Archive | May, 2015

Friday Fun + Freebies

29 May

thank you

Last Friday’s fun included a YouTube video of my mother and I singing in Robin Lee Hatcher’s Kickin’ Karaoke Contest and a plea for your vote.  Well, I am excited to report that WE WON!!  Thank you all so much for your kind words and your support!  We had fun making our video and are still laughing about it!  🙂

 

 

A Horse for Kate

A Horse for Kate by Miralee Ferrell

AmazonBarnes and Noble 

A horse of her own would be awesome. But Kate figures that might be a long way away, especially since she had to give up riding lessons and move to her late grandfather’s farm. Besides, it would be a lot more fun to have a best friend to ride with. When Kate discovers a barn on their new farm that’s perfect for a horse, and a dusty bridle too, she starts to think that her dream might come true. Then she meets Tori at school, who is totally the best. So when they discover a thoroughbred that appears to be all alone, could it be the answer to her prayers? Maybe. If she can convince her dad … and figure out what’s going on with that horse.

 

Texas Roads

Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Dani Davis just wants a place to call home. With lovable-but-quirky town folks, quaint country charm, and loads of business potential, Miller’s Creek, Texas seems like the perfect place to start over…except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town. She secretly finances renovations to the downtown area until malicious rumors and a devastating discovery propel her down a road she never expected to travel.

Steve Miller is determined to rescue his dying hometown. When vandals jeopardize the renovation, he can’t help but suspect Dani, whose strange behavior has become fodder for local gossips. Can Steve and Dani call a truce for a higher cause, and in the process help Dani recognize the true meaning of home?

 

Greater than Rubies

Greater Than Rubies by Hallee Bridgeman

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

From his cultured handsome looks to his vast fortune, Antonio “Tony” Viscolli is every girl’s dream. Robin comes from a blistering past, struggling for survival in a cold, cruel world. Robin never had a chance to dream of a white wedding gown or a prince charming. Instead, her dreams were nightmares — dark and clouded with fear and desperation. By the time Tony thaws her heart, she has known hunger, poverty, violence, and want.

For months, Tony courted the blond beauty with the sapphire eyes. He showered with attention, respect, and charm and covered her in diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Finally, Robin came to understand God’s love for her as imitated by the unconditional love Tony freely offered. On a sunny Florida beach, Tony proposed.

Back in bitter cold Boston, doubts about becoming a billionaire’s bride begin to burden her hopes for happiness. Robin struggles to cope with the never-ending details of the shower, ceremony, reception, and honeymoon; the prospects of changing her name and relocating; and the very public image she must suddenly adopt; all while dealing with her father’s very serious legal problems.

As the date draws inexorably near and the pressure mounts, Robin questions whether she is truly the woman God has made for him. Is she the girl of his dreams? His vast material wealth begins to overwhelm her. Nightmares from a forgotten past return in full force, reminding Robin of an even deeper and more terrifying prospect. Will she give in to her insecurities and cancel Boston’s “Royal Wedding” for good? Or, with God’s guidance, can Tony sacrifice everything to prove to his beloved Robin her true worth

Inspired by the Critically Acclaimed Christian Anthology – The Jewel Trilogy — Greater Than Rubies takes place immediately after book 1 and before book 2.

Review: The Proposal at Siesta Key + 5 Book Giveaway

28 May

The Proposal at Siesta Key

The Proposal at Siesta Key by Shelley Shepard Gray
Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1AvyvUr

A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.

But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.

Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.

But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael’s time in Pinecraft will be over and he’ll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?

 

Quote (1)- The Proposal at Siesta Key

My thoughts:

Since reading The Promise of Palm Grove, I have been eager to return to the heart of Sarasota, Florida.  In the second book in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, Shelley Shepard Gray invites readers back to the small Amish community of Pinecraft and the quaint Orange Blossom Inn.  New primary characters are introduced, and familiar favorites are enjoyed in the secondary story line.  

The Proposal at Siesta Key charmed me from the first page until the last!  The story boasts vivid imagery, endearing characters, a unique story line, and a tender romance.  I enjoyed The Proposal at Siesta Key and can’t wait to read the next book in this delightful series!

P.S. Don’t miss the great bonus material that is included in the back of the book.  In addition to an author’s note and discussion guide, readers can enjoy a Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe, Shelley’s top five must-see spots in Pinecraft, scenes from Pinecraft, and a sneak peek of the next book, A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn.  

I received a complimentary copy of The Proposal at Siesta Key through Litfuse Publicity.  I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and share my honest opinion. 

Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray

Don’t miss Shelley Shepard Gray’s newest series, Amish Brides of Pinecraft, and the second book in the series, The Proposal at Siesta Key! “Shelley Shepard Gray brings readers into the Amish world with style and grace,” says Romantic Times Bookclub. Penny’s time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?

Click the image below to enter to win a copy of The Proposal at Siesta Key—five winners will be chosen! The winners will be announced June 15 on Shelley’s blog!

Proposal Siesta Key Shelley Shepard Gray

 

Shelley S Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Review: In Firefly Valley

27 May

In Firefly Valley

In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot

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

Marisa St. George is devastated when she is a victim of downsizing and has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it’s a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow’s End resort. The only silver lining is Blake Kendall, a new guest who is making her believe in love at first sight. But will her dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers who he really is?

 

Thoughts:

In this second book in the Texas Crossroads series, Amanda Cabot takes readers back to the Texas Hill Country and the Rainbow’s End resort.  Although I have not read Book 1, At Bluebonnet Lake, I was easily able to enjoy this story, as plenty of details are given in regard to the plot of the first book.

In Firefly Valley is a heartfelt story of learning to forgive and learning to love!  With a cast of delightful characters, the gentle pace of the story matches the pace of life in its small town setting.  When life takes an unexpected turn for Marisa St. George, she returns to her hometown of Dupree, Texas.  “She’s lost her dream job, but has she found the man of her dreams?”

I enjoyed Marisa and Blake’s story and their journey of forgiveness and love.  I also enjoyed the secondary story lines and look forward to spending more time at Rainbow’s End.  The next Texas Crossroads novel, On Lone Star Trail, is scheduled to release next spring.   

I received a complimentary copy of In Firefly Valley from the publisher.  I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and share my honest opinion.

 

Amanda CabotWith both parents avid readers, it’s no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction, which included a play for her fifth grade class entitled “All About Thermometers,” were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she’s sold more than thirty novels under a variety of pseudonyms. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and – of course – reading.

To learn more about Amanda and her writing, please visit her website.

I need YOUR vote! | Friday Fun + Giveaway

22 May

We interrupt the usual Friday Freebie post to bring you some Friday Fun!

I never thought I’d be singing into a hammer on YouTube, but I am and I need YOUR vote!  My mother and I are having some fun in Robin Lee Hatcher’s Kickin’ Karaoke Contest

Please check out our duet and vote by clicking the THUMBS UP (upper right corner) if you like it!  Voting ends May 26th. 

Listen, laugh, and LIKE!! 

 

 
Whenever-You-Come-AroundReal-life romance meets fictional romance in Robin Lee Hatcher’s new book, Whenever You Come Around. Being back in Kings Meadow dredges up a painful secret, and old fears threaten to overwhelm Charity. But after Charity’s dog causes an accident that leaves Charity’s former high school classmate Buck injured, Charity has little choice but to render aid while he recuperates. Soon Buck becomes the inspiration for Charity’s hero, both on the page and off. Can he also help her face and overcome her fears so they might find their own happily ever after?

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

 

RHatcher-179

Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.

Find out more about Robin Lee at http://robinleehatcher.com.

 

whenever you come around-400

Enter today by clicking the icon above. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 26th. Winner will be announced May 27th on Robin’s blog.

Review: A Heart’s Danger | Perfect Pairing Giveaway

21 May

A Heart's Danger

A Heart’s Danger by Colleen Coble

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1G01e4s

On the brink of war with the Sioux, Sarah risks everything to expose the betrayal threatening the man she loves.

Christmas is coming, and the air at Fort Laramie has turned cold . . . but relations with the Sioux have turned colder. As tensions between soldiers and natives approach a tipping point, a trap has been set for Rand Campbell.  Rand’s new fiancée wants to keep him from returning to Sarah Montgomery . . . for whom his heart clearly still yearns.

Sarah just wants to move on with her life at Fort Laramie, but doing so under the watchful eyes of both Campbell—the man whose love she craves—and Croftner—the man whose lies have cost her everything.

Will Rand fall victim to the conspiracy and go through with his wedding? Or will he declare his love for Sarah and make good on the promises that brought her into the rugged western territories?

My thoughts:

A Heart’s Danger is a gripping story!  This third installment of the Journey of the Heart serialization is brimming with drama, intrigue, and danger, as tensions mount and conspiracies abound.  I am really enjoying this serialization and can’t wait to find out what will happen next.  Once again, Colleen Coble has enthralled me and left me anxiously awaiting next month’s release!   

The Journey of the Heart serialization begins with A Heart’s Disguise and includes six installments that will release monthly from March through August. These stories were originally published in two books, Where Leads the Heart and Plains of Promise.

A complimentary copy of A Heart’s Danger was provided to me through Litfuse Publicity. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest opinion.

Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/ccoble

 

Enter to win the perfect pairing giveaway: three books (books one–three in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series) and coffee to pair with your new book!

heartsdanger-400

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of A Heart’s Danger
  • A pound of Colleen’s favorite coffee, Captain Davy’s Coffee Roaster Costa Rican
  • A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
  • A copy of A Heart’s Obsession

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 31st. Winner will be announced June 1st on Colleen’s website.

heartsdanger-enterbanner

 

Colleen Coble

Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble’s addictive brand of romantic suspense.

Find Colleen online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Review: When Grace Sings

18 May

When Grace Sings

When Grace Sings by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1FBvcM5

When trouble roars into quiet Arborville, Alexa and Anna-Grace find themselves the target for discord and exposed secrets. Can they continue to seek the God of all grace amidst the fog of confusion?

Alexa Zimmerman wonders if the Old Order Mennonite community in Arborville, Kansas will ever fully accept her. Her family roots here aren’t what anyone thought when she first arrived, but she is hopeful that her culinary and hospitality skills will win the skeptics over. The bed-and-breakfast she’s operating needs to succeed so Alexa agrees to allow Briley Forrester, the hotshot reporter from Chicago, to stay as a long-term boarder not knowing his real motives for being amongst the Plain folk.

But when Alexa agrees to host her cousin Anna-Grace Braun, the presence of extended family brings out Alexa’s insecurities and sets Briley on the trail to uncovering a web of hidden truths.

Plans for a secure future and the sweetness of young romance hang in the balance when Alexa and Anna-Grace have to face that their secrets are interconnected, binding the two in ways they could not have imagined. They must trust in a loving, heavenly Father and His plan for their futures.

 

Thoughts:

When Grace Sings is another beautiful story by Kim Vogel Sawyer!  The second book in the Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy, this novel continues the emotional story that began in Book 1, When Mercy Rains.  Because of the family history that runs through this trilogy, I recommend reading these books in order. 

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a master storyteller who never fails to captivate me with her stories!  This story, like its predecessor, is told from multiple points of view.  I really enjoy this type of storytelling, as it allows me to truly get to know the characters and also evokes greater emotion as the story unfolds.  I loved reading Alexa’s story and revisiting familiar characters, as well as meeting new ones.  While the conclusion of this story answers some questions, there are others that linger and leave the reader in eager anticipation of the next release.  I enjoyed When Grace Sings and can’t wait to read the final book in this compelling trilogy!

I appreciate the opportunity to read When Grace Sings and offer my honest opinion.  I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity.

Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/ksawyer

 

Kim Vogel SawyerKim Vogel Sawyer is the author of twenty-nine novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women’s fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and nine grandchildren.

Find Kim online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Friday Freebies GALORE!!

15 May

In honor of the RT Booklovers Convention, Bethany House and Revell are offering the following e-books FREE through May 19! 

http://www.bhppromos.com/rtbooklovers.html

RT Promo

Review: No Place to Hide

11 May

No Place To Hide

No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason

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

It’s not every day you see your childhood friend and one-time crush on national news. Jackie Sellers just wishes it were under different circumstances. She can’t believe that Ian Lockwood is wanted in connection with a terrorist plot, and she’s determined to find him and help him clear his name. But she’s not the only one looking. The FBI wants him captured. The bad guys want him dead. Ian just wants to stay alive long enough to save thousands of innocent lives.

Thoughts:

No Place to Hide is an action-packed suspense!  From the first page until the last, Lynette Eason keeps readers on the edge of their seat as Ian Lockwood and Jackie Sellers run for their lives.  I really enjoyed this fast-paced story and its drama and intrigue.  Ian and Jackie are great characters and the romance that subtly develops between them is a nice addition to the exciting storyline. 

Although this is the third book in the Hidden Identity series, No Place to Hide is a stand-alone novel.  I really enjoyed this page-turning suspense and look forward to reading more from this talented author! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and appreciate the opportunity to share my honest opinion.

 

Lynette EasonLynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. Even as a young girl, she knew she wanted her life to reflect the love of Jesus Christ.

After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Business Degree she used for a very short time (sorry Mom and Dad), she moved to Spartanburg, SC to attend Converse College where she obtained her Masters degree in Education. During this time, she met the man she would marry—the boy next door!

She is married to Jack Eason, who speaks, leads worship, and consults ministries around the country. They have two children.

Visit Lynette’s website: http://www.lynetteeason.com/

Friday Freebies

8 May

Deadly Devotion

Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Kate knows the truth is out there–but if she’s right, that means a killer is out there too.

Research scientists Kate Adams and Daisy Leacock were on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy was suddenly found dead. Kate knows that her mentor’s death wasn’t suicide or a careless accident–and she’s determined to do whatever it takes to unearth the truth about what happened to the woman who changed her life.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker is finding it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gave him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom’s just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation into her friend’s death, he knows his job is at stake. But despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate may have something to hide.

As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?

 

Summer of Promise

Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Though she had planned to spend the summer in Vermont, Abigail Harding cannot dismiss her concerns over her older sister. Charlotte’s letters have been uncharacteristically melancholy, and her claims that nothing is wrong ring false, so Abigail heads west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. When her stagecoach is attacked, Wyoming promises to be anything but boring. Luckily, the heroics of another passenger, Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, save the day.

Abigail plans to marry when she returns to Vermont, just as soon as she attends to her sister. As the summer passes, she finds herself drawn to this rugged land and to a certain soldier determined to persuade her to stay. When summer ends, will she go back East, or will she find her heart’s true home?

 

The Parting

The Parting by Beverly Lewis

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

The People themselves dare to challenge the Old Ways of their heritage…and each patriarch must choose a side.

Nearly one hundred days have passed since the untimely death of Nellie Mae Fisher’s beloved younger sister, Suzy, and Nellie dares again to dream of a future with handsome Caleb Yoder. But with rumors about Suzy still flying among the People, there are those who would keep the young courting couple apart…including Caleb’s own father.

Meanwhile, a growing number of Honeybrook’s Amish farmers are demanding tractors and other forbidden modern conveniences. When a revival adds to the tensions, passions flare. With the Old Order community pushed to the breaking point, Nellie and Caleb find their families–and themselves–in the midst of what threatens to become an impossible divide.

 

Second Time Around

Second Time Around by JoAnn Durgin

Amazon

Marc Thompson is on top of the world-a newlywed with a beautiful wife, the owner of a thriving Boston sports advertising agency, and a century-old home they’re renovating in the suburbs. Then the unthinkable happens. Two months after the wedding, Marc sits in a hospital emergency waiting room after Natalie suffers a horrible fall. One shock follows another. Not only does his wife remember nothing of their life together, but now he has a personal timeline to reconnect with her-seven months. Marc’s gold wedding band mocks him, a glaring reminder of a promise broken by a rotting basement stair and his own negligence.

His renowned psychologist advises him to court his wife again-a daunting task the first time around. Then Marc’s pastor suggests he call Sam and Lexa Lewis of TeamWork Missions, a ministry dear to Natalie’s heart. Determined to help her reclaim her life, the young groom makes great strides until a ghost from the past surfaces, opening fresh wounds and threatening to destroy it all. With Natalie’s trust shattered and Marc’s faith wavering, they head to Milestone Ranch outside Helena, Montana, with TeamWork for a two-week work camp. But instead of romancing his wife in the freezing November temperatures with warm fires and shared sweet moments, he’s out in the cold and back at square one. Even if Natalie recovers her lost memories, will she forgive him? If not, can Marc come to terms with his deepest fear-the failure of his marriage? You’ll root for Marc and Natalie as they fight against the odds and discover that surrendering all at the throne of grace doesn’t mean failure. It’s simply called faith. And it might be the only way to finding their way back to one another . . . the second time around.

The winner is…

7 May

Bridge of Faith 3-D

Tammy Cordery

Congratulations, Tammy!  You’ve won a Kindle copy of Bridge of Faith!

Thank you all so much for visiting and participating in this giveaway!  I appreciate you!