Book Release Announcement

Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss' latest book collaboration set to release tomorrow January 1, 2013. So everybody get ready to ring in the New Year reading a great romance novel, that is inspirational as well. Watch this video to learn more about an instant fire in your hands book full of romance and intrigue. To order this book you can do so at this link

Review:Captive Trail(Texas Trail Series) by: Susan Page Davis

ISBN: 978-0-8024-0584-5

About the Book:

The Captive Trail is second in a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896.  Although a series, each book can be read on its own.

Taabe Waipu has run away from her Comanche village and is fleeing south in Texas on a horse she stole from a dowry left outside her family's teepee.  The horse has an accident and she is left on foot, injured and exhausted.  She staggers onto a road near Fort Chadbourne and collapses.

On one of the first runs through Texas, Butterfield Overland Mail Company driver Ned Bright carries two Ursuline nuns returning to their mission station.  They come across a woman who is nearly dead from exposure and dehydration and take her to the mission.

With some detective work, Ned discovers Taabe Waipu identity. He plans to unite her with her family, but the Comanche have other ideas, and the two end up defending the mission station. Through Taabe and Ned we learn the true meaning of healing and restoration amid seemingly powerless situations.

About the Author:

SUSAN PAGE DAVIS is an award winning author who has published more than thirty novels in the historical romance, suspense, mystery, and romance genres. She's a past winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers' Book of the Year Contest and a two time winner of the Inspirational Readers' Choice Contest. Susan is a longtime homeschooler and former school teacher. A Maine native, she now resides in Kentucky with her husband Jim. They have 6 children and 6 grandchildren. Visit Susan at her website: www.susanpagedavis.com.

My Review:

 The second book in the Texas Trails series finds us two years later and we come across a young girl that was crying outside of her teepee. A Comanche comes to her and speaks in her native tongue to the young girl. The young girl doesn't understand why she was reprimanded by her Indian caregiver. Then after she is instructed as to why she was punished she feels that this is a life she could never become a part of. So after much thought she decides to live the village on a quest to find her birth family.

 Meanwhile, Ned Bright is a stagecoach driver and he picking up a group of nuns to take them to the mission. Upon their departure, they come across something in the road that turns out to be the young girl in the beginning of the book. So the nuns convince Ned to let the young girl ride the stagecoach with them to the mission. He is freaking out just a small smidgeon because he is convinced they will be attacked by Indians because they have this girl in their possession. 

  After waking up at the mission the young girl finds she is some place new. And after awhile there, the nuns begin to nurse her back to health and take care of her eventually being taught how to speak and write in English. Who is this girl that has wondered into the life of Ned Bright? Where did she come from and why did she speak and dress like a young Indian girl? Is she really the long, lost, kidnapped daughter of the Morgan family?
 This a link to the book I reviewed here.

**Disclosure** This book was provided to me for free through the MP Newsroom Blogger Program for my honest review.

4 Winners - Ryobi Drill Kit Giveaway

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The event dates: 1/2- 1/12 Open to USA

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Calling ALL Bloggers!

Diamond Candles made an announcement that they would like bloggers to apply to review their products. Here is the link to apply:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEdPRzRfV2RndGFBZmIwNExva2o0SHc6MQ

This would be awesome if you all would spread the word.

These candles are a great product. You can read more about them here

Review&Giveaway: Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Alaska

About the Book:
 Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But Ginny needs advice from the one person who will look out for her best interests—her former fiancé, Brett Miller. She travels to the remote town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, where the town’s colorful characters and stunning scenery provide respite from LA’s pressures.

  In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children’s governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover—as Ellie did—that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?

About the Authors:
 TRICIA GOYER is the award-winning author of more than thirty novels. She and her husband have four children and live in Arkansas.






OCIEANNA FLEISS is a published author and editor. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area. This is the authors’ third book together.



My Review:
 Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss have come together once again to grace us in pure dynamite duo fashion as no one else is capable of accomplishing. Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Alaska is a sure fire hit for all of us that love a good fiction, inspirational, romance novel. As always their characters come to life as no other.
 Ginny has alot of thinking to do and some unfinished business to take care of so she returns to Alaska to find Brett her long, lost beau. Upon returning she goes to Brett's grandmother's house to await his return. Upon waiting for him she is introduced to a love story like no other in a different way then one might expect.
 She then sees Brett for the first time in two years and the chemistry between the two can be felt through the pages it is that magnetic. This book was quite enjoyable and even contains some photos of the famous town.
The book is set to be released January 1, 2013. The publisher has decided to giveaway Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Alaska to one of my readers. But if you can't wait, you can get your hands on this great book by following this link. Good Luck!!



**Disclosure** This book was provided to me for free from the publisher for my honest review.

A HUGE New Years Resolution Giveaway

 
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Review: Christmas in Apple Ridge by:Cindy Woodsmall

About the Book:
 The Sound of Sleigh Bells
Beth Hertzler is unable to let go of a past tragedy, but when she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds. Determined that her niece meet the gifted artist, her aunt tracks him down, but it’s not that simple – will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love?
 
The Christmas Singing
Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve. Brokenhearted, Mattie moves away and pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator, and even finds a new beau. But when Mattie is forced to return home three years later, will learning the truth behind Gideon’s rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?
  
The Dawn of Christmas
Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?

About the Author:
 Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of ten works of fiction and one work of nonfiction, whose connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media and throughout Christian news outlets. She lives outside Atlanta with her family.

My Review:
Cindy Woodsmall is my favorite Amish fiction author and her publisher has put together a Christmas collection of three of her novellas all in one book for us all to enjoy. The first one centers around Beth and how a tragedy from long ago has forced this young lady to just stop living. Her aunt wants her to enjoy life again so she leads Beth down a road that will hopefully snap her back to reality in the The Sound of Sleigh Bells.
The second story is The Christmas Singing and it is probably my favorite of the three. Mattie moves away from her Amish home to pursue her dream of owning a bakery and becoming a cake decorator only to have her hopes dashed and is forced to return home to an old, lost love. She soon finds out the Gideon is not the man she knew him to be.
 And finally The Dawn of Christmas Sadie returns home from a long, extended missions trip only to be bombarded with requests to settle down. But is Levi the guy for her? Can he learn to trust again? Will their plan go along as planned or will love get in the way?

*Disclosure* I received this book for free for my honest review from through the Blogging thru Books Blogger Program.
 

A December Birthday

Well tomorrow is a BIG deal in our house because we will have a newly turned 10 year old in our midst. Our first born son Hunter. Here are some photos of Daddy's best buddy.

 Our little man will be one decade old tomorrow. And as all of our children know their birthday is just that "their day". So every birthday they get to pick a birthday meal followed by whatever dessert they choose and one birthday gift. Well Hunter sometimes feels slighted because his birthday is 6 days before Christmas. I know many people combine birthdays that close,with Christmas; but we feel if each of our children get their special day Hunny T is no different. We do try,depending on what kind of Christmas desserts and goodies we are going to prepare, to plan ahead with enough time so we don't eat cake twice.

 Hunter has picked pizza for his birthday dinner. This is no surprise because he has picked the same birthday dinner since he was two years old. But this year Hunter's most favorite person in the entire world a.k.a. Daddy encouraged him to pick doughnuts instead of birthday cake. This year we will also have his birthday celebration on Saturday the 22nd instead of the actual day because Daddy works night shift and that will be his off day. So fast forward to Saturday and here are pictures of our celebration celebrating our first born son's special day.

                                        

          So in honor of our boy I am going to post one of his favorite songs for your listening enjoyment!

Review:Delicious Christmas Decorations at Historic Houses and Your Home

About the Book:
 The beauty of Christmas displayed through decorated historic homes from around the country. From Virginia to Texas, tour 27 houses and see how history comes alive in a festive way during the holiday season. Learn the traditions of President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s family with a trip to “The Texas White House,” revisit colonial America with a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, and get decorating tips from professional designers. With more than 300 color images, historic homes ranging from magnificent estates to simple residences offer a variety of styles, tastes, and ideas to inspire your own celebrations. Homemakers, decorators, historians, or anybody who loves the magic of Christmas will appreciate the engaging text and wonderfully decorated interiors.

About the Author:
 Patricia Hart McMillan is an interior designer and author as well as a tabletop expert.  In recent years, she has created centerpieces for Christmas tables on TV in Miami and Palm Beach.  Patricia has appeared on several national TV shows and has been quoted on HGTV website.   Pat’s interior designs have appeared in leading national and regional decorating magazines and in newspapers, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and Parade.  This is her fourth book with Schiffer Publishing.

My Review:
This is the perfect book to show off to your friends. The beautiful decorations that are found in those historic homes that every Main Street throughout the United States has. The author Patricia Hart McMillan shows you the up close and personals of some of these exquisite Christmas decorations and she shows you how to make a few of them. It is not as hard as you may think.

**Disclosure**This book was provided to me for free from the publisher for my honest review.

Review:Creating Children's Artwork Quilts by:Shannon Gingrich Shirley

About the Book:
Do you have your children’s artwork hanging on your walls or refrigerator doors? Have you saved their artwork since they were young, but you don’t know what to do with it? This fun, do-it-yourself quilting book offers a chance to preserve your children’s artwork by incorporating it into quilts and other fiber art projects. Small quilts for wall hanging or full-size quilts for snuggling will be enjoyed all the more when they are decorated with these childhood keepsakes. Projects range from simple and quick to elaborate and time-consuming works of art. Chapters include artwork selection, techniques, combining multiple pieces of art, product lists, and a glossary of terms. A gallery of completed works will inspire your own creative ideas. Instruction for both novice and seasoned quilters is provided. What a great way to recreate and preserve the artwork from the special children in your life.

About the Author:
 Shannon Gingrich Shirley is an award-winning quilter. She has shared her eclectic variety of quilting styles at many workshops and lectures. She lives in Northern Virginia.

My Review:
First of all, anyone that knows me, knows that I love to quilt. Because I'm a homeschool mom I have very little time. But another thing I have always wanted to try was applique. I have always enjoyed it. Even as an eight year old child I would be found digging through my mother's fabric scraps to piece together a picture. It wasn't until I had gotten older that I realized that I was doing applique. I just think it is very simple and just beautiful pieces of artwork. This book was an awesome idea.

 If you are like me you find yourself with mounds of clutter every where and you are always throwing things away.And unfortunately my children have drawn masterpieces only for me to throw them away because it was just too much STUFF. Well you and I don't have to get that drastic anymore. Ms. Shirley has put together a very informative book on how to go about taking your children's artwork and putting it on display. She has full color photos and careful instructions on putting your ideas along with your precious babies and making something lasting.

**Disclosure** This book was provided to me for free for my honest opinion from the publisher.

Merry Christmas Everybody!

         The Patterson's would like to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

A Wood Working Project

 I don't know about your house about around our household December is a very busy month. A month filled with good eatin', projects, secrets and gifts galore. My husband decided to take his love of woodcraft's to the next level and make this special surprise for someone as a Christmas gift. So I decided I would tease all of my readers a teeny bit by showing you the craft in progress to see if you could guess what it may be.

 See here in Alabama we love these lawn decorations. I have ALWAYS wanted a set of these. So that I could put them in front of my home for the holidays. My sweet husband plans on making me a set and hopefully, next year we will add some other things like a nativity. Now I'm not sure if others use these on their lawns so please don't feel offended. I have never really visited many places besides places in the south. I lead a very sheltered life, for sure.So below you will see the finished product. These are without the bows around the neck of them. We will let the giftee decide what they want to do in that regard. I think he did a great job!

**Disclosure** The pictures in this post are my own. And the woodcraft plans I purchased myself.

Review&Giveaway: Colortime Crafts&Markers

My children and I had the opportunity to review a fun product recently that I thought I needed to bring to everyone's attention. I am not sure if you heard of them or not. Colortime Crafts&Markers is an awesome resource for those parents that have children that LOVE to create. Those children that like to express themselves by changing the whole look of their belongings. Colortime Crafts have many items to choose from that your child can use to make their own creation. Such as tote bags, pillow cases, t-shirts and more. They are blank products that have an image printed on them that the child can color using the fabric markers that are to be purchased separately. Here are the before and after pictures of the pillow case craft we were sent. Here is the link to the pillow case craft we put together here. So for your next children's party or get together Colortime has tons of different ideas to help in the planning.

Colortime Crafts has decided to sponsor a giveaway for my readers. This giveaway is only valid in the United States ONLY. Please enter by using the Punch Tab below. Good Luck!

Colortime has graciously offered my readers a few other items of interest in case you can't get in on this giveaway. See those items below:

The coupon: 15% off online retail purchases.

Use coupon code 15for30C when you check out at colortime.com. Coupon must be entered at the time of purchase. Offer not valid on sale items and may not be combined with other offers or discounts.

Offer expires on May 18, 2013.

The Free Shipping:  Free ground shipping on orders over $60. In the continental US. Only for retail, web-based orders, placed on our website. Not to be combined with any other offers and discounts.

To get the free shipping, use code FRSH11W.

They also do a weekly fan giveaway on their Facebook page that you could definitely take advantage of.
The giveaway: Colortime is doing a giveaway via their Facebook page here. Here are the instructions:

Each week Colortime Crafts and Markers will randomly draw 3 lucky FANS who will receive a special craft package, which includes a Colortime color-your-own "Recycle Tote Bag" and three special permanent Colortime FABRIC MARKERS. All you have to do to be eligible is to "like" and become a fan of Colortime Crafts and Markers on Facebook.

The winners' Facebook name will be posted each Monday on the Colortime Crafts and Markers Facebook page. We will send you a message on Facebook informing you that you won. Look for it, and if your name is a winner, you can also send us an email message to info@colortime.com with your full name and address and in either case we will ship your prize within 2 weeks.

Rules:
1) You must be a fan of Colortime Crafts and Markers (www.facebook.com/colortimecrafts) Facebook page.
2) Once you win a prize, you are not eligible for additional prizes for this promotion for 12 months after the prize has been awarded.
3) Prizes not claimed within 2 weeks will be forfeited.


We also offer free downloadable coloring pages (http://www.colortime.com/Free-Coloring-Pages-c64.html) and a "Birthday Club" (http://www.colortime.com/Birthday-Club-c85.html) with special incentives.

**DISCLOSURE** This product was provided to me for free for my honest review by the sponsor.

Review: Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Christmas by: Mélanie Watt

ISBN 9781554534692

About the Book:
 'Tis the season for worrying, planning, decorating, wrapping, entertaining, carolling and, worst of all, fruitcake! Scaredy Squirrel returns with a quirky safety guide filled with practical tips and nutty step-by-step instructions to help readers prepare for a perfect Christmas. A fun-filled guide sure to appeal to all the Scaredies out there!

About the Author:
 Mélanie Watt is an acclaimed children's book author and illustrator. Her books include the Scaredy Squirrel, Chester and Learning With Animals series, Augustine, Leon the Chameleon and Have I Got a Book for You! She lives near Montreal.


My Review:
 This little children's book is about the sweetest book I have read in awhile. The author has added to her Scaredy Squirrel series for the holidays. And as all the laughter and giggles bellowed out of my silly little boys I realized the squirrel sounds a lot like me. Scaredy Squirrel has equipped us with a safety manual to prepare us against all the dangers that come with the holidays. This book left our family longing for more.

**Disclosure**This book was provided to me for free from the publisher for my honest opinion.

Non-Edible Cinnamon Christmas Ornaments

 I trusted my children to make some non-edible cinnamon Christmas ornaments recently. We had never done this before so I thought it would something fun to do. And I figured the cinnamon scent wafting through the house couldn't hurt either. I think they did a pretty good job considering.










We took the recipe from our Not Just Beans Cookbook that I had purchased several years ago. The recipe is on their website here. I think overall they turned out pretty well. I wanted to use a different ribbon but this red ribbon is all I had on hand.

Review: I Am That I Am by: Judy Azar LeBlanc

About the Book:
 I AM THAT I AM, Tracing the Footprints of God is a book that you’ve always wanted to have in your library but could never find. I AM THAT I AM provides a biblically based, theologically sound narration of all eight covenants of God—presents main themes and summaries of over forty-five of Jesus’ timeless parables—describes over fifty supernatural miracles that God executed through the hands of Jesus—and traces over fifty divine names and titles reflecting different facets of God’s nature, character, and personality. The captivating pages offer commentaries by over seventy-five renowned bible scholars, includes full color archeological images of recent excavation findings of biblical events, and historical illustrations and map images showing relevance to contemporary locations—all uniquely woven into one convenient reader-friendly volume.

About the Author:
 Judy Azar LeBlanc is an award winning internationally published author of several other works including the 2011 international award winning title  in Christianity "Theology 101 in Bite-Size Pieces." A graduate of San Jose State University, she currently resides in east Texas where she devotes her time to writing.

About the Book:
 This book in a word is AWESOME! My husband is in the seminary so I thought this book would be a perfect book for him to use among his many other reference books. But I must say this book can certainly stand alone. The author has done a brilliant job of show us over forty five of Jesus' parables broken down, taken apart and analyzed them for us. Complete with the verses in the Bible that are they referring to and the meaning of the parables. My husband and I both agree this book is chock full of information that can better explain the parables.
 The author has also included pictures to many things throughout the Bible that maybe you have never seen before or even know of. I found it very interesting that she shows us what one of the pieces of silver Judas may have received looked like. She also has included many commentaries on Gods different works, miracles, etc. Ms. LeBlanc has definitely succeeded in trying to get us to know God more intimately. God loves us and wants us to know more about Him and all He wants to teach us.This is a great book to have along with your Bible to study the parables more deeply and really get to the heart of what Jesus was trying to convey. Ms. LeBlanc has taken something that at times seems so simple and broken it down even further. God's love really does shine through in His marvelous works. And this is definitely what the author has shown us through this book. This book is available for purchase through the link below.


Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review: If You Have a Craving,I Have a Cure by:Sheri R. Shepherd

About the Book:
Do you find yourself constantly thinking about what you should not eat, or the things you cannot do? We've all been there, and it leaves us feeling deprived and depressed. Instead of being energized by following Christ, we waste our days feeling bored and burned-out on our faith, while battling the guilt that comes from craving food and other things we enjoy.
 In If You Have a Craving, I Have a Cure, bestselling author and speaker Sheri Rose Shepherd encourages you to embark on a new adventure with faith and food. She reveals the coaching tips that enabled her to lose over fifty pounds and keep them off, shares specific alternatives to common cravings, and offers fun recipes (for food and for life) in celebration pf the healthy meals and activities our God created for us to enjoy. It's time to let go of guilt, grab hold of grace, and recapture the life God craves for you to live!

About the Author:
 Sheri Rose Shepherd is an award-winning author, Bible life coach, and humorist with over one million books sold. Her life experiences help her identify with almost any woman's battle. She grew up in a broken home ans was severely overweight as a teen; she also experienced depression, dyslexia, and an eating disorder. Through God's strength, Sheri Rose has become a bestselling author and popular speaker at events nationwide, including Women of Joy and Extraordinary Women. Her weekly video devotions will be featured on Bible Gateway beginning in 2013. You can visit her online here.

 My Review:
 Sheri Rose Shepherd is a mighty woman of the Most High. She is the perfect example of a woman that has been to hell and back and would like to show us the way out of that deep, dark tunnel that alot of us seem to be stuck in. With God's strength and guidance and Sheri Rose helping us straighten it all out.
 She tells us in her nearest release how all weight loss journeys should begin with God. So we should begin in prayer and rely on God for that much needed energy and strength that we most certainly lack. Step two is to exercise. And the next step is to drink plenty of water. The list has just a few more items but you get the general idea.
 Sheri Rose also invites us into her kitchen to share some of the recipes that have helped her on her weight loss journey to lose fifty pounds. Some of the recipes included but are not limited to Sweet Mint Pie, Banana Bliss, Tasty Raw Food Tacos and many, many more. She even offers weight loss coaching on her website. She just has a sweet, sweet soul and she wants to help everyone be all that God has called you to be. With those New Years resolutions coming in just a few, short weeks this is definitely a book to have at your side when you decide to start the whole process of gaining health.

**Disclosure** I received this book for free through the Tyndale Blog Network for my honest review.

Review: You,Your Family and the Internet by:David Clark

About the Book:
 How may Christians better understand the dangers and opportunities offered by the Internet? This excellent resource, written by an expert in the field, explains and illustrates what the technologies are and guides readers to draw on biblical principles (such as self-control and accountability) to help them to apply these to the dangers at hand. It also encourages believers to make the best use of opportunities that arise from judicious use of the World Wide Web.

About the Author:
David Clark was born and brought up in a missionary family working in France. A Bible believing Christian since the age of 15, he is active in his local Evangelical and Reformed church in England, where he lives after spending a number of years in the USA. He has worked with computer technology for over 30 years, has a degree in Computer Science and Electronics, and carried out Postgraduate research into the uses of Artificial Intelligence in the design of silicon chips. He owns and runs a consultancy company that carries out technology related work for the UK and US governments. He has published a number of technical papers at various conferences, ranging from the use of Artificial Intelligence, to Risk Analysis. He has also served on the boards of Evangelical Times and Evangelical Press, as well as working in publishing in the Russian and Chinese languages.

My Review:
 In a world where technology is advancing at a rate faster than we can keep up with. And with new trends beginning almost instantaneously. Author David Clark has decided to write this book to share with us all, the need for social media. But also the downfall or unsafe practices that go along with becoming involved with sites such as Facebook and Twitter. This is the number one guide we should, as anyone not living under a rock or as a Christian, own and keep beside us when ever we have a question or concern involving the internet.

 Mr. Clark has went on to prove in alot of instances over the years and throughout time and history that the media has played a role in making news stories even bigger by exaggerating the details of any news event to astronomical proportions. For example, by showing us how people have went as far as to organize riots and things of the like, totally and completely online. The author has also placed in this book how internet marketing has evolved over the years. Did you know that anytime you are on a site especially one that does not involve you purchasing anything that YOU have actually become "the product"? We are presenting ourselves on a silver platter to these websites as better targets for marketing trends and schemes.

 The author intends on showing you that even as a Christian you are able to safely utilize the internet and do so effectively. He shows us that yes, there are dangers but we can live in this technologically advanced society and still be safe and in the know. He has also shown us that while many people out there in cyber space are intending to use the internet for evil purposes. It is still an excellent resource at our disposal that we can do much good with. The author made a statement in the book about the Apostle Paul and how he would probably use the internet if it were invented while he walked the earth. I chuckled at the thought. I had never quite thought of it in such a way. But you know what? He probably would have. He appeared to be a man not afraid to do anything to advance the kingdom. Oh, if only I could be so BOLD.

**Disclosure** I received this book for free from Cross Focused Reviews for my honest review.

 

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Review: Lone Star Trail by: Darlene Franklin

ISBN 978-0-8024-0583-8

About the Book:

The six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896 begins with Lone Star Trail.

Judson (Jud) Morgan's father died for Texas' freedom during the war for independence.  So when the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas (the Verein) attempts to colonize a New Germany in his country, he takes a stand against them.

After Wande Fleischers' fiance marries someone else, the young fraulein determines to make a new life for herself in Texas.  With the help of Jud's sister Marion, Wande learns English and becomes a trusted friend to the entire Morgan family.

As much as Jud dislikes the German invasion, he can't help admiring Wande.  She is sweet and cheerful as she serves the Lord and all those around her.  Can the rancher put aside his prejudice to forge a new future? Through Jud and Wande, we learn the powerful lessons of forgiveness and reconciliation among a diverse community of believers.

About the Author:

 DARLENE FRANKLIN is the author of fourteen contracted books and novellas as well as several hundred short pieces. Two of her books have been finalists in ACFW's Book of the year contest: Dressed in Scarlet and A String of Murders. Darlene lives in Oklahoma near her son's family. Visit her website www.darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com for information on upcoming titles.

My Review:
 The book begins with Jud's sister, Billie being taken by Comanche Indians. They have unsuccessfully tried locating her but have failed to do so. So they begin to think she has died. Meanwhile switching over to the Fleischer's, they arrive in Texas from Germany to begin there new life in America. Wande's sister, Ulla, catches the fever and passes away not soon after. After burying her, they pack their belongings and head to Victoria so they can continue on to where they will settle. Along the way their wagon breaks down and the mother gets hurt. With all their belongings scattered around they quickly try to gather everything in the rain.
 After getting into town and realizes that this family needs help that they had just rode past and done absolutely nothing for. Jud and his family ride back to help them. And then the world stops turning in Jud's world because he sets his eyes on the feisty Wande and he falls head over heels.So Jud's family takes the newly arrived Fleischer's to their home to figure things out, after finding out that their journey to the New World has been in vain. So soon Christmas is due to make its arrival. The Morgans decide to trim the Christmas tree and send out four family members to cut down one and bring it back home.
 After Christmas the German family is able to take up roots in Victoria instead of where they had originally planned and life is moving along pretty well until several life changing events puts them once again out of their home. This book was a very entertaining read. The fire and chemistry between the two main characters keeps you on your toes. The author did an excellent job of keeping me interested. I never wanted to put the book down. If you are interested in learning more about this book you can check it out here.

**Disclaimer** This book was provided to me for free through the MP Newsroom Blogger Program for my honest review.