Book Review: Baroness

ABOUT THE BOOK

Daughters of Fortune Book 2

Coming of age in the turbulent Roaring Twenties, two daughters of fortune can have anything they possibly want-except freedom.  Expected to marry well and take the reins of the family empire, Lilly and Rosie have their entire lives planned out for them.  But Lily longs to flee the confines of New York City for the untamed wilds of Montana.  Her cousin Rosie dreams of the bright lights of the newly emerging silver screen.  Following their dreams-to avant-garde France, to dazzling Broadway, to the skies of the fearless wing walkers-will demand all their courage.

When forced to decide, will Lilly and Rosie truly be able to abandon lives of ease and luxury for the love and adventure that beckons?  At what cost will each daughter of fortune find her true love and a happy ending?

MY THOUGHTS

This is an excellent book.  As I read about Rosie and Lilly I thought they seemed rather spoiled and ungrateful.  I do suppose though that their parents were at fault.  The girls seemed to endure a love/hate relationship with each other as well as their parents.

Sometimes it takes a jolt to make people realize how fortunate they are, sometimes it's hard to cry out for help, and at times it's even more difficult to admit love.  Rosie and Lily each have incredible journeys and they try to figure out their futures, and just when things seem at their worst they find each other again.  It's what happens after the reconciliation that will tear at your heart.  This book will make you laugh, cry, and even feel a bit of anger and Lilly and Rosie find their way.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity



Baroness Roaring 20s Kindle Fire Giveaway from @SusanMayWarren! Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the family empire, they have their lives planned out for them. But following their dreams -- from avant garde France, to Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers -- will take all their courage.  And if they find love, will they choose freedom or happily ever after?

Celebrate with Susan by entering her Roaring 20s Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Signed copies of Baroness and Heiress by Susan May Warren

But hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/7/12. The winner will be announced on 5/9/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles!

Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Book Review: Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 Aging and recent widow Harriet Beamer insists she's getting along fine with her dog Humphrey in Philadelphia ... until she falls for the fourth time, injuring her ankle, and causing her son and daughter-in-law to cry foul. Insisting Harriet move in with them in California, they make a bet that her ankle is broken, and she foolishly promises to move if they're right. Four x-rays later, Harriet's ankle---and her heart---are broken. She packs up, ships her huge salt and pepper collection to California, and prepares to move away from the only life she knows. The only catch? She's doing it her way. Just wait till her daughter-in-law hears Harriet will travel cross country only by public transportation and alternate means. What follows is a hilarious, heartwarming journey by train, metro bus, ferry, and motorcycle. Along the way, Harriet discovers that although her family thinks it's time for her to be put out to pasture---God has a different plan.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Joyce Magnin is the author of five novels, including the popular and quirky Bright's Pond Series and the middle grade novel Carrying Mason. She is a frequent conference speaker and writing instructor. Joyce lives in Pennsylvania with her son, Adam, and their crazy cat, Mango, who likes to eat nachos.

MY THOUGHTS

This was one of those stories that you just can't help falling in love with.  Harriet Beamer could be anyone's mom or grandmother, and she's a hoot!  I love how even though Harriet loses a bet and has to move in with her son and daughter-in-law, she's determined to do it her way.  Public transportation.  How many people out there where take public transportation across the United States, much less at Harriet's age?!  As she travels she collects and sends salt and pepper shakers to her new home, adding to her life-time collection.  Harriet meets up with quite a few characters, and does some things that I'm not sure I would do myself!  This book will bring you laughter, tears, and hope!  A wonderfully delightful read.

*I received a complimentary e-book in exchange for review from Shelton Interactive

 

CFBA Book Review: The Sound of Red Returning

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Sound of Red Returning Kregel Publications (December 9, 2011) by Sue Duffy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sue Duffy is an award-winning writer whose work has appeared in Moody magazine, The Presbyterian Journal, Sunday Digest, and The Christian Reader. She is the author of Mortal Wounds (Barbour, 2001), Fatal Loyalty (Kregel, 2010), and The Sound of Red Returning (Kregel, 2011). Sue has also contributed to Stories for a Woman’s Heart (Multnomah). She and her husband, Mike, have three grown children.



ABOUT THE BOOK

After losing everyone she loves, concert pianist Liesl Bower has nowhere to go but to escape into her music. Searching for the peace she usually finds in her concertos and sonatas, Liesl can't shake the feeling that she is being haunted by her past . . . and by someone following her. When she spots a familiar and eerie face in the audience of a concert she's giving for the president in Washington, DC, the scariest day of her life comes back to her with a flash.

It has been fifteen years since Liesl watched her beloved Harvard music mentor assaulted on a dark night in Moscow and just as long since the CIA disclosed to her that he'd been spying for Russia. She had seen that man-that eerie face-the night Professor Devoe was attacked. And now he's back-and coming for her.

ENDORSEMENTS:

“Sue Duffy has mixed the mayhem of political intrigue with the melody of romance.” —Dick Bohrer, author, editor, and former journalism professor

“Intrigue and suspense come together in an incredible story of love and betrayal, commitment and courage, power and danger . . . and a God who controls it all. Sue Duffy is a wonderfully gifted writer and this book is a must-read.” —Steve Brown, founder and president of Key Life and host of Steve Brown Etc.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Sound of Red Returning, go HERE

MY THOUGHTS
When you think of a concert pianist you think of someone somewhat calm, quiet, peaceful....this book will bring you everything but calm and peaceful.  Action packed and full of adventure, you'll be looking over your shoulder as you turn the pages of this romantic thriller!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA
 

CFBA: Her Restless Heart

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Her Restless Heart
Abingdon Press (April 2012)  by  Barbara Cameron   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Barbara Cameron is the author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies (HBO-Cinemax), and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).


When a relative took her to visit the Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she felt led to write about the spiritual values and simple joys she witnessed there. She currently resides in Edgewater, FL.     



ABOUT THE BOOK

Mary Katherine is caught between the traditions of her faith and the pull of a different life. When Daniel, an Amish man living in Florida, arrives and shares her restlessness, Mary Katherine feels drawn to him and curious about the life he leads away from Lancaster County.  


But her longtime friend Jacob has been in love with her for years. He’s discouraged that she’s never viewed him as anything but a friend and despairs that he is about to lose Mary Katherine to this outsider.  


Will the conflicted Mary Katherine be lost to the English world, or to Daniel, who might take her away to Florida? Or will she embrace her Amish faith and recognize Jacob as the man she should marry and build a life with?


If you want to read the first chapter of Her Restless Heart, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS

Another great Amish read!  I never tire of reading Amish stories, and this book has some interesting twists and turns as Mary Katherine struggles with her faith, love and learning to trust. 

* I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

CFBA Book Review: MoonBlood

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Moonblood Bethany House Publishers (April 1, 2012) by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She is married to the handsome man she met at fencing class and lives with him and a gaggle of cats. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.

Anne Elisabeth is also the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Moonblood Draws Near, and Soon the Dragons Will Wake

Desperate to regain the trust of his kingdom, Prince Lionheart reluctantly banishes his faithful servant and only friend, Rose Red. Now she is lost in the hidden realm of Arpiar, held captive by her evil goblin father, King Vahe.

Vowing to redeem himself, Lionheart plunges into the mysterious Goldstone Wood, seeking Rose Red. In strange other worlds, Lionheart must face a lyrical yet lethal tiger, a fallen unicorn, and a goblin horde on his quest to rescue the girl he betrayed.

With the Night of Moonblood fast approaching when King Vahe seeks to wake the Dragon's sleeping children, Lionheart must discover whether or not his heart contains courage before it's too late for Rose Red . . . and all those he loves.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Moonblood, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS

I don't usually read this kind of a book, so this was a bit of a stretch for me!  I think the book was well written, and the story line quite interesting...that is, if you're interested in reading about talking goats, talking cats, dragons and such!

I liked the characters, you have the good, the bad, and the confused...Lionheart has some soul searching to do, especially after he sends away Rose Red.

I must say that the characters in this book were really quite entertaining and I enjoyed them!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

CFBA Book Review: The Fiddler

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Fiddler Bethany House Publishers (April 10, 2012) by Beverly Lewis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, The Heritage of Lancaster County, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."

Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Beverly's tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, "Beverly's books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don't run across writing like that every day. I hope she'll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time."

A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with their family. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."

ABOUT THE BOOK

Come home to Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania--the beloved setting where Beverly Lewis's celebrated Amish novels began--with new characters and new stories of drama, romance, and the ties that draw people together.

A wrong turn in a rainstorm leads Englisher Amelia Devries to Michael Hostetler--and the young Amishman's charming Old Order community of Hickory Hollow. Despite their very different backgrounds, Amelia and Michael both feel hemmed in by the expectations of others and struggle with how to find room for their own hopes. And what first seems to be a chance encounter might just change their lives forever.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Fiddler, go HERE.

Watch the book video:

MY THOUGHTS
As you know, I love Amish stories, and once again, Beverly Lewis delivers!  The story line was quite fun, and while it took place mainly in the Amish community, the main character is an Englischer named Amelia.  She captures the heart of an Amish man who is struggling and while they both have quite a bit of soul searching to do.  Amelia quickly falls in love with Hickory Hollow, causes a wee bit of a stir and captures your heart along the way!

All of the characters in this book are charming, well, maybe not a few of the city men in Amelia's life, but they have their purpose, and they grow on you as well!  If you're looking for a refreshing Amish read, give this book a try!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

Book Review: The Last Plea Bargain

ABOUT THE BOOK
Plea bargains may grease the rails of justice, but for Jamie Brock, prosecuting criminals is not about cutting deals. In her three years as assistant DA, she’s never plea-bargained a case and vows she never will. But when a powerful defense attorney is indicted for murder and devises a way to bring the entire justice system to a screeching halt, Jamie finds herself at a crossroads. One by one, prisoners begin rejecting deals. Prosecutors are overwhelmed, and felons start walking free on technicalities. To break the logjam and convict her nemesis, Jamie must violate every principle that has guided her young career. But she has little choice. To convict the devil, sometimes you have to cut a deal with one of his demons.

MY THOUGHTS

This is a legal thriller fighting the war on crime.  If you already are a Randy Singer fan, you will not be disappointed, and if you have not ready any of his books, you may find yourself looking for more after you finish "The Last Plea Bargain"

This may be a thriller full of suspense, but you will also find a good dose of Christianity as you work through moral issues, and thought provoking circumstances!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Debbie Lykins at Side Door Communications and Tyndale

CFBA Book Review: The 13th Tribe

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The 13th Tribe Thomas Nelson (April 3, 2012) by Robert Liparulo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Best-selling novelist Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. His first three critically acclaimed thrillers—Comes a Horseman, Germ, and Deadfall—were optioned by Hollywood producers, as well as his Dreamhouse Kings series for young adults. Bestselling author Ted Dekker calls The 13th Tribe, released in April 2012, “a phenomenal story.” Liparulo is currently working with director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, The Guardian) on the novel and screenplay of a political thriller. New York Times best-selling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” Liparulo lives in Colorado with his family.

Visit Robert Liparulo's Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/LiparuloFans, or at Twitter @robertliparulo.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Their story didn't start this year . . . or even this millennium.

It began when Moses was on Mt. Sinai. Tired of waiting on the One True God, the twelve tribes of Israel began worshipping a golden calf through pagan revelry. Many received immediate death for their idolatry, but 40 were handed a far worse punishment-endless life on earth with no chance to see the face of God.

This group of immortals became the 13th Tribe, and they've been trying to earn their way into heaven ever since-by killing sinners. Though their logic is twisted, their brilliance is undeniable. Their wrath is unstoppable. And the technology they possess is beyond anything mere humans have ever seen.

Jagger Baird knows nothing about the Tribe when he's hired as head of security for an archaeological dig on Mt. Sinai. The former Army Ranger is still reeling from an accident that claimed the life of his best friend, his arm, and his faith in God.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The 13th Tribe, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS

This fast paced book is full of twists and turns, surprises and whole lot of history as you travel from Virginia, to Paris and Mt. Sinai along with Jagger Baird.

This is a book that will hook you from the very beginning, as you read of people cursed with immortality.  This book is soul-searching with some violence thrown in along with a good dose of Christianity, and an over the top excellent read!

* I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

A little bit of funny to go with your Friday

I got this video in an email from my Father-in-Law, thought it was pretty funny!....Wonder if I could park like this?!!! I'd get a ticket for sure.

Knit Easter Bunny Cloth Pattern

Easter is literally around the corner, have you knit up an Easter cloth? There's still time! I found a quick, cute and easy pattern to share with you over at the Dishcloth Pattern blog.

There are quite a few free patterns over there, so go on and check them out!!!

hmmmm....wonder if I'll have time to knit this up?  I think I'll give it a try, would be a great little gift to give the host of our Easter dinner.

Book Review: By the Light of the Silvery Moon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

More info: Living Inspired (http://toginet.com/shows/livinginspired) and www.triciagoyer.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Amelia Gladstone's hopes are tied up in the Titanic--hopes for a reunion with her sister and an introduction to an admirer. But when she offers a spare ticket to a down-and-out young man, her fate is about to change.

Quentin Walpole is stunned when a sweet lady secures his passage to America--and even more surprised to find his wealthy father and older brother on board the ship. Suddenly Amelia finds herself caught between the attentions of two men, but who should she entrust her heart to? As the fateful night arrives, will Amelia lose everything to the icy waters?



Link to buy the book: http://www.triciagoyer.com/historicalfiction.html#ByTheLight 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity.

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Win an Flip HD Camcorder during @TriciaGoyer's Unsinkable Titanic Giveaway and RSVP for 4/10 Titanic Party!

Celebrate the release of By the Light of the Silvery Moon with Tricia by entering her giveaway and RSVPing to her Titanic party.

One "unsinkable" winner will receive:

• Flip HD video Camera (Make your own dramatic saga!)
• Titanic movies from the ages {Titanic (1953) Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964), Titanic (1997)}
• Secrets of the Titanic (Get the facts from National Geographic.)
• And the Band Played On (Music Played on the Titanic.)
• By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer (Be swept away in this tale of love and courage.)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 9th. Winner will be announced at "Silvery Moon" Titanic Facebook Party on 4/10. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club). During the live chat Tricia will have a *special guest* join her. More details coming soon!

So grab your copy of By the Light of the Silvery Moon and join Tricia on the evening of the April 10th for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Titanic?) and lots of giveaways. 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!

Book Review: The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality

The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality

by Gahan Hanmer

A Feudal Kingdom That Takes Nothing

from the Modern World

Why has Jack Darcey, a stage actor and ex-competitive fencer, been tricked into visiting a medieval kingdom in the Canadian wilderness? How could such a place even exist in the 21st century, and why would anyone choose to live there? The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality is a thrilling journey into a society and culture which has rejected the modern world.

Albert Keane, an old school-mate of Jack's, has used his great wealth to build a working feudal monarchy which takes nothing from the modern world. But while Jack explores the beautiful and prosperous kingdom, discovering its wonderful people and culture, revolution begins to grow. Duke Hawke, another face from Jack's past, is set on taking the kingdom for himself. Jack will have to fight for his life and the future of the valley as total war breaks out in The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality.

The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality is both escapist adventure and penetrating cultural commentary. Gahan Hanmer creates an immersive world and characters that instantly come alive on the page. His vivid, often humorous storytelling transports you to a world of discovery and adventure. But The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality has as its heart a timely question for our age: Do we really need technology to be happy?

Gahan Hanmer enjoyed a colorful career in the theater as actor, director, designer and technician. He now lives in the high chaparral desert of California.

MY THOUGHTS

Medieval Kingdoms, Castles....and Actors?  What's an Actor doing in a Medieval Kingdom?  That's just the tip of the iceberg in this wonderful book where present and past come together in quite a charming way!  Jack Darcey is kidnapped and finds himself in a Kingdom, is it a dream or reality, and how on Earth did he get there if it IS reality?

This is a story that is full of imagination and adventure, sprinkled with romance and danger...an incredibly fun read!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Tribute Books

CFBA Book Review: Cooking the Books

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Cooking The Books Abingdon Press (April 2012) by Bonnie S. Calhoun

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

As the Owner/Director of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Bonnie has helped use the 220+ blogs of the Alliance to promote many titles on the Christian bestseller list. She also owns and publishes the Christian Fiction Online magazine which is devoted to readers and writers of Christian fiction. She is the Northeast Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). At ACFW she was named the ‘Mentor of the Year,’ for 2011, and she is the current President of (CAN) Christian Authors Network. Bonnie is also the Appointment Coordinator for both the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference.

In her spare time she is an avid social media junkie, and teaches Facebook, Twitter, Blogging and HTML as recreational occupations. She also has a novel coming out in the Abingdon Quilts of Love series. Her novel Pieces of the Heart will publish August of 2013.

Bonnie and her husband Bob live in a log cabin on 15 acres in upstate area of Binghamton, New York with a dog and cat who consider the humans as wait-staff.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After her mother dies from a heart attack, Sloane Templeton goes from Cyber Crimes Unit to bookstore owner before she can blink. She also "inherits" a half-batty store manager; a strange bunch of little old people from the neighborhood who meet at the store once a week, but never read books, called the Granny Oakleys Book Club; and Aunt Verline, who fancies herself an Iron Chef when in reality you need a cast iron stomach to partake of her culinary disasters. And with a group like this you should never ask, “What else can go wrong?”

A lot! Sloane begins to receive cyber threats. While Sloane uses her computer forensic skills to uncover the source of the threats, it is discovered someone is out to kill her. Can her life get more crazy?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Cooking The Books, go HERE.

Watch the book video:



If you'd like to read interviews with Bonnie, try these:

Everbody Needs A Little Romance

A Christian Writers World

Novel Rocket

ACFW - Fiction Finder

MY THOUGHTS

I can only ask...."Bonnie, why did you wait so long to write this book?!"  If you want a book full of hilarious characters and a lot of action...then this is the book for you.  Sloane is one tough lady with a whole lot of wit.  With an aunt like Verline, you need to stay on your toes and have a direct line to the fire department!  With a store manager like Fifi, you don't know what's going to happen next.  Add in a couple of crazy boyfriends and you end up with a recipe for disaster.

The question is, when will disaster strike and how?

...Loved the book!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA