Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY): The Beloved Hope Chest

 

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About the Book

Book: The Beloved Hope Chest  
Author: Amy Clipston  
Genre: Amish  
Release Date: May 9, 2017  

In the final installment of the Amish Heirloom series, the Fisher sisters learn the mystery behind their parents’ marriage—and about the sibling who has never been spoken of.

Mattie Fisher’s three daughters know that she’s been keeping a secret from them. With each item pulled from the beloved family hope chest, they’ve discovered a new clue about their mother’s past.

But there’s a reason Mattie has been keeping her history hidden, and she’s not sure she’s ready to reopen old wounds. Will dredging up the past change the way her children view her? Or her marriage to their father? And can she handle the pain of revisiting the memories that preceded the last few happy decades?

Mattie’s story is one of grief and learning to love again. But like the best things preserved in a hope chest, it’s a story of love and redemption born out of heartache—and it’s past time to share it.

My thoughts

Amy Clipston has chosen a tender, poignant way to conclude her Amish Heirloom series, brought full circle with Mattie and Leroy’s story in The Beloved Hope Chest. While this story can stand alone, the previous three books hint at a family secret and reading the entire series will provide a rich reading experience.

There’s so much that I loved about The Beloved Hope Chest. This is a story of family, so real that it didn’t always feel like fiction. It’s a story of loss and grief, easy to relate to because they are such a part of life. Instead of a courting couple, we journey with Mattie and Leroy as they marry for reasons of necessity, then try to figure out how to make that work. I became emotionally connected to Mattie and felt her grief over unimaginable loss, and I loved Leroy’s protective care and patience – especially the way he wooed Mattie by cooking and making things for her.

This story is a reminder that life goes on through and after the grieving process. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, it’s a story of renewal and hope. Faith threads run throughout, and I was touched by Leroy’s Christlike characteristics of protectiveness, patience and love.

The Beloved Hope Chest is a moving story and beautiful conclusion to the enjoyable Amish Heirloom series. Recommended to all who enjoy Amish fiction.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

About the Author

AMY CLIPSTON is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. She has sold more than 1 million books, and her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and three spoiled rotten cats.

Guest post from Amy Clipston

I am thrilled to share the The Beloved Hope Chest, which is the final installment of my Amish Home series.

In The Beloved Hope Chest, the Fisher sisters learn the mystery behind their parents’ marriage—and about the sibling who has never been spoken of. Mattie Fisher’s three daughters know that she’s been keeping a secret from them. With each item pulled from the beloved family hope chest, they’ve discovered a new clue about their mother’s past. But there’s a reason Mattie has been keeping her history hidden, and she’s not sure she’s ready to reopen old wounds. Will dredging up the past change the way her children view her? Or her marriage to their father? And can she handle the pain of revisiting the memories that preceded the last few happy decades? Mattie’s story is one of grief and learning to love again. But like the best things preserved in a hope chest, it’s a story of love and redemption born out of heartache—and it’s past time to share it.

This book is very close to my heart since it is the last in my Amish Heirloom series. I’ve grown to love the Fisher family, and writing Mattie and Leroy’s story was bittersweet. This is a very emotional story, and I poured my heart and soul into it. I hope you enjoy this book since it reveals all of the mysteries that have been placed throughout the series.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Amy is giving away a copy of An Amish Home and an handpicked Amish goodie chosen by Amy to two winners! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

Review: Getting Jesus Wrong

Getting Jesus Wrong
By Matt Johnson
New Growth Press, 2017


Summary

Jesus is not a life coach, a movement leader, a cultural visionary, or a blessing dispenser-but you might not know that by listening to many Christians talk about their faith.

Feel-good slogans promote a caricatured Jesus made in our own image who cannot save us and leave us feeling guilty for not saving ourselves. Following the wrong Jesus disappoints us and produces anxiety, pride, and despair.

The first half of Getting Jesus Wrong recounts pastor and author Matt Johnson's personal encounters with a string of false saviors-false saviors that many, especially young adults, will recognize. Johnson's humor and transparency in recounting his own painful experiences will appeal to those who have tried a "brand" of Christianity and found it lacking.

The truth is, we all want something from Jesus. Some are just hoping for a little help to get through life-a new direction, a purpose that will get us up in the morning, an exercise plan, a way to get organized. But that approach to Jesus doesn't result in real faith or love.

Whether we've followed a false Jesus or attempted to coopt the real Jesus, Getting Jesus Wrong ultimately offers us hope because it helps us see Jesus as he is. Getting Jesus Wrong shows that the message of the Bible is about Jesus coming to us as we are-which is good news for exhausted and disillusioned disciples. It shows us that getting Jesus right means a whole new way of thinking (the way up is down) and a whole new way of life (daily dependence on the one who knows the beginning from the end). Getting Jesus right gives us more than spiritual vitamins or a blueprint for living; it gives us a full, rich life spent exploring the depths of gospel love together.

Learn more and purchase a copy.


My thoughts

I’m glad I chose to review Getting Jesus Wrong because it is a well written, solid, and thought provoking book. It’s easy to read, and Johnson expresses himself with honesty and clarity. And best of all, it’s a book for everyone – from seeker to those who grew up in the church.

“I was using God for his gifts

rather than loving him as The Giver.”

I was intrigued by the title and found myself more than a little convicted over the early chapters where he describes several false views of Jesus (“false gods”): the Life Coach Jesus, Checklist Jesus, Movement Leader Jesus, Visionary Jesus. Ever since biblical times, people have had false impressions of the type of Messiah they expected Jesus to be.

I love how Johnson writes with openness and subtle humor, drawing from personal experience. I’ve often seen these four images of Jesus played out in people around me, one particular example being that of switching churches. I wonder how many people, if honest, could relate to Johnson’s confession that his “impulses for switching were always to go after something new and relevant, something more cutting edge.” Part two deals with the antidote to these various false gods, all of which I enjoyed. Johnson did a good job of explaining the Law and showing the connection between it and the gospel.

In drawing from personal experience, I felt that his negative experiences in megachurch settings colored his conclusions. I also expected Getting Jesus Wrong to focus more on personal relationship with Jesus than on churches. But while I might not agree with all that was written, this is a thought provoking and encouraging book, well worth the read.

Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/MJohnson

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Matt Johnson is a husband, father to two little girls, and is an armchair student of theology living in Seattle. He is also a freelance writer and editor. Until recently, Matt spent 7 years as an associate volunteer pastor in counseling and recovery ministry.

Find out more about Matt at https://www.therealmattjohnson.com.

Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY): Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes
By Jen Turano
Apart from the Crowd #1
Bethany House, 2017


Summary

After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, Miss Permilia Griswold has finally figured out a way to pass the time at all the New York high-society events she attends. Under the pseudonym "Miss Quill," she is the author of society gossip columns filled with tidbits only an insider in society--albeit one on the fringes--would know.

When she overhears a threat against Mr. Asher Rutherford, the owner of one of the most up-and-coming department stores in the city, she's determined to warn him. But the irritatingly handsome man doesn't believe her, leaving her no choice but to take matters into her own hands. What she doesn't anticipate is that she'll end up putting herself at risk in the process--or that she and Mr. Rutherford, a man with secrets of his own, just might end up joining forces after all.


My thoughts

Behind the Scenes is pure delight! As an entertaining read, high marks. In its sense of time and place, high marks. For adorable, quirky characters, high marks again. And for laugh-out-loud dialogue and situations? Highest marks of all.

Witty dialogue and quirky characters remind me so much of Georgette Heyer’s style. The engaging prose flows seamlessly; no Christian fiction author that I’ve read does this style as well as Turano.

1883, New York City

The opening scene of the Vanderbilt costume ball with 1200 guests takes up almost one-third of the book and it’s a delightful romp. I wasn’t sure about all this when I first met the “wallflowers” - Permilia Griswold, Gertrude Cadwalader, and Temperance Flowerfew, but they quickly grew on me. Asher and Permilia have great chemistry and I loved the way their relationship steadily grows – as well as elements of Cinderella that are cleverly woven in. A strong ensemble cast adds depth – a couple of my favorites being Gertrude’s employer, Mrs. Davenport, and Asher’s friend, Harrison.

There’s much more to this story, however, as Turano subtly brings in culturally relevant themes such as the questioning of social mores, the role of women, the worth of people from all walks of life, education, and helping those less fortunate. It’s always great to be reminded that, as in life, opportunities come from the most unexpected places – and people also.

Behind the Scenes has an element of mystery and some surprises along the way. The ending is delightful. This promises to be an entertaining series and I look forward to the story of Gertrude and Harrison, Out of the Ordinary, which releases in November 2017.

Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and Bethany House. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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Jen Turano, author of eight books and two novellas, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.

Website

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card and the four books:  After a Fashion, In Good Company, Playing the Part, Behind the Scenes!! Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Click on the link below to enter.

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4664b04910/

Review: A Fragile Hope

A Fragile Hope
By Cynthia Ruchti
Abingdon Press, 2017


Summary

Hope grows when seeds are planted-even in the muddy middle of life.

Josiah Chamberlain's life's work revolves around repairing other people's marriages. When his own is threatened by his wife's unexplained distance, and then threatened further when she's unexpectedly plunged into an unending fog, Josiah finds his expertise, quick wit and clever quips are no match for a relationship that is clearly broken.

Feeling betrayed, confused, and ill-equipped for a crisis this crippling, he reexamines everything he knows about the fragility of hope and the strength of his faith and love. Love seems to have failed him. Will what's left of his faith fail him, too? Or will it be the one thing that holds him together and sears through the impenetrable wall that separates them?

Learn more and purchase a copy.


My thoughts

A Fragile Hope … compelling, relevant, gripping, provocative, challenging, heartwrenching … but above all, filled with hope. This story spoke to me on many levels.

Josiah isn’t all that likeable in the beginning, and I wasn’t sure that he would ever be. He’s a self-absorbed man who expects his wife to be there when he needs her – until she isn’t. He’s the marriage counselor who doesn’t know where to turn when his own marriage is slipping away. A frustrating misunderstanding drives the story, and a hospital is the main setting. Much of the story is told from Josiah’s point of view because of Karin’s condition, yet I was surprised at how well I got to know Karin through the clever revealing of her thoughts.

I loved how, in the midst of all the drama, a thread of humor is ever present. And I particularly cared about two supporting characters – Josiah’s father-in-law and a fellow waiting room mom who became his mentor.

On one level, this is a highly entertaining story that grabbed me from the very first page and never let go – but that would just be the surface. When it comes to storytelling and writing style, Cynthia Ruchti is in a class all her own. Without a doubt, her writing ministers; it’s a balm to the soul. A Fragile Hope touches the heart and is capable of bringing comfort and healing. Spiritual elements aren’t overpowering, but you will see Jesus within its pages. Through Josiah’s journey, we see a reflection of what love looks like – a human love that ever-so-slowly comes to reflect the agape love modeled for us by Jesus.

A Fragile Hope is the type of book to read with a highlighter in hand. With its focus on sacrifice, forgiveness and unconditional love in the midst of circumstances where they make no sense and should be humanly impossible, this story challenged me. I give A Fragile Hope the highest of recommendations and place it on my “best of the best” list.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/cruchti

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Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope through her novels, novellas, nonfiction books, articles and devotionals, drawing from 33 years of on-air radio ministry. Ruchti has written more than 20 award-winning novels, novellas, nonfiction books and devotionals. Her books have received numerous awards and nominations, including the RT Reviewers' Choice, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year nominations, two Selah Awards, Christian Retailing's BEST, was an ACFW Carol Award finalist and a Christy finalist, among other honors. Her latest release is the novel A Fragile Hope.

One of Ruchti's greatest joys is helping other writers grow in their craft. To that end, she has served as worship and devotions staff and faculty for the Write-to-Publish conference and teaches at other writers' conferences across the country and internationally as opportunities arise. She also serves as the professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers.

Ruchti speaks frequently for women's groups and serves on her church's worship team. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.

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Mother's Day Interview (+ GIVEAWAY) with Amy Clipston

A Mother’s Day Interview with Amy Clipston


I am proud to celebrate Mother’s Day with Amish fiction author, Amy Clipston, by hosting her in a special mother-themed interview and contest packed with some wonderful goodies. Please enjoy the interview, get to know Amy as a loving mom and daughter, and then enter the contest at the end.

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Q:  Amy, please share a special "proud mom" moment that you had with each of your boys. I'm thinking of the Scripture that "Mary kept all these things in her heart" and thought there might be something that even they don't know about.

        This year each of my boys has moved me to tears because of their loving and giving hearts. I’m not going to use any names in order to protect their privacy.
        One of my sons stood up to a bully by defending another boy who was being harassed. When the bully called the victim horrible names, my son walked up to the bully and gave him a piece of his mind. The bully was stunned silent and left the victim alone. I can’t express how proud I am that my child didn’t stand by and allow a bully to hurt another child.
        My other son was a blessing to his friend when he needed help. His friend was depressed shared while they were talking online that he was thinking about hurting himself. My son texted the other boy’s mother and told her he was worried about him. When this issue came up again when my son was with his friend, he listened to his friend talk and even cried with him while offering him comfort. I had tears in my eyes when my son shared this with me.
        I’m really proud of my sons for helping others in their time of need. I believe my sons will continue to be a blessing to others.

Q:  Can you share one of your parenting goof ups?

        Oh, there are so many, but some I would never put on display in a blog! Ha ha! 
        The one I will share happened the weekend before Zac started Kindergarten. Joe and I took him to the beach at the Outer Banks, and we spent the day on Oregon Inlet. It was overcast, and I stupidly didn’t think we needed sunblock. I didn’t know until later that Zac burned terribly on his shoulders, and he went to school the following day in pain. To make matters worse, he developed blisters. I cried! It was terrible. I felt so horrible for allowing him to get hurt that way. (Please don’t send me hate mail. I learned my lesson!)


Q:  Please share a special memory of your mother.

        My favorite memory as a child is going to the movies with my mother every Saturday. We would go to see a matinee, and we had the best time! My love of movies truly comes from my parents.
        This might sound corny, but my mom and I make special memories every day. She lives with my family and me, and she’s my best friend. We watch movies and television shows together, and we share books. While I’m working on a book, she sits in the same room and reads in order to keep my company. She helps me plot out my stories and she reads my books for typos. I can’t imagine not having her in my life. I’m so thankful God blessed me with the best mom!


Q:  What "proud mom" moment would your Nana share about you?

        My nana passed away when I was a junior in high school, and I wish she could have met my sons. (I also wish she could read my books!) I believe my nana would be proud to see my sons are good, thoughtful, funny young men. I think she’d also be proud of me for raising my sons in the church and working hard to teach them how to be respectful members of our society.


Q:  As a mother, what is your prayer for your boys?

        My prayer is that they stay healthy and they find a profession they love. I also pray that if they chose to marry, they find someone who is nice and who will treat them with love and respect. I tell them repeatedly that love should never make them feel bad about themselves. I pray with all of my heart that they will be happy.

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GIVEAWAY

Amy has put together an incredible prize package, so be sure to enter below. This isn’t required, but I’d love for you to share a personal mom or daughter thought inspired by Amy’s interview in the comment section. Also, please help spread the word by clicking on this link and sharing my Facebook post.

Contest ends on May 31, 2017. US mailing addresses only.

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Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY: Cat Got Your Cash

Cat Got Your Cash
By Julie Chase
Kitty Couture #2
Crooked Lane Books, 2017


Summary

Lacy Marie Crocker’s whimsical pet couture has gained a following in New Orleans’s cozy Garden District, and word of mouth has traveled all the way to her favorite fashion designer, Annie Lane. Lacy’s thrilled when Annie schedules a private session at her home to discuss a companion line for her evening wear, but when Lacy arrives for the appointment, she enters the kitchen to two mewling Siamese cats–and one very dead Annie.

Lacy takes the kittens home to care for them until they can be properly claimed by Annie’s family or friends, but after a busy day of work, she returns home to find them missing. And when Lacy learns the cats are set to inherit Annie’s fortune, she begins to wonder if the killer was after the kittens all along. Now Lacy will stop at nothing to save the Siamese and find justice for Annie–if the killer doesn’t sink his claws into her first.

Luckily, Lacy has the help of handsome NOLA PD homicide detective Jack Oliver to help her catch the cat-napper before it’s too late in Cat Got Your Cash, the endearing second Kitty Couture mystery from Julie Chase.


My thoughts

I adore Julie Chase’s Kitty Couture series and it has quickly become one of my favorites. Lacy, as well as the other characters and pets in her world, have good depth and the New Orleans setting sparkles. Lacy’s cat, Penelope, is so funny! The idea of a pet boutique and organic bakery is a totally foreign concept to me, but I love Lacy’s Furry Godmother shop (and I suspect my kitties would also).

Cat Got Your Cash is an appropriate title, with the victim’s cats supposedly inheriting their owner’s fortune. This is a perfect cozy, with a good blend of crazy mystery plotting and romance. Lacy has two romantic interests, a plot vehicle I’m not particularly fond of, especially since I’m very much on “Team Jack”! Hopefully this will be resolved soon.

This story stands alone, but I recommend reading the stories in order for the best understanding. Cat Got Your Cash is a fun mystery with a nice twist at the end. I look forward to the next adventure in this series.

Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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Julie Chase is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three spunky children.

Julie is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC). She is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyons Literary Agency.

Julie also writes as Julie Anne Lindsey. Learn more about Julie at …

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Purchase Links:
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