The Esther Paradigm + Giveaway - Sarah Monzon

Genre:  Christian, Contemporary, Romance

Publisher: Radiant Publications

Publication date: November 2, 2017

The daughter of missionaries, Hannah Pratt dreams of starting a school for the Bedouin clan with whom she spent her childhood. After completing her education in the United States, she returns to the desert to pursue that dream—only to learn her parents have been receiving threats from within the community they serve. As the danger escalates, Hannah must decide how far she’ll go to stay faithful to a calling that could cost her everything.

As sheikh, Karim Al-Amir feels the weight of responsibility as the leader of his people. When a mysterious illness ravages the clan’s flocks and threatens to destroy their centuries-old way of life, some of his people believe the American doctors and their daughter, his childhood friend, are to blame. Karim must do something to keep Hannah and her parents safe—even if the only solution is to be found within marriage vows.

In a society where the line is drawn between us and them, where Christianity is outlawed and foreigners suspect, will Karim and Hannah’s union heal wounds . . . or inflict a final, fatal blow?

Old Testament history meets Twenty-first Century tensions in this compassionate, tender inspirational romance.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain’s wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn’t enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters. When she isn’t in the world of make believe, she can be found in the pine forests of western Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings. Her debut novel, The Isaac Project, skyrocketed to Amazon bestseller status while her Sophomore book, Finders Keepers, won the 2017 SELAH award for contemporary romance.

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My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

My Thoughts
WOW! Sarah Monzon has produced an incredible story. The Esther Paradigm is filled with tension and conflict, yet the beauty of God's love and power shines through on every page. This is such a unique story, written with elegance and passion. Sarah's heart is clearly expressed within this story.

Karim and Hannah come from such different backgrounds and beliefs. It is so amazing to watch their relationship unfold in this modern "marriage of convenience". Karim is definitely a handsome man. Strong, powerful, protective...he has a soft heart and is so tender with Hannah. Can we say "Swoon Worthy"? And Hannah is so brave. She has strength she doesn't think she has. But God's favor is evident on her life form the beginning.

You are sure to be surprised along the way and left with you jaw hanging open at the power and truth that is expressed. So, what are you waiting for? Go get this book and enjoy a very different version of being called "For such a time as this".

I received a complimentary copy of The Esther Paradigm. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

$25 Amazon Gift Card

Enter the giveaway HERE.

December 11-The Green Mockingbird | Paulette’s Papers | Zerina Blossom’s Books
December 12-Faithfully Bookish | Karen Sue Hadley | Flowers of Quiet Happiness 
December 13-Singing Librarian Books | Heidi Reads… | A Baker’s Perspective
December 14-Book by Book | allofakindmom | Fiction Aficionado
December 15-Remembrancy | Bibliophile Reviews | Kat’s Corner Books
December 16-Red Headed Book Lady | Bookworm Mama | Ponderings of a Poet & Procrastinator

Reviewers: Mindy Houng

The Pattern Artist - Nancy Moser

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

Born into a life of hard work, English housemaid Annie Wood arrives in New York City in 1911 with her wealthy mistress.

Wide-eyed with the possibilities America has to offer, Annie wonders if there’s more for her than a life of service. Annie chooses to risk everything, taps into courage she never knew she had, and goes off on her own, finding employment in the sewing department at Macy’s.

While at Macy’s Annie catches the eye of a salesman at the Butterick Pattern Company.

Through determination, hard work, and God’s leading, Annie discovers a hidden gift: she is a talented fashion designer—a pattern artist of the highest degree.

As she runs from ghosts of the past and focuses on the future, Annie enters a creative world that takes her to the fashion houses of Paris and into a life of adventure, purpose, and love.

My Thoughts

The Pattern Artist embodies the very heart of "The American Dream". Annie is a unique girl with a gift and the drive a passion to see her dreams become a reality. 

I loved that even though this book is written strictly from Annie's perspective, it is still in third person voice. It's not that I dislike first person, I just prefer third person. But having the single POV helped to keep an air of mystery and helped me connect with Annie on a deeper level. 

Although I wish I could take
credit for this one, I found
this graphic on
pixabay.com as is.

SO many opportunities come Annie's way. She is forced to make decision after decision that will affect her life permanently. While she likes to jump blindly with both feet first, she learns to listen to the Lord's leading. As doors continue to open, she draws closer to God, trusting Him to lead her down the right path. She listens for His voice to lead her. And in the end we are reminded that He has a reason for everything. Sometimes we do not know that reason. And sometimes, He shows us. But we must listen to His voice and follow him in the way He wants us to go.

I was moved by this story very strongly. There have been so many times that I have felt the Lord urging me to do or say something with no idea why. And the end result is usually less drastic than Annie's (have I piqued your interest yet?), yet the satisfaction of knowing that I heard God's voice and acted on it remains. I LOVE the fashion element too. Which is really what this story line is about...Nancy Moser went above and beyond my expectations for this book and I am keeping my fingers crossed that the next story will be Maude's.

I received a complimentary copy of The Pattern Artist. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

NANCY MOSER lives in Kansas City with her husband, three married children, and seven grandkids. She’s an award-winning author of twenty-nine novels. Her genres include both contemporary and historical stories about people discovering their unique purpose. She kills all her houseplants, and can wire an electrical fixture without getting shocked. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included. 

Facebook // Goodreads // Pinterest // Twitter // Website

Many thanks to Canva for providing an AMAZING program for me to design all these beautiful graphics. Book covers, publisher/tour logos, and author pictures not owned by me. All other graphics created by Bookworm Mama with public domain photos on Canva unless stated otherwise. 

A Moonbow Night - Laura Frantz

 My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

After fleeing Virginia, Temperance Tucker and her family established an inn along the Shawnee River. It’s a welcome way station for settlers and frontiersmen traveling through the wild Cumberland region of Kentucke–men like Sion Morgan, a Virginia surveyor who arrives at the inn with his crew looking for an experienced guide. When his guide appears, Sion balks. He certainly didn’t expect a woman. But it is not long before he must admit that Tempe’s skill in the wilderness rivals his own. Still, the tenuous tie they are forming is put to the test as they encounter danger after danger and must rely on each other.

With her signature sweeping style and ability to bring the distant past to vivid life, Laura Frantz beckons readers to join her in a land of Indian ambushes, conflicting loyalties, and a tentative love that meanders like a cool mountain stream.

My Thoughts

As A Moonbow Night came to a close, I had the horrible realization that I must now SWOOF(squeeze words out of feelings...aka review). I started freaking out to Beth form Faithfully Bookish because HOW am I EVER going to express my thoughts and emotions for this book? She sent me this graphic and I tell you what...I couldn't have said it better myself. Laura Frantz has not only written a remarkable book...She has created a time machine. Transported back in time, the beauty and the dangers of the tace kept me up late at night. I even had a dream or two about the Boone family and Tempe. 

Tempe, Sion, Russell, Raven...Oh my goodness...I feel like I KNOW them...Ok, maybe not Raven as well. Which brings me to the point...Did anyone else find Raven ridiculously swoony? I NEED a book about Raven. I have SO many unanswered questions about him and I must have more of him on the page. 

A Moonbow Night has love, danger, loss, heartache, healing, pain, peace, restoration, and faith woven into every paragraph. I am left so full of emotion, that I am very near to bursting. And I also want to hunt for a moonbow during the next full moon. The romance is sweet and not overt. However, Laura sure knows how to write a GOOD kissing scene! If you are ready for an adventure on the frontier of Kentucke deep in the heart of Indian lands...This is your book. 

I received a complimentary copy of A Moonbow Night. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Photo credit:
Kristin N. Johnson
Photography

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award finalist and the author of several book, including The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel's Lady, The Mistress of Tall Acre, and the Ballantyne Legacy series. She lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.

Facebook // Instagram // Pinterest// Website

Many thanks to Canva for providing an AMAZING program for me to design all these beautiful graphics. Book covers, publisher/tour logos, and author pictures not owned by me. All other graphics created by Bookworm Mama with public domain photos on Canva unless stated otherwise. 

A Few of our Favorite (Christmas) Things - Blog Hop & Giveaway

Welcome to stop # 3 on the Blog Hop! I, along with Kat's Corner Books, Faithfully Bookish, Singing Librarian Books, and Reading is my Superpower, are so excited to bring you a little Wintery, Christmas FUN! Oh ya, AND a Giveaway!!!

IF YOU HAVE JUST JOINED THE BLOG HOP...Head over to Kat's Corner Books to get started!

Today we are sharing just a FEW of our very FAVORITE things about Christmas! Below you will find MY favorite things...What are YOUR favorite Christmas things??? Comment below and don't forget to snag the SECRET WORDS.

Ahhhh, the age old question...."When do you start listening to Christmas music?"

Well, if my hubby would let me, I would listen to Christmas music all year long! (You think I'm joking....) There is just something about the tones and sounds of the Christmas music that strikes a chord in my heart that I will always cherish. Granted, I will be the first to admit that Christmas songs are a PAIN in the derriere to lead at church...But it is SO worth it! 

One of my VERY favorites is Mary, Did You Know by Pentatonix.

You can ask anyone who has ever decorated a Christmas Tree with me...I am more than a little OCD and VERY particular....One reason why I haven't done mine yet this year. I need the peace and quiet, the concentration, and the TIME to complete it. I ADORE the theme I am using for the 3rd year now. Burlap, browns, and reds....IN LOVE!

     

Ok, is it cheating if I say....ALL of my Decor is my favorite? Seriously...I Love it all! Here are a few things that I made last year...

What is Christmas without a few classic Christmas movies??? A few childhood favorites are The Santa Clause, White Christmas, Muppet Christmas Carol, George C. Scott's A Christmas Carol, and It's a Wonderful Life. I really do love the Hallmark Christmas movies...#noshame. And I really REALLY love Holiday Inn!

And how can you celebrate Christmas without a few seasonal books thrown into the mix? Christmas Novellas are my FAVORITE! Especially when they come in a collection. Here are are a few that I have recently read:

And today...I am giving away Meghan M. Gorecki's Novella, Wrapped in Red as part of the Blog Hop Giveaway! This is such a FUN book that you are sure to enjoy this Christmas season!

Giveaway

The SECRET WORDS for my stop (stop #3) are:

things always

Now head over to Singing Librarian Books to find the NEXT clue! 

(If the above link doesn't work, use this one to find the post.)

We are all giving away a few of our favorite books! ONE winner will receive an eBook copy of the following:

12 Days of Snowmen - Sarah Monzon

I'll Be Home for Christmas - Calhoune, Kemerer, Pleiter, Worth

Letters From Santa - Becca Whitham

Wrapped in Red - Meghan Gorecki

Ordinary Snowflakes - Jennifer Rodewald

Giveaway follows Reading is my SuperPower's giveaway policies.