Let Them Eat Cake (French Twist #1) by Sandra Byrd

Let Them Eat Cake by Sandra Byrd

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very enjoyable book full of twists and turns. I love the love interest story here and the surprise ending! :)

Lexi just doesn't quite know what to do with her life...until a position comes open in a bakery. She works daily with the ever eccentric girl whom she loathes at first but will come to later appreciate. What I loved most about this book is that it really works on your sweet tooth!

Cute, fast read and I am interested in the future books. 

Meet Sandra:

After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than forty books. Her adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named by Library Journal as a Best Books Pick for 2011 and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr, was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012. Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I, will publish in April, 2013.

Sandra has also published dozens of books for tweens and teens.

A former textbook acquisitions editor, Sandra has also published many nonfiction articles and books. She is also passionate about helping new writers develop their talent and their work toward traditional or self publication. As such, she has mentored and coached hundreds of new writers and continues to coach dozens to success each year.

Please visit www.sandrabyrd.com to learn more, or to invite Sandra to your bookclub via Skype.

Connect with Sandra on Twitter: www.twitter.com/sandrabyrd

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandrabyrdwrites

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed therein are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255. 

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Review: Shades of Morning by Marlo Schalesky

Shades of Morning: A Novel by Marlo Schalesky

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Marnie hates her name. She hates what it is that she has done to herself. What's she done to him.

Taylor has always wondered why it's taken him so long to contact her. Would she ever take him back?

Emmit is going to live with Marnie after her sister (Emmit's mom) dies tragically. Only thing is, Marnie has never met Emmit. She had no clue that Rose had a child. Why hadn't her estranged sister ever shared this news with her?

Marnie goes to the airport to get Emmit after receiving the email from Taylor that Rose is dead and she is to care of Emmit according to Rose's will. She never expected what she saw in Emmit when he came off the plane. He was "damaged goods" in her mind. He has Down's Syndrome.

Could she ever love this nephew that she didn't know she had? Would she ever be able to get past the regrets of the past?

First of all, I want to commend Marlo Schalesky for writing a book about Down's Syndrome. My heart melted when I learned that Emmit had Down's. I hate that name for it by the way. These people are the happiest people I have EVER met and that is in spite of the multitude of health problems they have associated with Down's Syndrome! I have a soft spot in my heart for Emmit and others like him.

Second this was a very sweet romance novel. I saw the title Shades of Morning and after reading it thought it should be Shades of Mourning. There is so much loss in this book and Marnie is very deep in mourning. So is Taylor. Emmit is mourning but for very different reasons. However, Shades of Morning is appropriate because through life we go through varying days, even if they are similar. Emmit always saw the best in situations and helped Marnie to see that there is sunshine in every day.

I can't say that I entirely enjoyed this book. I was a little disappointed with the ending. I can't say why without giving away too much. I would have liked to have seen it end differently. It's not a bad story though, I really enjoyed it!

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah (click link to purchase book also!) for providing a copy for review!

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This Little Prayer of Mine by Anthony DeStefano

This Little Prayer of Mine by Anthony DeStefano


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a super cute, sweet book that any child would enjoy. It's simply a prayer from a child with a tender heart to God. This would be a great read anytime of the day and could easily teach a small child how to pray. My favorite part of this book is the illustrations though! They are so vibrant it's almost as if they are jumping off the page at you! Highly recommended!

Thanks to Staci Carmichael for providing my review copy!

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Now for the giveaway!!

An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick

An Absence So Great: A Novel by Jane Kirkpatrick



I'd have to give this one a star rating of 3.8 overall.

If someone doing a character study were to look at a photograph of you, what would it tell those reviewing it? Do you believe that the eyes are the windows to the soul?

Jessie is a young photographer who is still trying to sort out her feelings for FJ. She knows she can't have him though but how can she fill the void in her heart? He did, afterall, give her the start she desperately wanted to have in the photography world. Back in the 1800's in Minnesota, a young businesswoman was unheard of...that is until Jessie Gaeble hit the scene. Would she ever fulfill her dreams of owning her own studio? Would she ever find love again?

I found this novel to be a bit creepy. FJ is a major stalker-sort who made me nervous every time he shows up on the scene. He can't have Jessie Gaeble and he doesn't *want* Jessie Bauer! For this being labeled as "christian fiction" I found some of the storyline a bit edgy and questionable. I was uncomfortable with the way that Mrs. Bauer kept presenting herself to her minister/counselor. I also didn't like how Jessie's family treated her...where was the forgiveness? Neither Jessie (Gaeble or Bauer) had any bit of self-confidence about them and were made to appear emotionally weak throughout the book. Most of all, I HATED the ending...even if it is a story of the author's grandparents. I was very disappointed that things went the way they did!!

It's also worth mentioning that this is book two in the series (A Flickering Light is book one). Several other reviewers have said that reading book one will provide a lot of background for this book but I really don't feel that I missed out on too much by not reading the books in order.

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Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah for providing the review copy plus and extra to give away!


To enter the contest, please fill out the form below. I will draw the winner using random.org on April 6 at 11:59 PM EST.

This is my submission to the Book Review Wednesday hosted every Wednesday by Cym Lowell. Check it out! You might find a few new books to add to your reading list!

Yesterday's Promise by Linda Lee Chaikin

Yesterday's Promise by Linda Lee Chaikin


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Really should be more like 3.5 stars!

From Goodreads: He fought to seek his fortune.
Would he lose a greater treasure: the love he left behind?

As the son of the squire of Grimston Way, aristocrat Rogan Chantry has fought hard to win his independence from Sir Julien Bley and the British South Africa Company. Now, his pursuit of a mysterious deposit of gold, marked on a map willed to him by his murdered uncle, Henry Chantry, is challenged by a new complication: the impending British colonization of South Africa. Can Sir Rogan find the gold in the midst of escalating tensions among the native tribesmen, the missionaries sent to win them, and the new colonists?

Meanwhile, Evy Varley, the woman Rogan loves back in England, is headed for a brave yet dangerous confrontation with Henry’s killer–but at what price? With so much against Rogan and Evy, a reunion seems improbable, if not impossible. Can yesterday’s promise hold them faithful to the hope of future freedom and a victorious love?

My Review:

I'm a little indifferent towards this book and I really hate to be. I'm not sure if it's because this is the second book in a series (I haven't read the first one yet), if it's the book's setting, or what it might be. For me, this book was just....alright. I did love the names of Rogan and Evy..beautiful names! I also liked the mystery involving Evy and the cottage. For some reason, the twins and Wally kinda reminded me of characters out of Nancy Drew. The whole fiasco of the gold and diamonds just didn't really grab me though. While I feel the book sorta dragged throughout, the last 4 or 5 chapters really captured my interest again so I guess there are some redeeming qualities if you hold out until the end. Overall this wasn't a bad book, it just didn't hold my interest as much as I was hoping it would. Since reading this book, I have ordered the first and third books in the series. I'm curious to know what I missed out on in the first book, and I'm dying to know what happens with Evy and Rogan in book 3.

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah for providing a review copy of this book for me to read.

This book qualifies for the following challenges: A-Z Author, A-Z Book, 100+ Reading, Christian Historical Fiction

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Tea With Hezbollah by Ted Dekker and Carl Medaris

Tea with Hezbollah: Sitting at the Enemies' Table, Our Journey Through the Middle East by Ted Dekker


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Is it possible to love with the love that Jesus commanded back 2000 years ago still yet today?

Some will agree and yet others will disagree.

Ted Dekker and Carl Medaris went on a journey to the Middle East to see if the concept of the Good Samaritan was still present in today's society. Are they CRAZY?!?!

This journey was not without challenges but tea was had and words exchanged with some of the world's vilest people (at least vile in terms of the media). The authors found out that these high ranking officials, whether Muslim, Christian, Jew, Hezbollah, Hamas, etc are just that...P-E-O-P-L-E. Just like you and I. Regular down-to-earth people with families who like to joke around, watch TV, listen to music, and enjoy the comforts of life that is has afforded.

I admit that, before reading this book, I had a very narrow view of these leaders that we hear about on TV on an almost daily basis. That's the problem, you can't believe everything you see or hear in the media! One of the biggest complaints made by these people during tea was that Americans are so gullible to everything in our media. Do WE as Americans love the way Christ commanded? After reading this book and seeing what I see on a daily basis, I don't think so. Can our Middle East compadres love with the love of Christ? Yes, they can, just as any of us can, but not without their prejudices.

This is an eye opening book and one that I recommend to EVERYONE! The parable of Nicole in the book really got to me. How often am I a Nicole? Probably more often than I'm willing to admit.

I hope you will all run out and grab this book to read. It's life changing!

Grab your copy of this book here

This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

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40 Loaves by C.D. Baker

Forty Loaves by C.D. Baker


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
40 Loaves by C.D. Baker is a devotional book that has 40 different, challenging topics that can and should (in my opinion) be read over 40 days. This would be a great way to start off the New Year! Many think that, with the wealth of devotional books available these days, that this is just another run-of-the-mill book. It's not. The author is not afraid to ask some of the most challenging questions that are faced in today's society. I had my face tinged red a few times while reading this book because of the way the questions were posed and what my answers were versus what they should have been. However, that being said, this is not a "preachy" devotional book either. It's written with a gentle spirit of love and humility.

As previously mentioned, this would make a great 40 day study. Get the loaves ready and break bread with your Savior!

This review book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah.

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99 Bible Promises for Tough Times by Randy Peterson

99 Bible Promises for Tough Times by Randy Petersen


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a quick reading devotional book that offers up 99 different Bible verses with a short little quip about each one. The reader might choose to take 99 days to read this book and have a short 1-2 minute devotional each day. The reader may also want to pick a particular area and study it for a specific purpose. The topics included are:

When you Face Financial Difficulties

In Time of Poor Health

When You Have Anxiety or Conflict

When You Struggle with Sin and Guilt

When God Seems Far Away

Challenges in Your Work and Service

When You Lose a Loved One

Many people are facing multiple difficulties right now, and many of them are addressed in the topics this book presents. This would be a great gift idea for anyone on your list since we all struggle with one or more of these things at any given time.

Thank you to Waterbook Multnomah for providing the review copy of this book.

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How To Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong by Leslie Vernick

How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong by Leslie Vernick


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong, Leslie Vernick brings out some very practical information for couples. Some may see this as a book that they've already heard about but I found several things that really stood out to me. The main focus of this book is that if your spouse is acting wrong, maybe you should look at YOURSELF. I was a little taken back at first. If my spouse has a problem, why is it MY fault? That's not what the author is saying. Instead, what is said is what could you see in your life that you could work on that might improve your spouse? It's not your fault but is there something that might trigger a change in your spouse if you change? I had a lot of "ah ha" moments while reading this book. It was also full of some great quotes! One of my favorites is, "Blurting out destructive emotions is a lot like vomiting. You might feel better to get it out, but vomit belongs in the toilet, not on your spouse." I find this quote to be so true and I've really worked on not "vomiting" on my spouse in the 8 years we've been married.

I strongly recommend this book for marrieds and dating couples alike. While some may think they don't need another "self marriage help" book, this one is not like any other I've read. It's very informational and eye opening!

Thank you to the author and Waterbrook Multnomah for providing the review copy for me to read.

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Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading.

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read. Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!!

A verdant , sloping lawn sprawled across the backyard, edged with dirt peninsulas of sago palms, birds of paradise, and several swaying jacarandas that tossed purple confetti-like blossoms onto the flagstone patio every June.

Life is hard and love is harder. That's a rather dour perspective, but when things start going wrong, it's just what we feel.

Taken from 99 Bible Promises for Tough Times by Randy Petersen