A Harvest of Hope by Lauraine Snelling A REVIEW

ABOUT A HARVEST OF HOPE
Miriam Hastings has her future plans in place...
But Trygve Knutson is intent on changing them.


Just a few short weeks into her year-long training at the Blessing Hospital, Miriam Hastings is called home to Chicago, where her mother is gravely ill. With siblings to care for, Miriam pleads to be allowed to finish her training in Chicago. Her nursing supervisor grants her a brief reprieve but extracts a promise that Miriam will return to Blessing and fulfill her one-year commitment.

While in Chicago, Miriam has tried to get Trygve Knutson and Blessing out of her mind, but his letters make that impossible. Trygve is busy building a house, hoping he can convince Miriam to return to North Dakota and marry him. Torn between Trygve's love and her family's needs, she doesn't know what to do.

When Miriam finally returns to Blessing, she buries herself in her work. But no matter how hard she tries to put it off, she has some life-changing decisions to make about her future, her family... and the man who is never far from her thoughts.

What will it take to convince her to stay?

Series: Song of Blessing
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 3, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764211056
ISBN-13: 978-0764211058
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauraine Snelling, an award-winning author of fifty-plus books with sales of over 2 million copies, also writes for a wide range of magazines and teaches at writers' conferences across the country. She and her husband make their home in Tehachapi, California.






MY REVIEW
  I have always loved books by Lauraine Snelling and A Harvest of Hope is another fantastic read. I must warn you if you haven’t read any of Lauraine’s books in the town of Blessing, North Dakota you may get lost with all of the people and things they are talking about. Even though this book is the 2nd book in the Song of Blessing series it takes a lot from other books that Lauraine wrote years ago.
Here are all of the books that happen in Blessing:
Bjorklund Family Novels & Series
An Untamed Heart (prequel to the Red River of the North series. October 2013)

Red River of the North series (First Bjorklund family series)
An Untamed Land
A New Day Rising
A Land To Call Home
The Reaper’s Song
Tender Mercies
Blessing In Disguise

Return To Red River series (Second Bjorklund family series)
A Dream To Follow
Believing The Dream
More Than A Dream

Daughters of Blessing series (Third Bjorklund family series)
(This series has limited print availability but is available in e-book format)
A Promise for Ellie
Sophie’s Dilemma
A Touch of Grace
Rebecca’s Reward

Home to Blessing series (Fourth Bjorklund family series)
A Measure of Mercy
No Distance Too Far
A Heart for Home

Song of Blessing series (Fifth Bjorklund family series)
To Everything A Season
A Harvest of Hope (Spring, 2015)

I have always loved the town of Blessing and all of the wonderful characters who are so loving and kind. How they help each other in pain, heartache and just share their joys. I think you will really love it, but I recommend that you read the books in the series first. Very good stories.

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Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Seasons of Grace Sweepstakes by Lauraine Snelling

In bestselling author Lauraine Snelling's new novel, To Everything A Season, the tight-knit town of Blessing, North Dakota faces change and challenge at every turn.
In the middle of the maelstrom is young Trygve Knutson. He's devoted to his family and his community, but he sometimes dreams of other horizons--especially since meeting Miriam Hastings.
Miriam is in Blessing with one goal: to complete her training as a nurse, and get back to Chicago to support her siblings and her ailing mother.  But the town of Blessing has a way of drawing in the most reluctant visitor, and soon Miriam's attachment to Trygve and his family has her questioning her entire future.
To celebrate the release of this heart-warming novel, Bethany House and author Lauraine Snelling are pleased to present the SEASONS OF GRACE Sweepstakes. This sweepstakes features three special prizes, each closely connected to the book:  One prize to sweep you back into history, one prize to enable you to give to someone else, and one prize to help you celebrate a little of the story's romance, in your own home.

Timeframe & Notifications:
This giveaway starts October 14, 2014 and ends November 3, 2014 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Tuesday November 4, 2014, and announced atlaurainesnelling.com.
 

GRAND PRIZE:
RED RIVER RAILWAY ADVENTURE
In To Everything A Season, new visitors, old friends, and important supplies are transported to town on these rails, and the arrival platform is a place of warm greetings and new beginnings.
Our Grand Prize winner will have the chance to experience some of the same warmth and excitement with an authentic taste of the golden age of railroad travel:
A $200 value Scenic Steam Train Ride for Two (Location and dates available nationwide and will be specific to the winner's state).
       

SECOND PRIZE:
DINNER DELIVERY FROM INGEBORG
In the story, the inventive Ingeborg Bjorklund is well-known for her cooking, bread baking, and cheese making, and now she's pondering another new idea to help her hometown: a delivery service!
Like the hard-working people in Blessing, many of our friends and family members carry heavy workloads and health burdens, and could use a helping hand and a comforting meal.
While we may not be able to deliver Ingeborg's cooking, our Second Prize winner will win the next best thing, to be used for themselves, or as a gift to brighten the day of a friend facing chemo, a military spouse, a lonely senior citizen, or other worthy recipient:
$175 meal delivery gift card for MagicKitchen.com - Provide a full Thanksgiving meal for 6, or an extended selection of meals for 1 or 2. Gluten free, low sodium, and dialysis-friendly meals available.
     

THIRD PRIZE:
STEAL AWAY DATE NIGHT PACK
The peaceful farming community of Blessing faces an unexpected threat when robbers target banks and businesses in towns nearby. As the town comes together to find a solution to the thieving problem, Ingeborg notices another kind of stealing going on: the new nurse in town, Miriam Hastings, has completely stolen the heart of her nephew, Trygve.
Soon Trygve and the dark-haired nurse with the sad eyes are regulars at the Blessing Soda Shop, sharing thoughts and dreams over Rebecca Valders' famous fizzy concoctions.
Our Third Prize winner can share their own thoughts and dreams, and enjoy a taste of Blessing's Soda Shop at home, with the Steal Away Date Night Pack.
This $100 value package includes: The UnGame Couples Edition, the Soda Stream Fountain Jet Home Soda Starter Kit, and the Homemade Soda Recipe Book.
         
How to Enter:
Go to http://www.laurainesnelling.com/html/giveaways.html and complete the entry box, anytime between October 14 and November 3.

About the Book
Book Title: To Everything A Season – by Lauraine Snelling
ISBN:0764211048
Book Summary:
Trygve Knutson is devoted to his family and his community. With his job on the construction crew, he is helping to build a future for the North Dakota town of Blessing. Though he loves his home, he sometimes dreams of other horizons--especially since meeting Miriam Hastings.
Miriam is in Blessing to get practical training to become an accredited nurse. She's been promised a position in the Chicago women's hospital that will enable her to support her siblings and her ailing mother. Although eager to return to her family, Miriam is surprised to find how much she enjoys the small town of Blessing. And her growing attachment to Trygve soon has her questioning a future she always considered set in stone.
When a family emergency calls Miriam home sooner than planned, will she find a way to return? If not, will it mean losing Trygve--and her chance at love--for good?

Book Info & Sample Chapter:
Can be found at http://www.laurainesnelling.com/html/songofblessing.html

ANOTHER FANTASTIC SWEEPSTAKES FROM LAURAINE SNELLING

Give Joy Sweepstakes July 1-21

About the Sweepstakes

Summary:
In bestselling author Lauraine Snelling's new novel, Heaven Sent Rain, Dinah Taylor has an orderly life, and that is just how she likes it. A balanced bank account, a perfectly furnished luxury apartment, a satisfying career as a scientist and CEO of her own company, and an uncomplicated personal life. Then her well-ordered world is thrown into chaos when she finds a seven-year-old boy and his scruffy dog sitting alone outside her office building.

To celebrate the release of this heart-warming novel, FaithWords and author Lauraine Snelling are pleased to present the GIVE:JOY Sweepstakes.  This sweepstakes features three spectacular prizes, each closely connected to the story, but each prize also comes with a twist: you “Enter to Give”, rather than “Enter to Win”!

This is your chance to do something beautiful and make a difference for a friend, family member, shelter, church, or charity.


Timeframe & Notifications:

This giveaway starts July 1, 2014 and ends July 21, 2014 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Tuesday July 22, 2014, and announced at laurainesnelling.com.

GRAND PRIZE:

GIVE:JOY Grand Prize
HELP & HOPE SUPPORT GIFT

In Heaven Sent Rain, Dinah meets an extraordinary little boy named Jonah, and his dog, Mutt. Jonah faces a life of struggle, hunger, and poverty, but his courage in these challenges inspires Dinah to step outside her well-ordered world and do something wonderful for him. Through her choice, Dinah discovers joy is found not in getting more for herself, but in giving to make someone else’s life better. Our Grand Prize winner will have the same opportunity for joy, with their choice of :

• A $250 VISA gift card for a friend in need, or
• A $250 donation to the faith-based charity, church, or shelter of their choice

SECOND PRIZE:

GIVE:JOY Second Prize
BLESSINGS & BLOOMS SURPRISE BOUQUETS

A mysterious thing happens to Dinah several times in the story: flowers! Beautiful encouragement bouquets—with no sender's name—appear on her office desk during difficult times when she feels she can’t go on. In honor of Dinah's secret flower sender (you'll have to read the story to find out his or her identity) we're offering our Second Prize winner the chance to become a secret flower sender themselves, and brighten the day of a sick friend, a new mom, a military spouse, a weary co-worker, or some other deserving person in their life, with:

• A 3-month gift subscription to ProFlowers Bouquet of the Month Club

THIRD PRIZE:

GIVE:JOY Third Prize
VALIANT VET ENCOURAGEMENT GIFT

Like Jonah's dog, Mutt, the animals in our lives are priceless sources of help, comfort, and unconditional love. No one understands this better than our story's hero, veterinarian Garret Miller. Throughout the book, “Dr. G” works tirelessly to save and heal people's furry friends, including Mutt, and an injured service dog named Valiant.

And Like Dr. G, many real-life veterinarians and animal shelter workers make all the difference in the lives of our animals, often giving services beyond what's billed. Our Third Prize winner will have a chance to do something extra special for their favorite vet or animal shelter, with:

• A $100 veterinary/shelter donation to be used toward treatment of an animal whose owner cannot afford to pay for veterinary care, or
• A $100 Starbucks card sent to the veterinary/shelter staff as a special encouragement gift

How to Enter:

Go to http://www.laurainesnelling.com/html/giveaways.html 
and complete the entry box, anytime between July 1 and July 21.
About the Book

Book Title: Heaven Sent Rain – by Lauraine Snelling

ISBN:089296913X
Book Summary:

Dinah Taylor has an orderly life, and that is just how she likes it. A perfectly furnished luxury apartment, a satisfying career as a scientist and CEO of her own company, and an uncomplicated personal life. But all of that changes when she meets seven-year-old Jonah.

The boy shows up one day, a scruffy dog by his side, in front of her office building. Dinah knows nothing about kids and even less about animals, but after she buys him breakfast, he shows up the next day...and the next. She tries to learn more about him, to help him, but he's remarkably skilled at evading her questions.

And then, late one night, he calls her in a panic--his dog has been badly injured. Dinah rushes them to a local animal clinic, where she meets Garret, a veterinarian with a thriving practice and a passion for drawing.

Though Jonah takes to Garret right away, for some reason neither understands, Dinah and Garret just don't mesh. But for Jonah's sake, their lives continue to collide, and slowly the relationship between these three strangers begins to change.


Book Info & Sample Chapter:

Can be found at http://laurainesnelling.com/html/othernovels.html

Heaven Sent Rain, Lauraine Snelling A REVIEW

ABOUT HEAVEN SENT RAIN
Dinah Taylor has an orderly life that is just how she likes it. A perfectly furnished luxury apartment, a satisfying career as a scientist and CEO of her own company, and an uncomplicated personal life. But all of that changes when she meets seven-year-old Jonah.

The boy shows up one day, a scruffy dog by his side, in front of her office building. Dinah knows nothing about kids and even less about animals, but after she buys him breakfast, he shows up the next day...and the next. She tries to learn more about him, to help him, but he's remarkably skilled at evading her questions. And then, late one night, he calls her in a panic-his dog has been badly injured. Dinah rushes them to a local animal clinic, where she meets Garret, a veterinarian with a thriving practice and a passion for drawing. Though Jonah takes to Garret right away, for some reason neither understands, Dinah and Garret just don't mesh. But for Jonah's sake, their lives continue to collide, and slowly the relationship between these three strangers begins to change.

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: FaithWords (July 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 089296913X
ISBN-13: 978-0892969135
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lauraine Snelling, an award-winning author of fifty-plus books with sales of over 2 million copies, also writes for a wide range of magazines and teaches at writers' conferences across the country. She and her husband make their home in Tehachapi, California






MY REVIEW
Lauraine Snelling is one of my favorite authors. She knows how to write a story that will keep your interest until the very last page.
  In Heaven Sent Rain Dinah Taylor is a very successful, important person who lives alone. She has an ordered life, has white furniture, white clothes. Everything she wants and doesn’t have to worry about anyone except for her company.
  Jonah a very little boy and his dog need someone to care for them. She doesn’t realize it at first, but she will be that care giver. Dinah doesn’t like little boys and especially dogs.
  Then she meets the vet  Garret and things get really interesting. Dinah and Garret really clash and can’t seem to get along except for Jonah’s sake.
  This book is full of love, struggles, heartaches, but also peace and knowledge of His love. Sometimes God sends us rain and we don’t think it’s good, but without rain where would we be. All things work together for good. I recommend this beautiful book.

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I received my free copy from Faith Words/HachetteBookGroup, for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Wake the Dawn by Lauraine Snelling Book Review

ABOUT WAKE THE DAWN
National bestselling author Lauraine Snelling brings a small mountain town to thrilling life when a natural disaster threatens to destroy lives.
U.S. Border Patrol agent Ben James' life is in tatters. A tragic accident stole the love of his life and he never finished grieving. Turning to the bottle for support, he lost sight of what was important. While making his last patrol run before a storm rolls in, Ben's canine partner Bo finds an abandoned baby hidden in the woods. As Ben rushes the child to the only clinic in the area, the storm strikes with unexpected fury.
Esther Hanson runs a second-rate clinic in the small community of Pineville, Minnesota, on the Canadian border. Though she has fought for years to get the equipment she needs, the town refuses to approve the funding. When the unprecedented storm ravishes the area, cutting them off from all outside help, Esther struggles to help her patients without giving in to overwhelming emotions. The event triggers a long-suppressed memory, and Esther must come face to face with the reality of her past and learn to forgive herself.
Brought together by the life of a child, Ben and Esther become each other's reason to change.

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: FaithWords (August 20, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0892969016
ISBN-13: 978-0892969012

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lauraine Snelling, an award-winning author of fifty-plus books with sales of over 2 million copies, also writes for a wide range of magazines and teaches at writers' conferences across the country. She and her husband make their home in Tehachapi, California.







MY REVIEW
  Any book by Lauraine Snelling is fantastic and a pleasure to read, but this one Wake the Dawn is just intriguing to read and review.
  The characters are so real and full of life and they become so very special to you. I just hate when I finish reading a good book.
  Ben James is having so many problems and can’t seem to get interested in life again after the love of his life is ripped away from him, but then a natural disaster rushes in and what can he do but keep on going.
  Esther Hanson also has some things to work out in her life and she keeps trying to hide her troubles and keep working, but will that keep the troubles back?
  Ben and Esther are thrown together to try to get through this storm. Read this intriguing book and find out what happens.
  I really, really loved the storm and am so very glad to have read it. Lauraine Snelling is one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this book and anything she writes.


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I received my free copy from Sarah Reck at Faith Words/HachetteBookGroup, for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Reunion by Lauraine Snelling*A Review

ABOUT REUNION
Publication Date: July 17, 2012
Keira Johnson, a 50-year-old mother of two grown sons, believes she lives a good Christian life without secrets-- until she discovers a life-jarring fact her late mother kept hidden all her life. Kiera was born out of wedlock, and the man she had always known as her father had adopted her as an infant.

Meanwhile, Keira's beloved 17-year-old niece, Kirsten, has just discovered an unwanted pregnancy. Her boyfriend, Jose, is bound for college and Kirsten does not know what to do. As the family comes together for a reunion, Keira and Kirsten struggle with their fractured pasts and jumbled present. Will truth and honesty be the catalysts that allow the entire family to find peace?

Inspired by events in Lauraine Snelling's own life, REUNION is the author's finest novel to date.

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: FaithWords (July 17, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0892969091
ISBN-13: 978-0892969098
Shipping Weight: 0.5 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lauraine Snelling, an award-winning author of fifty-plus books with sales of over 2 million copies, also writes for a wide range of magazines and teaches at writers' conferences across the country. She and her husband make their home in Tehachapi, California.






MY REVIEW
Reunion by Lauraine Snelling is a book that makes you feel like family. It has a love and quality to it that just makes you think of home and peace. Even though Reunion is full of suspense and trials it still brings through that sense of peace and acceptance that only family and close friends can bring you.
   Keira and Kristen have big problems and hurts in their lives, but family is there to help and encourage. There are so many possibilties and outcomes to problems that only if you seek God will you make the right choice. You can’t make it alone in life without the help of the Lord and Reunion puts that very clearly. I love the cover and title of this book. Really quite beautiful and tells you what’s really important in life-family. You won’t get done reading this book without falling in love with all of the characters and feeling like you belong. Really love Reunion by Lauraine Snelling and I highly recommend it.

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I received my free copy from Sarah Reck at Faith Words/HachetteBookGroup, for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

One Perfect Day by Lauraine Snelling a review

Nora Peterson has two children--twins, a boy and girl, who are seniors in high school. She wants their last Christmas as a family living in the same home to be perfect, but her husband is delayed returning from a business trip abroad. And then there's an accident--a fatal one involving a drunk driver.

Meanwhile, Jenna Montgomery has a daughter who needs a new heart.

One woman’s loss becomes the miracle the other has desperately prayed for. And while one mother grieves, and pulls away from her family, the other finds that even miracles aren't always easy to receive.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: FaithWords; First Edition edition (October 22, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446582107
ISBN-13: 978-0446582100
Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.9 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces


Lauraine Snelling, an award-winning author of fifty-plus books with sales of over 2 million copies, also writes for a wide range of magazines and teaches at writers' conferences across the country. She and her husband make their home in Tehachapi, California.
http://www.laurainesnelling.com/index.html


MY REVIEW
 I’ve read many of Lauraine Snelling’s books. She is an excellent author. I have loved everything I’ve read of hers, but One Perfect Day is just fabulous. I didn’t realize it but One Perfect Day is a book that happens at Christmas, so it is wonderful I read it in December.
  This book is just perfect if you or someone you know has lost a child or one that needs a transplant.
 I was quite touched by the depth of feeling and loss that happened in this book, but the love and joy of the Lord will shine through.
 I could just imagine how a mother would feel if their child died or needed a transplant to keep living.
The title One Perfect Day was talking about how a woman wanted everything to be so perfect for her family and everything just fell apart when her son was killed, but that same day was horrible for one family, but fantastic for the family looking for a new heart for their daughter.
  This is an older book, written in 2008, but so very important and needed everyday.
  In this book you find out that everyone needs someone to talk to, someone to be a friend, even when you want left alone, you really can’t make it alone. With God and friends you will make it.
 I highly recommend this book even though it is an older book. You won’t be sorry you read it.


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I received my free copy from Sarah Reck at Faith Words/HachetteBookGroup, for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255