Vow Unbroken by Caryl McAdoo Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

A Vow Unbroken by Caryl McAdoo
Howard Books (2014)

Loved this story!  Fresh strong voice from Caryl McAdoo, who, herself has personality aplenty like her heroine Susannah "Sue" Baylor.  The feisty widow, mother of a nine year old girl, and custodial aunt to a teen boy, is one of the most memorable characters I've encountered in some time! Sparks fly as soon as she meets with "supposed" ne'er do well Henry Buckmeyer, who turns out to be a perfect match for her strong-willed character.

I especially loved Blue Dog, who was a true hero. Our own labrador retriever was named Blue Dog because his fur was so black it looked blue. Sue's daughter, Rebecca, is personality plus, too.  And Levi, her nephew, is also a well-developed character.  Caryl had the dialogue down pat. This entire crew perfectly fits the well plotted and nicely paced story.

Bibliotherapy elements: Widowhood, single parenting, serving as a parent to a child who isn't your own, dealing with teenagers, learning to trust again, hard-headedness (in this case Sue Baylor had no idea what she was getting into and Caryl does a great job of showing how Henry saves her from herself!)

The writing has a sparse feel to it. I don't mind that, in fact I sometimes write similarly. There's a Louis L'Amour and All-American feel to Caryl's writing. It's hard to find stories that are for women yet have this clean feel to them, and are rustic.  Beautiful romance, one of the nicest I've seen in a while. I'm expecting this book to make it onto my best of 2014 list.

***Thanks To Howard Books and NetGalley for providing me a copy 

of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.***

You may purchase this wonderful book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and BAM.

Giveaway: We're giving away two copies of this stellar book this week!

Teresa Mathews Reviews Vow Unbroken by Caryl McAdoo

Vow Unbroken by Caryl McAdoo

Howard Books March 4, 2014

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars*****

Caryl McAdoo has penned a beautifully flowing story that introduces us to Susannah Abbot Baylor, a young spirited widow. Susannah is mother to her beautiful, precocious, nine year old daughter Rebecca and her orphaned nephew, Levi. Susannah has taken care of the children since that fateful day nearly ten years ago when both her husband and his brother were killed in a logging accident. Now it seems like this may be the year she fails to make ends meet and she could lose the land that is her children's inheritance.

When Susannah goes to sell her cotton crop to a local man he reneges on the price he promised her, so in anger Susannah decides to take her cotton to market herself. When Sue's friend tries to talk her out of going, she agrees to ask a local man, Henry Buckmeyer to go along as her paid worker. Susannah is sure he won't agree to go because it's rumored he is a lazy mama's boy!

When the beautiful Baylor widow shows up at his place, astride a horse in trousers Henry is a little shocked; especially when she half-heartedly asks him to accompany her on a trip along the Jefferson Trace to take her cotton to market. Thinking it will be a good opportunity to sell his furs and seeds too, Henry agrees to go with her. Besides it will be a good opportunity to get to know the woman he has been thinking about for years. He has heard a few rumors about her too and how every man that has come calling leaves when they learn of her vow and what it will require on their part. 

Even though she doesn't want to admit it right away Susannah comes to the conclusion it was a good decision to ask Henry to come along on this trip. She can't wait to get back home and set those old ladies in the community straight that judged him as a ne'er-do-well. Henry literally becomes a lifesaver on more than one occasion and if Sue isn't careful this handsome man just might turn out to be more than a hired hand!

Caryl McAdoo has certainly written a wonderful tale that will find it's way into your heart. You couldn't ask for more endearing characters; Henry, a man with a past that could have made him into a monster but instead it made him a sensitive man with a heart of gold and Susannah, a strong beautiful woman that has fought hard to provide a living for her family without the help of a husband. Caryl's sweet storytelling made me feel like I was enjoying this adventure up close and personal and by the time I had finished I felt like part of this precious family! Thanks Caryl for a truly satisfying read!

***Thanks To Howard Books and NetGalley for providing me a copy 

of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.***

You may purchase this great book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and BAM.

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away two copies of Caryl's book this week! Like Caryl's Amazon Page to enter, just add "A" to your comment to let me know you have liked the page. 

Marian Baay reviews THE THIEF by Stephanie Landsem

THE THIEF

By Stephanie Landsem

Howard Books, 2014

Reviewed by Marian Baay

~5 stars~*****

Since I read The Well by Stephanie Landsem last year, I have been looking forward to more books by this talented author. The Thief was another excellent and exciting adventure set during Jesus’ walk on earth. This book tells the story of the sister of the man born blind who was healed by Jesus in John chapter 9. In this book his name is Cedron.

Nissa is Cedron’s sister and she is the one taking care of their family. Their father gambles away their rent money and their mother is drunk most of the time. One day when Nissa was out pocket-picking, she was caught by a tall Greek named Dismas. The Greek is also a thief and teaches her the rules of stealing. Since then they would always go thieving together, forming an excellent pick-pocket duo. Dismas does not know Nissa is a girl, because when they meet she is dressed like a boy. One day she is caught by a Roman centurion, but Dismas distracts the man so that Nissa can get away.

After Cedron is healed by Jesus, he is rejected by his parents and no longer welcome in their home. Nissa takes him to a hideout where they stay for the night. Shortly afterwards she finds a house to rent, but in order to make the monthly payment Nissa must continue stealing. Although she does not want to do it anymore, there is no other way for her to make money. There is just simply nothing she is good at, except for picking pockets.

Longinus is the centurion we have met before in The Well. He is still looking for Cipio’s murderer and now he is also looking for a small thief and his Greek companion. They knew to escape once, but he will make sure that does not happen twice.

Longinus is a witness of Cedron’s healing and after Cedron and Nissa are rejected and scorned by their own people, he brings them to safety. He is concerned about the Jewish brother and sister and checks on them regularly. Not looking for a woman, he finds himself attracted to Nissa anyhow. But a relationship between a Jewish woman and a Roman centurion is as good as impossible. When he does not make any progress finding the thieves, he hires Cedron to go out and gather information about them. Longinus made a deal with his superior that he would find the thieves before Passover. If he does not succeed, he will lose his sword—the precious reminder of his father, who was a brave Roman centurion.

One day when Nissa meets Dismas, he has brought another man with him, and they go out stealing together. The man is called Gestas and he is mean and greedy. He leads Nissa in a terrible situation. Afterwards Nissa decides she does not want to steal anymore . . . ever! But then Gestas discovers Nissa’s secret and threatens her. She has no other choice then to continue pick-pocketing for this evil man. After months of stealing for Gestas, she comes up with a plan to get rid of him, but that does not go as she had hoped or planned.

When Cedron finds out that Nissa is the thief he was looking for, will he ever forgive her or will he also turn against her like everyone else? And what will happen when Longinus discovers what Nissa has done?

Will the Jewish young woman and the tough Roman centurion find healing and forgiveness?

This is a wonderful book full of rich historical details, well developed characters, excellent writing, and a fabulous plot. At times I found myself on the edge of my seat; almost too anxious to continue reading—how could this book ever have a satisfying ending?

Highly recommended!

You can find Stephanie's books at Amazon, CBD, and other bookstores.

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GIVEAWAY: One copy of this great book, winner's choice of paperback or ebook. International Winner ebook only. Don't forget your email address so we can contact you if you are our winner!

Teresa S. Mathews reviews The Thief by Stephanie Landsem

The Thief by Stephanie Landsem

The Living Water Series Book Two

Howard Publishing

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars*****

Once again Stephanie Landsem takes us on a journey back to Biblical times. Opening page finds us in the crowded streets of Jerusalem, where we are following along with the infamous Mouse, a young thief who is known for his speed and agility. His partner an older Greek man named Dismas has taught Mouse well; to anyone seeing Mouse they would think him just a poor, dirty, hungry boy wandering the streets. No one would ever guess Mouse's true identity.

Mouse is almost caught stealing by a fierce red-haired Centurion named Longinus. Thankfully Dismas came back to help Mouse escape or he would have been scourged or maybe worse. Now Mouse has to watch his every step because Longinus is determined to catch the thieves and Diamas has warned Mouse he won't come back again to rescue him because Mouse it not worth dying for.

Nissa, a young Jewish girl has been abused her whole life by her father, a lazy gambler and her mother, a drunk. She learned early on she is a plain, worthless girl that no one will ever want to marry.  The only person in the world that Nissa knows loves her is her blind older brother Cedron. When their father gambles away their rent money, Nissa knows she has to take up his slack so they won't starve or be thrown in the street. So with the help of Mouse she provides for her family.

When rumors are spread about a man named Jesus healing people Cedron begs Nissa to take him to meet this healer. To Nissa's joy and amazement Jesus heals Cedron but that joy is crushed when the Sanhedrin bar Cedron from ever coming to the Temple again when he gives Jesus praise for his healing. The last straw was when their parents banish them from their house. With no money and nowhere to go will Nissa be able to get help from Mouse once again or will they be caught by the dreaded Centurion?

What an incredible story this is! From the minute I read the blurb on the back I knew I was hooked. It was so incredible to be drawn into a time when Jesus walked the earth, Stephanie did a superb job describing the different things that led up to the time of Jesus' crucifixion. I don't want to give anything away but I will tell you I had tears streaming down my face at the powerful descriptions Stephanie used to portray Jesus' prayer in the Garden and then his crucifixion. Thank you Stephanie for this moving story, and I can't wait for The Tomb to come out next year! 

You can find this book at Amazon, Christian Book, Barnes and Noble and your local bookstore.

Giveaway:  We are giving away one copy of this great book this week, winner's choice of paperback or ebook. International Winner ebook only. To enter the giveaway please like Stephanie's Facebook Author Page and tell us you did in your comment. Don't forget your email address so we can contact you if you are our winner!

Marian Baay reviews PROMISE TO RETURN by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Promise to Return

PROMISE TO RETURN

By Elizabeth Byler Younts

Howard Books, 2013

Reviewed by Marian Baay

~5 stars~*****

1943

Miriam Coblentz is a young Amish woman who wants nothing more than to be obedient to her church, get married to the love of her life, Henry Mast, and to become a mother. However, shortly before their marriage, Henry is drafted and everything becomes complicated.

At first Henry is serving as a conscientious objector at a Civilian Public Service camp, but during this time there he learns how bad the war in Europe really is and he feels God’s call to enlist. Before his training starts, he comes home on leave and tells his family and Miriam that he’s going to fight in the war. His family is hurt and doesn’t want him to stay under their roof anymore. Miriam doesn’t understand why Henry made this decision. His attitude towards God seems to be changing as well—he so easily talks about praying to God and hearing His voice.

Miriam is so confused—is she going to wait for Henry’s return? And when he comes back, will he confess to the church he was wrong? He seems to be so sure he was right to enlist and go to war.

Her childhood friend, Eli, is trying to win her hand while Henry is away. Although Miriam likes him, she doesn’t love him, but he can offer her the life she has always wanted. Is she going to wait for Henry, or does she give in to her longing to get married in the church; to become a wife and mother, like she has always dreamed?

Against her parents’ wishes, Miriam frequently writes to Henry and she anticipates his return letters, but then months go by without a word from him… Is he still alive? Then one day Henry’s mother and sister visit with news from Europe…

One of the best books I have read this year! This author knows how to keep the suspense high and keep the reader guessing. Miriam’s struggle was well done and I really felt for her. I have shed several tears while reading this fantastic book, so I advise keeping the tissues handy. I’m going to keep my eye on this author and I’m surely going to read the next book in this series.

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

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GIVEAWAYS: This week Elizabeth will give away a SIGNED copy of her new book and we at OWG are giving away ebook or paperback of either of her books—choice by winner. (Note: International readers ebook only.) 

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS FOR CONTACT PURPOSES

Deeanne Gist's New Release 'It Happened at the Fair' Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

It Happened At The Fair

It Happened At The Fair

By Deeanne Gist

Howard Books, 2013

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

~5 stars~*****

Ever wondered what it would be like to have been a part of the very significant and famous 1893 Chicago World’s Fair? To be a part of the throng of millions that pervaded the massive grounds spread over 600 acres, featuring numerous mighty buildings of incredible architecture? To venture into these monumental buildings housing wonderfully innovative exhibits begging to be investigated? Or perhaps to experience and savor the fascinating international food and music? There are a myriad of surprises and adventures awaiting you, including the original gigantic Ferris Wheel built by George Ferris, and a visit with the notable Helen Keller. Then relax with a romantic gondola ride, gliding past the beautiful Wooded Island magnificently displaying nature’s splendor. If this appeals to you, then open up Deeanne Gist’s ‘It Happened at the Fair’ and you’ll be propelled to 1893 to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of an era that was on the cusp of discovering exciting new inventions and possibilities!

Cullen McNamara, a farmer on his family’s cotton farm, is unfortunately allergic to cotton seeds and suffers badly with swollen eyes, airways, and terribly tender and itchy skin. Which, simply put, is not a good thing when you’re a farmer! This unfortunate condition was the catalyst for his parents to ensure he received enough ‘book-learning’ that he might find other work. Cullen’s interests went in the direction of inventing which led to his creation of an automatic fire-sprinkler system. However, due to a flaw in an earlier design which had dire consequences, he shelved his invention and resigned himself to farming. His father had other ideas though, and before too long Cullen found himself right in the middle of the Chicago World’s Fair’s noisy Machinery Hall.

Della Wentworth, a beautiful, young but naïve woman, has been brought up by an overprotective father who taught her to be distrusting of men. So while Della is at the fair to teach deaf youngsters in the Children’s building, she cannot help but feel dubious of any man she meets, including Cullen who comes to request she teach him the art of lip-reading, so he may understand what people are saying in the incredibly noisy Machinery Hall. As they spend time together, their feelings secretly begin to grow toward each other, but in time they both find themselves up against issues of trust, betrayal, and unforgiveness. Can Cullen prove he is the man he says he is? More importantly, can he ever survive the seemingly impossible job of learning to lip-read by concentrating on the task without get mesmerized by her lips?

It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist is not only a journey to a fascinating slice of history but allows you to dine on a memorable feast of delightful banter, commanding kisses, and exceptionally detailed and intriguing characters.  The historical research and input into this story is second to none and is a banquet of interesting information interwoven into a sweet and delectable romance, with a enticing dashes of drama and suspense along the way. An extra treat is the inclusion of actual pictures of the Fair which added a realism and presence to the story. Thank you Deeanne for this enthralling and irresistible story!

***** 

I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions stated are my own.

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GIVEAWAY: A book by Deeanne Gist of your choice (e-book only for international winners.) Answer the question to be entered in the contest.

QUESTION: At Fairs or Amusement Parks that you have been to in the past, what was your favorite ride or exhibit, and what was your worst?

***NOELA IS VERY SICK TODAY, WE ARE ASKING FOR PRAYERS FOR HER AND HER HUSBAND AND THEIR SON. SHE WANTS YOU ALL TO KNOW SHE APPRECIATES YOUR COMMENTS AND SHE WILL COMMENT BACK TO YOU AS SOON AS SHE IS FEELING BETTER. SO PLEASE LEAVE HER A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND LET HER KNOW HOW MUCH WE LOVE AND MISS HER.***

It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist

It Happened At the Fair
by Deeanne Gist

Howard Publishing

Reviewed by Teresa Mathews

5 Stars*****

In this exciting novel Deeane Gist takes us back in time to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair where history is being made. There we get to see the sights, the sounds and the heavenly smells of the various foods being prepared and sold. Amidst this setting we are introduced to unknown inventor Mr. Cullen McNamara and the beautiful Miss Della Wentworth a teacher with the School for the Deaf.

Cullen McNamara from Charlotte, NC is the son of a farmer and even though he is highly allergic to most of the crops they raise, he is for all intents and purposes, a farmer too. Cullen has always had a special talent for repairing broken objects, and inventing various things to help out with the chores on the farm. But by far the most important thing he has invented came out of the pain of watching a building burn down and knowing his mother was inside and he could do nothing to save her. His father feels Cullen deserves a chance for the world to see his invention so he pays for everything Cullen will need to stay in Chicago for the six months of the fair. Cullen tries to back out because of his insecurity of a physical handicap and because he knows his father cannot afford the money but his Father insists he should go.

Della Wentworth is a beautiful young lady bent on helping unfortunate youngsters that have been born unable to hear. The School for the Deaf has come to the fair to be on display to show the visitors that lip reading is the way for all deaf children to be taught; no one is to be taught signing. Della has serious doubts that this is completely correct. While at the opening ceremony Della is trapped by the rushing crowd and almost crushed had it not be for a wonderfully handsome man that saw her dilemma and rescued her. Della desperately wants to believe the man is completely trustworthy but her father has drilled into her mind about the dangers of young men that are not trustworthy and how Della should not trust any man she meets in Chicago. So the first chance she gets she flees the scene as fast as she can.

Cullen’s booth is set up near some very loud printing presses so he is having difficulty explaining his invention to anyone that stops by so he takes the advice of a gentleman that stops to chat and searches out the School for the Deaf to see if anyone there would teach him to lip read. When he arrives to find the beautiful young lady he rescued he is delighted. When Della realizes who he is she is still very frightened of Cullen and thinks perhaps he is lying about needing the lip reading lessons because he has evil thoughts in mind for her. Will Della ever be able to let God relieve her of her fears? Is there more to this man than Della could ever dream possible?

I have read all of Deeanne’s books and this one could very well be my favorite. I love all the details that went into this, Deeanne makes you feel as though you are right there in the middle of an exciting time in the history of the US. The characters will tug at your heart and their stories will pull you in. The way the deaf were treated during this time was unfathomable; I love how Deeanne shows Della’s passion to help these kids. I could go on and on shouting the praises of this novel but I must stop, but I assure you I will be thinking about this for a very long time to come. Thank you Deeanne for this absolutely charming story.

You can find this great book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of this or any of Deeanne's books, winners choice of format. (International winners e-book only.)

DeeAnne Gist's "It Happened at the Fair" Audiobook Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist

I ordered this book as an audiobook download through audible.com--I have a membership.  I would also like to thank NetGalley and Howard Publishing for making this book available to readers.  I did not read my NG copy however but listened to Deeanne's book instead.  Still, I appreciate that it was made available to me as a reviewer. Disclosure: I was not influenced by the free NG download in my review.

Narrator for Audiobook. Lovely narrator although she mispronounced a couple of words.  It wasn't distracting.  She had the perfect voice for the heroine.

He's losing his hearing and she's a teacher for the deaf.

My Thoughts:
Our farm boy hero is somewhat of an antihero at first because he asks another young woman to marry him at the beginning of the book.  This has to get processed through.  The country bumpkin girlfriend is so abrasive that it is somewhat difficult to see why he would continue to invest time with her.  Wanda is  annoying and pulls a stunt later in the book that was somewhat surprising.  I was really expecting the author to pull another twist out her her hat to deal with Wanda.  I'll leave that for you to find out if she does or not. (Having grown up in a totally rural area I hope you will forgive my use of bumpkin.  I am after all a former bumpkin myself and I don't mind saying so! I do think Deeanne overplayed that a little in this book, however.)

Editorial notes section from Dee!  Loved, loved, loved all the historical tidbits and that Deeanne included them in Editorial notes at the end of the book.  I totally get what she is talking about--it is hard to leave a story world that you love.  She takes the reader there beautifully.

Summary: Great voice as usual, fascinating characterization, unique storyline, bibliotherapy elements, and on audio--what more could I ask for?


Bibliotherapy: Deafness, controversy between lip-reading and signing, honesty, PTSD. Death of a parent by a fire traumatized our hero and influenced his decision to become an inventor of a fire-sprinkler device.  

Giveaway: A copy of this or any of Deeanne's books, choice of format (International winners-ebook only.)

The Well by Stephanie Landsem Reviewed by Marian Baay

The Well

The Well

by Stephanie Landsem

Howard Publishers, 2013

Reviewed by Marian Baay

~5 stars~*****

An Amazing Debut Novel

Mara is a 15 year old Samaritan girl who lives with her younger, crippled brother and her mother in a small clay house in Sychar. Mara’s mother, Nava, is mentally unstable, and Mara is trying to take care of her mother and brother. She is scorned in the village because of her mother’s sins, so life is not easy for Mara.

There’s a pagan man named Alexandros who stops by their house once in a while to stay the night with Nava. No one can know about this because the people of Sychar will stone Nava if they ever find out.

Mara is trying to persuade Nava to turn Alexandros down next time, because she is living in constant fear that her mother’s ‘secret’ will be exposed.

Shem is a young man from Caesarea where he received a good education, and where he could live a good life…if he hadn’t gotten himself into trouble. His father is sending him away to his grandparents in Sychar. Once there, he rescues Mara from three boys who are bullying her on her way to the well—and in doing so he makes his first enemies in Sychar.

One day Nava is going to the well where she meets Jesus. He knows all about her husbands and doesn’t condemn her. She receives new life at the well and is changed after that. But the village people refuse to believe she’s changed—they want to punish her for her sin.

When something bad happens to her mother, Mara is called in a dream by Jesus. Meanwhile Jesus has left Sychar and has gone elsewhere. Mara and Shem go after him—together they travel from Sychar to Nazareth, and further. On the way they get into several dangerous situations.

Will they find Jesus? Will her mother get healed? And what is the reason Jesus called Mara to come to him?

I enjoyed this book immensely! It is hard to believe this is a debut novel. The writing is excellent; the author has a pleasant voice, the plot is very well done, the characters are so real, easy to love, and easy to identify with. From the first till the last page, this book is a pure delight. I highly recommend this book!

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GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of The Well, choice of format, to one commenter this week. 

TO ENTER: Like Stephanie Landsem's author page on Facebook to be entered in the contest. Put SL in your comment when you have done so. Also don't forget to leave your email address.

Stephanie Landsem – Testimony

Stephanie Landsem

Stephanie Landsem is the author of The Well – this is her debut novel.

Like Nava, the Samaritan woman at the well in my novel, The Well, I struggled with post-partum depression. Although it was not severe, it was a difficult experience but one that I found increased my reliance on God and trust in Him.

After three children, I’d never experienced post-partum depression, and therefore the thought of it didn’t even cross my mind when my youngest child was born. When she was a few months old, we had the opportunity to move across the country to California for my husband’s job. I thought to myself, “Sure, I can do this, it will be an adventure!” Warm weather, the beach, what’s not to love?

But as we settled into our new home, I found myself in a strange place with no friends and four children under 7, all struggling to fit into their new environments. My husband was buried under new job responsibilities and long hours.

Pretty soon, I could hardly get out of bed in the morning. My joy was stolen – the joy in my new baby, my toddler, kindergartner and oldest daughter.  Nothing could reach through my haze of sadness and weariness. The beach, which I’ve always loved, held no allure. The sunny days seemed to stretch into endless hours when all I wanted to do was escape into sleep.

As often happens with depression, I didn’t know what was wrong with me and I didn’t want to talk about it. I was good at hiding it from everyone—my husband, the kids, my friends back home—but I knew something was wrong. It wasn’t long before I felt completely cut off and alone. On desperate day, I finally turned to God and laid it on him. I said, “You have to help me. I can’t do it myself.”

I wish I could say that I felt a peace flowing over me like Nava did in The Well, but it wasn’t like that. It was much more gradual. First, I was finally able to asked for help from those who loved me. I stopped pretending and started trusting. I saw a doctor, starting taking care of myself, and slowly—a little bit each day—began to enjoy life again.

The Well

I realized that God doesn’t expect us to do it all alone. He’s given us our family, our friends, and Himself – we just have to ask for help and it is there, waiting for us.

Biography

Stephanie writes historical fiction because she loves adventure in far-off times and places. In real life, she’s backpacked through Germany and Eastern Europe, studied in Salzburg, enjoyed gelato in Italy, rode a camel in Morocco, and floated in the salty Corinthian Sea. Her favorite cities are Rome, Berlin and Budapest. Her travels kindle her imagination, fuel her love of history and foreign culture, and introduce her to one-of-a-kind characters.

Stephanie is equally happy at home in Minnesota with her husband, four children, three fat cats, and a tortoise named Moe. When she’s not writing, she’s feeding the ravenous horde, volunteering at church and school, battling dandelions, and dreaming about her next adventure – whether it be in person or on the page.

You can find Stephanie online at:
stephanielandsem.com
www.facebook.com/stephanielandsem
https://twitter.com/#!/stephlandsem
http://pinterest.com/slandsem/

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GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of The Well, choice of format, to one commenter this week. Answer the question to be entered in the contest. Also leave your email address if we don't know you.

QUESTION: What compels you to read historical or biblical fiction?

Teresa Reviews Beth Vogt's "Wish You Were Here"

Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt

Howard Publishing, 2012
4.5 Stars****

In this fun tale of “nothing like waiting ’til the wedding to realize I don’t want to marry you” Beth K. Vogt takes us on an exciting, albeit sometimes, upsetting adventure in the life of Allison Denman.

Allison Denman for years has wanted nothing out of life but to feel she is worthy of love. As a small girl something happened to Allison that has had devastating and lasting effects on the way she sees herself. She just wants someone to love her and make her feel safe. So when in high school Allison meets Seth Rayner she thinks her dreams have come true. But is he exactly what Allison needs or is she missing what God really wants for her life? Allison convinces herself Seth is safe and safe is what she wants, so when Seth asks her to marry him, she says yes.

Since a young man Seth has always played by the rules, he never caused his parents any worries, he went to the college his father picked out and now he is in line to become the owner of the family business. But if Seth is so perfect why does Allison have all these doubts days before the wedding?

When Seth’s older brother, Daniel shows up at Allison’s door five days before the wedding to help her move, Allison thinks nothing of it. There’s nothing to be concerned about, Daniel is like her big brother too since she has known him just as long as she has known Seth. Just because he is so ruggedly handsome and lives an adventurous life and her heart does funny things when he is near, it doesn’t mean anything. When Daniel goes to leave after helping Allison, somehow he finds himself kissing her. What is he thinking? What is Allison thinking? What could possibly come of this? Nothing good if Seth finds out.

On the morning of their wedding Allison is trying so hard to be in a happy mood but somehow nothing is working. She has to go through with this, Seth has planned the perfect wedding she can't ruin it by not showing up. As Allison is walking down the aisle to marry Seth she is still torn by doing what is expected of her and what her heart feels is the right thing to do. Can she do this, can she marry Seth or does God have something much better in store for her life? 

Beth took a “runaway bride” story and added a lot of depth, it was what I expected and even more. Beth takes us through a lot of Allison’s emotions during this conflicting time in her life; she even has to deal with an issue she thought she had overcome as a teen. When I was given a copy of this book to read I honestly thought this would be a quick, quirky, fun read that I would blow through in a couple of days. Boy was I wrong! Thanks Beth! I can't wait to read more of your work!

You can find this terrific book by Beth at Amazon, CBD, Books A Million, and other stores.


Giveaway:  Leave a comment to win a giveaway of Beth's book! She may even autograph it!

Guest Amanda Stephan Reviews Beth Vogt's Debut Book "Wish You Were Here"

Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt
Howard Publishing, 2012

Reviewed by Amanda Stephan

5 stars *****

Realistic Portrayal of a Confused and Hurting Woman

Meet Seth Rayner. Self-absorbed and selfish, he's so self-assured that he never takes Allison Denman's thoughts or feelings into consideration.

Allison Denman, the lucky bride-to-be who is looking for safety. But is Seth the one to give it to her? After one kiss shared with his brother, Daniel, Alli's not so sure.

With Seth around, you never had to think...

Tough decisions face Allison as she leaves her groom-to-be standing at the altar with his mouth hanging open. Marrying Seth was what everyone expected. It was what Alli wanted. Or so she thought. Until she had to do it. Now, all she could see in her ruined future were lists of regrets and apologies she owed everyone. There was no un-doing her choice. She hadn't thought of all the consequences. Such is the conflicted state of Runaway Bride, Allison.

Guided by her wise friend Meghan and the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit, Allison faces her confused future. Would it have been right to go through with the marriage? While the kiss shared with his brother had at first been innocent enough, was she right to have enjoyed it so much? Would it be possible to share a future with her fiance's brother? These are just a few thoughts troubling Alli.

"If you can stop controlling your life, maybe God will finally have a chance to get a word in edgewise and be able to tell you what He wants for your life."

How many of us could have that statement uttered to us? Meghan, Allison's maid of honor and best friend, is a lighthouse of wisdom as she helps guide Alli back to reality and pull the pieces of her broken life back together.

Are we just the sum total of our past mistakes? Would it be possible to say sorry for a mistake so huge that it would take God's grace to forgive it totally?

This isn't a story about freedom-seekers who have everything under control. This is a story about real people dealing with real situations. Hurting, bruised, broken people. People who make mistakes and people who they've hurt with those mistakes. Although this book is fiction, it packs a punch and is loaded with wisdom. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to more from Beth Vogt.
Highly recommend!

Beth hit some pretty hard issues and treated them respectfully without going into detail.

Amanda Stephan ~ Christian Romance Author
www.booksbyamanda.com

Leave a comment here, too, for the giveaway.  

Interview with Beth Vogt by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Beth Vogt

BETH K. VOGT, welcome to Overcoming With God.  I am very pleased to have made your acquaintance several years ago as part of the My Book Therapy Voice Ezine, which we both contributed to and was recently discontinued.  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’d like to tell your readers about one of the most difficult things I’m facing right now in my life: vertigo. My first episode happened two years ago (January 2010), and I’m still dealing with periodic vertigo, which can last anywhere from a few days to several months at a time. Most days, I am able to function – drive, write, live my life normally so no one even knows – but there are times I can’t even lift my head up off my pillow without the world tilting off course.

There have been times I’ve pulled the blankets up over my head and cried because I’m just so weary of the dizziness. And then there are times I laugh and joke about having my own personal mental roller coaster. I’ve had close friends and family pray for my healing – and God knows that I believe he can heal me of this. But I also know that, for now, He’s called me to walk this time of vertigo out with faith, trusting that He loves me and hasn’t deserted me, even if I don’t know from day to day if I’m going to wake up and feel like I’m standing on firm ground or on a rolling ship.

My husband and I start each day reciting Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  And I also decided not to waste this experience, so I gave one of my characters in my upcoming novel, Catch a Falling Star, vertigo. My husband said when he read one particular scene he was a bit nauseous, so I know I got it right.

 

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

Different verses have been “favorites” during different seasons in my life. But one that first spoke to me about God’s love for me is Colossians 1:13, which says “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.”

Wish You Were Here

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? 

WishYou Were Here and Catch a Falling Star may become available on audio at some point – the sooner the better! I also learned about ensuring my website is accessible to the visually impaired, thanks to Edie Melson and her blog, Write Conversation (http://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2012/07/is-your-blog-accessible-to-visually.html). So I am using her recommendations as I update my website and blog.

Catch a Falling Star

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

We are each called to reflect God to others in our unique way – and mine is as a writer. So I hope that readers, wherever they are in their faith walk, are brought one step closer to God as they read my novels. With each story I write, I tackle real-life issues, such facing our mistakes and life not going according to plan – I just wrap them up in a romance.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

I learned how dependent I am on both God and others to be the writer I desire to be. I knew writing a novel wasn’t easy and the hard work didn’t scare me. But writing a good novel – now that was scary. And then writing a second novel, and upping my game, that petrified me. I’m blessed to have Rachel Hauck and Susan May Warren as wonderful, godly mentors who pour both their writing talent and their faith into my life. And I also had three very close friends praying for me as I wrote Catch a Falling Star. Their ministry was invaluable. There’s more to writing than what we see.

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

As I mentioned before, I like to write about real life and so a number of topics useful for bibliotherapy show up in both Wish You Were Here and Catch a Falling Star, including:

·         Parental abandonment

·         Parental favoritism

·         Cutting

·         Perfectionism

·         Unhealthy romantic relationships

·         Adoption – and the issues that show up between adoptive children and their foster/adoptive parents

·         Divorce

·         Death of a parent

·         Sibling relationships

Author Bio: Beth K. Vogt is a non-fiction author and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice) who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four who said she’d never have kids. She’s discovered that God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Her contemporary romance novel,Wish You Were Here, debuted in May 2012 (Howard Books), and Catch a Falling Star Releases May 2013. An established magazine writer and former editor of Connections, the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth is also the Skills Coach for My Book Therapy, the writing community founded by best-selling author Susan May Warren. 

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

Giveaways:  We are giving away four copies of Beth's books this week.  Beth is giving away two copies of Wish You Were Here and one copy of Catch a Falling Star.  We are giving away an ebook of either of her books, which helps open the contest up to international readers. We will be giving away throughout the week, for each post.  To enter, answer each post's question and leave your email addy if we don't know you well.  

Question: Have you ever suffered from vertigo?  What happened and how did you deal with it?  Please offer up a prayer for Beth, also--thanks!