31 August 2016

Carry On: A Story of Resilience, Redemption, and an Unlikely Family by Lisa Fenn

About the Book
★★★★★
Goodreads | Amazon
In the spirit of The Blind Side comes a deeply moving memoir about the unexpected bonds that would transform three lives.

Lisa Fenn produced human-interest features for ESPN for over a decade, but one particular story came into her life and never left. After seeing a newspaper image of two young wrestlers from one of Cleveland’s tougher public high schools, Lisa followed a hunch and flew back to her hometown to meet the boys that very day. What she found caused her spirit both to sink and to soar.

Leroy Sutton, who lost his legs in a childhood train accident, could often be found riding on the back of Dartanyon Crockett, who was legally blind and had no permanent place to call home. Initially drawn together by their handicaps, the boys soon developed a brother-like bond. When one wrestled, the other sat on the edge of the mat, and their cheerful friendship was a source of inspiration throughout the halls of their high school.

As Lisa filmed her feature about this remarkable friendship for ESPN, she grew to understand the suffering Leroy and Dartanyon had endured, and she fought for their trust and their confidence. The three formed a surprising and meaningful connection—and once the television story ended, Lisa realized she couldn’t just walk away.

Though Leroy’s and Dartanyon’s futures were limited by abject poverty, Lisa resolved to give them the chance she knew they deserved. She worked tirelessly to see them through school and athletic pursuits, broken hearts, phantom limbs, and the bewildering obstacles that, at every turn, tested their individual strengths even while strengthening the bonds between them.

More than a story of two underdogs overcoming innumerable hardships, Carry On is a touching tale of an unlikely family forged through barriers of race, class, and disability. It is a powerful memoir about grit, love, hope, and faith—and the courage to carry on, even in the most extraordinary circumstances.

Carry On: A Story of Resilience, Redemption, and an Unlikely Family is more than a simple feel-good story about two unlikely high school wrestlers. In sharing her experiences with Leroy and Dartanyon, Lisa Fenn tells a hope-filled, life-inspired story about poverty and disability, perseverance, understanding, and overcoming. It’s a compelling and inspiring read (one nearly impossible to finish without a tear or two, I would wager), and I loved it. I want to recommend Carry On to anyone, but especially to readers fond of inspirational sports-related memoirs. Read it - any time spent with this book is time well-spent.

Thanks to TLC Book Tours, I received a copy of Carry On and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. To read other opinions of the novel, click here.

About the Author
A three-time winner of the Edward R. Murrow Award and a six-time Emmy Award-winning feature producer with ESPN for thirteen years, Lisa Fenn interviewed every big name in sports. Today she is a sought-after public presenter, speaking on leadership, poverty, and transracial adoption, in addition to her Christian faith and its relevance in both her media career and her daily life. Lisa received her BA in communications from Cornell University. Her work has been featured on ESPN, Good Morning America, and World News Tonight. She continues to produce sports stories and write about the redemptive power of love. Lisa resides in Boston with her husband and two young children.

Connect with Lisa on Facebook.

Waiting on Wednesday: Frost Like Night & Newton and Polly

Hosted weekly by Breaking the Spine 
to spotlight eagerly-anticipated upcoming releases.

Goodreads | Amazon
Title: Frost Like Night
Author: Sara Raasch
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Expected Publication Date: 20 September 2016

Angra is alive, his Decay is spreading—and no one is safe.

Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic—so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, she jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labyrinth, destroy the very magic she’s learning to control—and make the biggest sacrifice of all.

Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira—and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within their ranks, winning the war—and protecting Meira—slips farther and farther out of reach.

Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she’s freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer’s slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left.

As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather, and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together…or lose everything.

Goodreads | Amazon
Title: Newton & Polly
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: WaterBrook
Expected Publication Date: 20 September 2016

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound 
that saved a wretch like me. 
I once was lost, but now am found

Now remembered as the author of the world's most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father until the night he hears Polly Catlett's enchanting voice, caroling. He's immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John's reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves? 

Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.

30 August 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Make Me Want to Read Another Book

Hosted weekly by The Broke and the Bookish.

For the back-to-school themed TTT this week, I though of books that, because of references made throughout the story, make me want to read a more classic book:





















I feel like I'm forgetting a few pairings in my list, so please let me know if you can think of any!

29 August 2016

Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall

Will Annette's search for love and acceptance replace the loss and hurt in her heart? Find out in Janine Mendenhall's book one, Starving Hearts, of the Triangular Trade Trilogy. Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way...

Join in the search for love and acceptance with Janine and Starving Hearts by entering to win the Delightful Heart Gift Pack Giveaway.

starving hearts - 400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
starving hearts - collage 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on September 12. The winner will be announced September 13 on Janine's blog.

starving hearts - enterbanner

About the Book
★★★
Goodreads | Amazon
Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage.

She yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God's existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way...

Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After a failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.

Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette both endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter's faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?

Confession: I almost didn’t read Starving Hearts because of the cover. It’s not really my style -  but not one to judge a book only by its cover, I read the about-the-book blurb and decided to give it a shot.

More than the simple romance I expected based on the blurb, Starving Hearts features mystery, suspense, and drama, with a hearty dose of the issue of slavery’s abolition, in its plotline. It starts a little slowly and picks up its pace by the second half, becoming quite an interesting historical read with a fascinating villain to dislike. However, I found myself unable to really feel connected with protagonists Annette and Peter as the book’s events occurred, which left me a bit disappointed at the end.

Still, I don't regret reading Starving Hearts. I think Janine Mendenhall has great potential as an author, and though I didn’t wholly love this particular book, I’m interested to see where the story goes in the next Triangular Trade Trilogy book, Never Past Hope.

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of Starving Hearts and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. To read other opinions, be sure to check out what other reviewers think here, and purchase a copy of the book here.

About the Author
Janine Mendenhall teaches teens English, of all things! Sometimes she sleeps, but most nights she reads, writes, or watches movies like Pride and Prejudice and claims she's researching her next book. Splickety Love and Splickety Prime have published her flash fiction. She and her husband, Tom, live in North Carolina where they and their two golden retrievers help gratify the needs of their five children and two cats.

27 August 2016

Guide Me Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

★★★★★
Read the first chapter here.
Goodreads | Amazon
Working as a guide in Mammoth Cave might allow Rebekah the chance to bring joy back to her family. But will the cave claim more than it gives? 

After tragedy leaves its mark on Rebekah Hardin’s family, she plans to help her parents and six siblings honor her beloved brother’s memory and alleviate their poverty by working as a guide in the dangerous cave system. Kentucky’s renowned Mammoth Cave presents profitable opportunities for hardworking, capable men. But Rebekah is determined and if it means presenting herself as a himself, then she’s up to the job. 

Under the wing of experienced guide Tolly Sanford, “Reb” begins to learn the complexities of the cave. The two are joined by an aspiring young cartographer, Devlin Bale. The university student has traveled to the hill country to map tunnels—not to fall for a girl in disguise. 

Can the God who designed miles of underground astonishment shape Devlin’s ambitious plans and free Reb from the weight of her past?

Journey into Kentucky’s incredible Mammoth Cave with Kim Vogel Sawyer’s latest historical novel of adventure, romance, and family, Guide Me Home. For fans of historical fiction, it won’t disappoint.

For the sake of her family, Rebekah Hardin disguises her identity to work as a Mammoth Cave guide. Her story soon intersects with fellow guide Tolly Sanford and university student Devlin Bale and fills with danger, suspense, and an excellent pursuit of spiritual growth.

As expected, throughout Guide Me Home, Sawyer surrounds her characters with the rich and interesting history of the cave system. The history complements the story so well I had a hard time putting this book down. It’s easy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading Guide Me Home. It’s an adventurous, uplifting, captivating read, and I definitely recommend it.

Thanks to Blogging for Books, I received a copy of Guide Me Home and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

26 August 2016

The Friday 56: Starving Hearts

Hosted weekly by Freda's Voice.
  
Happy Friday!

This week, I'm sharing a snippet from Janine Mendenhall's Starving Hearts, a book I'm excited to start reading this weekend.


"Whatever would he think of her sketching him? She giggled, then sighed."


A photo posted by @h.szott on


Goodreads Synopsis:
Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God's existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way...

Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After his failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.

Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter's faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?

So, what do you think?

24 August 2016

Waiting on Wednesday: The Raven & Twilight at Blueberry Barrens

Hosted weekly by Breaking the Spine 
to spotlight eagerly-anticipated upcoming releases.

Goodreads | Amazon
Title: The Raven
Author: Mike Nappa
Publisher: Revell
Expected Publication Date: 6 September 2016 

As part of his regular street performance, a deception specialist who goes by the name The Raven picks his audience's pockets while they watch. It's harmless fun--until he decides to keep the spare wallet a city councilman doesn't seem to miss, hoping for a few extra bucks. When he finds not money but compromising photos of the councilman and his "personal assistants," The Raven hatches a plan to blackmail the man. However, he quickly finds himself in over his head with the Ukrainian Mafia and mired in a life-threatening plot code-named, "Nevermore." 

Private investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill must scramble to sort out the clues--and their complicated feelings for each other--to rescue The Raven and save hundreds of lives from a wildcard bent on revenge. 

Mike Nappa snags readers from the first page of this fast-paced thriller--and he never lets go until the end.

Goodreads | Amazon
Title: Twilight at Blueberry Barrens
Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Expected Publication Date: 20 September 2016 

“I need you to keep these girls safe...”

Kate Mason has devoted herself to caring for her family’s blueberry barrens. But after her fields stop producing fruit, she’s forced to come up with alternative ways to make a living.

Renting out the small cottage on her property seems an obvious choice, but it won’t be enough. When entrepreneur Drake Newham shows up looking not only for a place to rent but also for a nanny for his two nieces, it’s almost too good to be true. And maybe it is—because Drake brings with him dangerous questions about who might be out to kill his family. The more time Kate spends with Drake and the girls, the more difficult it becomes to hide her attraction to him. But a family crisis isn’t exactly the ideal time to pursue a romance.

Meanwhile, Kate learns that her uncle—in prison for murder—has escaped. Add to that a local stalker who won’t leave her alone, and Kate is looking over her shoulder at every turn. With threats swirling from multiple directions, she wonders if her blueberry fields will ever flourish again...or if this twilight is her last.

Set on the beautiful coast of Maine, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens brings together suspense, romance, and the hope that one day new life will come again.

23 August 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Have Been on My TBR List Since Before I Started Blogging That I Still Haven't Read Yet

Hosted weekly by The Broke and the Bookish.

 My TBR list has always been unrealistically long. Since starting this blog in 2012, I've done quite a bit of reading, yet many books have still remained untouched. Here are ten books I've been meaning to read for far too many years: 



The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz


Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott 


Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings
Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund


Watchmen by Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin


Wicked by Gregory Maguire
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle


So... what books have been on your TBR list for too many years?

22 August 2016

Bout of Books 17

Bout of Books The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 22nd and runs through Sunday, August 28th in whatever timezone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 17 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. -From the Bout of Books team

It's time for another Bout of Books read-a-thon! I really want it to pull me out of my recent reading slump - but realistically, I know this week will be full of distractions (outside of working full-time), since my roommate is getting married this weekend. I guess we'll just see how it goes... Regardless, I still assemble an ambitious list of books I would like to read:

-A.D. 33 by Ted Dekker
-As You Wish by Cary Elwes
-Before the Fall by Noah Hawley
-Everybody Rise by Stephanie Clifford
-I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
-In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume
-Life of Pi by Yann Martel
-P.S. I Like You by Kasie West
-Rooted by Banning Liebscher
-Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall
-Without Warning by Lynette Eason

And throughout this read-a-thon week, I'll be posting here with my progress. 

Happy reading! 


Monday, August 22nd:
Books I read: Life of Pi (audiobook, finished), Without Warning

The week’s total number of finished books: 1


Tuesday, August 23rd:
Books I read: Without Warning, Before the Fall (audiobook, finished)

The week’s total number of finished books: 2



Wednesday, August 24th:
Books I read: Without Warning, As You Wish (audiobook, finished), I Let You Go (audiobook)

The week’s total number of finished books: 3

Challenge: Show Off Your Shelves
Thursday, August 25th:
Books I read: Without Warning, I Let You Go (finished), Rooted (audiobook, finished)

The week’s total number of finished books: 5



Friday, August 26th:
Books I read: Without Warning, In the Unlikely Event (audiobook)

The week’s total number of finished books: 5



Saturday, August 27th:
Books I read: Without Warning (finished), Starving Hearts 

The week’s total number of finished books: 6


Sunday, August 28th:
Books I read: none, sadly. 

The week’s (final) total number of finished books: 6 



Well, Bout of Books 17 is over, and I didn’t get quite as many books read as I hoped… But I really enjoyed all the books I did read, so I’m calling the week a success.