Who I Am With You by Robin Lee Hatcher

Robin Lee Hatcher is a brilliant storyteller. I have loved her works for many years. I was so excited to see she has a new release and I was blessed to be a part of reviewing it. Let's just say that you cannot go wrong in choosing a Robin Lee Hatcher novel. 

Warm and inviting. With the title there are a few takeaways for me. Who I Am With You, can mean who these two characters are together and also who they are with God. We see Him so present in their lives. On good days and bad, the pretty and the messy, He has never left them and as these two characters come together, He moves in a great way bringing blessings to their broken hearts. 

There are two main characters, both looking for solace. They are wanting so much to escape the recent past, their hearts and burdened and are carrying many emotions. Both characters moved to Hope Springs to find a peace they have yet to know. Let me just say that Hope Springs, well, there's a love that springs up, a joy, a peace, and a tenderness of grace. Yes, Hope Springs so many things for these two lovable and relatable characters. 

They each of have heart circumstances to work out. Trying to make sense of just how they got to where they are today when just not long ago life seemed so very different and full of promise. Now they are finding themselves questioning everything. 

They learn a great deal together. Neither searching for love. That is pretty much the farthest thing from their minds. But when they meet, even that very first meeting, something tender happens. They find a comfort, between strangers, they find a place where they can simply be themselves. 

There is forgiveness to learn, to let go of those things that cannot be changed. Sometimes in life we just cannot figure out and make sense of things that just don't make sense at all. This is where their faith grows. This is where we see God move in their lives, in all those unseen areas, they learn to trust God. 

I must say that once I started reading there weren't really any surprises, but that doesn't matter when you have such a tenderly written novel that holds within in so much that the reader can relate to. For me, it wasn't the surprises that the book didn't hold, but in what God did in my heart as I turned each page. 

Friends, this one is for sure a gem of a read. I hope it is one you choose to add to your library. If so, I would love to hear your thoughts after you read the last page. 

Happy Reading!

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This novel was a gift from Thomas Nelson for sharing my review with you. 

Robin Lee Hatcher Bestselling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher, author of more than seventy-five books, is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Robin is an eleven-time finalist and two-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award. In addition to many other awards, she is the recipient of a lifetime achievement awards from both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home with her husband on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillion puppy named Boo and a persnickety tuxedo cat named Pinky.

www.robinleehatcher.com

When Do I Love You? By Thomas Nelson and Illustrated by Marta Cabrol

This gem of a treasure just may be one of my favorite books I've reviewed this year. Perfect for all ages of boys and girls. I'm excited to read this one to my grandchildren who are between the ages of 2-8 and I know each of them will love it. 

The cover is just darling. The illustrations are warm and inviting. A book of love. It brought me to mind of 1 Corinthians 13 and all that love is. Each page is designated for one of God's creatures. A little duck, a little bear, a little lizard, a little kitty, a little mouse, a little moose, a little dog, a little raccoon, a little goat, and ending with a little one. 

I can see this book being given as a baby's first birthday gift. A book to grow with and one to treasure. It too would be perfect for a children's library. There is a rich sweetness to this book. One that shares a 'no matter what' kind of love. 

"When do I love you, little duck? When we're riding in the truck! No matter how bumpy the road might be, we'll bounce there together, just you and me."

"When do I love you, little lizard? When we're hemmed in by the blizzard! If ever the snow piles up to your eyes, don't worry-I'll hold you, I won't leave your side."

"When do I love you, little moose? When we're sitting in a caboose! If you take a train to lands faraway, I'll travel with you each step of the way."

"When do I love you, little dog? When we're trotting through the fog! If the air gets thick and we cannot see, I'll call your name. You can count on me."

Rhyming love to little ones, lots of lessons to learn, and such time spent together just reassuring them how big your love is. This is one you are sure to love!

Happy Reading!

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This children's book was a gift from Thomas Nelson for sharing my review with you. 

Justice Delayed by Cara Putman

After reading Beyond Justice and Imperfect Justice I was excited to see the third book in this series to be offered for review. (Take a peek at my reviews).

Although each of them can be read as a stand alone read, I would encourage you to read them in order as this group of women, these friends, how they are connected, give you a better understanding of the characters. 

Now I loved the first two books. They leaped off the pages for me. I enjoyed this novel, but in a different way. It wasn't such a thriller for me. More of a drama. But very relevant in our world today. 

I admire the strong women who live within these pages. Their strength and faith are inspirational. They are encouraging characters. We see their strengths and their weaknesses. Cara Putman is outstanding at providing the reader with characters that we can relate to. Characters that stand out and are ready for the battle ahead. 

Jamie Nichols is one of those characters for me. Such devastating horrors took place in her childhood. She's never forgotten the man who took her innocence, who abused her, and walked away living a life of power and position. She's waited so long for the day to see justice. That day is now here. The day when she has found a new strength to face this attacker. 

I admire for for facing something that many would question the why now. But for her it's more than just justice in a courtroom. It is the man facing up to his actions. It is herself gaining strength and finding a place of healing. 

I love that she has surrounded herself with like minded women, ready to stand side by side for whatever may come, but together they will face with faith and hope. 

But there too are other characters to admire. One of them is Chandler Bolton. A military vet facing his own battles at hand, but reaching out and helping others to heal. This is a servant in the kingdom of God, making a huge difference. Through helping others he too finds a place of healing from the impact that war has had upon his own life. 

What can we walk away with from reading this novel? For me, it was a reminder that my voice is powerful. I have nothing to fear with Christ on my side. Making a difference in the lives of others has a way of impacting our own life. 

This is another great read from Cara Putman. I am always excited to see she has a new release! 

Happy Reading.

This novel was a gift from Thomas Nelson for sharing my review with you. 

Cara Putman Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I've been writing award-winning books with the count currently at 29. 

In addition to writing, I am a mom of four, attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women's ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband, and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School, and Purdue University's MBA program. You can learn more about my books at http://www.caraputman.com. And if you'd like a copy of my legal suspense novella, Dying for Love, simply connect with me here (http://www.caraputman.com/contact/) , and I'll send you the link.

Hidden Among The Stars by Melanie Dobson

A time-slip novel. The present and the past connecting. I loved both. But what drew me in, what captured my heart was the stories of the past. 

WWII in the year of 1938. These characters were so perfectly vivid my heart was moved in such a way I pondered their lives as if these characters were real. Max, Annika, and Luzia are characters that are unforgettable. 

The present day characters were lovely. Sisters, a bookstore, a blog, and a passion for connecting people bring them to an adventure they never dreamed. Their love of books, of story, of the past, connects us with a time past, but not forgotten. 

Something I learned was that the children's book, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was about the Holocaust. That alone fascinated me and drew me to turn the pages, learning more. The way this book connects all of these characters is simply beautiful. 

This is the first work I have read of Ms. Dobson. I am now intrigued to read more! This novel holds within its pages so much for the reader. History, romance, friendship, family, sacrifice, and so much more. An adventure for the heart, a mystery that kept me turning pages. 

If you're searching for a great read to keep you cozy this is a gem you are certain to enjoy. 

Happy Reading.

This novel was a gift from Tyndale for sharing my review with you. 

Melanie Dobson is the Carol Award-winning author of nearly twenty historical romance, suspense, and time-slip novels. A former publicity manager, Melanie now writes and lives with her husband, Jon, and their two daughters near Portland, Oregon. Visit her online at www.melaniedobson.com.