Blog - Amelia McNeilly

The Things We Knew Book Review

About the book:

The Things We Knew (Thomas Nelson, July 2016)

A tragedy from the past resurfaces in this tale of family secrets and reignited love.

After her mother’s death twelve years ago, Lynette Carlisle watched her close-knit family unravel. One by one, her four older siblings left their Nantucket home and never returned. All seem to harbor animosity toward their father, silently blaming him for their mother’s death. Nobody will talk about that dreadful day, and Lynette can’t remember a bit of it.

But when next-door neighbor Nicholas Cooper returns to Nantucket, he brings the past with him. Once her brother’s best friend and Lynette’s first crush, Nick seems to hidingthings from her. Lynette wonders what he knows about the day her mother died and hopes he might help her remember the things she can’t.

But Nick has no intention of telling Lynette the truth. Besides the damage it might cause his own family, he doesn’t want to risk harming the fragile friendship between him and the woman he once thought of as a kid sister.

As their father’s failing health and financial concerns bring the Carlisle siblings home, secrets begin to surface—secrets that will either restore their shattered relationships or separate the siblings forever. But pulling up anchor on the past propels them into the perfect storm, powerful enough to make them question all they ever believed in.

Purchase a copy: https://bit.ly/29vkFGh

My Thoughts:

“The Things We Knew” is a a beautiful story of family, redemption, faith, and forgiveness. This is the first book I have read by Catherine West, but it certainly won’t be the last. Filled with some heavy subjects, the book is about a family dealing with real issues life brings their way and reuniting with one another. West pulls the reader in from page one and takes you on a journey filled with a depth that pulls at the heart strings throughout the book, and finds you relating and feeling like you are a part of this family. I highly recommend this read and I hope that West decides to write a sequel because I want to spend more time with these folks.

I was given this book by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my review.

To Read what Other Reviewers are saying: https://litfusegroup.com/author/cwest

About the Author:

Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border collie for long walks on the beach or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two grown children.

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Books, Reading

The Loyal Heart Book Review

About the book:

The Loyal Heart (Zondervan, July 2016)

The day Robert came to Galveston to fulfill his promise to a dying man and look after his widow. He didn’t expect to find love in the unlikeliest of places.

Robert Truax, former Second Lieutenant and Confederate officer in the Civil War, made a

promise to his comrade Phillip Markham. If anything happened to Phillip, Robert would look after his beloved wife, Miranda. She was his life, his world, his everything.

After the war, Robert is left to pick up the pieces and fulfill his pact. When he arrives at Miranda’s home in Galveston, Texas, things are worse than he imagined. Phillip’s name has been dragged through the mud, everyone in town believes him to be a traitor, and his widow is treated as an outcast. Even more disturbing is her emotional well-being. Miranda seems hopeless, lost, and so very alone.

Robert had thought his duty would be simple. He would help Miranda as quickly as possible in order to honor a promise. But the moment Robert laid eyes on her, his plans changed. He’s mesmerized by her beauty and yearns to help her in any way he can.
He makes it his duty to protect Miranda, turn her reputation around, and to find some way to help her smile again. But it doesn’t prove to be an easy task—Robert knows something about Phillip that could shake Miranda to the core and alter her view of the man she thought she knew so well.

Purchase a copy: https://bit.ly/2ae3eOX

My Thoughts:

The Loyal Heart is a story set in the post Civil War Period in Galveston Texas. It focused on the friendship and comradeship of soldiers who were imprisoned together, and later the love story and life of a widow following the war. This is the first book in a new series by Gray and I look forward to reading and learning more about these characters in future books. This is a must read, and is a perfect read for the end of summer and early fall.

I was given this book by Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my review.

About the author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
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Books, Reading

About the book:

Fetching Sweetness (Harvest House, July 2016)

Standing between Stephanie and her dream is one hundred pounds of lovable trouble.

It should have been so simple for Stephanie Pink: Meet up with Agnes Wharton in a small town in California, retrieve the reclusive author’s valuable new manuscript, and be promoted to a full-fledged literary agent.

But Agnes’s canine companion, Sweetness, decides to make a break for it before Stephanie can claim her prize. Until Agnes has Sweetness safely back at home in Eagle Cliff, Washington, Stephanie will never set eyes on the manuscript she needs to make her dreams come true.

When Stephanie tracks the runaway mutt to a campground, she meets Rhett Hastings—a man also on the run from a different life and a costly mistake. Rhett agrees to help Stephanie search for the missing dog . . . thus launching a surprising string of adventures and misadventures.

Once Sweetness gets added to the mix, it’s a recipe for love and loss, merriment and mayhem, fun and faith in the backwoods of the Pacific Northwest.

My Thoughts:
Fetching Sweetness is another great read from Dana Mentink. The storyline and characters are so love able and I was cheering them on until the very end. If you are a lover of animals, a good book,humor, and a twist of romance — then this book is for you. Also, this book is the perfect read to close out the summer with so be sure to add it to your list. I am already looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

I was given this book by Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my review.

Purchase a copy: https://bit.ly/2auLee3

Read what other reviewers are saying here: https://litfusegroup.com/author/dmentink

About the Author:

Dana Mentink lives in California, where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Dana is an American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year finalist for romantic suspense and an award winner in the Pacific Northwest Writers Literary Contest. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third and fourth grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with her husband, two daughters, a dog with social anxiety problems, a chubby box turtle, and a feisty parakeet.

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https://ameliamcneilly.com/fetching-sweetness-book-review/

Articles, Books, Giveaways, Reading

A Beauty Refined Book Review

About the book:

A Beauty Refined (Bethany House, July 2016)

What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father’s intentions—both for her and the gemstones—are not what she thinks.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie—a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father’s plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family’s deception begins to unravel.

My Thoughts:

Tracie Peterson is one of my favorite authors and she never fails to disappoint. I enjoy all of her books. While “A Beauty Refined” is the second book in the Sapphire Brides Series, they can be read as stand alones. I am immediately intrigued by Phoebe’s story, and once she travels to America and Ian comes into her life, I want her to discover the truth and live in that freedom. I am also a fan of her and Ian’s relationship and I am rooting for them throughout the book. Tracie does a fantastic job of telling this story, and allows the reader to feel like they are really getting to know the characters. There is just enough mystery to keep you turning the pages and enough romance to warm your heart. If you haven’t done so already add this entire series to your must read list. You will never regret reading a novel from Tracie. I am already looking forward to her next book.

I was given this book by Litfuse Publicity and Netgalley in exchange for my review.

Also, there is a live Facebook party and giveaway tonight so be sure to head over to Facebook to meet and chat with Tracie. All details for that can be found here. Don’t miss out!

Purchase a copy:

https://bit.ly/29Sh70o

Read what other reviewers are saying here: https://litfusegroup.com/author/tpeterson

About the Author:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

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Books, Giveaways, Reading

‘‘A Beauty Refined’ Blog Tour, Giveaway, and Facebook Party

Little does Phoebe know that her father’s plans—for the sapphires and his daughter—are not what they seem. If you love historical fiction, romance, and adventure, don’t miss Tracie Peterson’s A Beauty Refined. When Phoebe meets Ian, everything changes. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie—a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Join Tracie in celebrating the release of A Beauty Refined by entering to win her Precious Gems giveaway (details below) and by attending her author chat party on August 9!

One grand prize winner will receive:

One copy of A Beauty Refined
A sapphire jewelry set

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/9. The winner will be announced at A Beauty Refined Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie and fellow fans of historical fiction, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!

Books, Reading

Kelli Stuart’s ‘Like a River from Its Course’ Blog Tour and Kindle Prize Pack

Travel back in time in Kelli Stuart’s new novel, Like a River from Its Course, as the city of Kiev is bombed in Hitler’s blitzkrieg across the Soviet Union. This sweeping historical saga takes the reader on a captivating journey into the little-known history of Ukraine’s tragedies through the eyes of four compelling characters who experience the same story from different perspectives. Based on true stories gathered from fifteen years of research and interviews with Ukrainian World War II survivors, Like a River From Its Course is a story of love, war, heartache, forgiveness, and redemption.

Celebrate the release of Like a River from Its Course with Kelli by entering to win a Kindle Fire Prize Pack.

One grand prize winner will receive:

A copy of Like a River from Its Course
A Kindle Fire
A Kindle Fire case (winner’s choice)
A $30 Amazon gift card

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 18th. The winner will be announced July 19th on Kelli’s blog.

Books, Reading

Like a River From its Course Book Review

About the book:

Like a River from Its Course (Kregel, June 2016)

An epic novel exposing the ugliness of war and the beauty of hope.

The city of Kiev was bombed in Hitler’s blitzkrieg across the Soviet Union, but the constant siege was only the beginning for her citizens. In this sweeping historical saga, Kelli Stuart takes the reader on a captivating journey into the little-known history of Ukraine’s tragedies through the eyes of four compelling characters who experience the same story from different perspectives.

Maria Ivanovna is only fourteen when the bombing begins and not much older when she is forced into work at a German labor camp. She must fight to survive and to make her way back to her beloved Ukraine.

Ivan Kyrilovich is falsely mistaken for a Jew and lined up with 34,000 other men, women, and children who are to be shot at the edge of Babi Yar, the “killing ditch.” He survives, but not without devastating consequences.

Luda is sixteen when German soldiers rape her. Now pregnant with the child of the enemy, she is abandoned by her father, alone, and in pain. She must learn to trust family and friends again and find her own strength in order to discover the redemption that awaits.

Frederick Hermann is sure in his knowledge that the Führer’s plans for domination
are right and just. He is driven to succeed by a desire to please a demanding father and by his own blind faith in the ideals of Nazism.

Based on true stories gathered from fifteen years of research and interviews with Ukrainian World War II survivors, Like a River from Its Course is a story of love, war, heartache, forgiveness, and redemption.

My Thoughts:

This book is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. A compelling, deep, and complex story that had me reading for hours. At times the story was hard to read because it was so sad, but I still could not put it down.

The author intrigues the reader immediately by the perspectives she gives through three Ukrainian characters and one Nazi. Each of their stories are intense as they are dealing with how the tragedies around them are affecting them personally. Also, this book was a history lesson for me as I learned so much about Ukraine and their history during WWII. Beyond the moving storylines the author provides rich and informative details about what was actually happening during that time. If you haven’t read it yet, please add this to your summer reading list. You won’t be sorry. I find myself continuing to look for more books by Stuart but this is only her first one. I hope to read much more from this author in the future and I am already looking forward to what her next book will be.

I was given this book from Litfuse in exchange for a review.

Purchase a copy:

https://bit.ly/28YOXRu

To read what other reviewers are saying Visit:

https://litfusegroup.com/author/kstuart

About the Author:

Kelli Stuart is the coauthor of Dare 2B Wise and has written for several brands including Disney, American Girl, and Short Fiction Break. She has served as editor-in-chief for the St. Louis Bloggers Guild and as a board member for the St. Louis Women in Media. In addition to her writing, Kelli has spent twenty years studying Ukranian culture. Kelli lives in Florida.

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Blog Fun, Books, Giveaways, Reading

Varina Denman’s ‘Jilted’ $50 Sweet Summertime Giveaway

Can all things really work together for good, and can the joy of living be found once again? Don’t miss one woman’s story in book three, Jilted, of Varina Denman’s Mended Hearts series. Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago. Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest. As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life where the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love.

Celebrate the release of Varina’s Jilted by entering to win a $50 gift card.

One grand prize winner will receive:

A copy of Jilted to kick off a summer of reading
A $50 Kohl’s gift card to make your summertime sweet

The giveaway ends on July 1st. The winner will be announced July 5th on Varina’s website.

Books, Christian Living, Reading

Jilted Book Review

About the book:

Jilted (David C. Cook, June 2016)

Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago.

Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest. As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life where the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love.

Jilted tells of a woman who has lost the joy of living, a man determined to draw her back toward happiness, and a town that must—once and for all—leave the past where it belongs. It is a gentle reminder that all things can work together for good.

My Thoughts:

Jilted is the third book in The Mended Heart Series by Denman. Before this latest release I was not familiar with this series but now I am a huge fan. The author has a way of drawing the reader in and grips at the heart strings from the page one. This book is a story of a woman who has dealt with heartbreak and depression and who is on a journey and hopes to find joy again. I laughed, cried, and prayed with this character and did not want the story to end. It truly is a story that shows that God truly does work out all things for His good. If you need a new series to read this summer I highly recommend this one. You want be sorry.

I was given this book by Litfuse in exchange for my review.

About the Author:

Varina Denman is author of the Mended Hearts series and a native Texan. She spent her high school years in a rural town and now writes stories about the struggles women face in similar small town settings. She and her husband live near Fort Worth, where they enjoy spending time with their five mostly grown children.

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Books, Reading

Hidden Agendas Book Review

About the book:

Hidden Agendas: Dropping the Masks that Keep Us Apart (New Growth Press, May 2016)

We like to pretend that hidden agendas are just for self-important bosses or egotistical politicians, but we all have them. Deep down, we all have a secret plan for getting from where we are to where we want to be, even if we refuse to admit it to ourselves.

And if our hidden agendas aren’t enough, we wear masks to obscure the truth even more. We put on these masks—like religion, appearance, power, politics, or protection—to drive our agendas. But all of this leaves us feeling phony, ashamed, guilty, and afraid. It’s killing us and hurting those we love. But for most of us, it will be a cold day in a hot place before we will be fully honest with anyone else.

There is so much more to life than hiding, pretending, and never being loved. In fact, there is already one person who sees behind the masks we wear and the hidden agendas that drive us. It does no good to tell God that you’re sick when you’re drunk, that you love him when you don’t, or that you didn’t steal and eat an apple (with apple juice dripping down your chin). God always recognizes and loves the “you” behind the mask.

So what can we do about the hidden agendas we have and the masks we wear? How can we gather the courage to be real? “Being real” has to start with your relationship with your heavenly Father. God already knows you inside and out. But God doesn’t know you in order to “out” you to your friends. His unconditional love for his own is reason we can pray to our Father without fear of rejection or judgment. Knowing God’s love, knowing that your heavenly Father is for you not against you is the only reason to give up your masks and develop the type of authentic relationships you never thought you could have.

Purchase a copy: https://bit.ly/1Q4xXMY

My Thoughts:

This book was a good and challenging read from Pastor Steve Brown. In the book Brown addresses the masks we tend to wear and how that affects who we are as Christians as well as how it affects others. Wearing these masks that he discusses in his book also hinders in our relationship with Christ an from being who God wants us to be. This book is one that everyone needs to read. It will challenge you to examine the hidden masks you have in your own life. It may not be easy hearing what he has to say but it is worth it.

I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my review.

Read what other reviewers are saying here – https://litfusegroup.com/author/sbrown

About the Author:

Steve Brown is a radio broadcaster, author, and the founder of Key Life Network. A former pastor, he also sits on the board of Harvest USA and devotes much of his time to the radio broadcasts “Key Life” and “Steve Brown, Etc.”

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