"The Postcards From Misty Harbor series" by Evangeline Kelley

A mother's dream becomes her children's goal in the Misty Harbor series. Her dream was to open a bed and breakfast by the shore they all loved. What awaits Caroline, Gracie, and Sam as they embark on their new adventure? Two books compose this series. "Seaside Harmony," and "Sunflower Summer," making for some wonderful summer reading.

"Seaside Harmony" finds the girls working together to open the Inn. Their mother has died, and Nantucket and the Misty Harbor Inn had been favorites of hers. It stands to reason they would go there to heal from the loss, but then they find the Inn is for sale and are convinced to buy it. To say it needs work is an understatement. This act of honoring their mother draws the sisters closer, and they find more love goes into the project than they expect. What do the postcards they find have to do with them? Who are they from?

"Sunflower Summer" is the second book in the series. With the Inn open, the sisters are ready for customers. Their first customers are newlyweds with a problem. Can they help them? Should they get involved? Each sister wants to do what is right, but will they all stay to work at the Inn? Sam finds a secret room. Does it have anything to do with Hannah Montague? Come on, spend a relaxing day with Caroline, Gracie, and Sam as they work through problems and grow closer to each other and God. 

Sisters have a special bond, and these three are no exception. Ms. Kelley creates scenes and characters that are lifelike and interesting. Watching the sisters gain more confidence in their relationships was one of my favorite things. Come solve the mystery of the postcards. If you are looking for a beach/vacation read, or simply enjoy stories that include you, these books are for you. I received my review copies from Litfuse Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Book Info

More about the books: The Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series (Guideposts Books) introduces readers to Caroline, Gracie and Sam as they gather for a vacation where they spent the summers as children, and follows their adventures as they fulfill their mother's dream of opening a bed and breakfast. As the sisters heal from their mother's passing, they bond in ways they never imagined and discover evidence of God's hand in the unlikeliest of circumstances. A team of four authors come together under the pen name of Evangeline Kelley to bring the unique personalities of each sister to vivid life and welcome audiences to the charming and historic island of Nantucket, complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air. Seaside Harmony: Three sisters, a charming inn, hints of mystery and romance, and a gorgeous seaside setting. Summer reading at its finest! When Caroline Marris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty Harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality? Hand-drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters uncover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880? As Caroline and her sisters work together to make their mom's dream a reality, they bond in ways they never expected. Sunflower Summer: Misty Harbor Inn officially opens, and Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, wrestles with an overwhelming decision. As the sisters learn the day-to-day workings of running an inn, Gracie counsels its first guests, newlyweds whose honeymoon seems to be ending before it begins. Meanwhile, Sam's discovery of a clue in a secret room sheds unflattering light on Hannah Montague, who vanished from the house more than one hundred years ago. And as Gracie and Caroline welcome guests to the inn, they are delighted to see how God uses it --- and them --- to deepen relationships and transform lives. Meet Evangeline Kelley:  Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Andrews & Barbara Hanson, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn. Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together. Find out more about Evangeline athttp://amzn.to/10d3FZM.

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Landing page:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/ekelley

"Domination: C.H.A.O.S. #3" by John Lewis, Morris Inch, and Jon S. Lewis

Book 3 of the C.H.A.O.S. series pits our teenage hero Colt McAlister against the Thule. The Thule are a brutal race that devours whatever planet they land upon. Will Colt be able to enlist the aid of those needed to help? Who is the "Betrayer"? How will the battle end?

Colt McAlister is a 16 year old cadet at the CHAOS Military Academy. He and the other cadets learn normal warfare techniques, but have been involved in "other" techniques in the past. No one expected the Thule, extremely dangerous beingings with six arms and very strong jaws who have come to destroy the earth. The one hope people cling to is a hero called the "Betrayer." The government begins injecting young people with Thule blood in order to create the one who would betray this formidable enemy. None has been successful until they try it on Colt. Colt fears the changes that begin to take place. Will Colt become the "Betrayer," or will he change into a Thule? Is there any way to save him? What about the others who were part of the experiment? Come on, open the book and find out what happens!

I have enjoyed each book in this series. It is wonderful to see young people with principle be heroes. While this is a YA novel, I think people of all ages will continue to enjoy the C.H.A.O.S. novels. It will make a wonderful gift for the YA in your life. I received my free review copy from Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.

"One Glorious Ambition" by Jane Kirkpatrick

Dorothea Dix was a historical reformer in the 19th century. She knew presidents and other influential lawmakers, but how much is known about her life? In her new book, Jane Kirkpatrick takes us on a journey to see what shaped and molded this influential woman of God.

Dorothea Dix didn't grow up in a happy home. Her father was abusive, her mother didn't care enough to be bothered, and Dorothea was left to raise her brothers. By fourteen, she needed more guidance in how to live properly so was sent to live with relatives. All she ever wanted to do was fulfill the purpose God had for her, whatever that was. She wanted to be someone, not just someone's wife. Dorothea began to teach and found it a calling, even starting her own school. Here was the life she thought God had for her, but illness pushed at her constantly. Then, one day she saw the conditions of the mentally ill. They were kept in prisons, places without freedom, cleanliness, love, or proper care. This ill treatment became Dorothea's mission - it was time for drastic change. Open the pages of this book and read about the woman who dedicated her life to create a better life for the mentally ill.

I really enjoyed learning about Dorothea Dix. While I knew a little about her from history classes, this book showed me so many other facets of her life. Ms. Kirkpatrick clearly has done the research and presents it in a compelling story that is still relevant today. If you love historical biographies, this is definitely for you. Book groups will have a great deal to discuss when choosing this book. I received my review copy from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.

"THE MOM WHO GIVES FREEDOM" BY CHRISTY FITZWATER

THE MOM WHO GIVES FREEDOM BY CHRISTY FITZWATER

My mom is a reserved, quiet homebody who has lived in the same house for forty years. She has no ambitious career goals or desire for adventure.

She gave birth to me, an outgoing adventure-lover who has lived to take risks and put myself out into the world, in ways my mother would never dream of doing herself.

Yet my mother has always given me the great gift of freedom. She has never cast onto me her own fears of limelight or reservations about risk but has only encouraged me to do the outrageous things I have attempted to do.

When I received an award in high school that required me to fly, for the first time and by myself, from Wyoming to Atlanta, Georgia (only having talked once by telephone to the person who would pick me up), she sent me off with enthusiasm. (But her heart must have trembled to allow me to get on that plane.)

When that award landed me a full scholarship to a school in Texas I had never heard of (the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor), she rejoiced with me and did not hesitate to allow me to accept the scholarship. She then drove away from me in Texas, leaving me at a school where I knew no one, and only years later told me that was the hardest thing she had ever done.

When I called from Texas, at the end of my freshman year, and excitedly announced I had gotten a job and would be staying in Texas for the summer, she said it was wonderful and gave her approval.

Mom never filled me with doubt about what I could do. She never cast guilt on me for going on adventures that took me far away from her. She never poured her anxiety on my head but spoke only happiness and cheerleader words for me.

But now that I’m a mom, I know.

I know my risk-taking journey has always cost her something. I know every wild ride I chose required her to choose—either to build me up or to press me down. My mom handed me the scissors and, with a smile, allowed me to cut the apron strings and go far beyond what was comfortable for her.

This last week my son got his driver’s license, and now it is my turn to choose. Worry or a hearty smile—which will I give to him?

Let us stand in ovation to the mothers who give their children the ability to live freely.

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Christy Fitzwater is a writer and pastor’s wife in Kalispell, Montana. She is also the mother of a daughter in college and a son in high school. She has an English degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Visit her athttp://www.christyfitzwater.com.

"HOW I LEARNED TO GIVE UP CONTROL" BY SUE EDWARDS

HOW I LEARNED TO GIVE UP CONTROL BY SUE EDWARDS

I’m one of those mothers who would like to control everything in my children’s lives. You may be too, all out of the best intentions. I tried frantically to do that for many years until God grabbed my attention and wrestled my control issues from my clenched fists. It happened this way.

My youngest daughter attended a large university where campus housing was at a premium. Her second year she was accepted into one of the nicest dorms on campus, but the rule was that you could either choose the room or the roommate of your choice but not both. Well, I had heard horror stories of what happened when you roomed with some girls–like men in the room, and I turned into mother bear. I was not going to allow my child to take pot luck in roommates, nor were we willing to give up that choice room.

I had heard that if your child had a learning disability they would ditch the rule. So I decided to make my case with the administrator who could fix this unfair situation. All week, I was on the phone long distance climbing my way up the ladder to the gentleman who could give my daughter the room and roommate she deserved.

And finally, I was on the phone with him. We talked for a few minutes, and then he asked me, “Does your daughter have a learning disability?” I answered rather indignantly, “Well, I prefer not to label people.” That did it. He bought it. I had done the impossible. I called my daughter, she turned cart wheels on the other end of the phone, and we rejoiced together.

Only the roommate she had chosen, the dear Christian girl from her church, did not turn out to be the roommate she expected. In fact, she did have men in the room, a lot. And she went home at Christmas under suspicious circumstances. All fall I had to endure calls from my daughter who was trying to figure out how to navigate this awkward situation. And it was my fault. Some of us are stubborn and God needs a two by four to get our attention, and break us of our control issues.This was that time for me, and for my daughter. Now, when we are tempted to take control instead of trusting God, we look at each other, remember, smile, and let go.

God knows what he is doing in your life, my life, and the lives of our children. And he loves our children more than we do, as impossible as that may sound. So trust him, follow him. Two by fours are rather painful. You won’t regret trusting your Sovereign Father who has your, and your children’s, best interest at heart.

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Dr. Sue Edwards has over thirty-five years experience as a Bible teacher, overseer of ministries to women, and author. Now, as a full-time professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, she equip men and women for future ministry all over the world. And women everywhere enjoy learning the Scriptures in face to face groups as well as an online community using her Bible studies, the Discover Together Series. To join the online Bible study community or to converse with Sue, go to Facebook.com/discovertogetherseries. She is currently working on a book with Barbara Neumann on mentoring millennials. Married for forty years, she and David are the parents of two married daughters and the grandparents of five.

"Mother of Pearl Mother's Day Bog Series" explained

Welcome to Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother’s Day blog series—a nine-day celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today’s best writers (Tricia Goyer, Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, Beth Vogt, Lesli Westfall, and more). I hope you’ll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother’s Day.

AND . . . do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful handcrafted pearl necklace and a JOYN India bag. Enter at the bottom of this post. The contest runs 5/4-5/13, and the winner will be announced on 5/14. Contest is only open to U.S. residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info, subscribe to our blog, and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl: Luminous Lessons and Iridescent Faith to help support Pearl Girls™.

 

And to all you MOMS out there, Happy Mother’s Day!

"An Unholy Communion" by Donna Fletcher Crow

A gathering on Ascension morning to sing praises sounds wonderful to Felicity; an absolutely wonderful way to start the day. As the songs and worship fill the air, something more sinister is happening above them. A body falls over the precipice and lands at Felicity's feet. Was this accident, suicide, or murder? In this third installment of her "Monastery Murder Series," Donna Fletcher Crow provides the clues and the answer.

Felicity is horrified to find a body at her feet. It is black robed and one hand is holding an emblem of a two headed snake. Then, Father Antony, her fiance, said that this was a former student. Sadness joined the horror of the death. But, while so many others were willing to call it a suicide, Felicity and Father Antony thought differently. Thus began their journey to discover what really happened. Who could possibly want to kill Hwyl Pendry? Where do they see the symbol again, and how do they react? Is this the work of a cult or a hate group? Come along and join the journey through Wales and British history and see if you can discover the answers.

This is an interesting book full of not only the story Ms. Crow has written, but also British history. It definitely adds more life and truth to the lines in the book. I found myself drawn to the characters and mystery, working to solve it as clues came along. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries with the special touch of historical fact. My free review copy came from Litfuse Publishing in exchange for participation in the blog tour.

Book Info

More about An Unholy Communion:  The newest offering in The Monastery Murders series, An Unholy Communion (Lion Fiction). Following the ancient tradition, ordinands from the College of the Transfiguration gather at first light on Ascension morning to sing their praises from the top of the college's tallest tower. Not one to miss any liturgy, Felicity finds herself swept up in worship as she listens to the timeless words. But her delight quickly turns to horror when a black-robed body hurtles over the precipice and lands at her feet. Her investigative instincts immediately kick in when she sees a double-headed snake emblem clutched in the lifeless hand. Was this suicide? Or murder? Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/keus1 Meet Donna:    Donna Fletcher Crow is author of more than thirty-five novels. She has twice won first place in the Historical Fiction category from the National Association of Press Women, and has also been a finalist for "Best Inspirational Novel" from the Romance Writers of America. She is a member of The Arts Centre Group, and Sisters in Crime. Find out more about Donna Fletcher at http://www.donnafletchercrow.com.

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Landing page:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/dcrow