Archive | January, 2015

Blog Tour + Review: Colorado Hope

19 Jan

Colorado Hope banner

 

About the Book:

1875 ~ Beset by a sudden spring storm on the Front Range, newlywed Grace Cunningham watches in horror as her husband, Monty, is swept downriver. Pregnant and despairing, she stumbles into Fort Collins and tries to make a life for herself, praying that one day the man she loves will walk into town and back into her life.Colorado Hope 2

A year after Grace’s tragic loss, Monty enters the dress shop where she works—with a beautiful woman on his arm. Shocked that he has no recollection of her, Grace is determined to win back his heart. Somehow she must help him regain his memories and his buried love for her—and not just for her sake but for the sake of their infant son, Ben.

Monty, miserable in his marriage to a woman he hardly knows, is inexplicably drawn to Grace. Every time he’s near her, memories surface, but they are hazy and troubling. He’s torn between his vows and the desires of his heart, for he cannot stay away from Grace.

Grace’s hope is sparked when Monty starts recalling glimpses of his past. But when murderous outlaws come to town, she is thrust into grave danger. Monty risks his life to rescue her, only to face even greater perils in the treacherous mountains. Can she truly hang on to hope when she is about to lose all she loves?

Thoughts:

Colorado Hope is another wonderful, historical romance by Charlene Whitman!  Adventures in the Colorado Territory continue in this second book in the Front Range series.  While readers of Book 1, Colorado Promise, will enjoy revisiting a few characters, Colorado Hope is easily enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.    

With excellent characterization and superb imagery, Charlene Whitman brings this story to life!  I loved the dramatic storyline and its pulse-pounding danger and tender romance.  Monty and Grace Cunningham are such endearing characters!  My heart ached for them and all they endured.  Their story is one of loss and despair, but is also one of abiding love and hope.  I loved this captivating journey and look forward to more adventures on the Front Range! 

For fans of historical and western romance, I highly recommend both books in Charlene Whitman’s Front Range series, Colorado Promise and Colorado Hope.   

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Charlene WhitmanCharlene Whitman spent many years living on Colorado’s Front Range.  She grew up riding and raising horses, and loves to read, write, and hike the mountains.  She attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins as an English major.  She has two daughters and is married to George “Dix” Whitman, her love of thirty years.  Colorado Hope is the second sweet Historical Western Romance novel in her Front Range series.

Connect with Charlene on Facebook and Twitter.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received. 

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Review: Like a Flower in Bloom

17 Jan

Like a Flower in Bloom

Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook.com | DeeperShopping

 

He Stole the Work She Loved.
Will She Let Him Steal Her Heart as Well?

It’s all her uncle’s fault. For years Charlotte Withersby has been free to pursue her love of plants and flowers by assisting her botanist father. But now that she’s reached the old age of twenty-two, an intrusive uncle has convinced her father that Charlotte’s future–the only proper future for a woman–is to be a wife and mother, not a scholar.

Her father is so dependent on her assistance that Charlotte believes he’ll soon change his mind…and then Edward Trimble shows up. A long-time botany correspondent in the South Pacific, Trimble arrives ready to step in as assistant so that Charlotte can step out into proper society–a world that baffles her with its unwritten rules, inexplicable expectations, and confounding fashion.

Things aren’t perfectly smooth between Trimble and her father, so Charlotte hatches a last gasp plan. She’ll pretend such an interest in marriage that the thought of losing her will make her father welcome her back. Only things go quickly awry, and she realizes that the one man who recognizes her intelligence is also the person she’s most angry with: Edward Trimble, her supposed rival. Suddenly juggling more suitors than she knows what to do with, Charlotte is caught in a trap of her own making. Will she have no choice but to leave her beloved flowers behind?

Thoughts:

“Victorian-Era England comes alive in this witty romance!”   

Charlotte Withersby, with her unconventional ways and social naiveté, is a most entertaining character! I enjoyed the snappy dialogue and the sparks that flew between Charlotte and Edward Trimble. Although it is full of scientific information, the author moves this delightful story along with humor and wit.

Engaging and well-researched, Like a Flower in Bloom had me smiling the whole way through! I look forward to reading more from this talented author!
 

Siri MitchellSiri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.  

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a speaker and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.

Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.

To learn more about Siri Mitchell and her books, please visit http://sirimitchell.com/.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Bethany House Blogger Reviewer program. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

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Friday Freebie

16 Jan

Love's Reckoning

Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz

FREE today:
Amazon | Christianbook.com

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in York. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege’s daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other’s jealousy destroy their love?

In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man’s choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. Love’s Reckoning is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

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Review: Love Unexpected

15 Jan

Love Unexpected

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

1859
Presque Isle, Michigan

What Is the Secret That Could Shipwreck Both of Their Lives?

All Emma Chambers ever wanted was a home, but when her steamboat sinks just outside Presque Isle, she’s left destitute and with no place to stay.

An unlikely solution arises when the lighthouse keeper arrives in town. He’s just lost his wife and is having a difficult time caring for his child. So a traveling preacher gets the idea that the keeper and Emma might be the answer to each other’s dilemma. After a hasty marriage, she finds herself heading to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger. Nothing in her aimless life, though, has prepared her for parenting a rambunctious toddler, as well as managing a household.

Emma soon suspects Patrick may be hiding something from her, and then she hears a disturbing rumor about the circumstances surrounding his late wife’s death. It seems as if her wish for a home and family of her own could end up leading her once more into turbulent waters.

Thoughts:

Jody Hedlund’s name on a book cover makes it a must read for me! That fact, coupled with a lighthouse keeper storyline, made me giddy with excitement over the release of Book 1 in the Beacons of Hope series, Love Unexpected.

As I began reading Love Unexpected, I was immediately captivated! Jody Hedlund swept me away to Presque Isle, Michigan, and I reveled in the real-life history that was detailed in this compelling story. I loved the characters, broken in their own ways, but made complete in their love for God and each other. Love Unexpected is a dramatic tale of history and romance and one I highly recommend! I can’t wait to read Book 2, Hearts Made Whole!

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | DeeperShopping

 

jody hedlundJody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she’s not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.

She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.

To learn more about Jody Hedlund and her books, please visit
http://jodyhedlund.com/.

 

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

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Review: Dandelion Moon

13 Jan

Dandelion Moon

Dandelion Moon by Hannah Alexander

On Christmas Eve, a woman stumbles through a cemetery, not knowing who or where she is…

On Christmas Eve, Weston Cline frantically searches for the woman he loves, psychiatrist Myra Maxwell. She fled her clinic in the middle of the day, and he’s heard nothing from her since. When he can’t find her in the city, he decides to search in her hometown, where he’s made enemies in the past and must tread lightly.

Will Weston be able to find Myra and help her recover her memories, or will his past sins prevent him from reaching her?

Thoughts:

Dandelion Moon is an engaging tale of suspense and romance!  I enjoyed Book 1, Hallowed Halls, and was eager to read its sequel.  Although this story can stand on its own, I recommend reading the books in order.     

Dandelion Moon grabbed my attention on the very first page and my intrigue grew with each page I turned.  I loved the medical aspects of the story, as Hannah Alexander’s medical expertise is evident and brings the story to life.  I also enjoyed the great characterization, compelling storyline, and palpable emotions.  Dandelion Moon is a great story and a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense and medical drama! 

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Hannah Alexander is the pen name for a husband/wife writing team in which the wife is the novelist and the husband provides medical expertise from his experience of many years as a physician. Their romance has been written up in Charisma Magazine in years past, and can be found at http://www.hannahalexander.com

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.  

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Free eBook- Hope Reborn

12 Jan

Hope Reborn

Hope Reborn by Caryl McAdoo

FREE from 01/11 – 01/15 at Amazon

New York dime novelist May Meriwether decides a heroic Texas Ranger will make a great love interest for her new heroine. Bored to tears and loving adventure, she sets out to the Lone Star State with her constant companion and confidant Chester in tow.

Dreams for a husband and children are relegated to the recesses of her heart, the self-confessed old maid deems it too late. But the near-perfect widower resurrects a smidgen of hope. Only his impenetrable, superstitious religious beliefs stand in the path to her falling head over heels, those and his love for his dead wife. Would there ever be room for her in his heart? And would he give up his fanaticism for God?

An unexpected romance surprises both. Hope is reborn in God’s unfailing love and grace. Can a life built on lies find the Way to confession, forgiveness, and true joy? In a day when the church offers the only stability on the 1850 Texas prairie, these unlikely players find one another and fall in love. But will it be enough?

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Friday Freebie

9 Jan

Into the Whirlwind

Into The Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden

FREE today:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook.com

As owner of the 57th Illinois Watch Company, Mollie Knox’s future looks bright until the night the legendary Great Chicago Fire destroys her beloved city. With her world crumbling around her, Mollie will do whatever it takes to rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating fire.

Zack Kazmarek, an influential attorney for one of Chicago’s finest department stores, is a force to be reckoned with among the city’s most powerful citizens. Bold and shrewd, he’s accustomed to getting exactly what he wants–until he meets Mollie Knox, the beguiling businesswoman just beyond his reach.

In the tumult as the people of Chicago race to rebuild a bigger and better city, Mollie comes face-to-face with the full force of Zack’s character and influence. Zack believes this may finally be his chance to win her, but can Mollie ever accept this man and his whirlwind effect on her life, especially with her treasured company on the line?

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Join the fun TONIGHT!

8 Jan

Celebrate Lynne Gentry’s Return to Exile!
TONIGHT at 7:00 – 8:00 pm CST

Click here to join the Facebook party!

Roman Holiday

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Review + Sale: Murder Tightly Knit

6 Jan

Murder Tightly Knit

Murder Tightly Knit by Vannetta Chapman

In a town where Amish and Englisch mingle every day, a grisly murder leads to mutual suspicion. Can Amber and Hannah find the killer before fear unravels the community . . . or he strikes again?

Even before she heard of Owen Esch’s death, Hannah Troyer knew something was amiss at The Cat’s Meow yarn shop. The store has been closing at odd times, the ever-dependable Mary isn’t always at her post . . . and an Englisch man has been seen loitering around back.

Now, as leaves of brown, gold, and orange blanket Middlebury, Indiana, Owen lies dead on the Pumpkinvine Trail. The only clues to the murderer’s identity point in two very different directions—one of them leading right to The Cat’s Meow.

The police call in a federal investigator, but Hannah and Village manager Amber Bowman are in no mood to wait for them to figure out what they already know—that no one from the Amish Village could have killed Owen Esch.

Amber and Hannah will need to work quickly to solve the murder mystery and bring harmony back to the Amish community.

Thoughts:

Vannetta Chapman has spun quite a yarn with her latest release, Murder Tightly Knit! I loved this delightful tale of mystery, friendship, and romance!

Since reading Murder Simply Brewed, I have been eager to revisit the Amish Artisan Village. These books easily stand alone, but I encourage you to read them in order. In doing so, you will come to know these special characters and understand their stories.

I enjoyed catching up with several favorites, especially Amber Bowman and Hannah Troyer. So much has happened since their last sleuthing escapade and now they’re at it again. “Now they were in the midst of dark waters again. Perhaps, together, they could find their way clear.”

Once again, a murder occurs in the Village and suspicions and suspects abound. I eagerly turned the pages, trying to guess the identity of the murderer, but remained unsure of the culprit until the very end.

Murder Tightly Knit is a charming cozy mystery! I can’t wait to see what Vannetta cooks up in the next book in the series, Murder Freshly Baked!

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook

SALE!  The e-book is only $2.99 until 01/12!

 

Vvc webannetta Chapman writes Fiction Full of Grace. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her first novel, A Simple Amish Christmas, quickly became a bestseller. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.

Connect with Vannetta:
http://vannettachapman.com
https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman
https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

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Sale + FREE Book: Love Blossoms in Oregon series

5 Jan

Several of Miralee Ferrell’s historical romances are on sale!  If you haven’t read the Love Blossoms in Oregon series, now is the perfect time to get started!!

Click the cover images to be taken to the Kindle store.

 

Blowing on Dandelions

Blowing on Dandelions is $0.99!

 

Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not is FREE!

 

Dreaming on Daisies banner

Dreaming on Daisies is $3.03!

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