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Archive | September, 2013
Roping the Wrangler
26 Sep
Roping the Wrangler (Wyoming Legacy Series) by Lacy Williams
Synopsis:
Schoolmarm Sarah Hansen longs for a family of her own. But horse trainer Oscar White is the last man she’d consider. Still, she can’t help noticing the care he shows three motherless girls and the gentle way he helps Sarah overcome her fear of horses.
Too bossy by half—that’s the Sarah that Oscar remembers from their teenage years. Yet as a former orphan, he finds the little Caldwell sisters—and their pretty teacher—getting under his skin. Could the tender heart Sarah’s always hidden tame a once-reckless wrangler?
Thoughts:
Roping the Wrangler was my first Lacy Williams book but it certainly won’t be my last. I loved Lacy’s attention to details, rich characters, and vivid descriptions.
If you love an Old West series full of heart-warming heroes, this is a series for you!
“Welcome to Bear Creek, Wyoming—where faith, love and family prevail!”
An introduction to this series can be found in the novella, Courted by a Cowboy.
Book 1: Roping the Wrangler
Book 2: Return of the Cowboy Doctor, releases in December
Biography:
By day, Lacy Williams is a stay-at-home mom battling dirty diapers and dog-hair dust-bunnies. By night, she is an award-winning novelist. Lacy combines a love of dogs with her passion for literacy by volunteering with her therapy dog, Mr. Bingley, in a local reading program. Her current projects include more books for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Historical line (cowboys!). Lacy loves to hear from her readers at lacyjwilliams@gmail.com or via her website http://www.lacywilliams.net
On Amazon, you can currently find the Kindle edition of the novella, Courted by a Cowboy, for $1.99.
* I won a copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Fall Into Love Ultimate Giveaway
24 Sep
Have you entered the Fall Into Love Ultimate Giveaway? All SIX giveaways end October 1st!
Enter here: www.FallIntoLoveContest.com
The winner is…..
20 Sep
Congratulations, AJ Hawke!
Thank you to all who commented and entered to win. More giveaway opportunities coming soon!
*If the winner does not respond to my email within 72 hours, another name will be drawn.
Celebrating with Julie Cantrell
18 Sep
Last week, we traveled to Oxford, Mississippi, to meet Julie Cantrell and celebrate the release of her latest novel, When Mountains Move. What a wonderful celebration it was! Held at Off Square Books, it was an evening of food, fun, and friendships, both old and new.
Julie is such a precious person! She humbly and sincerely thanked all those who offered their help, support, and encouragement through this novel process. I am so thankful for the opportunity we had to meet and I look forward to the next time our paths cross!
When Mountains Move is the sequel to Julie Cantrell’s award-winning novel, Into The Free. I have included the link for the book trailer below. Enjoy Julie’s introduction to the book she calls “my love song to Colorado.”
When Mountains Move book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfbb4m7uSzs
For those of you who have recently joined the blog, you can read my thoughts about When Mountains Move here:
https://buzzingaboutbooks.com/2013/08/16/when-mountains-move-2/
Made to Last
16 Sep
Made to Last by Melissa Tagg
Synopsis:
Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that’s how it looks when she’s starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she’ll do anything to boost ratings and save her show–even if it means pretending to be married to a man who’s definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.
When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda’s every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth–and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she’s built come crashing down just as she’s found a love to last?
Thoughts:
Made to Last is Melissa Tagg’s debut novel, which just released yesterday. I enjoyed every minute of this delightful book!
Melissa Tagg has done a great job writing a wonderful cast of characters you feel like you have always known. Her imagery is vivid and you feel yourself “watching” rather than reading Miranda Woodruff’s reality unfold.
While this is a story of humor and romance, both real and contrived, it also addresses other meaningful issues. Miranda, as well as the men in her life, struggle in their relationships with their families and with God. The plot twists and turns as they question their faith and seek answers.
Made to Last is an engaging story of finding faith and falling in love that will charm its way into your heart. I look forward to reading more from Melissa Tagg!
Biography:
Melissa Tagg is a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. Her debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013, with a follow-up slated for summer 2014. In addition to her nonprofit day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers founded by award-winning author Susan May Warren.
During her reporting days, Melissa interviewed presidential candidates and llama farmers, rode a hot air balloon and flew a plane, and once found herself face to face with a buffalo. But today she gets her kicks by letting her characters have their own fun. She’s passionate about humor, grace and happy endings.
Visit Melissa’s fresh, new website at: www.MelissaTagg.com. She currently has a giveaway going on that is open until tomorrow, September 17, at 5 pm, CST. Hop on over and comment to win!
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Love in the Air Giveaway
13 Sep
Love in the Air by Elizabeth Goddard
Review:
Nikki Alexander’s love of hot air balloons began in childhood. Her father created a successful hot air balloon ride business before his death, a business Nikki is struggling to keep afloat. Tragedy has left Nikki with overwhelming family responsibilities and important decisions to make.
Kyle Morgan left Albuquerque, New Mexico, three years ago believing he would never return. However, guilt and unresolved feelings have brought him home asking for a second chance.
As Nikki makes plans for her future, someone lurks in the shadows trying to sabotage her business. Kyle works to regain Nikki’s trust while protecting her and her business. As Nikki offers Kyle her forgiveness, she realizes that she has also given him her heart.
LOVE IN THE AIR is a beautiful story of romance, peppered with suspense. I enjoyed the relatable characters, who through faith, hope, and love, overcame the obstacles in their relationship. Elizabeth Goddard does a wonderful job describing the sights and sounds from the basket of a hot air balloon. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful book and look forward to reading more from Elizabeth Goddard!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.
Biography:
Elizabeth Goddard is the Carol Award winning author of over a dozen romance novels. Elizabeth is a member of ACFW, RWA and Faith Hope and Love, the inspirational chapter of RWA. She has served in various capacities for all three organizations, including as board member of her local RWA chapter. Elizabeth graduated with a B.S. degree in computer science and worked in high-level software sales for several years. You can visit her at www.ElizabethGoddard.com.
GIVEAWAY!
I am excited to be giving away one copy of LOVE IN THE AIR by Elizabeth Goddard. The rules for this giveaway are as follows:
1) You must be a follower of this blog to win.
2) You must leave a comment on this post.
3) You must live within the United States, for shipping purposes.
The contest will end Thursday, September 19 at midnight, Central Standard Time. The winner will be announced next Friday, September 20. Good luck!
Stranded (Alaskan Courage Book #3)
6 Sep
Stranded by Dani Pettrey
Stranded by Dani Pettrey released this week and it’s an adventure you don’t want to miss! Read the exciting details below to find out how you can experience your own Alaskan adventure!
Synopsis:
Reporter Darcy St. James knows something is wrong when her friend vanishes from her job on a cruise ship. Everyone else believes Abby simply left of her own accord, but something isn’t lining up, and Darcy knows the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby’s position.
Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock in Alaska for a few days of sightseeing. He’s surprised to find Darcy onboard one of the ships, working undercover as a reporter.
Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they dig, the more they realize they’ve only discovered the tip of the iceberg.
Thoughts:
Stranded is the third book in Dani Pettrey’s acclaimed Alaskan Courage series. The McKennas are back and better than ever!
I love this family and their faith in God and in each other! Gage and Darcy’s story has been begging to be told, and you certainly won’t be disappointed!
Gage McKenna struggles with the heartache and loss he has experienced. In letting go of his past, he is able to give himself to his future. As a reporter, Darcy St. James won’t stop digging until the truth is revealed. She and Gage work together to uncover something evil and sinister. In doing so, they discover something beautiful!
Dani Pettrey and her Alaskan adventures keep getting better and better and Stranded is romantic suspense at its best!
To celebrate the story, author Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the ALASKAN ADVENTURES Sweepstakes, and your chance to win one of three fabulous prizes connected with the story!
HOW TO ENTER:
Click the sweepstakes graphic above and complete the entry form or go to http://www.danipettrey.com/alaskan-adventures-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between September 2 and September 19. This giveaway starts September 2, 2013 and ends September 19, 2013 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Winners will be selected Friday, September 20, 2013, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.
GRAND PRIZE:
BUILD-YOUR-OWN-ADVENTURE PACKAGE
In Stranded, Darcy, Gage, and the McKenna family launch into all kinds of adventures: from high-octane ocean kayaking, to rugged island camping beneath the vast Alaskan skies.
Our grand prize winner will have the chance to build their own adventure, with a $300 adventure gear gift card of their choice from either Eddie Bauer or L.L. Bean.
And what would our hero and heroine do if they won the prize? Gage use it towards one of L.L. Bean’s gorgeous ocean kayaks, while Darcy would go for “Glamping” gear:)
SECOND PRIZE:
CULINARY CONQUEROR PACKAGE
Everyone knows Gage McKenna’s campfire cooking is second to none. But in Stranded, Darcy discovers that before Gage was a search and rescue hero, he secretly dreamed of attending culinary school.
Our second prize winner will have the chance to fulfill Gage’s dream with a $200 value, 1-year membership to Top Chef University.
Membership includes over 200 video lessons taught by Top Chef contestants, covering everything from soups to desserts.
THIRD PRIZE:
SHIMMER & SHINE PACKAGE
Darcy once gave her missing friend, Abby, a beautiful shell necklace, engraved with a special message that made it one-of-a-kind.
Our third prize winner will receive their very own, one-of-a-kind “Earth & Sea” necklace valued at $100.
Handmade of New Zealand Paua shells, hammered copper, and Tahitian pearls, this necklace is the perfect complement for a soft sweater and jeans, or a unique finishing touch for a little black dress on a special date night.
Be sure and enter today for your chance to win!
Shattered (Alaskan Courage Book #2)
4 Sep
Shattered by Dani Pettrey
Synopsis:
When her prodigal brother Reef’s return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.
Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he’s also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon’s career in jeopardy.
When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself–and whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada’s rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.
Thoughts:
Shattered is the second book in Dani Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series. As much as I loved her first book, Submerged, I loved Shattered even more!
One of my favorite things about a book series is the feeling of really knowing the characters and becoming invested in their stories. I loved coming back to Yancey, Alaska, and catching up with Cole and Bailey and the rest of the McKenna family.
The relationship between Piper McKenna and Landon Grainger is one of friendship often fraught with conflict. Though they continue to deny their feelings for each other, they soon realize that a deep friendship can lead to an even deeper love!
Shattered is a story of intrigue, romance, danger, and deadly consequences. The well-written plot twists with every turn of the page! Dani Pettrey does a wonderful job weaving spiritual elements into this story in a very real way!
Don’t miss this Alaskan adventure!
Be sure to come back Friday for some exciting news concerning this series!
Alaskan Courage Series:
Book 1: Submerged
Book 2: Shattered
Book 3: Stranded…JUST RELEASED!!
Book 4: Silenced…Coming Summer 2014
Book 5: ….Coming Spring 2015
Biography:
Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two daughters.
Visit her website at: www.danipettrey.com
Sarah Sundin Giveaway
2 Sep
There is a wonderful giveaway going on over on the blog, ChatwithVera. Vera is reviewing and giving away one copy of On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin. Be sure and visit and enter to win!
http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2013/08/on-distant-shores-by-sarah-sundin.html
Buzzing About Books 