Sons Of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof

I fell in love.

Thor is a big Norwegian sweetheart and stole my heart right away. He is deaf, so things are different for him, and the author tells the story with that perspective and reality. The other two brothers are sweet too, but all three are pretty rough around the edges. Aven, an Irish girl, is widowed by one of their cousins and comes to them at the request of their Aunt. There are many misunderstandings throughout the story, starting right from the beginning. I like the detail - they own a huge apple orchard with varieties I've never heard of but would now like to try. A complex story about discrimination, addiction and rehabilitation. Mystery, danger and lots of love.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson--FICTION - Netgalley 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 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

#SonsOfBlackbirdMountain #NetGalley

From the Publisher:
A Tale of Family, Brotherhood, and the Healing Power of Love
After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard is beckoned to give up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of Nineteenth-Century Appalachia. Upon arrival, she finds herself in the home of her late husband’s cousins—three brothers who make a living by brewing hard cider on their three-hundred acre farm. Yet even as a stranger in a foreign land, Aven has hope to build a new life in this tight-knit family.
But her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between the brothers. The youngest two both desire her hand, and Aven is caught in the middle, unsure where—and whether—to offer her affection. While Haakon is bold and passionate, it is Thor who casts the greatest spell upon her. Though Deaf, mute, and dependent on hard drink to cope with his silent pain, Thor possesses a sobering strength.
As autumn ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Thor and Haakon deepens and Aven faces a choice that risks hearts. Will two brothers’ longing for her quiet spirit tear apart a family? Can she find a tender belonging in this remote, rugged, and unfamiliar world?
A haunting tale of struggle and redemption, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a portrait of grace in a world where the broken may find new life through the healing mercy of love.

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Faith Journaling books by Ellie Claire

I just received these three journaling books in the mail. How exciting! It's always wonderful to receive a real book as a gift. Something tangible that you can hold in your hands. Each is unique and beautifully done, and they make a fabulous set. Really thick covers with lots of pretty embossed detailing. The pages are thick coated paper, great for water color and other art supplies.

Have you thought about doing Bible journaling? You see it everywhere you turn and it looks like it would be fun to do, but it's a bit intimidating to just jump right in and start coloring and writing in your book. These are a great way to get started or to improve/stretch your detailing skills. Each is instructional in its own way. With their clear instructional style, they will be a great guidance and also help you to develop your own unique style. Grab your watercolors, colored pencils and/or pens and thoroughly enjoy yourself!

Illuminate Your Story Journal

This is an instructional for illuminated letters. You know those beautiful drop caps that start a story in the old books. This is for each letter of the alphabet with five step illustrations, breaking down the illustrated letter. Then there is space for you to develop your own or copy theirs. After that there is a journaling space that starts with a beautiful quote from different sources.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Illustrated Word

An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal

This contains full color illustrations from the Museum of the Bible on lined pages for you to write your own journal - faith based or faith inspired. Then there are full pages of black outlined illustrations for you to color in. A personalized keepsake that's sure to be treasured.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Faith & Lettering Journal

This is to inspire hand-lettering. Practice the basics and do your own journaling or note taking, deepening your walk with God. To improve your cursive lettering, there are pages that illustrate the strokes and give you space on graph lined pages to practice and hone your skill. There are also pages with journaling examples and then places for you to practice, practice, practice. Interspersed with full color artistic bible quotes, pro tips and blank pages.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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When The Heart Sings by Liz Tolsma

Stunningly poignant detail.
When Germany annexed Poland they placed little value in the Polish people. They forced them to be slaves working in their war factories and lived in their homes. But God wove threads through the painful circumstances, bringing small miracles to his faithful. They also find out that in their differences they are yet the same in many ways. Nadia is made to work as a servant to a German couple. As bad as that is, in some ways it's a blessing. She learns that, like her, the wife previously lost her baby. 
Nadia has a beautiful voice that brings comfort and helps her to communicate with her husband who is imprisoned in a labor camp along the route she walks.  The story is told with incredible detail. It will have you holding your breath and pull your heart strings. Three million Polish Jews perished. Three million Polish Christians did also. Pray that it's never forgotten!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and Netgalley 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#MusicOfHope #NetGalley

Liz Tolsma Books

One lucky winner will win both The Melody of the Soul and When the Heart Sings.  Enter the GIVEAWAY here!

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Wingless by Heather Trim

Imagination Candy

Enter a rich world that includes a civilization that lives on a floating rock in the sky, supported by another that lives on the ground. Did I mention that those on the floating world have wings? Only the wingless live on the "earth". What if they're all the same people, simply separated over time? There must be more interesting history there to be revealed in good time.

Let's focus on two brothers, who in the last book flew up to the floating world (Ellery) with their friends to investigate where the winged people had gone. They were simply missing - there wasn't anyone on the island. As they explore this new world, they learn about each other and struggle to mature. But grow they must, and learn to go after what they believe in.  One brother is actually a wingless Ellerian who had been rejected at birth, something he recently found out, and has a bigger stake in finding the winged people - discovering his birth family. As the expression goes, nothing is easy. But the adventure is enthralling. If you're like me, be prepared to hold your breath a lot as each part of the story unfolds. Maybe it should be called "breathless"! I love, love, love this series and can't wait for the story to continue.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and author. 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Description from the Publisher:

“I must get home before someone else I love dies.”

Imprisoned on a floating island, four wingless friends need to get home before an assassin strikes at the heart of Balfour. Facing the dangers of the land and sky, young Ledger must help them escape and lead them home.

But his adopted brother, Tolliver, won’t leave just yet. He is dead set on finding his winged family, the ones who threw him away at birth. Will they accept him or execute him? Either way, Tolliver intends to try.

Award-winning author Heather Trim’s limitless imagination takes flight once more, where your most daunting limitation can be your greatest weapon.

#WINGLESS #HeatherTrim #withorwithoutwingsiamhere

A Season Of Grace by Lauraine Snelling

A good title! and love that cover. It was again so good to return to this family from Norway. Good to settle into the stories of the blessings in their lives mixed with hard work and coping with hardships, ups and downs, shared by all in this close family. They really make me hungry though, reading of the wonderful things they make to eat! The family lives on a farm, but Nilda is offered a position as an assistant to a very wealthy woman. Working for her is nothing like she left in Norway, as she is a kind and thoughtful person who loves to take care of people. Nilda is getting closer to two young men, but it remains to be seen if she will choose either of them. She is still pursued by the horrible young man who tried to abuse her in Norway, making for many tense times. Working through this with the support of her family and new friends is a learning experience for her - a stretching of her wings yet learning to rely on God and others for support. As always a fabulous read that you won't want to end.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and Netgalley 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#AseasonOfGrace #NetGalley

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My Sister's Prayer by Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould

A book set in two time frames, present and early 1700s. Two present day sisters are going through a rough time, and their grandmother thinks they would like to know about two of their ancestors who had some similarities. It helped the present day young women see some things about themselves. None of the young women in either time frame have an easy time of it. I found it hard to put down, especially wanting to know what happened to the girls from 1704. It kept me engaged till the end.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and Netgalley 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Description from the Publisher
Women of Fearless Devotion
Virginia, 1704
Celeste Talbot is usually such a sensible young woman—until she falls for an English soldier reassigned to the Colonies. Leaving her Huguenot family behind, she sets sail for America, only to realize that her younger sister Berta has been kidnapped and forced on board the very same ship. Whom can Celeste trust? The dashing soldier? Or the vigilant carpenter who remains by their side in the perilous New World?
Virginia, present day
Madeline "Maddee" Talbot has her hands full when she agrees to take in her younger sister, Nicole, following a serious car accident. The young women grew apart when Nicole fell into drug addiction, and Maddee prays this will be the start of a better life for her sister. But as they investigate a trauma from their childhood, Maddee must keep a diligent eye on Nicole—and the shadowy figure watching them from afar.
From the Christy Award-winning team of Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould, My Sister's Prayer tells an epic tale of two women compelled to protect their sisters, confront their fears, and navigate the muddy waters of betrayal to find true love.

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