Diana's Spring Favorites!

Spring is by far my favorite season of the year! It's a time of renewed hope, beautiful weather, light gentle rains, spring flowers, and more great books! Here is my spring list of favorite books I have read so far in 2016 in no particular order.

*Click on to title to order any of these wonderful books!*


A Worthy Heart By Susan Ann Mason

Susan Anne Mason has penned a mesmerizing, impassioned Irish American saga of two families whose lives intertwine at the lovely and affluent estate—the O'Leary stables, Irish Meadows, in 1914 Long Island, New York.

Charity's Cross By MaryLu Tyndall

MaryLu Tyndall takes the reader off on a turbulent, exhilarating seafaring journey—from the perils of frothy, turquoise waters filled with swashbuckling pirates and a dangerous jungle replete with exotic birds, foliage, and uncivilized natives—to the beauties of the Caribbean with its warm breezes, swaying palms, sugar cane, and tropical fruits of the West Indies.

The Steeplechase By Carrie Fancett Pagels

Carrie Fancett Pagels has written an outstanding, detailed story that is so jam-packed it reads like a full length novel. Action, intrigue, spies, breathtaking romance—it's all in there!

Beyond The Silence By Tracie Peterson & Kim Woodhouse

Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse have successfully teamed up to pen an intriguing, heartwarming read about a young woman who travels to the lush, rolling hills of California seeking to fulfill her dreams and finds much more than she bargains for—a chance at love and life threatening danger stalking her every move.

Sense And Sensibility By Sarah Price

What transpires when you blend Jane Austen's memorable characters with Sarah Price's unique Amish voice? A captivating classic retelling of Sense and Sensibility is born!

Bride Of A Distant Isle By Sandra Byrd

Lovers of Gothic & Victorian era authors such as Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Dapne du Maurier, and even Julie Klassen fans, are sure to delight in this suspenseful, well written novel—intertwining the exotic allure of the island of Malta and the beauty of the English seaside!

A Flight Of Arrows By Lori Benton

I just finished reading an ARC of this historical masterpiece!! Review coming up later on OWG! Be sure to pre-order a copy by clicking on to title above this cover—release date April 19!

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MY SPRING TBR LIST!

Sofi's Bridge By Christine Lindsay

Dawn At Emberwilde By Sarah E. Ladd

The Beautiful Pretender By Melanie Dickerson

Do you have any good 2016 book recommendations for me??
~HAPPY READING~

GIVEAWAY: One blessed commenter will win a $10 Amazon gift card! To be eligible please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Diana Reviews Beyond The Silence By Tracie Peterson And Kimberley Woodhouse

Beyond The Silence By Tracie Peterson And Kimberley Woodhouse
Bethany House Publishers, Jan. 2016

Reviewed by Diana Flowers
(No Spoilers!)

Riveting Historical Fiction!

Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse have successfully teamed up to pen an intriguing, heartwarming read about a young woman who travels to the lush, rolling hills of California seeking to fulfill her dreams and finds much more than she bargains for—a chance at love and life threatening danger stalking her every move.

Lillian Porter's dream of going west has finally come to fruition as she defies her grandfather and accepts the position of a nanny in Angels Camp, California. But as dark and terrible rumors swirl around her from the local townsfolk, she wonders if she has made the right move. Her 7-year-old charge, Jimmy, has not spoken in over a year and there are sinister accusations made concerning Jimmy's father—her handsome, enigmatic employer—Woodward Colton. The Colton olive farm holds many a malevolent secret as Lillian encounters strange happenings taking place, but she is hopelessly drawn to Woodward in spite of the vicious rumors. She loves Jimmy as her own and her greatest desire is to help the traumatized lad to talk again. However, her efforts seem futile as Jimmy and her grandfather both refuse to speak—will they ever move beyond the silence to a bright future?

I. simply. fell. in. love. with each of the characters in this amazing story minus one of the most evil, menacing villains I have ever encountered. (gasp!) Poor, grief-stricken little Jimmy stole my heart from the very get go, Lillian is tough as nails and gentle as a lamb, Mrs. Goodman, the grandma-like housekeeper, is a "dearie" with a heart of gold, and then there is Harry. I can't wait for you to meet Harry—pure hearted, innocent Harry with a simplistic child's mind in a man's body. I wanted to hug him more than once and I'm sure you will, too. :) There are so many loose ends that get tied up in a nice little bow and make for a satisfying conclusion that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy. Kudos to Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse for staying true to the genre, Christian fiction. Isn't a permeating theme of God's love, healing, and miraculous power the reason we read Christian fiction to start with? Highly recommended!

California Olive Farm

AND...

California Olives!

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Thanks to Net Galley for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

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

GIVEAWAY: Tracie Peterson is generously giving away a paperback copy to one blessed commenter! (US entrants only.) To be eligible be sure to leave your email address for contact purposes -- written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers. 

Noela Nancarrow Reviews No Safe Haven by Kimberley and Kayla Woodhouse

No Safe Haven

NO SAFE HAVEN
by KIMBERLEY AND KAYLA WOODHOUSE

(B&H Books, 2011)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

A Peril filled Page-turner!

This story starts off with a power-packed punch with Marcus Gray sitting in his car and suddenly seeing an unmanned car racing toward him in his rear view mirror. In his last moments, the images of his beloved wife and precious daughter fill his thoughts along with the knowledge that the remote-controlled car was undoubtedly filled with explosives...

Jumping ahead to one year later, the intense drama doesn’t let up at all! Marcus’ widowed wife Jenna Tikaani-Gray and twelve year old daughter Andrea (Andie) are on a small plane flying from out of their town Anchorage, Alaska, and headed for home along the Chena River. But disaster strikes when their pilot friend Hank, unexpectedly pulls a gun on the last-minute passenger travelling with them! Unbelievably, Hank also shoots the plane’s radio. This unfamiliar passenger on Jenna’s plane is able to knock the gun out of Hank’s hand as well as the knocking out Hank too, but their lives are in grave danger with the plane having no radio, working controls, or fuel left, and the very remote and treacherous Mt. Sultana rushing is towards them!

Cole Maddox, the mysterious man on the plane is the only one that Jenna and her daughter Andie can rely upon to help them stay alive in this freezing and hostile environment that they’ve crashed in to. But who is he and why was he even on the plane? Clearly a man with some secrets, can he even be trusted? When a fierce winter storm rages, along with alarming injuries to some of the survivors, elevation sickness, and Andie’s rare neurological disorder, everything seems against them. In addition to this, there are people that want to kill them no matter what it takes. Can they all manage to possibly survive?

No Safe Haven is a relentless tale of suspense, danger, and intrigue. From jaw-dropping moments to tissue-grabbing occasions, this story is an undeniable page-turner that will be near impossible to put down! Add to all that a sweet romance and you’ve got yourself a story you’ll cherish.

Woven throughout this story also is the eloquently explained message of salvation… movingly expressed and perfect for those who could benefit from this important message without being too preachy.

The characters are all well-developed, interesting and unique, and I fell in love with the bright, feisty and charming Andie straight away! She had a heart of compassion for others and a deep love for God. But this enchanting child unfortunately suffers from HSAN (Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy), an extremely rare nerve disorder where she cannot sweat or feel pain. What were hazardous situations already, became even more dangerous for this courageous young girl.

And what made this incredible story even more so amazing and real, was when I discovered that Andie was based on co-author Kayla Woodhouse who suffers from this disorder in reality. I remain deeply inspired by this beautiful mother and daughter duo and thank them both for this exciting and brilliant story while bringing awareness to this very rare condition!

Kim & Kayla's books can be purchased through CBD, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores.

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GIVEAWAY: Kimberley is graciously giving away a bunch of books this week! Leave an answer to the question to enter.

QUESTION:  Do you or have you ever suffered from a condition where you have felt alone in your experience and if so, what has helped you through it?

Marian Baay reviews Denali Dreams by Kimberley Woodhouse & Ronie Kendig

Denali Dreams

Denali Dreams: Denali National Park

by Kimberley Woodhouse & Ronie Kendig

Barbour Publishing, 2013

Reviewed by Marian Baay

Mountain Wishes by Kimberley Woodhouse

Karon Granger is a 32-year-old cancer survivor. God gave her a second chance to live and now she’s planning to really live her life. It is her wish to climb the highest mountain in North America—the Denali in Alaska. Her other wish is to fall in love, get married and have children.

After a year of preparation, she is leaving for Alaska to climb the Denali, together with her brother. While she is in Alaska she meets a handsome mountaineering ranger named Zack. She is attracted to him and he also shows interest in her. But Karon is afraid that he will turn her down when he finds out that she had cancer.

While climbing the mountain they get into a dangerous situation and Zack and his crew must go out to their rescue. Will they get to them in time? Is Karon strong enough to stay on her feet while waiting for the rescue team?

I love adventurous stories and I love mountains, so this story was right up my alley. I really liked Kimberley’s writing style. The only regret I have is that the story was so short.

Daring Heights by Ronie Kendig

Jolie Decouteau is a rich heiress and someone wants her dead.  She’s going on a trip to climb the Denali with some friends to be away from the assassin, but will she be safe? The Denali took her brother’s and his girlfriend Mariah’s life.

David Whiteeagle—one of the rangers at Denali—was Mariah’s brother. David blames the Decouteau family for his sister’s death. When Jolie and David see each other again old hurts rise. David is determined to avoid Jolie as long as she’s around Denali. But when Jolie gets sick and disappears on Denali David has no other choice than to go after her. Soon they discover that the assassin must have followed Jolie, but who is he? When spending time together they speak about their feelings. Can David ever forgive Jolie for being a Decouteau? And is there a chance to find love for them?

Taking Flight by Ronie Kendig

Deline grew up in Talkeetna. Her father has a restaurant where she’s helping when she’s not flying tourists around the Denali in her Otter.

Logan started working with the Denali rangers two years ago. He has liked Deline from the start, but Deline is a tough girl who doesn’t need anybody…so she thinks, so Logan never had the nerve to ask her out. When accidents start to happen and Deline’s life is in danger, Logan and David are trying to help her and a special friendship grows between Deline and Logan. Who is after Deline? Why is her life in danger?

Denali Guardians by Kimberley Woodhouse

Josh is one of the newest rangers. He has set his sights on Deanna—a fellow ranger. Deanna has lived in Talkeetna for some years now. She is friendly and has a smile for everyone, but she has a secret she can’t share with any of her fellow rangers—she has been hiding in Talkeetna from an assassin who murdered her sister and parents. After years of hiding in Talkeetna she receives a letter from the assassin that he has found her. Deanna calls the FBI for help and they ask Deanna’s fellow rangers to guard her. Josh is also one of the guardians. They get to know each other better and are falling in love. Can Josh and the other rangers keep Deanna safe? Will they catch the assassin before he can hurt or kill Deanna’s guardians/rangers?

Four love stories in one volume—what a feast! I’ve been a fan of Ronie Kendig’s writing since her debut novel. This is the first work by Kimberley Woodhouse I have read and I love it!

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

Kim & Kayla's books can be purchased through CBD, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores.

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GIVEAWAY: A book by Kimberley Woodhouse of your choice.

QUESTION: Have you ever been to Alaska or would you like to go?

Interview with Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse is the author of Mountain Wishes and Denali Guardians in the DenaliDreams novella collection, and of Welcome Home, A Life That Matters, No Safe Haven, and Race Against Time.

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

 Woodhouse Family Welcome Home!

 

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

That would have to be the diagnosis of my daughter’s rare neurological condition, and then again, when she was diagnosed with another rare condition and had to undergo brain surgery. Those were the toughest days of my life.

When Kayla was a baby, we noticed there were some things “not right.” We immediately started searching for answers only to find out two years later that there would be no “cure,” no easy fix. The Lord worked on me in a huge way. Through this process, I realized not only that I didn’t control anything, but I didn’t want to be in control anymore. God is the Great Physician. He made Kayla, He understood her—even when all the doctors were baffled. And I found myself no longer searching for answers because I knew the One Who had the answers.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

James 1:2-4

“Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, knowing that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

It’s hard to face trials and tough times, but through each and every one—I’ve learned precious lessons. I’ve leaned on the Lord wholly and completely. And I’ve been able to praise Him through it.

Our faith will be tested, but we must persevere. I’m looking forward to heaven and being mature and complete. Aren’t you?

No Safe Haven

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?

I know No Safe Haven is available in large print/hardcover.

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

That the joy of the Lord is real. It’s always there. No matter what. It’s our job to grab onto it and hold on!

Denali Dreams

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

Oh, each project has taught me so much. Mountain Wishes taught me a lot about cancer survivors and my dear friend who passed away.

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

Cancer, cancer survivors, stalking, and many others issues including fear. I know books can be used in healing in so many ways.

Race Against Time

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

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GIVEAWAYS this week: Kim is giving away 2 copies of each of her books!!! THANKS, Kim!

TO ENTER the contest, you must 'like' Kim's author page on Facebook, and leave a comment here. When you have 'liked' Kim's page then put KW in your comment and you will be entered.