House Of Hope | Elizabeth Gifford | Book Review & Blog Tour

House Of Hope

by

Elizabeth Gifford

{ ABOUT THIS BOOK }

One couple’s powerful ministry to some of China’s most vulnerable children. 

Robin and Joyce Hill lived in a gated community in Beijing. Their family’s life was marked by luxury and the security of Robin's job as an engineer. Then one day, as members of their church, they had a chance to tour a state-run orphanage. Haunted by the needs of the children they saw there, for the next four years they tried to help the institute in meaningful ways.

In 1998 the Hills planned to leave China, but instead felt a sudden call from God on their lives. They left their gated community--reserved for only non-Chinese residents--moved their family into a small apartment miles outside of Beijing and immediately began to take in foster children.

They took in any child, but especially those that needed extra care—terminally ill children that couldn't receive care elsewhere, and those that needed complicated and expensive surgeries that the Hills soon began to coordinate and sometimes pay for out of their own savings.

What began as Hope Foster Home is now New Hope Foundation. As they continue their work, the Hills enjoy support from major corporations and high-profile philanthropists as well as the trust of the Chinese authorities. The Hills' story is an inspiring example of God's care and provision for those whom society does not value. Learn more about Hope Foster Homes here: http://www.hopefosterhome.com.

{ MY REVIEW }

This story is a very moving one, and I couldn't put it down. Robyn and Joyce Hill lead extraordinary lives, and because of their faith and devotion, thousands of Chinese babies are alive today who would otherwise have perished. What a legacy! I highly recommend this book to anyone with a heart for children, and for service to God.

{ PRAISE FOR THIS BOOK }

"I strongly support Robin and Joyce Hill's New Hope Foundation which is saving so many orphan lives in China. Read this amazing story of God's grace and accept the challenge to make a difference!"

--Steven Curtis Chapman

"I had the privilege of going to China and witnessing the work that God is doing through Robin and Joyce Hill. They are wonderful servants of God who lovingly care for the 'least of these.' I hope that many will read this book and consider their example."

--Francis Chan, author of Crazy Love

You can read what other reviewers are saying about House Of Hope here.
 

{ ABOUT THE AUTHOR }

Elisabeth Gifford is a journalist who has written for the London Times and the Independent Newspapers. She lives in Kingston, England, and teaches children with dyslexia.

{ BUY THIS BOOK }

You can buy this book for only $11.19 here!

{ WANNA WIN? }

The publisher is sponsoring a $50 "GET / GIVE" GIVEAWAY: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate for themselves AND $50 will be given in the winner's name to Hope Foster Home!

To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using #HFH) about The House of Hope or share about it on Facebook!

If you tweet they'll capture your entry when you use #HFH. If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email them and let them know (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com). Easy!

{ DISCLOSURE }

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of providing an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Lasting Impression | Tamera Alexander | Book Review & Blog Tour

A Lasting Impression

by

Tamera Alexander

Bethany House Publishers

426 pages

{ ABOUT THIS BOOK }

A fake. A forger. More than anything, Claire Laurent longs for the chance to live an authentic life, to become the woman she wants to be. And she'll be given that choice. But will it come at too costly a price?

Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville only a year after the War Between the States has ended, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged the man. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville's society, Claire believes her dream to create a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach--but only if her fraudulent past remains hidden.

The Federal Army has destroyed Sutton's home and confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him and to right a grievous wrong reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined--as well as the woman he loves.Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves--and each other--for who they really are.

{ MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK }

When I first picked up this book, I was genuinely worried that I held in my hand a cheesy romance novel with a Christian bent. Boy, was I wrong! A Lasting Impression is the fascinating story of a young woman forced to forge art by her father, who takes the first opportunity after her mother's death to flee and begin a new life in a world where honesty is valued higher than money. But the past does not die, and Claire eventually has to face up to her roots and accept the consequences. Sutton, the young many in the story, must also learn from his past - that who you are is not tied to what you own or what others think of you, but that our identities are determined by the choices we make each day, and by who God says we are. Claire and Sutton cross paths in a comical accident, and choose to walk away more than a little pleased to see the other go, only to be thrown into each others daily lives when Claire takes a job in the home of Sutton's employer and friend. Not only do they have to learn to get along, but they must also learn to trust each other - something that does not come easy to either.

I loved reading A Lasting Impression, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction. This story has certainly left an impression on me, that will last through many, many rereads!

{ ABOUT THE AUTHOR }

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious--and precocious--silky terrier.

For more information please visit www.tameraalexander.com

{ BUY THIS BOOK }

You can buy your own copy of A Lasting Impression for only $9.22 by visiting this link!

{ BLOG TOUR & A CHANCE TO WIN THIS BOOK }

Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party from Tamera Alexander!

While Tamera and her book,  A Lasting Impression, are traveling across the country virtually (with a few international stops as well!), she will be hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway (11/4 - 11/15) and preparing for a lavish Southern-Style Facebook Party (11/15) (dripping with hospitality, of course). She will be giving away Southern Food Baskets, books, and an array of other fabulous freebies! Don't miss a minute of the fun. Swoon!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Brand New Kindle Fire (shipped as soon as it releases)
• A copy of A Lasting Impression and 3 other special books Tamera wants you to have (for Kindle)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 15th. Winner will be announced at A Lasting Impression Facebook Party on the 15th. Tamera will be wrapping up the A Lasting Impression celebration with an author chat and giving away Southern Food Baskets (Loveless Cafe Food Baskets, books, Amazon & Starbucks gift certificates, and copies of Christy Jordan's Southern Plate cookbook), six gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com, and copies of A Lasting Impression! So grab your copy of A Lasting Impression (it's okay if you don't have one yet- you might win one!) and join Tamera on the evening of November 15th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How
much do you know about the 1860's?) and lots of Southern-inspired giveaways (complete listing here).

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 15th!

{ DISCLOSURE }

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of providing an honest review. All opinions and words in my review are my own.