Thursday, July 31, 2014

Runaway by Renee Donne


Displaying RunawayMedium.png
After Marianne discovers her bankrupt stepfather sold her into marriage to the highest bidder, she flees Philadelphia and heads west to start a new life.

Unfortunately for her danger follows.  First, a stage coach accident leaves her stranded in the middle of nowhere – with an injured driver. And henchmen, hired by her spurned would-be husband, are hot on her trail, threatening to return her to Philadelphia and the man who is determined to own her.

Just when things seem hopeless, Marianne is rescued by a handsome, cowboy who offers temporary refuge.  Knowing she can’t refuse, yet wary of his intentions, Marianne finds herself drawn to this quiet, enigmatic hero. But is he someone she can trust?

My Review
4 stars
I felt so sorry for Marianne in the beginning. No one deserves to be sold into marriage, no matter the time or place. I thought her actions were very admirable and courageous and I was glad that she didn't do as she was told, that would have been a horrible life, as the villain was truly horrific. 

Marianne was a very likable character. She was sweet and courageous, and I enjoyed watching her faith grow as she got to know the heroic and chivalrous Aaron (there really needs to be more chivalry in the world)! Aaron had a true relationship with the Lord, which I really admired, he was also kind and swoon-worthy.

The setting of the old west along with the authors descriptions was beautiful, and it was really easy to envision the setting in my mind as I was reading. There were also many great side characters. From the horrible villains to the kind and intriguing ranch hands, they were all well thought out, and I would have liked to know more about some of the ranch hands.

The only slight complaint I have about Runaway was that it could have been longer. More could have been told about the characters, we could have heard more of the conversations between Aaron and Marianne and seen more of the progression that took place between them, things could have been drawn out a little more, the moral would have come across fantastically. It was a great book, I just thought it could have been a little longer. 

Overall, this a great historical western. It was interesting and intriguing, with a great plot and cast of characters. A good book to read after reading a long book, when you want something short but with substance! 

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday - Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren

Deluge (River of Time, #5)Deluge by Lisa Tawn Bergren


Deluge Goodreads Summary
The fifth and final installment in my River of Time Series, following Waterfall, Cascade, Torrent, Bourne & Tributary. Find out what has happened to our beloved characters, making their way in medieval Italy, as they encounter the plague, continue to battle with Firenze, and weather medieval life…forever.

Why I'm Waiting
I love this series! It is an all time favorite of mine! I literally cried a few tears when I first read that Deluge would be the last book in The River of Time series:( It will be hard to say goodbye, but I can always go back and reread, which I'll also have to do before I read Deluge. I can't wait until it comes out, I hope it is as good as all of the others!


View all my reviews

The Shift by M. Ann Ricks

The ShiftThe Shift by M. Ann Ricks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Shift Goodreads Summary
There is a sense of urgency in the atmosphere as God is transitioning many into what the world has deemed impossible and unbelievable into the possible and the believable. Don't be alarmed by the "sudden" moves of the God. Pastor Douglass and his family have been positioned for such a move but because of the dense fog of deception that surrounds them, some in the Douglass family have created their own beliefs, fabricating their own sense of self; negating the truth, God's truth, even when truth is staring them in the face. They are living lives devoid of the knowledge of who they really and robbing themselves and those they love of their true identity and freedom. Deeply embedded lies from enemy have blinded eyes, impaired hearing and hardened hearts and Angels from the army of God have been deployed. The assignment: the execution of God's divine design. Dreams, supernatural revelation and actual attacks from man's ultimate foe will expose all and confirm God's plan for Xion, Veronica, Zeborah, Bo and Pastor Richard Douglas.Will the infrastructure of unbelief crumble? Can they handle the truth and surrender? The lives of the Douglass family will never be the same and neither will you, because of THE SHIFT!"

My Review
The Shift is a very moving book of God's love, forgiveness, and everything that he is. It is about trust and faith. It is a book of salvation and redemption. It is about our Savior and his never ending love for us!

One of the things I really liked about The Shift was the use of Bible Scripture. I thought that it was very well used and thought out to make a difference in the lives of those who read it.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.


View all my reviews

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Top Ten Authors I Own The Most Books From


Top Ten Tuesday is a fun meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, where we pick the top ten things that we choose for the topic of the week.
Topic: Top Ten Authors I Own The Most Books From

I'm keeping it short and sweet this week!
Carolyn Keene
L.M. Montgomery
Lisa Tawn Bergren
Melanie Dickerson
Krista McGee
Jennifer Hartz
Jenny B. Jones
Roseanna M. White
 Ally Carter
Melody Carlson
                                     
                                         What authors do you have a multitude of books from?                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Release Day Blitz - Runaway by Renee Donne

Displaying Runaway Blog Tour Banner .jpg

Displaying RunawayMedium.pngAfter Marianne discovers her bankrupt stepfather sold her into marriage to the highest bidder, she flees Philadelphia and heads west to start a new life.

Unfortunately for her danger follows.  First, a stage coach accident leaves her stranded in the middle of nowhere – with an injured driver. And henchmen, hired by her spurned would-be husband, are hot on her trail, threatening to return her to Philadelphia and the man who is determined to own her.

Just when things seem hopeless, Marianne is rescued by a handsome, cowboy who offers temporary refuge.  Knowing she can’t refuse, yet wary of his intentions, Marianne finds herself drawn to this quiet, enigmatic hero. But is he someone she can trust?

Read an excerpt here
Watch the trailer here

Author Bio:
Renee Donne is a native Floridian with a penchant for writing books with a western theme. In her head she's a world traveler and an amateur chef. In real life, she's a hometown girl with an affinity for fine wine and good friends. Her favorite place to write is sitting on her veranda, overlooking the beach.
Author Links: 
www.twitter.com/reneedonne
https://www.facebook.com/renee.donne

Today is the release day, so you can go buy it right now!

Need a little more convincing?

Displaying RunawayTeaser.jpg

Now go buy Runaway by Renee Donne! Don't forget to check back Thursday, for a guest post by Renee Donne and my review!

Monday, July 28, 2014

Desecration by Jennifer Hartz

Desecration (Future Savior #4)Desecration by Jennifer Hartz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Desecration Goodreads Summary
Charis' latest time paradox has left me staggering. The history of Meric is being unraveled right before my eyes. While some unimaginable questions are being answered, even more start to creep up. Will we make it out of this place alive? Will we make it back to Meric in time to stop Leticia and save our friends? Will I ever marry Shaw, the man of my dreams?

I guess only time holds the answers to these questions. Considering I'm not even in my own time, I'm not so sure anymore. One thing I do know is I never would have thought Meric's origins would have been in this place.

My Review
While I loved all of the other books in this series, this one is one of my favorites! So many questions were answered, and I definitely didn't see all of that coming - lots of surprises. Some truly wonderful world and character building if you ask me!

Not only were the origins of Meric and some secrets about the guardians answered, but there was a lot of character and faith growth in Desecration. Shaw and Christina's already wonderful relationship grew and I could just hear wedding bells ringing! Rayliex definitely had some surprises up his sleeves too. Good ones?!

I also really enjoyed the continuation of Christina's visions to check on the rest of the group, even though there were some terrible situations occurring - great faith building practice.

Overall Desecration was a perfect fourth installment of the Future Savior series! Between the revelations, world and character building, great descriptions, witty banter, friendship, and faith, it was a fantastic book! It was definitely perfect for getting me through some of that 12 hour layover in Germany on the way to Romania - it really kept my attention!

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.

View all my reviews

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Week of Wonder

Week of Wonder is what I call my Weekly Wrap-up. I will link up everything that I did on my blog this week - books I read, books I reviewed, what challenges I've added to, what I'm currently reading, all my other posts, etc. I will also let you know about any upcoming events that are coming up on my blog.


This week we finished our mission trip to Romania and I got back Wednesday. It was a truly wonderful experience and I really enjoyed it! I'll eventually tell you guys all about it, but here is what I posted this week.

Back From Romania
Romania - Way There

Coming Up
Runaway by Renee Donne Blogtour
Desecration by Jennifer Hartz
The Shift by M. Ann Ricks
The Word Changers by Ashlee Willis
More posts about Romania
Top Ten Tuesday

Friday, July 25, 2014

Romania - Way There

As you might know, I went to Romania on a mission trip with a group of eight other people from my Church! I'll share all about it on this blog, in multiple posts. Just a warning, I'm writing these as more for myself than anything else, so I can remember everything well! I had wanted to keep a journal while I was there, but we were to busy, and the few times I had an opportunity to write I was to tired :( I did get to write a little, but not very much.

Soooo - the way there

The way there really started a few months ago, when I first heard that there was going to be a group going to Romania on a mission trip. I remember I was sitting in band class when I saw it in the South Ridge Church Newsletter, and immediately I just got this sense, this feeling inside, that God was calling me to go on this mission trip. I remember that tears filled my eyes, because I wanted to go so badly. 

But I wasn't so sure that my parents would let me go. Evidently the way my face lit up every time I started talking about it or heard about it helped to convince them!

Then came the start of the preparation meetings we had as a group! Meeting about culture, what we were going to do over there, meetings to discuss a book we read (When Helping Hurts). During this time we got to know each other a little bit better and discovered some of our strengths and weaknesses. I was really thankful for all of those meetings, because I'm the kind of person who like to be prepared and know what to expect! It was also really nice and helpful to know the people who were going a little bit more in advance, especially considering the very large size of our Church and how many people go to it!

There was also the fundraising. I did not enjoy writing letters to ask people for money, but I did it anyway. God truly provided, because I raised over enough to fund my trip! I was so thankful! God truly got me through all of my doubts about whether or not I could do this trip!

 We left from home on July 12, went to the airport in Pittsburgh, and flew to Dulles Washington where we had about a 5 hour layover. (I was surprised and relieved that airports are actually kind of like a mall with restaurants and stores - we would have been very hungry if they weren't). We got on a huge plane to fly to Munich Germany, but had to wait about another hour and a half before we could leave so they could fix some air conditioning problems - made us feel real safe (not). I really had to pray and trust God to get us there safely. We did make it to Germany safely (check out the beautiful sunset from the plane), but missed our next flight because of the delay. So we were stuck in the airport in GERMANY for 12 HOURS (sightseeing anyone? - didn't want to go through customs again though). That was a really long 12 hours, but at least it was a nice airport even thought the food was priced in Euros and outrageously expensive, and we could lay down on the chairs because they didn't have armrests (all the other airports chairs did)!
We finally got to Cluj-Napoca Romania at 1:00 am! We couldn't see anything on the ride to Casa Sperantei though, because of course it's dark at 1:30 am! Fortunately the 7 hour time difference wasn't to difficult to adjust to, though it was surprisingly big, and sometimes I wanted to call my parents after our morning lesson, but realized they would still be in bed!

By the way, this was really my first time flying (I flew once when I was 5 to Florida, but don't really remember it). Airports, security, and planes make me very, very, very, nervous. It's not like I'm smuggling anything! Going through security should not make me feel like I'm going to throw up! Fear of planes I can understand! It was a great opportunity to test my faith and hand over my safety and worries to God. 

I'll post about the children, people, culture, and experiences soon!

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Back from Romania


My time in Romania working with the Roma and Romanian children and spreading the love of God to them was truly amazing and such a blessing! I took so many pictures and I have so much to tell, but for now I'll just share the amazing view we had from Casa Sperantei (the House of Hope), and let you know that it was an amazing experience and I made it home safely!

God speaks to us and through us in so many ways!

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Mission Trip + Hiatus + Giveaway

I'm leaving today for a short-term mission trip to Romania! I'm so excited to be going with a small group of eight other people from my Church to Romania to work with the Corabia Foundation spreading the word of God, along with his light and love! We will working at the House of Hope with some full time missionaries. They work with the children and teens in the area, as well as the Roma Gypsy children and teens. We will be doing two three day Vacation Bible School type lessons, the first three days with the local children and the last three days with the gypsy children! I am so excited to do the lessons, crafts, and games we have prepared for them! I'm sure I'll learn as much from them as they will from us, if not more!
 Picture
I can't help but marvel at how awesome God is, and how much he has blessed us! His love is everlasting, and he is always there for us! Throughout this process God has been by my side, encouraging me, and giving me the strength and courage to make this journey. Every single time that I have doubted myself, or thought "what was I thinking, I'm just one person, I can't make a difference, no matter how small," God has stepped in and let me know that this is what he wants me to do! This is the path that He is leading me on, and I just need to relinquish myself fully to him! Whether he told me this through a song on KLove, a sentence in a book or the Bible, something someone said, or through a Bible verse that popped into my head, at just the right moment, I knew it was God speaking to me! I just need to let Him write my story!

Every single person out there has the ability to make a difference in this world! There are no small differences, every single small difference counts! If I just encourage one child or person while I'm in Romania, I will have made a difference in that persons life, and that's all that matters - that child/person knows God and they will continue to grow in their relationship with him!

While I'm gone (and for a few extra days) I will not be posting on my blog. I'm going to take this time to rejuvenate myself, and completely focus on the Lord! I'll try to check any important emails or reply to any important comments while I'm gone (mainly while I'm at the airport, though there is internet there). I hope to come back with lots of stories and posts, as well as a new meme/feature that I came up with last week! 

I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. Especially my parents who have trusted God and allowed me to go so far from home to spread the love of God to the Romanians! As well as everyone who donated money and kept me and this mission trip in their prayers. I am so eternally grateful for each and every one of you, and you will never know how much it means to me!


One of the things we had to do to prepare for this trip was to write our own short one-page testimony, and I feel compelled to share it with you today.
Faith has always been a very big part of my parents lives, therefore I grew up going to Church. My mom was the Sunday School teacher at our Church and I remember her teaching me and the other children about God’s love and all he had done for us. That was the beginning of my faith and relationship with God.
    Though I believed in God at a very young age, I didn’t really have a relationship with Him. I felt like I had to be perfect, I was always worrying about everything from what we were doing at school to what other people thought about me. I was also extremely shy, never talking to anyone unless they were family, one of my friends, or if they talked to me first. I wasn’t living the life I was meant to live.
    Then I realized that everything the Bible said was true. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Everyone sins and God is the only one who is perfect. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). God gave His son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross, breaking the barrier between us and God, so that we could have everlasting life and a wonderful relationship with Him. “Nothing impure will ever enter it (Heaven) nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27). God loves us no matter what, we only have to acknowledge that we are sinners, ask for his forgiveness, believe in Him, and trust in Him, so that we may have eternal life in Heaven! Christ is the only one who can save us! “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). “Therefore my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses” (Acts 13: 38-39). “‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness: ‘by his wounds you have been healed’”(1 Peter 2:24). “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus, our Savior, paid for all of our sins on the cross, and God gives eternal life - which lasts forever- to all of those who have faith in Him.
    Once I fully realized all of that, it was like I was given a new life! My everyday life was changed forever. I no longer cared what other people thought of me, only what God thought. I could finally be myself. Where I had always worried about everything before, there was an inner peace and calmness about me. This inner peace was something that I had never experienced before and I knew that it came from my belief and trust in God. I gave all of my worries to God, and trusted Him to lead my life. It was easier to make new friends and with God's help I am finding it easier and easier to have the courage to talk to new people and do things that I could never have done without God’s help. My life has opened up and blossomed because of God's love for me!
    Life will always have its ups and downs, but God will be there through it all. Knowing that God is there for me with forgiveness when I need it, strength to hold me up and encourage me through all I do in life, everlasting love, and guidance for where I am meant to go and who I am meant to be, has had a huge impact on my life! All I had to do was believe and trust in God. I just need to keep God at the center of my life and trust in Him to lead me to where He is calling me and what He is calling me to do!
    God has also shown me my calling, leading me to teach the young children at our church about Him and all that he has done for us. I truly love it, and it has impacted my life in so many ways! I will allow God to continue writing my story and guiding me on the path He is leading me to tell more and more people about Him!


I want to continue telling others all about God, and I want all of you to know about his everlasting love for us. I hope someone out there finds some encouragement from this post, no matter what you may be going through!

I'll see you all when I get back!

Don't forget to enter these giveaways!
 The wonderful Jennifer Hartz (author of the Future Savior series, Heroes of the Horde series, and The Ghost Runner) has offered to giveaway 3 eBook copies of the first book in each or her series! They are both amazing, and I really think you will enjoy them! Enter into either or both of the rafflecopter giveaways below for chances to win!

My  Interview with Jennifer Hartz
My Reviews (both 5 stars)
                                              Conception (Future Savior #1) by Jennifer Hartz
                                         Unleashed (Heroes of the Horde #1) by Jennifer Hartz

Conception (Future Savior, #1)


Unleashed (Heroes of the Horde #1)

Good luck, and hope you enjoy!

Friday, July 11, 2014

Week of Wonder

Week of Wonder is what I call my Weekly Wrap-up. I will link up everything that I did on my blog this week - books I read, books I reviewed, what challenges I've added to, what I'm currently reading, all my other posts, etc. I will also let you know about any upcoming events that are coming up on my blog.

Anyone notice that this post is usually on Sundays, and that this isn't Sunday? Well, there is a reason for that! But you have to wait until tomorrow to read why!
How rude of me isn't it?!

This week was really busy! Band practice started, I've been preparing for my upcoming mission trip to Romania, I've picked beans and done a little cleaning (very little), walked my dog (which I try to do everyday - 2 miles in case you were curious), on top of that I've been trying to get a few posts up (because I haven't had time to schedule ahead).
I have had a total of 45 minutes to read, and that was Wednesday, soo

Reviews
Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad

Other Posts
Giveaway - 3 eBook copies (3 winners) of Conception, and 3 ebook copies (3 winners) of Unleashed by Jennifer Hartz
Top Ten Blogging Confessions

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad

Making Waves (Lake Manawa Summers #1)Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Making Waves Goodreads Summary
When spunky Marguerite Westing discovers that her family will summer at Lake Manawa in 1895, she couldn't be more thrilled. It is the perfect way to escape her agonizingly boring suitor, Roger Gordon. It's also where she stumbles upon two new loves: sailing, and sailing instructor Trip Andrews. But this summer of fun turns to turmoil as her father's gambling problems threaten to ruin the family forever. Will free-spirited Marguerite marry Roger to save her father's name and fortune? Or will she follow her heart--even if it means abandoning the family she loves?
Author Lorna Seilstad's fresh and entertaining voice will whisk readers away to a breezy lakeside summer holiday. Full of sharp wit and blossoming romance, "Making Waves" is the first book in the LAKE MANAWA SUMMERS series.

My Review
Making Waves was a great book! Lorna Seilstad breathed so much life into the setting and the characters making the book feel fun, and filling it with wit and laugh out loud moments (no seriously,this book will make you laugh) as well as wonderful lessons about forgiveness, trust, love, and so much more!

The characters really made me feel for them! Spunky Marguerite just wanted her dad to free her from the ultra boring Roger Gordon, so she could be free and see where her feelings for Trip Andrews, the amazing, fun, and witty sailing instructor were going! The struggles that all of the characters went through seemed very realistic, and were written in a way that really made the reader feel compelled to keep turning pages.

There were times when I just wanted to yell at Marguerite, Trip, her parents, and various other characters to "do what's right"! To "have faith and trust", to "forgive"! Or plain, "take a hint, and just go away" or "get a clue"! But, that is a good sign meaning that I was really invested in the characters lives!

I really loved the relationship between Marguerite and Trip, and Marguerite and another character (her best friend), her faith in her father, and loyalty to her family. But at what cost is she willing to pay for her loyalty? Will she put her faith in God, and do what is right? Even if it means disentangling herself from the web she has created? Finding out will take you on a wonderful journey to Lake Manaw, where you can make lots of new friends!


View all my reviews

Current Giveaways
eBook copy Conception (3 winners) and Unleashed (3 winners) by Jennifer Hartz
http://wonderousreviews.blogspot.com/2014/07/giveaway-conception-and-unleashed-by.html

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Giveaway - Conception and Unleashed by Jennifer Hartz

The wonderful Jennifer Hartz (author of the Future Savior series, Heroes of the Horde series, and The Ghost Runner) has offered to giveaway 3 eBook copies of the first book in each or her series! They are both amazing, and I really think you will enjoy them! Enter into either or both of the rafflecopter giveaways below for chances to win!

My  Interview with Jennifer Hartz
My Reviews (both 5 stars)
                                              Conception (Future Savior #1) by Jennifer Hartz
                                         Unleashed (Heroes of the Horde #1) by Jennifer Hartz

Find Jennifer Hartz 
Website: http://jenniferhartz.com
Facebook: Jennifer Hartz
Facebook:  The Future Savior Series
Twitter: @JenniferLHartz

Conception (Future Savior, #1)


Unleashed (Heroes of the Horde #1)

Good luck, and hope you enjoy!


Top Ten Tuesday - Blogging Confessions


Top Ten Tuesday is a fun meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, where we pick the top ten things that we choose for the topic of the week.
Topic: Top Ten Blogging Confessions

Uh Oh! This could be embarrassing! But I understand that those of you who are reading this are also bookish people, so hopefully you'll understand. Oh, that's to much to ask? Well! Oh, you're curious now? Well curiosity never hurt anyone! Okay, okay, okay, I guess I still have to tell!

1. I follow many, many, many book blogs, and I thought that it would be really fun to have one. For a long time I was to scared to start Wonderous Reviews, but I finally decided to let go and not care what anyone thought and just go for it! I love to read and talk about books, so it worked out perfectly!
2. I love authors and they are wonderful! But, I'll be honest sometimes they scare me. Not the authors themselves, but interacting with them. Email - do I sound to informal, to formal? Interview - to many questions? Not the right ones? Do I even make sense?! Etc. The authors I have interacted with so far have been great and I've felt comfortable working with them, though! I still don't think that I'll ever be able to contact an author first though. Nope not there yet!

3. I love writing reviews, TTT's, and other posts! They are fun to write and they relax me!

4. I love doing interviews! Sometimes I feel like I get carried away with questions, but I do assure the author that they don't have to answer them all!

5. I prefer to write posts on a computer instead of my phone. I know it's convenient to use a phone sometimes, and occassionally I do, but it's just easier to do it on a computer - especially when including picture(s).

6. I prefer to write a review for a book either the same day I finish it or the day after. If I'm on vacation I usually just keep reading and write the reviews when I get back (because like I said, I prefer to write posts on a computer), though sometimes I'll write the review on my phone.
7. I only write blog posts when I'm in the mood to write them. That means that I might write a bunch of posts at once, then go a couple days without writing any, but usually I write a post every day or every other day!
8. Sometimes, I'm terrible about commenting on other blogs. I mean to, I even save the email, I just forget. So far, I'm also really bad about posting on my blogs facebook and twitter. I jsut don't post or tweet a lot, hopefully that will improve.


9. I really need to work on scheduling posts ahead of time
.
10. I have an idea for an every weekend type of post on my blog, that I would love for others to join in on (though they probably won't)! I just think that it would be really fun, and I have a lot of ideas for it! Yes, I'm being mysterious on purpose - check back in a few weeks (sometime after I get back from Romania) if you want to find out what it is!
First time I've used gifs (even though I found them on google)! So fun!

Your turn! You must confess!