Diana's Review Of A LOVE LIKE OURS By Becky Wade

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

Bethany House, 2015
Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars~

Heart "Racing" Romance

In A Love Like Ours, author Becky Wade pens a stirring, captivating novel of hope and heartbreak, that powerfully sweeps the reader's emotions from the horrors of war-torn Iraq to the peaceful paddocks and lush, verdant pastures of Whispering  Creek Horses.

After 20 years, Lyndie James has returned to Texas anxious to see her childhood best friend, Jake Porter. Jake's older brother runs Whispering Creek, a ranch that trains racehorses, and Lyndie applies there for a job exercising thoroughbreds. Jake had served with the Marines in Iraq, and when an IED hit his Humvee and took the lives of three of his friends, he turned cold, bitter, and continued to suffer from anxiety and reoccurring nightmares. The beautiful, sunshiny Lyndie is a woman on a mission...to train and score the role as jockey to the magical stallion, Silver Leaf...and to save Jake from himself and the scars that run much deeper than the one on his handsome face.

Becky Wade, where have you been all my life?! To be quite frank I am not a big fan of horse racing, but when mixed with square dancing and tall, good looking Texans in Stetsons, exquisite toe curling romance, and a dangerous accident on the track, I found my heart racing right alongside the thoroughbreds! What an amazing read! I started out slowly and sped to the finish line late into the night to see how or if everything was going to turn out for Jake and Lyndie. Becky Wade is a powerful writer and this new fan anxiously awaits her next book! With well fleshed out characters and the message of salvation included throughout, A Love Like Ours is definitely one novel you don't want to miss!

"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love." ~Mother Teresa~ (quote from A Love Like Ours)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~  

This novel may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, B&N, and your local bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away TWO copies of Becky's book this week! Leave a comment here & you can comment on each "Becky" post this week for 3 chances to win if you'd like!!

Noela Nancarrow reviews A LOVE LIKE OURS by Becky Wade

A Love Like Ours

A Love like Ours

By Becky Wade

Bethany House Publishers  (May 5, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

Riding towards Love, Hope, and Faith

The widespread expanse of the Whispering Creek Ranch accommodates panoramic views stretching across low green hills, a striking lodge-style mansion, white-fenced paddocks and pastures with magnificent horses, grand barns, and a top of the line training track. Sadly, the beauty of this vista belies the solitude and suffering of the ranch’s horse-trainer Jake Porter.

Jake wrestles with PTSD from his time serving in Iraq. Feeling broken in too many ways, he has since lived a mostly isolated life training Thoroughbred racing horses for his brother, never allowing anyone to get close. When his close childhood friend Lyndie returns to Holley, Texas, he strives to keep those barriers erected around him. But Lyndie, never losing the fearless spirit she once possessed as a child, begins to slowly break through his rigid barricades. As much as Jake longs to allow this vibrant and exquisite girl fully into his life, he believes he must keep her safe - on the race track and from himself.

Small in stature though big in personality, the determined Lyndie has managed to obtain a job exercising Jake’s racing horses, and believes that she and her severely disabled sister Mollie can bring about healing to both Jake and his promising stallion Silver Leaf. Now grown up, Lyndie finds herself once again alongside Jake, only now so much has changed. Muscled, lean, and devastatingly handsome despite the scar on his face, Jake’s quiet composure has survived but his tortured eyes beneath the Stetson guards a deeply scarred man. His limited and brusque words silently proclaim his pain. Initially only wanting to help mend him, Lyndie now finds herself falling for this tall, dark, and brooding man. Can Lyndie bring healing, or will her heart become as shattered as his psyche?

Author Becky Wade has sublimely harmonized ‘A Love like Ours’ to impart the heart-rending angst of Jake’s PTSD whilst also delivering a breathlessly intense romance and the perfect measure of humor throughout. The standout for me though, was the convincing portrayal of PTSD in Jake. The chills that passed through him were so tangible I literally felt them race through me also. The characters are written with such gripping sensitivity, the romance so tender yet so passionate, and their faith journeys so inspiring, it is easy to Highly Recommend this book!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

You can purchase this book at these places and others: Amazon, CBD, Barnes & Noble

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away TWO copies of Becky's newest book this week! There will be three posts and the two winners will be drawn from all three post's comments so leave a comment here. You can comment on each post this week to have THREE ENTRIES!!

Visit Becky at www.BeckyWade.com

Diana's Review Of An Empty Cup By Sarah Price

An Empty Cup By Sarah Price                  

Waterfall Press, April 2015

Reviewed By Diana Flowers                  

~5 stars~*****

               Is Your Cup Empty?                

In An Empty Cup, Sarah Price has once again written a unique, heartrending tale of hard lessons learned, and the struggles and burdens of one Amish mother that parallels the harsh realities that many women from all walks of life face as well.

Rosanna Zook was the victim of an abusive and loveless marriage, one in which she totally lost her identity taking care of those around her and trying to keep the peace. Having very little self-esteem or feelings of self worth, Rosanna believes that in order to please God she cannot say "no" to others and wears herself out in the process. When a tragedy occurs she is given a second chance at love with her new husband, Reuben Troyer, a godly man who cherishes her and her two children. But Rosanna lacks the self-confidence and the ability to turn others down and as she gives her life to family, friends, and community there is no time left for herself. She becomes an empty shell of a person, exhausted, and unhappy. When she becomes very ill, she has to confront the ultimate question – can one empty cup fill another? Will she learn the hard way that God wants her life to be blessed by others as well?…and can she unashamedly accept that?

Having lived amongst the Amish, masterful storyteller Sarah Price doesn't present a cookie cutter, cushy view of them but a realistic one. They have problems, vices, and weaknesses just as the Englisch (term used for non-Amish people) do. I know so many well meaning family members, friends, and acquaintances that will thoroughly benefit from reading this wonderfully written, touching novel! God's grace is sufficient and we don't have to work our way into His kingdom. This book is not your typical boy meets girl romance, but it touched me deep down in my soul and will forever remain there. For I also had to overcome many self-esteem issues in my adulthood as the result of growing up under an abusive, alcoholic father. I totally "get" Rosanna and her need for self-affirmation. TOTALLY. Is your cup empty, my friend? Read this compelling story and find out! Highly recommended!



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

This book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local bookstore.


GIVEAWAY: Sarah is graciously giving away a paperback copy of An Empty Cup to one blessed commenter! International entrants -- ebook only.

The Lumberjacks' Ball by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Lumberjacks' Ball by Carrie Fancett Pagels

It's hard to believe, but the second story in The Christy Lumber Camp Series releases today! In case you're wondering where is the first book in the series, The Fruitcake Challenge released as part of The Christmas Traditions series and then I got inspired to do a series with the characters. So "Ox" or Garrett Christy got his own book. The second book, a short novel, is 43,000 words, which is longer than the first book, at 34,000 words a longer novella. "Moose" or Richard Christy will get his own story entitled Lilacs for the Lumber Camp, which should release in late 2015 or early 2016.

Only available in e-book format through Amazon right now, a paperback will also be releasing in about a month. The book will later be available through Barnes and Noble, after the first three months.

Blurb for The Lumberjacks' Ball

A decade after surviving a brutal attack, a mercantile owner’s daughter begins her life anew in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A gifted craftsman wishes to leave the lumber camp and seeks employment at her new store. When his presence dredges up memories she wishes to suppress, the proprietress must learn to face her past and open her heart. When complications arise, will they overcome adversity in time for The Lumberjacks’ Ball?

Giveaway: Question--what do you like to see in series? Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy.

Three Reasons to Read: Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Buy this book now at CBD, B&N, or Amazon. Promise to Cherish is published by Howard Books, 2014, and is part of The Promise of Sunrise series.

Three Reasons to Read Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts:
1) This book made my list of Top 10 Books for 2014.
2) Runner up for Bibliotherapy of the Year because of the many strong therapeutic elements.
3) The author is adorable! (I had to just throw that in!) She's also very talented!!!

Elizabeth Byler Younts and Carrie Fancett Pagels ACFW 2013

Elizabeth Byler Younts is proving herself as a story teller extraordinaire. I loved her last novel, also an Amish story. Elizabeth's extended family is Amish so she has a unique and genuine perspective. As far as this novel goes, the reader should be sure to read the blurb about the book because the book includes a somewhat detailed sexual assault. However, one can infer this fact from the blurb, plus it is necessary to understand the heroine's motivations and the struggles she faces. The way the scene is written it is done well and integral to the plot.

Because my father worked in a state hospital near my home (and I spent a fair amount of time on those grounds), I was interested in Elizabeth's descriptions of the setting and the treatment in a New York state asylum just after WWII. Very disturbing. I would like to think that the mental institutions in Michigan were much better than this, at that time. Shocking.

Lovely story about forgiveness, mercy, and redemption. Beautiful love story. Just when you think you know what will happen there is a hairpin turn. Highly recommend!


Bibliotherapy: Date rape, PTSD, pregnancy, rejection, forgiveness, mental illness, and God's provision.

Giveaway: A copy of Promise to Cherish, which made my top 10 list of favorite books for 2014 and was runner up for bibliotherapy for the year.

Diana's Review of Veiled At Midnight By Christine Lindsay

Veiled At Midnight (Book # 3 Twilight of the British Raj) by Christine Lindsay

WhiteFire Publishing, 2014

~5 stars~*****

Book Description :

The British empire draws to an end…

but the turmoil has only just begun.

The Partition of India has sent millions to the roads, instigated riots as uncontrolled as wildfire…and caught up in its wake Captain Cam Fraser, his sister Miriam, and the beautiful Indian Dassah. Cam has never been able to put Dassah from his mind, ever since they played together at the mission as children. But a British officer and the aide to the last viceroy cannot marry a poor Indian woman, can he? For a while, Dassah believes that Cam loves her. But as the impossibility of a future with him becomes clear, what choice does she have but to run? He may hold her heart—but she cannot let him break it again. Miriam rails against the separation of the land of her birth, and as British forces prepare to leave India, she struggles. She finds purpose in teaching, in helping...but is Lieutenant Colonel Jack Sunderland her soul mate or a distraction from what God has called her to do?

My thoughts ~

Once again Christine Lindsay sweeps the reader away on an exotic, riveting journey to faraway India -- a land of exquisite, mystical beauty, but one of extreme political and religious unrest as well. Ms. Lindsay's amazing descriptive imagery of this resplendent, beautiful country will awaken the readers' senses to the sights, smells, and allure of India...but her impeccable historical research describes the flip side of the coin as well. The atrocities and prejudices suffered by the Indian people under the guise of religion was heartbreaking, and I learned a lot about this horrendous era of India's history that I wasn't aware of. Add a seemingly futile, but breathtaking romance that transcends all racial barriers, and you have a powerful novel sure to be an award winner---that is nigh unto impossible to put down! I highly recommend reading all three novels in The Twilight of the British Raj, as this will go down as one of my "favorite ever" series of all times!

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 This book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and BAM.

GIVEAWAY: A paperback or e-book copy to one blessed commenter! International -- ebook only.

A Bride in Store by Melissa Jagears -- Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

A Bride in Store by Melissa Jagears

A Bride In Store

by Melissa Jagears

Bethany House Publishers (August, 2014)

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

5 Stars *****

Sweet Story with Rich Layers!

Eliza Cantrell, the daughter of a Eastern businessman, arrives in Kansas only to be robbed on the train enroute. She has come as a mail-order bride, bringing funds to assist the mercantile owner of what is primarily a men's shop. But her intended isn't even in town when she arrives. Instead Eliza begins helping William Stanton, her husband-to-be's business partner at the store. Except William doesn't seem to know much about business at all. He wants to be a doctor. Not only that but he is generous to a fault, failing to charge for services and goods. Will Eliza marry the man who sent for her? Will William find a way to attend medical school? Their sweet romance affects everything!

Bibliotherapy elements: Robbery and attack with injury so there is some PTSD, abandonment by her family, self concept issues, sexism against a woman being a business owner, honesty in relationships, and more! This novel has lots of lovely layers of meaningfulness. Not a light fluffy mail order bride story!  

Available for purchase at Amazon, CBD, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, BAM, etc.

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a copy of either of Melissa's novels this week, choice of format (international winners, ebook only unless available through the Book Depository. Leave a comment to enter.

*Check back in the Winners column on the top right hand side of the blog after Saturday.

Connie Almony's "At the Edge of a Dark Forest"--Will be on Carrie's 2014 Best Bibliotherapy Books List!

At the Edge of a Dark Forest by Connie Almony 

At the Edge of a Dark Forest (Fairwilde Reflections)

By Connie Almony

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pages

5 Stars *****

Cole Harrison is a veteran amputee with severe PTSD and is a full blown alcoholic.  Who would have thought that Connie Almony could get the reader to care for a hero who will eventually suffer Delirium Tremens (also known as the DTs)? 

Carly Rose is trying to save her father's company. He makes prosthetic limbs and early in the story Cole has an encounter with Mr. Rose that is very important to the story. Their romance blossoms when Carly moves into Cole's mansion to work with him on rehab and on fitting him.

Connie's  Beauty and the Beast story was unique despite it being a twist on this plot.  At the Edge of a Dark Forest is especially authentic because of Connie's background working in mental health.

This compelling novella by Connie Almony is my top candidate for Best Bibliotherapy Book for 2014 on my blog. I am not a big contemporary romance reader but her story was so well written and so unique that I couldn't stop reading the story until I was done! Strong characterization and a nicely layered storyline. Will be looking for more from this talented author!

Highly recommend, particularly for those dealing with PTSD, alcoholism, coping with amputation and rehabilitation, and for their loved ones! 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others.

* * * * * * * * * * * 

GIVEAWAYS! We are giving away TWO copies of Connie's book this week (choice of format), a Starbuck's $10 Gift Card Giveaway AND also a a $10 Gift Card to an online bookseller. Please "like" Connie's FB author page and put FB on your comment. Leave your e-mail so that we may contact you if you win!

Diana's Review of 'At The Edge Of A Dark Forest' By Connie Almony

At The Edge Of A Dark Forest

At The Edge Of A Dark Forest by Connie Almony

CreateSpace Independent Publishing (February 17, 2014)

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

5 stars*****

Beauty…and the Beast

In At The Edge Of A Dark Forest, Connie Almony has written a haunting but breathtakingly beautiful story reminiscent of the classic tale; The Beauty and the Beast. Set amongst the alluring beauty of a lush, green pine forest sits a huge mansion that wreaks of wealth, wherein a lonely man resides—scarred both inside and out—an ugly, disfigured "beast" unworthy of love and acceptance, at least in his own mind.

An IED in Iraq has cost Cole Harrison the loss of an arm and a leg and numerous scars, not to mention his self respect. Immersed in guilt over a long buried secret and shame of his ghastly appearance, Cole drowns himself in alcohol and self-pity. His "beastly" behavior extends to all those around him, including Carly Rose who contracts to live with Cole and train him to use his new limbs; a new prototype prosthetic which she invented herself. As Carly (who he has nicknamed Beauty) and Cole begin to draw closer, she sees beyond his outward appearance—to the nightmares and mental anguish the war has inflicted upon this man's spirit. She can help him use his new limbs, but must she walk away from Cole permanently…and leave his inner healing to the One who knows all? Will a mysterious package from the past help hold the key to Cole's healing as well? 

Connie Almony is a new author to me and what an awesome talent she is! I was drawn into this emotive, powerful story from page one and I quickly devoured it. My emotions were all over the page (literally) and ranged from compassion towards Cole, to anger, to frustration, to deep sorrow…as I know Carly's were as well. What an amazingly tough and realistic heroine she is! This story is such a beautiful tribute and "thank you" to all of our wounded warriors and members of the military who sacrifice their lives daily for our freedom—and to those who help them to heal. I highly applaud you, Connie Almony, for such a compassionate portrayal of one such warrior and one such lady.

This book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAYS! We are giving away TWO copies of Connie's book this week, a Starbuck's Gift Card Giveaway AND also a Giveaway from Connie this week -- a $10 Gift Card to an online bookseller such as Barnes & Noble or Amazon! **Please leave a comment and an email address in order to qualify.** 

 

 

Noela Nancarrow reviews 'AT THE EDGE OF A DARK FOREST' by Connie Almony

At the Edge of a Dark Forest (Fairwilde Reflections)

By Connie Almony

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 17, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

A modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast

This deeply compelling, raw, and insightful story of Connie Almony's, inserts the reader into Cole Harrison’s intensely troubled life… A life that’s filled with self-loathing, self-absorption, and alcohol abuse. Cole Harrison was only half a man. Ugly on the outside, and ugly on the inside. At least, that is what he thought of himself. A war veteran amputee that suffers from PTSD, he frequently has visions and nightmares of the worse kind, carries an ever-present peace-consuming guilt, and exudes a surliness that he uses along with his disfigurements to keep everyone at a distance.

Cole makes a somewhat hesitant agreement with a man he recently comes across, to try out and potentially invest in the prototype prosthetic's that this man’s daughter Carly Rose has developed. Carly, upon Cole’s insistence, moves into his mansion and life to help train Cole with his new limbs. But Carly soon realizes that Cole’s brokenness isn't just physical and that she’s unable to help this terribly damaged man.

Can Cole become a whole person again – even though he’ll always be missing limbs? As Carly draws closer to him and begins to see Cole may actually contain a heart - a package from his past arrives for him and everything begins to fall apart for Cole. Carly has to leave and now alone, Cole now faces an even greater battle than he did while on active duty. Can he battle his demons enough to let in the only one that can help? And could the contents of the package that broke his resolve, possibly be also what’s needed to pull him back together again?

This modern-day retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story was intensely heart-stirring and inspiring! Barely able to pause from reading, I was surely a captive of this heart-rending though heart-warming novella, as Cole Harrison was of his precarious mental prison. 'At the Edge of a Dark Forest' is immensely well-written, but what I found particularly engaging, were the conversations and thoughts of the characters… They were exceptionally realistic and captivating throughout the entire story! The romance was also tender, sweet, and credible, and brought an overall sheen to this uplifting tale. It is a story that discerningly demonstrates that it is only God that can renew our spirit and fulfill our deepest needs. Thank you Connie Almony for this remarkable story, that is both a tribute to the brave men who risk life and limb to fight for our freedom, as well as those who work tirelessly to help those brave men recover from the ravages of war with the assistance of prosthetic limbs. Highly recommended!! 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others.

* * * * * * * * * * * 

GIVEAWAYS! We are giving away TWO copies of Connie's book this week, a Starbuck's Gift Card Giveaway AND also a Giveaway from Connie this week -- a $10 Gift Card to an online bookseller such as Barnes & Noble! Please "like" Connie's FB author page and let me know you did in order to qualify. Remember to leave your e-mail so that we may contact you if you win!

Melissa Jagears Debut book reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

A Bride for Keeps

A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears
Bethany House, 2013

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

This debut fiction novel by Melissa Jagears is a solid read. (I read the ARC and not the final novel so there may be some differences but none that should affect this review.) 

Poor farmer Everett Cline has been jilted numerous times, both by mail order brides and by a local gal.  So he's abandoned the idea of trying again. But gorgeous Julia Lockwood arrives in his life after his best friend's wife sets him up.  And there is no escaping. But Julia has attracted the attention of one wicked man, also.

Spoiler alert

Bibliotherapy aspects: Both characters have a lot of emotional numbing which continues the majority of the story. The heroine, Julia, has had a terrible experience with her ex-fiancé that has basically caused PTSD symptoms that are pretty severe--so severe that there is a near-tragedy. And she's also experienced her mother's and baby brother's deaths that traumatized her. She's convinced that because her mother and grandmother suffered so many miscarriages and stillbirths that she's unlikely to give birth to a healthy child. So she convinces herself that she will never be able to be a mother. There is a stalking and assault in this story and another woman is a battered wife. 

Spiritual arc: Although Everett professes to be a strong Christian he soon discovers that his faith is lacking when it comes to Julia.  The heroine is basically an unbeliever so it is interesting to see her story arc in faith.

You can find this at Amazon, Christian Book.com, Deeper Shopping, Barnes & Noble and other outlets.

Giveaway: A gently used ARC copy (mine!) will be given away to one of the commenters this week as well as a new paperback copy. (Disclaimer: I "won" an ARC copy from the publisher in a contest after I'd already ordered my own copy.  No review was required.)

Leave a comment and your email address!

Review of Tamera Kraft's Debut Release "Soldier's Heart" by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Soldier's Heart by Tamera Lynn Kraft

Blurb: Noah Andrews, a soldier with the Ohio Seventh Regiment can’t wait to get home now that his three year enlistment is coming to an end. He plans to start a new life with his young wife. Molly was only sixteen when she married her hero husband. She prayed every day for him to return home safe and take over the burden of running a farm. 
But they can’t keep the war from following Noah home. Can they build a life together when his soldier’s heart comes between them? 
150 years ago the history of America changed forever. Live 1863 through the stories of some of our finest writers – the passion, the romance, the tragedy, and the triumph.

My review: Parents should be aware that this would be more of a PG rating or even a PG-13 dependent upon how conservative a parent you are.  However, that being said, this is a realistic look at how Post Traumatic Stress disorder can affect someone.  In this case, Tamera Lynn Kraft is addressing specifically "Soldier's Heart" or PTSD caused by military service and surviving terrible combat situations. This is a historical not a historical romance as Noah and Molly were married when she was only 16 and he 20.  Now three years later, he has finished his commission as Sargent  and returned home to Ohio.  

The young couple tries to begin their lives together while he is overcoming the terror brought on by losing his men in an ambush. This is a fairly quick read--I read it in one night.  But it is not a light read. This is a 25,000 word novella but the reader can quickly lose herself in the read--like I did!

Scriptural elements are brought in about a quarter of the way into the story and I think that was a good strategy because we are at first immersed into Noah's reaction to being home from war. And his spiritual arc requires him recapturing, and growing in, his faith.

Lots of nice historical details or "jewels" we history geeks like to say! You'll be nicely grounded into Noah's and Molly's world in Civil War era Ohio.  

Bibliotherapy: This story could be used for bibliotherapy for family members of soldiers who've seen combat duty or for the military members themselves.  This is one of the most thorough coverages I've seen in fiction.

Giveaway: Kindle copy of Tammy's novella to one of our commenters.  Do you have a loved one who has seen combat?

Interview with Ann Shorey: Overcoming after Losing the Love of Your Life

Anne Shorey

Ann Shorey is the author of Where Wildflowers Bloom and When the Heart Heals, the first two novels in the Sisters at Heart series for Revell. The third book in the series, Love’s Sweet Beginning, is scheduled for release in February, 2014. She’s also the author of the At Home in Beldon Grove series, also published by Revel.

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

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

            In the late 1980’s, my husband of twenty-plus years was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer. He had recently taken early retirement, we moved to a new community (where we knew no one—although that wasn’t intentional!), and had many plans for a long future together. The book of James says, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” (James 4:4:14a NIV) How true! We certainly didn’t know what awaited us soon after our move.

            Surgery was recommended following the diagnosis, and the surgeon found cancer cells had wrapped around his spine. The surgeon removed all that he could, but the surgery left my husband unable to sit upright or walk without wearing a clamshell-like body brace. He spent three weeks in a rehab facility where we were both taught how to maneuver him in and out of the brace, how to transfer him to a wheelchair, how he could shower—and on and on. As I learned to do things I never dreamed I’d have to master, the Lord was my constant companion.

            Once back home, my husband began radiation treatment and we settled into a routine. We’d been told that some patients with kidney cancer lived as many as thirteen years beyond the surgery. In our case, this was not to be. During his final hospitalization nine months after the initial surgery, one of the nurses asked me how we could show such strength in the face of our circumstances. Right there in the hospital corridor the Lord enabled me to share my faith with her. (Pausing here to re-group. This is hard to write about.)

            When my husband died, I believed my life was over. Instead, the Lord has opened doors that I didn’t know were there. I’d always wanted to write, and my first published article was for a bereavement magazine, telling of our last days together. Since then, so much has happened, immeasurably more than I could ever ask or imagine. God has given me grace to overcome, grace to persevere, and blessing upon blessing in my life.

When the Heart Heals

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?

Unfortunately, none of my books are available in either large print or audio. They are all available in e-book format, however, which makes it possible to enlarge the font on an e-reader.

Where Wildflowers Bloom

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

When the Heart Heals deals with the issue of forgiveness.

In Where Wildflowers Bloom, one of the main characters struggles with PTSD in the aftermath of the War Between the States. (An interesting note: in that time period, PTSD was called “Soldier’s Heart.”)

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

You can find Ann and her books at www.AnnShorey.com

Two Giveaways: Ann will give away reader's choice of Where Wildflowers Bloom or When the Heart Heals! International-ebook only. Carrie is also giving away a paperback copy of Where Wildflowers Bloom!

Diana Flowers Reviews Katie's Choice By Amy Lillard

Katie's Choice

Katie's Choice by Amy Lillard 

B&H Publishing, 2013

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars*****

  

Heartwarming Amish Fiction!

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

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

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

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

************************



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

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

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