Sleeping In Eden

This was a pretty dark, intense read from the genres I normally enjoy. 

The story starts right away and the author doesn't mess around when laying out the plot. Readers are lured in with a crime scene and from there, a thick mysterious tale is spun that gets pretty complicated. I did have some trouble following the connections between characters at times, and at some points, the details were a bit grisly for my preference. However, if you enjoy a good mystery, this is definitely a book you'll want to pick up. 

I found that the same issues I had with Far From Here, rang true for this book as well. I wanted to read it based on the summary, but just couldn't connect in a way to fully enjoy it. This isn't to say the book wasn't good, it just wasn't something I would read again, based on my personal preferences. 

You'll have to pick it up and decide for yourself! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Howard Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Catch A Falling Star

Cafe Lily's Review:

If you are looking for a sweet love story, this book offers one. I enjoyed the book for the most part and think it was worth reading but the mystery/suspense part of it ended way too abruptly for me.

The build up was great, but I was left wondering about a lot of details and wish there would have been more of a conclusion.

I liked this book better than Wish You Were Here, but it didn't totally grab me and draw me in like I wanted it to. I did like that this story focuses on characters that are older and dealing with some interesting issues. I was able to connect with the characters and the story was believable, however there were a lot of issues all going on at the same time which was hard to follow at times.



Celebrate the release of Catch a Falling Star (Howard Books) with Beth K. Vogt by entering to win a Romantic Weekend Getaway and RSVPing for her June 4th Author Chat Party.

 
Enter Today - 5/14 - 6/4!   

One "lucky" winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Perfect for a weekend stay at a hotel or B&B!)
• Catch a Falling Star and Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt (Swoon-worthy!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Catch a Falling Star" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 4th. Connect with Beth for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Beth will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Catch a Falling Star and join Beth on the evening of June 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

The Offering

 

The Offering is probably one of the most riveting, powerful books I have read in awhile.

This book explores the subject of surrogacy and focuses on a military wife, desperate to contribute to her family's finances. I did not know much about gestational carriers and this book provided interesting facts and information, which was incorporated naturally into the story. I was hooked!

What starts out as a generous sacrifice, turns into a major tangled web, when Amanda Lisandra sees a photo two years later of the child she carried. He looks so much like her husband and the daughter they have, that she wonders if she actually gave her own child away. This story explores not only the ethics of gestational carriers, but also the emotional, moral, mental and physical aspects of such a sensitive topic.

I loved it and can't recommend it enough. If you are looking for an interesting book, off the beaten path of usual topics in contemporary women's fiction, I suggest you pick this one up.


 

When Love Calls

 

 
Hannah Gregory is good at many things, but that list doesn’t include following rules. So when she is forced to apply for a job as a telephone switchboard operator to support her two sisters, she knows it won’t be easy. “Hello Girls” must conduct themselves according to strict-and often bewildering-rules. No talking to the other girls. No chatting with callers. No blowing your nose without first raising your hand. And absolutely no consorting with gentlemen while in training. Meanwhile, young lawyer Lincoln Cole finds himself in the unfortunate position of having to enforce the bank’s eviction of the three Gregory girls from their parents’ home. He tries to soften the blow by supporting them in small ways as they settle into another home. But fiery Hannah refuses his overtures and insists on paying back every cent of his charity. When one of Hannah’s friends finds himself on the wrong side of a jail cell, Hannah is forced to look to Lincoln for help. Will it be her chance to return to her dreams of studying law? And could she be falling in love "


CAFE LILY'S REVIEW: 

 I am a huge fan of historical fiction, especially books that are not only entertaining to read but cause me to learn something new. This book did just that!

The historical focus of this book is on the life of early switchboard operators, which I found both interesting and amusing. The author took her research and developed a story that was humorous and engaging. Hannah Gregory was a delightful character and I admired her for being willing to set her dreams aside and take a job she really didn't want, in order to take care of her family.

 I also enjoyed some of the comical exchanges she had with callers, when she mistakenly connected them to the wrong number. She reminded me of Lucille Ball at times, and I found myself pulling for her all through this story. And of course, the sweet, old fashioned romance that develops in this book just adds to the enjoyment of this story. Another great book by Lorna Seilstad!



 

The Face Of The Earth

Enter Today - 5/7 - 5/30!           

 

From the award-winning author of After All, a man finds his wedding vows tested after his wife disappears.

When Mitchell Brannon’s beloved wife of twenty years kisses him goodbye one morning, he has little idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised Jill’s car isn’t in the garage. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. “Hey, babe, I’m just now checking out of the hotel, but I’ll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you.” Hours later, Jill still hasn’t returned, and Mitch’s irritation turns to dread.


Cafe Lily's Review:

WOW!   As soon as I finished this book, I sent it to friend of mine and told her, "You HAVE to read this!"

It was incredibly good and one of the best books I have read so far this year.   The story is intense, and a nail biter all the way through.  I read halfway through the first night, and finished it the second day.  This story is not only a mystery, but it touches on so many tender topics.  I found myself connecting with the characters in such a way, that it felt like I knew them in real life.  Long after the book was over, I found myself thinking about this family.

This is a book that you want to savor and at the same time, speed through to see what happens. I think every married couple should read this book - it makes you think long and hard.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from LitFuse. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.



 

Catch A Falling Star

Synopsis: 

What does a girl do when life doesn’t go according to her plan? At thirty-six, Kendall Haynes has seen some of her dreams come true. She’s a family physician helping kids with severe allergies and asthma achieve more fulfilling lives—a childhood struggle she knows all too well. But are Kendall’s dreams of having it all—a career, a husband, children—nothing more than a childhood fantasy? God says He knows the plans He has for her—why can’t Kendall figure them out and be content with her life? 

Griffin Walker prefers flying solo—both as an Air Force pilot and in his personal life. But a wrong choice and health problems pulled him out of the cockpit. His attempts to get out of “flying a desk” are complicated by his parents’ death—making Griffin the reluctant guardian of his sixteen-year-old brother, Ian. How did his life get so off course? Can he get his life back on track…or has there been a divine plan all along? 

Catch a Falling Star reminds readers that romance isn’t just for twenty-somethings and that sometimes letting go of your “wish I may, wish I might” dreams is the only way to embrace everything God has waiting for you.

Cafe Lily's Review:

If you are looking for a sweet love story, this book offers one.  I enjoyed the book for the most part and think it was worth reading but the mystery/suspense part of it ended way too abruptly for me. 

The build up was great, but I was left wondering about a lot of details and wish there would have been more of a conclusion. 

I liked this book better than Wish You Were Here, but it didn't totally grab me and draw me in like I wanted it to.  I did like that this story focuses on characters that are older and dealing with some interesting issues. I was able to connect with the characters and the story was believable, however there were a lot of issues all going on at the same time which was hard to follow at times.

 

 

Couponing For The Rest Of Us

 

I enjoyed the tips and tricks shared in this book, as I am a  "couponer" and enjoy saving money. The biggest difference I noticed in  Kasey's book, is that she incorporates her faith into her couponing  methods and puts the focus on GIVING, rather then getting.  

Much of  the information in this book isn't new, however, if you are a beginner with coupons and savings, this is a must have.

She does not condone "hoarding" or extreme couponing which I  appreciated her addressing.  She does encourage readers on how to  start stockpiling items their family will use, and explains how to avoid wasting money while doing this.

Kasey writes in a very conversational tone, and explains couponing right down to where the coupons go after they leave the grocery store.  My biggest issue with this book is the tiny print which was a bit tedious to read. Apart from that, there is a lot of good information, especially for newbies.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.