4 Inspirational, Moving stars
346417
I don't read a lot of non-fictional, real life stories, but when I read the blurb to Before I Forget, I was taken with Christines story as dementia is a disease that took the life of my grandmother.  I know, its not exactly the same, but I saw my grandmother struggle and I always thought it was a disease for older people.  How wrong was I?

This was a moving, inspirational real life story of a young womans struggle with younger-onset dementia.
Through her story, Christine taught me that you can accomplish anything if you believe in yourself and your worth.  That hard work is what life is all about.  Never give up.
1587464
Reading an Emily March novel is like finally coming home after a long absence, returning to people and places that have carved out a place in my heart and will always be a part of me. This time we get Caitlin Timberlake's story, a character we've seen grow from a teenager to a self-assured, competent woman who will always be Ali and Mac's little girl, much to Caitlin's frustration. After living in New York she returns home to Eternity Springs to open a much needed daycare. She longs for a family of her own one day in the not too distant future, and shes set her sights on Josh, much to her father's frustration.

Josh Tarkington has left his home and tragic past in Oklahoma and made his new home in Eternity Springs where his foster brother resides. Hes doing his best to put his difficult childhood and unfortunate genetics behind him, but the wounds linger and the damage is deep, overshadowing every aspect of his life, especially romantic relationships. Theres no one more in need of the healing and redemption that Celeste Blessing and Eternity Springs can bring about, if he'll only open himself to it. But that also means opening his heart to Caitlin, and he swore he would never love or be responsible for another person ever again.

I was fortunate to read an early copy of this book but of course I purchased it because its Emily March. Shes an author who is an absolute must read for me, and I get her new releases as soon as I can get my hands on them. Her books are everything that is wonderful about a small-town romance, and more. Each character is so carefully crafted, full of complexity and so realistic I feel as if Im living along side them. The setting of Eternity Springs is so detailed, vivid and colorful, I feel like a part of the town. The storyline is always heartfelt, compelling, and emotional, with touching truths and wisdom and the perfect amount of humor sprinkled throughout.  If you haven't read Emily March, you're really missing out, because nobody does small-town romance better! Eternity Springs is a magical place where miracles happen and hearts heal, and youll experience the peace and contentment it brings when you visit.

*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
3930612
The Running Dream is very inspirational, and I love books that make me feel, think and moves my heart.
Jessica is a great narrator- she has a concise voice, and I like how the emotion comes out in this book. It is fictional, but it all feels real. From the details, the emotions, the responses of friends and family, down to financial matters.
I love the message that comes through both Jessica and Rose- do not see the disability- see the person. I love that even though Jessica has her own physical problems, she must overcome her prejudices and notions with Rose.
This is a great story and I recommend it
3890768
Rush is a beautiful, unique, moving, heart-warming story that you won't be able to set down. I was a little worried it was going to be angsty especially after telling a friend the book I was reading. Luckily she was wrong and got it confused with another book.  Rush did have the potential for being a sad story with both characters having experience an acute loss, but it was actually funny in some places. At least I thought so and I know my humor and be a bit weird.

Rush is about Noah Lake who was an extreme athlete who was blinded after a horrific cliff diving accident. Noah turned his love of adrenaline into a career that complemented both journalism with extreme sports taking him to all corners of the world, until an accident left him without his sight, his dreams gone, and nothing left to live for. Many told Noah he was lucky to be alive, but after extensive therapy to learn everything that he once knew how to do, he was left with no hope of ever being able to see again, angry, and bitter.  After leaving rehab, he moved into his parents townhome in New York City and pushed all of his friends and family away.  That was until Charlotte Conroy, entered his life as a live in assistant.

Charlotte was a prodigy violinist who in her senior year at Julliard gets a call that would forever change her life.  After her brother, Chris, died, Charlotte lost her music.  Working two jobs and barely being able to pay rent in an apartment where she never had a moment alone, couldn't sleep because of all the parties that went on every night, and sharing a bathroom with four other people, Charlotte needed a change and she was willing to take a chance at a new job and put up with her new angry employer.

Noah didn't make it easy for Charlotte, but it didn't take him long to slowly start to be drawn to her. Charlotte was always polite, but it was the beautiful music she made when she practiced each day that compelled Noah to come out of his shell. She was one of the few who wouldnt back down from him even though she was considerate and innocent with no filter.

Most of the book was from Charlottes point of view, but it was the chapters that were from Noahs point of view that I loved.  The author wrote his point of view perfectly and gave us great insight into his world and dreams.  They were the ones that affected me the most.

Charlotte was easy to love. Even though she was experiencing her own heartache over her brothers death and a losing her boyfriend she continued to be strong and it was easy for her to understand why Noah was the angry man that he was. Charlotte didn't feel any pity for him, she only wanted to help him learn to live his life again.  I loved that she wanted to make him smile and how easily she accepted and actually loved things about his blindness that I think would many others uneasy. It endeared me to her all the more.

Noah had me laughing from the beginning of his meeting with Charlotte and his rudeness, but my heart wanted to lurch from my chest learning all the things that he wanted and knew hed never see again.  Underneath his rudeness and the a$$hole persona was a very sweet, fun loving guy.
I absolutely loved this book. The angst was very short and I wouldnt even call it angst. We know it cant always be all sunshine and rainbows in the story. The characters were mature and didn't fall into the standard annoying flaws that we find in most books.  I loved how the problems that they had were quickly rectified and talked about.  The ending was truly beautiful and made the book all the more heart-warming.  I was left happy and teary eyed.

This is the first book that Ive read by Emma Scott, but after reading Rush I look forwarding to reading her other works.  I loved watching Noah and Charlotte heal each other, bring each other back to life, and fall in love.

Rush is in the City Lights series. All books in the series can be read as standalones.
4962089
I really loved this inspirational romance novel.  It's beautifully written, with an interesting plot, and the characters are wonderfully developed.  The heroine, Ediva, does have a couple of TSTL moments where I wanted to strangle her, but overall the book made for very pleasant reading.

Ediva and Adrien are ordered to be married by the Norman invader, Duke William, now the new King of England.  Ediva, newly widowed when her husband was killed in the war against the Normans, wants nothing to do with any man, especially not some Norman stranger.  But, having no choice, she capitulates to the King's order.  Ediva and Adrien literally meet moments before they are ordered before the priest and married.  The two then travel back to Ediva's--now Adrien's--holding, where the story progresses.

Ediva has pretty much abandoned her faith.  After enduring five years of marriage to a cruel monster and suffering unspeakable physical brutality at his hands, she feels that God has abandoned her.  It doesn't help that her spiritual advisor has told her over and over again that she pretty much deserves everything she has been forced to endure.  On the other hand, Adrien is deeply religious and is very disturbed by Ediva's apparent lack of faith.

As the story progresses, Adrien's attraction to Ediva grows and eventually blossoms into love.  As for Ediva, she finds herself coming to care for the quiet, gentle man, who is nothing like her previous husband.  Adrien's first attempts at wooing Ediva are a bit clumsy, as he is unused to women and had never previously thought to be married.  Indeed, up until then Adrien's life has been that of a soldier and he pretty much lives to serve his king on the battlefield.  Ediva cannot imagine caring for a man, who will happily leave her at the drop of a hat, for war.

The story that unfolds is very sweet.  Adrien is extremely gentle and patient with Ediva...even going so far as to promise her that he will not insist on his marital rights until she is ready.  There is some excitement added to the plot by way of a conspiracy to kill Adrien.  The Christian aspect is prevalent throughout the story, without being preachy, as Ediva struggles with her faith, and Adrien tries to find a way to help her back to God.  I really enjoyed this story and would highly recommend it as a worthwhile read to anyone who enjoys this genre of books.  FYI, as you might expect with Inspirational romance novels, but is not always the case, this is a super clean romance.  Happy reading!
4448825
Although a work of fiction and a story of love and romance, this book is highly inspirational on overcoming trauma, and should be read as a primer not just for the victims of atrocities, but for their physical and mental-health professionals as well.  The advice given and the process of her recovery is presented in a believable and applicable manner, and could be utilized for a variety of traumas besides the rape and PTSD suffered by the character in this story. The book is well written, modern, topical, and realistic, I could feel their tension, confusion, and indecision; as well as their hope and relief as the slow process of understanding, self acceptance, and little by little - as those all important things know as forgiveness and healing - occurred.  And in the midst of all that, there is a tender and steamy love story evolving as well, thankfully.  I fell in love with Ben before Grace did, he is the ultimate boyfriend and almost too good to be true, although he has secrets too...

Favorite Quotes:
"I'm holding two things in my hands right now.  Hell and hope.  It's up to me which one I choose to follow."

"You saved me, Ben, but I was blind to the fact you needed saving too.  I wish you could see yourself through my eyes, because you're worth the fight.  You just have to realize that yourself."

"You see, I know bad things happen.  Every day.  To good people.  It's called life.  The thing is, though, when you hit rock bottom, the only place left to go is up.  I'm starting to believe that good things, special things, can come from the bad, the horrific, and the ugly.  That a tragedy can be a gift in disguise, and has the ability to turn into something positive and life changing.  Something that will help others, if you let it.  That love can heal the pain and bring meaning back to life."
1930990
Each story in the Pound of Flesh series has been extremely emotional, and the compelling scenes in AN OUNCE OF HOPE are truly affecting from the very start. After meeting Max OHare who was a good friend of the hero in the prior books, I knew his own story would contain lots of struggles because of his troubling past. While many situations are heartrending and deeply moved me in ways that I rarely feel when reading, there are also moments where conversations and actions are humorous and caused me much laughter. Sophie Jackson creates believable characters along with convincing events in their lives, and the way in which everything comes together is so true-to-life. I became caught up in what was happening to Max and Grace Brooks, the woman who also has a haunting tragic past, and what they would ultimately decide had me growing more anxious with every new challenge they faced. AN OUNCE OF HOPE is overflowing with emotional issues that touch the heart.

After losing a close family member, Max OHare felt as though his life had no real purpose. He got involved in drugs and was dealing, which led to arrests. There would even have been jail time if not for his best friend, Carter. When as incident could have led to his death, checking into a rehab facility is his only choice if he ever wants to get clean. Though the sessions are emotionally painful, his thoughts are much clearer without drugs fogging up his mind. Doing lots of painting while there actually helps Max to focus and he eventually returns home, not dependent on illegal drugs for the first time in years. Hoping his drug habit and problems related to a past girlfriend are behind him, he wants to try and live a normal life again.

Though much better, Max still has some matters to work out and goes to stay with an uncle in another state. Shortly after arriving, he comes in contact with Grace Brooks, a new resident in town. He finds her bubbly personality refreshing, and her interest in photography gives them something in common. Since she has some past troubles of her own, their connection surprises them both. Opening up is hard for Max and Grace, yet it becomes easier as they slowly grow closer.

The writing of Sophie Jackson constantly has an effect on her readers, as every scene is filled with realism. With genuine reactions that are conveyed with lots of sincerity, I was continuously drawn into the lives of Max and Grace because of how much I came to care for this extraordinary couple. The past still influences their current lives and is shown through episodes where feelings are revealed with heartbreaking honesty, causing me to ache right along with them when things did not go as desired. When circumstances are good between them, they are very happy and their joy is almost tangible as it seems so real. How Max deals with Graces past trauma is especially moving, and it proved just what a compassionate man he really is on a number of occasions. Sexual encounters are certainly satisfying for them, and the concern each shows for the other is a significant reason their relationship grew.

There are so many delightful secondary characters in the story, and it was really enjoyable seeing how the marriage plans of Carter and Kat are progressing. With more details coming about both couples and even another relationship in the Pound of Flesh series, I am ecstatic. The emotions in AN OUNCE OF HOPE are profoundly intense, and Sophie Jackson makes every heartfelt moment totally captivating.

Received copy from publisher through NetGalley for a Sensual Reads review
1409833
Wow   what a journey this author just took me on!  This was a beautifully written story of love, loss, redemption, forgiveness, and just about everything else I can think of.  Kayden was an alpha male, but he had a record that kept coming back to haunt him; he was an alcoholic, lost his job and was  unemployed for months.  Definitely not your typical hero.  And yet I cared about him, wanting life to turn around for him, felt his despair and pain.  Sophia was meek, but not weak;  she was forgiving, but not a doormat; she was encouraging, but not an enabler.  This is not an easy story to write and yet Chelle did it perfectly! That takes talent as an author  to turn flawed characters into heroes and heroines.  It was believable;  it was courageous; it was real, it was moving.  I loved it.  I cannot wait to read Kayden, to find out more about his story.
3152763
An inspirational romance, After the Fall deals with failure and pain in a way that most people can relate to.  As Sterling wallows in misery after his sporting accident, Norah blows through his life, upsetting his equilibrium and forcing him to accept that he is the only one that can choose to accept the changes in his life.  The transition isn't easy, but as Sterling begins to step out of his dark hole, he finds that life is beautiful and that there are compensations in an otherwise dismal situation.  Norah has had to make difficult choices early in her life, and she is carrying a burden that far exceeds what most young women have to deal with. Together Sterling and Norah find that if they place their trust in God, all things work together for good, despite the opposition they face.  A really well written book with life lessons we can all learn from. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest voluntary review.
1671561
This book is very moving.  I haven't read many books that involved the main character being a parent and the kids being a big part of the story, but I really enjoyed that aspect. I loved this story about second chances and finding yourself.
Everly is amazing, and easy to relate to and her best friend Gwen is a fantastic friend. Kay is someone everyone needs in their life, I know I sure do!  And Nick, that man!  That beautiful, amazing, heart pounding man.
Dawn is a beautiful writer, her stories grab me and hold on.  I LOVE when that happens. I'm very much enjoying this adventure she's taking us readers on and look forward to reading everything she ever publishes.
4913992
I think my favorite of these stories was The Move. It was easy for me to identify with because of the overwhelming love of animals present in that story,  the struggles of farmers (my own grandfather was a farmer), and that it was about a Dad raising his child alone (I lived with my Dad growing up). The animals were such a strong presence in this story, but the overall theme was one of love, devotion, and how much we need each other in this world in order to feel complete  whether human or animal. I also loved The Sacrifice and the amazing bond and love between Francois and Arthur. Although like The Move, there were some heart-wrenching moments, the story left me with an overall peaceful feeling and admiration for the characters. I was not as crazy about The Listener, but still loved the overall theme of fighting for what is important.

Indrajit GARAIs writing is absolutely stunning in all three of the stories. The words flow easily and keep your mind going the entire time as you consider each of the characters and their circumstances. I also loved the somewhat gray areas in each story that prompt the reader to think and reach their own conclusions, rather than just clear cut resolutions or summaries. These stories are full of emotion and thought-provoking events, not to mention incredible language and imagery. It was an absolute pleasure reading these short stories and I sincerely hope to read more from this author in the future.

*I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4906274
5+ Beautiful Love-filled Stars

WOW

What an inspirational story of determination, friendship, hope and love. I cant get over how truly touching this story is. Casey Ford brings you on an emotional rollercoaster (ugly crying on a few occasions) of great proportotions with Alan and Samanthas tale, Caseys debut novel! He not only had me on the edge of my seat the whole time but I could feel his hold on my heart right the way through. Not once could I predict what was to come, to be honest I gave up trying to guess because its written so beautifully I just succumbed to the story, to Al and Sam.

The story is told from Alans point of view, which I found refreshing to read. Casey has perfected the method of using flashbacks throughout the story and is so easy to follow. The characters, each in their own right, are strong and well developed. There isn't one character I wouldnt like to read more of, which is a very rare find! From the story to Al and Sam to the supporting characters to Caseys technique of writing, everything flowed perfectly.

You may look at this review and find fault with its shortness in lenght or that it's not as indepth into the book as it could be, but for me this is one of those books, I truly cant give anything away. I wish you to experience it as I had the honour of doing, to allow it to touch your heart forever. The Time Until is one book that I will tell everyone to read, one what I WANT everyone to read because not only is it an amazing story but Casey tell a beautiful message one of hope, faith and belief that whatever comes people can and will turn lemons into fruit punch.

I will be reading anything that comes from Casey Ford in the future, guaranteed! Mr Ford you have a supporter in me as long as I have air to breathe and books to read.
2754945
Three are two words that immediately come to me as I think about this book: emotional poignancy. Yet even those words don't seem to do justice to the way you will feel as you read Christine Brae's lovely, heartbreaking, heart healing book.

Before she embarks on medical school, Anna heads to Thailand. She's also escaping the discovery of a family secret that nearly crushes her. Anna hopes both to escape and to help villagers still recovering from the tsunami. She encounters so much more.

Anna traveled with Dante, a man who has been her best friend for years. When Anna falls apart, Dante is always there to help her put herself back together. They love each other as best friends do. You get the sense that their relationship could progress into romance - you certainly get the sense that Dante believes this - but Anna likes (she needs) what they have now.

Especially when she meets Jude, a beautiful, spiritual man who takes her breath away. For a little over a week, they get to know each other, and their feelings deepen. Just as Anna receives some devastating news, she and Jude share one glorious night together.

Paradise isn't longterm, though, and Anna has to return to the States earlier than planned. She and Jude make promises to each other, but, five years later, Anna struggles to accept that Jude did not keep his.

She also discovers some secrets that Dante kept from her. Anna has to learn how to put herself back together without Dante or Jude. She has to find her own strength, and she has to understand how she can love two men in this one life.

This book has been commissioned for a film, and it reads like one. Brae writes in a way that lets you see what's happening almost as strongly as you feel it. Anna's adventures, both personal and professional, are visually compelling, enabling you to see the tranquil and the turbulent. Anna is a doctor, and, as such, she needs to see her patients to diagnose them. Brae applies this to the book as well. She wants you to really see Anna. You have to optically connect with her in order to emotionally empathize. The device works, especially considering the feelings Brae will unleash in you with this book. Have a box of tissues handy. Have two. For just when you think that Anna has it all sorted and that she will have her peace and contentment, Brae shows you just how capricious this life - any life - can be.

One particularly powerful thread running through the book is that of faith and commitment, whether corporal or spiritual. Sometimes the faith is in a friendship, sometimes it's in a parent, and sometimes it's in God. You have to commit to that faith, though. Faith cannot be equivocated, which is a lesson Anna, Dante, Jude, and other characters must discover.

For all of the vagaries life presents, though, one thing remains consistent: love, in all of its forms. Romantic love, filial love, paternal love, friendly love. Passionate love, the sort of love that you're lucky to ever feel. Grateful love. Comfortable love. And with all of these loves, your heart expands to keep adding them.

Can you love more than one person? Christine Brae believes they can, and you will, too. You'll believe anything she tells you because she does it with such lovely emotional poignancy.

_______________________________
Published on VoxLibris.net
@VoxLibris
686941
Your heart will belong to the Bennett family from page one. Celia Bennett faces something every parent fears the most, the very real possibility of losing her child. As she's reeling from the news, the father that abandoned her comes back into her life.

The story alternates between the perspectives of Celia and Alfie, her father. At first, Alfie's story is an unwelcome diversion from finding out more about Celia and Caleb. But it soon becomes clear just how intertwined the two stories are.

Celia goes through a roller coaster of emotions. The reader follows her from diagnosis to considering alternative medicine, to meeting a parent going through the same thing, and finally to questioning her religious beliefs. There were times I was so entranced by the story that I heard the doctor's footsteps coming down the hall and cried right along with Celia.

I admit I wanted more from Celia's journey to Mexico, exploring alternative medicine was a great plot point that was wrapped up a bit too quickly. The characters were well-developed and memorable, except for Celia's best friend, Sarah. I kept waiting for a better explanation for why she wasn't there for Celia. But these are nit-picky details in an otherwise inspiring novel.

After the Snow Falls is a compelling story of courage, faith, strength, and love full of characters that will stay with you long after the last page. I walked away from this book feeling stronger and blessed, and I'm sure you will, too.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; my opinions are my own.
4305782
genuine, relatable, and emotionally stirring-this is a wonderful read!
3372568
Watch Over Me by Christa Parrish is a stunning follow-up to her debut novel Home Another Way. Benjamin and Abbi Patil have watched their marriage slowly disintegrate after his return from Afghanistan. They are so radically different: Benjamin a police officer who is just your average guy, Abbi a war protester who is vigilant about keeping her vegan diet and safeguarding the earth, it doesn't seem like the love they once shared is enough to pull them through this storm. When Benjamin discovers an abandoned newborn baby and brings her home for them to care for until her parents are discovered, it forces them to re-evaluate their marriage and their future. Matthew, a profoundly sick and deaf teenage boy, drifts into their lives, but it's Matt who has the power to shatter them completely. I love Parrish's novels. Her characters aren't your shiny, bright Christian fiction characters that so many of the novels out there are populated with. Benjamin, Abbi, Matt, and the rest of the characters breathe and bleed realism. You could walk down the street anywhere and meet them. Abbi is sunk deeply in her independence; her fierce determination to be her own person has kept her from committing fully to her marriage. Benjamin wants so desperately to have a normal life, but he's shackled with guilt from the death of his best friend in the war. Matthew takes care of his four cousins, trying to give them a normal life, but his illness has given him an expiration date that makes every moment count. My heart ached for Matthew as he prayed through pi, trying to find peace of mind. Parrish is an enormously talented writer who understands that life doesn't always tie up everything neatly with a bow, and her stories reflect that. The reader realizes that the story doesn't end with the last page of the book, there is more to be said and done. The only sad thing about finishing the story is that I have to wait another year for her next book!
2369299
After a devastating accident Dean Sutherland is left a shell of the man he use to be, struggling to re-find his place in the world, and it's a battle that takes it toll on him day in and day out. He has a good support system that tries to help him readjust, keep him thinking positive, but he still feels like something is missing. Then a beautiful soul unexpectedly wanders back into his life, and instantly his outlook on things start to look up, he's hoping together they can conquer their demons and find some common ground... but will their deep rooted scars let that happen?

Cora Carpenter has been dealt a crappy hand of cards, ones that have left her a single mother, with a load of baggage to deal with, and a wounded heart. Closing a chapter on her life and starting fresh in Okracoke holds a lot of promise, and hope that she can re-discover a happiness that has been missing from her life for so long. She wants to put the past permanently behind her, and create a new life for her and her daughter on the island, but she soon discovers that putting her past behind her is going to be a lot tougher than she originally thought. Then she runs into an old friend, with similar demons, and she beings to realize maybe she doesn't have to do it alone, maybe, just maybe, he is the answer to her prayers, and her second chance at happiness.

The Scars I Bare is a beautifully crafted second chance story that will tug on your heartstrings and leave you moved beyond words! Between the pages of this one you will find an emotionally rich story line, and well crafted characters, that will take you on their painful journey to re-discovering happiness and love. It's a bumpy road, riddled with gut-wrenching choices, and old wounds, but there is a light at the end of the dim journey, and it shines brightly and will leave your heart happy. I thoroughly enjoyed settling down with this one, it spawned a serious case of the feels, made me swoon, and left me smiling... highly recommend you give it a shot, you won't be disappointed with what you find!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.