Fading Starlight

GIVEAWAY

CUSHMAN, KATHRYN
FADING STARLIGHT

When her big shot blows up on her, how far will one woman go to regain her dream?

Lauren Summers is in hiding. Her fashion house internship was supposed to launch her career, but a red carpet accident has left her blackballed. The only job she can find comes with little pay, but at least it offers a free place to live -- a rundown cottage in the shadow of a cliff-side mansion. Planning to live on savings until she figures out what's next, she's unprepared to be contacted by a reporter.

Kendall Joiner is researching Charlotte Montgomery, a former Hollywood ingénue who lives a reclusive life in the cliff-side mansion. Rumors have swirled for decades about Charlotte, and now Kendall wants to find the real story. In return, she may just have the key to getting Lauren back into the fashion world. Desperate to restore her dreams, Lauren's not sure she can turn down the offer -- but as she and Miss Montgomery get to know more about each other, Lauren realizes nothing is quite as it seems.

My Review:

The glamour of old Hollywood combined with a vintage-inspired fashion designer had my heart singing. In fact, the story had a retro movie feel to it even though it takes place in present day. I love classic films so I couldn't help picturing this novel acted out on the big screen.

And, oh my goodness, what a deliciously uncomfortable read it was! And that's a good thing! The author does a fantastic job of laying out a story filled with pitfalls and second guessing and a whole pile of angst. My jaw hurts from clenching my teeth while anxiously anticipating the proverbial other shoe to drop.

I could so relate to Lauren. Not because of her Ninja sewing skills though. No, we're kindred spirits because we both have trouble discerning promptings from the spirit even when they seem glaringly obvious afterwards. I love that Lauren places such importance in her faith. She prays and studies the bible and seeks ways to reflect Christ's light to those around her. But no matter how hard she tries, she doesn't always get it right. Like there's this one scripture that keeps coming to her mind throughout the book and she keeps dismissing it because she doesn't think it relates to her situation. Only it does! She's just not looking at it from the right perspective. I shouted myself hoarse trying to get her to see the light. All to no avail until it was nearly too late.

Charlotte is an interesting secondary character and I especially enjoyed the flashbacks of her life as a young Hollywood starlet. Brutal life experience has made Charlotte a bitter and judgemental woman. I did not like her at all at first. Felt righteously indignant on Lauren's behalf more than once, but Cushman works some storytelling magic and I began to see beyond the superior airs and grating behavior. Contrary to popular opinion, Charlotte Montgomery does have a heart!

An engaging faith-based story about friendship and faith and hope for the future.

 Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Fading Starlight please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 19 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Finding Me

GIVEAWAY

CUSHMAN, KATHRYN
FINDING ME

What would you do if you learned your life was a lie?

All her life, Kelli Huddleson has been told the story of a fire -- a fire that killed her mother and two siblings when she was an infant. After her father's death, though, she uncovers evidence of a different story, including clippings about a boat accident that killed a young father and his infant daughter. And Kelli quietly realizes the story of her life has been fiction.

How far would you go to discover the truth?

Armed with only a few pictures of what she thinks might be her family, Kelli crosses the country to Tennessee, determined to uncover the truth about what happened over twenty years ago in a small southern town. When the trip threatens to open doors to the past. better left shut, and her plans for the future are jeopardized, Kelli is faced with an agonizing choice that will change her life forever.

My Review:

I had no plans to read this novel in one sitting but I did. Mesmerizing doesn't begin to describe my compulsive need to find out the whole story...now! What an emotionally gripping book! It was a tough read in places, inspiring in others. Kelli is faced with a host of impossible decisions and each one she makes results in repercussions that will affect her future...and her peace of mind. It's the kind of story that fuels your imagination to the point you start playing out your own scenarios in your mind even as you're reading. Does anyone else do that?  Finding Me certainly kept me engaged right to the very end.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Find Me please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 12 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Chasing Hope

GIVEAWAY

CUSHMAN, KATHRYN
CHASING HOPE

A Personal Drama of Shattered Dreams and Second Chances

A talented runner fully committed to Olympic dreams, Sabrina Rice's future was shattered by a devastating diagnosis. One forfeited scholarship and several years later, she has new goals and dreams that have nothing to do with running--something that's become far too painful to think on.
Until the day she sees Brandy Philip running across the community college campus, easily outpacing security. Sabrina immediately recognizes world-class speed, and it's all the more painful that it belongs to a teenage graffiti artist. When a chance encounter brings the two young women together, Sabrina becomes Brandy's best hope for staying out of juvenile hall. Soon, Sabrina begins to feel an uncomfortable nudge that her new life is just about to be toppled...that God may be calling her to minister to this talented but troubled girl.

My Review:

 This book really made a powerful impact on me. I'm grappling to put what I feel into words. Cushman has woven the tattered threads of two young women's stories into a beautiful tapestry of hope. She brings their life experiences full circle and the epilogue gave me goosebumps.

Chasing Hope is an artfully crafted testimony of the power in God's plans for us. It's gritty and real with both heroines a complex mix of strengths and weaknesses. I was really struck by Sabrina's battle to find God's purpose in her life. Like so many of us, she has difficulty understanding God's timing and that leaves her nearly missing out on a divine path. That struggle really struck home with me. There's lots of fodder for a book club discussion within the pages of this book. Chasing Hope is a stunning witness to God's far reaching power. Definitely a book not to be missed.

 Giveaway Opportunity

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Chasing Hope please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 15 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".