Vic's Media Room

Book Review: “Forever Hilltop” by Judy Baer

Judy Baer in her new book “Forever Hilltop” published by Guideposts provides us two books in the series:   “An Unlikely Blessing” and “Surprising Grace”.

From the back cover:  “An Unlikely Blessing” Meet Alex Armstrong, former city dweller who has just accepted his first parish assignment to a small community in the wilds of North Dakota. In Hilltop Township, Alex becomes familiar with the colorful residents and their odd traditions, from Rommegrot to Lutefisk. And then there’s the excitement the single pastor creates among the unmarried women in the community! Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he has to teach them, providing all with “An Unlikely Blessing”.

“Surprising Grace”  Alex Armstrong is settling into his new role as pastor of Hilltop Church, and he’s even starting to understand the strange ways of the people who populate this barren stretch of North Dakota prairie. But he also finds that his flock needs help and counsel like he never imagined. In this cozy and entertaining read, Alex must choose between the woman he once loved — and the home he’s come to love.

Guideposts has been very nice and  not only provided us the first book in this series but added on the new second book as well giving us one great continuous read.  Hilltop Township is a great place to visit with wonderful characters that are delightful to spend time with and to come to know.  It is a shame that, eventually, the book will come to an end and there isn’t a new book to read.  I liked this book a lot.  I liked the characters and I liked the growth of Alex as he pastors the congregation and allows them to nurture him.  I recommend this book highly and sincerely hope that Ms. Baer gives us more in this series.

@JudyKBaer is giving away a Kindle for YOU … and one for a Friend in her Forever Hilltop Giveaway!

Celebrate with Judy by entering to win a Kindle for you and a friend!

One lucky winner will receive:

• Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi
• Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi to Giveaway to a Friend!
• Forever Hilltop by Judy K Baer for you and a one for a friend

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 22nd. Winner will be announced 5/24/12 on Judy’s Blog.

 Don’t miss a moment of the fun. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group.   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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: “My Stubborn Heart” by Becky Wade

Becky Wade in her new book “My Stubborn Heart” published by Bethany House Publishers gives us a contemporary romance.

From the back cover:   Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can’t help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can’t quite put her finger on. He’s clearly wounded–hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light…whether he likes it or not.

When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?

The Bible tells us to grow where we are planted.  It also tells us that God is the Gardener and He decides the where and the when we should go and be.  The Bible is full of stories where God uproots an individual and re-plants them somewhere else, look at Abraham or Ruth.  Here the story is about Kate.  She relocates to Redbud, Pennsylvania where she makes new friends and meets Matt Jarreau.  Matt has secrets and an unhealed emotional wound that not only keeps him from others has also withdrawn him from God.  How Kate fits into all this is the story and their romance plays out very well.  Ms. Wade makes it clear enough that the only one who can heal us of our wounds is God and the only one who can deal with our secrets is God.  That is what makes this story work so well.  I did have an issue with Yoga as a form of exercise.  I am sorry that Ms. Wade chose to use it in her book.  If you want to know why just do a search on yoga’s origins and it will become clear.  Otherwise, a great debut for a terrific author.  I liked it a lot and look forward to more from Ms. Wade.

Win a Nook Simple Touch™ with GlowLight™ in Becky Wade’s My Stubborn Heart Giveaway and RSVP for FB Party {5/24}!

Celebrate with Becky by entering her My Stubborn Heart Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 5/24!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Brand New Nook Simple Touch™ with GlowLight™
• A $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Certificate
• A copy of My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on May 24th. Winner will be announced at the “My Stubborn Heart” Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/24. Becky will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of My Stubborn Heart and join Becky on the evening of the May 24th for a chance to meet Becky and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

 Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 24th!

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group.   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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”