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First Line Fridays - 12/30/16 - A Christmas Carol

Friday, December 30, 2016



I can not believe that this is the last First Line Friday post of 2016! This year has just FLOWN by! To finish out the year I decided to stick with the Christmas theme and share one of my favorite Christmas Classics with you.


"Marley was dead: to begin with."


May you have a Happy New Year celebration this year and may 2017 shower blessings upon you. 

Post your first line below and head over to see what First Lines my lovely friends have today!

Beth Erin - Faithfully Bookish
Andi - Radiant Light

If you would like to host First Line Fridays on your blog, contact Carrie on Reading is my SuperPower



Mountain Christmas Brides: Nine Historical Novellas Celebrate Faith and Love in the Rocky Mountains

Thursday, December 29, 2016

My Rating
 - You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. (More Info)

About the Book
A Trusting Heart / by Carrie Turansky 
Home for the Holidays / by Mildred Colvin
One Evergreen Night / by Debby Lee
All Ye Faithful / by Gina Welborn
A Carpenter Christmas / by Mary Davis
Fires of Love / by Tamela Hancock Murray
The Best Medicine / by Lena Nelson Dooley
Almost Home / by Susan Page Davis
Dressed in S
carlet / by Darlene Franklin

From a Wyoming ranch in 1880, to a logging camp in Washington Territory in the late 1800s, to Denver, Colorado, in 1913, meet nine couples who find that Christmas is the perfect time for climbing to the heights of romance. Watch as their faith and courage propel them through challenges that come with mountain winters to cozy fireside celebrations that lead to lasting proclamations of love. Penned by an exclusive selection of Christian fiction authors—including Susan Page Davis, Vickie McDonough, and Carrie Turansky—this collection of nine romances is one to treasure.

My Thoughts
I adore reading Christmas books! I think I may have mentioned that a few times this year. I
love the time of year and reading books specifically centered around winter and Christmas just makes everything more special. This collection of Christmas novellas is a great way to boost the Christmas spirit. Full of faith, romance, and all things Christmas. 

From Wyoming to Washington, you will be swept off your feet as these couples conquer the odds and true love prevails. 

Snuggle up in your favorite reading spot with a blanket and mug of your favorite steaming beverage (if you have a fireplace, even better), and get lost in the mountains of the west.

I received a copy of Mountain Christmas Brides from Carrie Turansky as a gift. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

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For the Record - Ozark Mountain Romance Book 3 - Regina Jennings

A charming romance set in the heart of the Ozark Mountains.

My Rating
 - You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. (More Info)

From the Back of the Book
Betsy Huckabee has big-city dreams, but nobody outside of tiny Pine Gap, Missouri, seems interested in the articles she writes for her uncle's newspaper. Her hopes for independence may be crushed, until the best idea she's ever had comes riding into town.

Deputy Joel Puckett didn't want to leave Texas, but unfair circumstances have made moving to Pine Gap his only shot at keeping a badge. Worse, this small town has big problems, and masked marauders have become too comfortable taking justice into their own hands. He needs to make clear that he's the law in this town--and that job is made more difficult with a nosy reporter who seems to follow him everywhere he goes. 

The hero Betsy creates to be the star in a serial for the ladies' pages is based on the dashing deputy, but he's definitely fictional. And since the pieces run only in newspapers far away, no one will ever know. But the more times she spends with Deputy Puckett, the more she appreciates the real hero--and the more she realizes what her ambition could cost him.

My Thoughts
After reading Regina's novella Her Dearly Unintended in the collection With This Ring? I decided that I just HAD to read one of her full length books. I am so glad I did. Set in 1885 in the hills of Missouri, For the Record is a charming, adventure filled, book. The Dashing Deputy has an immediate sense of mystery that made me want to know more about him. And Betsy has a free spirit that melds perfectly with Deputy Puckett. Their banter and their adventures are a joy to follow and thrilling to read. 

This book was a slow start for me. I'm sure it had more to do with the holidays than anything else. Because, once I got into the meat of the story, I couldn't put it down. Sprinkled with faith, Betsy and Joel's story is a fast riding adventure that is sure to keep you up till the break of dawn solving the mystery.

Although this is the third book in the series, I was able to follow the storyline just fine. I have a feeling that that the characters would make more sense if I had read the first two books. However, For the Record is a stand alone and can be read as such. If the thought of a Texan deputy thrown into the Ozarks intrigues you, I don't think you will be disappointed.

I received a complimentary copy of For the Record from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

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About the Author
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of
Ginger Murray Photography
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She is the author of A Most Inconvenient MarriageSixty Acres and a Bride, and Caught in the Middle, and contributed a novella to A Match Made in Texas. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with her husband and four children.
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First Line Fridays - 12/23/16 - Wrapped in Red

Friday, December 23, 2016


How goes the Christmas preparations in your house? We are working on the last few things such as making caramels, laundry, and cleaning...Other than that, we are ready to go! 

Today I am sharing the first line from a sweet novella written by my dear friend Meghan Gorecki. Meghan recently visited the blog and you can read her interview HERE.


"Magical? More like laughable."


I adored this novella. Short and sweet and perfect for the holidays! Available for FREE with Kindle Unlimited and only $0.99 to purchase the eBook! Don't pass this one up this season!



Post your first line below and head over to see what First Lines my lovely friends have today!

Beth Erin - Faithfully Bookish
Andi - Radiant Light

If you would like to host First Line Fridays on your blog, contact Carrie on Reading is my SuperPower

Babies "R" Us - NEW! Diapers - Influenster

Tuesday, December 20, 2016


About the Product

Babies 'R' Us Diapers are designed with a super absorbent core that provides outstanding leakage protection for up to 12 hours. They offer a great flexible fit with adjustable tabs and a comfortable stretch waistband.


Perfect for parents that are seeking value while retaining brand name quality, Babies'R'Us offers a complete line of the baby care, baby bath and baby accessories that families are looking for. The Babies'R'Us exclusive house brand gives you the advantage of saving money while making sure that your newborn baby or infant receives the care and attention that they deserve. 

Be sure to visit our Babies'R'Us Exclusive Brand Store for superior baby essentials, toys, nursery decor and more. 

Free Product
My Thoughts
My first impressions of these diapers were that they are thin and lightweight. I was skeptical as to how well they would hold up overnight. They do seem comfy and because they are not super bulky, easy for my son to maneuver while wearing these diapers.  

After several days of use, I am happy to report that I have had a positive overall experience with Babies 'R' Us diapers. Their softness can challenge other, more expensive, brands. While I have had a leakage from overnight use, I am pretty sure no diaper could have held all that in. (Just being real here.) Other than that one incident, I have had no issues with leaking. My son seems to enjoy wearing them. He has not received any rashes or irritation spots. The print is cute and simple. The one thing that I have noticed, is that these diapers seem to bunch up in the front pretty easily. Especially during awake time. Other than that I am quite pleased with my overall experience. I will most likely not be purchasing these on a regular basis however, because I do not routinely shop at Babies 'R' Us. The cost averages 25 cents per diaper (for size 4), and that is not the most affordable in my area. Therefore, it would not be beneficial to go out of my way to purchase them. 

Free Product
I received one free package (32 count) of Babies "R" Us diapers, size 4, through Influenster. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

First Line Fridays - 12/16/16 - Mountain Christmas Brides

Friday, December 16, 2016


Christmas is drawing nearer every day! My kiddos are loving the season. My 2 year old runs around saying "Rare-y" (His version of Merry) and my 4 year old checks his stocking every day to see if there are presents in it yet. It is so much fun experiencing Christmas through the eyes of my children. Everything new and exciting. The wonder and amazement. We have been reading a few verses from the Bible every day leading up to the birth of Jesus. It is important to me that they learn at an early age the reason we celebrate Christmas. 

This week I am featuring a lovely book filled with Christmas stories. Nine to be exact. Mountain Christmas Brides is a collection of novellas set in the mountains. Although it says Rocky Mountains, there are several novellas that tie together that are set in the Olympic Mountains which is Western Washington. 

Sharing all NINE first lines might be a little overwhelming, so today, I am just going to share the first line from the first novella. This one was written by Carrie Turansky, who I had the pleasure of meeting in Nashville this summer, and who gave me this book. I have enjoyed reading these stories. short, sweet and very much in the Christmas spirit!


A Trusting Heart
October, 1880
"The shrieking blast of the train whistle shook the platform of the Chicago Central Train Station."






This one has been my favorite in the collection so far! What is your favorite Christmas story??? 

Post the first line of your favorite Christmas Book below and head over to see what First Lines my lovely friends have today! 

Beth Erin - Faithfully Bookish
Andi - Radiant Light

If you would like to host First Line Fridays on your blog, contact Carrie on Reading is my SuperPower.

Author Interview - Meghan Gorecki

Monday, December 12, 2016


Today I am thrilled to introduce you to, not only a fabulous author, but a very dear friend of mine. Meghan Gorecki is visiting with us today. We are chatting about Little Women, Pepper Basham, Melissa Tag, writing, and a very special Christmas novella that is releasing this week. I have had a little peek at it, and WOW! You guys, Wrapped in Red is a perfect story for the holidays.  

Welcome to Bookworm Mama, Meghan! I am so honored to have you here today!


Thank you so much for having me, Rachel! I am (inwardly) Freaking Out and Flailing About to be here at your beautiful online haven. Just wish I could give you a hug in person--but hey, we had that awesome time in August, right? :) 

Nashville is a memory that I will cherish forever! It was so much fun meeting you and so many people that are so dear to my heart. And I am Freaking Out and Flailing About to have you here! 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228135537344278078/Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?

My love of the written word in all its forms was first birthed via a Dr. Suess book in first grade. I distinctly remember my mom (we homeschooled all the way through) helping me read Go Dog Go and the rest is history. Quite literally. When I was ten, we did an entire school year unit study on the Civil War, and we read aloud the entirety of Little Women. I then was utterly hooked by the era and set out to write my own Civil War era historical romance. Which, thirteen-ish years later, is in its third draft. God has a sense of humor.


From one homeschooler to another, I LOVED reading books out loud as a family. It definitely helped to nurture the reader in me. I love watching God's plan come together!

 Which literary character is most like you? Why?


For years my answer to this would've been Meg March from Little Women. Sensing a theme here? But, while I've still retained much of my Meg-ness--I also have quite a bit of Jo March in me as well. Meg is the eldest sibling--the Mother Hen. The one in love with love and romance and the art of domesticity. Jo is the creative and dramatic one whose hard knocks end up pointing her in the direction of a new dream and revolutionary way to approach her writing career: write what you know.


I love this!!! The March family is special, and I can see you being a wonderful combination of Meg and Jo for sure! 


What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?

My goal with this book is, in short, to point back to our greatest source of Hope, and what better time to do so then at Christmas time? And with a love story that holds a mere glimpse of the grace and love of God in the way my characters give and take and get to be together.

I can only hope and pray that my work-in-progress-ness will not distract or take away from what fueled my writing this Christmas story--both divine guidance and inspiration. And real life experiences. I guess all that to say is as far as achieving my goals--we shall see! ;) 


Eeeeeee! I can't wait! Such a good message to emphasize during the season! LOVE!!! And can I just say....That cover...**swoon**

Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing?

Oh my gosh, too many to count. Being this holiday novella is my first-ever written/finished contemporary, I'll share about my most influential contemporary romance writers. Melissa Tagg is definitely one of my biggest influences. In fact, this time last year I emailed her to pick her brain about just how to go about writing a novella. Not to mention her Christmas novellas are stunning. She writes with a grace-filled, poignant clarity that makes you feel like you are right there with the characters on all they go through, and you hate to close her books and leave them. But they never leave your heart. Much of the same and so much more could be said about our dear Pepper Basham. Her A Twist of Faith with its rollicking humor, redemption threads and homey heart, and how she incorporated her background and where she grew up? All I can say like a Valley girl is simply--hashtag goals. I want to be like Pepper Basham and Melissa Tagg "when I grow up." ;)

Melissa and Pepper are both wonderful authors and their influence is profound. They are truly an inspiration! 

What secret talents do you have?

The easier question'd be what secret (random) talents don't I have. LOL I.E: can't roll my tongue, whistle, snap my fingers, or quirk my left eyebrow. Now two true "secret" talents are: 1. I've played piano for sixteen years and 2. I can bake better gluten free goodies than gluten-full. 

Haha! I love it! Those are wonderful talents to possess! 

L-R: Meghan Gorecki, Rachael Wing, and Me!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?

A new-to-me habit I've picked up is getting up before the sun, before the time I have to clock in at my day job, and write. Or blog or do some marketing/promo work. But it's highly unusual for me because I used to be a night-owl. Not a night-owl writer because after 9pm forget it. My brain shuts down creatively. I think getting to hear about how Ruth Logan Herne writes (similar morning timeframe) was what first sparked this change all the way back in August at CFRR. It was so fun to sit and just listen to dear Ruthie, wasn't it, Rachel? :)


Oh.My.Goodness! Ruthy is such a lovely person! Such an honor to chat with her!

And another very random not so mature-author-like is that goldfish or ritz crackers with cheese (the tiny sandwich ones) are my favorite writing fuel besides coffee.





There is nothing wrong with that haha! You gotta fuel the creativity with what you like hehe!

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?



Commit to honoring this author/writer dream by pursuing it and working hard at it every day. Every. Single. Day. Talk about it. Be proud of it and own it. Not only does that provide incredible accountability, but you are working at a God-given calling that He inspired in you. And it takes obedience, daily action, and commitment. Whether your stories see a Barnes and Noble bookshelf in two years or twenty (or more)--you only fail and cannot call yourself an author if you don't write. It seems so simple, I know, but it is also such a hard thing to remember. To honor the dream God gave you by simply working towards it every single day. It will be hard to do--trust me--but so worth it. I'm living proof and still a work in progress on that front.



Beautiful words Meghan. And advice that can carry over into any dream that is burning in our heart. Thank you for the wisdom and encouragement!

Can you share what is up next for you?

Well, after Wrapped in Red, the holidays and all, I will be hunkering down to put together a solid plan for my next book/series and prayerfully figuring out all the logistics and When's of that. Hint: it'll be a historical. Unless God surprises me as He did with snowballing this holiday story of my heart.


Oooh, that sounds exciting! I can't wait to find out more!

Thank you for joining us today Meghan! I am continually blessed by you and honored to call you my friend!

Rachel, thank you SO much for having me. You are a ray of sunshine in my life and I am so privileged to know you and get to freak out and flail about on the regular about all things story, even from across thousands of miles. ((hug))

About the Book
A Steel City holiday romance sure to melt your heart.

The holidays haven't been the easiest for Merry Grainger. Five years ago, she lost her grandfather and got dumped by her boyfriend right before Christmas. Each season since sees her determined to avoid getting hurt again, and so she keeps a steel-like grip on her hopeless romantic heart.

Music used to soothe Sam Shepard’s soul until the death of his biggest cheerleader broke his heart, family, and dreams into pieces. Now he’s focused on thriving in the city, and with the people, he’s grown to love—all to keep the hole in his heart from opening anew with every passing holiday season.

Thrown together by a church play and meddlesome family armed with mistletoe, will Merry and Sam unwrap their guarded hearts to let in the true hope of Christmas—and each other?
Pre-Order Now



About Meghan Gorecki
Meghan M. Gorecki is an author of inspirational fiction, a blogger, book reviewer and voracious reader. Taking her life a day at a time as God leads, she is pursuing a career in the publishing industry as an editor in training and as a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. A hopeless romantic, history and Marvel nut, she's also a redhead (thanks to a box), who knows way too much trivia about movie musicals and the Civil War. Find her on social media and at her blog, A Northern Belle (http://www.northernbellemeg.com)

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill - Tales from Ivy Hill Book 1 - Julie Klassen

Saturday, December 10, 2016

My Rating

 - I've been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow. (More Info)


About the Book
First Series from Bestselling Author Julie Klassen!
On a rise overlooking the Wiltshire countryside stands the village of Ivy Hill. Its coaching inn, The Bell, is its lifeblood--along with the coach lines that stop there daily, bringing news, mail, travelers, and much-needed trade.

Jane Bell lives on the edge of the inn property. She had been a genteel lady until she married the charming innkeeper who promised she would never have to work in his family's inn. But when he dies under mysterious circumstances, Jane finds herself The Bell's owner, and worse, she has three months to pay a large loan or lose the place.

Feeling reluctant and ill-equipped, Jane is tempted to abandon her husband's legacy and return to her former life of ease. However, she soon realizes there is more at stake than her comfort. But who can she trust to help her? Her resentful mother-in-law? Her husband's brother, who wanted the inn for himself? Or the handsome newcomer with secret plans of his own . . . ?

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane struggles to win over naysayers and turn the place around. Can Jane bring new life to the inn, and to her heart as well?

My Thoughts
Before you tar and feather me for giving a Julie Klassen book a three star rating, please hear me out. As stated in my rating system post, "This is reserved for books that I look upon with pleasure, but do not produce the feelings of complete adoration." The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill was unique and enjoyable to read, however it did not move my soul. 

The first thing that I noticed about this book that is different from any other of Mrs. Klassen's books, is the the point of views are strictly female. Alternating between three women, we get a unique look into life in a small village set in England during 1820. I learned a lot about the inner workings of the inn and got explore the lives of these different women who represent very different personalities and stations in life. Reading through the eyes of these three women also added an extra sense of mystery. Because we don't know what is going on in the minds of the gentlemen in this story. 

Julie Klassen does take on some heart wrenching topics in this book. Specifically, difficulties with pregnancies. I will not sugar coat it, descriptions are detailed and quite graphic in my opinion. Please proceed as you feel appropriate. I just know that for myself, it was difficult to read those scenes and I feel it only fair to give my fellow readers a heads up. I never had any complications with pregnancy, but have had a lot of medical trauma with our second son, during and after delivery(everything is OK now). Therefore, I find it hard to read about anything at all happening to children in books. 

Overall, I enjoyed Mrs. Klassen's book in her very first series and I will read the next books. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hall was an entertaining book and I look forward to what comes next.

I received a complimentary copy of The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Purchase Options


Julie Klassen
Photo Credit: © Farrow Media
About the Author

JULIE KLASSEN loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. Three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for genre fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's BEST Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America's RITA Awards and ACFW's Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
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More Books by Julie Klassen on Bookworm Mama
(Click on the image to be taken to my review)


First Line Fridays - 12/9/16 - Christmas Song Edition

Friday, December 9, 2016


Good morning (or afternoon) and a very happy friday to you! As Christmas approaches and the hustle and the bustle becomes more overwhelming...I hope you can take a few minutes to relax, breathe...and join in some First Line fun! 


As you may have guessed, I am focusing on all things Christmas this month! Because, it is my FAVORITE season! Today...I wanted to do something a little different and share with you the first line from one of my FAVORITE Christmas songs EVER! 



I don't remember the first time I heard this song...But it has always been one of my favorites! I remember as a kid, rushing to record it onto a cassette tape when it came on the radio, and then listening to it over and over, singing it at the top of my lungs.

It never gets old and every year I do a happy dance whenever it comes on.

I included the video for your viewing pleasure...The first line of Snoopy vs. The Red Baron:

"The news had come out in the First World War
The bloody Red Baron was flying once more
The Allied command ignored all of its men
And called on Snoopy to do it again."


Ok I cheated a bit...




Post the first line of your favorite Christmas song below and head over to see what First Lines my lovely friends have today! 

Sarah - All the Book Blog Names are Taken
Heather - Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen
Beth Erin - Faithfully Bookish

If you would like to host First Line Fridays on your blog, contact Carrie on Reading is my SuperPower.
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