Archive | March, 2015

Cover Reveal + GIVEAWAY: The Lumberjacks’ Ball

17 Mar

I’m excited to reveal the cover of
Carrie Fancett Pagels’ upcoming release,
The Lumberjacks’ Ball!

Lumberjacks_ Ball cover

The Lumberjacks’ Ball by Carrie Fancett Pagels

A decade after surviving a brutal attack, a mercantile owner’s daughter seeks to begin her life anew in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A gifted craftsman wishes to leave his lumberjack life and seeks employment at her new store. When his presence dredges up memories she wishes to suppress, the new proprietress must learn to face her past. Can affection grow between the cabinetmaker and the proprietress of St. Ignace’s newest business? When complications arise will they overcome adversity in time for The Lumberjack’s Ball?

Available April 2015!

 

Carrie brick headshot pm

Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is an award-winning, and Amazon bestselling author, of Christian historical romance. She served as a psychologist for twenty-five years. Carrie lives in the Tidewater Virginia area with her family. When not writing, researching, blogging and enjoying tea, Carrie beads and reads—not necessarily in that order!

 

 

 Winner’s Choice Giveaway!

Carrie's Cover Collage

Carrie has graciously offered to give away one of her books, winner’s choice, to a lucky Buzzing About Books reader.  Available titles and their formats are listed below. 

 To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment.
Be sure to include your email address!

Carrie Fancett Pagels’ books include: The Fruitcake Challenge, The Lumberjack’s Ball, Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance, God’s Provision in Tough Times, upcoming release Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter (ebook or paperback), A Cup of Christmas Cheer from Guidepost Books (hardcover only), or Family Fiction Anthology of The Story 2014, which includes her award-winning short story “The Quilt Contest” (paperback only).

Paperback copies available to US residents only.  International winners will receive an ebook (if available).  Winners will be chosen at random one week from today’s posting.

 

Blog Hop

Visit these participating blogs for your chance to win!!

Perspectives by Nancee 

Stuff & Nonsense 

Buzzing About Books 

Lane Hill House 

The Sword and Spirit

Overcoming with God

Colonial Quills

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Review: JADED

16 Mar

JADED

JADED by Varina Denman

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


Ruthie Turner resents the Christians in her small Texas town, but when she falls for the new preacher, she must release her bitterness…and learn to love. On the surface, nothing seems to change in this dull town- yet God always works beneath the surface.

Jaded is the rare novel that is both love story between a woman and man … and God and His church. Plunging deep into the waters of shame, forgiveness and restoration, it will resonate with every woman who’s experienced a loss of heart … and a thirst for hope.

 

My thoughts:

Jaded is Varina Denman’s debut novel and the first book in her Mended Hearts series. Set in a small, West Texas town, this story shares the emotional journey of a young woman, Ruthie Turner. Thirteen years after she and her mother were shunned by the local congregation, a new preacher moves to town and stirs old feelings, as well as new ones.

Ruthie’s story is one of hurt and heartache, but also one of healing and forgiveness. Varina Denman deftly expresses her characters’ experiences and emotions in this poignant narrative. The spiritual and romantic threads intertwine to create a unique love story. As the story concludes, several questions linger and leave the reader anxious to continue this series. I enjoyed Jaded and look forward to continuing the story in the sequel, Justified.

 

Varina Denman

Varina Denman is a native Texan who spent her high school years in a small Texas town. Now she lives near Fort Worth with her husband and her five mostly-grown children. Jaded is her debut novel. Look for the sequel, Justified, to be released soon from David C. Cook.

Author Links:
Website | Facebook

 

My thanks to the author for the complimentary digital copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

Tags: , , ,

Friday Freebie + Review

13 Mar

The Sentinels of Andersonville

The Sentinels of Andersonville by Tracy Groot

FREE through 3/14:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Near the end of the Civil War, inhumane conditions at Andersonville Prison caused the deaths of 13,000 Union soldiers in only one year. In this gripping and affecting novel, three young Confederates and an entire town come face-to-face with the prison’s atrocities and will learn the cost of compassion, when withheld and when given.

Sentry Dance Pickett has watched, helpless, for months as conditions in the camp worsen by the day. He knows any mercy will be seen as treason. Southern belle Violet Stiles cannot believe the good folk of Americus would knowingly condone such barbarism, despite the losses they’ve suffered. When her goodwill campaign stirs up accusations of Union sympathies and endangers her family, however, she realizes she must tread carefully. Confederate corporal Emery Jones didn’t expect to find camaraderie with the Union prisoner he escorted to Andersonville. But the soldier’s wit and integrity strike a chord in Emery. How could this man be an enemy? Emery vows that their unlikely friendship will survive the war—little knowing what that promise will cost him.

As these three young Rebels cross paths, Emery leads Dance and Violet to a daring act that could hang them for treason. Wrestling with God’s harsh truth, they must decide, once and for all, Who is my neighbor?

 

My thoughts:

Tracy Groot shares the stark reality of life and death in Andersonville Prison during the Civil War. Brimming with historical details, this story and its characters lingered in my mind long after the last page had been turned. Well-researched and beautifully written, The Sentinels of Andersonville is a poignant novel and a recommended read for fans of historical fiction. I loved this novel and look forward to reading more from Tracy Groot!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

Tags: , , , , , ,

The winner is…

11 Mar

Hidden Agenda

Caryl Kane

Congratulations, Caryl!  You’ve won a copy of HIDDEN AGENDA!

Thank you all for visiting and participating in the giveaway!

Tags: , ,

Review: How to Catch a Prince + Royal Giveaway

10 Mar

How to Catch a Prince

How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1BD8DVo

 

She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?

American heiress Corina Del Rey’s life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she’s shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.

But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.  When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen’s pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?

Yet, true love has a destiny all its own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must choose to answer the call of love on their hearts.  Or let it be lost forever?

Thoughts:

How to Catch a Prince is the third book in Rachel Hauck’s Royal Wedding series.  I loved the first two books in the series and was eager to read Prince Stephen’s story.  While this book easily stands on its own, reading the other books in the series will certainly add to the enjoyment of this story.

How to Catch a Prince is a bit different from the first two books in the Royal Wedding series.  This storyline, while equally enchanting, delves deeper and explores several challenging topics.  Love, forgiveness, and redemption are just a few of the threads that are woven together to create this beautiful story.  “Love well” is another thought-provoking theme in the story and one I believe will resonate with many readers.

Corina Del Rey and Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom are endearing characters and their story, with its unique circumstances, is full of emotion, as secrets, regrets, and heartache plague their path.  I loved their spiritual journeys and delighted in their romance!

How to Catch a Prince is a magical tale and a wonderful addition to the Royal Wedding series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity.  All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhauck

An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever? Find out in Rachel Hauck’s new book, How to Catch a Prince. True love has a destiny all its own. With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?

Enter to win a “royal” prize pack! 

catchaprince-400

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A royal-themed Brighton charm bracelet
  • 2 tickets to see the new Cinderella movie
  • The Royal Wedding series (Once Upon a Prince, Princess Ever After, and How to Catch a Prince)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on Rachel’s blog.

catchaprince-enterbanner

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

 

Rachel HauckRachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as The Wedding Dress, Love Starts with Elle, and Once Upon A Prince. She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, Softly and Tenderly, one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.

Find Rachel online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Review: Untraceable

9 Mar

Untraceable

Untraceable by Elizabeth Goddard

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

On a daring mission, search-and-rescue specialist Heidi Warren and her team step onto an icy Alaskan mountaintop. . .and right into a trap. A stranded gang of thieves holds them at gunpoint, forcing them to serve as guides along the treacherous path. Menaced on all sides by dangerous weather, deadly terrain and murderous criminals, Heidi desperately needs someone to trust. But her rescue partner, Isaiah Callahan, is keeping secrets from her. Secrets that ended their chance at a relationship before it could even begin. Yet her survival depends on finding a way to trust Isaiah when a blizzard starts closing in and her options start running out.

Thoughts:

“In the Alaskan wilderness, love and danger collide.”

Elizabeth Goddard delivers another nail-biting suspense in the Mountain Cove series!  In the Alaskan mountains, a group of criminals needs rescuing and forces the search and rescue specialists to guide them across the frozen terrain.  Can these volunteers navigate their way to safety before a blizzard closes in? 

Untraceable offers a unique search-and-rescue storyline and I enjoyed the elements of good versus evil.  I also enjoyed the spiritual thread that runs through the story, as well as the romantic undercurrent.  Untraceable is an exciting story and I look forward to reading more of the Mountain Cove series! 

 

highresgoddard-HR-2-2-e1382722351811

Elizabeth Goddard is an award-winning author of eighteen romance and romantic suspense novels, including the romantic mystery, The Camera Never Lies—winner of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011. After acquiring her computer science degree, she worked at a software firm before eventually retiring to raise her four children and become a professional writer. A member of several writing organizations, she judges numerous contests and mentors new writers. In addition to writing, she home schools her children and serves with her husband in ministry.

To learn more about Elizabeth and her books, visit her website at http://elizabethgoddard.com.  While you’re there, be sure and sign up for her quarterly newsletter so you won’t miss any exciting news!

 

My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received. 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Image

Don’t Forget!

7 Mar
Spring Forward

Friday Freebies

6 Mar

Three Little Words

Three Little Words by Melissa Tagg

Link:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Ava Kingsley and Seth Walker might be the most unlikely friends ever. The only thing these two polar opposites have in common is a knack for wordsmithing. Back in college, they were known for their written sparring in the campus newspaper’s popular “He Says/She Says” column.

At their ten-year college reunion, they pick up right where they left off. Except this time their squabbling leads to a surprising turn: friendship and a year-long exchange of emails. So when Ava approaches a crossroads in her athletics department career in Minnesota, Seth is quick to offer the open apartment above the restaurant he’s been remodeling in Maple Valley, Iowa.

Ava doesn’t know where her career will lead her next, but she’s starting to suspect she might see Seth as more than a pen pal. Which would be exciting…except for the fact that he only sees her as a friend.

As Maple Valley grows on her, Ava wonders if there might be something here for her even though Seth is unavailable. And maybe, just maybe, after all the words the two of them have exchanged over the years, they’ll finally be able to say the three that matter most.

Three Little Words is an e-only novella that gives an exciting introduction to Melissa Tagg’s new series about the charismatic Walker family and the endearing town of Maple Valley!

 

Callie

Callie by Sharon Srock

Link:
Amazon

A baby is dead and Callie Stillman blames herself. Haunted by memories of a tiny coffin, Callie can’t understand how God could expect her to put her heart on the line a second time. But the evasive little girl attending her Sunday School class is so obviously in trouble that Callie finds her resolve cracking.

Iris and Samantha Evans are living on borrowed time. Deserted, orphaned, betrayed, and deceived, they need rescuing in the worst way.

Steve Evans had his life changed by God. A reformed drug addict, he’s searching for the family he abandoned ten years ago and praying for a miracle.

The road to healing is rocky. But as Callie confronts her worst fears by bringing father and daughters together in a risky bid for reconciliation, she realizes that the Evans family aren’t the only ones God wants to rescue from a tortured past.

 

How Sweet the Sound

How Sweet the Sound by Amy Sorrells

Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

A Southern Novel of Second Chances

From a distance, the Harlans appear to be the perfect Southern family. Wealth and local fame mask the drama and dysfunction swirling through their family line. But as the summer heats up, a flood tide of long hidden secrets surface.

Devastation from a rape followed by the murder of two family members brings three generations of the Harlans together on their pecan plantation in Bay Spring, Alabama. Chief among them is Anniston, who by the time she turned thirteen thought she’d seen it all. But as her heart awakens to the possibility of love, she begins to deal with her loneliness and grief.

This tender coming-of-age tale, inspired by the story of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13, shows how true healing and hope comes only from God. Though our earthly family can wound and disappoint, our heavenly Father brings freedom to those long held captive through His mercy and grace.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Review: Paper Hearts

4 Mar

Paper Hearts

Paper Hearts by Courtney Walsh

Abigail Pressman would never have guessed that love notes penned on paper hearts by an anonymous couple could restore her belief in love. As a business owner in a quaint town at the base of the Rockies, she’s poured everything into dreams of expansion . . . and resisting the matchmaking efforts of the Valentine Volunteers, who gather in her store to continue Loves Park’s tradition of stamping mail with the city’s romantic postmark.

When Abigail is unwillingly drafted into the Volunteers, she encounters the paper hearts, a distraction that couldn’t come at a worse time. A hard-to-read doctor has become Abigail’s new landlord, and he’s threatening to end her lease to expand his practice.

As she fights a growing attraction to this handsome man crushing her dreams, Abigail is inspired to string the hearts in her store, sparking a citywide infatuation with the artsy trend. But when a new batch of hearts reaches the Volunteers, it appears something tragic has happened to the couple. Will uncovering their story confirm Abigail’s doubts about love, or could it rescue her dreams . . . and her heart?

Thoughts:

I was immediately drawn to this book and knew it would be a story I would love. The adorable cover captured my attention first and then I watched the book trailer and it sealed the deal. Love it! I knew Paper Hearts was a must-read for me and I wasn’t disappointed.

Paper Hearts is a heartwarming story and a sigh-worthy romance! I loved the charm of the small town of Loves Park, Colorado, and its colorful residents. I also enjoyed the Valentine Volunteers and their matchmaking efforts. With endearing characters, an enchanting storyline, and a lovely Valentine tradition, Paper Hearts captured my heart and left me grinning from ear to ear! I highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance and can’t wait to read more from Courtney Walsh.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

 

Watch this adorable book trailer that Courtney and her husband Adam created and starred in! 

 

Tags: , , , , ,

FREE e-Book + Series Sale

3 Mar

Blowing on Dandelions

Blowing on Dandelions by Miralee Ferrell

FREE today and tomorrow!
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Blowing on Dandelions is the first book in Miralee Ferrell’s Love Blossoms in Oregon series.  The other books in the series are also on sale right now.  All four e-books can be purchased for under $10.00.  It’s the perfect time to enjoy this wonderful series!

Tags: , , , , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →