Audiobook Review of Ruth Logan Herne's Welcome to Wishing Bridge

Audiobook Review
by Carrie Fancett Pagels

5 Stars *****

Welcome to Wishing Bridge (Brilliance Audio)
Ruth Logan Herne

I'm glad I "won" a Goodreads giveaway of this novel -- even though I never did get notified nor did I get a copy! Because what I did instead was snagged a cheap audiobook version of this absolutely lovely Christmas novel, the first in a new series by Ruth Logan Herne. Ruth was an Overcoming With God blog Angel Award Recipient last year! She has a big heart and an even bigger talent. She's a dedicated professional author, working diligently. She's up early in the morning (Ruthy logs into the 1k1Hr group on Facebook around 5ish most mornings -- when the rest of us are usually sleeping!). But back to this story.

If you're looking for a feel-good story with great narration, lovable characters, and some interesting plot twists and mystery, this is the audiobook for you! Its such a great listen that I plowed through it in about two days! That's unusual for me.

Kelsey is an almost-30 teacher with a master's degree but unable to find permanent work and has set off on a heartbreaking journey at Christmastime. Having lived for two years in Western New York, not far from fictional Wishing Bridge, I have also been caught in a Lake Erie white out. So Ruth's descriptions of driving conditions totally brought back memories! I'm afraid to say much else about this story for fear of spoilers! There's a blurb online you can read but I'd just suggest -- go BUY this story and listen!

Welcome to Wishing Bridge is available in multiple formats.

Interview with Lucette "Lucy" Nel

Author Lucette "Lucy" Nel

CFP: Please welcome Lucette "Lucy" Nel!  Lucy is a fellow Pelican Book Group author (White Rose imprint) who lives in South Africa. She has a Christmas release, The Widow's Captive, with Pelican's Christmas Extravaganza, which has become an annual event with brand new Christmas romances in ebook form. We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Thanks so much to Overcoming with God for asking me aboard!

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

I’m an introvert. In all honesty, doing this interview has me all jittery. It’s like that meme I saw on Pinterest: 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“What is the worst sentence in the history for an introvert?

 -- Tell me a little about yourself.” 

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LOL.

But because I want to be a writer, that’s something I need to work ‘against’. 

As a writer, I need people, and I need to connect with people. That is one of my biggest struggles, and if not for God, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. For me, it IS an endless battle, a constant reminder that I need the Lord.  And coffee!

What passages in the Bible have been most helpful to you in those times?

Philippians 4:13 For I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (NLT)

How has prayer helped you to overcome?

It is a million little things. Knowing that God understands my babble, my flawed prayers, and even the ones I can’t utter aloud, make it easier to face people, even when it’s only on social media.

What helped you get through or helped you cope with this difficulty?

I don’t know if it’s something I will get through. I don’t think it’s like you wake up one morning and decide you’re not an introvert anymore. So I cope with it by sharing what’s going on in my head and heart with the Lord and to those people closest to me.

Disability friendliness: Is this 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? 

The Christmas Extravaganza series are only available as an eBook. ☺

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  

My hero and heroine struggles with guilt and shame. My hero, Jonah Hale wrestles with the need to prove himself worthy to the town’s residents. He put his own life in danger in order to gain other peoples approval.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR WRITING!!!

Thanks, Carrie!

The Widow's Captive_Amazon

Lucy's Social Media Links:

Quills and Inkblotts

Pinterest

Twitter

Facebook Author page

Bio: Lucette "Lucy" Nel is a coffee addicted work-in-progress daughter of the Lord Almighty. She's a mommy to a rambunctious toddler and wife to her best friend and real-life hero. Along with three spoiled Pugs, they make their home in Gauteng, the smallest of nine provinces in South Africa.

During the day, she's a bookkeeper. At night when the world sleeps, she delves into her passion, creating interesting characters in historical settings.

She's a member of American Christian Fiction and her dream came true when she recently signed a contract with Pelican Book Group for her Christmas themed novella, The Widow's Captive.

One of her favorite quotes about writing is by C.S. Lewis: You can make anything by writing.

Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Giveaway: We're giving away an ebook copy to one of our readers! Answer this Question to enter:

As a newbie author I’d like to know what persuades you as a reader to pick up a story by a new and unknown author.

Review of Angela Breidenbach's Audiobook Quilts of Love & The Debutante Queen

A Healing Heart by Angela Breidenbach

I have the privilege of reviewing two of Angela Breidenbach's wonderful books in this post - one a contemporary romance and the other a historical romance.

Confession: I rarely read contemporary books. But I wanted to listen to Angie's audiobook for the Quilts of Love series, A Healing Heart.

Blurb: Mara Keegan is an uber-successful mother and a widow of three years. She's been chasing success and all the "good things in life" for her family to make up for the cruel whim God played on them by taking her husband. In an effort to be the perfect mom, she decides to make a photo memory quilt, a graduation present for her daughter, Cadence. She's not yet finished when she experiences a heart attack.

While Mara recuperates, she revisits the choices she's made that led to this physically and spiritually broken heart. The memory quilt must be finished in time for Cadence's big day, but Mara struggles with her burgeoning feelings for the man who must keep Mara's business going during her recovery, Joel Ryan. Can Joel find his way into Mara's heart and onto Cadence's quilt?

Listen to A Healing Heart!!!

Five Stars *****
My review: I loved this audiobook! The story was compelling as one thing after another happens to the poor heroine, Mara, who is a widow trying to manage her family's business.  The hero, Joel, was was dynamic right from the beginning, making me root for him to be the new father in Mara's cute family. But Mara has many reasons to resist Joel's charm--especially since he and she have a way less than stellar previous history in business. He's been sent to consult with her by a man she's had an ongoing business relationship with, whom she trusts.  Can Joel earn her trust? And her love? The narration was very well done and the pacing really good. It was hard to stop listening and take breaks.

Highly recommend!!!

The Debutante Queen by Angela Breidenbach

Five Stars *****
I read this book in 2014 but it is now out in audiobook! This was a delightful Christmas read. Highly entertaining! I read this book as a Kindle book in the Snowflake Tiara collection that Angela Breidenbach and Valerie Comer published last winter. Valerie's book is a contemporary and Angela's is historical romance.

The Debutante Queen is a super book, set in Helena, Montana, in 1889. I believe Ms. Breidenbach will be launching a series set in Montana during this time frame. This is a great book to read at Christmastime. Very sweet characters and a lovely romance. Angela Breidenbach's background as a former Mrs. Montana comes in handy in her insight into behind-the-scenes goings on in pageants! 

Calista is a Miss Snowflake contestant as Montana begins to celebrate statehood. But although her platform is centered around the plight of impoverished children, she is harboring a child who is an indentured servant. Albert is running the contest and senses that all is not quite right with Calista, as he begins to fall in love with her.  

Highly Recommend!

Giveaway: Answer this question--do you listen to audiobooks? When? One respondent will receive a choice of one of Angela's audiobooks (or ebook or paperback). 

Diana's Review Of Secret Sister - An Amish Christmas Tale By Sarah Price

Secret Sister: An Amish Christmas Tale By Sarah Price

Realms, Oct. 2015

Reviewed By Diana Flowers

~5 stars~

(No spoilers!)

        It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

In Secret Sister, author Sarah Price has written a heartwarming Amish yuletide tale of bewildering secrets and love lost—set amongst the fragrant scent of pine, the soft glow of candles, and crystalline snowflakes ushering in the Christmas season.

Feeling so very alone and heartbroken from recently losing Menno – the love of her life – not to mention her children growing up and moving into different communities, Grace Beiler is truly suffering in silence. It is the Amish way to accept God's will in all things and not to question or complain about one's lot in life. Although her Amish community is kind to her, Grace feels like a fifth wheel when they offer to give her rides or invite her places with their families. Soon strange events begin to take place when Grace starts receiving notes and gifts that cause her to reflect on meaningful incidents in her past—when she and Menno were young and courting, and their subsequent life with their children. Apparently Grace has a "secret sister" who is seeking to encourage her, but who is she?...and how is she aware of these things that are only significant to Grace? As she attends her favorite event of the year which happens to be the Christmas program, Grace receives another gift—one that will change the course of her life forever.

In Secret Sister masterful storyteller, Sarah Price, has written an exquisite novel destined to become a Christmas classic! What an intricate, unpredictable plot! In one evening I literally read half of this book trying to figure out who the "secret sister" was and I never did. Being an empty nester myself, I could truly identify with Grace's inability to know just where she belonged after devoting her whole life to raising her children. I didn't just have tears in my eyes at the wonderful conclusion—they were literally streaming down my cheeks—I was that moved. For those of you who don't want to read a story about a more "mature" woman (lol)...have no fear. The book goes back and forth between past and present and there is plenty of blushing romance and drama, too! Highly recommended read for any time of the year!
 

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

GIVEAWAY: Sarah Price has generously offered a copy of Secret Sister to one blessed commenter. To be eligible, please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to prevent yourself from spammers.


Noela reviews A PIONEER CHRISTMAS COLLECTION by Various Authors

A Pioneer Christmas Collection by 9 Authors
Barbour Books (September 1, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

This is a re-release of an extremely popular Christmas collection that showcases some of the best authors in the business! Each of these nine novellas are a wonderful gift illustrating God’s bountiful provision and care, and touchingly wrapped in adversity, adventure and romance. This charming compilation of intriguing tales of pioneer life and love in untamed lands, feature the new pioneers celebrating Christmas in fascinating, unconventional dwellings.

‘Defending Truth’ by Shannon McNear, sees Truth,

Defending Truth

a young woman in western North Carolina,

alone and responsible for her younger siblings after her father had left them to fight the British. What will she do when she comes across a half-starved militia man loyal to the Crown? This is an intriguing and heart-warming story reflecting the battle on King’s Mountain and of God’s grace.

‘The Calling’ by Kathleen Fuller centers around a tavern in Unionville, Ohio, that also doubles as a stagecoach stop. Elijah Montgomery is pushed by his parents to travel and preach. Is he just being obedient to his folks or hearing the calling himself? What part might Milly, the lovely tavern girl who works for her father, have in helping Elijah to find his destiny?

‘A Silent Night’ by Anna Urquhart illustrates the struggles of a mother and young child surviving on their own in the woodlands of Michigan Territory in 1830. Refusing a marriage of convenience that most women would have taken up leaves Lorna vulnerable and unprepared for winter. How can she possibly survive and will they get their Christmas miracle that 6 year old Afton is praying for?

A Pony Express Christmas by Margaret Brownley has the bloomer-clad Ellie-May Newman searching across the unforgiving Nebraska Territory for her missing brother who rode for the Pony Express. After saving a man, she informs him he’ll be helping her on her quest. There’s an interesting love triangle in this story and an unexpected outcome for Ellie at the end of the trail. Margaret Brownley is a brilliant storyteller and this tale is a hearty feast for a novella!

A Christmas Castle

‘A Christmas Castle’ by Cynthia Hickey ambushes Annie Morgan with quite a few eye-popping revelations when she arrives at her ranch in Prescott, Arizona, to chase down her new husband who was supposed to meet her in town. This story by Cynthia was fast-moving, delightfully romantic, and especially captivating!

‘The Cowboy’s Angel’ by Lauraine Snelling has a very pregnant woman and her son living on the Dakota Territory plains in 1875 waiting for her husband to return home after leaving weeks earlier to purchase supplies. With a baby coming, a 4 yr. old son, animals to care for, and snowstorms, Belle is in much need of a Christmas miracle from God’s angels. What could have befallen her husband?

‘A Badlands Christmas’ by Marcia Gruver, soon has Australian Jonathon Nancarrow 

journeying from sophisticated New York City along

A Badlands Christmas

with his two daughters to the small town of Medora in the heart of the wilderness, still seeking peace and healing after the death of his wife. His eldest daughter Noela takes quite a while adjusting to the overwhelming differences, especially having to live in a house made of dirt and grass called a soddie! Will this little family survive a harsh Dakota winter here and can Noela find love in the wilderness? Marcia Gruver writes an immensely memorable and highly entertaining read, delivering an enchanting story with a very sweet romance.

‘Buckskin Bride’ by Vickie McDonough takes us to Oklahoma Territory in 1889 to where Mattie and her two sisters Milly and Jess are living in a tipi, which unknowingly happens to be on handsome Irishman Conall Donegan’s land. Their father hasn’t returned and Mattie having been left in charge feels a huge responsibility to keep her sisters safe, fed, and sheltered. When Jess is hurt and they are all discovered, Mattie feels like everything is falling apart. Can things come together for Christmas?

The Gold Rush Christmas

‘The Gold Rush Christmas’ by Michelle Ule delivers an interesting and unique story with twins Samantha and Peter Harris travelling to Skagway, Alaska with good friend Miles. What sets out as a search for the twins’ father ends up becoming so much more for all three of these ‘musketeers’. This takes place during the 1897 Gold Rush bringing many unsavoury characters to the region; however this story which is based on a true account ends with an extraordinary Christmas inspired conclusion.

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You can find this new release of A Pioneer Christmas Collection at these places and others: Amazon; CBD 2013 edition & 2015 edition; Barnes & Noble; BAM; and in Australia - Koorong!

GIVEAWAYS: We have THREE BOOKS for giveaway today!! Generously donated by Marcia Gruver, Shannon McNear, and Michelle Ule! To be eligible leave a comment below the review along with your email address for contact purposes should you win. Using (at) and (dot) will protect you against spammers.

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM!!!

O COME LET US ADORE HIM!

Angels Proclaimed

Shepherds Came

God Sent His only Son.

Born in a stable,

More than a fable

God Incarnate was He.

Wise Men from afar,

Followed His star

Brought gifts to this baby King.

God had a plan,

When He became man

To redeem us from the fall.

Gave up his life

To redeem us from strife

Risen Savior of all!

Soon Coming King

Let our praises ring

Unto the Lamb that was slain.

Seated on High

At His Father’s side

Forever more to reign.

O COME LET US ADORE HIM

Teresa S. Mathews

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO OUR FOLLOWERS AND FRIENDS!!!

WITH LOVE!!!

Please pray for healing for Carlton Mathews, who is battling Multiple Myeloma. Also please pray for all those others suffering with health problems this Christmas, that God will bring healing!

And we thank God for what He has already done for us and for sending His son to Earth to save us!!!

CARRIE

DIANA

TERESA

NOELA

&

BONNIE

COPING WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS By Bonnie Roof

Bonnie Roof, Our Newest Contributor to the Overcoming With God blog!

Welcome to our newest Angel, Bonnie Roof, who is sharing her first post of encouragement with us on the OWG blog!

The holidays are upon us again. For many people, they are some of the most joyous days of the year - for others, they bring added stress that complicates chronic health issues. Here are some tips that might alleviate some of the stress:

(1) Engage in 30 minutes of walking or related activities and 8 hours solid sleep daily.

(2) Make a list of the most important things and make them your priorities.

(3) Take care of your own needs first as it is easy to become overwhelmed with expectations and 

      demands, otherwise.

(4) Make time to take care of yourself.

(5) Unrealistic expectations add stress - as demands on your time increase, do more for yourself 

      instead of less.

(6) Conserve your energy and focus on your health, the most important thing.

(7) What special gifts and skills can you share with others? Do you paint, knit, bake, play/sing music, craft, write? Often, little is needed to create the perfect gift - many times, it truly is the thought that counts. Perhaps there is a home-bound friend for whom a visit and word of encouragement would be the perfect gift. 

(8) Make both verbalizing to God and writing down thoughts of gratefulness - a daily occurrence - 

      for blessings both large and small. There are blessings to be found even in the midst of 

      chronic pain - you may be surprised at the number when you make it a habit to daily list new blessings a gratefulness journal is good for this. Expressions of gratefulness promote good 

      feelings which can help take one's mind off his/her pain and feelings of despair and 

      hopelessness.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble". Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

The holidays are about giving thanks, sharing with family and friends, spreading joy to others and finding peace and God's gift of love to us and sharing them with others!!

What tips have you found to ease the stress and amplify the holiday enjoyment for one who struggles with a chronic illness - whether it be yourself or a friend or family member? 

Giveaway: Box of several recent release books by best selling authors!!!