie and Macon. They both carried guilt over past traumatic events that impacted not only their daily decisions, but also affected the way they viewed themselves. There was so much tension on the fire crew! It was interesting to read about the way Natalie worked with the crew to understand what they went through on a daily basis. I really felt for Chief Macon James as he struggled to gain the crew’s loyalty. The danger and suspense in the story kept me anxiously turning pages and I enjoyed the way the romance grew between the main characters. This is the first book that I have read in this series, however, I did not have any trouble at all picking it up and reading it as a stand alone novel. I do look forward to reading future books in the series, as well as going back and reading some of the earlier novels, too. (4 stars) I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. About the Authors Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after. Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians. Connect with Lisa by visiting authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates. Despite adoring happily-ever-afters, Megan Besing didn’t unlock a love for reading until her mid-twenties, which quickly expanded into writing. Her stories have won many awards, but her most cherished achievements are being a wife and mother. She lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, centered around extended family. She’s always planning a road trip with a view, yet her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea. Connect with Megan by visiting meganbesing.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates. Discover the world of Last Chance County at www.lastchancecounty.com. Tour Giveaway (1) winner will receive a paperback of Expired Hope and a $10 Gift Card to the Sunrise Shop! Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 26, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 3, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here. Enter Giveaway Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Her Surprise Cowboy Groom by Cathy McDavid,hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! About the Book Title: Her Surprise Cowboy GroomSeries: Wishing Well Springs #4Author: Cathy McDavidPublisher: Harlequin HeartwarmingRelease Date: April 25, 2023Genre: Sweet/Clean Contemporary Romance An instant family Could change her plans! Ambitious wedding dress designer Laurel Montgomery can’t afford to be distracted…especially not by easygoing cowboy Max Maxwell. Wrangling his three-year-old twin daughters, a rambunctious puppy and a fledgling business, Max has his hands full, too. But he also knows the value of going for ice cream and fishing with his girls. Can he show Laurel there are more important things than making it big—like love and family? From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging. PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop/IndieBound | BookBub More Books in this Series     My Review This was a fantastic story! I loved that these two main characters were such adults. What I mean when I say that is that they have both experienced things in their past relationships that made them hesitant to trust in loving someone again. However, they both also recognized that they had these issues and like the grown ups that they are, they actually talked to each other about their concerns. I also just really liked the way the two of them were together. At first glance, it might seem as if Laurel was too much like Max’s ex-wife, with a hyper focus and a workaholic tendency as she built her business. However, there was so much more to Laurel. I loved the way she treated Max’s twin daughters and the way she stepped back and evaluated her goals at various points in the book. This story simply made me so happy as I read it and the epilogue was truly wonderful! I have read the first book and now the last book in this series. Her Surprise Cowboy Groom stands well on its own if you haven’t read any other of the other stories from this series. (5 stars) I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. About the Author NY Times and USA Today bestselling author CATHY MCDAVID is living her dream penning heart-stopping suspense thrillers for Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense and heart-touching family dramas for Harlequin Heartwarming. Connect with Cathy by visiting cathymcdavid.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates. Tour Giveaway (2) winners will each receive a Cowboy coffee mug, Starbucks gift card, print copy of A Secret Christmas Wish and How to Marry a Cowboy by Cathy McDavid, and author bling Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 25, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 2, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies. Enter Giveaway Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

A Family for the Rodeo Cowboy was such an enjoyable story! It is book two in the Montana Carters series, however, I had not read book one and did not have any trouble jumping in and reading this one. Cole and Mel were successful in their respective careers until accidents sidelined them both. Whereas Mel had already worked hard to move on from her past, and had a new career and a daughter to love, Cole was still unsure about where he belonged and if it was possible to find something he cared about as much as he did the rodeo. Cole went through a lot of physical and emotional healing within these pages. Mel was a large part of that, however, he still struggled with feeling worthy of her. I really liked the community and supportive family that the author has created in this small town. And the romantic chemistry between Cole and Mel grew very naturally. It was clear that they were good for each other and that Cole could be a wonderful father figure for Mel’s daughter, Skylar. (4 stars) I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Rodeo is his past … Is she his future? After an injury forces rodeo cowboy Cole Carter into early retirement and returning home, he’s drawn to the spunky new animal physical therapist. But as much as he likes easygoing Mel McNeil, the divorcée and her young daughter need stability, not his footloose life. When rodeo calls again, will Cole jump back in the saddle or finally become the man Mel deserves? From Harlequin Heartwarming:  Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging. The Montana Carters Book 1: Montana ReunionBook 2: A Family for the Rodeo Cowboy PURCHASE YOUR OWN COPY HERE ABOUT THE AUTHOR Photo by Robin Spencer, Spencer Studio Jen Gilroy writes sweet contemporary romance and dual timeline historical women’s fiction—warm, feel-good stories to bring readers’ hearts home. A Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® finalist and shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon award, Amazon named her third book, ‘Back Home at Firefly Lake,’ a ‘Best Book of the Month: Romance’ in December 2017. A dual British-Canadian citizen, Jen lived in England for many years and earned a doctorate (with a focus on British cultural studies and social history) from University College London. Returning to where her Irish family roots run deep, she now lives with her husband, teenage daughter and floppy-eared rescue hound in small-town Eastern Ontario, Canada. When not writing, she enjoys reading, ice cream, ballet and paddling her purple kayak. WEBSITE FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM

Although I received a complimentary review copy through NetGalley, I ended up deciding to purchase the audio version because I have loved each book in this series and was excited to listen to this one. I am so glad that I did! I really enjoyed both the story and the narration. Korey was such a frustrating character in the first two books in the series. He had some real anger issues and was very immature. It was clear that his behavior stemmed from emotional distress related to his mother’s death, as well as jealousy of his older brother. He definitely did not handle himself well. I did wonder if I would be able to care about Korey as a main character as much as I had for the other Bontrager men in the first two novels. I am happy to report that the author did a wonderful job of redeeming this young man! I liked that his change in attitude was gradual, which made it very believable. He still battled some anger, resentment, and hurt toward Tyler and Tyler’s wife, Michelle, when he first returned. I found that extremely realistic. I loved watching Korey grow and work at asking for forgiveness and granting it, as well. His change in attitude as the story progressed was refreshing. Savannah was a sweet character who definitely took on more responsibility for her brother than she ever needed to. I understood why she did this, however, her stubbornness almost cost her everything! It was great to see what a good friend Korey was to both Savannah and her brother, Toby. I loved seeing Savannah and Korey falling for each other. And this story has such a wonderful epilogue! It left me smiling and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. (5 stars) I received a complimentary ebook copy, however, I purchased the audio book format for myself. All opinions are my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Korey Bontrager and Savannah Zook are just pretending to date—but could their feelings turn into something more? Korey Bontrager knows he’s been an immature dummkopp. When his widowed dad remarried, Korey was unwelcoming to his kindhearted stepmother. Then he became estranged from his older brother. But after fourteen months in Ohio, God called Korey back to Pennsylvania. Easier said than done. Back home, Korey feels left behind by his family and friends, who want to see him happily married. Instead of looking for a new relationship, he finds himself spending time with Savannah Zook: the most outspoken maedel he’s ever met. She’s also confident and brave, having raised her younger brother from a young age. And she’s a natural beauty. But, hard as her friends try to convince her otherwise, she has no interest in dating. Her priority is looking out for her bullied brother. So when Savannah suggests they pretend to date as a way to get her friends—and his family—off their backs, Korey readily agrees. Soon, he can’t imagine life without her. But could Savannah ever truly be part of his future? Set in the faithful Amish community of Lancaster County, Breaking New Ground gives the most stubborn Bontrager a chance to redeem his story. Sweet, inspirational Amish romanceFull-length novel (85,000 words)Second book in Amy Clipston’s Amish Legacy series Book 1: Foundation of Love Book 2: Building a Future Book 3: Breaking New Ground Book 4: The Heart’s Shelter (coming winter 2024) PURCHASE YOUR OWN COPY HERE PURCHASE THE AUDIO BOOK HERE ABOUT THE AUTHOR Amy Clipston is an award-winning bestselling author and has been writing for as long as she can remember. She’s sold more than one million books, and her fiction writing “career” began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan University and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and six spoiled rotten cats. Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Bookbub

I absolutely LOVED this audio book! It is book four in the Getting Shipped series and each book in the series focuses on another couple from a tight knit friend group in the town of Bordeaux (pronounced Bored Ox). I have only read the book directly before this one so I can attest that you can definitely jump in and enjoy the stories even if you haven’t read the previous ones, however, I’m sure that it is even more fun to read them from the beginning. I plan to go back and read the entire series. The dual narrators for Duke and Shannon were simply perfect. They captured the playfulness of these two characters and I found myself laughing out loud so many times in this story! They also captured the hearts of the characters, as well. Duke and Shannon were so special. I loved listening as they began to realize that they both cared for each other secretly as more than friends. The conversation that Duke overheard from Shannon’s phone call was perfectly timed and I loved his inner dialogue as he listened in, including the promise to himself to wear his cap backwards forever from then on! This is a clean romantic comedy with lots of swoony moments and sizzling chemistry between two people who must finally be brave enough to admit what their hearts have felt for so long. Yet, what will happen when Shannon’s brother realizes that his sister and best friend have fallen in love? I so enjoyed this wonderful story and it is definitely one that I will be re-reading. (5 stars) I received a complimentary copy of this audio book. I also own an ebook copy. All opinions are my own. ABOUT THE BOOK I am finally over my crush on Duke. Completely done. Duke’s always been like a big brother to me … a big brother with abs of steel, a heart of gold, and those dimples that make my heart rate double whenever he smiles. As far as Duke’s concerned, I’ll always be his best friend Chris’ little sister—the little girl who dunked his Darth Vader action figure in Elmers glue and glitter. Even if Duke noticed me, it wouldn’t matter. I’m so off limits, I may as well be wearing an outfit made entirely of caution tape. We both know Chris would enlist a special ops tactical team to hunt Duke down if he ever pursued anything beyond friendship with me. Good thing I’m over Duke. One hundred percent attraction-free, that’s me. Well, mostly … until I accidentally send him one of my usual scrambled texts (thank you, autocorrect) … and he thinks I’m hitting on him. I’m mortified enough to momentarily consider relocating someplace obscure like Greenland. I can never show my face around town again. I’ll buy a parka and an ice pick and learn to love fish. A lot. But then Duke answers my text …Am I dreaming? He’s not mad. He’s not even making fun of me.In fact, it seems like he might be flirting back I guess I might not be completely over this crush after all. Just don’t tell my brother. PURCHASE THE AUDIO BOOK HERE ALSO AVAILABLE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED ABOUT THE AUTHOR Savannah Scott loves writing happily-ever-after romcoms with scenes where kisses make you melt. Her characters feel like long lost friends, and the settings make you want to take off on a road trip to visit. You will smile. You will laugh. Yes. You will need coffee because you stayed up past your bedtime reading. Sorry, not sorry. If you can’t find Savannah, she’s probably hiding with a book, dancing Zumba, or going a little crazy being the fun carpool mom who cranks the tunes and always goes through the drive-thru for copious amounts of sugar and fat on the way home from school. (Can you keep a secret? I thought so. Savannah also writes as Patty H Scott, which is the Clark Kent to her Superman. If you like clean romance, check out Patty’s books.) WEBSITE INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK TWITTER

Windswept Way was such a beautiful story! I have only read the first three novels in the Hope Harbor series years ago and then jumped to this one, which is book nine. I had no trouble at all picking this novel up and enjoying it on its own merit. Of course, I know that there are people and events that I have missed in the overall series, yet that did not impact my enjoyment of this book. In fact, I think I will go back and start at the beginning again at some point and hopefully listen my way through the entire series. The hero in this novel, Jon, is definitely wounded. His war wounds have left very serious scarring. He covers them as best he can and has isolated himself away from most people. But as bad as his outside scarring is, it is the scarring that is emotional and tied to his injuries that have really kept him from living life in the fullest. Ashley has pain that she is carrying around when she arrives in Hope Harbor, too. I loved the way the connection between Ashley and Jon developed. It was very natural and the fears and uncertainties that they both carried impacted the way things progressed. Kind of a one step forward and two steps back type of situation. There was a lot of emotional healing that needed to occur before Jon felt that he could trust his heart to Ashley. And he struggled with whether a relationship with him was something that would even be a wise decision for her to pursue. I thought the author did a great job of showing the uncertainties that both of these characters struggled with. I loved this story from start to finish! (5 stars) I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Buying a haunted house was never in Ashley Scott’s plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap after a major life setback, she finds herself trekking cross-country to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast to launch a new life. Wounded warrior Jonathan Gray isn’t sure what to make of the attractive woman on his reclusive older neighbor’s isolated property, but her presence is none of his business—until she enlists his help with an ambitious project. When Jonathan finds his interest in the new arrival becoming more personal than professional, however, his defenses go up. There’s no room in his life—or his heart—for romance. Yet as these two hurting souls join forces to restore life, laughter, and love to a historic estate, might they also find healing, hope, and happiness themselves? Come home to Hope Harbor—where hearts heal…and love blooms. PURCHASE YOUR OWN COPY HERE ABOUT THE AUTHOR Irene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 60 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization’s elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers’ Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers’ Best, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist. A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. Website  Twitter  Facebook Instagram

Frontier Cinderella is book three in the Frontier Matches series and is also connected to the Frontier Bachelors series. This novel can easily be picked up and enjoyed on its own, even if you have not read other books in the series. For those that have read the earlier books in the Frontier Matches series, you will recognize Harry Yeager, a man who has been trying to find a bride but always seems to lose the girl to another suitor. But, little did he know, the right woman for him was there all along in the person of Katie Jo McAllister. Harry suddenly realizes what a gem Katie Jo is, however, is he truly seeing her for the person she is or only looking at the outside transformation? I really felt for Katie Jo and her brother, Zeke. Life with their uncle was full of hard work and plenty of guilt heaped onto Katie’s shoulders. It was frustrating to see the way he treated them. The author has delivered another enjoyable addition to this series and I look forward to reading the next story, which will be about the new schoolteacher. (4 stars) I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Katie Jo McAllister never considered herself a prim and fussy sort of gal. Men are more likely to ask her help in chopping down a tree than taking a turn on the dancefloor. But when Katie Jo stands up with her friend, Ciara O’Rourke, at her wedding, all gussied up, suddenly every man in miles is angling for an introduction. Even the area’s most eligible bachelor, Harry Yeager, who has ignored her for months, comes calling. It’s enough to give even a strong gal a case of the vapors! After being orphaned young and passed around among relatives, Harry Yeager is determined to start his own family. He has the claim, the cabin, and the income to support a wife and children. In an area with eight bachelors to every unmarried woman, finding the wife has proven problematic. But the sweet-natured Katie Jo McAllister just might be the perfect bride to rule beside him in his little frontier kingdom. When danger comes calling along with a host of suitors, Katie Jo finds herself turning to Harry for help. But can he see the heart of the woman beneath all her finery, a heart that beats for him alone? If you like warm, witty historical romances, then you’ll love this frontier romance by an award-winning author. PURCHASE YOUR OWN COPY HERE ABOUT THE AUTHOR Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first Regency romance novel until she had learned a bit more about writing such as vocabulary, sentence structure, and plot. After numerous short stories and articles in magazines and trade journals, she got serious about her novel writing. The Regency romance The Unflappable Miss Fairchild was her first novel to be published (March 1998). In 2011, she was delighted to move into Christian romance with the publication of The Irresistible Earl. Besides her novels, Regina Scott has had published three Regency romance novellas (“The June Bride Conspiracy” in His Blushing Bride, “Sweeter Than Candy” in A Match for Mother, and “A Place by the Fire” in Mistletoe Kittens), which are now featured in electronic book form as Be My Bride. Her novels have been translated into Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese; and Lord Borin’s Secret Love and The Rake’s Redemption have been issued in hardcover, large print editions. Many of her works are also available as electronic books through Belgrave House’s Regency Reads line or as self-published works, such as Perfection. Regina Scott and her husband are the parents of two sons. They reside in the Puget Sound area of Washington State and are members of the Church of the Nazarene. Born and raised in the Seattle area, Regina Scott is a graduate of the University of Washington. She comes by her writing talent naturally–both her parents were excellent writers in their vocations as teacher and electrical technician, now retired. Her mother envisioned the plot for “Sweeter Than Candy,” the novella which was written as a tribute to her. Regina Scott is a devout Christian and a decent fencer; owns a historical, fantasy, and science fiction costume collection that currently takes up over a third of her large closet; and has been known to impersonate an independent consultant specializing in risk communication. You can connect with Regina on her website, blog, Goodreads, and on Facebook.

Blind Trust is an excellent wrap up to the SNAP Agency series! I think it is my favorite of all of the stories because we finally get to see Lyla and Nic get their chance together. These two! They are the epitome of slow burn romance. They know that they are special to each other, yet it takes them both awhile to acknowledge that there is much more to their feelings than simple friendship. The suspense in this story is really captivating and the many twists kept me guessing about who might be behind the mayhem. We also get to know more about Lyla’s family and her background as well as a deeper look into both Lyla and Nic’s personalities and the way certain events in Nic’s past have affected the way he views risk. This book could be enjoyed even if you haven’t read the other stories, however, the experience will be much richer if you go ahead and start at the beginning of the series and get to know the entire team and read about their happily ever afters, too. (4.5 stars) I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can’t stop herself from going all in to find out why he’s coming after her. Unfortunately, she’s going to need the help of the one person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else. Explosives and weapons specialist Nicol�s Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous–to both the mission and his heart. Natalie Walters closes out her SNAP Agency series with a bang with this nail-biting story of a deadly government conspiracy, an unlikely couple, and an ending that will leave you breathless. PURCHASE YOUR OWN COPY HERE ABOUT THE AUTHOR My world revolves around GIJOE and our three adult (or almost adult) children who keep my life anything but predictable. Our boots hit the ground wherever the Army sends us but home is when we’re all together no matter the zipcode. My passion is writing stories where adventure meets love and share my belief that life rooted in purpose is a story worth telling. WEBSITE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM TWITTER

What an enjoyable Victorian mystery! To Capture His Heart is book two in the Matchmakers series, following The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart. If you read book one, you will already know the two main characters in this story, Eva and Nathan. However, this book can also be read on its own, too, although the previous events in book one are referenced a few times in this novel. I loved the gentleness and respect in this story between Eva and Nathan. They both greatly admire each other, yet are hesitant to put their hearts on the line when the novel begins, as they do not want to jeopardize their friendship. But I love watching as their playacting at courting becomes the real thing. The flirting and care that Nathan shows Eva begins to move him to be honest about his affections. So sweet! I ended up listening to the audio version of this story and thought the narrator did a great job, too. (4 stars) I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Seaside, England, 1886 Eva Caldwell is an accomplished and well-known photographer who often works with the local constabulary to assist in documenting crime scenes, which means she also often works alongside the handsome and charming detective, Nathan Winston. She appreciates his intellect and how he treats her like an equal, but Eva’s heart is still healing from a past relationship, so, for now, she decides to keep her feelings for Nathan a secret. One evening, Nathan arrives on her doorstep asking for a personal favor. Would Eva be available to photograph his mother’s legendary, week-long dinner party and matchmaking event? The catch is that Eva would also have to pretend they are courting in order for Nathan to avoid the many single women seeking his attention. Though wary of the charade, Eva agrees. Spending a week with the two things she loves most—her detective and her camera—sounds simple enough. And if she wants to imagine that Nathan’s pretend courtship of her is real, well, what’s the harm in that? But when a criminal from Nathan’s past threatens revenge on the detective, Nathan must be extra vigilant to keep his mother and the rest of the partygoers safe. He confides in Eva, and as the two work together to solve the mystery and apprehend the criminal, they find that they might capture more than they expected—each other’s heart. PURCHASE YOU OWN COPY HERE ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nancy Campbell Allen is the award winning author of 20 published novels and several novellas, which encompass a variety of genres ranging from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. Her most recent books, which include Regency, Victorian, and steampunk romance, are published through Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance line, and the What Happens in Venice novella series is part of the Timeless Romance Anthology collection published by Mirror Press. Nancy writes contemporary romances under the pseudonym, Laney Bell, and enjoys setting these fun stories in a fictional Rocky Mountain ski valley similar to her own home town. Her formal schooling includes a B.S. in Elementary Education from Weber State University and she has worked as a ghost writer and freelance editor, contributing to the releases, We Knew Howard Hughes, by Jim Whetton, and My Life Encapsulated, by Kenneth Brailsford. Her agent is Pamela Pho of D4EO Literary Agency. Nancy loves to read, write, travel, and research, and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She nurtures a current obsession for true crime podcasts and is a news junkie. She and her husband have three children, and she lives in Ogden, Utah with her family, one very large Siberian Husky named Thor, and an obnoxious but endearing YorkiePoo named Freya. Goodreads Twitter Instagram