Wednesday, October 30, 2013

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 THOUGHTS
This is book #6 in the Tomorrow's Promise Collection, I have not read any of the previous books.  Definitely a stand-alone story.

This book is real, it is full of emotion, emotions that are quite real to most people so you will find yourself quickly connecting with the characters in this story.  How many times have things in your life turned out differently than you thought they would?  Well, Sabrina has had that happen and although she deals with her pain on a daily basis, she hasn't fully come to terms with it.  Brandy drives Sabrina crazy, but yet, Sabrina helps her and they have an amazing journey of healing...together!

This was a great read with a different story line than so many of the books out there.

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

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Saturday, October 26, 2013

Gunpowder Tea

In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.

Gunpowder TeaWhen Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom—an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.

But she isn’t the only one at the ranch with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggart is working undercover as well. Their true identities may be a secret, but it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the sparks flaring between them.

Neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they get to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets—and no one on the ranch is safe.

The longer Miranda and Jeremy spend working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers—and their lives—depend on solving this case. Love will just have to wait.

Purchase a copy here.

Learn more at Margaret’s website

MY THOUGHTS
What a fun read!  This book is full of humorous characters and although the widow who Miranda/Annue works for is quite cantankerous, you can't help but love her.

I think this is the first book I've read that has had a woman as a Pinkerton which made it fun, Annie isn't always the most graceful at her job, especially since she begins the book by shooting a dead man in his coffin....and that's just the start!

You wouldn't think that trying to capture bank and train robbers would be an entertaining read, but that's exactly what this book is and I enjoyed every minute of it!

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


Margaret Brownley's latest release, Gunpowder Tea, is receiving high praise, and she's celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway and a "Tea with Margaret" Facebook party!

gunpowder-rafflecopter

  One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at the "Tea with Margaret" Facebook Author Chat Party on the 7th. Connect with Margaret and friends for an evening of book chat, prizes, and get an exclusive look at Margaret's next book!

So grab your copy of Gunpowder Tea and join Margaret on the evening of November 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 11/7!



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Friday, October 25, 2013

CFBA: The Christmas Quilt

The Christmas Quilt
Abingdon Press (October 15, 2013)
by
Vannetta Chapman


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word From The Author:

I hold a BA and MA degree in English, and I am proud to be represented by Mary Sue Seymour, AAR. I have published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, and have received over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. I am honored to be a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Faith Hope and Love.

I live and teach in the Texas hill country with my husband, cats, and a rather large herd of deer. Our four children have flown the nest; however, we are fortunate that they all live close enough to visit.

I have always felt that my faith was at the very center of who and what I am, and I am thrilled beyond words to be able to now write about something that is so near to my heart. At various times I have served as a pianist, teacher, church secretary, and worship team member. While living in the Dallas area, I served as an adjunct professor of English Literature at Dallas Baptist University. When we moved to a small town in Central Texas, I continued teaching for a few years, but I now write full-time and I play the keyboard in our church’s praise band.

My grandfather was born in Albion, Pennsylvania, and I am currently researching whether I might have Amish roots.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie’s sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined.


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

MY THOUGHTS
This book is another installment of the Quilts of Love Series and set in the Amish community.  As with the other books in the series the events in the book surround the makings of a quilt, this time a quilt for a baby.

Annie and Leah are best friends and sister-in-laws, both are expecting babies, Annie tends to procrastinate a bit, but then she is a very busy lady.  When Leah ends up in the hospital due to pregnancy complications Annie realizes she may not have all the time she thought to get her quilt done.

As the pages of the book go on, you find Leah strengthening her rough relationship with her husband and both women do some soul searching as they begin to work on the quilt together trying to get through long, scary days at the hospital.

This was a very good read, comforting and strengthening, it also helps you remember what's truly important during the holiday season.

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

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Wednesday, October 23, 2013

The Journey of Josephine Cain

When a socialite from the nation’s capital embarks on a journey to the Wild West, her life is changed forever. 

The Journey of Josephine CainA setting populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians is hardly the place for a wealthy general’s daughter. But Josephine Cain is determined to visit her father, who supervises the day-to-day work involved in the grandest ambition of post-Civil War America: the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Life with the railroad is far from the proper life Josephine is used to, and she faces deadly gunfights, harsh weather, and vigilante uprisings. She is torn between the West and the East; between her privileged upbringing and the challenges of a new frontier; between the pull of the suitable beau her parents approve of and an attraction to a rough but charming Irish railroad worker. But if Josephine is willing, she just might find a new life, a unique purpose . . . and true love.

Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Nancy’s website.





MY THOUGHTS
This historical fiction will take you back in time as you read about the Transcontinental Railroad and a rather spoiled Josephine.  A daddy's girl who puts on 'airs' is not one that is easily liked, and this was the case for me with Josephine, there were times that I would have liked to set her straight and help her grow up a bit more quickly than she did!

Thank goodness she did grow up, and you'll just have to read the book yourself to find out what happens once she does! 
 
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity

The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser follows the adventures of a D.C. socialite as she gets involved with the building of the Transcontinental Railroad right after the Civil War. Be sure to check out Nancy's fun Pinterest board for the book!

                                                 Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!

journeyofcain-rafflecopter

  Five winners will receive:
  • The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 26th. All winners will be announced October 28th at the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 28th to see if you won one of the books!

+ Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher + Snow Falling on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma + Return to Me by Lynn Austin

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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

CFBA: Greetings from the Flip Side

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Greetings from the Flipside
B&H Books (October 15, 2013)
by
Rene Gutteridge


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rene is the author of seventeen novels. She also has extensive experience writing comedy sketches, and worked for five years as the director of drama for a church. She has a degree specializing in Screenwriting, for which she earned the Excellence in Mass Communication Award, and graduated magna cum laude.

She is married to Sean, a musician and worship leader, and has two children. They reside in Oklahoma, where Rene writes full time and enjoys instructing in college classrooms and writers conferences.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Hope Landon has been rewriting other people's greeting cards since she was six years old -- there's always a funnier caption. She's all set to chase those creative dreams with her musician fiance in New York City until he leaves Hope at the altar, deciding he must not really love this girl if he can't write a song for her. That may give her something to write about . . .

Hope disappears alone on what was supposed to be the couple's month long honeymoon. Upon returning she learns of her funeral -- everyone in her life concluded Hope must have killed herself after being jilted. Needing a fresh start more than ever, she heads for the Big Apple only to discover it's not that easy to rent a place when you've been declared dead.

Taking shelter at the YWCA, Hope soon lands a job at a Christian inspirational greeting card company as an assistant to Jake, a guy who shut down his organization's humor department. She has lost her faith in love; he needs to find something or someone that will make him laugh.

Is there anything in the cards for these two? Find out in the truly original Greetings from the Flipside by authors Rene Gutteridge (Boo) and Cheryl McKay (screenplay for The Ultimate Gift).

If you would like to read the first chapter of Greetings from the Flipside, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
I received my copy of this book just yesterday and needed to post my review today, so I have not yet had a chance to read the book, I will update with my review once I have read the book!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from CFBA

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Thursday, October 17, 2013

Glittering Promises

Glittering Promises 
Lisa T. Bergren’s popular Grand Tour series concludes as Cora Kensington journeys farther into Italy, wrestles with a terrible ultimatum from her father, and comes to terms with the Father who will never fail her.

America’s newest heiress must decide if her potential fortune is rationale enough to give up her freedom and all that God is leading her toward. And when her newly-discovered siblings are threatened with ruin, her quandary deepens. Then as Cora nears Rome, more journalists are tracking the news story of the decade—“Copper Cora,” the rags-to-riches girl—and want to know more about her family and the men vying for her attention. Meanwhile, a charming Italian countess decides that if Cora isn’t going to claim Will’s heart, she might just try…


Purchase a copy here.
Find out more at Lisa’s website.

Lisa Tawn Bergren 

{More About Lisa Tawn Bergren}

Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs.

Find out more about Lisa Tawn at http://lisatawnbergren.com/.




This book begins right where the last book in the series left off.  Still in Europe on the Grand Tour, Dora and her family try to outwit kidnappers.  That should be enough to set them on edge...but ad in those who are ready and willing to dig up news and some problems in the love department and you have a story that will keep you on edge!

I enjoyed this book as much as the previous ones in the series, and while this is a stand a lone book, I think it does help to have read them all, it makes the story so much more interesting to know what the family has been through up until this point.

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

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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

The Bargain

The Bargain 

Book one in the Plain City Peace series.

It’s 1971, and Betsie Troyer’s peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but.

When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth—a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie’s marriage to Charley Yoder.

MY THOUGHTS
Seriously, you wonder, how can parents leave their children?  That's exactly what happens when Betsie and Sadie's parents decide to leave the Amish.  Sadie and Betsie are more than welcome to leave with their parents, but can't imagine any other way of life.

If they only knew where their secrets will lead them, how difficult things will become, the book will keep you turning pages as the web of hidden truths gets bigger and bigger!

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

Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Stephanie’s website.

Stephanie L. Reed is celebrating the release of The Bargain, the first book in her new series, Plain City Peace, with a Kindle Fire 'Bargain Bundle' giveaway!

bargain-raffle-copter
 
  One winner will receive a 'Bargain Bundle':
  • A Kindle Fire
  • The Bargain by Stephanie Reed
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 27th. Winner will be announced at the Litfuse blog on October 28th.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by the Litfuse blog on the 28th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to their blog {enter your email in the blog sidebar} and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox)!


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CFBA: A Bride for Keeps

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Bride for Keeps
Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2013)
by
Melissa Jagears


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I am a stay at home mother on a tiny little farm with a fixer-upper house. As much as I love writing and reading about homesteaders, I am so glad I’m a homesteader during an era with modern grocery stores to take up for my slack. I am an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher by trade, and I still work occasionally in that field along with being my church’s financial secretary and writing novels.

My husband and I have been married since 2001 and have a daughter and two little boys. My husband shares my fascination with traditional living except for being more hands on. He loves blacksmithing, knife smithing, traditional archery, hunting, etc. Generally whatever a mountain man does, he does it or has or wants to attempt it. He comes in handy for research! And of course, the rest of the family gets involved. I have my own blackpowder rifle, named Calvin, that my husband made for me. And I’m pretty sure my daughter is probably one of very few her age who can instruct adults how to shoot a longbow properly. The boy digs random holes in my yard to make “cement” with dirt and water making our yard a tripping hazard. The baby does what babies do.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Tender Tale of Love on the Prairie Perfect for CBA Readers!

Although Everett Cline can hardly keep up with the demands of his homestead, he won't humiliate himself by looking for a helpmate ever again--not after being jilted by three mail-order brides. When a well-meaning neighbor goes behind his back to bring yet another mail-order bride to town, he has good reason to doubt it will work, especially after getting a glimpse at the woman in question. She's the prettiest woman he's ever seen, and it's just not possible she's there to marry a simple homesteader like him.

Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. Having finally worked up the courage to leave her life in Massachusetts, she's determined to find a place where people will value her for more than her looks. Having run out of all other options, Julia resorts to a mail-order marriage in far-away Kansas.

Everett is skeptical a cultured woman like Julia could be happy in a life on the plains, while Julia, deeply wounded by a past relationship, is skittish at the idea of marriage at all. When, despite their hesitations, they agree to a marriage in name only, neither one is prepared for the feelings that soon arise to complicate their arrangement. Can two people accustomed to keeping their distance let the barricades around their hearts down long enough to fall in love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Bride for Keeps, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
A Bride for Keeps is a very entertaining book that immediately draws you in and with strong willed characters you're sure for a fun 'ride!

This is Melissa Jagears first book, and she has set the standards high!  Can't wait to read the 2nd book in this new series!

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

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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

CFBA: A Plain Disappearance

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Plain Disappearance
B&H Books (September 1, 2013)
by
Amanda Flower


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel. Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.



ABOUT THE BOOK

USA Today recently hailed award-nominated author Amanda Flower for A Plain Death, calling it “the first Amish rom-com . . . bring on the next one!” As the enthusiastic reviews continue to mount, she’s back with her third Appleseed Creek mystery, A Plain Disappearance.

It’s Christmastime in Amish Country, and Chloe Humphrey has begun settling into her life in Appleseed Creek excited to see where her new relationship with Timothy Troyer will lead. Unfortunately it leads to murder when the couple discovers the body of Amish teenager Katie Lambright while on their first date.

Near the scene there is evidence that Timothy’s friend and auto mechanic Billy Thorpe is involved with the crime. The police reveal Billy is not really who he said he was and has been living the last decade in Knox County under a stolen alias. Now, Chloe and Timothy must find Billy, bring him to justice, or prove his innocence.

If you would like to read the first chapter of  A Plain Disappearance, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
When you read an Amish story you generally don't read about a murder much less one that has some rather funny situations attached to it, but that's exactly what you'll find in this book!

This was a very fun read, kept me turning pages, brought a few laughs and really was quite refreshing.

I seriously hope that Amanda writes another book quickly!


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




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Friday, October 11, 2013

CFBA: Honest Heart

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Honest Heart
B&H Books (October 15, 2013)
by
Kaye Dacus


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Humor, Hope, and Happily Ever Afters! Kaye Dacus is the author of humorous, hope-filled contemporary and historical romances with Barbour Publishing, Harvest House Publishers, and B&H Publishing. She holds a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University.

Kaye Dacus (KAY DAY-cuss) is an author and educator who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. A former Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers, Kaye enjoys being an active ACFW member and the fellowship and community of hundreds of other writers from across the country and around the world that she finds there. She currently serves as President of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, which she co-founded in 2003 with three other writers. Each month, she teaches a two-hour workshop on an aspect of the craft of writing at the MTCW monthly meeting. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is an academic advisor and English Composition instructor for Bethel University.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Set during the Industrial Revolution and the Great Exhibition of 1851, An Honest Heart is a “sitting-room romance” with the feel of a Regency-era novel but the fashions and technological advances of the mid-Victorian age.

Featuring dual romance stories, the main plot involves seamstress Caddy Bainbridge and the choice she must make between two men: one from the aristocracy, the other from the working class. Award-nominated author Kaye Dacus pinpoints the theme of honesty—both men in this love triangle have deep secrets to hide, and Caddy’s choice will be based on which of them can be honest with her.

Courtship . . . cunning . . . candor. Who possesses an honest heart?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Honest Heart, go HERE

MY THOUGHTS
Keeping secrets...doesn't go well for me, and both men in Honest Heart seem as thought they may be doomed as far as their chances with Caddy go. 

If it were me, I'd go for the working class, but then again, I was rather turned off by the circumstances of 'Mr. Aristocrat' and his reason for pursuing Caddy.

There were several interesting twists and turns that kept the book moving right along, oh...and Caddy's mom...all I can say is, what a woman!

If you like historical romance, you're in for a good read!

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

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Under a Blackberry Moon


Just a few days after she gave birth alone in the northwoods, a recently widowed young Chippewa woman stumbled into a nearby lumber camp in search of refuge from the winter snows. Come summer, it is clear that Moon Song cannot stay among the rough-and-tumble world of white lumbermen, and so the camp owner sends Skypilot, his most trusted friend, to accompany her on the long and treacherous journey back to her people.

But when tragedy strikes off the shore of Lake Superior, Moon Song and Skypilot must depend on each other for survival. With every step they take into the forbidding woods, they are drawn closer together, until it seems the unanswerable questions must be asked. Can she leave her culture to enter his? Can he leave his world to enter hers? Or will they simply walk away from a love that seems too complicated to last?

Get swept into a wild realm where beauty masks danger and only the truly courageous survive in a story that will grip your heart and your imagination.


MY THOUGHTS
This book picks up where the Measure of Katie Calloway leaves off, so it is a bit helpful to read that book first, but if you don't, you'll be fine!

As you read this book, you'll realize how much research must have been done, you'll read of the early treatment of the Indians, and how Christianity affected them.  You'll read of the dangers of steamboat traveling and when disaster strikes, you'll follow along on a journey of survival.

A love story with a deeper meaning and a lot of history, a wonderful read!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Baker Publishing Group


“Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

 
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Wednesday, October 9, 2013

CFBA: Dark Justice

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Dark Justice
B&H Books (October 1, 2013)
by
Brandilyn Collins


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn's awards for her novels include the ACFW Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers' Choice, and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice.

Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). The Writer magazine named Getting into Character one of the best books on writing published in 2002.

When she's not writing, Brandilyn can be found teaching the craft of fiction at writers' conferences.

ABOUT THE BOOK

If I’d had any idea what those words would mean to me, to my mother and daughter, I’d have fled California without looking back.

While driving a rural road, Hannah Shire and her aging mother, who suffers from dementia, stop to help a man at the scene of a car accident. The man whispers mysterious words in Hannah’s ear. Soon people want to kill Hannah and her mother for what they “know.” Even law enforcement may be involved.

The two women must flee for their lives. But how does Hannah hide her confused mother? Carol just wants to listen to her pop music, wear her favorite purple hat, and go home. And if they turn to Hannah’s twenty seven- year-old daughter, Emily, for help, will she fall into danger as well?

Pressed on all sides, Hannah must keep all three generations of women in her family alive. Only then does she learn the threat is not just to her loved ones, but the entire country . . .

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Dark Justice, HERE.

MY THOUGHTS 
What can you do when there is no one to trust?  This extremely good plot with well developed down to earth, believable characters will keep you on your toes and up well into the night.

You will encounter many clues as you read through the book, which may take away some of the suspense, but yet, it's almost worse, because you can't tell the characters what to look out for....a rather bad feeling.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and if you like Christian Thrillers you'll love this book!

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

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Monday, October 7, 2013

The Secret Keeper, Home to Hickory Hollow Book #4

 

With her love for all things old-fashioned, Jennifer Burns has often been told she's an "old soul," but no one is prepared for the young woman's decision to set aside her modern life in favor of the Old Order Amish world. Yet Jenny does exactly that, adopting Plain dress and settling in with Samuel and Rebecca Lapp while she works as a mother's helper for the bishop's wife--a far cry from her former job as an x-ray technician.

The people of Hickory Hollow are curious about the beautiful young seeker among them, one handsome Amishman in particular. But he is not the only man vying for Jenny's affections, and Jenny faces many challenges in the Proving time the brethren have set for her...challenges of the heart, as well as the spirit.

Will Jenny's secrets keep her from the peace she longs for? Or will they lead the way home?

MY THOUGHTS
I truly enjoyed this book, it's a stand alone book, if you've read the other 3 in this series you will recognize some of the names, but if you haven't, no worries, you'll be fine!

I liked the new twist in this story, it's usually the Amish that are getting shunned, or running from their roots, but this time, it's an Englischer!  No one can quite understand Jenny, especially her family.  The Amish are a bit leery of her, since it's been so long since they've had a seeker.

Jenny comes to the Hollow in a time where the church is in a quandry, many think the preacher too harsh, and many are going to a shunned Amish home for Bible readings, things are quite a mess, and yes, there are secrets...big ones, secrets that could be devastating.

Once again, Beverly Lewis writes a wonderful story!

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

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Friday, October 4, 2013

Fired Up

 Fired Up by Mary Connealy | Live Webcast Author Chat, Kindle Fire Giveaway, and Blog Tour


Mary Connealy is back with the second book in her Trouble in Texas series. Fired Up is a rollicking wild west adventure you won’t want to miss. Romantic Times says, “This one’s a winner!”
Mary is celebrating the release with a Kindle Fire giveaway and a LIVE author chat party on October 8th.

Fired-Up-rafflecopter

One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HD
  • Swept Away and Fired Up by Mary Connealy
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 8th.

Winner will be announced at the “Fired Up” Live Webcast Event on October 8th. Connect with Mary for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Mary will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Fired Up and join Mary and friends on the evening of October 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!

###

Rollicking Wild West Adventure and Romance from Bestselling Author Mary Connealy

10026 FiredUp_mck.indd
Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can’t let his guard down for a moment, which is a challenge, since right now he’s trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.

Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she’s determined to care for her son and daughter on her own. She wants to believe Dare Riker is as decent as he seems, but she’s terrified to lock herself into another marriage. She plans to support her small family by opening a diner–never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent. The men in Broken Wheel, Texas, are so desperate for home cooking that they seem willing to overlook dried-out beef and blackened biscuits.

Glynna can’t help but notice that danger follows Dare wherever he goes. There’s the avalanche. And then the fire. But things really get out of hand when someone plunges a knife from Glynna’s diner into Dare’s back. Are Flint’s cronies still plotting revenge? Is Glynna’s son engaged in a misguided attempt to protect his mother? Is a shadowy outsider still enraged over past injustices? And can Dare survive long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?

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Learn more at Mary’s website.

Mary Connealy
Mary Connealy writes fun and lively “romantic comedy with cowboys” for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie’s Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Find out more about Mary at http://maryconnealy.com/.





MY THOUGHTS
Men are not the only ones who are tough in Texas!  Glynna has an inner strength that is able to stand test after test.  After surviving a couple of no good husbands she's finally on her own, making a living, even though having a restaurant when you can't cook is quite a stretch!  Her son has a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas, but who can blame him after he's seen what his mom has gone through.

This book is charming and full of grit at the same time.  A little drama, a little romance, some stubborn men and a crazy lady make this book a page turner!

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

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