Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

by Melanie Dobson     Mystery Howard Books   When Heather Toulson returns to her parents' cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a sixty-year-old murder. Libby, a free spirit who can't be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver's death. Sixty years later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family's cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She's mourning her father's passing but can't let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family's belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family's history. Award-winning author Melanie Dobson seamlessly weaves the past and present together, fluidly unraveling the decades-old mystery and reveals how the characters are connected in shocking ways. Set in a charming world of thatched cottages, lush gardens, and lovely summer evenings, this romantic and historical mystery brings to light the secrets and heartaches that have divided a family for generations.  Meet the Author Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of 14 historical romance, suspense and contemporary novels. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010. Dobson received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. She worked in publicity and journalism for more than 15 years, including two years as a publicist for The Family Channel. Prior to launching her own public relations company in 1999, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family. Dobson and her husband, Jon, enjoy living in the Pacific Northwest with their two daughters. When she isn't writing or playing with her family, Dobson enjoys exploring ghost towns, line dancing and reading historical fiction. Find Melanie online: website, Facebook, Twitter My review: As an avid reader of Melanie's books, to say I was enthusiastic about reading her latest novel is an understatement.  Melanie has a gift of weaving the depth of characters in the pages of her books and giving the reader the ability to feel their emotions on all levels and forming a connection.  As one that was born in Great Britain,  I appreciated the setting being in England and all the facts contained about my homeland. This novel alternates chapters between the present and past, however, we soon learn that the characters are related and how life choices and secrets have impacted the present.  This is a beautiful story of mystery, love, forgiveness and grace.  When the story ended my favorite character was Walter Doyle.  The character of Walter runs deep and shows the meaning of true love.  A must read that you will enjoy from cover to cover. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Very Insightful

Book info

About the book: Who's the New Kid? (Tyndale, May 2015) Who's the New Kid? shows readers how Heidi helped her daughter lose weight without the aid of fad diets, medication, or surgery and how other parents can do the same with their kids. At nine years old, Breanna Bond weighed a whopping 186 pounds. Just walking up the stairs to her room was a challenge. Her legs chafed to the point of bleeding from rubbing against each other, and her school days were filled with taunts of "Hey, Fatty!" Breanna's mom, Heidi, was devastated and wondered, How can I get my daughter healthy again? In just over a year, Heidi's plan worked! Breanna dropped 40 percent of her body weight and was transformed from a morbidly obese child who spent her days in front of the TV eating chips and chocolate to a vibrant, healthy, energetic little girl. Filled with helpful diagnostic tools, easy-to-make recipes, eye-opening nutritional information, fun exercise ideas, and practical tips and advice, Who's the New Kid? will not only show parents how to help their kids lose weight naturally but also introduce them to simple, yet effective lifestyle changes that will benefit the entire family. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1R01IuI About the author: Heidi Bond has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, and The Biggest Loser. A sought after speaker, she has helped thousands of parents who are struggling with overweight, underactive children. Heidi lives in Clovis, California with her husband, Dan, and their children, Breanna and Nathan. Find Heidi and Breanna online: website, Twitter, Facebook My Review: As a mother of two children, this book gave great insight  to the struggles in our society to fight for our families to achieve and maintain a healthy outlook and weight.  We live in a generation of technology with a plethora of television channels, gaming devices and phones along with what is termed convenience foods.  As items have become available to give us more hours in our day it seems that we are leading a much more sedentary lifestyle with less physical activity and consuming convenience foods laden with unhealthy sugars, fats and empty calories.  Heidi, who is the mother and author of this book  shares her journey and commitment she made to help her daughter, Breanna, not only lose the excess weight she was carrying, but secure that she continues on a healthy path. A few examples in the book were eye opening as Heidi spoke about the availability of sugar in so many social situations for our youth.  This is so true.  Heidi took steps to secure Breanna ate healthy and did not fold under peer pressure to attend events where Breanna would have been offered only unhealthy options.  I highly recommend this book as you learn ways Heidi and her family made a complete change and committed to daily walks, eating healthy and have found that the discipline has truly resulted in a lease on life.  The book not reveals their struggles and success, but lays out a plan to implement.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Inn at Ocean's Edge by Colleen Coble

The Inn at Ocean's Edge

by Colleen Coble     Romance/Suspense Thomas NelsonLitfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson are teaming up with Colleen Coble to get the word out about book one, The Inn at Ocean's Edge, in her newest series Sunset Cove. A vacation to Sunset Cove was her way of celebrating and thanking her parents. After all, Claire Dellamore's childhood was like a fairytale. But with the help of Luke Elwell, Claire discovers that fairytale was really an elaborate lie . . . The minute she steps inside the grand Inn at Ocean's Edge, Claire Dellamare knows something terrible happened there. She feels it in her bones. Her ensuing panic attack causes a scene, upsetting her parents. Claire attempts to quiet her nerves with a walk on the beach, to no avail. She's at too great a distance to make out details, but she believes she witnesses a murder on a nearby cliff. When local police find no evidence of foul play, they quickly write off the "nervous" woman's testimony as less than credible. But Luke Elwell, home on leave from the Coast Guard, has reason to believe Claire. Years ago when his mother went missing, Luke's father suspected she'd been murdered. He died never having convinced the police to investigate. So when an employee of the grand hotel doesn't show up for work, Luke steps in to help Claire track down the missing woman. As Claire and Luke put together the pieces of a decades-old mystery, they discover that some family secrets refuse to stay buried. And some passions are worth killing for.  My Review: Can you fathom arriving at a location to surprise your parents only to get the feeling that you have been there previously? Claire, a very successful and attractive young lady arrives at an island in Maine and immediately feels a chill.  It does not take long for Claire to learn that she had been at the same location at the age of four and had been missing for a full year.  Her parents had never shared this information with her and so begins the suspenseful novel of who is Claire and why did her parents not disclose this to her? There is betrayal, death, love and suspense and all changes in who Claire truly is.  Colleen has penned another amazing book and all readers will eagerly await the next book in the Sunset Cove Novels series.

Meet the Author

USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Her romantic suspense novels including Tidewater Inn, Rosemary Cottage, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com Twitter: @colleencoble Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

New from Max Lucado 'Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe'

In Max Lucado's new fiction release, Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe, he asks, If you could ask God anything, what would you ask—and how would he answer? When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.

Join Max in celebrating the release of his new fiction book by entering his iPad giveaway!





One grand prize winner will receive


• An iPad Mini


• A copy of Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on the Litfuse blog


{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}


My review:




From the onset, I was drawn to the storyline of this newest offering by Max Lucado.  I devoured the book and felt like I was walking through the experiences with Chelsea. The story was very fresh as it delved in to a family separation with a lovely lady and her son moving back home to start fresh with the objective of taking over a café that had been in the family.  We learn to love specific characters for all their strengths and weaknesses, whether they are family, employees of the café, or members of the community. I found myself relating to Chelsea's sister and her brother-in-law, along with seeing God's divine hand in each decision and step along the way.  I shred tears during portions  of the book as a result of the internet connection to God and the angels among the people.  This book may be a fast read, but the story and the trust contained within will stay long after the final page. I loved the ending and what transpires. The words conveyed of Chelsea's journey thus far and the hope of what was to come as a result of protection, love and reconciliation and God's angels was touching and relevant.




This book was so incredible that I immediately started telling others of the impact and wonder contained therein.  A must read!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Hardest Peace

About the book: 

A young mother battling cancer invites readers to embrace grace in every season of life.

Kara Tippetts knows the mundane but rich days of mothering four kids, the joy of watching her children grow.and the devastating reality of stage-four cancer.

In The Hardest Peace, she invites readers to see the grace of the everyday in all seasons of life and to live well even when the living is hard. As the thousands of readers of her blog know, Tippetts explores the hardest questions of life with rare beauty and honesty. Most of all, she draws them back to the God who is present, in the ordinary and the suffering, and shapes every life into the best story of all.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/Cgo5s

About the Author: 

Kara Tippetts and her husband, Jason, have four children and lead a church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cancer is only part of Kara's story. Her real fight is to truly live while facing a crushing reality. 

Find Kara online: website, Facebook, Twitter


My Review:


This is a beautiful true story about Kara's life.  She is honest, transparent and real.  I think this book would be an encouragement to any reader.  I was delayed on penning my review as words did not come to me on how to express how the depth and authenticity of Kara's words moved me.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt

James Russell Lingerfelt's debut novel, The Mason Jar, is hot-off-the-press and causing quite the buzz. It's even been optioned for a feature film and is in pre-production.

Catch the spark by entering James' Kindle Fire giveaway!

 
One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. Winner will be announced October 20th at James Russell's blog, Love Story from the Male Perspective.

My Review: This book reads like a true story and I found myself going back to the inside cover on more than one occasion to secure it was a work of fiction. This is a well written book about two students who fall in love and their relationship ends abruptly. They come together after Clayton pens a book about his relationship with the female (Eden) and she reads the book. We are privy to what happens during their ten years apart which adds a great deal to the story. I was anticipating that the mason jar would have a more central part of the novel based on the title, however, it is a lovely part of the relationship that Clayton shared with his grandfather. A beautiful book that I highly recommend. I look forward to reading the next book written by James.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A very enjoyable book

The Reluctant Detective

A Faith Morgan Mystery

By Martha Ockley

About the book: 
Former cop Faith Morgan may have quit the world of crime, but crime has not let her go. Now a priest in the Church of England, she is assigned to the improbably named village of Little Worthy, and within an hour of her arrival she witnesses the sudden, shocking death of a fellow priest. To her distress, the detective assigned to the case is Ben, her former partner and former boyfriend.

As she meets her parishioners she learns some surprising details about her apparently well-loved predecessor, and starts to suspect a motive for his death. The cop may have donned a clerical collar, but the questions keep coming. How will she reconcile her present calling with her past instincts? Is she in danger herself? What should she do about Ben?
My Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to many more adventures in the life of Faith Morgan and residents of Little Worthy. The book read like a fabulous PBS series and would make a wonderful television series.  I found the characters very likeable, easy to relate to and loved how the personalities and background on their life experiences were revealed.  The book really showed true struggles and community dynamics. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."