Amazon Synopsis:

Kate Vaughan is no stranger to tough choices.

She’s made them before. Now it’s time to do it again.

Kate has a secret, something tucked away in her past. And she’s getting on with her life.  Her business is thriving. She has a strong relationship with her family, and a devoted boyfriend whom she wants to love with all her heart. If Kate had ever made a list, Rowan would fill the imagined boxes of a perfect mate. But she wants more than the perfect on paper relationship; she wants a real and imperfect love. That’s why, when Kate discovers the small velvet box hidden in Rowan’s drawer, she panics.

It always happens this way. Just when Kate thinks she can love, just when she believes she can conquer the fear, she’s filled with dread. And she wants more than anything to make this feeling go away. But how?

When the mistakes have been made and the running is over, it’s time to face the truth. Kate knows this. She understands that a woman can never undo what can never be undone. Yet, for the first time in her life she also knows that she won’t fully love until she confronts those from her past. It’s time to act.

Can she do it? Can she travel to the place where it all began, to the one who shares her secret? Can the lost ever become found?

And Then I Found You gives new life to the phrase “inspired by a true story.” By travelling back to a painful time in her own family’s history, the author explores the limits of courage, and the price of a selfless act.

My Thoughts:

And Then I Found You is an amazing, heartwarming book which is based on the real-life story of the author’s sister. Kate and Jack (characters in our book) were childhood sweethearts who were destined to spend their lives together. However, things do not go to plan when Jack ends up marrying someone else and Kate finds herself pregnant … with Jack’s baby. Faced with unimaginable decisions, 22 year old Kate (and Jack) decide to give their baby up for adoption in hopes to give her a better life than the one they could provide for her.

Thirteen years later, Kate is on the verge of getting engaged to her beau of four years, Rowan. However, things just do not seem “right” with him. She wants to love him and spend her life with him, but there is always the nagging feeling in her heart that keeps drawing her back to Jack and the “what ifs” surrounding their relationship. When she receives a friend request on Facebook from someone named Emily Jackson, her life begins to take an unexpected turn.

Emily Jackson is a thirteen-year-old girl living in New York who is prompted by her best friend to start looking for her birth parents. Adopted at birth, she has always had nagging questions regarding her identity and worth. Emily uncovers some information which leads her to finding Kate on Facebook.

Reuniting over the discovery of their daughter, Kate and Jack are forced to confront the past and face an uncertain future.

This is truly a wonderful book. The fact that it is based a real-life story makes it even better because true life is stranger than fiction, as the saying goes! I’m thrilled for the author’s family that they were able to reunite with the child they were wondering about for so long.

Kate and Jack are awesome characters. I really felt for each of them. I engaged with their story and felt their emotions. Kate was a bit stand-offish and I did not completely understand Jack’s motives for what he did at times, but that can be said for any one of us humans, I think! Overall, a great story with a heartwarming theme of redemption and hope. I would highly recommend this book.

And Then I Found You is the April Selection for the SheReads Book Club!
Click the banner below to head on over to their site and participate in the discussion!

Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

*****

Amazon Synopsis

In this gripping exploration of a futuristic afterlife, a teen discovers that death is just the beginning.

Since her untimely death the day before her eighteenth birthday, Felicia Ward has been trapped in Level 2, a stark white afterlife located between our world and the next. Along with her fellow drones, Felicia passes the endless hours reliving memories of her time on Earth and mourning what she’s lost—family, friends, and Neil, the boy she loved.

Then a girl in a neighboring chamber is found dead, and nobody but Felicia recalls that she existed in the first place. When Julian—a dangerously charming guy Felicia knew in life—comes to offer Felicia a way out, Felicia learns the truth: If she joins the rebellion to overthrow the Morati, the angel guardians of Level 2, she can be with Neil again.

Suspended between Heaven and Earth, Felicia finds herself at the center of an age-old struggle between good and evil. As memories from her life come back to haunt her, and as the Morati hunt her down, Felicia will discover it’s not just her own redemption at stake… but the salvation of all mankind.

My Thoughts

The audio narration by Jenna Lamia is outstanding. She is the perfect choice to read this novel. Her voice and inflections are on point; the character voices distinct. She made listening to the book an enjoyable experience.

However, I had a very difficult time staying focused on the story itself. And, honestly, it might just be me. This is not the typical genre of book that I read. I wanted to read it only because the author is a fellow book blogger. The storyline is not one that I would normally gravitate toward, so I may have brought some preconceived biases into my reading experience that are not fair.

With that said, there were parts of it that intrigued me … but I was left wanting more. There were other parts that went on and on … that I just wanted to skip over. Felicia Ward is a seventeen-year old girl who finds herself in Level 2, the stage between life on earth and Heaven. Felicia is dead yet she is stuck in this in-between world where she relives her life through countless memories. This is how the reader is introduced to Felicia’s back story – her life on Earth, so to speak. I was intrigued by some of her memories; others did not seem to move the plot forward in any meaningful way but instead showed a part of her character or an aspect of a relationship that helps us get to know her character a little better. Her relationship with her boyfriend, Neil, was adorable – how they met, their first date, etc.

The dystopian-esque elements of the book (the Level 2 parts) were just plain confusing to me. The Morati who oversee Level 2 are in the process of rebelling because they want to go to Level 3, but are forever stuck on Level 2. Then Julian, Felicia’s maybe-but-maybe-not love interest breaks in to free her and tries to get her to join the fight against the Morati. Julian was part of Felicia’s real life and they engaged in a relationship, but as far as Felicia in Level 2, it is all about Neil. Neil is her one true love. So, the premise of there being a love triangle was a bit flawed. The Neil/Felicia relationship seemed more real and emotional than the Julian/Felicia relationship.

The ending felt a bit rushed and contained some surprises that I am not sure make sense, but I am ultimately happy about.

Overall, a mixed read for me. Enjoyed some parts; other parts were confusing, but this could be because this is not the typical genre of book that I read.

Audio clip

My audiobook review copy was provided by Random House Audio. All thoughts are my own.

But, Billy from Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer emailed me and asked to take over the Hop and I enthusiastically said YES! So, starting Friday, February 15, the Book Blogger Hop will now be hosted over at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer. It will maintain basically the same format as before with weekly questions and will run Friday-Thursday each week. Check out the blog now for a starter list of the weekly prompts!

And, there’s a new button! <3

I am so excited that someone loves the Hop so much to want to continue it, so THANK YOU Billy for taking it on! I know you will do a GREAT job with it. It is a great way to connect with other bloggers and just get to know each other, so I encourage you to participate when you can!

So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer, grab the new button and get your Hop post ready to go!! <3

Thanks so much for your support of the BOOK BLOGGER HOP!!!

<3

Jennifer

On the night of November 5, 2006, the Barrick family was driving home from church when their van was struck by a drunk driver. Fifteen-year-old Jen suffered multiple skull fractures and severe brain trauma and was not expected to survive the night. But against all odds, she did. As she lingered in a coma, doctors warned that if Jen ever woke up, she would be cursing and screaming in confusion due to her brain injuries. Instead, after five weeks she opened her eyes and began praying and praising God. Jen didn’t remember her middle name, recognize her parents, or recall that she had a little brother–but she remembered Jesus and every word to every praise song and scripture she had hidden in her heart before the accident. As any loving mother would, Jen’s mother Linda wanted God to heal Jen–make her like she was before. Normal. But a loving God had something else in mind–instead of making her normal, God is making Jennifer–and the whole Barrick family–extraordinary, miraculous. “Miracle for Jen” is the remarkable true story of a family who overcame tragedy and learned to trust God’s plan for their lives in a whole new way.

My Review:

Jennifer Barrick is a faith-full teenager who wants to be used by God in big ways. But, due to her quiet demeanor, she prays often for boldness to share her faith. One night, on the way home from a concert, the Barrick family’s lives are forever changed when they are involved in a horrific car accident which leaves Jen severely brain damaged.

The book is told from her mother, Linda’s, point of view, as this is ultimately a book about a family. The faith of the whole family is tested through this trial. Each member is affected differently by the accident, but, out of this tragedy, God reveals Himself in amazing ways. Jen is transformed into a bold vessel for Christ, sharing the light of His hope, love, and grace to others. Throughout her medical crisis and subsequent trials stemming from the brain injury, this book reveals how Jen’s relationship with the Lord is strengthened beyond anything imaginable. Her child-like faith and hope are contagious. She is not down and out about her condition – she is happy to be able to proclaim the love of Christ to others, if that is how God wants to use her. I’m just amazed by this young girl and her testimony. Her story is incredible.

There is some repetitiveness to the story, which is why I give it 4 stars instead of 5. The story is a bit choppy in places and does not flow well, but, as a whole, the story is amazing and one I highly recommend.

You can still find me blogging over at Girlfriends Coffee Hour until I return. Happy Reading!

Jennifer

Read the History and Rules of the Hop

*****

Starting the week of October 5-11, the Book Blogger Hop will be traveling around the book blogosphere! Various book bloggers have graciously agreed to host the Hop on their blogs, manage the Linky, and come up with your weekly prompt! Not to worry, though, I will have a list of our hosts here and direct you to where you need to go each week! This is a great way to get to know some new bloggers!

October 5-11: Soon Remembered Tales – http://soonrememberedtales.blogspot.com/
Question: Banned Books Week ends on the 6th. How do you feel about books being challenged to be banned from libraries or schools? Have you read any banned books?

October 12-18: Soon Remembered Tales – http://soonrememberedtales.blogspot.com/
Question: With Autumn upon us and Halloween drawing near, what books remind you of fall? What ones do you enjoy reading that are about autumn?

October 19-25: Knitting and Sundries – http://www.knittingandsundries.com
Question:

October 26-November 1: Knitting and Sundries – http://www.knittingandsundries.com
Question:

November 2-8: The Fake Steph – http://www.thefakesteph.com
Question: Is there a book that has been languishing on your TBR pile even though you spent months anticipating its release?

November 9-15: The Fake Steph – http://www.thefakesteph.com
Question: Is there a book series that you’re not totally into, but still keep buying new releases because you love the covers?

November 16-22: Butterfly-o-Meter Books – http://butterflyometerbooks.blogspot.com/
Question: Mix’n'Match: The bookish gods are giving you free hand, you can pick any one character (book, TV series/movie, play etc) and inject them into a different novel of your choice. Which character and series would you mix’n'match?

November 22-29: Butterfly-o-Meter Books – http://butterflyometerbooks.blogspot.com/
Question: The sound of silence: When reading, do you assign each character their own voice in your head, or do they all sound the same? Do they sound like you or someone else?

November 30-December 6: Anglers Rest – http://anglersrest.blogspot.com
Question:

December 7-13: Anglers Rest – http://anglersrest.blogspot.com
Question:

December 14-20: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer – http://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com
Question:

December 21-27: Tea Time with Marce – http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/
Question: What book were you determined to read this year and you still didn’t pick up? Is it at least on your bookshelf or e-reader?

December 28-January 3: Tea Time with Marce – http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/
Question: “Best of 2012″

*****

From October 1st to 19th, donate a new book (or books!) and earn extra bonus points in a huge giveaway that these authors are hosting.

Two winners will each receive the following PRIZES!

• $100 Amazon G.C.
• 5 signed books from the authors hosting the event
• A swag bag
• Plus—in honor of All Hallow’s read, gift a signed copy of one of our books to a friend!

With a total of $200, 12 signed books (including the gifted books) and major swag, what better way is there to raise books for charity and celebrate All Hallow’s Read?

Each author participating is also donating signed copies of their books to Books for America, an awesome charity that is officially sponsoring their event and excited to be involved with All Hallow’s Read. In 2011, Books for America donated more than $800,000 worth of books and materials to DC area schools, shelters and dozens of other educational programs and organizations.

The authors are blogging throughout the event at The Fiction Frolic Blog

• 10/1 – 5 Read about how books shaped their love for reading and writing.
• 10/8 – 12 Read their scariest, funniest or craziest Halloween experiences, or learn about their favorite Halloween themed book or movie, or favorite work of “dark” literature.
• 10/15 – 19 Enjoy some flash fiction, short stories and novel excerpts.

So donate, share, and look for daily ways to enter to win. Donate to charity for bonus points!

*****

This event is sponsored by:
Eleanor T Beaty, author of the YA paranormal Veiled Mist
Brewin’ author of the supernatural horror, The Dark Horde
Andy Gavin, author of the fantasy horror, The Darkening Dream
Laxmi Hariharan, author of the YA fantasy, The Destiny of Shaitan
Kimberly Kinrade, author of the YA paranormal thriller/romances, Forbidden Mind & Forbidden Fire
Richard Long, author of the supernatural thriller/horror, The Book of Paul
M.C. Mars, author of the mind-bending novel, Burner
Melissa McPhail, author of epic fantasy Cephrael’s Hand
Sheryl Steines, author of She Wulf & Days of First Sun
Pavarti K Tyler., author of the Lit Fic Shadow on the Wall and the erotic horror Consumed by Love

Grab the Logo!
<a href="http://crazy-for-books.com/"><img src="http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt34/crazybookblog/cfbmemebutton-2.png" alt="Book Blogger Hop" width="150" height="150" /></a>

Read the History and Rules of the Hop. This link also includes information on how to submit a question for the Hop and how to be a potential Host of the Hop!

Want to plan your posts in advance? Click this link to check out the future Hop questions!

Hosting a giveaway? Tell us about it! Write a great discussion post this week? Promote it! This is the week to pick ONE POST from the past week to highlight for the Hop!

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name, Genre you review, and direct link to your post answering this week’s question; failure to do so will result in removal of your link).

3. Visit other blogs in the list, spending quality time getting to know the people you are visiting. Don’t just visit the post with the question, but click around and read some of the blogger’s other content, too! This Hop isn’t about the number of people you can visit, but the quality of each visit. Readers – find a new blog to read by clicking through the links in the list!

My answer:
I am really excited about my new blogging journey – you can read more about it HERE!

Linky List

About the Book

Praying the Wisdom of Proverbs into Your Life Every Day

Experience God’s wisdom as never before and find encouragement, peace, answers, and a better life through this devotional prayer book.

Many people read a chapter a day from the book of Proverbs as a regular devotional practice. They consider it their favorite book in the Bible because its daily practical guidance offers tools to make the right choices and have the inner strength to stand against pressure, size up a situation and know how to respond, make fewer careless mistakes, and avoid unnecessary trouble.

In these pages, readers will find a chapter from Proverbs followed by a heartfelt prayer that includes all of the insights from that chapter. In a mere thirty-one days they can pray all of the wisdom of Proverbs for their lives.

My Thoughts

In this 31-day devotional book, John Mason lays out an effective way to pray through the Proverbs. Each day, the proverb is presented in the NASB translation which is then followed by a prayer. This is an easy, but dynamic, way to add value to your study of the Proverbs or just as a supplemental resource for a daily proverb reading. It is a book that can be used over and over again. If you do not prefer the NASB translation, then you can read the day’s proverb out of your own Bible and then go to this book to read John’s prayer. Or you can read the NASB and your preferred translation for deeper meaning and understanding of the text. There are many ways this book can be used, but it is a great resource that I would definitely recommend.

Blog Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/author/jmason

 *****

Meet John

John Mason is an author with over 1.2 million books in print, including “An Enemy Called Average”, “You’re Born an Original- Don’t Die a Copy”, and “Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop”.

He is the founder and president of Insight International, an organization dedicated to helping people reach their dreams and fulfill their destiny. John is in great demand as a speaker throughout the United States and abroad.

Find out more about John at http://www.freshword.com.

*****

Friends, I am so excited to announce to you a new venture that I will embark on next week!

On October 1, 2012, I will begin a new journey as a blogger for an online women’s ministry, Girlfriends Coffee Hour. I will be one of four bloggers who will be facilitating an online bible study of the book Winning Him Without Words by Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller. I could not be more excited, thrilled, honored, and blessed to have found such an amazing group of women to work with. Plus, God continues to steer me into positions where I get to write – which is what I know He wants me to do. If you are interested in joining us for this study, it is not too late to sign up! For more information or to sign-up, please send an e-mail to womens@girlfriendscoffeehour.com!

Girlfriends Coffee Hour also has a Singles Ministry and a brand new Teen Girls Ministry! There will be bible studies starting October 1 for both of these ministries. The Singles group will study Lady in Waiting by Jackie Kendall and Debby Jones. For more information or to sign up, please e-mail singles@girlfriendscoffeehour.com. The teen girls will be studying A Daughter’s Worth by Ava Sturgeon. Teens or parents of teens, if you are interested in this study, please e-mail Teens@girlfriendscoffeehour.com. It will be a safe environment for your teen to learn and grow with other girls her age!

So, where does that leave Crazy-for-Books?

Well, it looks like I may be going on a bit of a blogging hiatus until I can determine my time commitments. I may post an occasional review and I will still be on Twitter and Facebook. The Book Blogger Hop will be on the road at various blogs through the end of December. I will no longer accept books for review at this time. I do hope you will stop by Girlfriends Coffee Hour (I’ll be posting on Tuesdays!) and visit with me! I’d love to see some familiar faces over there!

Thanks so much for your support and encouragement. I am so excited to see what the future holds!

Blessings,

Jennifer