Monday, November 2, 2020

Katherine J. Masters Book Review & GIVEAWAY!

 "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."  Proverbs 25:25

Do you know that feeling you get after just reading a good book?  If you are anything like me, you are beyond anxious to get the word out to others, so they can enjoy it, too!  

That is exactly how I feel after reading the brand-new book by Katherine J. Masters, "New Beginning at Rosewood: Finding Hope While Exploring an Old House.

I will give no spoilers here, but just this intriguing hint - the book starts out with the main character, Emily, receiving news that she has just inherited a house from a late uncle she never really knew.  Now, if that isn't enough to draw anyone in to a story, I don't know what is!  Who wouldn't want to inherit a house from a "rich, old uncle?"  Don't we all wish for an uncle like that?  😂

I will confess that I do not do much fictional reading at all.  Nearly all of my reading is from the Bible, Biblical studies, Biblical commentaries, and spiritual non-fiction.  I simply do not have time for other reading, and it is not something I regularly do.  But, I found myself powerfully drawn into this story and hardly able to put it down.  I cannot wait for the sequel!  

Yes, pretty please, let there be a sequel!🙏

Here is the author's personal description of the book:

"Difficulty, loss and sadness have discouraged Emily as problems have overwhelmed. Settling the affairs of a reclusive old uncle in a distant town gives her a chance to get away for a time. Determined to complete her unpleasant responsibility, she faces trials as well as blessings along the way. She has always loved touring old houses, and finding this forgotten one is an experience she will never forget. Emily’s inner strength grows as she uncovers stories about people from the past and her life is influenced by the lessons she finds there. New friendships are built and an old one is restored. Quirky characters in the town become friends not only to Emily but to the reader, as well, as the lives of these fun and sincere people intertwine with Emily's life. The light suspense and mystery of the old house draws the reader to discover its history and uncover its secrets. For so many years, it has stood alone and undisturbed, until Emily finds it. This is a story of redemption and hope as her heart begins to heal and she is able to see the "happily-ever-after" she had given up on can possibly be hers in this unexpected place at just the right time. This is a feel-good book that will leave the reader wanting to spend more time with these new friends. You will find encouragement and wisdom to build a stronger marriage where joy and contentment can flourish. Walk with Emily on her journey to walking with God, learning to love and hope again as she finds a way out of her distresses and enjoys a bit of adventure along the way."

And, here is what other readers are saying,

Emily is very relatable.”~ ”A charming book.”~ “I hope there will be a sequel! I want to see what happens to these people!”~ “I love that old house!

After reading Katherine's book, we ordered two copies to give away!  

Here are the rules:

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave us a comment below.  

The giveaway will be open until one week from today! On Monday, November 9, 2020, Zach will use wheel decide to choose two winners' names.

Giveaway is open to ALL, including those who live outside of the US!  

Anonymous commenters will not be entered into giveaway since we have no way of identifying you or making contact.  If you are an anonymous commenter and would like to enter the giveaway, you will need to leave your name and contact information in your comment, please. 

May God bless each one of you, and we look forward to getting this wonderful book into the hands of two giveaway winners!

You can also purchase Katherine's book HERE!

28 comments:

  1. What a delightful recommendation! I love reading and an always looking for books that will not offend me {you know what I mean} and ones I can safely recommend to my daughters. I wish there were a million more Christian writers of books of all sorts, that is true. I wish you a beautiful week ahead. No matter what happens, our God is on the throne and He is in charge. I take great solace in that. xo Lidy

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    1. I surely do understand what you mean, Lidy. I believe you and your daughters would love this book! Thank you for your precious words of encouragement today. May the Lord richly bless you, sweet friend. Much love to you.

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  2. Cheryl, I do love a good fiction read that is clean and wholesome. This book sounds intriguing and knowing that you enjoyed it is a big plus. Thanks for the giveaway. Prayers and more prayers!

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    1. It really is intriguing, and I just loved reading as "Emily" discovers so many neat things about the old house. Thank you so much for entering the giveaway! May the Lord richly bless you, sweet friend. My heart is beyond sad today, and I know you know why. We prayed SO hard. It is all very hard for me to understand.

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  3. I rarely read fiction anymore either for the same reason as you. This one does look good though and good clean fiction seems to be in short supply. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. You are so welcome, Betsy! Thank you for entering. I think you would really enjoy this book, and it is definitely worth your time. God bless you, sweet friend.

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  4. This book sounds absolutely delightful, Cheryl! I do love a good, solid Christian read, and am always on the look out for books like this one. Thanks for the giveaway offer!
    Blessings!

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    1. I believe you would love Katherine's book, my friend. I appreciate your sweet comment and so happy you entered the giveaway! Blessings and love to you, too!

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  5. Cheryl, good morning! The beautiful blue skies on the book's cover are a lovely invitation on this blustery gray day.

    Sometimes, nothing but a good novel will do.

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    1. Oh, isn't that such a neat photo? I just love the book cover, and yes, it surely does draw you in on a wintry day! Thank you ever so much for entering the giveaway!

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  6. Sounds like a very interesting book. I love a good book but find that summers are about the only time I really have time to sit and read a book per say. Through the year I teach ladies bible study and I read and study a lot. Add my regular bible reading and devotionals to that and well...But, I do love me a good book. Happy rest of the week to you dear Cheryl. You are always such a delight when I visit. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. It really is very interesting! I hated to see the book end. I hope Katherine will write a sequel for all of us. The story begs to be continued! Thank you so much for entering the giveaway, and I surely understand about being too busy to read. This book would definitely find its way into your day somehow, once you start reading it. LOL! Many hugs and blessings to you, too, my friend!

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  7. I would love to read this book. I totally understand the need to get away from everything and just regroup.

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    1. I appreciate your comment and would love to enter you into the giveaway. Unfortunately, "unknown" commenters will not be entered because we have absolutely no way of knowing who you are or how to reach you if you should win. If you would like to enter the giveway, please provide your name and contact information to us. Thank you!

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  8. This book sounds so interesting. I would love to win it.
    Thank you for offering it Cheryl.

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    1. I appreciate your comment and would love to enter you into the giveaway. Unfortunately, "anonymous" commenters will not be entered because we have absolutely no way of knowing who you are or how to reach you if you should win. If you would like to enter the giveway, please provide your name and contact information to us. Thank you!

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  9. QUERIDA HERMANA: ORAMOS JUNTO A MI ESPOSO PARA QUE HAYA PAZ EN ESTOS DIAS DE ELECCIONES, SE QUE HAY DISTURBIOS Y ENFRENTAMIENTOS, HAY GRUPOS QUE SOLO BUSCAN HACER MAL, EL VOTO ES UN GRAN DERECHO DE TODOS, HAY QUE APROVECHAR ESTA OPORTUNIDAD DE UTILIZAR ESA LIBERTAD QUE USTED Y YO TENEMOS. TAMBIEN, NO HAY QUE OLVIDAR, QUE CUALQUIERA QUE GANE LA ELECCION PARA PRESIDENTE SEA BIDEN O TRUMP, SERA PUESTO POR DIOS, EL PONE Y EL QUITA, COMO HIJOS DE DIOS, SOLO TENEMOS QUE ORAR Y HACER CASO A LAS AUTORIDADES, OJALA Y DIOS QUIERA, ESTA NUEVA ETAPA QUE COMIENZA EN SU NACION, TRAIGA LA PAZ QUE TODOS USTEDES NECESITAN, AUNQUE SABEMOS QUE SOLO EN CRISTO ENCONTRAREMOS PAZ. BENDICIONES HERMANA Y UN ABRAZO A LA DISTANCIA.

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    1. ¡Querido amigo! ¡Cómo confortan y animan tus palabras mi corazón! Es terrible ver cómo trabaja el enemigo, y mi corazón está continuamente abrumado. GRACIAS a usted ya su esposo por orar por nosotros aquí en los EE. UU. Por favor, continúe orando. Yo también oro por ti y te envío mucho amor y gratitud hoy, en el nombre de Jesús.

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  10. Cheryl, your blog is an inspiration to so many, myself included. I have been enjoying Faith Livingston Hill books that I had been blessed to find at thrift stores. That was before the Covid 19 brought closings with limited openings and so many restrictions. I appreciate the review, it sounds like a wonderful book. Even if not drawn to win the book give away it is an opportunity to find another fiction author that you don't have to be worried about what you will 'discover' within the bindings. Thank you so much for your encouraging blog. God's blessings to you and your family.

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    1. Aw, Karla, what a precious, encouraging comment! The Lord knew I needed it today. I am so thank you are enjoying this blog, and I LOVE Grace Livingston Hill books! Have you ever read any by Sallie Lee Bell? Hers are similar to Grace Livingston Hill's. Two others that I read when I was young were called, "Not My Will" and "The Light in My Window" by Francena Arnold. I remember them being especially good books, except there were some sad parts, if I remember right? Also, have you ever read "Stepping Heavenward" by Elizabeth Prentiss? That is a very good book that really encourages consecration and a dying to self. It helped me very much when dealing with a very difficult person. May the Lord richly bless you for your sweet comment and for brightening my day. I hope you will visit often!

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    2. Also, I just realized that we have no way to get in touch with you, if you should win the giveaway. Can you please provide your contact information? Otherwise, I won't be able to enter your name. Thank you so much!

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  11. I'd love to enter the giveaway. Sounds like a book right up my alley. Thanks for the opportunity!

    Hugs,
    Ashley

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    1. Yes, I really think you would love this book, sweet friend. So happy to enter your name! Hugs and blessings to you, too.

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  12. Hi, Cheryl! It's been ages since I was over here. I haven't been reading other blogs as much this year, for one thing. It's just been a crazy year for us. I don't remember if you knew or not, but my sweet mother went to be with Jesus in March. My dad also had a mini-stroke this year and was diagnosed with cancer. Plus there have been a number of other challenges. I actually have been reading more fiction this year, and this book sounds like it might be one I would really enjoy. :-)

    I hope all is well with you and your little family. Keep looking unto Jesus (Heb. 12).

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    1. Oh, Mary! No, I didn't know about your dear Mom. I am SO sorry. And, so sorry to hear about your Dad's health issues. My, you have surely been through a lot of grief and heartache since we last communicated. My heart surely goes out to you, and I trust God will sustain you and comfort your heart. I know you would enjoy this book. Thank you for commenting and entering the giveaway. I truly appreciate your kind words. May the Lord bless and hold you close, sweet friend.

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    2. Thank you, Cheryl. This has indeed been a strange year. I think it's been the strangest of my life to date. Thankfully, the Lord knew it was coming and arranged things to His will and in His wisdom. Some days are harder than others, but the Lord's tender mercies are unchanging. Praise His name!

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  13. Hi Cheryl, it's Su Ann. It is so sweet that you do giveaways. I'd appreciate being entered. Praying for you all. ��

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    1. Hello, Su Ann! I am so glad you entered the giveawy. I will make sure your name is entered. Your prayers are a gift to us, and we appreciate them so much. I am continuing to pray for you, too, my friend. God bless you today.

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