Beyond this Moment

From the cover:

When Dr. Molly Whitcomb, Professor of Romance Languages, steps off the train in Colorado Territory, she makes a choice—one that goes against everything she stands for. Yet it’s the only choice that offers her a chance to regain a fraction of all she’s lost.

Sheriff James McPherson’s instincts about people rarely miss the mark. He senses Professor Whitcomb is hiding something. He just doesn’t know what. When James learns Molly’s secret, his own reputation is undermined. But when Molly Whitcomb’s reinvented life begins to unravel, it threatens his job, the stability of Timber Ridge, and what he always knew to be true about himself.

I started reading this book Sunday evening about 7:3o p.m. or so and finished it around 3:30 a.m. - I know I did it again! Opened it and stayed in lala land all the way through to the last page! Call me crazy - my husband does all the time!

I couldn't wait to read this book and when it finally arrived in the mail it didn't take me long to pick it up and dive in! My husband brought the mail home on Friday. :) If it had not been for a Birthday - and Birthday Party, I'd have probably read it that night.

I had really enjoyed reading From a Distance and could not wait to read the next in the Timber Ridge Series. I was a little disappointed that it did not talk about Daniel & Elizabeth a little more, but it was appropriate for the story and the atmosphere between a few of the characters.

My only other complaint perhaps would be that I felt that Molly should have told James her story - what had happened. Yet, in one part I do believe James tells his sister Rachel that "grief can make you do crazy things" - so maybe he didn't need to know the story, but I felt as a woman she should have told him and maybe she will at some point - who knows. There is another book coming out...one that I hope is about Rachel and the good town Dr.!!!

So Tamera has done it again - captured me completely for 7 hours and I give her 4.5 stars in doing so. Wonderful job, wonderful story, and I look forward to reading more about Timber Ridge. Thank you for yet another wonderful read.

Tonya

Nothing But Trouble by Susan May Warren

From the cover:

It's not fair to say that trouble happens every time PJ Sugar is around, but it feels that way when she returns to her hometown, looking for a fresh start. Within a week, her former teacher is murdered and her best friend's husband is arrested as the number-one suspect. Although the police detective investigating the murder--who also happens to be PJ's former flame--is convinced it's an open-and-shut case, PJ's not so sure. She begins digging for clues in an effort to clear her friend's husband and ends up reigniting old passions, uncovering an international conspiracy, and solving a murder along the way. She also discovers that maybe God can use a woman who never seems to get it right.

I did enjoy reading this book although it seemed to take me a lot longer than it usually does to read a book and I'm not sure why. Not sure if I was really wanting to read it at that time, but I did anyway. It seemed to drag out a little - not sure if that was just me or if it was the book itself. I will read the rest of the series as it comes out of course and hopefully it won't seem to drag on.

I give this book a 4 stars. After I read the rest of the series that might change. It is a good read and did have a good message to it. I do believe her Noble Legacy books are 10 times better though! I love those books. I can not wait to get "Finding Stephanie" in hardback. It's the only one I've not read, simply because I want that book in Hardback! haha

If you read it - let me know what you think! Curl up in a quilt with a warm cup of cocoa and enjoy your reading during these next few colder months!

Tonya

A Promise for Spring

While awaiting the second book of the Timber Ridge Reflections series by Tamera Alexander, I sat down to read Kim Vogel Sawyer's, "A Promise for Spring".

From the cover:

England-born Emmaline Bradford pledged her life to Geoffrey Garrett and then bid him farewell when he sailed to America. Although Geoffrey anticipated only a short separation, several years passed before he was able to send for Emmaline. By then the fiery flame of her youthful love had all but died. Shocked by the conditions on Geoffrey's Kansas sheep ranch, Emmaline wishes to return to England immediately. Geoffrey offers a compromise: If Emmaline promises to stay until spring, he'll pay her return fare if she decides to go back to her home country. When spring arrives, will Emmaline return to England, or will she marry Geoffrey and carve out a life with him in Kansas?

This book had me up into the late, late hours of the night. Silly me decided to open it as I laid down in bed for the night and well silly me went on to read it until 2 a.m. when I turned the last page. Call me crazy - it's alright.

I think I am the only person who can not read to make their "eyes tired". I read and I want to know what is going on, so I just keep on reading. Everything gets put on hold while I travel to where ever the main character is going. In the past 2 weeks I've been to Colorado and Kansas - funny, I've actually been to both in real life...just not in 1874 and 1875!

I love reading and even more I love reading a really good book, and Kim knows how to write a really good book. I will say I do believe I liked "My heart remembers" a little more, but that does not mean that this book is not as good. I enjoyed reading them both and they both touched me and that's what good Christian fiction will do. Some stories will touch you a little deeper or hit a little closer to home than others and those are the ones we tend to like just a "little" more.

I found it rather funny that I married a man from Kansas and that we are in fact currently living in England. I was able to relate to many things within this story and see the descriptions of things a little more because of this. If I'd never been to England, perhaps the pictures in my mind would not have been as clear - but Kim does such a wonderful job describing things that I think you could easily picture England in your mind, as well as Kansas.

I think what impressed me the most about this book was Kim's ability to make the language appropriate for each character. I was indeed amazed by that and I found myself wondering - "Does spell check on her computer yell at her for typing cuz or Lawd?" The spelling and the way the sound completely fit the story, but every time I write something and leave the "g" off, spell check is a fussing at me!

There is so much one can learn from reading, no matter what kind of book you are reading. If you pay very close attention you can not only learn things about yourself, but about writing and if you are like me and love to write...then read and never stop. It is a great way to learn.

If you enjoy reading, I do recommend this book, and I give it 4 stars. Great job Kim and great story. Thank you for sharing it with me and others.

From A Distance by Tamera Alexander

A few days ago I had the strong urge to sit down and read a book. I really wanted to read Lonestar Secrets by Colleen Coble, but I felt pulled to another book as well by an author I'd not read before.

That's the way it usually works with me - I've several books in my home library, some read and some not. When the urge to read strikes, it's like God picks out the book. He always seems to know just which one I need to read at just the right time.

On Thursday afternoon my husband called to tell me it looked like his travel arrangements were going to be delayed. That's the way it is in the military lifestyle; write nothing in ink for it is always subject to change. I have been expecting him home sometime next week. He has been gone since May and I'm ready to have him back home. He went on further to tell me that it might be after the 1st of October before he returns. Needless to say - this depressed me and put me down in the dumps a bit.

So yesterday, I had a horrid headache and after taking the kids to school, I went back to bed. After I got up and had some lunch, I decided it was time to read a book. Which one would it be? The book I couldn't wait to read or the one I was cautious of reading because I'd not read the author before?

At 1 p.m. I sat down with From A Distance by Tamera Alexander, the author whom I'd not read before. I received a history lesson about the Colorado Territory, Abraham Lincoln, Slaves, The Civil War, Photography, and Mountain climbing. It was an amazing journey and as with most books I read, I was captivated. I felt as if I were there in Colorado and at times I could almost picture what was being seen through the lens of the main character's camera.

Not only did I get a touching and heartfelt history lesson...I got a lot of laughs. Tamera must have an amazing sense of humor! I found myself laughing out loud time and time again. My kids were getting so frustrated with me and my outbursts! They at first wanted to know; "What"? Then they just wanted me to be quiet. At 8 p.m. I closed the book and was silent with my thoughts. My children were thankful.

I related very easily to the main character, as I myself have a love for photography, nature, and traveling. I also have a lung condition - asthma. So this morning I received an email from my husband asking if everything was okay. He had not heard from me yesterday and so I replied:

"I was in 1875, Colorado Territory - Rocky Mountains and Mesa Verde, taking photographs and making history. I've returned to England today - thankful for my history lesson and the laughs. It was just what I needed."

A little while later I received a reply from him stating:

"Ummm…..you seriously need to go back to the doctor."

What a man I tell you, what a man. He always knows how to make me laugh and Tamera helped me remember that yesterday. The banter of her character's made me feel so close to my husband. It was just the medicine my heart need to pull me out of the dumps. Had my husband been home he would have been teasing me about having my nose stuck in a book all day and asking when he was going to get his wife back.

We have a banter similar to Tamera's character's and maybe that's why I had so many outburst of laughter. I could just see my husband saying very similar things to me, because he is rotten like that...but that's one of the reasons I love him so. What good is love, if you can't laugh?

I give the book 5 stars and highly recommend it. I look very forward to reading more about Timber Ridge in Beyond This Moment and from Tamera Alexander. She really knows her history and she weaved it into a beautiful heartfelt and humorous story.

Thank you Tamera - for sharing your story with me and many others.

"In this charming historical romance, a young woman named Elizabeth Westbrook struggles to make a name for herself as a photojournalist, opting to take an assignment in the heart of the Maroon Bells. Her life is turned upside down when one of her photographs becomes central in a murder investigation, and she begins to suspect, rightly, that her life is in danger. Enter Daniel Ranslett, a former Confederate sharpshooter. The attraction between the two is palpable, but is it what it seems? Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, she is about to embark on a journey of self-discovery that will rattle the very foundations of her life. As she begins to unravel Daniel’s persona, she begins to understand her own heart for the first time in her life."

Jessie - by Lori Wick 1

I've not posted a book review in awhile...crazy I know! But I kinda took a break from reading and now I'm wanting to read some more. So I've picked up Jessie by Lori Wick. It is the 3rd book in the Big Sky Dreams Series. The other 2 were wonderful. I've not finished this one yet - I've barely started it and I'm limiting the amount of time I spend sitting and reading so that I can accomplish other things as well. I am trying to simply read this of a night before bed - so we will see if that works and when I'm finished I will post my review for you.

Hope you've found yourself some good reads this summer and have a wonderful weekend!

Tonya

Redemption Series - The Baxter Family Drama

My Mom recently sent me these 5 books to read. I'd already read Parts 2 and 3, the Firstborn Series and the Sunrise series - I didn't realize there was one before them when I began. It is a total of 14 books. I read 9 of them over the summer last year and loved every one of them. Mom told me I would love the Redemption series best and she was right. The Redemption series is all about the Baxter's, each and every one of them. The other 2 series, even though they are still apart of The Baxter Family Drama; they are not as focused on the Baxter's. It almost feels like the Baxter's took a back seat. However, they were still really good books.

You really connect with this family as you read about them. You desire things this family has for your own family. You want this type of family connection within your own family. You want Labor Day at Lake Monroe. You want a family that not only laughs and cries together, but that prays together. Even for everything the Baxter's go through - you will find yourself connecting with them in a very real way.

I give these books 5 stars!

Book 1: REDEMPTION - When Kari Baxter Jacobs finds out that her husband is involved in an adulterous relationship and wants a divorce, she decides she will love him and remain faithful to her marriage at all costs. This book shows how God can redeem seemingly hopeless relationships, and it illustrates one of Gary Smalley's key messages: Love is a decision.

Book 2: REMEMBER - Convinced she could make it on her own, Ashley Baxter has kept the most important people in her life at a distance--her family, the man who loves her, and the God she is sure can never forgive her. Now, just as she begins to open her heart, the events of September 11 rip into Ashley's world and she is led to heartbreaking and hope-filled decisions that will forever change her life. This story vividly illustrates that we must value others more than ourselves, and it drives home one of Gary Smalley's key messages: Honor one another

Book 3: RETURN - This touching novel reunites readers with the Baxter family and focuses on the only Baxter son, Luke. He is determined to leave his faith and his past behind and embrace a new, freethinking future. But what he doesn't realize is that his past holds a secret even he doesn't know. When Luke finds out, his comfortable new life is turned upside down, and he must turn back to his roots.

Book 4: REJOICE - This latest release in the Redemption series reunites readers with the continuing saga of the Baxter family. Brooke Baxter has achieved everything this world has to offer--a prestigious career, a beautiful home, and two wonderful children. Her recent return to her faith is an encouragement to her family. But if she faces tremendous loss, can her fledgling faith and her rocky marriage survive?

Book 5: REUNION - A Deadly Diagnosis: In the fifth and final book in the Redemption Series, plans are being made for a family reunion. Nearly all the adult Baxter children have a reason to celebrate, except one. As the preparations get under way, a deadly diagnosis sends shock waves through the Baxter family and threatens to tear them apart.A Heartbreaking Secret: The reality of what might lie ahead brings each of the Baxters to a place of faith and honesty. In the process, Elizabeth and John come to grips with a secret they haven't shared with anyone, a secret they rarely admit even to themselves. At the same time, a young man is making his rise in Hollywood and wondering about his place in life.A Glorious Celebration: Amidst the threat of sorrow, the Baxters share in their most wonderful celebration of all, a moment to remember that love always wins out, no matter how long the struggle, a reminder that God reigns even in the darkest night.

Book 6: FAME - Fame is the first book in the soul-stirring new Firstborn Series from Karen Kingsbury. As Dayne Matthews returns to Hollywood after his shocking discovery in Karen's best-selling novel Reunion, he faces the dangerous world of fame and paparazzi. Meanwhile, Katy Hart receives the offer of a lifetime--starring opposite Dayne in a Hollywood film. Dayne and Katy's choices will change their hearts and lives forever.

Book 7: FORGIVEN - With Forgiven, she brings readers the second book in her life-changing Firstborn series. Dayne Matthews is at the top of the Hollywood list, working on what may be his best movie yet. Still, he is empty and unfocused, aching for real love and the family he'll never know. Then a friend tells him about a teaching center and a way to become like God.

Book 8: FOUND - A Desperate SearchDriven by his wife’s dying wish—to find their firstborn son—John Baxter sets about the search of a lifetime. His prayer? That Elizabeth’s wish would be fulfilled before the upcoming Baxter family reunion. One strange turn follows another, but John confides in a new friend and continues to look for his son. When the answers finally come, they shake John to his core. Will he agree to walk away and keep the secret of a lifetime, or will he decide it’s time to let the truth come to light—no matter the cost?A Tragic LossDayne Matthews is questioning his adoptive parents’ faith when he receives crushing news. He was ready to take on the responsibility of having a family, but now the future is drastically altered and Dayne is desperate for answers. Wisdom and comfort come from visits with a long-lost friend and then with Katy Hart, the girl Dayne can’t seem to forget. But will Dayne find the strength he needs to face a future laced with loss, and will that strength lead him to the greatest love of all?A Terrible StormAs the Baxters come together, the reunion is overshadowed by a miracle in their midst. But just as quickly, tragedy comes to Bloomington. Ashley is eight months pregnant and in the early stages of labor when a tornado rips through the community, leaving one family missing and destroying homes throughout the area. What will Dayne Matthews do when he hears about the storm? Will he finally find peace in a God he has been running from all his life?A story of God’s divine leading and the truth that God rewards those who seek Him with all their heart.

Book 9: FAMILY - A Sensational TrialKaty Hart travels to Los Angeles to testify against the knife-wielding fan who tried to kill her. She is hunted by paparazzi who figure out that she is the mystery woman photographed with Hollywood movie star Dayne Matthews. Tension and pressure build to a dangerous level as Katy and Dayne seek private moments amidst the frenzy. In the end, Dayne’s celebrity life makes Katy certain that a future with him is all but impossible.A Life-Changing DecisionAs the trial comes to a close, Dayne searches for answers he cannot seem to find. Not until he talks to his childhood friend does he realize his desperate need for wisdom and direction. Ultimately his journey leads him to an isolated beach where God makes Dayne’s future as clear as the waters of Cancun. But can he live with the decision God places before him?A Stunning DiscoveryLandon and Ashley Baxter Blake are celebrating the happiest days of their lives, enjoying Cole and their newborn son. But Ashley cannot find peace until she finds her older brother—the firstborn Baxter sibling. Her constant questions to her father, John Baxter, have netted nothing. Now she receives news that rocks her world and threatens to end her search in heartbreaking finality.

Book 10: FOREVER - Katie Hart is thrilled about her future with Hollywood’s Dayne Matthews. But as she plans a wedding and looks for a house on the shores of Lake Monroe, she receives tragic news. Now she and the members of the Baxter family must travel to Los Angeles and sort through their options. While paparazzi open fire on the Baxter family, Luke Baxter must wrestle with feelings that have troubled him for nearly a year. Ultimately, the Baxter family must pull together one last time in an act of service and love to help Katie and Dayne find what they’ve always been looking for--a chance at forever.

Book 11: SUNRISE - Sunrise is the first book in this new series continuing on with the lives of the Baxters from The Redemption Series as well as Dayne and Katy from the Firstborn Series. In preparation for their wedding day, Dayne Matthews and Katy Hart are determined to keep the ceremony a secret from the paparazzi. John Baxter is thrilled that his oldest son will settle down a few miles away, but he isn’t sure how any of his kids will handle a situation he can no longer run from—the feelings he’s having for his friend Elaine. Meanwhile, the Flanigan family is struggling with their young border, Cody Coleman, the star receiver on Jim Flanigan’s football team. Sunrise is a story about God’s unending faithfulness and the promise of new beginnings.

Book 12: SUMMER - Hollywood actor Dayne Matthews and Katy Hart are married and living in Bloomington, Ind., where Dayne has found a solution to his on-camera love scenes—he wants Katy to star in his next film. The Baxter family learns that Ashley and Kari are both pregnant, but an ultrasound reveals that something is wrong with one of the babies. As the summer progresses, the sisters pray for a miracle while trying to face the unthinkable.The Flanigans continue to draw closer to their only daughter, yet Bailey struggles to find her way amidst the turmoil of adolescence. She has always made good decisions, but she wants to experience more of life. Her friendship with Cody Coleman—the young border staying with the Flanigans—continues to blossom in this summer after his graduation.

Book 13: SOMEDAY - A DESPERATE SITUATION Pressures of celebrity lifestyle weigh heavily on Dayne and Katy Matthews as they take on separate movie projects. A HEARTBREAKING LOSSThe Flanigan family recognizes the deep loss of the Christian Kids Theater, and they lead an effort to keep it from demolition. A SEASON OF HOPEJohn Baxter takes the next step in his relationship with Elaine, giving him a season to contemplate selling the Baxter house—and losing a lifetime of memories. As the rest of the family considers the future, they must pull together like never before. Only their undying love for each other can help them overcome today’s trials for a life they know is possible…someday

Book 14: SUNSET - Sunset is about the power of family love, and the healing miracle of redemption. As John Baxter makes plans to marry Elaine, one of the Baxters enters into the most trying season of all. During a time of renewed love and hope for the future, the Baxters try to come together to establish the sacred ground of marriage and to chart a course for the future. Memories of times gone by meet with the changes of today in a story that proves only the support of faith and family can take a person into the sunset years of life.

ENJOY READING!!!

TWLIGHT SERIES

WOW!!!

I recently purchased all the Twlight books just to find out what all the hype was about. Everybody I knew was reading them or had read them and guess you could say I wanted in on it. What was drawing everybody to these books? What was so great about them? Well, only one way to find out and since I've not found my I enjoy reading at the stores here in England, I thought to myself "why not".

So one day, a month or so ago, I went to buy some material for some aprons and wondered into a book store, hoping, praying to find something worth reading. Most all the books were buy 1 get one 1 off. Then a Lady came up to me out of the blue and said, "you look like an avid reader, your sure to spend more than 10 pounds and I'm not going to so, so would you like my coupon?" I thought "sure why not." Even though at that point I wasn't sure I going to purchase anything. Yeah, I had 3 or 4 books in my hand, but I was still evaluating them and trying to decide if I should spend the money on them or not.

In the end I purchased all 4 of the Twlight books.

1. Twlight.
2. New Moon.
3. Eclipse.
4. Breaking Dawn.

I began reading Twlight on our way to Venice, nothing better to do on a plane anyway, right? We were in Venice for 3 days. In those 3 wonderful days I also finished reading Twlight. I was surprised at how into the book I got. I could barely put it down. It is the 2nd book out of the "Christian Fiction" genre that I've read in probably 3 years. I love reading Christian fiction, it draws me in, and it leaves me feeling good.

Twlight drew me in and left me hanging on the edge of my seat every time I sat it down. It wasn't a Christian book, but it also was not without "faith". Each of the characters believed in something and fought for it, which I loved! The language in the book was also safe enough that I am letting my daughter, who is 9 read it.

She's a very mature 9 year old and understands things a whole lot better than I'd really like...but that's what happens when your child loves to learn - she learns about everything she can get her hands on. I feel very comfortable with her reading these books. The last one may be a little "touchy" but I also know my daughter, I know she can handle it, and I know she'd shoot me if I only let her read book 1.

When we left Venice I had only a few chapters left of Twlight. Which I finished on the train to Rome with in a very short amount of time. And I was left wishing I'd brought "New Moon" with me. I was left hanging at the end, waiting, wanting to know and I could not wait to get home and read it.

My husband began reading Twlight as soon as I finished it. He finished it we left Italy. We were both very anxious to get our hands on "New Moon" and it was sitting at home waiting on us. We were stuck in the airport in Italy for 4 hours before our flight home, with NOTHING to read!

There was a book store and we both thought, well maybe...oh yeah they had it, in Italian! We can't read Italian. So we checked their forgien language area, they had book 1 and 3!!! It was driving us crazy! We got home at some crazy hour like 2 a.m. from Italy and the next day we took it easy. I waited til Friday, when David had to work and I began "New Moon" and finished it.

He is now reading "New Moon" and Ashlynn is reading "Twlight". I have finished all 4 books. Yesterday, I sat down and decided I'm just going to finish it - then I'll get back to doing productive things, like house cleaning, cooking, and what not.

So I read all day yesterday. "The End" came at 11:30 last night and I was left feeling satisfied and happy with the out come. I was not left disappointed in any manner of the book. I did not wish that any one thing would have happened differently. I did not enjoy "New Moon" as much, but I was going to see these books through and I was definitely not left disappointed.

I was left wanting to get inside the Author's head! She had me completely intoxicated by these books - mentally exhilarated! She kept and held my attention for all 4, not once did I waiver in my desire to read them. With "New Moon", I did get a little frustrated, but it all needs to be there, without New Moon the story would not be "whole". If you've read them, you know. If you've not read them...well you are seriously missing out.

I give the Twlight Series a 5 star rating and I recommend that everyone give them a try, you maybe just as shocked as I was to find how incapacitated I was by them. I've not heard very good reviews on the movie, but I do know they are coming out with a movie for "New Moon" - so maybe it will all improve. I'll wait I believe til the movies are all out before I watch them and make judgement. I don't want the movies to ruin the books, because the books are by far... amazing.

I look forward to reading other books by this author. I look forward to seeing just what else she is capable of writing and if she can grab and hold my attention again. I would love to see inside her head! She is a very and I do mean very talented author.