Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Top 10: Carman Music Videos











If your like me and you grew up in church in the 90's then I am sure you listened to Christian music artist, Carman. I know I did. Still to this day I sometimes go back and watch these videos and listen to these songs. So today I'm counting down my top 10 favourite Carman music videos.



10. Mission 3:16


Not my favourite song or video so it takes the lowest spot at number 10.



9. The Champion








8. R.I.O.T









7. Lazarus Come Forth









6. No Monsters








5. Sunday School Rock









4. Revival in the Land








3. Witch's Invitation









2. Great God









1. America Again








What's your favourite Carman music video? Did I leave it out? Hit me up in the comments!




Tuesday, August 25, 2015

REVIEW: Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin











{About the Book}

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them. 














{My Review}

4 stars.

In 1941 the US is on the brink of joining the WWII effort.Naval Officer escorts British convoys and Mary Stirling is a quiet Naval Yard Secretary. But soon enough it is discovered that the USS Atwood has been sabotaged and Jim and Mary work together to find out who can be so bold. And while looking for the culprit they also begin to discover that their falling for each other.

Through Waters Deep is probably my favourite Sundin work yet. Sarah gave me exactly what I wanted and was hoping for in this novel. The writing was almost flawless, and the romance was a big part of the story and didn't seem to be an after thought. If your a fan of Historical romance I would recommend you pick up this book.

Monday, August 24, 2015

COVER REVEAL: The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan













{About the Book}


In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.

Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city's underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.

While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto's premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever--if they can stay alive long enough to do so.
 






{About the Author}




Rachel McMillan is a keen history enthusiast and a lifelong bibliophile. When not writing or reading, she can most often be found drinking tea and watching British miniseries. Rachel lives in bustling Toronto, where she works in educational publishing and pursues her passion for art, literature, music, and theater.



Rachel's Social Media:

Website         Facebook          Twitter

Sunday, August 23, 2015

COVER REVEAL: Dominion by Brian McBride














{About the Book}

War is Coming.

As scattered enemy insurgents - remnants of the Dark Prince's army - plague the countryside of Aellya, an ancient Darkness is stirred from its slumber by a curse cast long before the dawn of Man, Elf, and Dwarfkind.
David feels the weight of leadership as he is forced to decide where his loyalties lie.
Alicia is plagued by hellish dreams of fire and blood.
For her friends and her people Hannah pushes aside her pain on a quest for true healing, but her destiny is not yet written in the stars.
New and unexpected feelings begin to blossom in Jake's heart, but his fear of the past may well stand in the way of his future.

Will the young rulers find themselves in time to bring the Light to Aellya once again?
 





{About the Author}


Brian McBride lives for adventure. Whether it can be found in the pages of a book, city streets, or serving as youth pastor in his local church, he constantly seeks out his next big adventure.

He spends his time blogging, reading, writing, painting, composing music, taking pictures, and counseling teens. With every story he aims to excite, challenge, and embark the reader on a remarkable journey alongside real characters who face real problems.

He likes dogs, iced tea, and his Chinese Fighting Fish Stefan.

Brian's Social Media:





Sunday, August 16, 2015

REVIEW: Autumn Brides by Various








REVIEW: Autumn Brides by Various




{About the Book}


Happily ever after begins today. The honor of your presence is requested at three autumn weddings.…



A September Bride by Kathryn Springer



When Annie moves to Red Leaf, she’s ready to call the little town home. Deputy Jesse Kent can’t believe his mother has handed the keys to her bookshop over to a woman she met on the internet. Jesse has seen his mother taken advantage of before, and he decides to keep a close eye on this Annie Price. But when a close eye turns into a historical wedding reenactment with Jesse and Annie as the couple, make-believe nuptials quickly give way to real-life emotions.



An October Bride by Katie Ganshert



No one but Jake and Emma know the true reason they’re getting married—so Emma’s dying father can walk her down the aisle. While Jake and Emma plan an autumn wedding together, it becomes clear that their agreement has a few complications—the biggest being their true feelings for each other.



A November Bride by Beth K. Vogt



Having celebrated the big 3-0 by ending a relationship, Sadie is tired of romantic relationships-by-text. The only man she knows willing to put down his iPhone and have face-to-face conversations with her is Erik. It’s time to put a 21st-century twist on the Sadie Hawkins’ tradition of a woman going after her man. But when he realizes he’s fallen for her, can Erik convince Sadie his just-for-fun dates were the prelude to “‘til death do us part”?






{My Review}

Rating: 5 stars

A September Bride by Kathryn Springer
This is the first work of Kathryn Springer's I have read and now I want to read everything she's written. Annie and Jesse's story ranks #2 for me in this novella collection. Annie comes to town to take over a bookstore, which was owned by Jesse's mother. Jesse can't believe his mom would just turn over her store to a stranger she met online so Jesse plans to keep an eye on Annie. But Jesse, nor Annie expect to fall in love.

A September Bride was such a fantastic read. It was quick, but had a very satisfying ending.



An October Bride by Katie Ganshert.


You guys know Katie is one of my favourite authors so I knew I'd love this story. And I did. Jake and Emma are getting married for one reason only-so Emma's ill father can walk his daughter down the aisle. At least that's what they thought. Cute, romantic, and heart-wrenching. Three things Katie does so well and why I love her books so much. An October Bride ranks #1 in this novella.



A November Bride by Beth K. Vogt


Sadie just turned thirty and ended a romantic relationship. Sadie wants a face-to-face real relationship and not a few texts here and there. And the only person she feels can do that is Erik. But Erik didn't bet on falling in love with Sadie. This premise was so interesting, but became a little lackluster in the middle of the story, but I plowed on and it ended just the way I wanted it to.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

REVIEW: Hiding in the Light by Rifqa Bary









REVIEW: Hiding in the Light by Rifqa Bary




{About the Book}

“After four years of hiding my faith from my family, I knew that it was time. I wrote with shaky hands, ‘Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I refuse to deny him….’ There was no turning back now. I had to get out of that house if I wanted to live. Was this worth risking everything for? Yes.”

Rifqa Bary grew up in a devout Muslim home, obediently following her parents’ orders to practice the rituals of Islam. But God was calling her to freedom and love. He was calling her to true faith. He was calling her to give up everything.

Leaving Islam for Christianity cost her more than she imagined
but gave more than she could have dreamed.

Hiding in the Light is the story of Rifqa’s remarkable spiritual journey from Islam to Christianity. It is also the untold story of how she ran from her father’s threats to find refuge with strangers in Florida, only to face a controversial court case that reached national headlines. Most of all, it is the story of a young girl who made life-changing sacrifices to follow Jesus—and who inspires us to do the same.




{My Review}

Hiding in the Light is a revealing memoir of a young girl raised in a devout Muslim household, who for a time was hiding her Christian faith from her family. Until she decided to come out to them and tell them of her newfound Christian faith. Eventually, Rifqa whi believed her life was in danger, fled from her family and their home to the home of a Christian couple. Due to Rifqa being underage she was eventaully returned to her family only to leave again and never return. 

Rifqa Bary is quite an extroidanary young woman who held fast to her faith despite the pressures and hard times. She very clearly states she very much so loves her family and hopes that they one day discover the love and grace of Jesus Christ. She even writes a letter to her brother. I applaud Rifqa in what she did and hope to see her story spred throught the United States and the world. Highly recommended.

Monday, August 10, 2015

REVIEW: Among the Fair Magnolias by Various







REVIEW: Among the Fair Magnolias by Various






{About the Book}

Four Southern women are at a turning point in history . . . and in their own hearts.

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander

The Civil War cost Savannah Darby everything—her family and her home. When Aidan Bedford, an attorney from Boston, buys the Darby estate, he hires Savannah to redecorate. Can she find a mysterious treasure before her job is finished?

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray

When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he’s determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother’s homestead, he discovers that she is very ill and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love

Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser

Emily has a secret: She's in love with one of the freedmen on her family's plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.
 






{My Review}

Rating: 3.5 stars

Among the Fair Magnolias is a novella collection by various different authors set during the Civil War in the South. To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander tells the story of Savannah Darby who is in search of her family and a certain box her father hid during the war. The only thing is there's a new owner of her family's property, Aiden Bedford, a Boston Attorney and former Union soldier. To Mend a Dream was probably my favorite novella in this collection. I gave this one 5 out of 5.

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray tells the story of Russell Stark who returns home to find his mother very ill and his former love still the most breath taking woman he's ever known. An Outlaw's Heart is all about Russell coming to terms with his past so he can make a future. I really enjoyed this one as well. I gave it 3.5 out of 5.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love tells the story of Abigail who is supposed to marry her cousin Charles, as her father wants her too. But Abigail is in love with another man and one tragedy forces her to make a choice between love and duty. This story was probably my least favourite. The writing was not my favourite and the romance was pretty bland. I gave this story 2 out of 5.

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser tells the story of Emily who is keeping a secret from her family- she is in love with a Black Freedman who works on her family's plantation. While another plan has plegded his love for her. This story was in the middle for me. While story itself was interesting, the romance was like the above, just bland. I gave this one 2.5 out of 5.