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29 August 2013

Other novels by Michelle Griep


This week we are featuring Michelle Griep. In May I have read Michelle's latest release A Heart Deceived, which I have reviewed earlier this week. After reading that awesome book I just HAD to get her other two novels. I didn't have the time to read or review them yet, but they are on top of my TBR stack! 
The books I'm talking about are Undercurrent and Gallimore. Today I'd like to share the book covers and blurbs with you.
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(Risen Books 2011)

Professor Cassie Larson leads a life her undergrad students hope to attain, until she tumbles into the North Sea and is sucked down into a swirling vortex…and a different century.
Alarik, son of a Viking chieftain, is blamed for a murder he didn’t commit—or did he? He can’t remember. On the run, saving a half-drowned foreign woman wasn’t in his plan.
Ragnar is a converted pagan shunned by many but determined to prove his Cousin Alarik’s innocence. He didn’t count on falling in love with Cassie or the deadly presence of evil that threatens his village in  Alarik’s absence.
Undercurrent is a timeless tale of honor and sacrifice.




(Black Lyon Publishing 2008)

Jessica Neale turns her back on everyone the day her husband dies. After conceding to a vacation in England, a bizarre storm and near-fatal accident alters her reality.
Colwyn Haukswyrth, as cold and unfeeling as the armor he wears, is a knight who has one focus in life-himself. The product of a family rooted in hatred andgreed, he never understood the significance of forgiveness. Until he meets Jessica Neale. More vexing and irksome than any wench he’s ever encountered, this provoking bit of a woman teaches him what genuine love is—a lesson he’ll take with him to the grave.ality, and she finds herself in the past. When confronted by a knight bearing the mirror-image of her apathetic heart, it’s a rude awakening to what she’s allowed herself to become.





GIVEAWAY: A book by Michelle Griep of your choice, and format—international winners ebook only.

27 August 2013

Marian Baay reviews A HEART DECEIVED by Michelle Griep

A Heart Deceived


Reviewed by Marian Baay
~5 stars~*****

Publisher’s book description:
Miri Brayden teeters on a razor's edge between placating and enraging her brother, whom she depends upon for support. Yet if his anger is unleashed, so is his madness. Miri must keep his descent into lunacy a secret, or he'll be committed to an asylum—and she'll be sent to the poorhouse. 

Ethan Goodwin has been on the run all of his life—from family, from the law ... from God. After a heart-changing encounter with the gritty Reverand John Newton, Ethan would like nothing more than to become a man of integrity—an impossible feat for an opium addict charged with murder. 

When Ethan shows up on Miri's doorstep, her balancing act falls to pieces. Both Ethan and Miri are caught in a web of lies and deceit—fallacies that land Ethan in prison and Miri in the asylum with her brother. Only the truth will set them free.


My review:
A new-to-me-author, this was my first introduction with Michelle Griep’s writing. This woman really can write! Usually I’m not so much into books with a sort of ‘dark’ setting and that’s why I looked at this book for at least three times and every time decided not to request it for review, but then I did it anyway—and boy, am I glad I did!
The author has a unique way with words that drew me into the story right away—on the first page I sat next to Miri in church in 18th century England and reluctantly had to let my new friend go on the last.
The descriptions are so rich and full, I could almost feel, hear, smell, and touch them. The emotions splattered from the pages—fear, despair, unfairness, hope, love, romance!
Extremely well written, excellent research, and a brilliant plot!!


*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley.*

You can find Michelle's books at Amazon, CBD, B&N and other bookstores.
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GIVEAWAY: A book by Michelle Griep of your choice, and format—international winners ebook only.

TO DO: Like Michelle's author page on facebook and leave a comment here on Overcoming With God and put MG in your comment. Don't forget to leave your email address as well. 

25 August 2013

Interview With Michelle Griep—Body Image and Faith


Michelle Griep, Author


Michelle Griep is the author of A HEART DECEIVED and of UNDERCURRENT and GALLIMORE.

Michelle, welcome to Overcoming With God. We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?

I have a sweet tooth the size of New York City. Can anyone relate? Cookies. Cake. CHOCOLATE! Yeah, I love me a large dessert, before and after the meal please. I’ve learned to not elbow people out of the way or mow down little old ladies with walkers when there’s a pastry to be had, and I’ve since curbed my urges to stuff my face with treats, but it wasn’t always that way.

Rewind the clock back to junior high. Afternoon. Math class. Boring…until the teacher announced that one student had brought cupcakes to share in honor of her birthday. Cupcakes?! You bet I was out of my seat before the teacher finished his sentence. That’s when I heard one of the boys call out, “Look at that. The fattest girl in the class is the first one up there.”

I was devastated. I honestly didn’t know I was fat, until then. The thing is…I wasn’t. Yeah, I admit I wasn’t Barbie thin. I had a little muffin top going on and the scale was 10 pounds more than it should’ve been. But that’s it. Ten pounds overweight, and I’ve struggled with my self-image ever since. For a while, I quit eating. Starvation works for only so long, though. So I lived on tuna sandwiches. I lost those pounds and then some, but when I looked into the mirror, I saw a fat girl.

Enter God. I discovered that God doesn’t even look at any fat jiggles or tight pants. He goes straight to the heart, and He was wondering why I cared what others thought about me more than what He did. That was a revolutionary thought. By digging into the Bible, I learned that God is more interested in how I look on the inside than the out.

There are days I still struggle with self-image. Who doesn’t? But God is faithful to remind me that this old body of mine will pass away. It’s okay if I eat a dessert now and then. He’ll love me just the same—and always will.

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 
For now, A HEART DECEIVED is available in eBook or paperback, as is UNDERCURRENT. GALLIMORE, however, is available in large print as well.


In A HEART DECEIVED, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  
There are three issues dealt with in the lives of the three main characters in A HEART DECEIVED…

Hero Ethan Goodwin is an opium addict. In the opening scene, he encounters God via a chance meeting with the Reverend John Newton. Throughout the story, Ethan deals with withdrawal from the drug while learning to depend upon God for his needs instead.

Heroine Miri Brayden has lived her entire life under the dark shadow of verbal abuse. As a result, her self image is nonexistent—until she discovers the love of God as shown through Ethan, and finds out she is a valuable creation.

Roland Brayden is Miri’s brother and is suffering from a debilitating virus causing the deterioration of his mental health. It’s a slow descent into lunacy, one which he occasionally surfaces from, and it frightens him to no end.

Throughout all these difficulties, God is there. It doesn’t mean He waves a magic wand and makes everything better, but it does mean that He changes hearts.

Thank you Michele for agreeing to answer these questions. 
I think many people struggle with these issues and we don't talk about it enough.


Bio: Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas…professionally, however, for the past 10 years. Her latest release, A HEART DECEIVED, is available by David C. Cook. You can find her at: www.writerofftheleash.blogspot.comwww.michellegriep.com or on TwitterFacebook, or Pinterest.

Giveaway: A copy of any of Michelle's books, your choice of format (international winners ebook only.)  Have you ever struggled with body image?  A sweet tooth?  Leave your comment and your email address to enter.

24 August 2013

Happy Birthday Teresa Mathews!!!

Pink Cupcakes--Yum!

Happy birthday, Teresa! We love you!  
Teresa S. Mathews in North Carolina with Carrie--pointing out the chicken livers!

In honor of Teresa's birthday we are celebrating and sharing our favorite birthday cakes--recipes, too if you have them!

Giveaway: A surprise book that is a favorite of OWG reviewers! It's a birthday party--it's supposed to be a surprise, right? Leave a comment for Teresa on her special day and your email address to be entered for the surprise book---it'll be a good one!

23 August 2013

Teresa S Mathew Reviews Pattern for Romance by Carla Olson Gade

Follow me to Colonial Quills Blog to read my review of 
Pattern for Romance by Carla Olson Gade




Today we are doing something a little different....I would love for you to join me on Colonial Quills Blog. I am reviewing Carla Olson Gade's brand new book; Pattern for Romance. Just click on the link below to be taken to Colonial Quills. Psst...We are giving away a copy of this wonderful book. Don't Miss Out!!


22 August 2013

Just A Few Of Darlene Franklin's Bestsellers!

This week on OWG we are featuring award-winning author and speaker, Darlene Franklin, whose many book genres range from westerns, contemporary romance, suspense, Christian historical fiction, and a non-fiction devotional entitled It Is Well With My Soul, which was inspired from the lyrics of the beloved hymn by Horatio G. Staffords. Please make sure to read Darlene's powerfully moving interview with Carrie Fancett Pagels which was featured at the beginning of the week. You will be moved and blessed by it, I assure you!


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Barbour Publishing, 2013

Enjoy the rich history of Texas penned by an exclusive selection of Christian fiction authors—including DiAnn Mills and Kathleen Y’Barbo. This collection of nine romances brings together the lawful, the lawless, and the lonely in the Lone Star State. Watch as three Texas Rangers turn from chasing outlaws to courting women who are determined to remain independent. Experience the trials six outlaws have as they turn into respectable citizens and seek to settle down with a spouse to love.

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Golden Dreams by Darlene Franklin
Love Inspired Heartsong, Sept. 2013

Winnine Tuttle dreams about skating With hometown champion Frank Sawtelle as her coach, she has a real chance to compete in the world's foremost skating competition. But her siblings want her helping on the farm-not wasting time on the ice. And as her feelings for Frank turn to love, she wonders if he could ever feel the same.

Still bitter over the injury that shattered his competitive hopes, coaching Winnie resurrects Frank's career. But as his love for her grows, a romance could jeopardize her success. While he keeps his feelings to himself, he yearns for a future with Winnie. One more precious than gold.

This book available through Amazon and CBD in Sept. 2013.

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It Is Well With My Soul by Darlene Franklin
Barbour Publishing, 2013

Whether you're in the midst of a life-changing tragedy or simply in need of a reminder of God's presence, here's reassuring of comfort and inspiration for your soul. Based on the beloved hymn, these heartfelt devotions, prayers, quotes, and Bible promises reveal the blessings, joy, and peace that every heart truly desires.

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Calico Brides by Darlene Franklin
Barbour, 2013

Determined to sow good deeds into the lives of needy people, the four youngest members of the 1876 Calico, Kansas, sewing circle reap romance. Gladys Polson, designing to aid a crotchety widower, falls for a stranger. Annie Bliss, knitting for soldiers, has a fort chaplain on pins and needles. Birdy Landry, sewing dresses for saloon girls looking for a new life, has her feathers ruffled by a beneficent shopkeeper. Schoolteacher Ruth Fairfield is about to teach a new guardian a few lessons in life and love. Will God stitch forever-after romances into the lives of these four women?

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Barbour Publishing, 2013

You can experience Christmas during the time period of your choice-if you rent the entire Barncastle Inn of Vermont for the whole week of Christmas. When they first decided to do this, Jayne Barncastle is determined to prove to her parents it will work. Will she overlook her own chance for romance in the process? Will a World War II era "White Christmas" recreate a scene of forgiveness for an embittered couple? Can a pirate's lair be the place of fun-filled reunion for old lovers? When coworkers assist in recreating the first Christmas for the inn, will they discover romance?

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Barbour, Feb. 2014

New England is not just colorful in autumn but throughout the history of its states—including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Through the trials and triumphs of the early years of American history, to the turbulent 1930s, enjoy five stories laced with history, faith, and romance. Will these couples find a place to call home among the northeastern states?

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Hidden Dreams by Darlene Franklin
Love Inspired Heartsong, 2013

Her father's been murdered, and now the mob's after her, too. Leaving New York City behind is the only way to stay alive. Yet Mary Anne Lamont finds herself stuck in Maple Notch, Vermont, when her car crashes straight into Wallace Tuttle's truck. Wallace and his family offer her warmth and welcome, no questions asked. But she doesn't dare give them her real name-not without risking their safety too.

At first, Wallace chides himself for being distracted by the glamorous flapper. Mary Anne certainly doesn't fit his image of a future wife. But underneath the bleached bob and big-city ways is a courageous, caring woman. When the danger she's been running from draws close, Wallace must risk everything to prove his faith in Mary Anne, in God's plan, and the dreams they've come to share.

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 A Ranger's Trail #4 by Darlene Franklin
River North Publishing, 2012 

Mason County, Texas, is a violent place in 1875! While ranger Buck Morgan wants to stop the bloody war among rustlers, ranchers, and outlaws, Leta Derrick seeks vengeance on the men who killed her husband, a suspected cattle thief. Can Buck and Leta strike an accord that leads to more than just peace?

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The above books may be purchased through AmazonCBDDeeperShopping, and your local bookstore.


Giveaway: Leave an encouraging comment for Darlene for a chance to win one of her great books!

20 August 2013

Diana Flowers Reviews A Bride's Rogue in Roma, Texas by Darlene Franklin

A Bride's Rogue In Roma, Texas
 
 
 
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
4.5 stars****
 

A Heartwarming Summer Read!
 
In A Bride's Rogue in Roma, Texas, author Darlene Franklin has penned a heartwarming story of healing, redemption, and reconciliation---that sweeps the reader from the sedate town of Roma to the magnolia, citrus, and burning coal scents of the Rio Grande River.
 
The straight-laced Blanche Lamar feels all alone in the world...having recently lost her mother to death, and her father many years ago to life on the river. J.O. Lamar, Blanche's father and captain of the steamboat, Cordelia, had started running it up and down the Rio Grande before she was ever born. After her mother's death, Blanche receives a summons from her father via handsome Ike Gallagher, stipulating that she must spend time aboard the Cordelia before she can inherit it.
 
Thus begins the adventure of a lifetime as the sheltered Blanche learns how to steer the great riverboat under the tutelage of the delightful and crusty Old Obie, and butts heads with the gambling rogue, Ike, over how the Cordelia should be run. Will she learn to love life on the river?...even as dangers of the heart and the calamities of the Rio Grande threaten to engulf her? Is her father still alive...and if so, where is he and why did he desert Blanche and her mother all those many years ago? And is her relationship with Ike doomed from the start since he is not a believer?
 
This is the first book I have read from this author and it was a delight! Full of adventure, wonderful main and secondary characters (I loved Old Obie!), and interspersed with the message of salvation and redemption, this one is guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings. This is a light, well-written, clean read that even your teenage daughters would love! Nicely done, Ms. Franklin!
 
This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore.
 
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Giveaway: Winner's choice of any of Darlene's books in paperback or ebook as available (ebook only for international winner.) If you are an OWG follower put OWG for an extra entry. **Please remember to leave your email address.**
 
 
Question: Blanche had to leave her comfort zone and experience life on a riverboat. Have you ever had to leave your comfort zone for awhile...and if so, did you enjoy it?


18 August 2013

Interview with Darlene Franklin - Surviving Disability and Suicide of a Loved One


Darlene Franklin
Powerful Interview with Darlene Franklin

Darlene Franklin is the author of Golden Dreams (now on preorder, releasing September 1st) and of more than 20 titles, including the three books in her current series, Maple Notch Dreams.

Darlene, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 


Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? (transparency appreciated!)
I have had a lifetime of difficult things, including growing up with a mother with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and then raising a daughter with the same diagnosis. And yes, I have wondered if I also suffer from it, but I’ve never been told so. Right now is another difficult time. I’ve had to move into a nursing home, which has meant giving up 90% of things I’ve accumulated throughout my life. I’m in daily (hourly?) pain. I have had to accept limitations.

But by far the hardest event I’ve had to overcome was my daughter’s suicide, five years ago. In fact, I have theorized that earlier difficulties made me strong enough to survive the worst parent’s fear.
So I guess that was the first step in overcoming: toughening up my faith muscles through career disappointment, an abusive stepfather, a broken marriage, my son’s troubled teen years, and so on. Everything served to give me a rock solid confidence that God loved me. Period. That He loved my daughter. Period. And everything else, all the grief and anger and numbness, couldn’t drag me under that foundation.

How appropriate that I am writing about overcoming today. Because just this evening, I wrote a devotional about overcoming, based on Romans 8:35-37.  The New Living Translation saw we have overwhelming victory despite all the terrible things that happen. How does suicide equal to victory, let alone stomping on the enemy?

Well, of course, it doesn’t. If someone had dared to suggest that five years ago, I would have exploded.

Perhaps the victory comes in how we respond. How did I survive?

Nothing new, but only magnified coping strategies already in place. I struggled with sleep. I dreamed and awoke to the reality of the empty bunk above my own. I read, nonfiction now instead of my usual mysteries. books.  Joni Woelfel’s book, Meditations for Survivors of Suicide, made a huge difference. I have since had a piece about my daughter published in the book Too Soon to Say Goodbye. People who had suffered a similar loss reached out to me. I’m a writer, so I wrote; my blog grew out of that experience. I let music flow through me and over me, singing with the choir when I could, even if it meant crying in front of the congregation.

Gradually I returned to a normal routine. I worked reduced hours, thanks to an understanding boss. My mother and I dined out, one by one returning to the places we had visited with Jolene. We buried her ashes. We learned to laugh again.

And to top it all off? God gave me an amazing, life-affirming gift: my granddaughter Jordan was conceived at the time my daughter died. She was and is life from life.

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?  (Thank you – we offer this information to our readers with difficulty reading books in regular print format.)
Unfortunately, I don’t have any audio books. I do have one book in large print: Beacon of Life.
Golden Dreams by Darlene Franklin

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation
My hero in Golden Dreams won the U.S. National Figure Skating championships and was headed for the 1928 Olympics—until he had a career-ending injury. Physical disabilities often lead to emotional distress. Losing your dreams for the future is a horrible experience.  Believe me, I am struggling with that right now, as I’ve lost a lot of independence. I put most of my characters through the wringer. They lose parents or children. (One of them was even lynched.) They lose their homes or a way of life. I have a number of heroes who fought in various wars, and returned home with internal and external scars. I find their internal struggles more motivating then external problems.

Two books deliberately take characters through a deep grieving process to an acceptance: Romanian Rhapsody, where the hero loses wife and child in childbirth; and A Ranger’s Trail, where the heroine’s husband was lynched, and the murderers never brought to account.

Thank you Darlene for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!


Darlene's Blogs: 

Sales links:

Giveaway: Winner's choice of any of Darlene's books in paperback or ebook as available (ebook only for international winner.)  If you are an OWG follower put OWG.  Answer this question: Do you know of anyone who has been affected by suicide in their family or attempted suicide? Do you have any questions for Darlene about going through this tragedy?

16 August 2013

Three Reasons to Listen to The Lesson (audiobook) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Lesson
Stoney Ridge Seasons #3
By Suzanne Woods Fisher

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The audiobook CD by Brilliance Audio only recently released (August 6) for this novel which was published by Revell in January 2013.  I pre-ordered mine. Unfortunately I got mixed up and listened to The Letters before I listened to The Lesson.  I'd advise you to listen to The Lesson first.

Reasons to listen to this audiobook:
1) Characterization and a favorite character finally gets her "man."
I have loved Mary Kate or M.K. Lapp ever since I first "met" her when she was a child in Suzanne's stories. So it is great reading a story where she is now grown up and thrown into the situation of being a teacher. And I LOVED her elderly mentor--what a wonderful character.  I wish Suzanne would give us a few more stories with her in it.

2) Bibliotherapy elements are deep and powerful. (And even affected me!) Have you read a Christian book where a big part of the story line is about the effects of Meth-amphetamine usage? I sure haven't.

Chris Yoder is a wonderful hero--he's a young man carrying the weight of the world.  Chris and Jenny, his younger sister, have a mother in prison who is a meth addict. Mom is really a piece of work and Suzanne portrays her so well I almost wonder if she, like myself, has one of these sad people in her family.  I listened to the audiotape and I had to turn it off during the part where Jenny has been suckered into a situation with her mother where I knew what was going to happen but Jenny did not.  Turned it off.  Thought what a hard core user like this who is so messed up would do. And that night I discovered my own family member was arrested on drug charges and is faces his own possible prison time.  So I got my own bit of bibliotherapy through this audiobook, which was interesting.  I thought--this person (Suzanne) knows what the family is going through. They really get it.  And that is one of the points of bibliotherapy--reading something that speaks to your own issue. And I am very glad Suzanne didn't try to sugar coat or pull a miracle out of her bonnet. I think if she had done that she'd have disappointed a lot of people who know it truly does take a miracle to pull someone out of this addiction. Great job of showing how co-dependency affects the family, too.

Interesting how one of the characters who is so powerful isn't even alive--"Old Deborah" who is still impacting the lives of Chris, Jenny, and others, by the way she gave to others in trouble. Great example of how a humble and simple life can be so meaningful!

3) The audiobook has a lovely narrator and what a great thing to do while you are washing dishes, folding clothes, and doing other "quiet" cleaning. You can read while doing housekeeping!

But back to the overall book--again we have the lovely Suzanne voice, characterization, and taut storyline. Although we start out with a suspected murder we end up discovering another crime that occurred years earlier.  

Giveaway: Gently used CD (not MP3 - can be played on a regular CD player.)  Here's what you have to do to be entered.  Check out the Deeper Shopping website and put "DS" on your comment to count twice.  If you are a Follower of our blog put OWG. We are TWO away from out 300th Follower.  That person will receive a special prize and if that person is you, email me at overcomingwithGod@aol.com!   Leave your email addy if we don't know you well.




15 August 2013

Diana Flowers Reviews Katie's Choice By Amy Lillard


Katie's Choice


Reviewed by Diana Flowers
~5 stars*****
  
Heartwarming Amish Fiction!

In this heartwarming Amish tale, author Amy Lillard takes us on a special journey—where two people from very different worlds find new hope, faith, and healing for their broken lives.

Zane Carson, a war correspondent, has received a strange assignment and certainly not the one he was hoping for. Having his heart set on going to Juarez, Mexico to cover the war on drugs, he receives the news that he is to travel to the Amish country of Oklahoma instead. Before he leaves he asks his beautiful girlfriend, Monica, to marry him when he gets back from his three month assignment there.

Katie Rose has given up on her dream of being an Amish wife and mother of a houseful of children. After the love of her life, Samuel Beachy, leaves the Amish and joins the Englisch world six years prior, a heartbroken Katie Rose feels it is God's call on her life to take care of her widowed brother's children and teach school. Neither Katie nor Zane can stop the undeniable attraction between them, but both know nothing can become of it. Zane is "almost" engaged and Katie is Amish and never the twain shall meet. Especially when Samuel Beachy returns to the community wanting Katie Rose back and Monica says "yes"...

This is my first novel by Amy Lillard, but certainly not my last. She covers some tough issues such as breast cancer, PTSD, and Down Syndrome with finesse, and I found myself alternating between tears and laughter at the trials and antics of the main and secondary characters. Yes, the conclusion was rather predictable as I have read so many Amish books, but the journey there was superb!

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A copy of this book was provided by Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion. 

This book may be purchased through Amazon, DeeperShoppingCBD, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: Amy Lillard has generously offered a copy of Katie's Choice to one blessed commenter -- winners choice of ebook or paperback! Please remember to leave your email address. 


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