What The Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller

A collection of Amish romances.  These stories were previously published in An Amish Christmas, An Amish Gathering, and An Amish Love.

A Miracle For Miriam. Miriam was in eight grade but the huge crush she had on Seth Fisher went back two years. Since the sixth grade, she wished for his attention. Then a terrible act of cruelty committed on the playground left her utterly embarrassed. Five years have passed since then and Miriam has long since forgiven Seth but she is not ready to love him again, or is she?


A Place of His Own. Amanda and Josiah had been best friends during their childhood. Everything was perfect until the Bontrager's just up and left without telling a single soul, without Josiah giving Amanda a single goodbye. Amanda is twenty-four now and all grown up. Josiah suddenly pops back into her life. But he is not the same Josiah she once new. He is withdrawn and sullen. Amanda wants to mend his heart but more importantly can she win it?


What The Heart Sees. Ellie Chupp wasn't born disabled but a horrible accident left her that way. Chris Miller lost his fiancee in the same accident five years ago. Ellie has a secret and Chris is troubled and broken but the attraction between them is unmistakable. Both have vowed to never love again but will each break that vow and give love a fighting chance?

All three stories were beautiful. They resonate so deeply and touch your heart. What the Heart Sees is the second Kathleen Fuller book I have read. And I enjoyed both very much. The glossary is certainly a nice touch. It makes me feel like I'm learning a little German. I recommend this book to everyone! Yes, its romance but nowhere near the cheesy kind. I would say this book would definitely fit in during the holidays. They make you feel nice and cozy and lovable.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Jessie D

Follow Friday!!

Hello everyone and welcome! It's Follow my Book Blog Friday once again hosted by Parajunkee's View!

This weeks question is

Q. Do you judge a book by it's cover?

Yes and no! LOL If a book has an amazing cover of course it will grab my attention a whole lot quicker than one without a great cover but I usually always read the back or inside flap summary of a book before I decide whether or not I want to read it or even buy it. And if I am undecided, what usually helps me make a decision about a book is whether I've read a review on it or if someone has recommended it to me. But I am not picky about books, if the summary grabs my attention I'm in hook line sinker! Its important for me to remember I will not be staring at the cover the whole time I'm going to be reading between the covers so I try not to worry about it too much!:D


If you are a new follower let me know and I will return the love!! :)

Jessie D

Custom Blog Design Giveaway!

Siobian over at The Owl Bookmark Blog is hosting a great giveaway!

The winner will receive one custom basic blog design which includes: Custom header, custom background, link bar with up to 5 buttons, signature, blog button with code, custom rating system for reviews, custom colors to match your new design, and installation. Just click for details! :)

Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

Federal prosecutor Allison Pierce, crime reporter Cassidy Shaw, and FBI special agent Nicole Hedges make up the self proclaimed Triple Threat Club.

People are not at all what they seem in this third installment of the Triple Threat Novel series by Lis Wiehl. During the investigation of a man named Colton Foley, accused of robbery and murder, The Triple Threat Club's attention is seized by a gorgeous woman named Elizabeth Avery. Not only is she beautiful and flawless but she is also cold blooded, with a heart of ice. She lives to play "the Game" and doesn't care who she has to hurt, steal from, or worse, to get what she wants and win. In a series of seemingly random crimes will the Triple Threat Club be able to connect the dots and find a killer hiding in plain sight?

This is the second Triple Threat Novel by Lis Wiehl that I've read. I will say, I liked it more than "Hand of Fate" (which was the first one I read). I believe Heart of Ice deserves a good, strong four out of five stars. The character Elizabeth was disugsting, and conniving, and therefore I loved her! Loved what she brought to the story! Elizabeth was so creepy, I am now very leery of gym trainers! LOL Knowing who the killer is and not being able to say anything is so frustrating and yet so engaging! It definitely kept me interested!

The two things that kept Heart of Ice from getting five stars were, in my opinion, how fast Elizabeth was able to suck Cassidy and Clark into "the Game" because of their naivete and the ending. The way Cassidy and Clark fell head over heels for Elizabeth wasn't very believable. Also, Elizabeth is such a manipulative and dramatic person I think her fight should've been so much more dramatic to match her sociopathic personality/mentality. With nothing certain taking place, the ending left me feeling unsatisfied. No bueno! :(

However, I think if you are into crime novels give Heart of Ice a go because everything, except for the ending, was pretty good with a little surprise twist thrown in.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Jessie D

The Ice Princess By Camilla Lackberg

The droplets of water had turned to ice crystals in her hair. Her lower body was frozen, forever in the bathtub of ice. Her wrists were slashed and her body had turned the bluish color of frozen death. Erica Falck, returns to her hometown of Fjallbacka, Sweden after her parents death only to be thrust into the chaotic drama of the alleged suicide of her childhood best friend Alex. Dark secrets lie beneath the little snow covered town of Fjallbacka and some people will go to great lengths, maybe even as far as murder, to protect their reputation and make sure those secrets stay that way, secret.

Camilla Lackberg is the 7th bestselling novelist in Europe and today March 29, 2011 is the American paperback debut of her crime novel The Ice Princess. The Ice Princess is the first in a three-part series with the follow up, The Preacher, to be published by Pegasus Books on April 27, 2011.

I give the Ice Princess three out of five stars. Sure the action started in chapter one and reeled me in like an unsuspecting fish but the extremely long chapters made me lose interest right away. I kept hoping the end would make for all the irrelevant situations in the book. And I am sad to say it did not. The ending was no where near strong enough for my liking. I also didn't like how police officer, Patrick Hedstrom, couldn't find any rock solid evidence and could almost only go by what his gut told him.

Many times while I was reading, it felt as if Camilla Lackberg was trying to hard to impress me the reader. However, I do not put the entire blame on her. I know much of the original quality got lost in translation and I am sure this book would've been way better if read in its original language, Swedish. To bad I can't read or speak one word of Swedish. So yeah, I wouldn't force any of my friends to read it. The Ice Princess certainly wasn't the worst crime novel I've ever read but definitely not the best either! Like always this is just my opinion, the book could turn out completely different for you if you decide to read it.

I received a copy of this book from Free Press an imprint of Simon & Schuster Inc.

Read Chapter One Here.

Jessie D

Thrift Store Finds!

For some reason these past two weeks my aunt was visiting some thrift stores in our area and I tagged along! Now I don't know if I'm the only person who buys books from the thrift store LOL but I was proud of my finds and I wanted to share them with you! I hate buying books brand new hardcover, especially a series. The price definitely adds up! I hear many people who find good deals call themselves frugal and I hear other people calling frugal people cheap..... well call me what you will I'm still in love with my thrift store finds! :D So please feel free to let me know what you think about them. I would love to hear about any good finds you might have had too! :)







.99 cents Each

• No Country For Old Men, Cormac McCarthy, Soft Cover


• Under The Tuscan Sun, Frances Mayes, Soft Cover


• Percy Jackson & The Olympians The Battle of The Labyrinth, Rick Riordan, Hard Cover


• The Help, Kathryn Stockett, Hard Cover

.49 cents Each

• A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L'engle, Soft Cover


• The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Stieg Larsson, Soft Cover

2.oo dollars Each

• Eldest, Christopher Paolini, Hard Cover


• Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling, Hard Cover


• Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, J.K. Rowling, Hard Cover

I also have the Deathly Hallows in hard cover but a friend gave me that one. I want to collect them all because I am a Harry Potter addict! lol But I am trying to see if I can find them all in thrift stores!

All these books that I purchased are in pretty GREAT condition and some even look brand new, no wear and tear on the spines! I am a happy camper....... whatever that means! lol Don't forget to let me know what you think, I love comments!! :)

Jessie D

Follow my Book Blog Friday!

Hello and Welcome! It's time for the weekly blog hop Follow my Book Blog Friday hosted by parajunkee.com.
If you let me know that you're a new follower I will gladly return the love and follow right back! :)

Question of the week is:
How did you come up with your blog name?

Well this blog started because I wanted to review for booksneeze.comso I asked a friend to help me think of a blog name since I'm not good with names at all. But when neither one of us could come up with anything I just went with what I do best, reading between the covers of a good book all from the comfort between the covers of my bed! And of course with me being the reader that is how Reader Between The Covers came about! :) Nothing really exciting lol

Extremely Long Chapters = Extremely Annoying

So I was sitting in the doctors office getting an iron infusion and they told me it was going to take three hours! I figured I might as well let you guys know about the new book I'm currently reading. I had planned on posting this right then and there but once the benadryl kicked in I was out! And that is why this is late! lol

Anywho I am reading Camilla Lackberg's Scandinavian crime novel, The Ice Princess, which is set to debut in paperback in America March 29, 2011.

The Ice Princess introduces us to Erica as she returns to her childhood home in the isolated fishing town of Fjallbacka, after her parents' deaths. She is unprepared for what she finds when she arrives, though- her childhood best friend Alex, dead, her wrists slashed, and her body in a tub of frozen water in her family home.
- Free Press News

I'm really excited for this book, I love crime novels! The action starts off from the very beginning but I don't want to giveaway too much! The only problem I have with this book so far is the extremely loooooooong chapters! It annoys me to the core! I like to read chapters in a book varied in length but I don't know it could just be me having a little OCD moment. I would certainly like to know how do you feel about really long chapters? Annoying or not?

Keep an eye out for my review of The Ice Princess, which I should be posting March 29th.

Jessie D

Grandma Liz

James (my brother), Grandma, and Me

Rest In Peace Grandma
July 2, 1928 - February 14, 2011



Today is the one month anniversary of my grandmothers death. She passed away on Valentine's Day February 14, 2011. This is just a post to honor her memory. She was a beautiful woman. Words cannot even describe how wonderful she was. Once someone got to know her they couldn't help falling in love because she had such a great personality. Always laughing and dancing and encouraging her grandchildren to be the best that they can be. I miss her so much but I know I will see her again, when God decides its time for me to go home. Its still hard to let go though. I remember how every Christmas the only thing I wanted were books and nobody would buy me books except for Grandma. And every birthday she would always be the first one to call me, early in the morning, to tell me happy birthday and sing to me De Colores or Las Mananitas or Que Bonitos Ojos Tienes. These memories bring tears to my eyes because I am going to miss that call so much. The world seems a little less bright now that Grandma is no longer here. She was such a strong beautiful woman who made such a huge impact on my life and is part of who I am today. I love her with all my heart and wrote a little poem for her. If it doesn't make sense to you its ok my grandma understands what I'm trying to say.


Forever In My Heart

Grandma I never thought you’d go
You were our rock
So loving, caring, and nurturing
What will we do without you
The pain today hurts just as much
As the day I saw you take your last breath
I jumped out of my seat
And ran to your side
It wasn’t real
It couldn’t be real
The Lord called you home
I knew you were ready
But I wasn’t
Crying was the only thing I could do
I knew my tears could not bring you back
Screams and sleepless nights will not either
My heart aches and I remind myself
No more pain
No more worries
No more suffering
So I can’t be selfish
You’re in heaven now
Eternal life with God
Reunited with Grandpa
My guardian angels
So now I wait
For the day when I get to see you again!



When I was little she used to make me sing to her Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You". She later told me that she loved the way my eyes looked when I would sing it.

I love you grandma and you will forever be in my heart!

Jessie D

A Giveaway Definitely Worth The Effort!!

A giveaway so awesome I had to share with you!

All 5 books. All hardback copies. All signed.
Click Here for your chance to win signed copies of them all!

Jessie D

A Rush of Wings By Kristen Heitzmann

Noelle St. Claire is running away. From what? She doesn't know; her life has always been a wealthy sheltered one. But the fear she feels is so strong she knows its real and she has to get away. Winding up in the small town of Juniper Falls, Colorado feels like time travel to Noelle. A stark contrast to New York. Can she escape her unknown torment by hiding out at the Rocky Mountain horse ranch with common folk?

I think the idea Kristen had for this book was good but the execution poor. The time and relationships Noelle shared with Rick and Morgan do not seem real. I did, however, enjoy the details of the snowy scenery during Christmas time, at the Spencer house. Beautiful. The mystery of Noelle's memory loss didn't capture my attention the way it could've. And, the time Noelle spent at the horse ranch was dull and dragged on. I would give A Rush of Wings 2 out of 5 stars just for its attempt at entertaining me.

I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Jessie D

Follow My Book Blog Friday

What embarrassing thing have you done on cold medicine?

I don't really think I've done anything embarrassing on cold medicine. If I'm sick and on meds I usually stay home so not much opportunity for embarrassment there... lol

Jessie D

Tandem By Tracey Bateman

Brutal murders consumed the quiet little town of Abbey Hills six months ago. Shaking the community to its core. After a fire allegedly claimed the life of the murderer the killings stopped and things slowly began to return to normal once again. Today Abbey Hills is almost completely healed except for the memories.
Lauryn McBride is in charge of auctioning off Mark Chisom's, one of the victims, estate. With her father under the debilitating clamp of Alzheimer's, Lauryn must sort through the mysterious old house alone. She soon realizes an evil still threatens her small town and she might just be in over her head.
Amede Dastillion had just about given up searching for her long lost sister. That is until she received an unexpected package from Abbey Hills, giving her a new lead.

I didn't completely fall in love with Tandem but it definitely wasn't the worst book I've ever read. The romantic part wasn't the most unique idea anyone has ever come up with. Just another guy certain of his faith in God, falling for the girl who has none. Can he help her find God? I was, however, pleasantly surprised at the combination of the Christian theme and vampire characters. Believe me I know how that sounds but Tracey Bateman made it work. So I say, if you're lookin for a vampire novel with a little more substance than Twilight's sparkly ones give Tandem a try you won't be disappointed.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Jessie D

Please rank my review here

Hatteras Girl By Alice J. Wisler

Living in a small coastal town Jackie Donovan is content with life. She only has two major goals: to find a good man to marry and to open up The Bailey House Bed and Breakfast. From the looks of things, however, Jackie isn't anywhere near achieving neither one of her goals. Unable to find a realtor with the Bailey House listings and another failed blind date set up by her well meaning family, Jackie is just about ready to give up. That is until she meets gorgeous Davis Erickson, who seems to be the answer to all her prayers. But is he?

Usually if a book doesn't catch my attention within the first few sentences I put it right back down and refuse to read it. So I have to admit, this was definitely the case with Hatteras Girl. The first chapter didn't lure me in and keep me up into the deep hours of the night in a one man race to try and finish it but I couldn't just throw it aside and never look at it again. Bethany House Publishers sent it to me in exchange for an honest review. So I was obligated to finish it in order to hold up my end of the deal since Bethany House did a lovely job on their end. I pushed past the uncomfortably boring beginning and forced myself to keep reading. Here's the funny thing, I ended up actually enjoying Hatteras Girl. It might have started off rocky but it grew on me and I had a good time reading it. Jackie Donovan was so naive, I found myself many times wishing I could yell at her! LOL And don't even get me started on Davis Erickson! Even his name screams pompous jerk. The love in Jackie's close knit community is heart warming. The story line and characters are so realistic in my minds eye. It felt like I was watching a movie. Come to think of it I know some people with the same personality traits as Jackie, Davis, and Buck. I would recommend this book to my girlfriends, with four out of five stars, for a day when the weather is ugly, keeping you trapped indoors and all you want to do is escape to the beach.

I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review, without the expectation of a positive one.

Jessie D

Follow my Book Blog Friday

Follow Friday Blog Hop hosted by Parajunkee.com


Q. Share your current fav television show! Tell us a bit about it...


My current favorite TV show hands down is GLEE!! But I also love Raising Hope and Modern Family because they are so funny, they lift my spirits when I need a good laugh and for when I'm looking for some drama I love The Real Housewives of New York City, New Jersey, DC, and Beverly Hills! lol and sometimes Jersey Shore

One Lovely Blog Award

I had the honor of receiving this award:

In accordance with accepting this award I would like to thank:

Kate from Reads, Reviews, and Recommends

For giving me this award. I greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

And Now, Here is what to do when receiving this award:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered.

3. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

15 Lucky Bloggers

Book Belle
http://www.bookbelle0819.blogspot.com

Kero's Book Blog
http://kerosbookblog.blogspot.com

Traci Bell's Blog
http://tracibell.blogspot.com

Praise, Prayers and Observations
http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com

Hands and Home
http://handsandhome.blogspot.com

SemiCrazed
http://book-crazed.blogspot.com

Moirae (the fates) book reviews
http://moiraethefatesbookreviews.blogspot.com

Book Reviews By Ashley
http://bookreviewsbyashley-ashley.blogspot.com

The Radar Report
http://jenndiggy.blogspot.com

From the ♥ of a Bookworm
http://heartofabookworm.blogspot.com

My Awake Journey
http://myawakejourney.blogspot.com

Nikki's Notes
http://nikk-knak-notes.blogspot.com

Redeemed Reader
http://redeemedreader.blogspot.com

The Architect and The Artist
http://unafamiliaalaskena.blogspot.com

Tyra's Book Addiction
http://tyrasbookaddiction.blogspot.com

Congratulations to the 15 lucky bloggers receiving this award from me Reader Between The Covers! When passing this award along please send to 15 other bloggers not on this list.

Thanks again!
Jessie D

Giveaways!!!

The Girl From the Ghetto is having a lot of giveaways during the month of February here is the link to one of her giveaways on her blog check it out:
http://bit.ly/eeVNV3 (just copy and paste)

Jessie D

A Time To Dance By: Karen Kingsbury

A Time To Dance is Book One in Karen Kingsbury's Timeless Love Series.

They had a love everyone thought would last a lifetime. John and Abby Reynolds were the picture perfect couple, with a marriage people only dreamed of. To Abby and John the love they once shared feels like just a dream. The relationship that seemed destined by God, the powerful connection physically, emotionally, and spiritually is falling apart. Divorce seems like the only option. Knowing the news is going to bring a devastating blow to family and friends, John and Abby decide to have a family meeting with their children to break the news. But when Nicole, their oldest daughter announces some special news of her own Abby and John realize they can't ruin their only daughters happiness. But can they pretend to be the happy couple they once were, the couple everyone thinks they are, for six more months?

When I requested to review this book, I thought half of it was going to be about the couple fighting while the other half was going to be about them learning to love each other again. You know, the usual christian fiction about divorce.
So I have to say hats off to Mrs. Kingsbury! What a wonderful job! She really struck a cord in my heart! During chapter eighteen I literally had to stop and collect myself, after bawling like a baby, in order to continue reading. This book brought a lot of deep emotions to the surface for me.

With divorce being the norm today when a marriage isn't working, especially with celebrities, this book makes you feel like there is a light in the darkness. Hope. I am a single woman and was content with my lifestyle until I finished A Time To Dance. It made me believe that true love is worth finding. I definitely recommend this book to everyone. I absolutely loved loved loved it! And I really want a chance to read Book Two, A Time To Embrace, in Karen Kingsbury's Timeless Love Series! So don't waste time go read the book and find your love! Believe me you will not regret it. Karen Kingsbury has created a masterpiece with A Time To Dance!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review.

Jessie D

The Real Skinny On Losing It By: Michelle Mckinney Hammond

"No more volunteering to be a victim of the foods you are eating." The Real Skinny On Losing It is a divas life story about yo-yo dieting. Her failures and triumphs. Her divalicious tips at losing weight and keeping it off. Michelle Hammond lets you join her on a fun spiritual journey through weight loss. With her upbeat attitude you get that, don't be scared girl come on and join the real party! feeling.

A completely honest look at weight and women's struggle with it. Michelle gets down to the "nitty-gritty" about losing the pounds all while being healthy. I was pleasantly surprised with this book because, I have to admit, I was on the fence about reviewing it. I thought to myself,, "Eh, just another self help diet book, nothing new." But no, I was definitely wrong! There were elements brought to the table that I didn't even know could contribute to losing weight. Although she made the reading entertaining it did feel like she would ramble on a bit. But my favorite parts were the Keeping It Real and Diva Reflections at the end of each chapter. They gave you the chance to just stop and think and be honest with yourself. And as a woman who has struggled with weight, I certainly see this book as a great tool in helping women change their lifestyle for the healthy.
The recipes were a great bonus in the back of the book!

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jessie D

Amy Inspired By: Bethany Pierce

Rejection after rejection has Amy Gallagher feeling stuck. With a master's degree under her belt, Amy thought she would've been a published writer by now. Teaching freshman English at the university wasn't on her list of things to do before age thirty. With her birthday fast approaching Amy fears the worst: she has settled. Plans to do so much more with her life conflict with the steady rhythm she has fallen into. But when a man named Eli is thrust into Amy's life her entire world changes but will she have the courage to accept it?
Once I start a book my goal is to inevitably finish it. Whether or not I like it doesn't matter. In forcing myself to read an entire book cover to cover I am enabled to give an honest review instead of tossing it aside and limiting my ability to review it. I get the complete story.
With Amy Inspired, I definitely felt like giving up. I feel satisfied with my completion though, experiencing my own little triumph. However, I did not enjoy this book at all. The chapters were too long. The entire book cut into three parts gave off a sporadic vibe. Amy Gallagher, just a nagging woman who feels sorry for herself. Tell me something I don't know! I want to be Wowed and this book did not do it for me. And I got to say, I would not recommend it to a friend. However, the one thing I did like was the description of Eli's sculpture. I could see it so vivid in my mind.

I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Jessie D

I think every single person I know completely knows that I am a huge Michael Buble fan! This is a picture of him during the making of his "Hollywood" video and I have to admit, the whole time I was reading The Vigilante's Bride by Yvonne Harris I kept picturing that Luke Sullivan looked like this LOL:


Isn't he gorgeous!!! :)

The Vigilantes Bride By: Yvonne Harris

Sent to marry a man she's never even met, Emily McCarthy is on her way to wed Bartholomew Axel when the stage coach she is riding in gets robbed, and she is kidnapped.
Luke Sullivan only wanted what was rightfully his! He certainly wasn't expecting a woman to be in the stagecoach that night. All he cared for was his father's money Axel stole. Either way, that little lady was mighty lucky he was able to rescue her from making a huge mistake. And he doesn't care what she thinks, he saved her from Bartholomew Axel, a very evil and dangerous man and that's for sure.
My hands idly, keep turning the pages like they have a mind of their own. My eyes scanning each and every word without any sign of drowsiness. My mind completely immersed into the story. If anyone entered the room, it was beyond my knowledge. My nose submerged, in a frozen state between the covers of The Vigilante's Bride. A rather sleepless night for me.
I absolutely loved it! I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time. Of course there were a few minor infractions. The very first chapter was a bit awkward but after Emily met Luke the first chapter didn't matter at all anymore! I also felt like there should've been more conflict with Bartholomew Axel, it would've been the cherry on top! Oh! also Axel's first name did not sit well with me, at all! Very gross!
However, all three infractions can be forgiven because I loved the story regardless! And Luke Sullivan may only be a character in this book but he sure as hell took my breathe away! So I say, " Bravo Ms. Harris!"

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Jessie D

Masquerade By: Nancy Moser

It's the 1800's in England and Charlotte Gleason is just a naive rich girl, who always gets what she wants, from a family highly ranked on the social ladder or so she thought... When Charlotte finds out the truth her world is turned upside down and inside out and is sent off to America, with her maid Dora Conners, to marry Conrad Tremain. Looking for an adventure Charlotte forces her maid to switch lives and identities with her in order to seize the opportunity. Charlotte has no idea what is coming her way and it definitely is an adventure she gets but not necessarily the one she wants!

Masquerade: definitely not in love with the title! It brings to mind a cheesy Halloween party where the host seems to be trying to hard. I absolutely hated the character, Lottie Hathaway, she was so ignorant and naive. Many times during the book I wished I had been there to slap her! However, Lottie is what kept me interested so I say hats off to Nancy! I very much enjoyed reading Masquerade, especially Dora Conners' situation. Many times I felt so embarrassed for her!
I would absolutely recommend this book to my avid reader friends and I am glad to have it on my bookshelf.

I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Jessie D

Love's First Bloom By: Delia Parr

The year is 1838 in New York City and Reverend Livingstone has been accused of a heinous crime involving a prostitute. Wanting to keep his daughter from being tainted by scandal, he is forced to send her to Tom's River under a new identity along with an innocent child, whom Ruth is to assume the role of her widowed mother. With a reporter out to ruin the lives of these two innocent people, can faith in God be found amongst scandal and gossip...?
My first thoughts after finishing Love's First Bloom were: "It was cute." And indeed it was but this book did not amaze me. I wasn't up all night trying to finish reading it, like I usually do with a book I love. I found it rather too slow paced for my liking. I mean yes, the story line was good but it took too long to get there.
Delia Parr set me ablaze with Hearts Awakening, and yet the fire she set seemed to have burned out leaving Love's First Bloom to fall flat in comparison. However, there were parts which I did enjoy but too few and I waited the rest of the time for something more to happen.

I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Jessie D

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball By: Donita K. Paul

It's Christmas time and Cora Crowder is on her way to find a gift for her Uncle Eric in a rather unusual bookstore, on a rather unusual street which doesn't seem to be noticed much. While at Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad's bookstore on Sage St. Cora runs into coworker "Serious Simon Derrick" and from then on, her whole simple organized world changes. For better of worse you ask? Well, it seems to me you will just have to read it to find out.
I had never read anything by Donita K. Paul before Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball. But as I was doing some research, I kept running across reviews with nothing but praise for her; setting the bar extremely high for Ms. Paul before I had even begun to read! And I have to admit I felt leery about believing other's opinions about her since I am not too trusting because of my own personal preferences. Ha! but that woman blew me out the water! This is one of those books you make a tradition out of and I sure do plan to do just that! It's a delightful Christmas story and I could not put it down.
I was given a free copy of this book by the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.

Jessie D