A Royal Affair by Amy Saunders

As crown princess of Lorencia, Desi can handle other royals, dignitaries, and celebrities without batting an eyelash. But Astin Gold, the suave heir to a hotel empire? No amount of diplomatic training prepared her for him.

Or the whirlwind media scandal she’s about to ignite with him.

Rumors swirl, and the pressure is on to deflect the attention. But Desi’s feelings for Astin only blossom, despite allegations that he’s using her for his own gain. As she dares to date him under the radar, it becomes clear someone close to her is behind the scandal. And their secret won’t stay secret forever.

As tensions rise, Desi must decide if Astin deserves her trust. And, more important, her heart.

Crown Princess of Lorencia, Desdemona Catarina Marie Ferrara-Patar, is better known as simply Princess Desi who has a spotted mini pig named Octavian for a pet. Desi is still finding herself as a young woman who will eventually be the Queen of Lorencia. She gets plenty advice from those who are around and close to her. Chloe, her private secretary, helps Desi with her daily itinerary who also gives advice on her personal affairs. Queen Mother Nanon, Queen Emilia’s mother and Desi’s grandmother always reminds Desi that she and her daughter have been through some of the same situations Desi is now facing.

Desi’s mother, Queen Emilia, allows Desi much freedom to do as she pleases until a certain suitor makes himself known, Astin Gold. Astin is heir to the famous Gold Hotels Empire whom Desi knew since their teenage years through college. He recently arrived in Lorencia to seek permission from the Royal Family to expand the Gold Hotel located there. As Astin attempts to woo Desi, she is taking care that he does not use her for his own personal gain.

I will not reveal anything other than what I mentioned in previous paragraphs. I want you to read for yourself and feel just as good as I did for Desi and her official decisions and for Astin as he comes to a definite conclusion concerning his feelings for Desi.

I enjoyed the plot of this mystery love story and the concept behind it. Just when you think Desi and Astin are going to bed down, they do not. This was very refreshing for a love story being that there was no explicit sex described. Very refreshing. The story line was of good quality but the constant descriptive reference to Desi and how she felt when meeting Astin or the different ways Astin smiled, or did not smile was redundant and should have been edited a little more.

I recommend this mystery love story novel to those who like mysteries and love stories. This one should be read on a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa and teacakes, croissants or biscotti.

I received this novel from CLP Blog Tours in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

A Royal Affair Giveaway 

Amy is a sci-fi/mystery addict 

with a soft spot for humor and romance. 

She lives in Massachusetts, 

and loves to bake and watch movies.

Links

http://amysaundersauthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/bandbmysteries/

https://twitter.com/amy_saunders/

Whisper, How to Hear the Voice of God by Mark Batterson, Multnomah

“We lean toward a whisper, and that’s what God wants. The goal of hearing the heavenly Father’s voice isn’t just hearing His Voice, it’s intimacy with him…His whisper is the very breath of life.”  

Mark Batterson, pages 9-10

In his book, Batterson discusses how to listen for the whisper of God’s voice. He also discusses ‘The Seven Love Languages’ which are Scripture, Desire, Doors, Dreams, People, Promptings, and Pain. Each language section begins with a bible scripture and reveals the topic’s relation to that scripture.

One of my favorite languages I enjoyed reading was Hidden Figures: “To believe that any of those people are in our lives by happenstance is to grossly underestimate the sovereignty of God. He wants to use them to speak into our lives and he wants use us to speak into theirs.”

Learning to hear from God is something many people has questions about. You can get your answers in this book. I dare not give another quote from this book because I want you to read for yourself how to His voice. You will not be disappointed.

There is a downloadable accompanying Whisper Discussion and Reflection Guide to use with Whisper. I recommend you download to further experience the Whisper.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review according to the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Israel's Mission Discovery Study Guide with Accompanying DVD by Ray Vander Laan, Zondervan

Israel’s Mission is a Discovery guide with accompanying  DVD which is divided into five lessons. The main idea is Israel’s patriarchal society that brings those who have been alienated from the Father’s house to redemption and restoration back to the Father’s house.

The Discovery Guide and DVD focuses on the covenant between God and Abraham and Sarah to start the mission of redeeming and restoring all those who did not know Him to the Father’s House (beth ab).

There is good information in the guide and DVD but seemed a little repetitive in nature. I would have been able to tolerate the host a more if he did not scream his message throughout the program.

I received this guide and DVD through the Litfuse Reviewer Program in exchange for an honest review according to the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Gifts from Heaven, True Stories of Miraculous Answers to Prayer, Compilation by James Stuart Bell, Bethany House Publishers

James Stuart Bell has compiled over 30 stories of answers to prayer from individuals who experienced life-changing events in their lives. Their stories are told with conviction and how God kept His promises.

I am listing a few of the short stories quotes that touched my heart without giving any spoilers so you may read for yourself how God works.

He Opened My Eyes

“Moreover, it wasn’t what I believed but who I trusted that made the difference.”

The Mysterious Comforter

“Ask the guy who was there when you came.” “Honey, I was the first one there, “ she said…..”you were sitting on the side of the road by yourself…”

Father Knows Best

“God listens past the words of our mouths and hears the words of our hearts. In His infinite wisdom, he answers the prayers of our hearts in way we could not fathom with our finite minds. I am so very grateful that our Father knows best.”

Leaving the God of Money

“Our wealth is not in our bank account, but in the treasury of our strong marriage and our walk with the Lord.”

I encourage all believers and non-believers to read this compilation to learn how people experienced the good works of God in their lives.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review according to the guidelines of the Federal Trade Commission.