Love Again

Meet Pastor Titus T. Smith. He has suffered a great loss by losing his wife Pearl. As he rebuilds his life and ministry, can he find Love Again?

This is a dramatic story of a second chance love for an Alpha Pastor. Will he be able to Love Again without chaos breaking out in his family and ministry? Book 1 of 2 in the Endless Love Series

Amazon Five Star Review - This is a story of true Christian Love. The type of love story that we all dream about. Pastor Smith really loved his family and would do whatever he needed to do in order to protect them. He loved, suffered a loss, and through his faith, found love again. Of course, along the way, there were obstacles. The devil stays busy. 

A few words about Love Again from author Genevieve D. Woods:

After you are done reading Love Again, I want you to feel inspired. I want your faith to have increased and you to realize that no matter what adversity you have faced, the Lord has a plan for you and it's to give you hope and a future.

Genevieve D. Woods was born in the South and considers herself a true Southern girl. She is an avid reader of all genres and has a great love of music, which, if you pay close attention, you’ll see come through in her writing.

Genevieve is the bestselling author of the Greatest Love Series with the fifth book due out in late-January 2017. All I’ll Ever Ask, After Church, Dawn and Autumn, and Just Be Held consistently hold steady in the top 50 books in African American Christian Fiction on Amazon.com with Just Be Held debuting at #2. With the release of the fifth book, Genevieve’s Greatest Love Series will reach its conclusion; however, she will be following some of your (and her) favorite characters as they move forward in their lives.

In September 2016, Genevieve released the first of several mini-series that have become a part of her free web series posted on her website and GDWOODSBOOKS Club via Facebook. These stories have been such a hit that she’s collected the first set of mini-stories, It Won’t Prosper: A Parable on Infidelity in Marriage, into a novella, available as an e-book and in print, which was edited from its original web posts and includes bonus material not available anywhere else. GDWOODSBOOKS Club is Genevieve’s growing book club that meets monthly, virtually on Facebook and in person. The goal of Genevieve’s book club is to give back to the community and support other authors. To learn more about GDWOODSBOOKS go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/gdwoodsbooks/.

In regards to her characters, Genevieve writes flawed characters that do not always start out on the right path—they fall down, they curse, they have physical and verbal altercations, they do not deny their flesh. But through the suffering of their Heavenly Father, they find redemption and happiness (in most cases). Genevieve doesn’t always agree with her character’s actions, but she allows them to follow their paths.

Genevieve lives in Memphis, TN with her husband, three children, and a Shi-Tzu that thinks he’s one of the kids. She attributes her success in writing to Christ first, but also the unwavering support of her husband. She describes him as “a solid rock, my muse, the second lover of my soul, and the only lover of my body. I adore him.”

Final Ultimatum

For the second time in Olanma Obinze-Rice’s life love hasn’t been good to her. Five years ago, a repossessed car and the looming threat of eviction, left Olanma Obinze-Rice in dire need of cash. Then out of the blue, she landed an interview of a lifetime that would solve all her problems. But she had to go through former bad boy and heir of Rice Holdings, Abayomi Rice. One ultimatum, a whirlwind romance and a life scare later, Olanma and Abayomi were married.

Now all Olanma wants is to be free. Free from her rocky marriage, manipulative husband and overbearing father. If everything goes according to plan, she’ll be divorced and free from her father’s clutches by her thirtieth birthday. All she has to do is wrap up one last business deal. Once he gets divorce papers, Abayomi Rice knows his wife has called his bluff. He didn’t mean to manipulate her but her broken promises and inability to stand up to her father tore them apart.

Despite their present state, the finality of a divorce is not an option. He wants his wife back. With his sister’s wedding coming up, he sets his plan in motion and issues one final ultimatum- pretend to be a happy couple one last time. Their farce leads to unexpected healing of their hearts, but then life throws another wrench in the plan. An ultimatum brought them together will this final one tear them apart?

A few words about The Final Ultimatum from author Unoma Nwankwor:

I would like you to be entertained, learn new things about Africa, culture, people, food, language but most of all I want you to take a step back and reflect on the true meaning of love and marriage as it is meant to be from a Biblical perspective.

Unoma Nwankwor is a romantic at heart. Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents. She spent her childhood and early adulthood years in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. She is the COO of KevStel Group LLC, a faith based entertainment company aimed at providing uplifting and life changing entertainment through its movies and books.

Unoma holds a B.Sc in Finance and Banking from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria and a MBA in Global Management from the University of Phoenix. She has worked in banks and Fortune 500 companies. Her career is in numbers but her passion and calling is in writing and publishing.

Unoma is a multi-published author of seven fiction novels. She is the recipient of the Nigerian Writers’ Award 2015 Best Faith Based Fiction Writer. At the end of 2016, she was short listed for the Diaspora Writer of the Year for 2017. She was also recently named as one of the “100 Most Influential Nigerian Writers Under 40” Her first non fiction book, In The Dark, will release in April 2017.

Unoma has numerous published flash fiction and short stories. Her work has appeared in Africa Book Club, USA Today HEA blog, Romance In Color and the Kenyan Ezine ;Wamathai. Her readers are in love with her unique way of telling stories that capture the essence of her present home base; Atlanta Georgia and her Nigerian culture. Her stories which center on forgiveness, faith and hope have been described as a fusion of faith, romance and African spice. Unoma resides in Atlanta Georgia with her husband and two kids. Connect with her www.unomanwankwor.com

His Love in Return

He shuffled in reverse. "If I had this to do over again, if I knew what succulence occupied my bed, I would not have wed. I wanted a companion. You painted yourself plain and dull, able to care for the house, tend to my things. I wanted ... not decadence, ribbons, and bows, not cake coated in frosted perfection, not a feast for my senses, a light in my eyes, but instead a colorless, flavorless existence."

Dovie's heart squeezed in her chest.

"You are everything I thought to avoid," he said. With that, he revolved on his heel and left.

---------

Augustus Boulanger advertised for a bride of plain countenance, able to cook and clean. But though he wanted companionship and an ease to his loneliness, he had no plans to become a true husband or father. The sin in his past, which tears at him day and night, is too great to overcome.

Dovie Monroe is not her real name, but by taking the place of the woman who passed on the ferry, she can have a better life than what her parents planned. Augustus is young and healthy and pleasing to the eye. She'll start a new life with him.

Yet her lie combined with his horrible secret could prove too strong for their fragile marriage and their memories too much to set aside. Unless they place their trust in the undeserved forgiveness of a loving, gracious God.

A few words about His Love in Return from author Josephine McCutcheon: 

God's forgiveness includes the worst things we've done. Though Augustus had committed a grave sin and though Dovie was living a lie, He could make of their imperfections, something beautiful. God's redemption through Christ is all-inclusive and complete, with joy and peace in believing.

Josephine McCutcheon is a pen name for a line of historical romance short stories and novellas. Connect with her http://josephineauthor.blogspot.com/

Temptation

This Christian Novella is a story of love, faith, and consequences of giving in to temptation.

Natalia Philips is a manipulative, self-entitled paralegal, who will stop at nothing to win the affections of the new lawyer, Bryan Hunter. Natalia is accustomed to the finer things in life, and she has every intention of remaining married to her husband, Terrance for financial support. But her heart belongs to Bryan.

Bryan re-dedicates his life to Christ, and sets his sights on a more conservative lady, Ashlee Allen. After he breaks it off with Natalia, he realizes her issues are deeper than he thought. In addition, they share a secret that could destroy any chance he had with Ashlee. 

Will Natalia's conniving ways, and the secret she and Bryan share, threaten the future he desires with Ashlee?

Ashlee has faced many struggles in her twenty years. Pregnant at seventeen, and two children by twenty, she was forced to make it on her own, without the help of her family. After being let down by her father and the father of her children, Ashlee is determined not to let it happen again.

Will Ashlee's past trials and her own insecurities keep her from finding true love?

A few words about TEMPTATION from Cassie Edwards Whitlow:

It is my desire that your faith is increased and you will trust that your journey, no matter how rough will lead to your destiny.

Cassie Edwards Whitlow is the author of two novellas, Temptation and One Wish. She creates relatable characters who grapple with issues she herself has a passion for: women’s mental, intellectual, and physical health issues. Cassie A native of Arkansas, wife of an Air Force Sergeant, and mom of two, Cassie currently resides in a small village in England. To learn more, visit Cassie at www.cassieewhitlow.com

Countless Blessings

"Countless Blessings" begins on December 18, 2014, the day Princess Rose Taylor, daughter of Johnnie Mae (Taylor) Landris and the stepdaughter of Pastor George Landris, turns sixteen years old. There are big plans scheduled for this sweet sixteen celebration.

So how can one of the best days of her life so quickly turn into one of the worst days of sixteen-year-old Princess Rose's life? 

Family is and always have been important. Still, Johnnie Mae Landris finds that during a time when the family should be most pulling together, there's fighting, yet again, between siblings that just shouldn't be. With Pastor Landris by her side, the two of them work hard to help all affected. Will God be able to heal wounded hearts; even those who find it difficult to count their blessings in the midst of heartbreak?

A few words about COUNTLESS BLESSINGS from Vanessa Davis Griggs:

I want you to feel like you know these people and that God has great things in store for your life when you finish reading this book and any other book I've written.

Vanessa Davis Griggs, author & speaker, is the recipient of numerous recognitions including: 2010 Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition presented by Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.; 1st Quarter 2009, Practicing What You Preach was named one of EDC's "On the Shoulders of Giants" Faith-based Books Best Book Award; June 2007 recipient of the Arts and Letters Award from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Birmingham Alumnae Chapter; the March 2006 recipient of The Greater Birmingham Millennium Section National Council of Negro Women Inspiration Award, 2004-2005 Jasper Outstanding Achievement Award.

Vanessa resides in Irondale (home of the Whistle Stop Café and Fried Green Tomatoes), a community just outside of Birmingham, Alabama.

Vanessa is the author of 18 novels: Destiny Unlimited, The Rose of Jericho, Promises Beyond Jordan, Wings of Grace. Blessed Trinity, Strongholds, If Memory Serves, Practicing What You Preach (the #1 Bestselling Christian fiction for June 2009 BCCN1/BCBC Bestseller's List, Goodness and Mercy, The Truth Is the Light, Ray of Hope, Redeeming Waters (the #1 Bestselling Christian fiction with BCNN1 for August 2011), Forever Soul Ties.(the #1 Bestselling Christian fiction with BCNN1 for February 2012 and nominated for Romantic Times 2012 Best Multicultural Fiction, The Other Side of Goodness, The Other Side of Dare. and The Other Side of Divine an RT Book Reviews 4.5 Star Top Pick and nominated for Romantic Times 2013 Best Multicultural Fiction. Steely Gray and Countless Blessings are now available.

Having said all of this, the most important thing Vanessa wants you to know is that she is a child of the Most High King.

Vanessa's growing closer to God for Lent 2017 by exercising her faith and praying while doing actual exercises (walking and jogging.)

Connect with this powerhouse author and check out all of her books on her website and chat with her on her Facebook page. 

Love a Little

Serial dater, Cree Jordan, has lovephobia, but she's going to have to get over it soon because she's on an 8-hr flight to Paris stuck sitting between the only two men she's ever loved. A flight cancellation leaves them stranded in the "City of Love" for 24 hours. Will she be able to get over her past to let herself love again?

A few words about LOVE a LITTLE from author RHONDA MCKNIGHT:

I believe you will take away the message that God has for you, but from the writer perspective, I wanted to drill down the message that God’s grace is for all of us. We can be so hard on ourselves. We tend to judge some sin as worse than others, and while there are some sins that are harder on our souls, our God is forgiving and loving. If we can forgive ourselves, there’s nothing we can’t recover from. Cree has to learn this. I pray you know this as well.

Rhonda McKnight is the author of several award-winning novels and Black Expressions Top 20 bestsellers, including An Inconvenient Friend, What Kind of Fool and Breaking All The Rules. She is the winner of the 2015 Emma Award for Inspirational Romance of the Year. She was also a 2010 nominee for the African-American Literary Award. Rhonda writes edgy stories that touch the heart of women. The themes of faith, forgiveness and hope mark her stories.

Rhonda has done free-lance work as a developmental editor and writing coach for the past seven years. She’s also the founder of the Write It Right Online Fiction Writer’s Workshop. Originally from a small, coastal town in New Jersey, she’s called Atlanta, Georgia home for nineteen years. She can be reached at her website at www.RhondaMcKnight.net and at www.BlackChristianReads.com

Eats with Sinners ReShare

Vertical Reach = 5

I loved the transparency and break down of the importance of a vibrant relationship with Christ as a foundation and basis for evangelism. The author lays out why and how it is important to have a thriving love of God's word, prayer life and posture of worship as part of a body of believers commissioned to "go ye and make disciples"

Ministry Message = 5

The ministry message is to invest time and share something as simple, effective and nonsexually intimate as a meal with people as a way of "friendship evangelism." Instead of tracks and an invitation to church, be the "church" and spend time with those seeking to know the God you glorify with your life each day at work, school and other recreational settings. 

Craft = 5

Chambers offers an easy conversational "manual/workbook" that delivers what it sets out to do in helping the everyday disciple of Christ build relationships with those around them. The exercises are simple and  effective. Stories and examples are entertaining and understandable. A great overall book about going beyond knocking doors and handing out pamphlets. 

Aesthetics = 4

The cover is vibrant and it matches the tone of the book but does contain just a bit too much white space. Other than that it is inviting, simple and effective matching its contents. 

Dollar$ & Sense = 4.75

This book in my personal opinion should be read by EVERY believer who is ready to begin sharing the gospel with those around them or who has lost their passion for sharing Christ with those around them. It impressed and impacted me so much I shared it with my pastor. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  

Originally Published 2011

Finding Home

Nook             Kindle

What happens when you're so desperate for things to go your way, that anything goes? Jessica Wilson Arnold is a superstar professional speaker whose husband and friends fret about the strain of her ambitions, while she hungers for more. When a medical crisis and some poor decisions bring her fast-track success to a screeching halt, Jessica is forced to admit that her life isn’t as perfectly packaged as advertised. Her quest to restore her health and prioritize what matters most leads her to a crossroad. Will she revive her faith and learn to love herself and others more deeply, or cling to a path that threatens disaster? Jessica’s desperate choices and gripping fear will take readers on a literary ride that’s both shocking and familiar, mostly leaving them rooting for her to win big – with family, faith and finding her way.

A few words from FINDING HOME author Stacy Hawkins Adams:

When you reach the end of Finding Home, I hope you'll have a greater compassion for those living with any kind of chronic illness. I also hope you'll believe that whatever curve balls life throws us, we can overcome, and even thrive, when we trust God to see us through, rather than trying to fix things with our limited, human understanding.

As both a novelist and nonfiction writer, Stacy Hawkins Adams uses the written word to inspire readers to recognize their relevance, use it for good and enjoy the journey. She has penned 10 nationally published books, including fiction that fosters personal growth, illuminates journeys of faith and empowers women. Stacy also writes a parenting column for the daily newspaper in Richmond, Va. and curates LifeUntapped.com, a blog through which she celebrates the power of women's stories and their unique journeys.

Visit her website today to connect online.

Lead Me Home

Shiloh Griffin has no identity outside of her roles as pastor’s wife and mom. Some days that is enough. But not always. Particularly when she is partnered with the always confident, always gracious Jade Smith on a church ministry project. Rather than shying away from God in her nervousness, Shiloh clings to Him, seeking every day to redeem herself. When an opportunity arises for her to teach music at a local high school, she thinks maybe it’s just the thing to give her more significance.

Then Shiloh begins mentoring Monica, a fifteen-year-old student. When Monica learns she is pregnant, Shiloh must confront her own darkest secret in the desperate decision facing the teen. If she turns away, this teen’s life―and her soul―could be in jeopardy. If she decides to stand up and help, she knows she’s the one who risks losing everything.

Stacy Hawkins Adams’s second book in the Winds of Change series finds Shiloh at a life-changing crossroads: keep her halo intact, or lose her honor to save the girl’s.

"Elegantly emotional and intriguing, the story reaches deep to gently touch the soul." ―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Coming Home Winds of Change Book 1

If forgiving your ex-husband was easy, everybody would do it. Brent had cheated on Dayna and coldly said goodbye to her seven long years ago—dashing her hopes of having children or growing old with the love of her life. Working hard to make herself successful as a hospital executive, Dayna has moved on, finding comfort in a new dating relationship with a faith-filled colleague, Warren. But when Brent resurfaces on her doorstep at just the wrong time, Dayna’s heart threatens to come unglued. Why is Brent asking for forgiveness now? And why are he and his new wife, Tamara, interested in reconciliation with Dayna? The unbelievable answers in Coming Home begin to surface as Brent boldly asks Dayna to support him at the most crucial time of his life. While Tamara’s heart brims with guilt, both women will discover what it means to reach beyond pain and baggage to love unconditionally, leaving the consequences to God.

Available on Kindle and Nook 

One Wish

An orphan at three years old, a low chance of ever carrying a child, and in her second marriage, Iman is afraid she will die alone. Everything that has ever gone wrong in her life, happened during the Christmas season. Needless to say, Iman isn’t thrilled about celebrating Christmas. Finally married to the man of her dreams, Micah Carrington, a successful oncologist who’d do anything to make her happy. But even he can't give her the one gift she most desires. Determined not to put too much trust in Micah’s promises, she ignores his plea for her to trust in God’s plan. Instead, she takes matters into her own hands. Will Iman’s trust issues and need for control jeopardize her dream of having her own child with the man of her dreams?

A few words from One Wish author Cassie Edwards Whitlow:

Cassie Edwards Whitlow is the author of two novellas, Temptation and One Wish. She creates relatable characters who grapple with issues she herself has a passion for: women’s mental, intellectual, and physical health issues. Cassie A native of Arkansas, wife of an Air Force Sergeant, and mom of two, Cassie currently resides in a small village in England. To learn more, visit Cassie at www.cassieewhitlow.com

End of Genesis

It's 2003. America's at war, and nineteen year old Amanda Preston has just lost her husband, the father of her infant son, to an IED explosion in Iraq. With no money, no job, and no family she can depend on, her near future looks bleak as she is forced to move out of military housing.

In walks Damian Brinkley. An older and well-traveled man, he invites Amanda to a tent revival his ministry is leading. She's introduced to both God and prayer, and a relationship between the two immediately follows. Is he the solution to all of her problems, or is her already shattered heart about to be broken into even more pieces?

A few words from the author of End of Genesis author LaShanda Michelle:

I want you to feel shocked and alarmed. I want your heart to be filled with compassion, but I also want you to think. Think about your current religious organization. Think about what you're really doing. Are you helping others or hurting them? Are you following God or following man? Are you receiving Christ or something else? What happens when you don't agree? What do you do when someone in your group is hurting? Is God getting glory in any of it?

LaShanda Michelle is a best-selling novelist, a playwright, and an inspirational speaker. She has published several novels and short stories. All of her work has received favorable literary reviews. Before launching her writing career, LaShanda spent her younger years in Huntsville, Texas, where she was born and raised. After high school she studied journalism at Sam Houston State University before enlisting in the United States Air Force. She currently lives in Virginia Beach, VA with her husband, Vincent, and is working on her eighth novel.

Connect with LaShanda Michelle on her website.

Under the Overpass #FF40 Reshare

Vertical Reach = 5

Mike Yankoski is very transparent in the way he reaches out to and relies on God to help him as he delves into the part of society many people ignore or choose to ignore. He prays, worship and studies for guidance and direction throughout the book.

Ministry Message = 4
What would your faith look like if you were homeless? How does your faith help those who are homeless if you are not? This book opens the eyes of the more sheltered into the truth of millions of American's daily reality.

Craft = 4
With an amazing amount of grace and finesse Mike Yankoski paints pictures of horrible conditions without using disgusting or shock based tactics to guilt readers into seeing the "invisible". Description is crisp and the narrative is engaging. Very well done.

Aesthetics = 3
It's gritty, raw and appealing to those interested in something gritty and raw. I'd like to see a cover more refined to draw the sect of Christians who wouldn't see Mike and Sam on their journey.

Dollar$ & $ense = 4
I think everyone who professes Christ would do well to read this book because we can all do better in the area of loving the poor.

Just saying. When you feed one of these you have fed me, when you have clothed one of these you have clothed me. Remember that guy...

The Sacred Scarred

"Beauty can indeed come from ashes."

Calysta Daniels met Brendan Keefe at a time when she was embracing the true meaning of beauty and he was becoming the embodiment of a beast. Several years later, their paths crossed once again, and she agreed to a strange request to save her father from imprisonment: to live under the beast’s roof for four years. 

It didn't take long for him to realize that there was something about her that a part of him hated - something sacred threatening to expose all his scars. Scarred as they both were, she was holding on to a secret that kept her sacred, while he was holding on to a past that kept him scarred. Thus, the battle of wills raged within the beauty and the beast over what price had to be paid to make a person truly beautiful.

A few words from THE SACRED SCARRED author JOANNA ALONZO:

There's so much brokenness in this world and it's easy to get discouraged, but amidst all of it, if anything, I pray this book will help you remember that there's hope. I pray you feel hope, knowing that in the midst of brokenness, God can create beauty. I pray you remember that even the deepest scars can turn into a sacred story that creates hope and beauty in the brokenness of others.

Joanna Alonzo is a walking paradox. She is a beautiful, albeit messy, mixture of thought and emotion, expressed in the form of hopefully readable – and relatable – stories. She is a kingdom kid, who looks forward to being a writer and storyteller even when she reaches heaven. She is passionate about the unreached, about those who have yet to know the Love she found in the arms of the Almighty. She is intrigued by the world and its people, who day by day, continue to convince her that God is the greatest Storyteller of all.

JOANNA has been spending extra special time growing closer to God for Lent 2017. Connect with her on her website and her FACEBOOK page to learn more. 

Descended

Kindle

Loria Daniels has found the man of her dreams. Literally. When they’re together in that misty world, she’s sure he’s too good to be true, but what does she do when he steps out of her dreams into her everyday world? Is he a demon? A magician? Things like this just don’t happen in real life. 

Ulrick Helmore needs to find the mysterious woman that calls to him from her dreams. Night after night is spent with her in ethereal passion, but she refuses to tell him her name or where she may be found in the waking hours. 

His search for her leads him to unanticipated discoveries, including multiple murders and sexual slavery, three men who share his unique DNA, and learning firsthand what disloyalty looks like.

Hard choices must be made ~ choices that could have devastating consequences for everyone.

A few words from DESCENDED author Dana Pratola.

I'm hoping you'll come away with the realization that we're all on this earth for a purpose. Finding that purpose is often not easy, and it's important to remember that our destiny can't be determined by someone else's opinions of us.

God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and three dynamic children, all of whom are destined to make wide, colorful splashes in this world. We share our New Jersey home with three dogs. I have no hobbies to speak of, unless you include writing. I don't. "It's not your mother's Christian Fiction."

Connect with Dana on her website to find out more about her and her books.

Jesus in the Present Tense 40 Faithful Days reShare

Vertical Reach = 4
 The emphasis is on the role of living with God in the here and now. There is a good amount of discourse about the importance of recognizing and embracing Christ in the present day as opposed to relating to him as someone from the past.

Ministry Message = 3
The intended message is to encourage the reader to look to God and a relationship with Christ as a viable relationship with life applicable rewards in modern times. When the author is not gently rebuking the trend of popular Christian pastors and other public figures or giving reason why he is qualified to make the insights he is offering it is an enjoyable read.

Craft = 4
Wiersbe writes well. His tone is direct and authoritative about the subject matter. His style is informative with a mix of subjective opinion.

Aesthetics = 3
The cover is bold and pretty and I would pick it up just to see how the fireball related to the actual content. I think I get it but I'm not fully sure so that is why I gave it a 3.

Dollar$ & $ense = 3.5
Warren Wiersbe offers a persuasive argument for why we can and should look to have an active and life applicable relationship with the true and living God and accept Christ's promises for our lives today. 

Love is a Flame 40 Faithful Days reShare

Vertical Reach = 2
The stories show how one spouse in a relationship draws on having, starting or rekindling a relationship with God. Beyond scripture reference there is not alot of detailed examples of relating to God.

Ministry Message = 4
Love is a flame that can burn up any and everything that tries to stand in its way. It requires maintenance to continue to grow. When tended to properly it can warm your home.

Craft = 3
The editor who picked the stories selected well thought out effective and inspiring stories many couples will be able to relate to and learn from.

Aethetics = 4
I love purple and pink. So if trying to attract women who like to read, love purple and pink...mission accomplished. Beautiful cover. The contrast of the colors caught my eye if I saw it in a store I would pause. If I saw it on a site or blog I'd click on it.

Dollar$ & $ense = 3.25
Readers who learn better from the examples and lives of others than from direct instruction this book is perfect. For those who like devotionals, and don't want to hear about others lives...you may not enjoy this as much as something more structured or formal.

Amy Inspired 40 Faithful Days reShare

Vertical Reach = 3
Amy believes in God and expresses the importance of his existence in her life but does nothing more to reveal how she relates to him beyond attendance at a local church.

Ministry Message =3
There is not a true defined ministry message in the book. There are great philosophical questions about chasing dreams and following ones heart but the romance is bigger than any concrete spiritual takeaway.

Craft = 4
Though a bit wordy and rooted in a style reminiscent of the classic literary romances Pierce has a solid grasp on the ability to tell a story. Her dialogue is smooth and fluid, her description crisp, vivid and picturesque. Her characters are fleshed out well enough to picture them in the world she creates in this story.

Aesthetic = 2
So I get the leaves but I don't get them and well honestly the cover puts me in the mind of historical fiction instead of a post graduate romance with Christian elements. More than romantic it comes across as wistful and very autumn themed.

Dollar$ & $ense = 3
Readers who love an old fashioned love story sprinkled with modern trappings and academia will enjoy this read. I'm not sure how well it would fare for more contemporary readers...it waxes almost a bit too romantic.

Broken Like Glass

Home is not always where the heart is.

Lillian Louis James built herself a good life, but when a quick weekend visit with her daddy turns violent she finds herself on the wrong side of the law. Stuck in the small town she would rather forget, Lillian is forced to attend therapy and try to figure out where it all went wrong. Her high school crush showing up on the scene doesn’t help either as unresolved feelings bubble to the surface. Will Lillian let Jesus heal her broken past before her chance at love is gone?

A few words about BROKEN LIKE GLASS from E.J. McCay:

I hope you identify with Lilian, and desire a better relationship with Christ. 

Connect with E. J. on her Facebook page. 

Blondeva's Boys

Kindle         Nook       Paperback

In the fictitious small town of Nona, Alabama, Blondeva Turner is known for three things: her bluntness, her baking, and her boys. Alongside her husband, she raised four sons, but her baby has always been her heart.

Unlike his successful siblings, Isaac failed in college, failed in marriage, and failed to answer God’s call on his life. Twenty-five years ago, he moved from Nona to escape the constant reminders of his many mistakes, including the one that sent the woman he loved into the arms of another man.

Isaac left home with no intent to return, but Blondeva’s prayers (and ploys) have lured him back to the hometown of his heartbreak. He’s come to renovate his parents’ home, but Isaac is the one who’s in for a total makeover—heart, mind, and soul. But before the victory, comes the fight. And the devil messed with the wrong one when he chose one of Blondeva’s Boys.

A few words from Blondeva's Boys author Kendra Norman.

Everyone who takes this story to heart will gain a greater understanding of the power of forgiveness; not just forgiving others, but forgiving themselves. "Blondeva's Boys" is a family drama, and it covers everything from racism to guilt and shame to family secrets and love lost and love found. Most of the underlying issues that the key family in this book is dealing with have lingered unnecessarily for years because of the lack of forgiveness and the lack of communication. Those who read this story should walk away with a better understanding of how important it is for family members to talk--not just to God--when they have problems, but also to talk to each other. Ignoring an infection in our family ties don't make them go away; instead it allows it to spread and do more damage. And running away from problems is no solution either, which is a huge lesson between the pages of "Blondeva's Boys."

Kendra Norman Holmes (writing as Kendra Norman) is the 8-time national bestselling author of 20 Christian fiction novels and 2 nonfiction/ministry books. She is the founder of Royalty Publications, the visionary of P.O.W.E.R. (Prayer-Oriented Wives Exemplifying Royalty), the creator and host of Royal Pen Network radio show, and the pastor (alongside her husband, Michael) of Deliverance Revival Church. Kendra and her husband are currently working on a faith-based relationship devotional that is slated for release October 2017.

Connect with Kendra Norman on her website and be sure to catch her weekly radio show on Wednesdays 7PM on Joynet Radio.