Watch Over Me by Christa Parrish

Summary: Deputy Benjamin Patil is the one to find the infant girl, hours old, abandoned in a field. As police work to identify the mother, Ben and his wife, Abbi, seem like the obvious couple to serve as foster parents. But the newborn’s arrival opens old wounds for Abbi and shines a harsh light on how much Ben has changed since a devastating military tour. Their marriage teeters on the brink, and now they must choose to reclaim what they once had or lose each other forever.

Author Bio:  A past winner of Associated Press awards for her hournalism, Christa Parrish now teaches literature and writing to high school students, is a homeschool mom, and lives near Saratoga Springs, New York. Her first novel, Home Another Way, was a finalist for athe 2009 ECPA Christian Book Award for fiction.

My Review: I really liked the writing in this book. I had not read a book by Christa Parrish before this, but I enjoyed this one so much that I plan on reading Home Another Way also. Abbi as a character was sometimes a person I loved tremendously and also struggled with her thoughts and ideas. I understood her reasoning for the choices she made, but didn’t always agree with them. Abbi struggles with the changes in her husband and their relationship, and they have many things to work through to get their marriage back to functioning. Will having a baby arrive in their home be the thing to make things right or will it destroy what is left of their flailing marriage? I was drawn into this story by many aspects of it, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. I look forward to reading another one of her books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to read and review. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given this book. I HONESTLY read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I did not like the book I would definitely not give a rave review or recommend it.

Things Worth Remembering by Jackina Stark

Summary: Kendy Laswell and her daughter, Maisey, used to do everything together–until one fateful summer when Maisey witnessed something she shouldn’t have, and their relationship fractured. Now, Maisey is back home to get married and Kendy realizes this is her last chance to reconnect with her daughter. Will Kendy and Maisey be able to reclaim the bond they once shared?

Author Bio: Jackina (pronounced with a long “i” to rhyme with China) Stark recently retired from teaching English at Ozark Christian College to spend more time writing and traveling. During the 28 years she taught at OCC, she traveled nationally and internationally to speak and teach, and wrote many articles for denominational magazines. She has been married to her husband, Tony, for 42 years. They live in Carl Junction, Missouri, and have 2 daughters and 6 grandchildren.

My Review: This was a really hard book for me to get into. I almost put it down because it took so long to get to the good part of the book that made me want to continue reading. Once I finally did get to that part, I did like the book, though it still bounced around the storyline a little too much for my liking. I think the ending was very good though and the idea of the story was good. If you like stories about family, secrets, forgiveness, and renewal then this book would be along those lines.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to read and review. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given this book. I HONESTLY read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I did not like the book I would definitely not give a rave review or recommend it.

A Few Books from Bethany House

Summary: Gooding, Texas is about to gain a double blessing–a veterinarian and a doctor. But when siblings Enoch and Taylor Bestman arrive, the discovery that the long-awaited doctor is in fact a woman has the town up in arms. Karl Van der Vort is no exception, though he becomes Taylor’s first patient…against his will.

Karl finds he can’t deny Taylor’s doctoring skills, but he also can’t come to terms with her unladylike occupation. Taylor, on the other hand, wants only to prove that doctoring is her life’s calling, despite the town’s opposition. But when her practice–and Taylor herself–are threatened, Karl’s protectiveness flares into a different emotion altogether.

Author Bio: Cathy Marie Hake is the author of over twenty-five novels, though past endeavors have included making Bible covers and cutting out convertible car tops! She is also a registered nurse. Cathy and her husband live in Anaheim, California.

My Review: I loved Taylor as a character. She is quite feisty, confident in her abilities, and ready to prove who she is and what she is capable of. I would definitely recommend this book very highly.  This is the first book I have read by this author, but I will be looking for more in the future because I liked this one so much.

Summary: When Carrington Brouwer receives the enviable job of painting carousel horses for a factory in Ohio, she believes her future is secure. But after an expensive necklace disappears from the home where she’s been staying, she’s caught up in a search for the truth that puts her entire livelihood–and her developing relationship with the factory manager–at risk. Can she lead police to the real culprit before she loses everything?

Author Bio: Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, many of which have appeared on the CBA bestseller lists. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.

My Review: Carrington Brouwer is invited by her friend, Augusta Galloway, to move to the US from France after her father dies and she has no family left. Carrington arrives to quite an unexpected welcome. Augusta’s mother doesn’t seem well pleased with her arrival. Carrington feels as if she needs to make do on her own rather than live with the Galloways. She is a painter and is not exactly sure what she could do to live on her own. Carrington finds an unexpected ally in Augusta’s mother when she suggests that she work for Mr. Galloway at the carousel factory painting their carvings for the carousel. Mr. Galloway agrees and Carrington begins the difficulty of working in a factory full of men and being the only woman worker. It is 1890, so this is quite a foreign idea and not very acceptable. Carrington finds a boardinghouse near the factory to live at and meets Mr. Kaestner, who also happens to be her supervisor at the factory. He has his own difficulties with her as well, but his feelings begin to change as he sees Carrington’s character shine through. I really liked this book. It was full of suspense, romance, and much more. I am in awe of the strength that Carrington had to be able to withstand the trials of being the only woman in the factory. She struggles with her faith and learns along the way how to develop a better relationship with God. This was another book that I really loved. If you like historical fiction, this was a very interesting look into history that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I received a copy of these books from the publisher to read and review. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given these books. I HONESTLY read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I did not like the book I would definitely not give a rave review or recommend it.

Fields of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Summary:  With their eldest son nearly to the age when he will be drafted into military service, Reinhardt and Lillian Vogt decide to immigrate to America, the land of liberty, with their three sons and Reinhardt’s adopted brother, Eli. But when tragedy strikes during the ocean voyage, Lillian and eli are forced into an agreement neither desires.

Determined to fulfill his obligation to Reinhardt, Eli plans to see Lillian and her sons safely settled on their Kansas homestead–and he’s equally determined that the boys will be reared in the Mennonite faith. Wh at he doesn’t expect is his growing affection for Lillian–and the deep desire to be part of a family.

Author Bio:  Best-selling, award-winning author Kim Vogel Sawyer is a wife, mother, grandmother, author, speaker, singer of songs and lover of chocolate… but most importantly, she’s a born-again child of the King! A former elementary school teacher, Kim closed her classroom door in 2005 to follow God’s call on her heart to write and speak. Now blessed with multiple writing contracts with Bethany House, Barbour, and Zondervan Publishing, Kim enjoys sharing her journey to publication as well as the miraculous story of her healing from a life-long burden of pain and shame. Kim’s gentle yet forthright testimony lends credence to the promise of Ps. 117:2–”Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.”

My Review:  This was a wonderful story of how the Lord provides strength through difficult times. This Menonite family makes the decision to leave their country and head for America to avoid their son being drafted into the military. The experiences they have on their way to America bring about unexpected changes that will forever affect their lives. Lillian has to adapt to a new life, but will it be something she will willingly choose to adapt to? I loved Lillian’s character. She endured hardships, yet she clung to her values and trusted in the Lord.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to read and review. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given this book. I HONESTLY read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I did not like the book I would definitely not give a rave review or recommend it.

What the Bayou Saw by Patti Lacy

Summary:

Since leaving Lousiana, Sally Stevens has held her childhood secrets at bay, smothering them in a sunny disposition and sugar-coated lies. No one, not even her husband, Sam, has heard the truth about what happened when she was almost twelve years old.

Now a teacher in Illinois, Sally has nearly forgotten the past. But when one of her students is violently attacked, Sally’s memories of segregation, a chain-link fence, and a blood oath bubble to the surface like a dead body in a bayou. Lies continue to tumble from Sally’s lips as she scrambles to gloss over harsh reality. Finally cornered by her deceit and nudged by the Holy Spirit, she resolves to face the truth, whatever the consequences.

Author Bio:

Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University with a B.S. in education. She taught at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois until 2006, when she began to pursue wriwting full-time. She has two grown children and lives in Illinois with her husband, Alan, and a dog named Laura.

 

My Review:

All I can say is wow to this book. Two thumbs up to Patti Lacy for creating this story. Sally is the main character in this book. She has built her life around lies that she has so deceptively created that she can’t remember what the truth is. That is until a tragic event at the school where she works as a teacher occurs that brings her right back to the reason she created all these lies in the first place. Her lies finally come full circle when she begins to tell her story and realizes what she needs to do to find closure. This is a tale that includes racism, some history, and fabulous characters. I felt the pain of the characters throughout the book and it made me feel as if I just wanted to be there for them and make the hurt go away. I loved this book. Patti Lacy took me to a place within the pages of this book that created a whole new view of events that occurred in our history. Some things I just never realized, and it takes reading about it maybe in a different way to bring it to the forefront. Definitely a book I would highly recommend.

As an influencer for this book, I have received a copy to read and review. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given this book. I HONESTLY read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I did not like the book I would definitely not give a rave review or recommend it.

White Picket Fences Blog Tour

Summary:  

Amanda Janvier’s idyllic home seems the perfect place for her niece Tally to stay while her vagabond brother is in Europe, but the white picket fence life Amanda wants to provide is a mere illusion. Amanda’s husband Neil refuses to admit their teenage son Chase, is haunted by the horrific fire he survived when he was four, and their marriage is crumbling while each looks the other way.

 Tally and Chase bond as they interview two Holocaust survivors for a sociology project, and become startlingly aware that the whole family is grappling with hidden secrets, with the echoes of the past, and with the realization that ignoring tragic situations won’t make them go away.

 Readers of emotional dramas that are willing to explore the lies that families tell each other for protection and comfort will love White Picket Fences. The novel is ideal for those who appreciate exploring questions like: what type of honesty do children need from their parents, or how can one move beyond a past that isn’t acknowledged or understood? Is there hope and forgiveness for the tragedies of our past and a way to abundant grace?

Author Bio:

Susan Meissner cannot remember a time when she wasn’t driven to put her thoughts down on paper. Her novel The Shape of Mercy was a Publishers Weekly pick for best religious fiction of 2008 and a Christian Book Award finalist. Susan and her husband live in Southern California, where he is a pastor and a chaplain in the Air Force Reserves. They are the parents of four grown children.

My Review:

I really enjoyed this book. There were all kinds of aspects to it that made it interesting including suspense, anger, mystery, and even some history. My favorite character was Tally. She has lived an interesting life with her father Bart, but she still seems pretty grounded and level-headed. I kind of relate to her in some ways, which I guess is why she’s my favorite character. I would definitely highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good book.

Here is the link to Random House, which will list the different options where you can purchase the book online:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400074570&ref=externallink_wbp_whitepicketfences_sec_0916_01

As a participant in this blog tour, I have received a copy to read and review. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given this book. I HONESTLY read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I do not like the book I would definitely not give a rave review or recommend it.

Fall Reads Blog Tour

Book:  Leaving Carolina

Author:  Tamara Leigh

Summary:  

 Piper Wick left her hometown of Pickwick, North Carolina, twelve years ago, shook the dust off her feet, ditched her drawl and her family name, and made a new life for herself as a high-powered public relations consultant in LA. She’s even “engaged to be engaged” to the picture-perfect U.S. Congressman Grant Spangler.

Now all of Piper’s hard-won happiness is threatened by a reclusive uncle’s bout of conscience. In the wake of a health scare, Uncle Obadiah Pickwick has decided to change his will, leaving money to make amends for four generations’ worth of family misdeeds. But that will reveal all the Pickwicks’ secrets, including Piper’s.

Though Piper arrives in Pickwick primed for battle, she is unprepared for Uncle Obe’s rugged, blue-eyed gardener. So just who is Axel Smith? Why does he think making amends is more than just making restitution? And why, oh why, can’t she stay on task? With the Lord’s help, Piper is about to discover that although good PR might smooth things over, only the truth will set her free.

My Review:

I thoroughly enjoy reading Tamara Leigh’s books. Her characters crack me up all the time. I love a good laugh, and this author definitely provides a full share of those. She tends to give you a view of the thoughts of her characters, and that’s the part in her books that I really like. It makes me feel like I know them personally when I am able to get inside their heads. This is another book of hers that I would pass along to my friends because it was a nice easy read that was fun and enjoyable.

Book:  Limelight

Author:  Melody Carlson

Summary:  

Claudette Fioré used to turn heads and break hearts. She relished the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle because she had what it takes: money, youth, fame, and above all, beauty. But age has withered that beauty, and a crooked accountant has taken her wealth, leaving the proud widow penniless and alone.

Armed with stubbornness and sarcasm, Claudette returns to her shabby little hometown and her estranged sister. Slowly, she makes friends. She begins to see her old life in a new light. For the first time, Claudette Fioré questions her own values and finds herself wondering if it’s too late to change.

My Review:

Claudette was once living the high life in Hollywood with her famous husband. Now she is a widow and circumstances have completely changed in her life. She finds herself not knowing how to cope with these changes. What she does find along the way are a few lessons in life she would never have dreamed of learning. I found the beginning of the book a little slow, but I kept on reading. This is not the usual genre that I read, but it was enjoyable enough. There are many hilarious parts that are worth the read, but I can’t say it’s my favorite. Claudette is quite the character, and it makes you wonder if there are really people out there who are as difficult in the same manner as she is.

Book:  What Matters Most 

Author:  Melody Carlson

 Summary:  

 Maya’s Green Tip for the Day: Recycled fashion is one of the most fun ways to go green. A pair of jeans could be transformed into a denim skirt. A sweater into a vest. A bunch of old ties into a dress. A blanket into a poncho. Accessorize it in new way–with beads, buttons, appliqués, buckles, stencils, or ribbons…your imagination is only the limit. (65 words)

Sixteen-year-old Maya Stark has a lot to sort through. She could graduate from high school early if she wants to. She’s considering it, especially when popular cheerleader Vanessa Hartman decides to make her life miserable–and Maya’s ex-boyfriend Dominic gets the wrong idea about everything.

To complicate matters even more, Maya’s mother will be released from prison soon, and she’ll want Maya to live with her again. That’s a disaster waiting to happen. And when Maya plays her dad’s old acoustic guitar in front of an audience, she discovers talents and opportunities she never expected. Faced with new options, Maya must choose between a “normal” life and a glamorous one. Ultimately, she has to figure out what matters most.

My Review: 

This is actually the last book in the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. I hadn’t read any of the previous books, but I really liked this one. Maya is a carefree girl who has a lot on her plate and a history that got her to where she is. I found Maya to be a very lovable character. She was genuine and real. I feel like I want to go back and read the previous books to understand the journey of how Maya got to where she was in this book. I found this to be a story that I would definitely recommend and I appreciate having a book that relates to teens in a positive way and gives them good examples to follow.

As a participant in this blog tour, I have received a copy to read and review. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given this book. I HONESTLY read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I do not like the book I would definitely not give a raving review or recommend it.

These books may be purchased online at the following websites:

Leaving Carolina: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421661

What Matters Most: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421197

Limelight: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400070824

THE SOUND OF SLEIGH BELLS BY CINDY WOODSMALL

Summary:  

Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

Author Bio:

Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years. 

My Review:

Let me just say how much I love the books written by Cindy Woodsmall. This happens to be my third blog post having to do with Cindy Woodsmall. The Sound of Sleigh Bells certainly did not disappoint when it comes to what I expect from the caliber of books written by this author. This was a simple love story with its share of disappointment and heartache, but the characters were overall believable with real emotions. I loved this book just as much as I have enjoyed her other books and would definitely recommend it and pass it along.

Please visit the Random House website to see all of the different options where you can purchase the book online:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307446534

As a participant in this blog tour, I have received a copy to read and review. I also received a copy as a giveaway. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given this book. I HONESTLY read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I do not like the book I would definitely not give a raving review or recommend it.

If you would like to win a copy of The Sound of Sleigh Bells, please post a comment and leave your email address in code to avoid spam such as name[at]charter[dot]net. Tell your friends about this giveaway also. If you post about it on your blog be sure to give me the link to get a second entry in the drawing, or if your friend posts a message and mentions your name, you will receive an extra entry in the drawing. I will draw a name on October 16th.

The Hope of Refuge by Cindy Woodsmall

Summary:  

Raised in foster care and now the widowed mother of a little girl, Cara Moore struggles against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When a trail of memories leads Cara and Lori out of New York City toward an Amish community, she follows every lead, eager for answers and a fresh start. She discovers that long-held secrets about her family history ripple beneath the surface of Dry Lake, Pennsylvania, and it’s no place for an outsider. But one Amish man, Ephraim Mast, dares to fulfill the command he believes that he received from God–“Be me to her”– despite how it threatens his way of life.

Completely opposite of the hard, untrusting Cara, Ephraim’s sister Deborah also finds her dreams crumbling when the man she has pledged to build a life with begins withdrawing from Deborah and his community, including his mother, Ada Stoltzfus. Can the run-down house that Ada envisions transforming unite them toward a common purpose–or push Mahlon away forever? While Ephraim is trying to do what he believes is right, will he be shunned and lose everything–including the guarded single mother who simply longs for a better life?

Here is a link to an interview that Cindy did on abc Nightline about the Amish: http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=7676659&page=1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author Bio:

Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years. 

My Review:

This is the first book I have read by Cindy Woodsmall, and I’m very glad I had the opportunity to do so. I have always been intrigued by the Amish community, as I’m sure many people have and that is why it is so popular. Cara is a single mom who fears for the life of herself and her daughter as she struggles to work and keep her daughter safe. She begins to have some flashbacks of her childhood and then finds a key to those flashbacks in notes her mom left for her. This leads her to an Amish community where she finds herself quite the outsider, yet taken in by one of their own, Ephraim. He does this at the risk of his own faith because he feels God telling him to “Be me to her”. How will Cara handle what she learns while she is there and what will happen to Ephraim for taking a chance on following what he feels God calling him to do against his better judgment? I would highly recommend reading this book so you will have the opportunity to find out the answers to these questions and many more. At the end of the book Cindy Woodsmall had me wanting for more. What a great start to what I hope will be more heartfelt stories about the Amish life.

Here is a link to the Random House website. Here you will see all of the different options where you can purchase the book online:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400073962

New York Times bestselling author Cindy Woodsmall is on tour, and she may be coming to a city near you! Don’t miss your opportunity to meet Cindy and have her sign her newest title The Hope of Refuge at one of the following events.

Tuesday, August 11   7 – 8:30pm

Barnes & Noble

5141 Peachtree Parkway, The Forum
Norcross, Georgia 30092
(770) 209-4244

 Wednesday, August 12   7 – 8pm

Barnes & Noble Opry Mills

515 Opry Mills Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
(615) 514-5000

Thursday, August 13   6 – 8pm

Barnes & Noble

2540 Futura Pkwy. #135
Plainfield, Indiana 46168
(317) 838-7941

 Friday, August 14   6 – 8pm

Barnes & Noble

1550 West 75th
Downers Grove, Illinois 60516
(630) 663-0181

 Saturday, August 15   1 – 3pm

Baker Books

2768 East Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-6139
(616) 957-3110

Sunday, August 16   2 – 4pm

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

3700 Rivertown Parkway Ste. 2058
Grandville, Michigan 49418
(616) 531-1825

 Monday, August 17   7 – 8:00pm

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

1739 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 298-9516

Tuesday, August 18   7– 8:30pm

Joseph Beth Booksellers

2705 E. Carson Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
(412) 381-3600

 Wednesday, August 19   6 – 8pm

Hackman’s Bible Book Store

1341 Mickley Road
Whitehall, Pennsylvania 18052-4610
(610) 264-8600

Thursday, August 20   1 – 3pm

Rachel’s Country Store (Amish dry goods store)

6352 McClays Mill Road
Newburg, Pennsylvania 17240
(717) 530-9452

 Can’t make the tour? You can still follow Cindy’s adventures on Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter. See you there!

I also have a copy of “The Hope of Refuge” to give away. If you would like to win a copy please post a message in code such as name[at]charter[dot]net so as to avoid spam. I will have the drawing on August 11th. Be sure and tell all your friends about this giveaway and send them to my blog to be entered. Tell them to mention your name and you will get another entry into the drawing.

 

 

The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner

Summary

Leaving a life of privilege to strike out on her own, Lauren Durough breaks with her family’s expectations by taking a part-time job from eighty-three-year-old librarian Abigail Boyles. The mysterious employer asks Lauren to transcribe the journal entries of her ancestor, Mercy Hayworth, a victim of the Salem witch trials.

Immediately, Lauren finds herself drawn to this girl who lived and died four centuries ago. As the fervor around the witch accusations increases, Mercy becomes trapped, unable to fight the overwhelming influence of snap judgments and superstitions. Lauren realizes that the secrets of Mercy’s story extend beyond the pages of her diary, living on in the mysterious, embittered Abigail.

The strength of her affinity with mercy forces Lauren to take a startling new look at her own life, including her relationships with Abigail, her college roommate, and a young man named Raul. But on the way to the truth, will Lauren find herself playing the helpless defendant or the misguided judge?

Can she break free from her own perceptions and see who she really is?

My Review

Lauren is a college student who has no worries about money, yet she wants to prove to herself she doesn’t need it and lives at the dorm. She seeks out a job and finds herself transcribing a diary written by Mercy, a woman who was accused of being a witch during the Salem Witch Trials. Just as Lauren enveloped herself in Mercy’s story, I found myself eager to turn “just one more page” to see what happens next. There were many messages in this story to all of us of learning who we really are and what drives us. It made me think about myself and how I view others. For Lauren this was a journey of self-discovery. I could relate to Lauren in some aspects of her character, and it made me love the story all the more. I would highly recommend this book. It gave me a desire to learn more about the Salem Witch Trials and what really happened during that time. There is definitely a spiritual element as well, which I would never have even thought about. This is a great book that will definitely be passed around.

Author Bio:

Susan Meissner has been feeding her love of writing all her life. Her first novel, Why the Sky is Blue, was released in 2004, after she resigned her post as editor for a local newspaper in a rural Minnesota town. Since that time she has had eight books published and she moved to San Diego, where she lives with her family.

 

Susan has graciously agreed to give away a copy, so if you would like to win a copy of The shape of Mercy please post a message leaving your email in coded form to avoid spam such as patty[at]aol[dot]com. The drawing will be on July 19th.