Laura Story - I Can Just Be Me

First Line Fridays

Happy Friday!  I hope that everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday yesterday.  Here is another first line from a book that I have recently been reading.  Please be sure to check out the book lines from these other amazing bloggers too:

Carrie from Reading is My SuperPower 

Sydney from Singing Librarian  

Rachel from Bookworm Mama 

Beth from Faithfully Bookish  

Andi from Radiant Light 

 

Click the links above to be taken to their posts and...
If you would like to join us, send Carrie a message and let her know!
​
​Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!

Today I am going to post a line from:

A Convenient Christmas Wedding 

by Regina Scott

And the first line is...

Seattle, Washington Territory 

December 1866

"What better time than a wedding to ask a man to marry you?"  

Happy reading and have a wonderful and safe Black Friday!  

Check Out My New Post!

Check out my new post on the Daily Megaphone to remember why it is so important to be thankful this Thanksgiving season.  Happy reading!  

Thanksgiving Blessings 

by Heather Snyder 

https://dailymegaphone.com/2016/11/18/thanksgiving-blessings/

First Line Fridays

Happy Friday!  I'm starting a new post today called First Line Fridays.  I will be joining several other book bloggers to bring you the first line of a new book each and every Friday.  Hopefully, that first line will make you curious enough to want to read the book.  :)  Please be sure to check out the book lines from these other amazing bloggers too:

Carrie from Reading is My SuperPower

Sydney from Singing Librarian

Rachel from Bookworm Mama

Beth from Faithfully Bookish

Andi from Radiant Light 
 

 Click the links above to be taken to their posts and...
If you would like to join us, send Carrie a message and let her know!
​
​Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!

Today I am going to post a line from:

To Follow Her Heart 

by Rebecca Demarino 

And the first line is...

July 16, 1664 

Southhold, Long Island 

"'Did you hear me?'  Patience Terry stood silent, her mind awhirl.  Had she not guarded her heart against this day?" 

The first line did not give quite enough information, so I decided to include the second line as well.  :)  

Happy reading and happy Friday!   

 

Quote for the Day

"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."

                                                                       ~C.S. Lewis~

Black Beauty - Ending Clip

New Books from Revell Publishers

*The last thing Search and Rescue helicopter pilot Kacey Fairing needs upon returning home to Mercy Falls, Montana, is to run into her mistakes. After a devastating crash during her recent military tour in Afghanistan, she is emotionally broken but ready to start putting her life back together. She just wants to reconnect with her teenage daughter and spend the summer working as the new lead pilot of PEAK Rescue in Glacier National Park.

But her mistakes aren't so easily forgotten. Because Ben King is also back in town.

Country music star Ben King abandoned his past when he moved to Nashville thirteen years ago to start his career. He hoped to heal his broken heart, caused by losing the woman he loved. But when his father is injured, Ben is called home to help manage PEAK Rescue during his recovery. He doesn't realize his father has ulterior motives until his old flame, Kacey, walks into his house and back into his heart.

Now, with Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben will have to work together to save lives. But when secrets are uncovered and old hurts rise to the surface, will they walk away again? Or can they find a different ending to their country love song? 

*In her kitchen at Rose's Red Door Inn, executive chef Caden Holt is calm, collected, and competent. But when her boss asks her to show off their beautiful island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the inn, Caden is forced to face a world much bigger than her kitchen--and a man who makes her wish she was beautiful.

Journalist Adam Jacobs is on a forced sabbatical on Prince Edward Island. He's also on assignment to uncover a story. Instead he's falling in love with the island's red shores and Caden's sweets.

When Caden discovers Adam isn't who she thought he was, she realizes that the article he's writing could do more than ruin the inn's chances for survival--it might also break her heart. 



*Each synopsis is from the back cover of each novel.

New Books from Bethany House Publishers

*The lifeblood of the village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. When the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant landlady. Jane has no idea how to manage a business, but with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must quickly find a way to save the inn.

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to overcome her losses and find purpose for the future. As she works with Jane, two men from her past vie for her attention, but Thora has promised herself never to marry again. Will one of them convince her to embrace a second chance at love?

As pressure mounts from the bank, Jane employs new methods, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place, including a mysterious newcomer with secret plans of his own. With the help of friends old and new, can Jane restore life to the inn, and to her empty heart as well?

*Following in her absentee father's footsteps in a law enforcement career, U.S. Marshal Mercy Brennan has just recovered from being shot in the line of duty. And, unbeknownst to her, her father's recent reappearance in her life has put her in the sights of St. Louis's most powerful gang. Her boss assigns Deputy U.S. Marshal Mark St. Laurent--Mercy's ex-boyfriend--to get her out of town until her safety can be guaranteed.

Unaware of the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark, it isn't until a freak ice storm strands them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy to put them in great danger. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive--if help is even coming at all?

*Many people look to extraordinary experiences as evidence of the Holy Spirit. But what happens when the experience ends? How can we be filled with the Spirit every day in the ordinary things we do?

In never-before-published material taken from A.W. Tozer's sermons, Alive in the Spirit answers these questions and, in a balanced perspective, explores what the Spirit's involvement in your life should look like.

Many talk about being filled with the Holy Spirit, but few accept God's conditions. Tozer lays down these requirements in his trademark bold and wise way. Though every Christian has the Spirit, not every Christian is filled with the Spirit. Knowing the difference will change your life.

*Their victory over the dark forces during the feast of Bas-solas should have guaranteed safety for the continent. Instead, Willet and the rest of the Vigil discover they've been outsmarted by those seeking to unleash the evil that inhabits the Darkwater. One of the Vigil has gone missing, and new attacks have struck at the six kingdoms' ability to defend themselves.

Worse, a deadly new threat has emerged--assassins hunting the Vigil, men and women who cannot be seen until it's too late. To thwart the perilous new risk, the church makes the drastic decision to safeguard the Vigil by taking the surviving members into protective custody. But there are secrets only the Vigil can unearth, and so Pellin makes the heart-wrenching choice to oppose the church in a race to turn back the evil that threatens an entire continent. 

*When a plot to assassinate the king comes to Prince Wilek's attention, he does all he can to stop it, but in order to fight against the traitors' supernatural allies, Wilek must choose whether to take the easiest path or honor Arman.

Ravaged by hunger, thirst, and disease, the fleet becomes easy targets for unrelenting pirates. Despite these trials, rumors of land sets all sides on the same goal. Should one of Prince Wilek's enemies arrive first, what will it mean for the future of Armania?



*Each synopsis is from the back cover of each novel.

Kari Jobe - Steady My Heart

New Books from Love Inspired Historical - November Releases

*Proposing a marriage of convenience to a rugged logger is the boldest move of Nora Underhill's sheltered life. In return for Simon Wallin's protection from her overbearing family, the unassuming seamstress offers prime frontier farmland. But their paper marriage changes when Nora's greedy brother tries to draw her back into a life of drudgery. Her only option: move to Simon's farm, and into the center of his loving, unruly family. 

Years of shouldering responsibility have left Simon cynical and reserved. But little by little, Nora's warmth opens his shuttered heart to joy. With their marriage claim under threat, can this practical arrangement blossom over the holidays…and become a love for all seasons?

Mistletoe Reunion by Cheryl St.John 

*When Marlys Boyd moves West hoping to find acceptance for her doctoring skills, she's surprised to find her former fiancé, Sam Mason, running the local newspaper. And with the ladies in town determined to make a match of the doctor and the single father, she's not sure she can resist building the family they once dreamed of.

Mistletoe Bride by Sherri Shackelford 

*Pregnant by a man who betrayed her trust, a mailorder marriage is Beatrix Haas's only hope. But when she arrives in Cowboy Creek and learns her intended groom has died, she needs a new daddy for the baby that's coming right away. Blacksmith Colton Werner offers the mother and child the protection of his name, but can their marriage of convenience ever lead to true love? 

*When the railroad pushes to buy her land, orphaned Cameron Sims will do anything to keep the only home she and her sisters have ever known. Even if she must marry a stranger. But she's determined her agreement with the mysterious, dashing man—who's unlike anything the Kansas railroad town has ever seen—will remain simply business. 

Duncan Murray doesn't want a wife. He wants Sims Creek, a sanctuary that can help him forget a troubled childhood. But his reluctant, and captivating, bride-to-be is key to making his dreams a reality. And despite their business arrangement, Camy and Duncan might be signing on the dotted line for true love…

*Nursing a broken heart, Amanda Porter had answered a frontier mailorder bride ad placed by Garrett Decker's children—only to find the groom-to-be didn't want a wife. The widowed bachelor she hoped to marry does need a housekeeper, though, and taking the job is Amanda's only option. But his adorable children are determined she'll be their mother by Christmas…

His wife's betrayal and tragic death demolished Garrett's life. Now he can't even look at another woman, let alone marry Amanda, who resembles his first love. Even if she does make his house feel like a home, filling it again with laughter and his children's smiles. But with his daughter convinced Amanda is the perfect mother, will Garrett realize she's also his perfect match? 



*Each synopsis is from the back cover of each novel. 

The Cautious Maiden - My Review

Dawn Crandall's book The Cautious Maiden is the fourth novel in The Everstone Chronicles.  This particular book follows the life of the heir to the Everstone legacy and fortune, Vance Everstone.  If you have read the other stories, you will know and understand the events surrounding the scandalous nature of Vance's reputation.  He is truly the black sheep of the family; however, that does not imply he cannot be redeemed.  In fact, the transformation regarding his redemption story is what is truly remarkable in this novel.  With the Lord's help, Vance changes his life. 

Violet Hawthorne runs the front desk at Everston, which is a job Dexter Blakely gave to her specifically.  And she is especially grateful for this position, because her prior circumstances were not what she wished for in her life.  Her brother, Ezra, has become quite the scoundrel making Violet realize she could no longer live in his company.  So she decides to find work, yet what did not expect to find were adventures beyond her imagination, and a family she never thought she would have. 

Even though Violet was raised to be a lady, her social status does not match those who enter Everston.  Nevertheless, when a certain dashing gentleman enters the establishment one day, Violet cannot help but watch his every move--even to the point of daydreaming about him.  Of course, she knows her thoughts will never connect with reality--until one day she finds herself in a scandal of her own.  Will the kind owners of Everston come to her aid?  Or will she be forced to live her days alone in a future that holds no promise? 

Vance Everston has so many scars.  His past haunts him daily, and he wonders if he will ever be able to forgive himself.  How could God ever forgive him either?  Yet, in amazement, he has come to know the Lord's mercies--there will still be struggles and doubts--but now Vance has Someone he can call to for help. 

When Vance visits his sister at Everston, he could never have foreseen the various surprises in store for him at the hotel his father sold.  Vance's journey at this point is the start to the rest of his life--a life more wonderful than Vance could ever comprehend.  But will Vance embrace this opportunity?  Or will his past mistakes dictate his future possibilities? 

If you have not read The Everstone Chronicles collection yet, I highly recommend picking up these books.  They are simply fantastic and very difficult to stop reading.  In fact, I read this novel in two days, and I am so sad to see the stories behind the Everstone family end.  Yet, I am so delighted to have been introduced to so many wonderful characters throughout the pages of these four books. 

Crandall connects all four books brilliantly, and because of this, it is easy to recall the events of each individual's life--since it is important to remember how each plot intertwines with every member of the family.  Each person carries a very different story.  Every person has a past, and every person must decide how they will move forward despite the struggles they have faced.  Redemption is imperative during this process, and I love that Crandall is quick to point this factor out.  With this book, the reader will come to understand that no one is too far away from the grace and love of Christ.  Any person can be redeemed--no matter his or her past mistakes. 

If you get a chance to read this book, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  Don't forget to check out my reviews for the first three books--The Hesitant Heiress, TheBound Heart, and The Captive Imposter--just click on the book review link above.  Happy reading!  

About The Book 

*Violet Hawthorne is beyond mortified when her brother Ezra turns their deceased parents' New England country inn into a brothel to accommodate the nearby lumberjacks; but when Violet's own reputation is compromised, the inn becomes the least of her worries. In an effort to salvage her good name, Violet is forced into an engagement with a taciturn acquaintance; Vance Everstone. 

As she prepares for a society wedding, Violet learns that her brother had staked her hand in marriage in a heated poker game with the unsavory Rowen Steele, and Ezra had lost. Now Rowen is determined to cash in on his IOU. With danger stalking her and a new fiancé who hides both his emotion and his past, Violet must decide who to trust and who to leave behind.

 *Synopsis is from the back cover of the novel. 

About the Author 

Dawn Crandall is an ACFW Carol Award-nominated author of the award winning series The Everstone Chronicles from Whitaker House. The series consists of three books: The Hesitant Heiress, The Bound Heart and The Captive Imposter.

 

Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary. Apart from writing books, Dawn is also a first-time mom to a precious little boy (born March 2014) and also serves with her husband in a pre-marriage mentor program at their local church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

 

Visit her online at:  www.dawncrandall.blogspot.com

The Captive Imposter - My Review

Dawn Crandall's book The Captive Imposter is the third novel in The Everstone Chronicles.  For this book, the reader will be introduced to a new couple, yet these individuals will still be connected to the other characters we met in the first two novels.  You may be able to read this book as a stand alone text, but I really recommend reading the series in order so you can gain a better overall understanding of each character, the time period they are living in, and the setting for each of these stories.  I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed each of these books, and I am excited to read the fourth book in the series, The Cautious Maiden.    

Estella Everstone has lived a privileged life.  In most cases, she has always received the desires of heart--dresses, jewelry, attending the latest ball with the man of her choice on her arm--yet deep down she feels invisible and miserable.  She realizes that most men only see the glamour and her enormous inheritance, but they do not see the real Estella.  Will this ever change though?  An unforeseen tragedy shatters Estella's world, and she is forced to live the life of another.  She begins working as a companion for Mrs. Granton, but this is no ordinary job.  Unknown to Mrs. Granton, Estella's real life and identity is now destined to be hidden.  And when more trouble arises, Estella finds herself desolate and alone.  How could someone of her station in life be in the predicament she is in?  What was she going to do now?  Would anyone be there to rescue her? 

Dexter Blakely has known heartbreak himself.  Years ago, shattering events touched the lives of his family members and also those of another family.  These times can never be forgotten and ultimately they have forever altered Dexter's perspective on life and love.  He believes he will never marry or fall in love--until one day he meets a stranger in a stagecoach.  Yet she is not who he believes her to be, and as usual lies will eventually unravel to reveal an ugly truth.  Will he ever be able to trust again?  Will he ever leave his judgments behind?  He desperately wants to do the work of the Lord where he can, but he still has so much to deal with regarding his own heart.  Slowly, the Lord begins to reveal His ultimate purpose for Dexter.  Ironically, it is a path Dexter never considered he would walk down. 

Estella's past keeps calling to her, but it is a part of her past she would now love to let go of.  The man she was once secretly engaged to continues to haunt her. Why can't she banish the thoughts of him?  Estella desperately wants to move on with her life--but move on to what?  At present, her future looks bleak, and she misses her family.  However, she does not want to run back to her family and be the failure she feels she is.  Somehow she must take care of herself.  If only she knew how the Lord was about to take care of her, because then she would choose to rest in His loving care. 

This book was as perfect as the first two.  There are so many dynamics going on among the characters, yet Crandall's fluid writing style makes it an easy, enjoyable read.  It is definitely a complex story but not difficult to understand.  You will find yourself on the edge of your seat as you hope various characters will find the life they need--the life that is best for them.  As soon as one scene plays out, the next scene alters the first one.  Eventually, you will come to wonder how the story will end, and once it does, you will be sad to close the pages of this book.

Thankfully, there is another story after this tale, and I will be reviewing that novel soon.  In the meantime, I encourage you to purchase this book along with The Hesitant Heiress and The Bound Heart.  Each book displays the struggles and hopes of mankind and how when we find ourselves at rock bottom, such as Estella, only then do we cry for help.  Amazingly, our Heavenly Father is there to rescue us and pick us up when we fall. 

Crandall brilliantly reminds her readers of this promise throughout her stories, which makes them even more beautiful.  If you are looking for lovely book to read during your spare moments throughout the day, I recommend getting to know the world the Everstones live in.  There you will be able to connect with stories from the past while also learning to apply those lessons to the adventures of the present.  

About The Book

*Sent away for protection, hotel heiress Estella Everstone finds herself living undercover as a lady’s companion named Elle Stoneburner at one of her father’s opulent hotels in the mountains of Maine—the one she'd always loved best and always hoped to own one day, Everston. The one thing she doesn't like about the situation is that her ex-fiancé is in the area and is set on marrying someone else. Reeling from her feelings of being unwanted and unworthy, Estella reluctantly forms a friendship with the gruff manager of Everston, Dexter Blakeley, who seems to have something against wealthy young socialites with too much money, although they are just the kind of people Everston caters to.

When Estella finds herself in need of help, Dexter comes to the rescue with an offer she can't refuse. She sees no other choice aside from going back home to her family and accepts the position as companion to his sister. Throughout her interactions with Dexter, she can't deny the pull that's evidenced between them every time he comes near. Estella realizes that while she's been hiding behind a false name and identity, she’s never been freer to be herself than when she's with Dexter Blakeley. But will he still love her when he finds out she's Estella Everstone? She's not entirely sure.

*Synopsis is from the back cover of the novel.

About The Author 

Dawn Crandall is an ACFW Carol Award-nominated author of the award winning series The Everstone Chronicles from Whitaker House. The series consists of three books: The Hesitant Heiress, The Bound Heart and The Captive Imposter. 

Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary. Apart from writing books, Dawn is also a first-time mom to a precious little boy (born March 2014) and also serves with her husband in a pre-marriage mentor program at their local church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

Visit her online at:  www.dawncrandall.blogspot.com