challenges, trials & love
593142
Forever Fae by L.P. Dover
4.5 stars

I am falling more in love with L.P.'s writing. The imagery her writing created in my mind with the way Calista experienced each trial she went through made each scene come alive for me. I could picture the surroundings and how each character looked.

The inner strength that Calista, Ryder and Merrick all had to show throughout the story created a great emotional depth to the story that hooked me hard. I won't be able to wait to start the next book!
4561985
This is a well written story of love and the trials and tribulations that come with it.  I found it a very interesting read.
2823304
** None of us knows what were fully capable of doing until God leads us to a place where we realize our strength is nothing compared to his. He says to take a step, yet you look out and see nothing but thin air in your path. Yet, he calls you on. And only when you finally trust him and take that step into nothingness do you discover you're standing on solid ground. **

Tamera Alexander continues her Belle Meade Plantation series with To Wager Her Heart, a delightful historical fiction novel with just enough history, just enough fiction, and just enough romance.

Twenty-five-year-old Alexandra Jamison hails from one of Nashvilles founding families. With that comes certain expectations  like marrying a much older man whom she doesnt love. But she wants her life to have more meaning than a socially acceptable arranged marriage.

A year ago Alexandra faced a devastating loss  she was on a deadly train crash that claimed the life of her beloved fiance David, a university professor who strived to help the freedmen advance their lives now that the Civil War is over. Inspired by David, and after hearing a performance by Fisk Universitys Jubilee Singers, Alexandra decides to teach for the freedmens university  a decision that alienates her from her family.

Sylas Rutledge, a small railroad owner from Colorado, is in town to bid on a Belle Meade railway project. But he is also in town because of the deadly train crash from a year ago  his stepfather was the train engineer blamed for the accident. Sy hopes to clear his fathers name and find the true story behind the train crash.

As Alexandras and Sys paths continue to bring them together, they begin to develop stronger feelings toward each other. But they also grow deeper in their relationships with their own selves, as well as with God.

To Wager Her Heart is a tremendous story of sticking with ones beliefs, no matter the cost to ones self  to stand up and fight for what one believes in. Its a story about pursuing dreams, finding answers and following Gods leading; overcoming fear and the power that we have over it; and having a thirst of knowledge because education means freedom, no matter your station in life. It also reminds us that we each have a purpose and we should strive to fulfill that purpose.

A major theme that runs throughout To Wager Her Heart is our dependence on Jesus, and how God provides for our needs. While Alexandra is at Fisk, she becomes close to the group of singers who ultimately become the Jubilee Singers and tour throughout the country. Many times during the story, they sing Give Me Jesus, an old Negro spiritual song, reminding us of our need for Jesus at all times: In the morning when I rise, in the morning when I rise, in the morning when I rise, give me Jesus. Alexandra learns this message again and again, including when shes asked to travel with the singers  thus having to get over her fear and ride a train once again.

Even though To Wager Her Heart is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel. Alexanders latest novel is a great fictional story that circles around real places and real events and real people. For more information on whats real and whats not, check out her Web site at www. TameraAlexander.com.

A final amazing quote to wrap up  as a Fisk official says to Alexandra: There will always be someone who has suffered more  or less  than you. To think the person who has suffered more, in your estimation, is somehow more worthy is just as prideful in nature as thinking that the person who has suffered less, in your estimation, is not quite as holy as you are.  God alone sees our lives from start to finish and ordains what your suffering and mine will be. For he alone sees what we each must endure to become more like his Son and to be made ready for eternity. For though we are all his, we are not all the same.

Five stars out of five.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
499964
I thought this was a great series of stories that told stories of love with happy endings, but also serious issues that challenge real people. The characters worked through their own life, death and health challenges to lead happy and non-perfect lives. I would highly recommend this and the other books in this series.
1839974
The Secret Keeper is the second book in Sandra's amazing Tudor Series. A trip to Henry VIII's court is luxurious but treacherous. This story is no exception. His subjects, even Queen Kateryn Parr, are defenseless against Henry's fickle affections as long as he reigns. However, life after Henry proves even more dangerous as a power struggle of epic proportions ensues. By choosing Juliana's unique point of view, Sandra paints a vibrant depiction of Kateryn's royal journey, both physically & spiritually. I was inspired by Kateryn's unwavering support of the reformer cause & reminded of King David's Abigail in her wisdom, grace & courage. Sandra's description of Kateryn's tender love towards needy souls is poignant & stirring. The royal children grow toward their destined roles, strengthened by her maternal tutelage. Mended by that same nurturing, Juliana finds the courage to choose honor & sacrifice over her own desires. Hope is the divine theme beautifully woven through this series. Indeed, hope is the force behind Juliana's quest for a love that defies both boundaries & brokenness.
4731278
I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review. What would you do for love?  In this well written story that touches on love, loyalty and commitment of family and friends, you can feel the strong emotions that it draws upon. Lord Richard Smith a RAF commander in the war steps on an IED losing his legs in Afghanistan. This tragedy causes Lord Richard to break off his engagement to his fiance Giulianna. By cutting off his engagement he sets into play life altering changes that affects not only him but Giulianna as well. It takes a wedding event to bring closeure and possibly a second chance at love to heal old wounds. I found this story to be emotionally challenging as it hits on what families and the world itself deals with in terms of how warfare effects us all and sheds light on its outcome.
3851955
This is not a romance.  It's not a book about love, or love and loss.  It's a book about life.  It's about how we respond to the trials and challenges life throws our way, and the light and life that people can bring to our lives.  To understand this book is to have experienced challenges in your life.  To appreciate this book is to have found the light after or because of those challenges.  This is not for the faint of heart.  It is for someone who wants to face the challenge, bear the burden and find the light.  Well done, Ms. Fisher.  You have weaved another story that will forever be part of me.
4387246
So honest & real, revealing the compelling & ambivalent aspects of relationship, the quandaries of resolving or living with unresolved issues in loving. Yet inspiring and uplifting.
4288520
I totally enjoyed this book. It is refreshing and challenging at the same time. It causes the reader to stop and examine his/her own life and does a great job of showing how God uses our circumstances to move us onto a new path in our life. Praying hard for this family!
2892478
As I walk through some of the darkest times in my life, the greatest challenges, Laurie Short's book has given voice to what I am discovering firsthand. God is growing us by allowing sufferings, sorrow and struggle which are enlarging our heart, our faith and our endurance. This is a book I'll read again and again as I test and prove God's good, pleasing and perfect will even in the darkest times!
502683
Again a new author for me .. such an appealing cover and the blurb looked interesting.

Easy to read, full of emotions this makes you question how life can throw so many curve balls and still expect people to have faith and keep going. Yes, there is love, some steamy moments, humour but also a few challenges for Rachel.

I think if I got anything from it then I would say no matter how hard the road seems sometimes just keep going and there is always hope.  So if you want a heart-warming story then this is for you .. enjoyable on several levels.

Thanks to the author and Bewitching Book Tours for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.
4642188
Save for a great deal of grammatical errors & misused words, I enjoyed this book and hated to see it end. There were feelings in me that arose that I nearly forgot existed. Such a remarkable tale of sisterly love among trials, tribulations, & faith walks with or without God. Nicely done.
2536219
I felt that this story weaved a myriad of interesting subject matter. The trials of a person's spirit, a desire to love and be loved, and never giving up on what matters most  through triumph and tribulation. This book opens questions about the human spirit and requests that you identify with the perspective!
3169907
This book takes you through a journey of faith and hope during difficult times. Anyone who is enduring difficult times should read this book. Author Beth Huffman has once again  hit the nail on the head in telling a story that includes the love and support of a family and their faith as they face trials.
1640321
It was exciting to read this second book about Tessa, Ben and Jayden. Troubles arise and bring even more conflict into the family dynamic, Tessa and Ben are struggling but depending on God's help! An encouraging and truthful representation of the trials all of us go through in some form or another!! I can't wait to read the third book!

Ps: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and I have reviewed it voluntarily
3327693
An honest look at the risk and reward if you are willing to think outside the box for love. It's a wild & emotional journey. I am eagerly waiting for the rest of the story!
2712707
Very good story with real life characters that you can like & feel for their struggles & successes.  Very enjoyable!