Love At Any Cost by Julie Lessman

I've read all but one of Julie Lessman's previous books, and have enjoyed them all. She has a real knack for weaving intricate/angsty plots full of intersecting characters and secondary story lines. I'm happy to say, if you're a fan of her previous series', there's a good chance you'll like Love At Any Cost as well. Here's the synopsis:

Jilted by a fortune hunter, cowgirl Cassidy McClare is a spunky Texas oil heiress without a fortune who would just as soon hogtie a man as look at him. Hoping a summer visit with her wealthy cousins in San Francisco will help her forget her heartache, Cassidy travels west. But no sooner is she settled in beautiful California than Jamie McKenna, a handsome pauper looking to marry well, captures her heart. When Jamie discovers the woman he loves is poorer than he is, Cassidy finds herself bucked by love a second time. Will Jamie discover that money can't buy love after all? And can Cassidy ever learn to fully trust her heart to a man?

Right from the start, you know Cassy McClare is a total Texan spitfire. Her very first sentence-"Sweet Thunderation-deliver me from pretty men!"-tells you she is not one to mince words and has little toleration for "pretty boy polecats." To be honest, I wasn't sure if her extreme feistiness would drive me nuts after a while-because it seemed a bit over the top-but she did grow on me as the story went on. I began to empathize with her obvious heartbreak and determination to threaten all men who looked at her twice-especially the, yup, pretty ones-with her formidable hog tying skills, even as I felt badly for any poor sap who got a kick in the leg with Cassy's cowboy boots.

So, into Cassy's emotionally traumatized existence comes Jamie McKenna who is even better looking than her ex-fiancee-big uh oh. Huge. You can already see the sparks and soon to be physical/egotistical bruising on the horizon, right? Clueless Jamie lays on the charm right off the bat because he believes Cassy to be a wealthy oil heiress, and he's looking to snag a rich wife in order to pay for his crippled sister's much needed hip surgery, among other things. They forge a strong friendship as Cassy quickly makes it clear she isn't ready to start a new relationship, yet they can't deny a gradual longing for something more. However, Jamie doesn't share Cassidy's faith, and he discovers she is not the well off rich girl he's been planning on. With both of their hearts already involved, is there a way to work out their seemingly insurmountable circumstances?

As with all Julie Lessman novels, there are plenty of surprises throughout the story that will keep you guessing as to where things are heading next. Jamie and Cassidy were a fun couple to follow, even if both of them had certain traits that didn't always make them appealing in my eyes. I wasn't always sure I believed in Jamie's level of complete love/devotion toward Cassy, even right up till the end.

SPOILER:

For example: One second he's talking to his friend about the girl he's courting-not Cassy- and describing how he's lucky that she's smart, rich, and beautiful-but a few sentences later, he's surprised/upset when he finds out Cassy-who he has reluctantly but knowingly thrown over for said girl- fled to get away from his betrayal. Huh? To me, he just came across as kind of shallow/selfish at times and I wasn't totally convinced of his quick turnaround/change of heart towards the end. Also, I wish that Cassy would have expected Jamie to earn her trust back over a longer period of time, rather than just immediately accept his proposal without much of an argument.

SPOILER OVER.

There are also quite a few other characters that interact with our main hero/heroine, the most notable being Cassidy's Aunt Caitlyn and Uncle Logan. Cait is a widow, previously married to Logan McClare's brother Liam, but it was Logan who was her first love. Unfortunately, he messed up big time, lost her trust, and had to step back as Liam and Cait started a life, and family, together. Twenty six years later, she's single and he's desperately hoping to rekindle their old love affair, with marriage in mind. But, like Jamie, Logan isn't a man of faith and he's also a well known womanizer who, in fact, cheated on Caitlyn all those years ago.

Their story line is woven throughout the entire novel, and I was definitely intrigued by where their relationship was headed. No conclusion is reached by the end of this book, but I think that's a unique idea; to have a secondary couple's relationship gradually unfold without having to rush things-plus it leaves a bit of a cliff hanger that makes you want to see what will happen next!

As always, Julie Lessman writes with wit, style, passion, and a unique flair for angsty/twisty/dramatically rich plotting that involves the reader in the world she's created, right up till the very last page. I definitely look forward to seeing what she has up her sleeve next for those McClare cousins she's introduces us to, and also the continuing saga of Logan and Caitlyn. All in all, a great start to The Heart of San Fransisco Series!


"Available April 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

Thanks to Revell Publishers for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Marriage of your dreams: A woman's guide to understanding her man by Rick Johnson

Men are fairly simple creatures with fairly simple needs. Yet women often find themselves frustrated trying to understand those needs in order to improve their marriages. Many wonder, "What does he expect from me? I'm doing everything the best I can. Doesn't he know I'm at the end of my rope here?" Relationship expert Rick Johnson ends the guessing game, giving women an open and honest look inside the world of a man's needs and helping them understand how best to use their influence to have a satisfying and exciting relationship.Rick delves into the not-so-mysterious-after-all world of a man, highlighting his need for respect and admiration, his sexual desires, his communication style, his work, his emotions, and even his relationship with the "other woman"--his mother. Women will appreciate Rick's candor, humor, and insight as they discover that the marriage of their dreams is closer than they ever thought it could be.



I've read a fair amount of relationship books and thought this one was a nicely paced, easy to understand, and generally accessible, addition  to the self-help genre.

I liked the length-just over 200 pages-because too much wordiness or over explanation of key points, tends to frustrate my attention span. Mr. Johnson has an engaging, straightforward, way of expressing himself but still manages to keep a sense of humor throughout. While he doesn't go into inappropriate detail about  certain subjects like sex, he also doesn't shy away from answering some of those burning questions women have always wanted to know about guys:

his need for respect and admiration
his sexual desires
his communication style
his work
his emotions
his relationship with the "other woman" in his life (his mother)

Being able to get an  honest "inside" perspective on what men think and feel is a valuable asset to any relationship, and I appreciated the observations shared. The question and answer sections at the end of each chapter were also great, as what was asked seemed to be what most women  usually want to know.

As I said, this book isn't super long and I was able to finish it in one sitting, so if you're looking for a quick, yet insightful read, The Marriage of Your Dreams should be right up your alley.


"Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. 

A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman

Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents' death. But when she falls hard for Steven O'Connor, the man who broke an engagement to her sister, Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is?With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and emotional twists and turns, A Love Surrendered is everything Julie Lessman's many fans have been waiting for.


A Love Surrendered is book three in the Winds of Change Series, and you definitely don't want to read it out of order or you just might be scratching your head over who's who and what's what in the O'Connor clan.

If you have read the previous 5 books-the first three being part of The Daughter's of Boston series about the same family- then you'll know that this one's about Steven, the youngest son.

If I'm already confusing you, it's because this is one big group of Irish/Catholic relatives we're talking about. (And, not to worry, plenty of that infamous passion/temper to go with it.)

As A Love Surrendered starts, we're introduced to Susannah, who prefers to be called Annie, and more than anything wants to land her first kiss. So with the encouragement of her friend, Peggy, she sneaks out at night hoping to meet a cute guy, up for some canoodling.

Well, she does meet a handsome man, but not in the way she planned and, needless to say, the circumstances leave her kinda mortified. Because Steven O'Connor, straight laced lawman, thinks of her as nothing but a naive, brainless, "kid" in need of saving from herself. Not exactly the image she's looking to cultivate as a mature, kissable, woman of the world.

Despite, or perhaps because of, their lack luster first encounter, Annie is determined to make Steven see her as more than a child, because his "brotherly" instincts to protect her from those who would take advantage, initially irritate her. Since Annie is only seventeen and Steven twenty five, he tells himself she's too young for him-plus he already holds enough guilt over the ruined innocence of a girl from his past. He can't stand to think the same could happen to the sweet Annie, so he distances himself. But he can't seem to shake her from his thoughts, even though he knows he's only asking for trouble by even contemplating a relationship...

Whew, what a finale to the whirlwind O'Connor saga! After six books of them, it's hard not to feel as if you're family, and Julie does an incredible job of seamlessly involving us in the stories of each of their lives. I so love the continued updates we receive on other siblings who we've previously read about, and how they are handling relationships, kids, marriages, work, etc. rather than just ending at the typical "happily ever after."

In terms of Steven and Annie's saga, it definitely kept my attention throughout-maybe a little too well at times. At one point near the end, I dropped my book on the floor after a major spoiler occurred and said, "You've got to be kidding me, Julie!" (I won't tell you if she was or not.) But, yes, I was angry, tense, and in shock for a full minute at least before I could continue on. And weirdly enough, that's a good thing because I LOVE an angsty read, despite near constant worry for my poor, sky rocketing, blood pressure.

I so didn't see that particular twist coming, along with several other ones, so kudos for some great plot planning!  I would have liked to see more of Steven and Annie's dating/relationship moments, as I felt like I didn't get quite as deep of an overall connection between the two of them as I was hoping for. I suppose, a few trivial, "down time," fun, couple interactions may have been what I missed to completely cement their feelings for each other in my mind. For me, it seemed as if most of their scenes together were tense/emotionally draining, and I definitely love some good tension, but appreciate the softer, romantic, stuff to balance it all out as well.

I'll admit, I was sad to pick up this book knowing it was the beginning of the end, but I couldn't resist because Julie is really a phenomenal writer who I can always tell  puts her heart and soul into every page she types. That passion comes across vividly in each character, phrase, setting, and detail-straight down to the smell of chili mac simmering on Marcy's kitchen stove. She immerses her readers in a world so realistically drawn, that you emerge back into real life reluctantly, not wanting to leave behind your book friends mid conversation.

I can't say enough about how blessed, uplifted, entertained, challenged, and honored I've been to share in the O'Connors' journey from Faith all the way to Steven. I feel as if I've come to know and care about each of them intimately which is a gift I'll forever cherish. And, you better believe, I'll be re-reading these classics in the future, and passing them down to my kids one day.

If you want a series that's passionate about relationships-both spiritual and emotional-then these are the books for you.

P.S. Just to help you out, I'm including the reading order and a link to each book:


The Daughters of Boston


-A Passion Most Pure

-A Passion Redeemed

-A Passion Denied


The Winds of Change


-A Hope Undaunted

-A Heart Revealed

-A Love Surrendered



I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Fall is right around the corner!

Who else likes loves is totally obsessed with fall like me?

(C'mon, I know I'm not the only one.)

It's my favorite time of year-something about the cool temperature, leaves blowing, and sense of anticipation in the air gets me every time. Also, the knowledge of acceptably unlimited amounts of pumpkin food products excites me almost as much as an unlimited shopping spree to Target.

(Almost.)

Yup, I'm a total sucker for Autumn. If there was ever an official "fall approved" groupie t-shirt, I'd be wearing it. Like every day. No joke. Justin Bieber, who?

(Of course, I'd buy multiple T's in case you wonder about unspecified hygiene issues.)

I'd also bottle up the months of October/November and keep them with me all the time, like one of those weird little purse dogs that holly wood bimbos carry around as a fashion statement.

Eh, all right, that squeemed me out a bit. No, I wouldn't. Really. Stop staring at me like I'm a total wacko! Tee-hee. :)

Anyhow, if you're crazy, scary, horror movie like, obsessed with fall as I am, here's a slammin' high five from me to you.

If not, forget the high five-but I'll give you a polite finger wave anyhow. 

So, do tell. What is your favorite season of the year, and why?

Blog Tour for Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz

Love's Reckoning is book one in the Ballantyne Legacy series and here's the scoop:

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in Lancaster. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other's jealousy destroy their love?
In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come.. "Love's Reckoning" is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

Wow, this was a fantastic start to Laura's new series and thrillingly sets the stage for, what I'm sure, is much more delicious drama to come!

If you enjoy emotional, nail biting, angsty, tension filled, reads then this book will be right up your alley. I loved every second, even as my fingers were itching to slap a few very deserving people. I won't drop names, but you'll know who I'm talking about.

(Because this story is very plot driven with several twists and turns I don't want to ruin for anyone,  I'm going to be careful not to give any spoilers but instead focus on what I felt while reading.)

The various family dynamics are vividly etched and explored with sensitivity, yet realism. I honestly felt like a fly on the wall during the conversations, dinners, scheming, personal moments, and social functions Silas and Eden are part of. I held my breath when certain events unfolded, kisses were stolen, tragedy occurred-I really felt each emotion the characters did. 

I thought the growing relationship between Silas and Eden was nicely paced and not rushed, which I appreciated. They took their time getting to know each other before romance came into play, and the foundation of a spiritual connection was formed naturally rather than forced into awkwardly. Silas endeared himself to me in all the thoughtful ways he left scripture notes for Eden in unexpected places, brightening her day just a bit more. The play on your typical "love notes" was original and incorporated a really sweet religious element to the story, while strengthening the plot/storyline also. 

Love's Reckoning is not a light read and contains some darker elements that are handled without any unnecessary  detail, but just enough to make clear what's happening. The fallout from one such incident involving Eden was truly heart breaking, and I ached for what she was going through by no fault of her own. That tragedy can be overcome despite the loss of something we hold dear, is captured here movingly. Beauty can come from the most unexpected places and our past doesn't have to define out future, as this story so succinctly shows. 

The finale doesn't exactly end on a cliff hanger but it definitely leaves you wanting more, especially after you've read the sneak peek from book two! Every Laura Frantz book I've read has been exquisite, like the finest delicacy that you want to savor again and again. She just has a way of writing straight to your heart while also consistently engaging your imagination. The combination of earthy reality yet almost ethereal dreaminess, is stunningly combined to create an unforgettable novel. Love's Reckoning is, for lack of a better term,  hauntingly good.


“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”



I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.


If you'd like more information about author Laura Frantz, you can visit her blog here

Chocolate chip coffee cake

One of my friends makes a chocolate chip coffee cake that's super delicious and yesterday I was in the mood for some of that deliciousness, so I came across this recipe that looked like just the thing I was wanting.

And it was!

If you've never had chocolate chip coffee cake, then you're in for a real treat! It didn't take long at all to throw together and you probably have the ingredients on hand already.

Even though coffee cake is generally thought of as a breakfast/morning treat, I think it can be eaten as a regular dessert also. Especially this coffee cake, because the addition of chocolate chips adds a lot of extra richness to the taste.

Anyhow, if you get a chance, try this yumm-ilicious chocolate chip coffee cake recipe! :)

All I want...

Or I'd totally settle for unlimited hours of uninterrupted reading time on my Kindle.

(Preferably in a cozy pillowed nook with delectable frappuccino in hand.)

Summer Craziness!

Does anyone else get behind on things in the summer?

(Well, for me it's not only then...but yeah, it's an excuse and I'm claiming it.)

Anyhow, I've been super bad about blogging and hanging out with my blogger friends lately, so this is a big, fat, apology from me to whoever's reading this.

(And if you're not, it's probably because there hasn't been much to read here lately. So, yeah...)

But I really do love writing, blogging, and spending time with everyone in this awesome world, so I'm going to make an effort to schedule my time better and get on here more often.

(And catch up on my book reading-I'm convinced some publishers may resort to stalking me or hiring a private investigator that specializes in tracking down past due review delinquents. I may have to go into the overdue book review witness protection program. Yes, I'm sure there is one somewhere.)

But, anyhew, without further ado, I hope you all are having a fabulous summer and doing better on your blogging/reading than yours truly.

(P.S. Also, hope you enjoy somewhat creepy/wacky pictures of little dogs snuggling in coconuts-in otherwise pretty normal photos.)

The Proof of Your Love

I just recently became aware of the band For King and Country and this song, Proof of Your Love, has been stuck in my head all day.

So I thought I'd share in the hope that it will be stuck in your head too, because I'm unfailingly thoughtful like that. :)

Anyhew, if you haven't listened to this one before-or even if you have-hope you enjoy!

(P.S. If you're on the prowl for a new CD, I just bought their album, Crave, and it's 100% a-mazing!)

Mexican Pizza

Ever had the Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell?

(Or as my hubby likes to call it, Taco Hell, for reasons having to do with typical stomach discomfort after consuming a heavy, but still totally worthwhile, meal from  the glorious TB.)

Anyhow, I've always loved their Mexican Pizza so I'm excited to try this recipe that I came across, especially since it looks pretty easy to make.

And I'm all about the simple and tasty...

Anyhow, if you make this before I do, let me know what you think. Or if you're also a fan of Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza.

(Or, perhaps, you just prefer to avoid this restaurant chain for reasons previously mentioned...) :)

Mexican Pizza

Interrupted: Life Beyond Words by Rachel Coker

Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie's heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved.

I really enjoyed this YA novel, especially as it was written by a sixteen year old debut author. Pretty impressive and ambitious!

The story centers around Alcyone, or Allie, as she prefers to be called. Allie has spent her childhood taking care of her mentally failing mother, while dreaming of penning poetry and escaping from the ever polite yet irksome neighbor boy, Sam Carrol.

Her existence is rather difficult, but she perseveres on, in hopes that her mother's declining health will spiral back up. Although, Allie is told Christianity is a crutch for the weak, she still prays for a miracle in case there's any chance God isn't a total myth.

But, Allie is broken hearted and utterly alone when her Mom passes away and she is forced to relocate to Maine under the guardianship of a complete stranger. The years pass, and Allie's heart has stayed closed to any love or attempted warmth given by her new "family."

Then a chance encounter with her old childhood pest Sam Carrol begins to shift Allie's world and thaw the coldness within her soul. But after so much pain, will she allow anyone in or choose to move away from her past?

As I said, I think Ms. Coker did a great job on this, her first novel, especially for someone still in their teens. I liked the internal monologues and somewhat humorous/snarky thoughts Allie had throughout the book and thought she came across in a realistic manner. I could remember what it felt like to be that age while reading.

Sam was a total sweetheart and it was hard seeing Allie give him the cold shoulder like 99% of the time-I just wanted to give him a big hug. The relationship between he and Allie was slow and mellow. Nothing too angsty or intense, but pleasant still.

I suppose that was my reaction to the story overall. I didn't feel it hit a lot of heavy emotional peeks, but rather that it moved along in an understated, thoughtful, sort of way. I was compelled to keep reading, but the writing also had a sparse, not terribly descriptive feel to it that left me feeling slightly disconnected rather than completely engrossed in what was happening between the characters.

The end seemed a bit rushed to me, but I did like how the religious aspects were handled, and not overblown in dramatic detail. Interrupted: Life Beyond Words shows that Rachel Coker has a talent which I'm sure will only continue to grow with experience.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

If stress burned calories...

This made me lol.

I'm guessing there would be a lot more skinny people, me included, if this were true... :)

Revell Blog Tour: The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport

Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago's rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work--and the classes she is secretly taking at the newly opened University of Chicago. When she meets an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World's Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. Can she break away from her family's expectations? And will she ever be loved for who she truly is?

 I always enjoy reading debut novels and discovering new authors, so was happy to read The Pursuit of Lucy Banning; along with the fact I really enjoy historical fiction.


First off, the book cover is quite eye catching and I commend the art department who designed it. I was instantly intrigued to learn what the story was about after just a glimpse of the outside. 


The premise was an interesting one, and I found the characters of Lucy, Charlotte, and Will to be likeable/easy to sympathize with. I also appreciated that they didn't come across as overly stuffy or snobbish in how they spoke to or interacted with others. I felt I could connect with their feelings and understand where they were coming from. 


The story, while focused more on Lucy, also features the household maid, Charlotte, in a fairly prominent role as well. While some of her past is talked about, there is a lot more that I found myself curious about, so I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. 


While I found myself enjoying this book, I was a bit disappointed with the romance between Will and Lucy. As I said, I was fond of the characters, but didn't feel there was enough tension or interactions between the two of them to sufficiently convey their growing attraction/love for one another. They seemed overall content to be friends, then rather suddenly without much shift in intention, were quickly pledging a love connection without much prior buildup. I was happy to see them together, but thought their relationship happened too quickly to be entirely believable.


That said, The Pursuit of Lucy Banning was a sweet, thoughtful, light, read that I could recommend to anyone who enjoys historical novels.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.


“Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

God Gave Us Love by Lisa Tawn Bergren

As Little Cub and Grampa Bear’s fishing adventure is interrupted by mischievous otters, the young polar bear begins to question why we must love others… even the seemingly unlovable.

In answering her questions, Grampa Bear gives tender explanations that teach Little Cub about the different kinds of love that is shared between families, friends, and mamas and papas. Grampa explains that all these kinds of love come from God and that it is important to love others because…

“Any time we show love, Little Cub, we’re sharing a bit of his love.”

This sweet tale will warm the hearts of young children as they learn about all the different sorts of love, while the gentle explanations of each provide a valuable opportunity to encourage children to share with others a “God-sized love.”

God Gave US Love is a really sweet, endearing, story which explains how important various kinds of love are in each persons life.

Grampa bear and Little Cub are out fishing and their conversation turns into the ways we can show God's love by sharing with others, just as Grampa wants Little Cub to share his fishing spot with some lively otters who unknowingly keep scaring away the fish.

Family and parental love are also touched on and talked about in easy to understand language, that any child can appreciate. And at the end of it all, Grampa brings the focus back on  God's ultimate love for us as the most important of all.

With lots of useful lessons, and a concise yet tender way of explaining things, the author once again delivers another classic children's book that should delight the heart of any little one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my honest opionion.

Winner of As One Devil to Another by Richard Platt

The giveaway for As One Devil to Another is over ...

                                                     AMBER!

Congrats! I hope you really enjoy your copy of this book as much as I enjoyed reading it. I'll send out an email to you soon with the details! :)

(Winner was chosen by Random.org)

Harvest Hamburger Casserole

This was always a favorite casserole of mine when I was a kid and it's one I still make today. It's nice and hearty with meat and lots of veggies, with a unique blending of flavors all together in one pot.

And it's from Taste of Home so you know it's good. :)

Harvest Hamburger Casserole

Book review and Giveaway of As One Devil to Another by Richard Platt

As One Devil to Another is an astonishing debut work that C. S. Lewis’s biographer and foremost Lewis authority Walter Hooper calls “a stunning achievement, the finest example of the genre of diabolical correspondence to appear since this genre was popularized by C. S. Lewis.” Enter into this chilling and diabolical tale, one that reveals the very tricks and strategies of Hell. Through a series of letters between devils created by Platt, senior devil Slashreap trains his young protégé, Scardagger, to win an individual soul away from Heaven and into their clutches. As the devils plot their way to triumph, they reveal the spiritual dangers and risks we face in today’s society. Their frighteningly accurate perspective on issues such as contemporary technology and sexual mores is interwoven with timeless matters such as the power of prayer, the purpose of suffering, and the promises held out by Heaven . . . and Hell. Destined to become a modern classic, As One Devil to Another is a brilliantly written, deeply unsettling perspective on twenty-first-century society . . . a glimpse of ourselves through the eyes of those who have embraced their underworldly existence.

If you like C.S. Lewis' book The Screwtape Letters, then you're going to want to read As One Devil to Another.

If you haven't yet read The Screwtape Letters, you're still going to want to read As One Devil to Another, because it's seriously good.

Richard Platt does an excellent job of  communicating a realistic correspondence between the fiendish devil, Slashreap, and his protege, Scardagger. It feels very real, chillingly so, and never once do you doubt the diabolical nature of their intention to corrupt mankind for their ultimate benefit.

The points Mr Platt touch on are valid ones that hit close to home, and may leave you examining all the ramifications behind every day activities that typically seem harmless. (It also helps that this was written with our current society in mind, and covers issues that we all face on a regular basis.)

As One Devil to Another cleverly illustrates the ways Satan uses any means, especially technology, to draw us away from what we should be focusing on. Occupying our minds is his central mission, and he'll do anything to get what he wants.

I don't know that I'd say this is exactly a fun read, but it's definitely captivating, and one you won't soon forget. It possesses some dark humor, and also some very real darkness that comes just from knowing there are truly forces out there who wish us harm, like the devils referenced here. I found myself mentally and spiritually stimulated by this novel, that while fiction, fairly trembles with realism.

I think this book has the potential to become an enduring classic, much like The Screwtape Letters has, and I say kudos to Richard Platt for creating this fiendishly entertaining, eye opening, piece of literature.

For more info on this book, here is a link that will take you directly to Tyndale House Publishers.

Giveaway

To enter for your chance to win a copy of As One Devil to Another, simply leave a comment below in the comment section, with your email included, so I can contact the winner for their mailing address. This drawing will be open for a little over a week, so you have plenty of time to join, and I'll be announcing the results next Friday, May 4th.

As a way of saying thank you, I'll also award a bonus entry to anyone that already is a follower, or decides to start, following my blog. 

(I'll only be accepting entries within the U.S.)

Thanks so much for stopping by!


As a disclosure, I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest review. I also received a certificate for one complimentary copy of this book to be given to the winner of this giveaway.

Rosemary Ranch Chicken

Last summer when I went to visit my sister and her family, she made this chicken dish for dinner one night. Omw, it's addicting and lick your plate good!

Grilled squash, zucchini, and a bowl of Jasmine rice were a perfect compliment to go with the chicken and there were definitely no left overs. :)

You also don't need to use skewers-if you prefer, you can simply cook or grill the cut up pieces of meat without turning them into kabobs.

Rosemary Ranch Chicken

Halflings by Heather Burch

After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret---and the wings that come with. A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys' powers, as well as her role in a scientist's dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world. 

Halfling is the first book in author Heather Burch's Halflings series-and it cranks up the action right away. We start off by meeting Nikki Youngblood, who is currently being chased by some pretty nasty, smelly, creatures called hell hounds.

Why?

Well, we really have no idea, and neither does she.

But then the weird factor is upped a notch upon discovering there are three Lost Boys-half angel/half human males-watching the action from a slightly more elevated, and less dangerous, vantage point than Nikki finds herself in.

Why?

Well, we really have no idea, and neither does she.

But, thankfully, the pieces start coming together in a relatively swift fashion the quicker you turn the pages and the faster you read.

(And you won't want to slow down because the story kinda sneaks up on you and grabs your attention without letting go.)

Heather Burch has created an interesting, addicting, thrilling, sweet, other worldly, romantic, fun story that, while considered to be in the YA camp, is adult friendly reading too.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Halflings history, as well as each of the boys individual personalities. Mace is a conscientious all around good guy, while Raven is tormented with inner badness, and Vine is totally sweet-both literally and figuratively. (He frequently stops Mace and Raven from multiple "petty" fights, while habitually guzzling down enough Twizzlers to rot his teeth at least a few dozen cavities.)

Nikki's character is a nice combo of motorcycle chick feminine girl emotions that plays well off both Mace and Raven. And that's good, or more likely bad, because they both like her. Which complicates the already complicated things even more. But the most important complication? As a rule, neither of the boys can fall in love with Nikki, unless they want to consign themselves to an eternity of hell. (And by hell, I don't mean the shudder inducing prospect of eternal teenage angst.)

I won't say anything else about the plot because I hate giving away too many spoilers, but the end of Halflings definitely made me want to read the second book, Guardian, which comes out later this year.

This was definitely an interesting novel, one that I'm sure I'll pick up and re-read again in the future.

So, for all you paranormal romance, angel loving, entertainment seeking fans, grab a copy of this book-and maybe some non-sugar candy to nibble on.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato

An unsolved mystery separates ex-privateersman Captain Brogan Talvis from his lost son--his only living relation, his only family. Shortly before her tragic demise, his wife abandoned their infant to strangers, refusing to reveal the child's whereabouts. Now, three years later, Brogan has discovered the boy at the home of a shipbuilder's daughter, Lorena Huntley.

Lorena guards a dark secret about her young charge. She finds herself falling for the heroic captain who has come to claim his newly built ship, unaware his motive for wooing her is to befriend the boy he plans on reclaiming as his own--until the day another's evil deceit leaves her helplessly shipbound, heading toward England.

As the perfect opportunity to reclaim his son unfolds, Brogan is haunted by thoughts of Lorena in her dire circumstance, and he is forced to make a heartrending choice between his child and the woman who has begun to capture his heart. But only his unselfish sacrifice can win him the greatest prize of all--love. 


I won this book several months ago on a blog giveaway, and was excited because I always enjoy reading new authors.

Prize of My Heart was a sweet story, with empathize-able characters who you hope will get their happy ending. Lorena was a mixture of propriety with a bit of spunk thrown in, while Brogan came across as gentlemanly with a few mildly rough edges. I found Lorena's young charge, Drew, a charming lad that you can almost picture wanting to squeeze up, with his plump cheeks and somewhat precocious personality. I also liked the way Lisa handled the faith aspects, as it seemed natural how the character's personal relationships with God were explored throughout.

While there was a nice twist toward the end of the story, I did find the pace a bit slow for my taste. Likewise, there were a few charming moments between Lorena and Brogan, but I didn't feel a lot of "chemistry" between them so to speak. The romance was more of a slow, inward, nature rather than intense sparks/passion.

However, for those who enjoy a calmer, gentler, love story, with a bit of action thrown in, Prize of My Heart may be just what you're looking for. And as I said, it had several twists and turns which made me want to read and find out what the ultimate conclusion would be. 

All in all, Lisa Norato has penned a thoughtful, delicate, novel that most are sure to enjoy.