Bonnie Roof -- Retired From OWG to Heaven

Long-time Overcoming With God follower, Bonnie Roof, who also joined us as a reviewer on the blog, has "retired" to heaven. When I first "met" Bonnie online here at the blog I was struck by how sweet and open she was. She shared her life and concerns and always encouraged others. We (Diana Flowers, Teresa Mathews, Marian Bay, myself, and Noela Nancarrow) always worked to create the feeling of coming into someone's living room to hear about new Christian fiction and especially those with something special to offer. And Bonnie soon felt like an old friend. Later, when some of the reviewers needed to stop blogging, Bonnie stepped in and joined us in reviewing our favorite books. She also did some guest posts on another of my blogs, Colonial Quills. Engaging and thoughtful, Bonnie pulled readers in to her posts.

Bonnie Roof in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Bonnie had her dream come true when she worked with Annie "JC" and Carrie Booth Schmidt to create a Christian Fiction Readers Retreat Conference which is about to celebrate its third year. She'd always wanted to have a conference where her favorite Christian authors could meet in person with readers. This event has grown yearly. I had the privilege of speaking at the first one, in a panel, and got to see Bonnie for a second time in person (she'd stopped by in Virginia right after my emergency gall bladder surgery as I was recovering.) Bonnie was right in her element at the conference and beaming from ear-to-ear! It was wonderful to see her so happy and surrounded by her favorite authors!

Bonnie Roof, center, at first CFRR

Bonnie loved to share about her beloved Kentucky and especially where she grew up. We loved to hear about the history of her family's farm! Bonnie will be greatly missed and she was greatly loved.

Bonnie Roof and Carrie Booth Schmidt at CFRR

Bonnie was a great listener, too, and interested in what other had to express in their writing or in life. We wish her family our deepest condolences from the Overcoming With God blog and our readers.

Bonnie Roof Reviews Julie Lessman's Four New Novella's

She longs to be the perfect mother. He just longs for his wife. Until they receive ... the best gift of all. Everyone knows Lizzie and John Brady have the perfect marriage. But when Lizzie’s desire to be a good mother eclipses her desire for her husband, the honeymoon is definitely over. Can the spirit of Christmas heal their hearts when Lizzie gives John the best gift of all?

THE BEST GIFT OF ALL: AN O'CONNOR CHRISTMAS NOVELLA - 5 Stars

The Best Gift of All features John and Lizzy Brady in an engaging romance that addresses a problem familiar to many marriages: balancing the roles of spouse and parent. The Best Gift of All will inspire, reveal dramatic surprises, entertain with its family's antics, bring both smiles and tears, warm the reader's heart, and endear them to its characters. It's story of faith could quite possibly heal some marriages!

He’s everybody’s lovable rogue. She’s nobody’s fool who hopes to steer clear. Until a thunderstorm sinks them both into a sea of love. Blake “The Rake” McClare has a notorious reputation as a womanizer, which is why soft-spoken Patience Peabody carefully avoids the lovable rogue attorney at the law firm in which they both work. Until a rare thunderstorm brings them together in a love soaked with the grace of God ... and sparked with a little lightning of its own

GRACE LIKE RAIN: A HEART OF SAN FRANCISCO Novella - 5 Stars

Attorney Blake "The Rake" McClare is a womanizer who lives up to his name - until his charms are lost on soft-spoken, professional, receptionist Patience Peabody (who wears her name well). Patience has a few tricks of her own - who will win the battle of the wills in this engrossing, sweet romance that will inspire, give you a laugh, some drama, spin a twist, and then steal your heart with it's warm, realistic characters? Only God knows!

She’s the Accident to His Prayers …Pastor Cole McCabe isn’t sure he’ll survive the holidays with his new housekeeper and nanny. She’s caught fire to the kitchen, dyed his long johns pink, and scorched nearly everything she cooks. But he’s desperate, and she’s as destitute as they come. Even though she’s no good with her hands, Grace sure has a way with her heart. She’s brought a warmth into Cole’s home, added color to his daughters’ lives, and broken down the wall he’s built up since his beloved wife died. But when Grace’s past threatens Cole’s family, she’s given one last chance to be home for Christmas . . . if she hasn’t burned it down yet.

THE GIFT OF GRACE: A FRONTIER CHRISTMAS NOVELLA - 5 Stars

When his aunt is injured, Pastor Cole McCabe is desperate for a housekeeper and nanny for his daughters. A friend of Cole's deceased wife, Grace O'Malley is destitute and desperate for a lifestyle change. What would appear to be the perfect answer to the problems of both - turns into a disaster when Cole finds Grace can't cook and has few housekeeping skills. When her secrets threaten to tear his family apart, Cole intervenes and reveals a few secrets of his own. Drama, twists, and suspense kept me glued to the pages of this beautiful romance; the endearing children, hilarious situations, and sweet romance brought me to tears. Forgiveness and redemption through a loving God are the healing factors making this story a winner.

She’s desperate for a baby. He’s desperate for an empty nest.

Love is desperate to surprise them both. With a husband dead set against adoption, Charity O’Connor Dennehy has barely a whisper of hope for more children, but if hope doesn’t disappoint … will it be enough to find a precious bundle under her tree?

A WHISPER OF HOPE: AN O'CONNOR CHRISTMAS NOVELLA - 5 Stars

Charity O'Connor Dennehy, mother of twins, desperately wants to adopt a child she has come to love while on visits to St. Mary's Home For Unwed-Mothers with her sister-in-law. Husband Mitch, 16 years Charity's senior, is deeply opposed - wanting to raise and provide their best for the two children they already have. Whose perspective will change?

Having worked in a home for abused and neglected children and being a parent myself, I could identify with both sides of the story and was deeply touched by it. Author Julie Lessman provided just enough warmth, laughs, and spiritual inspiration to balance out my reader tears.     

You may purchase these wonderful novellas by clicking on these links. 

THE BEST GIFT OF ALL (An O’Connor Christmas Novella):

GRACE LIKE RAIN (A Heart of San Francisco Novella)

THE GIFT OF GRACE

A WHISPER OF HOPE (An O’Connor Christmas Novella)

GIVEAWAY: Ms. Lessman has graciously offered the gift of (3) Three e-books. Each Winner Has The Choice of Any (1) One of These Outstanding Novellas. 

His Steadfast Love by Julie Lessman - Review by Bonnie Roof

His Steadfast Love

by Julie Lessman

Review by Bonnie Roof

5 STARS *****

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22-23

Though I've read each one of Julie Lessman's books - her writing never ceases to amaze me! Possessing the innate ability to draw readers into her stories, she makes me feel not only as if I'm a member of those beautiful, warm, cozy families she writes about - but a part of the story and a friend of the characters, as well. 

But warm and cozy though they be, those amazing families struggle with the same pressures of daily life and serious life-changing issues as you, me, and the rest of today's modern world. "His Steadfast Love" is no exception - amidst the joys and triumphs experienced by the characters: present or past issues of being unforgivable, bitterness, date rape, jealousy, sexual abuse, feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy, and adultery are also addressed.

It was easy to fall in love with ex-Navy Seal and pastor Chase Griffin, who has such a heart for people, the situations in which Cat placed herself both angered me and elicited tears of sympathy, Ms. Lilly made me laugh at her "no-nonsense" approach and marvel at her spiritual wisdom. "His Steadfast Love" led me through the gamut of emotions : from tears of joy to tears of sympathy and all those in between.

It's a story filled with humor, copious quantities of romance, angst, unexpected twists, lovable characters, and a realistic plot but the "creme de la creme" is the hope, inspiration, and redemption story from a loving God. Received by it's characters and now it's readers (as evidenced by it's reviews) - a life-changing possibility, for sure!

"His Steadfast Love" is the last in the series of three books and completes the series so beautifully (it's quite possibly Julie Lessman's best work to date), but is also such a delight as a stand-alone readers will be enticed to read the other two books, "Isle of Hope: Unfailing Love" and "Love Everlasting", and the prologue, "A Glimmer of Hope", as well. I'll certainly miss spending time with the charming O'Bryen and Carmichael families!

Love prospers when a heart is forgiven. (Proverbs 17:9)

Disclaimer: I was provided a PDF of "His Steadfast Love" by the author but was not required to write a review. This review is my honest opinion of "His Steadfast Love". 

Also coming from Julie Lessman on Amazon Sept. 1: "Grace Like Rain: A Heart of San Francisco Novella", "The Best Gift of All: An O'Connor Christmas Novella", "The Gift of Grace: A Frontier Christmas Novella", and "A Whisper of Hope: An O'Connor Christmas Novella". $.99 each and pre-order available now.

Blurb for His Steadfast Love by Julie Lessman
She’s bent on fun.
He’s bent on faith.
Till true love bridges the gap.

Cat O’Bryen is the prodigal daughter unhappy with God. First, the father with whom she reconciled dies of cancer and now her twin sister and best friend marries, leaving Cat at home with a newlywed mother, her new husband, and a little brother. But when Cat moves in with a roommate of questionable morals, her family is worried, certain she’s on a path that could damage her faith forever.

Reluctant to get involved with a woman like the one who destroyed his life, ex-Navy SEAL Pastor Chase Griffin steers clear of the attraction he feels for Cat O’Bryen. Until her family begs him to take her under his wing, hoping he can draw her back into the fold. But when the draw she has on him proves too strong to resist, he must rely on the strength of God to offer a friendship as steady and strong as the God whose love is wooing her home.

Giveaway: Julie is offering a giveaway of His Steadfast Love to one of our readers. Winner can choose a paperback of His Steadfast Love, releasing this fall, or ebook copies of all three novels in this series! Leave a prayer below for Bonnie's health for the upcoming author event CFFR to enter, thanks!

Bonnie Roof Reviews "The Illusionist's Apprentice" by Kristy Cambron

The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron

Scroll down past the publisher's blurb to read Bonnie's review
Blurb: Harry Houdini's one-time apprentice holds fantastic secrets about the greatest illusionist in the world. But someone wants to claim them . . . or silence her before she can reveal them on her own.

Boston, 1926. Jenny "Wren" Lockhart is a bold eccentric--even for a female vaudevillian. As notorious for her inherited wealth and gentleman's dress as she is for her unsavory upbringing in the back halls of a vaudeville theater, Wren lives in a world that challenges all manner of conventions.

In the months following Houdini's death, Wren is drawn into a web of mystery surrounding a spiritualist by the name of Horace Stapleton, a man defamed by Houdini's ardent debunking of fraudulent mystics in the years leading up to his death. But in a public illusion that goes terribly wrong, one man is dead and another stands charged with his murder. Though he's known as one of her teacher's greatest critics, Wren must decide to become the one thing she never wanted to be: Stapleton's defender.

Forced to team up with the newly formed FBI, Wren races against time and an unknown enemy, all to prove the innocence of a hated man. In a world of illusion, of the vaudeville halls that showcase the flamboyant and the strange, Wren's carefully constructed world threatens to collapse around her. Layered with mystery, illusion, and the artistry of the Jazz Age's bygone vaudeville era, The Illusionist's Apprentice is a journey through love and loss and the underpinnings of faith on each life's stage.

BONNIE's Review
5 Stars *****

From time-to-time I read a novel which touches me to the extent I have a problem finding adequate words I feel will do it justice in a review. Such a book is 'The Illusionist's Apprentice' by Kristy Cambron.

It wasn't love at first "sight" for me and the eccentric Jenny "Wren" Lockhart. Changes were wrought when I realized the eccentricity was not only a part of her act as an illusionist, but a cover to hide her pain and protect she and her family. As her exterior layers were gently peeled away by F.B.I. agent Elliot Matthews - the true beauty, strength, and vulnerability of Wren was exposed; I found her to be very poignant as the story unraveled. In the process, Elliot was also captivated and forced to embrace some issues of his own, while allowing Wren to be true to herself.

The suspense, mystery, vengefulness, and plot twists in 'The Illusionist's Apprentice' kept me riveted to it's pages; being transported to the intriguing world and age of vaudeville and the story's magic versus illusion theme educated and mesmerized me; the tender romance, faith, and wittiness of various characters warmed my heart. However, it was the revelation of several life-lesson reminders that touched my soul: (1) In judging a person by his/her outward appearance, one may miss the depth and beauty hidden inside. (2) Each person encounters, endures, and is tested by trials - often unknown and invisible to peers. (3) The necessity of one's opening up and exposing vulnerability and reaching out in faith and trust to engage life fulfillment and happiness, both personally and spiritually.

I found the discussion guide and author's eloquent notes added even more depth to a story that gave me pause for reflection of it's characters long after I finished reading it. A beautiful, unique story that captured my heart and left me exclaiming "wow"!

(I was gifted a copy of this novel by it's publisher, and was not required to write a positive review of it. This review is my honest opinion of 'The Illusionist's Apprentice' by author Kristy Cambron.)

Bonnie Roof

GIVEAWAY: Comment on Bonnie's blog post, with a prayer for her health (Bonnie is terminally ill with cancer), for a chance to win a copy of this novel. Thank you to Kristy Cambron for offering a paperback to one of our readers!

Review by Bonnie Roof of Erica Vetsch's "The Bounty Hunter's Baby"

The Bounty Hunter's Baby By Erica Vetsch

The Bounty Hunter's Baby

By Erica Vetsch

Here's the publisher's blurb:

Brought Together by a Baby 

Bounty hunter Thomas Beaufort has no problem handling outlaws, but when he's left with a criminal's baby to care for, he's in over his head. And the only person he can think of to ask for help is Esther Jensen, the woman whose heart he broke when he left town. But can he convince her to put aside the past until he tracks down the baby's outlaw father? 

Esther is ready to run Thomas off her Texas ranch—until she spies the abandoned newborn in his arms. Soon, working together to care for the precious babe stirs old hopes of a family. With trouble heading to their door, they could overcome it together—if she'll entrust her wary heart to this sweet, second-chance family…

Review by Bonnie Roof

5 Stars *****

1888 Texas

Since the death of her father, 5 years previous, Esther Jensen has struggled to single-handedly maintain their Texas ranch by taking in the laundry of cowboys. A former ranch hand for Esther's father, Thomas Beaufort broke her heart when he left to become a bounty hunter. When he reappears, her bitterness for Thomas resurfaces, but her conscience won't let her reject his plea for her help in caring for an abandoned newborn - while he tracks down the baby's outlaw father.

Surprised at the dilapidation of the ranch, Thomas holds some surprises of his own - for Esther. Two needy people - one struggling to prove his self-worth, the other harboring feelings against forgiveness.

The Bounty Hunter's Baby is a touching novel filled with romance, adventure, faith, descriptive settings, and realistic characters. I related to the pain of both Thomas and Esther, "rooted" for their happiness, and delighted in the transformations wrought in each of them as the story unfolded. I loved this beautiful story of redemption and hope by Erica Vetsch!

Note: I was provided a copy of The Bounty Hunter's Baby by the author. I was not required to give a positive review of it. This review is my honest opinion of The Bounty Hunter's Baby by Erica Vetsch.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of this new short novel from Erica Vetsch! She's offering an ebook to one of our readers! (Can't read on ebook? --OWG will substitute a paperback if within USA.)

Bonnie Reviews Ruth Logan Herne's Home on the Range & Silent Night, Star-Lit Night

Home On The Range

by Ruth Logan Herne

Reviewed by Bonnie Roof

Five Stars *****

Home On The Range is the second in the Double S. Ranch series - the story of Nick Stafford and Dr. Elsa Andreas. After a tragedy in her family therapy practice, Elsa retreats in seclusion to a small cottage in the woods of Grays Glen, Washington. Abandoned by his mother at a young age, Nick blames his father Sam Stafford's parenting techniques and is resentful of the time his father has spent building up his name and  large ranch in central Washington. Abandoned again, by his wife, Nick was left to raise two daughters alone and is determined not to make the same parenting mistakes his parents made. Having stayed to work his family's large ranch after his brothers left to pursue their own passions - Nick's life becomes even more complicated when his oldest daughter, Cheyenne, creates problems at school.

When Cheyenne's school principal persuades the principal's sister, Elsa, to guide Nick's daughters, and hopefully draw Elsa out of seclusion in the process - a love/hate relationship is set off between Elsa and Nick re Elsa's therapy techniques with his children. Nick is forced to re-examine his own plans for his children and his opinion of his chronically ill father while Elsa faces a crisis in which she is confronted with her feeling of guilt over past mistakes.

Home On The Range is a beautiful romance and family story of forgiveness, acceptance, change, hope, redemption, restoration, and faith - one of my favorite stories from Ruth Logan Herne, as well as my favorite of her beautiful book covers.

***~~***

Silent Night, Star-Lit Night

By Ruth Logan Herne

Reviewed by Bonnie Roof

Five Stars *****

December 18th

Eight and one half month pregnant E.R. nurse Mia O'Loughlin is preparing to leave for the 1200 mile drive from San Diego, California to Roslyn, Washington to visit her dying grandfather when cowboy Jed Taylor appears at her door. The longtime best friend of her husband Daniel - killed in Afghanistan, Jed had been summoned by his mother and Mia's aunt, Pauline, to escort Mia home. His father deceased, Jed works with  cranky Uncle Pete in operating the family's Taylor Farm, Ranch, and Home Supply - in addition to his 400 head of cattle and horse ranch. He's anxious to complete his mission and return home due to the 12" of early snow, blizzard threats, and there being no one able to fill his shoes at the store or ranch where December's sales are a large part of end-of-year profit margins.

When their journey is detoured by heavy snow, causing a rock slide, and later - a snowdrift avalanche blocking the road, Mia and Jed are forced to walk to seek shelter. Finding the Star Inn Bed and Breakfast in the small picturesque town of Heywood, Oregon, Mia and Jed spend the time becoming more closely reacquainted and helping the town's storm victims. Mia struggles to come to terms with the dysfunction of having been raised with an indifferent alcoholic father after the death of her mother, her feelings of lack of self-worth, the guilt from only infrequent visits to her grandfather, and secrets of repercussions from a cheating husband.

Silent Night, Star-Lit Night is a beautifully touching, inspiring romantic novella and story of two families - their hope, forgiveness, and healing through the true spirit and message of Christmas.

***~~***

Links to purchase:
Home on the Range

Christian Book Distributors

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

Silent Night, Star-lit Night:

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

Giveaway: Ruth Logan Herne is generously providing a signed paperback copy of Home On The Range as a giveaway to one blessed commenter on the above reviews of her books. If the winner is an international resident, an e-Book will be provided instead. AND two winners of ebook copies of Silent Night, Star-Lit Night!!!

Please leave your email address in a safe format - for contact purposes, should you be our winner.

Reviews & Giveaways of Ruth Logan Herne's Latest Books!

BONNIE REVIEWS 

'HER UNEXPECTED FAMILY' AND 'THE FIRST GIFT' 

BY RUTH LOGAN HERNE 

5 STARS EACH BOOK

'HER UNEXPECTED FAMILY'

When ex-beauty-queen Emily Gallagher is hired to plan a wedding for Grant McCarthy's deployed sister, Christa- losing her own heart isn't a part of her plans. An over-protective single parent of toddler twins, Timmy and Dolly, Grant struggles with his faith and holds bitterness towards the appearance-obsessed mother of his children and a father who deserted him when he was a child. Divorced from a rich, self-absorbed husband, Emily relies on her faith and past experiences to put her life back together.

'Her Unexpected Family' is a beautiful story of love, hope, forgiveness, redemption, second chances, and faith. Tim and Dolly stole my reader's heart while Emily and Grant's story gave  me inspiration!!

'THE FIRST GIFT'

The story of 5 year-old Cassie Carruthers, from a northern Appalachian community, who is verbally abused and neglected by an alcoholic and drug-addicted father, 'The First Gift' is also the story of 27 year-old Kerry McHenry, the kindergarten teacher and woman of faith who sees her own past in Cassie's present and is attracted to two men: self-absorbed doctor of oncology, Ryan O'Donnell and widowed Deputy Jake Slattery who hasn't forgiven God for the accident which claimed the life of his wife and left him with two small children to raise. When the lives of Kerry, Ryan, and Jake intersect in an effort to save the life of Cassie - Kerry is forced to make some life-altering personal decisions of her own.

Ruth Logan Herne is one of those gifted authors who borrows from her own past experiences in the writing of her stories - filling them with gut-wrenching emotional scenes, real-life situations, and endearing characters. 'The First Gift' includes heart-pounding suspense and addresses the subject of racial diversity. Through it we are also reminded of God's grace and love and the impact one person can have in the life of a child. A beautiful story that captured my heart from page one with it's characters - who remain there!!

Bio and Purchase links:

Her Unexpected Family at Amazon  

The First Gift at Amazon 

Multi-published, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of writing sweet books that make people smile and sigh and sometimes cry... but they're good tears! She loves stories of forgiveness and redemption with unforgettable characters from beginning to end. Friend her on facebook/Ruth Logan Herne where she loves to chat and pray with folks, and on Twitter she's @RuthLoganHerne... or visit her website at http:ruthloganherne.com or visit her at these fun blogs: www.ruthysplace.com, www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com or over in Seekerville at www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Giveaways: Ruthy will provide two copies of Her Unexpected Family and one copy of The First Gift as giveaways on Bonnie’s reviews! Thank you Ruthy! Winner's choice in all three if in the U.S., e-Book if international.

Bonnie reviews Love Everlasting by Julie Lessman

Love Everlasting (Isle of Hope Series, Book 2) 

By Julie Lessman, September 30, 2016

"I've learned the hard way that I need to see love in action as well as hear it." (Love Everlasting)

Isle of Hope, Georgia

Reviewed by Bonnie Roof

~5 stars~

Driving the inebriated Dr. Sam Cunningham home after a fancy fundraiser for Memorial Hospital - as a favor to her brother Jack, Sam's friend and co-worker - proves to be much more than Shannon O'Bryen bargained for. Sam is known as "love 'em and leave 'em" charismatic player, Dr. Love, at Memorial - after having her heart broken by someone very similar, Shannon is content with her single life as a school teacher and ghostwriter of romance books. 

Abandoned as a baby, Sam looks to professional success and an extravagant lifestyle as a way of proving himself worthy of love. After persuading Shannon to give him lessons in winning back his ex-girlfriend - nurse Jasmine Augustine, wealthy daughter of his boss - his eyes are opened to faith and the true definition of love. While slowly becoming attracted to his teacher and her purity, Sam finds she has a few heart-breaking secrets of her own. 

Love Everlasting is the second book in the Isle of Hope series by Julie Lessman - it was a joy revisiting members of the O'Bryen family and catching up with the romance between Ben and Tess. While not necessary to read the first book, Isle of Hope, and it's prequel, A Glimmer of Hope, to enjoy Love Everlasting - I feel new readers of the series will be mesmerized by the story and enticed to read the others, excited to enjoy more of the delightful O'Bryens. 

Julie's unique style and passion in writing romance and her gift of developing realistic characters and story lines - frequently drawing from experiences in her own life, have insured a "love everlasting" for her characters with me. Her bits of humor, exquisite descriptions, and heart-pounding twists in each book are exceeded only by the "happily ever after" ending through the redemption of her flawed characters by a loving God. 

I loved Shannon's story in Love Everlasting and look forward to the final book in the series - the story of Cat, Shannon's twin sister. The 'Isle of Hope' series - Julie's entry into the field of contemporary Christian fiction - contains all of the elements readers have come to love from her historical Christian fiction. Each of Julie's books, historical or contemporary, is a 5+ star book for me - I can't recommend them highly enough!   

This novel is available in ebook format on Amazon and will soon be available in paperback!

In honor of the release of Love Everlasting: the e-book of A Glimmer of Hope is FREE, the e-book of Isle of Hope is half-price at $3.99. All three books are available on Amazon. Julie also has a novella in the Cowboy Christmas Homecoming: Four Historical Novellas, through Gilead Publishing - releasing this month and available at Amazon, CBD, and Barnes & Noble. 

Giveaway: Julie is graciously gifting one blessed commenter NOW with his/her choice of an e-book of either Love Everlasting or Isle of Hope - OR - a paperback of Love Everlasting, available in November, 2016. (International winners ebook only.)

Bonnie Roof Reviews SHE WALKS IN POWER By MaryLu Tyndall

She Walks in Power (Protectors of the Spear)
By MaryLu Tyndall
Ransom Press, Sept. 2016

Reviewed By Bonnie Roof
~5 stars!~

England - the Middle Ages:

Eighteen-year-old Alexia D'Clere has work to do for God. Known as the Falcon of the Emerald Forest for her excellent archery skills, she is the Protector of the Spear - a spear tip which stabbed Christ and known for it's powers of wisdom and discernment. The equivalent of a female Robin Hood, she risks the penalty of hanging from a noose - her hunting game in the most lush of the king's forests and giving it to the underprivileged peasants of the village Luxley considered theft from the king.

Orphaned, and with rumors of a plot on her life, she has lived in hiding in the forest with father figure, friar Josef, for 10 years. Now believed to be deceased, Alexia poses as Mistress Bregley - herb gardener, maid, and minstrel to her seventeen-year-old sister Lady Christiana D'Clere, who resides in the family castle, Luxley Manor. Alexia's true purpose: uncovering the source behind the plot on her life, as well as determining the cause of her sister's health issues and night horrors, which have continually increased for two years. Friar Josef frequently reminds emotional, impatient Alexia to control her emotions, concentrate, hear the Spirit within, let patience prevail, and seek the light in others.

Feeling threatened while hunting, Alexia's archery wounds Sir Ronar Le Peine, a knight and member of the  Kings Guard, en route with the king's special confidant, Bishop Godfrey, and other members of the guard. Hiding life secrets of his own, Ronar is on a mission from the king to find and recover the Spear of Destiny, for use in fighting the king's enemies and rumored to be at Luxley Manor. Now striving to make his life count, he feels his lack of faith and pride have led to his downfall through God's punishment for his past sins, including straying from the teachings of the church and society.

Attracted to each other - Ronar seeks to discover the mystery of Alexia, she feeling Ronar belongs to God but doesn't know his own heart. They follow separate teachings - he the teachings of the church and the laws of man, she the teachings of God. Possessing the loving spirit of God, friar Josef has taught Alexia to follow God's leading and blind herself to the temporary world, while opening her eyes to the real world of the Spirit.

Although not a huge fan of medieval novels, I read 'She Walks in Power' due to the unusual storyline and my knowledge of the writing gift MaryLu Tyndall possesses to draw the reader in - no matter the setting, genre, or storyline. Her books hold something for every reader - vivid realistic characters, accurate historical content, beautifully detailed descriptions, romance, mystery, humor, adventure, forgiveness and redemption, hope, and a strong thread of faith. Keeping me totally enthralled and engrossed, the beautiful storyline of 'She Walks in Power' left me with a sigh of contentment and a re-confirmation of God's love and protection. 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thought and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

This book may be purchased through Amazon, B&N, and Kobo.

GIVEAWAY: MaryLu Tyndall is generously giving away a paperback copy to one blessed commenter! (US only) E-book copy for international entrants. Please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers.

Bonnie Roof's Review Of 'The Things We Knew' By Catherine West

The Things We Knew By Catherine West

The Things We Knew By Catherine West
Thomas Nelson, July 2016

Reviewed By Bonnie Roof
~5 stars! ~

"A BEAUTIFUL, HEART-WARMING FAMILY STORY OF HOPE, FORGIVENESS, LOVE, AND REDEMPTION!!"

After her mother passed away and her four older siblings left home and never returned, Lynette Carlisle was left with the responsibilities of caring for a father with failing health and financial burdens, including the family home, Wyldewood, on Nantucket Island - now in disrepair. Her recurring nightmares hint at memory lapses and possible clues in the death of her mother.

When Nicholas Cooper, Lynette's neighbor and adolescent crush returns home after a 5 year absence, to work for his brusque banker father, Anthony Cooper - he brings with him secrets from the past that could destroy his relationship with Lynette and further the dysfunction in both families. When Anthony offers to buy Wyldewood, a beloved connection for Lynette to her mother - it causes friction amongst Lynette and her siblings as they return to Wyldewood bringing their own secrets, drama, and problems.

Catherine West's 'The Things We Knew' includes some difficult subjects: drug addiction, infidelity, physical abuse, dementia - which are encased in a beautiful story filled with mystery, romance, humor, suspense, drama, warmness, and faith. The story of two dysfunctional families struggling to put their lives back together through healing their relationships and faith - it's also a compelling story of hope, forgiveness, and triumph with realistic, heart-warming, relatable characters and situations that kept me intrigued and "glued to it's pages" from beginning to end. I cared for, and sympathized with, the characters - who remained in my heart after I finished reading their story.

This book is available through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore! 

GIVEAWAY! Cathy is generously offering a paperback copy to one blessed commenter! (US and Canada residents only.) For contact purposes be sure to leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Bonnie reviews The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof

The Lady and the Lionheart

The Lady and the Lionheart
by Joanne Bischof
Mason Jar Books (July 26, 2016)

Reviewed by Bonnie Roof
5 Stars *****

"Permanent may be the scars that we bear, but there is a love that makes all things new".

Roanoke, Virginia - Spring 1890

Lugging an armload of linens up the stairs, Ella Beckley hears violent footsteps from behind before a bear of a man rushes past with a baby in his arms, nearly crashing into her and scattering the linens. Ella, a woman with little schooling and self-taught nursing skills, works in the scullery of Dr. Penske's private practice - which caters to Roanoke's upper crust. Thus begins her relationship with Charlie Lionheart, a Romani Gypsy descendant and lion tamer with Graven Brothers Circus - which has been stranded and detained in the town by unexpected snow.

Assisting with patients only when necessary, Ella has never treated a patient herself. Too quickly diagnosing the baby as having a simple fever, the doctor assigns Ella to her care. With gentle but intensive protectiveness, Charlie remains by the baby's bed overnight - soothing her hot body with cold cloths and chips of ice, whispering words from a hymn. Returning to work the following morning, Ella is greeted by shouts from Charlie's terrorizing the hospital as the feverish baby is being dismissed and sent home. Charlie, having only a handful of coins with him and the doctor suspicious of Charlie, feeling his hand tattoo an indication of a felon. Feeling the baby could have rheumatic fever and recalling the pain of the death of her own infant several years prior, Ella risks her job by leaving work, unauthorized, and follows Charlie back to his tent/wagon home at the circus, bringing her bag of herbs, roots, and medicines to treat baby Holland. Charlie also breaking the rules by bringing a "rube" (outsider) into the privacy of his circus life.

Scarred from her pregnancy by a stranger, the birthing of her son at the age of barely 15 years, the baby's  death after living only a couple of hours, and being branded a harlot by her community - Ella had fled her home and arrived in Roanoke several years prior, in search of a better life. Charlie has hidden secrets also, enduring untold pain to free an orphaned infant from a permanent life in the circus.

Joanne Bischof has written a mesmerizing and unforgettable story of life in a circus and a tender, touching romance between a woman who has turned her back on her faith and a courageous, gentle, man who embraces his faith in his determination to protect those he loves. The depth of the characters and their emotions and struggles, the realism of life in a circus - it's animals and performers, Charlie's love and brotherly care for his three lions - Han, Kristov, and Axel, kept me engrossed in a story that warmed my heart, elicited tears, and inspired me with it's elements of hope, forgiveness, and redemption. It's a 5+ star novel and re-telling of Beauty and the Beast - whose characters remain with me, it's depth of beauty truly adequately indescribable!

*I was provided a PDF of 'The Lady and the Lionheart' by it's author for my honest opinion - which I have given. 

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You may purchase this book from these and other places: AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE

GIVEAWAY: 1 e-book of 'The Lady and the Lionheart'! Please leave a comment and your email address to enter, using (at) and (dot) to protect from spammers.