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Halloween: Harmless Fun or Risky Business?

By Diana Wallis Taylor

Most people consider Halloween to be a harmless occasion for children to wear costumes and collect candy. But there is a lot more behind the holiday—both historical and spiritual—that Christians may want to consider before deciding how and if their children should participate. In this book, you will learn about many traditions and superstitions associated with Halloween, including:

Trick-or-treating and jack-o’-lanterns

Black cats and owls

Fortune-tellers and psychics

Wicca and witches

Ghouls and zombies

Join Diana Wallis Taylor in exploring the origins of Halloween customs and discovering what they mean for us today.

ISLAND BREEZES

It truly is risky business. Reading this little book will answer many questions why.

Celebrating a pagan day of worship isn’t exactly what we should be teaching our children. And no, this isn’t just an ancient holiday. It is relevant, because it is happening right now today.

Witches, demons and Satan are not make believe, but our children are being conditioned to accept them as harmless.

Yes, Halloween is risky business. Now more than ever.

***A special thank you to Cathy Hickling for providing a review book.***

Diana Wallis Taylor was first published at the age of twelve, when she sold a poem to a church newsletter. Today, she has an extensive portfolio of published works, including a collection of poetry, contributions to various magazines and compilations, and six award-winning novels, including three biblical fiction stories: Martha; Mary Magdalene; and Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate. Diana lives in San Diego with her husband, Frank. Among them, they have six grown children and ten grandchildren. Readers can learn more by visiting her Web site, www.dianawallistaylor.com.

The Daughter of Highland Hall

By Carrie Turansky

When family expectations and societal pressures collide with love and faith, which values will emerge the victor? Award-winning author Carrie Turansky explores this theme in her new book, The Daughter of Highland Hall.

Book two in the Edwardian Brides Series, The Daughter of Highland Hall, follows 18-year-old Kate Ramsey on a journey of self-discovery as she travels to London to make her societal debut. Her overbearing aunt insists she secure a marriage proposal from a wealthy, titled man. As Kate begins making the round of balls and garden parties, she attracts the attention of Edward Wellington, who seems to have all the qualifications on her list. Yet, is he the best choice? Will this lifestyle bring her true happiness?

Fans of this time period, as represented in the popular TV show Downton Abbey, will be charmed by The Daughter of Highland Hall, which captures both the upstairs and downstairs aspects of Edwardian life, giving readers an emotional connection with the aristocratic Ramsey family and the hardworking, loyal servants.

This pure and inspiring romance will warm the hearts of readers and ultimately point them to the Author of their own love stories.

ISLAND BREEZES

Katherine is on her way. She and her Aunt Louisa are staying in London with Katherine’s cousin, William, so that she can have a proper debut into society. She needs to find a rich husband as she is without a home since Highland Hall passed to her cousin.

She’s finally met an appropriate, i.e., rich suitor. But it appears Edward is not the only man interested in her. Jon is finishing up his education to become a doctor, but has no money.

After a family scandal, society drops Katherine like a hot potato. While waiting for the scandal to blow over Katherine begins assisting at a clinic for the poor.

Once the air clears, will she marry Edward who has been waiting for her or consider giving Jon a chance.?

I’ve always enjoyed Ms Turansky’s books. This is no exception.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas, including Surrendered Hearts, Snowflake Sweethearts, and Along Came Love. She has been the recipient of the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award. Turansky’s first historical fiction novel, and the first in the Edwardian Brides series, The Governess of Highland Hall, is a 2014 Carol Award finalist. While Turansky has been writing articles, devotions and essays since 1999, writing fiction is her passion, and she’s thankful for the creative ideas God has put into her mind and heart.

Turansky was born and raised in Oregon but currently lives in central New Jersey with her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, counselor and the author of several parenting books. They have five adult children, two lovely daughters-in-law, a wonderful son-in-law and four adorable grandchildren. The Turanskys partner in ministry at Calvary Chapel Living Hope, a church they helped plant along with a team of hardworking, Jesus-following friends.

When she’s not writing Turansky enjoys spending time with her family, working outside in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or walking around the lake near her home.

A Promise to Protect

By Patricia Bradley

In a steamy small town riddled with broken promises, one woman’s secret could change everything.

Acting Sheriff Ben Logan hasn’t heard from Leigh Somerall in a very long time, but it doesn’t mean he can get her–or their whirlwind romance of ten years ago–out of his head. When she calls out of the blue, it is with a strange request to protect her brother, Tony. But all too soon, Ben is charged with a different task–protecting Leigh from the people after her brother. With Leigh doing everything in her power to avoid Ben, it’s no easy task. And the secret she is keeping just may change their lives forever.

ISLAND BREEZES

Leigh’s life hasn’t been easy. She’s lost people she loved and now her home. But she still has the most precious thing in her life – her son T.J.

Now if she could only keep Sheriff Ben out of her life, her secret would be safe. Even if her secret is safe, she apparently isn’t. That keeps Ben breathing down her neck, and his father getting closer to discovering the secret.

During all the danger and suspense, Leigh and Ben find themselves more and more attracted to each other. That keeps Leigh busy trying to keep her distance from Ben. Besides, she doesn’t think she’s really in that much danger. Can Ben keep both Leigh and his heart safe? What will happen when he discovers the secret?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more books by Ms Bradley.

***A special thank you to Lanette Haskins for providing a review copy.***

Patricia Bradley is the winner of a 2012 Daphne du Maurier Award and a 2012 Touched by Love Award and was also a finalist for the 2012 Genesis Award. The author of Shadows of the Past, she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.

Becoming Bea

By Leslier Gould

Can Bea and Ben Turn Rivalry Into Romance?

Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.

One person she’ll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They’ve known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?

ISLAND BREEZES

Ben Rupp and Beatrice Zook had a long history of competition between the two of them. That was before Ben briefly courted her, and then disappeared from her life.

Now he’s back pestering her, plus her family is going to Montana for an extended visit. Bea decided there’s no way she’s going to Montana with them. She’s a homebody. But it’s not proper to stay at the farm on her own. What a mess!

Right then her only consolations were her journal and her books. She definitely had to figure out a way to get out of the Montana trip.

She did it. She started working as a mother’s helper and stayed while the rest of the family did the Montana thing. It was a tiring job, but Bea loved it.

Interestingly, she and Ben seemed to be starting the courting dance, but it was interrupted by a snake in the grass. All of a sudden Beaa’s dreams started disappearing one by one. What will life ultimately hold for her?

I’ve been enjoying Leslie Gould’s The Courtships of Lancaster County. I’m looking forward to book 5. Please, Ms Gould, tell us there is going to be a book 5.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 CBA bestseller The Amish Midwife, a 2012 Christy Award winner; ECPA bestseller Courting Cate, first in the Courtships of Lancaster County series; and Beyond the Blue, winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She and her family live in Portland, Oregon.

The Promise

By Beth Wiseman

Most authors draw from life experience when writing a book. However, for best-selling author Beth Wiseman, the inspiration for The Promise came from encounters most readers could never imagine happening in their own lives. Inspired by actual events, Wiseman describes her latest release as the largest project she has undertaken since her first book was published in 2008.

Mallory Hammond is determined not to let her boyfriend, parents, or anyone else get in the way of her #1 goal—to save a life. She had that chance when she was a teenager, and the opportunity slipped away, leaving a void she’s desperate to fill. Then a new friend she met online offers her the chance she’s dreamed of. But she’ll have to leave behind everyone she loves to take it.

Tate Webber has loved Mallory for years. He understands that Mallory’s free spirit has to fly, and when he gives her the space she needs, he hopes that when she lands, the two of them will be in the same place and can marry at last.

In a bold move—and with lots of resistance from Tate and those closest to her—Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dream. Tate begs her not to go, but Mallory embarks on the dangerous journey to Pakistan anyway, only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. Her new friend isn’t who he says he is. And Mallory can only pray she’ll make it out alive.

ISLAND BREEZES

Mallory is tormented, because she was unable to save her cousin’s life. Now she’s found a way to make up for that by saving a life of someone half a world away.

She travels to a dangerous country with no idea just how dangerous it’s really going to be. It takes her awhile to figure out just how much danger her employer back home knew she would be in, but still encouraged her to go.

It takes her awhile before she realizes the extent of the danger as well as the conspiracy behind it all. It appears that there’s no escape.

This book is one of those you just can’t put down until it’s finished. Thank you, Ms Wiseman. Keep these books coming, please.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Beth Wiseman is a Carol Award Winner, Inspirational Readers Choice Winner, INSPY Winner, and the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. All of her books have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller list and the CBA (Christian Book Association) bestseller list. She grew up in Houston, Texas and now resides in a small town west of Houston with a population of around 300. She lives with her husband, two dogs, two cats, two pot bellied pigs, two chickens and a pygmy goat. Her two grown sons also live in Texas. Beth has been writing in some capacity for most of her life. She’s a former award-winning journalist with eleven honors, including ‘First Place News Writing’ for The Texas Press Association. However, writing love stories with a spiritual message is where her heart is. When Beth isn’t writing (which is seldom these days) she enjoys traveling, cooking, fishing, reading, or just settling in for a good movie. Her best times are spent with family and friends!

The Brickmaker’s Bride

By Judith Miller

Judith Miller pens a historical novel that is sure to tug at your heart-strings. The Brickmaker’s Bride is book one in Miller’s Refined by Love series.

Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it’s Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner’s daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she’s being courted by another man—a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he’ll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.

But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan’s hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura’s heart.

ISLAND BREEZES

Ewan’s Uncle Hugh purchased a brick making operation and promised Ewan a piece of the business when he makes it profitable. It’s not an easy task, but Laura, the daughter of the former owner, offers to help him. Uncle Hugh is not helping matters at all since he’s into gambling and making bad business decisions. Not only that, but his Aunt Margaret likes to live pretty high on the hog.

Ewan finally convinces his uncle to bring over his sisters from Scotland, but when they arrive, his aunt and uncle turn them into servants who have to pay back their passage. What a dysfunctional family!

Meanwhile Ewan is falling in love with Laura, but doesn’t see a future with her. She’s being courted by a wealthy and socially prominent lawyer. Why would she want anything to do with a brick maker who’s on the verge of losing his shirt?

If you haven’t read any books by Judith Miller, you’re in for a treat. If you have, then you already know you’re going to love this one.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. When time permits, Judy enjoys traveling, visiting historical settings, and scrapbooking the photographs from her travel expeditions. She makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.

Keepers of the Covenant

By Lynn Austin

The Old Testament Comes to Thrilling Life in the Latest from Lynn Austin

In one life-changing moment, the lives of the Jewish exiles in Babylon are thrown into confusion and despair when a decree arrives from the king’s palace in Susa. It calls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman, and child throughout the empire on the thirteenth day of Adar, in less than one year. Ezra, a quiet Jewish scholar and teacher, is suddenly called upon to lead the community as they seek God for a reason for this catastrophe. When a second decree arrives, authorizing them to fight back, Ezra is thrust into the role of military leader as they defend themselves against their enemies.

When the battles come to an end, Ezra’s brother Jude is dead and Ezra is required by the Law he so diligently studies to marry Jude’s widow, Devorah, and provide an heir. Fatherhood changes Ezra, and he asks God to make a way for him and the other exiles to leave Babylon for good and return to Jerusalem. His prayers are answered and the exiles move to Judea to revitalize worship at the temple—but the fight to keep God’s Law is never easy. As more and more of his community are tempted, a new battle emerges . . . this one for the survival of God’s covenant and the souls of His chosen faithful.

ISLAND BREEZES

Lynn Austin’s Return to Me took the first Jewish exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem. This book is centered on the struggles of those who remained in Babylon.

Life there is not easy for Jews who want to remain true to their faith and heritage. The children, as well as adults, are drifting away from God. So many are enticed by the Babylonian lifestyle while being looked down upon by the Gentiles.

Ezra, a quiet man who studies and teaches the Torah, is forced into a leadership role. Then he is forced to lead a ragtag army to protect his people from being wiped off the face of the earth.

These Jewish survivors then have to continue the struggle. They want to travel to Jerusalem to join those who went before.

Ms Austin’s stories always enlighten me regarding aspects of life in Biblical times. Be prepared with that box of tissues as you may very well shed a tear or two.

If you start very early and read until very late you might be able to read this book in one day. I don’t think you’ll be able to do that as life has a tendency to get in the way. But you’ll not want to lay this book down.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.

On Oct. 14, 1964, the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was named winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Deceived

By Irene Hannon

A grieving mother. A mysterious child. And a dedicated PI who’s determined to solve the puzzle.

For three years, Kate Marshall has been mourning the loss of her husband and four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on a mall escalator, she’s convinced it’s her son. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan for help. As the former Secret Service agent digs into the case, the boating “accident” begins to look increasingly suspicious. But if Kate’s son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden–and may go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.

As Irene Hannon’s many fans have come to expect, Deceived is filled with complex characters, unexpected twists, and a riveting plotline that accelerates to an explosive finish.

ISLAND BREEZES

She left Hilton, New York where it happened. Maybe she could leave some of the grief and memories behind. But S. Louis brought it all back to life one day in the mall.

It couldn’t be, but it certainly planted doubt and hope in her mind. Was that really her son come back to life? She couldn’t catch up with the man and boy, but she could report it to mall security and the police – not that it did any good.

So on to Phoenix, Inc.and hopefully they won’t make fun of her. After private investigator Connor Sullivan agrees to help her, the action really begins.

It’s not an easy case and it turns dangerous. It also kept me guessing. Just about the time I thought I had everything figured out, it changed.

I haven’t figured out how a person can not love Irene Hannon'[s books. Since there are 3 investigators in Phoenix, Inc., and this is the third book in the Guardian of Justice series, I have to presume Ms Hannon’s next book will start a new series. I’m looking forward to it.

***A special thank you to Lanette Haskins for providing a review copy.***

Irene Hannon is the author of more than forty-five novels, including Vanished, Trapped, and the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers’ Choice Award, and a National Readers’ Choice Award. In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its “Top 10 Inspirational Fiction” list for 2011. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

The Sea House

Elisabeth Gifford’s debut novel, The Sea House, is a story of loss and longing set in the wild isolation of the Outer Hebrides.

Scotland, 1860.

Reverend Alexander Ferguson, naive and newly-ordained, takes up his new parish, a poor, isolated patch on the Hebridean island of Harris. His time on the island will irrevocably change the course of his life, but the white house on the edge of the dunes keeps its silence long after Alexander departs. It will be more than a century before the Sea House reluctantly gives up its secrets.

Ruth and Michael buy the grand but dilapidated building and begin to turn it into a home for the family they hope to have. Their dreams are marred by a shocking discovery. The tiny bones of a baby are buried beneath the house; the child’s fragile legs are fused together — a mermaid child. Who buried the bones? And why? Ruth needs to solve the mystery of her new home — but the answers to her questions may lie in her own past.

Based on a real nineteenth-century letter to The Times in which a Scottish clergyman claimed to have seen a mermaid, The Sea House is an epic, sweeping tale of loss and love, hope and redemption, and how we heal ourselves with the stories we tell.

ISLAND BREEZES

This is a haunting story that takes place then and now. Ruth and Michael bought the Sea House – a very run down house, but in the perfect location looking out to the sea. This was a house that took months of hard labor before they had even two rooms inhabitable.

Their dreams were for the house to become an inn, but the place was becoming a money pit. Oh, yes, there’s also that thing about finding the bones of a mermaid baby and the ghost.

Ruth’s research about mermaids took her (and us) back a century to when the Sea House was a vicarage occupied by a young vicar – one who was also interested in mermaids or selkies as they were sometimes called. The vicar’s story includes Lord Marstone and the people he unfeelingly drove from their homes as well as his search for the selkies.

This was a very intriguing story as Ms Giff ord wove it back and forth between the different characters. It made me want to go visit the Sea House. It was also satisfying to discover the secret of the mermaids. I’m relly looking forward to Ms Gifford’s next book. Can it get any better than this one?

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Elisabeth Gifford grew up in a vicarage in the industrial Midlands. She studied French literature and world religions at Leeds University. She is the author of The House of Hope: A Story of God’s Love and Provision for the Abandoned Orphans of China and has written articles for The Times and the Independent and has a Diploma in Creative Writing from Oxford OUDCE and an MA in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway College. She is married with three children. They live in Kingston on Thames but spend as much time as possible in the Hebrides.