Once Upon a Summertime

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Once Upon a Summertime Revell (June 2, 2015) by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

My husband Chris and I live in a cabin-style home next to the National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Mountain area of the Pacific Northwest. Our two grown sons and granddaughter live nearby and we try to see them as often as we can. We also have two 're-homed' pets to make life more interesting-our yellow Labrador retriever Audrey and a Maine coon cat named Harry.

My writing studio is in a separate building next to our courtyard (a garden area that's off limits to the voracious deer). The window behind my desk looks out into the Ponderosa pine forest, where I see deer, squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional raccoon. The other windows in my office overlook the courtyard which is frequented by numerous hummingbirds in the summertime-one August evening we counted nearly fifty of the little hummers.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises--not the least of which is Sean O'Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!

Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Summertime, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
This is one of those fun, lazy day reads.

At a few points all I could do was shake my head at Anna.....I just wanted to give her a push, to tell her she could do better, but that was something she needed to find out herself!


Anna definitely took a gamble when moving to NYC, but then she fell victim to Sean O'Neil.  That in itself is quite a ride.....and then you have the owners of the Rothsberg Hotel, characters themselves, really.

With it's ups and downs, romance, and friendship this book will keep you turning pages, mostly with a smile on your face.

I always enjoy a Melody Carlson read, and this book was no disappointment!

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

CFBA: Hope Harbor

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Hope Harbor Revell (July 7, 2015) by Irene Hannon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Irene Hannon is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of 10 with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention.

Okay…maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But she was one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut!

Since then, she has written more than 45 romantic suspense and contemporary romance/women’s fiction novels. She is a seven-time finalist and three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romantic fiction—and a member of Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. Her books have also won a Daphne du Maurier award, a Carol award, three HOLT Medallions, a National Readers’ Choice award, a Retailers Choice award, two Booksellers’ Best awards and two Reviewers’ Choice awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. One of her novels was also named by Booklist as a top 10 inspirational fiction books of 2011. In addition, she is a two-time Christy award finalist.

Irene, who holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full. She is happy to say she has no regrets!

In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening and singing. A trained vocalist, she has sung the leading role in numerous musicals, including “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma” “The King and I” and “Anything Goes.” She is also a soloist at her church.

When not otherwise occupied, Irene and her husband enjoy traveling, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life--and love--altered her plans. When tragedy strikes and changes her plans yet again, she finds herself back in her hometown with a floundering farm to run and a heartbreaking secret. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter's. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help save a struggling charitable organization, the winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives--including their own.

Fan favorite Irene Hannon brings a whole new cast of characters to life in a charming Oregon seaside village. Emotional and heartwarming, this story invites readers to come home to Hope Harbor, where love and hope bloom--and hearts heal.

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

MY THOUGHTS
I always jump at the chance to read a book by Irene Hannon, and once again I was not disappointed!

At first I wasn't sure if Michael was a divorcee or a widow, but I did know he was definitely down, lost, and needing to 'find himself' again.  Anna.....she wrapped herself around my heart right away.  Kind of a loner, but willing to stick her neck out.  Tracy...she's a bit feisty, but nothing wrong with that, and together all of these characters make for quite a read.

Of course, you can pretty much imagine on your own that Michael and Tracy will have a romance....they both have a past that needs to be healed, and maybe they both came to Hope Harbor for a reason.

Sometimes humorous, sometimes sad, the journey through the book brings happiness, healing and love.

A great read.

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

CFBA: Dead Dog Like Me

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Dead Dog Like Me Worthy Publishing (June 23, 2015) by Max Davis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Max Davis is the author of over twenty books, has been featured in USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly, and has appeared on The Today Show and The 700 Club. He holds degrees in journalism and biblical studies. In addition to his own works, he’s done a variety of ghostwriting and collaboration projects. Max and Alanna have three grown children and a grand baby.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Nick Gregory regains consciousness after a horrific car accident to find he’s been transported back in time and that he has become Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son and King Saul’s grandson. Aware that he’s experiencing another man’s life, he has to learn fast. When mega-church pastor, Nick Gregory, regains consciousness after a horrific car accident, he’s on the ground in agonizing pain. Nick realizes he is in a bizarre place – a foreign, parched, ancient land, having been transported back in time to 800 B.C. Unbelievably, he is in the body of a prince named Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan and King Saul’s grandson. Nick is fully aware of who he is and that he’s now living in Mephibosheth’s body, strangely able to speak and understand Hebrew. This experience helps him see that he, like Mephibosheth, is a broken man desperate for God’s outrageous grace and healing (2 Samuel 9:8). Returning to present day, Nick’s experience motivates a changed life.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dead Dog Like Me, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
Oh my, this was quite a read....I was entertained throughout the entire book.  I only have problems reading the word "Mephibosheth" because I could never pronounce it correctly in my mind!

I all respect, my problem was really quite small compared to Nick's.  His problems were of a much more serious nature.

Imagine hurting your family pet and becoming a public figure because of it.

Imagine surviving an accident that you definitely should NOT have, only to find that you're someone else entirely.

Imagine that you're that other person in a time many many many years prior to your actual existence.

Poor Nick.  At times I was thinking I would lose my mind if I were him, maybe he did in a way.

Waking up from his accident was a bit confusing for him, poor guy.  Sometimes things happen for a reason, and as you read you'll find the reasons....be prepared for quite a journey!

Loved this book, something fresh and different.  Quite entertaining.

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

No Safe Harbor

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing No Safe Harbor Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012) by Elizabeth Ludwig

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Rocket, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies (co-authored with Janelle Mowery), earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year Award. This book was followed in 2009 by I'll be Home for Christmas, part of the Christmas anthology collection, Christmas Homecoming.

In 2011, her second mystery, Died in the Wool (co-authored with Janelle Mowery) was nominated for a Carol Award. In 2012, the popular EDGE OF FREEDOM series released from Bethany House Publishers. Books one and two, No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home, respectively, earned 4 Stars from the RT Book Reviews. Book three, Tide and Tempest, received top honors with 4 1/2 Stars.

Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America

Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh.

Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara's desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke's true intentions come to light.

If you would like to read the first chapter of No Safe Harbor, go HERE.

** I have not yet received my copy of this book for review, but am posting this for CFBA

Summer's List

Summer’s List (River North, June 2015)

A dying wish alters the course of a young woman’s life.
Life hadn’t been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness-caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother’s bookstore-she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only tries she had at love… didn’t turn out. She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something-or someone.

Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from Summer’s past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?

Learn more and purchase a copy at Anita’s website.


MY THOUGHTS
Despite some of the sadness this was such a happy read, I caught myself smiling so many times...even laughing out loud!

Summer and her grandma have a closeness to be treasured, and of course Summer's world comes to a sudden halt when she finds out her grandma doesn't have long to live.  But leave it to her grandma to make a list for Summer...a list that will change her life!

You just can't help but love Martin Langtree..such an awkward guy but so very lovable.  His brothers...they leave a bit to be desired, but then I think anyone would be a bit messed up with their past.

I truly loved this book, and now as I write this review, I think I'm going to read it again!  Don't miss this one.  It's quirky, funny, sweet, and yes, sad...but the sad doesn't overtake you.

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

Jack Staples and the Ring of Time

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Jack Staples and the Ring of Time David C. Cook (September 1, 2014) by Mark Batterson and Joel Clark

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church (www.theaterchurch.com) in Washington, DC. One church with seven locations. NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in theaters throughout the DC metro area. NCC also owns and operates the largest coffeehouse on Capitol Hill. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of 11 books, including The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase and the two most recent, The Grave Robber and Jack Staples and the Ring of Time. Mark is married to Lora and they live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Eleven-year-old Jack's ordinary life is upended when mysterious creatures attack his hometown and he is whisked into a fantastical adventure filled with danger at every turn.

Jack learns that most live in a shadow of the world, their vision blinded by invisible scales that have covered human eyes since the beginning of time. But the Awakened experience the world as it truly is, where war rages between good and evil—and Jack is at the heart of it. The Awakened are searching for The Child of Prophesy who will both save the world and destroy it. When Jack joins in their epic battle he must learn to trust his friends and face his fears if he is to make his life count.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Jack Staples and the Ring of Time, go HERE.


MY THOUGHTS
Full of fast paced adventure and mystery.....you won't want to put this thrilling book down!

Mysterious creatures, and more will keep you highly entertained straight through to the end of this wonderful Young Adult book!

A great gift idea for the book readers on your lists!

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

Two Roads Home

What if it’s too late for dreams to come true? Minor-but-nagging setbacks continue to sour Grant and Audrey Whitman’s initiation into the world of innkeeping, but larger challenges brew when an innocent flirtation leads to big trouble for the Whitmans’ son-in-law, Jesse. Jesse Pennington’s friendly, outgoing personality has always served him well, especially in a career that has earned him and his wife Corinne a very comfortable lifestyle. But Corinne and Jesse are both restless—and for similar reasons, if only they could share those with each other. Instead, too many business trips and trumped-up charges of harassment from a disgruntled coworker threaten their marriage and possibly put their three precious daughters at risk.

With their life in disarray, God is tugging at their hearts to pursue other dreams. Can Corinne and Jesse pick up the pieces of what was once a wonderful life before it all crumbles beneath them?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

MY THOUGHTS
This is the second book in this series, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone.

This is mainly Corrine and Jesse's story.  Their marriage becomes precarious as Jesse struggles with a co-worker that seems to be set on ruining his life. 

Corrine's family is one who pulls together, weekly dinners at her parents' with her siblings and all the kiddos, they help each other when they're down, they share laughs and love.  You just know that the 'road home' to the parents house will not only be filled with love but a full dose of wisdom as well.

A very entertaining read, one that held my interest through each and every page of the book....and leaves you wondering what will happen in the next book!

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