Bethany House Publishers is celebrating the release of two amazing books, From the Start and Together with You! Click the image below to enter to win one of two fantastic prize packages being given away!
Archive | April, 2015
Review: From the Start
9 Apr
From the Start by Melissa Tagg
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping
Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn’t kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays…until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.
Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend’s hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he’s lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he’s never really done normal before.
While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it’s like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. Starting over wasn’t part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that’s ever happened to them?
My thoughts:
I adored this book! A few of the things I especially loved were the charming setting of Maple Valley, the endearing characters, the witty dialogue, and the inspirational thread. Melissa Tagg writes with such heart and her stories sparkle with her signature humor and wit! The Walker family is destined to be one of my favorite fictional families, right up there with Susan May Warren’s Christiansen family.
From the Start is a heartfelt romance and the beginning of what is sure to be an award-winning series. It certainly won my heart and left me begging for the next book in the Walker Family series!
A complimentary copy of From the Start was provided to me by the publisher. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest opinion.
Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she’s also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever (not that she’s biased), watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next story. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings.
Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at http://www.melissatagg.com.
Review: Tried and True
8 Apr
Tried & True by Mary Connealy
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!
Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister–and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It’s a risk–they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as “boys”–but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.
Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?
Thoughts:
I loved this fun story! Mary Connealy is a master of humor and western romance! From the spunky characters to the drama, danger, and romance, Tried & True is pure delight. I devoured this book and am eager to get my hands on the next one!
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.
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy…with cowboys.
http://www.maryconnealy.com
She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.
The winner is…
8 Apr
craftybooksheeps
Congratulations! You’ve won a copy of Sword of Forgiveness!
Thank you all for visiting and participating in this giveaway!
Review: Enough Already + Getaway Giveaway
7 Apr
Enough Already by Barbara Roose
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Eqr5Tw
Recognize your own outer and inner beauty as defined by God, not the media or others.
Most women know that God loves them, but might he love them more if they finally lost that last ten pounds, or got their hair to lay right, or finally found a pair of jeans that looked good and let them breathe? Well, maybe God doesn’t care about jeans, but women do, and all the talk about inner beauty hasn’t kept all of us from staring into a mirror and taking an inventory that never quite measures up. Enough Already will:
-Elevate the soul-freeing, spiritual truth that God is the Creator of beauty and that women are called to appreciate and care for themselves as his own.
-Enable women to accept God-given beauty so that when they look in the mirror they see his handiwork, not their flaws.
-Equip women to win the ugly struggle with beauty once and for all.
My thoughts:
“Enough Already addresses the origins of our ugly struggle with beauty as well as how to equip ourselves to win the battle.”
In this book, Barbara Roose encourages women to recognize and embrace their God-given beauty. Each of its twenty chapters contains a wealth of information and encouragement. The author shares her personal beauty stories and struggles, as well as those from other women she has surveyed. Scriptures and biblical teachings are also shared and each chapter concludes with questions for group discussion and personal reflection.
Barbara Roose writes with openness and honesty as she offers advice on how to win your “ugly struggle with beauty.” I enjoyed her message and appreciate the opportunity to read and review Enough Already.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/broose
Learn how to recognize your own outer and inner beauty as defined by God, not the media or others, in Barbara Roose‘s new book, Enough Already. What would it take for you to believe you are enough already? Most women know God loves them, but might he love them more if they finally lost that last ten pounds, or got their hair to lay right, or finally found a pair of jeans that looked good and let them breathe? Well, maybe God doesn’t care about jeans, but women do, and all the talk about inner beauty hasn’t kept all of us from staring into a mirror and taking an inventory that never quite measures up.
Barbara is celebrating the release with a giveaway! One reader will receive a cash card and writing supplies for her own inner-beauty weekend getaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A $75 cash card for your own inner-beauty weekend getaway
- A notepad/pencil set for your inner-beauty quiet time
- A copy of Enough Already
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 12th. Winner will be announced April 13th on Barbara’s blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
Barbara Roose is an African-American, wife, mother, and pastor with a passion for creatively communicating God’s truths in a manner that is relevant and easy for people to apply to their lives. In February 2002, she joined the staff at Cedar Creek Church in Perrysburg, Ohio. Currently, she is the Directional Leader and Pastor of Spiritual Formation. For the past eight years, she has had the privilege to serve as periodic teaching pastor to 10,000 (average) weekly attendees. Since 2010, she has spoken at various women’s conferences in the U.S. and Honduras. In October 2012, she was a guest speaker for best-selling author and former Women of Faith speaker, Nicole Johnson’s Seasons Weekend Experience. Barbara and her husband, Matt, have been married 21 years and live in Toledo, Ohio.
Blog Tour: Raising the Stakes + 2 GIVEAWAYS
6 Apr
This blog tour is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The Raising the Stakes blog tour runs April 1-7, and you can view the complete tour schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours.
Raising the Stakes
by Karen Rock
Genre: Adult
Age category: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 1 April, 2015
Blurb:
Hiding from the world…Tucking herself away in the Adirondack woods was supposed to keep Vivienne Harris safe. From dark memories of the Bronx, from danger, from entanglements. But when an orphaned bear cub raids her pantry and conservation officer Liam Walsh appears with news of poachers nearby, her private, peaceful world is turned upside down!
Suddenly two forces are drawing her out—Button, the cub who needs her help, and Liam, the man who’s dead set against her rehabilitating the bear. If she can just win Liam’s support, Vivie knows she can give Button a good life. And maybe find the courage to embrace a future with Liam…
You can find Raising the Stakes on Goodreads.
You can buy Raising the Stakes here:
– Amazon
– Barnes & Noble
– Kobo
– Harlequin
My thoughts:
Raising the Stakes is a sweet story that tugged at my heartstrings! Vivienne Harris and Liam Walsh are strong, independent characters, yet they both struggle with emotional scars of the past. Brought together by an orphaned bear cub, Vivie and Liam find themselves at odds with each other and the sparks begin to fly.
I really enjoyed this unique story and was captivated by the drama that unfolded. I especially loved the emotional ending that had me laughing and crying. Raising the Stakes is a delightful, heartwarming tale, and I look forward to reading more from Karen Rock!
I received a complimentary copy of Raising the Stakes through Lola’s Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
Excerpt:
He lifted her chin with a gentle finger and gazed down at her. “You’re always safe with me.”
For some odd reason, her eyes welled and a tear clung to her lashes.
He brushed the wetness away with his thumb, his hands lingering and cupping her face.
“I’m never safe,” she whispered, her voice so low he had to bend closer to hear.
“I’ll protect you,” he found himself saying, a gallant and reckless offer considering his planned move. Still, a fierce urge to reassure her filled him. A need to kiss her full lips followed.
He captured them with his own, tasting berries, and something sweeter still. He buried his hands in her silky hair and brought her close, an insatiable hunger taking hold. The wildflower smell of her enveloped him and her mouth tantalized his. He nibbled on her lower lip, loving her soft exclamation of pleasure. Or was it surprise? She was early spring sunshine, a spring-fed pond, a mountain peak and everything that’d ever made him glad to be alive.
Without warning, she jerked away and sprang to her feet, backing away until her legs brushed the bushes.
“What’s wrong?”
Her face had lost all color and she looked as if she might faint. She shook her head, her hand rising to cover her mouth.
Regret snuffed out his elation. He shouldn’t have moved so fast. Or at all, darn it. “Did I offend you? I’m sorry. Blame it on a beautiful day. A lonely bachelor. A stupid one.”
Button appeared at Vivie’s feet. She stretched up on her hind legs, put her paws on Vivie’s sides and pressed her face against her caregiver’s stomach. If Button wasn’t a wild animal, he’d think the young bear sensed Vivie’s mood. Was trying to console her. He’d comfort Vivie, too, if she didn’t seem ready to bolt.
“I’m an idiot, Vivie.” He got to his feet, feeling like a consummate jerk for kissing her without any signs she’d welcome it. But for a moment, when she’d kissed him back, it’d seemed as though…
He shook his head. Women had the final say when it came to what they wanted. He should have been more sensitive. Not given in to impulses. “Please. It won’t happen again.” And he meant it. She was upset. Had a right to be. If he had any sense, he’d know kissing her was wrong for him, as well. Soon he’d be across the country. His attraction to Vivie was irrational.
“Vivie, talk to me.”
She stumbled away, Button stuck by her side, the cub’s turtle dangling from her mouth.
He ducked in front of her, unwilling to let the moment end badly. “What can I do?”
She wiped her nose and met his gaze. “Just stay away.” Without another word, she returned to the trail.
It took all of his willpower not to chase after her. He’d follow at a distance instead, staying far enough behind to ensure she got home safely. But it wasn’t enough. He wanted things back to normal again. If that was possible.
Strange that she’d said the same words he repeated to himself whenever Vivie came to mind—stay away.
Yet the more time he spent with her, the harder that became. His emotions for this complicated woman deepened every day. He could deny it all he wanted, but he cared about her.
The job in Yellowstone came to mind. He wouldn’t put off his decision any longer. As soon as he got home, he’d let them know. Escape before his feelings lashed him down forever.
Vivie was right.
Except when it came to Button, he’d stay away.
About the Author:
Karen Rock is an award-winning YA and adult contemporary romance author. She holds a master’s degree in English and worked as an ELA instructor before becoming a full-time writer. Currently she writes for Harlequin Heartwarming and her first novel for the line, WISH ME TOMORROW, has won the 2014 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2014 Golden Quill Contest and a finalist in the Published Maggie Awards. The first novel in her co-authored YA series, CAMP BOYFRIEND, has been a finalist in the Booksellers Best and Golden Leaf awards.
You can find and contact Karen here:
– Website
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Goodreads
– Tumblr
– Quarterly Newsletter
– Amazon Author Page
Tour GIVEAWAY!
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Raising the Stakes. These are the prizes you can win:
– a 100$ Amazon gift card (INT)
– a set of signed paperbacks of Wish Me Tomorrow, His Hometown Girl, Someone Like You and A League of Her Own (US only)
For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blog GIVEAWAY!
In addition to the tour-wide giveaway, one copy of Raising the Stakes is being given away to a lucky Buzzing About Books reader, winner’s choice of e-copy or paperback (US) or an e-copy (INT).
To enter to win a copy of this delightful tale, please leave a comment below. To earn additional entries, you may do the following:
◦ Follow this blog, Buzzing About Books, or let me know if you are already a follower
◦ Share this giveaway through Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or email
Be sure to include your email address and let me know what you have done to earn additional entries! This giveaway ends Monday, April 13 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
Friday Freebies
3 Apr
The Rose Legacy by Kristen Heitzmann
Driven by hope and vengeance, Carina Maria DiGratia leaves her idyllic home in Sonoma, California, for a new life in the mining town of Crystal, Colorado. Though the town has a rough element, Carina is determined that it is the place her dreams will come true. Early on, two men vie for her trust, but neither is what he seems. Will Carina discern the truth in time to prevent tragedy?
In Between by Jenny B. Jones
Can we overcome our past?
Katie Parker is about to get a new life—whether she wants one or not. With her mom in prison, and her father AWOL, Katie is sent to live with a squeaky-clean family who could have their own sitcom. She launches a full-scale plan to get sent back to the girls’ home when she finds herself in over her head…and heart. When Katie and her new “wrong crowd” get into significant trouble at school, she finds her punishment is restoring a historic theater with a crazy grandma who goes by the name of Mad Maxine. In the midst of her punishment, Katie uncovers family secrets that run deep, and realizes she’s not the only one with a pain-filled past. Katie must decide if she’ll continue her own family’s messed up legacy or embrace a new beginning in this place called In Between.
Kissed by a Cowboy / Out of the Flames
A Redbud Press collection
by Lacy Williams & Cheryl Wyatt
Kissed by a Cowboy by USA Today bestselling author Lacy Williams, a sweet inspirational romance
Just shy of her thirtieth birthday, Haley Carston returns to Redbud Trails, Oklahoma, to care for her dying aunt. She thinks she’s ready for this homecoming. She’s spent years escaping her perpetual shyness and being Katie Michaels’ tag-along friend, but being back in her hometown brings back a lot of old memories, especially when she is faced with the cowboy she never forgot—Katie’s older brother, Maddox.
Twelve years ago, Maddox Michaels was supposed to be somebody. He had everything. A football scholarship. A Division I team scouting him. Maybe even a chance at the pros. Now, he’s a burned-out cowboy working day and night to stay ahead of his brother’s medical bills and keep their family farm from going bankrupt. And trying to be a father-figure for his niece, Olivia.
When Haley and Olivia start spending time together, Maddox can’t help remembering those dreams that died alongside his sister. Will being with Haley open his heart to new dreams?
USA Today bestselling author Cheryl Wyatt introduces a new series, Haven Bay Heroes, with this contemporary romance novella:
Coast Guard fire chief Scotty Cohen learned his lesson when one careless moment on the job cost his best friend his life. So he heads for Haven Bay, Florida, ready to start again. And this time? No distractions allowed.
Enter conservationist Lilah McLaughlin—that woman is one major distraction. How is he supposed to ignore her when the marine wildlife rescue center is right next door to the Coast Guard facility—and when she proceeds to break down every wall he’s put up?
Then the unthinkable happens, and Scotty must decide: give up Lilah or give up his calling. Whatever choice he makes means he’ll get burned all over again…
Georgia on her Mind by Rachel Hauck
On a sunny Monday morning, Macy Moore was on the fast track to success. By noon, all of her dreams were derailed.
Macy Moore skedaddled from her hometown of Beauty, Georgia to Florida in order to make her own way in the world. Successful and happy, she couldn’t be more proud of her corporate executive job, her just-perfect boyfriend and her beach side condo. But it all falls apart when reads the first email of the day. She’s demoted to the lowest rung on the corporate ladder . . . and dumped! She goes from being “someone” to a being “nobody,” all on the eve of returning home to emcee her high school reunion.
Thank goodness for the “Single Saved Sisters.” With loyal friends Lucy, Adriane and Tamara by her side, Macy retreats to the House of Joe for coffee, consolation and heart-to-heart consultation. Can they help her put her life back together? Yet it’s when her former heartthrob, Dylan, shows up on her doorstep, that Macy begins to realize that leaving Beauty, Georgia took her away from everything in life she really loved.
Review: Halo Found Hope + Kindle Giveaway
2 Apr
Halo Found Hope by Helo Matzell
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1EkIiLh
Machines beeping, the blur of medical staff running, a crash cart whizzing into an ICU room—was there any hope?
A young woman lay, packed in ice, as doctors attempted to somehow stop the swelling in her brain that threatened to take her life… and her family waited.
Six days turned into eight weeks. She awoke to discover that she was not the same. She saw two of everything, couldn’t feel half of her face, couldn’t hear from one ear, and could not speak. She couldn’t even tell anyone that she felt hopeless… or could she?
An exceptional ENT, a brilliant neurosurgeon and a dedicated medical team tackle the tumor, setting off a series of unbelievable miracles. Helo’s story is not one of survival, or of salvaging a life through a broken body. It is not about endurance through pain, but victory because of it. While the family heard her silence, God heard her prayer.
My thoughts:
“Halo Found Hope is the story of a beautiful, busy wife and mother of three whose life changes instantly with the diagnosis of a rare brain tumor.”
In this inspiring book, Heloise Matzelle shares her journey, from her brain tumor diagnosis to her recovery. What an amazing story of hope and faith!
I found myself captivated by Helo’s life and her story. From the first mention of brain tumor, through the myriad of complications, and through her arduous recovery, Helo’s faith remained strong and unwavering. Yes, she was filled with questions, fear, and uncertainty, but through it all she relied on her faith in God to give her strength. Knowing that no matter the outcome, He would carry her and her family through this life-threatening situation. I was touched by Helo’s candidness and moved by her emotional story!
I appreciate the opportunity to read Halo Found Hope and share my honest opinion. I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity.
Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/hmatzelle
This story of hope and faith in the midst of great physical and medical adversity is sure to encourage you in your faith. Helo Matzelle’s Halo Found Hope is a must-read. Machines beeping, the blur of medical staff running, a crash cart whizzing into an ICU room—was there any hope? Halo Found Hope is the story of a beautiful, busy wife and mother of three whose life changes instantly with the diagnosis of a rare brain tumor.
Halo is offering a Kindle Fire to one lucky reader to celebrate the release of Halo Found Hope!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Halo Found Hope
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 3rd. Winner will be announced April 4th on the Litfuse blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
Helouise “Halo” Matzelle led a charmed life until receiving a shocking diagnosis in 2011 of a rare brain tumor sitting over the main artery in her brain. Matzelle’s passion is helping those who face various challenges and afflictions discover where true hope is found. She resides in Redmond, WA, with her husband and their three children.
Review: Sword of Forgiveness + Giveaway
1 Apr
Sword of Forgiveness by Debbie Lynne Costello
Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1DpblQG
After the death of her cruel father, Brithwin is determined never again to live under the harsh rule of any man. Independent and resourceful, she longs to be left alone to manage her father’s estate. But she soon discovers a woman has few choices when the king decrees she is to marry Royce, the Lord of Rosencraig. As if the unwelcome marriage isn’t enough, her new husband accuses her of murdering his family, and she is faced with a challenge of either proving her innocence or facing possible execution.
Royce returns home after setting down a rebellion to find his family brutally murdered. When all fingers point to his betrothed and attempts are made on his life, Royce must wade through murky waters to uncover the truth. Yet Brithwin’s wise and kind nature begin to break down the walls of his heart, and he soon finds himself in a race to discover who is behind the evil plot before Brithwin is the next victim.
My thoughts:
What a spectacular debut novel! Debbie Lynne Costello wowed me with this medieval romance! Opening the pages of this story was like stepping back in time and I found myself riveted by the drama that unfolded. Excellent characterization, rich historical details, and a stirring romance are just a few of the elements that bring this compelling story to life. As I read, the vivid images danced across my mind, as if playing on a movie screen. What an exciting movie this would be!
Sword of Forgiveness is a fantastic novel, one I loved and highly recommend! I can’t wait to read more from this immensely talented author!
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.
Debbie Lynne Costello has enjoyed writing stories since she was about eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina. She has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children’s Director. Debbie Lynne has shown and raised Shetland Sheepdogs for eighteen years and still enjoys litters now and then. In their spare time, she and her husband take pleasure in camping and riding their Arabian and Tennessee Walking horses.
Connect with Debbie:
https://www.facebook.com/debbielynnecostello
https://twitter.com/DebiLynCostello
https://www.pinterest.com/debbielynne1/
http://www.debbielynnecostello.com
http://www.theswordandspirit.blogspot.com
http://www.hhhistory.com
Visit Monday’s post to enter the Sword of Forgiveness giveaway!
Buzzing About Books 