"The Mapmaker's War" by Ronlyn Domingue

Aoife loves maps and is offered an apprenticeship to become a mapmaker. Why is that important? Women weren't mapmakers and this position was to map the entire kingdom. What will Aoife find as she embarks on her journey?

Aoife is excited to leave on her travels around the kingdom. The task of mapping the entire kingdom would be daunting to some, but she is excited! Her travels take her beyond the borders of her kingdom where she meets a peaceful, wealthy people. They also hold secrets, and shared one with her. They said they held a treasure connected to creation. While Aoife enjoys the time she spends with them, she knows she has to return and finish her map. But, upon arriving home, Aoife tells her people about the wealth and secret of her new friends. What will Aoife do when she finds that her people are going to war with her new friends? Will she become an outcast by warning them, or will she sit idly by and let them be killed? Will she find that her map of the kingdom was not the only map she has been drawing? Come join Aoife on her journey and share in her discoveries.

I really enjoyed this book and will recommend it to others. It is a book that could make you think about your own life and choices. The writing is rich and full and the story inviting. I recommend it to readers of all types, and think book clubs will have a good time discussing this story. I received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

"John's Gospel: The Way it Happened" by Lee Harmon

In this wonderful new book by Lee Harmon, readers are able to look at the Gospel of John through different eyes. Some is fictionalized to fill in some information relating to the historical times, but it is written in keeping with John's message. What will John have to say to you?

As the story opens, John is an old man who is dictating his story to Matthew, a discouraged man who needs to hear this story. As John tells the facts, he sometimes meanders away into memories, but always returns to what he is meant to write. The stories of Jesus and his relationship with people come through loud and clear. John wants his message to be clear. Will the telling/writing help Matthew with his discouragement? 

This is a really interesting book. So many times I read things in our Bible and wonder what it was like for the writer. What did he see, feel, etc.? This book, while containing some fiction, opens the world of John to its readers. I think Mr. Harmon did a good job, and while you many not agree with everything he says, you will find interesting information that will open the book of John more fully. I received my free review copy from PR by the Book in exchange for an honest review.

"Firefly Island" by Lisa Wingate

Would you leave Capitol Hill for a home in the unknown? That's what Mallory does when she falls in love Daniel; life as she knows it changes drastically. He has chosen to leave his good job at the USDA to work for an unknown, wealthy rancher named Jack West. Will the changes they encounter be good or bad?

Mallory and Daniel fell in love at first sight, and Mallory chose to marry him even knowing that Texas would be her new home. Once married, she was also an instant step mother. Moving, marriage, and a child would be enough to put stress on anyone, but when Mallory and Daniel see the house (with all its pests), they know there is much to do. Then, there is Daniel's boss to contend with, and Mallory begins to question her choice. Life seemed so much simpler before the wedding. What could she do about it now? Will she and Daniel make it? 

This is a captivating story told by the talented Lisa Wingate. The characters and story line pull readers in and keep their attention to the end. I wanted Mallory and Daniel to make it, but didn't know how that would happen. You may find yourself in the same spot. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a really well written and inviting story. I received my review copy from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review.

Book Info

About Firefly Island:    Sometimes love takes you on an adventure completely off the map. Mallory Hale's life quickly veers off course when she falls hopelessly in love. After a whirlwind romance, Mallory finds herself leaving the bustle and action of Capitol Hill for the remote town of Moses Lake, Texas-with husband, stepson, and a U-Haul in tow. A sweet, mishap-filled journey into marriage, motherhood, and ranch living ensues, and Mallory is filled with both the wonderment of love and the insecurities of change. But what she can't shake is the unease she feels around her husband's new boss, Jack West. Jack's presence-and his mysterious past-set her on edge, and when hints of a scandal emerge, Mallory finds herself seeking answers . . . and comes to realize that the middle-of-nowhere home she wasn't sure she wanted is the very place she'll risk everything to save.  Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/hVNrv          Meet Lisa:      Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, includingTending Roses, Talk of the Town, Blue Moon Bay, andLarkspur Cove, which won the 2011 Carol Award for Women's Fiction. Lisa and her family live in central Texas.    Visit www.lisawingate.com    ***To save the photos above to use on your blog, please right click on the photo and "save as."

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

"A Matter of Trust" by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

Mia is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after the death of her husband. With two children to raise, and reentering the work force, the last thing she needs is murder. But, that is just the beginning.....

Mia's return to the prosecutor's office brought back the friendship she had with Colleen, but now she is investigating her friend's murder. Could it be tied to another murder from the same office? Mia investigates with Detective Charlie Carlson, all the while trying to keep her personal life in order. Is there more wrong with her children than time can fix? She tries to focus on each part of her life, but when things point to her being a target, Mia has to figure out how to protect her family. Will Mia trust Charlie to help her? How will she deal with her children and the mounting bills? Most of all, will she solve the murders? In typical style, Lis Wiehl and April Henry brings this story to life with rich real life detail.

I love reading Lis Wiehl's books because not only is she talented, but her knowledge comes through clearly. The characters and plot are realistic, and the story engaging. If you like crime novels, I highly recommend her books. 

"Truth Stained Lies" by Terri Blackstock

Murder, blogging, threats, and family come together in this new crime novel by Terri Blackstock. Will you be able to solve the crime before the end of the book?


Cathy Cramer is a blogger who loves to write about local crimes, especially homicides. As a former lawyer, she has contacts that aid in her investigation and help her blogs be as truth filled as possible. But, as with many other investigative reporters, Cathy begins to get threats. While she doesn't really worry about them at first, the situation changes when her brother is accused of murdering his ex-wife. Cathy enlists the help of her two sisters, Juliet and Holly, to try to find the truth in all the accusations. Could their brother really be as guilty as the news says? Why is he targeted, and who is the killer's next victim? Jump into this story to find the reason behind the title, "Truth Stained Lies."

I love crime novels that keep me in suspense and are realistic. This one is both! If you love crime novels or suspense filled books, this is for you. Terri Blackstock tells her stories very well, and I look forward to reading more of her work. I received my review copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Science and God" by Scott Perry

According to many, God and Science can't possibly work together. "They" say that these two are diametrically opposed to each other. But, in this small book written for teens, Scott Perry shows how they work together.

Teenagers, as well as many adults, struggle with things they are taught in school, home, and church. It is hard, sometimes, to know how to answer someone who wants to talk about evolution or other scientific topics if you don't know what you believe. The "Little Black Books" series gives those aged 14 - 40 food for thought; answers to the tough questions. Mr. Perry approaches each topic thoughtfully and with his age group in mind. Is evolution a theory as many think, or is it something more? Can you have an answer or participate in a logical discussion about scientific ideas that relate to God? This book may help you do just that.

This book was interesting. I think it will help those in his target age group to be prepared for conversations around them. Does it answer everything? No, but it encourages thoughtful research. I encourage teenagers to pick up this, and the other books in the series. The size is not overwhelming, and the information is well presented.

"A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year" by Diane Stortz

Reading and understanding the Bible is an achievable goal for everyone. In her new book, Diane Stortz gives wonderful tips and tools for "a life-changing journey into the heart of God.

Reading the Bible doesn't take a lot of time each day, but to get to the meat of the message, some thoughtful study is needed. This book is broken into 52 weekly lessons around topics like: "Chosen by God," and "Back to Egypt," with Bible passages to read, a thought to meditate on, and some "Checkpoints."  At the end of the book are timelines, resources, references, and a through the year guide to reading the Bible. Following her plan, you can read through the Bible and gain knowledge and power from that reading.

This book looks at reading the Bible in a year through a new lens for me. The weekly chapters give so much to think about and meditate on. It hits topics differently from daily devotionals and "Through the Bible in a Year" programs. They all work, so I encourage you to find the one that works best for you. Take your personal Bible reading and study to that next level. I received my free review copy from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.