It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

September 30, 2019

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date
Each week offer the opportunity to to spotlight what you're reading and what you just finished reading.

I've been a bit all over the place with reading. I've finished some fabulous stories and about to dive into some other lovelies.

Finished Reading:
 Wedded to War (Audiobook)
by Jocelyn Green
by Elizabeth Camden

Currently Reading:
by Tari Faris


Recently On the Blog:
Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My Fall TBR
Review: Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green (Audiobook Review)


How has your reading book been?
Find a new author you clicked with?
Have a favorite author recently release a new book?

Review: Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green (Audiobook Review)

September 27, 2019

Title: Wedded to War
Author: Jocelyn Green
Publisher: River North
Format Type: Audiobook
Narrated by Laura E. Richcreek
Duration: 10h 34m
Publication Date: August 23rd 2019

About the Book:
A Christy Award-nominated title for best new author.

When war erupted, she gave up a life of privilege for a life of significance.

Tending to the army’s sick and wounded meant leading a life her mother does not understand and giving up a handsome and approved suitor. Yet Charlotte chooses a life of service over privilege, just as her childhood friend had done when he became a military doctor. She soon discovers that she’s combating more than just the rebellion by becoming a nurse.

Will the two men who love her simply stand by and watch as she fights her own battles? Or will their desire for her wage war on her desire to serve God?

Wedded to War is a work of fiction, but the story is inspired by the true life of Civil War nurse Georgeanna Woolsey. Woolsey’s letters and journals, written over 150 years ago, offer a thorough look at what pioneering nurses endured. This is the first in the series Heroines Behind the Lines: Civil War, a collection of novels that highlights the crucial contributions made by women during times of war.
My Thoughts:
I have not hidden the fact that I'm a huge fan of Jocelyn Green's stories. Her books have such an amazing, immersive ability. She brings history to life, while weaving a fictional character into the the story flawlessly to make it all the more relatable.

I first read Wedded to War in 2013. I loved it! You can read my previous review here. This book was just released as an audiobook and goodness, I didn't think I could like the story anymore then I already did! The narrator, Laura Richcreek really made this book pop! Her narration style was smooth and very easy to listen to. She modified her voice for each character to where you knew who was speaking and it had an effortless flow.

Listening to the story allowed me to really take it all in. It also made some of the little details I overlooked when I originally read stand out more an enhanced the story. I was sad when the book came to a close. I was wanting more. I'm looking forward to continuing this series with book 2, Widow of Gettysburg. It was one of my favorites!

About the Author:
Jocelyn Green. Award-winning author Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage in her readers through both fiction and nonfiction. A former military wife herself, she authored Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and coauthored The 5 Love Languages® Military Edition (with Dr. Gary Chapman). Her novels, inspired by real heroines on America’s home front, are marked by their historical integrity and gritty inspiration. The books in the Heroines Behind the Lines Civil War series have been honored with gold and silver medals from the Military Writers Society of America. Wedded to War was a Christy Award finalist in two categories.

Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a BA in English (concentration in writing). She is an active member of the Christian Authors Network, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Military Writers Society of America. Jocelyn lives with her husband, Rob, and two small children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at jocelyngreen.com.



Thank you to the author, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My Fall 2019 TBR

September 26, 2019

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Artsy Read Girl.
Each week features a book related topic to spotlight your Top Ten.

Topic:
Fall TBR

Oh, goodness! Real fall weather feels so far away, but the publication of fall books are just right around the corner!!
There are so many lovelies to be published soon. I know my list will be longer then 10...they always are with this feature. 

This Top Ten Tuesday is also acting this week as my Waiting on Wednesday post....there are just so many lovelies to be read this coming season. I honestly can't wait!

You can click on the covers to be directed to Goodreads to learn more about each book. 












What books are you counting down to for fall?
Were you able to narrow your selection down to 10?

Waiting On Wednesday: The End of the Magi

September 18, 2019


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly feature that spotlights an up-and-coming release you are most excited about.

This week has me thinking a head to December for many reason. One, it hopefully won't be so hot any more....I'm mean really, it's September, and we're still rocking 100+ degrees. I'm kind of over it. Also, December is a time, even though busy, will be a time of being settled. So ready for that. Plus, December has Christmas! I love the lights, the sparkle, the Bible stories. It's memories.  

This book has me looking forward to the end of the year when we do think more on the birth of Jesus and the Christmas story. The release of the book is perfect timing! November, can't go wrong. This book seems so interesting. I love books that focus on areas of history that are more quiet. The waiting period. It is an interesting time.

I can't wait to see what this book has to bring. 

Waiting On:
Title: The End of the Magi
Author: Patrick W. Carr
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: November 5th, 2019


About the Book:
Centuries before the magi arrived in Bethlehem,a prophecy sets a young magus on his path . . .

Following his vision of the coming Messiah, the prophet Daniel calls forth a select group of men who will count down the calendar until the arrival of Israel's promised king. Centuries later, as the day draws near, Myrad, a young magi acolyte, flees for his life when his adoptive father and others are slain by a ruthless Parthian queen.

Equipped with very little, in haste Myrad escapes the city and, searching for a way to hide from the soldiers scouring the trade routes, tries to join the caravan of the merchant Walagash. The merchant senses that Myrad is keeping secrets, but when the young man proves himself a valuable asset, an epic journey filled with peril, near captures, and dangerous battles begins.

With every day that passes, the calendar creeps closer to the coming Messiah. And over everything shines the dream of a star that Myrad can't forget, and the promise that the world will never be the same.

What are you waiting on this week?
Any Christmas stories catch your eye yet? Are you even thinking toward the that time of year?

As the Light Fades by Catherine West JustRead Tours

September 14, 2019


Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for As the Light Fades by Catherine West, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

High Res-As the Light Fades 
Title: As the Light Fades 
Author: Catherine West  
Release Date: September 10, 2019  
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Sometimes we’re placed in the strangest of circumstances for the most important reasons.

After her carefully constructed life crumbles, Liz Carlisle finds herself back on Nantucket, picking up the pieces. With the family estate under renovations, the solitude she craves seems out of reach.

Matthew Stone intends to steer clear of his new tenant. She’s carrying a load of baggage, but as long as she pays the rent, he’ll let her be. He’s got enough to deal with caring for his wayward niece, Mia.

Liz doesn’t have time for teenagers and her track record with men is abysmal, but an unlikely friendship forms between the three.

When her former boyfriend is charged with assault, Liz is called to testify against him. But he knows the darkest secrets of her life—secrets she’d hoped to keep buried forever, and he’s ready to reveal them. Telling the truth is the right thing to do, but it may cost her everything she’s worked so hard for, and all she’s come to love.
Excerpt: 

Liz knocked, then pushed open the front door of the new extension David and Josslyn had just moved into days ago. The sound of total bedlam reached her ears, and she smiled at Mia’s raised eyebrows. The dogs were barking and the kids yelling, and they all came charging in their direction the moment she called out a hesitant hello.
“STAY!” Liz stepped in front of Mia and put up a hand. Diggory and Jasper screeched to a halt on the new terracotta tiles, tails wagging, tongues lolling. But the twins paid no mind and launched their little bodies at her with an exuberance she could hardly ignore. Liz crouched to hug her niece and nephew and shot a side look at Mia, who was hovering by the front door. “You okay with dogs? And kids?”
“I guess.” She didn’t look too concerned. Liz stood and pointed at the dogs. “This is Diggory, that’s Jasper. They’re very friendly.” To prove the point, they both lolloped toward Mia, licking her hands when she attempted to pet them.
“Do the kids have names or just the dogs?” A giggle shot out of Mia. Liz startled at the sound. She wouldn’t have believed it if she hadn’t been standing beside her.

Excerpt From: Catherine West. “As the Light Fades.” iBooks.




PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

12.03.17-West.178
Catherine West is an award-winning author of contemporary women’s fiction. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband reside in Bermuda, and have two adult children and two beautiful granddaughters. Catherine is the winner of the 2015 Grace Award (Bridge of Faith) and a two-time winner of Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award (The Things We Knew, 2017 and Where Hope Begins, 2019, and a Carol Award Finalist for Where Hope Begins. Her latest novel, As the Light Fades, releases September 2019.

Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at Catherine@catherinejwest.com  




CONNECT WITH CATHERINE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $75 Amazon gift card from the author!

Giveaway_AsTheLightFades_BlogJR

Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule on this tour shown below. Giveaway begins at midnight September 11, 2019 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 18, 2019. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE
 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
cropped-justread-logo.png

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.



Waiting On Wednesday: The Major's Daughter

September 11, 2019

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly feature that spotlights an up-and-coming release you are most excited about.

Regina Jennings is an author who has mixed historical frontier fiction, sweet romance, and humor really well. I've enjoyed almost all over her stories. The ones I haven't, are the ones I haven't read yet, but I know I will when I read them. The publisher always gives her the cutest covers that are vibrant and fun and spotlight the heroines so well. 

Her newest book will be released in December, and it sounds like it will be a great addition to her Fort Reno series. I enjoyed the movie Far and Away, and this book is set during the same rush of the land claim in Oklahoma. I think it will be a fun and interesting story with a cool background. 

Waiting On:
Title: The Major's Daughter
Author: Regina Jennings
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2019

About the Book:
She Staked a Claim on His Land, So He Decided to Stake a Claim on Her Heart

Caroline Adams returns to Indian Territory after tiring of confining society life. She wants adventure, and when she and her friend Amber come across swaggering outlaw Frisco Smith, his dreams for the new territory are very persuasive. With the much-anticipated land run about to happen, she may just join the rush.

Growing up an orphan, all Frisco Smith wanted was a place to call his own. It's no wonder he fought to open the Unassigned Lands to people with the same longing. After years of sneaking across the border, he's even managed to build a dugout house on a hidden piece of property he's poised to claim.

But when the gun sounds, everyone's best plans are thrown out the window in the chaos of the run. Caroline and Frisco find themselves battling over a claim--and both dig in their heels. Settling the rightful ownership will bring these two closer than they ever expected and change their ideas of what a true home looks like.

What are you waiting on this week?
Any certain genre that are always keeping an eye out for?

Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My TBR That Have Been Waiting to Be Read

September 10, 2019

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Artsy Read Girl.
Each week features a book related topic to spotlight your Top Ten.

Topic:
Books On My TBR That Have Been Waiting to Be Read

I have a horrible habit of buying books. Well....not just buying books. That isn't bad, bad as in, I have so many books that I see and go, 
"Oh! I want to read that, I don't know when I will be able to, but I'll buy it anyway."
And, then they sit...Sadly, I've had some sit for a while...well, not quite a while, some for years, because this is a cycle that never ends. The shiny covers call to me.

That will probably be me. What a way to go!! 

So, here are the books I will hopefully read...one of these days. 


You can click on these fantastic covers for more information on Goodreads about these fantastic books. 

Marie is a story that has intrigued me since I read about it. I got it when I did a big book order, but it has been sitting on my shelf waiting. 

Rekindled, I don't know why I haven't read it yet. I love Tamera Alexandra's books, but I haven't read this one yet. 

To Kill A Mockingbird is an odd one I know. A lot of people have read it in school, but it wasn't one I read. I hear it's a good book, but just haven't had time yet. 



Cinder...this one I'm scared to read. I've heard so many amazing things, I'm worried the hype maybe bigger then the book. 

The Selection. Another one where the hype was big, but nervous to read it. I love the idea of it, but haven't tried it yet. 

The Lady of Bolton Hill I can kick myself over. I love Elizabeth Camden's books, but this is the only one I haven't read yet. I bought this one in a big book purchase.



 Queen of the Waves synopsis hooked me, but it has been a time issue. The cover is gorgeous, but, it still sits. 

These Broken Stars is one I heard a lot of good things about, but I haven't opened it yet. It has glowing reviews, the cover caught me, but sadly still haven't read it. 

Edenbrook I have heard so many great things, it has been recommended to me so many times, but is one that has just sat on myself. It was in one of my big Amazon book buys. Purchased with the best of intentions. 


 Shades of Milk and Honey is a story that popped up on Goodreads. When I saw the reviews I wanted it and ended up getting it for a Christmas present a few years ago, but never dove into the pages. 

Doon and the rest of the series, I have heard great and glowing things about. I love the authors, but I haven't read the books yet. 

So Shines the Night is one of the last books I have left to read by the author. Her detail to ancient history has me hooked, but I have yet to read it...but I think I have good excuse on this one. My mom took the book and I haven't gotten it back. 


What books have sat on shelves for a while?
Any that you just can't wait to read?


It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

September 9, 2019

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date
Each week offer the opportunity to to spotlight what you're reading and what you just finished reading.


Ok, it's been a while since I've been on the blog doing features, or reviews for that matter. I was doing great till the end of June, then life went all cattywampus. We went on vacation to Disney World. It was amazing! It was a first for me and my kiddo, who was just on cloud nine. Then a week after we got back, we had to move out of the house that sold right before we left. However, we are only in temp housing until the house we are building is finished, and so space to blog just isn't there....but, with football season back, it make things a little easier for me to get caught up on. 

I've read a bunch over the summer. So, I have a lot of reviews to post. I honestly can't wait to share with y'all these books. So, here is a look at what is to come. I thought it would be fun to show the books that I have read over this season, that will be showing up on the blog over the next couple of weeks. 

Finished Reading:

You can click on these fantastic covers for more information on Goodreads about these fantastic books. 



Currently Reading:

You can click on these fantastic covers for more information on Goodreads about these fantastic books.


I'm listening to Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green on Audible. This is an older title, but just recently released as an audio....and it has been fabulous so far!


Reading Next:


You can click on these fantastic covers for more information on Goodreads about these fantastic books.



Recently On the Blog:

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Expanded My Reading



It's been a crazy few months, but it's been a booked one. I can't wait to share with y'all my thoughts on these lovelies.

How has your reading week/season?

Latest Instagrams

© The Shelf Life. Design by FCD.