Archive | July, 2015

Friday Freebie

31 Jul

Island Refuge

Island Refuge by Kimberly Rose Johnson

FREE on Amazon through August 1!

Five-Star-Chef Zoe Griffin walked away from her dream job. Did she make a mistake?

Her engagement off, Zoe Griffin retreats to tiny Wildflower Island in the Puget Sound. Hiding out as a cook and maid at a shabby bed-and-breakfast seems crazy for a chef who’s used to running her own five-star kitchen. And just as she starts to feel at home, her klutzy mishaps make Zoe fear her handsome new boss will fire her.

Dr. Nick Jackson is done with medicine, and owning a B&B is as far from doctoring as he can get. He needs help, but his only employee’s mistakes give him doubts. As Zoe lets her defenses down, Nick begins to see a competent and caring woman. One whose wounds are as deep as his own. But as they fall for each other, Nick and Zoe must learn the hardest lesson of all—to forgive. Only then can they heal the past and embrace the future . . . together.

 

My thoughts:

Island Refuge is a charming story! I loved the island setting and was very interested to know that it was inspired by Anderson Island, Washington. The main characters in this story, Zoe Griffin and Nick Jackson, are both seeking refuge from their pasts. Their story is entertaining, intriguing, and romantic. I enjoyed visiting the Wildflower Bed and Breakfast and look forward to returning to this small island in the next book, Island Dreams!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Mountain Brook INK, in exchange for an unbiased review.  I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

SALE!  Pre-order Book 2, Island Dreams, before August 1 and save $1.00 off the regular price.

Island Dreams

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Review: A Bride At Last | $100 Memory-Making Giveaway

30 Jul

A Bride at Last

A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

Silas Jonesey’s life in Salt Flatts, Kansas, has not followed the course he imagined. After his mail-order bride, Lucinda, abandoned him, it was an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices and sour moods. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true; his estranged wife has contacted him after ten years of silence to tell him of her whereabouts.

Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but after realizing she had been deceived about her intended groom she never went through with the marriage. Settling into life as a schoolteacher, she’s spent her spare time the past few years helping her student, Anthony, and his sick mother. When Lucinda passes away, Kate is ready to fulfill the woman’s wish that she take care of nine-year-old Anthony–until a man shows up in town asking about Lucinda and claiming he was married to the woman ten years ago.

Silas and Kate disagree over who should raise young Anthony, who has opinions of his own about his future. After being forced to come together for the good of Anthony, Silas and Kate begin to see another side to each other and the possibility of a united future despite all that stands between them. When Kate’s past comes to light, Silas’s feelings about women who abandon their grooms immediately throw the walls right back up between them. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony’s wounded souls bind them together as a family, or will past hurts and new resentments leave them lonely forever?

 

My thoughts:

A Bride at Last is a compelling historical romance! Silas, Kate, and Anthony each endure an emotional journey filled with twists, turns, and surprises. I enjoyed each of these unique characters and the tenuous threads that bound them together. I love the Unexpected Brides series and, as it concludes, I was pleased to revisit characters from earlier stories. Rich in drama and emotion, Melissa Jagears has penned another tale that will draw the reader into her story world!

A Bride at Last is the third full-length novel in the Unexpected Brides series. Each of the books in this series can be read independently. However, I have enjoyed each of the engaging tales and recommend them for fans of historical romance and mail-order bride stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my honest opinion.

 

Celebrate the release of A Bride at Last by entering to win a $100 Memory-Making giveaway and RSVPing to Melissa’s August 4th author chat party!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A $100 gift card to Netflix (for a family movie night), Shutterfly (to create a family memory book), or TablePlayGames (for a family game night)
  • One copy of A Bride at Last

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/4. The winner will be announced at Melissa’s 8/4 A Bride at Last Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Melissa and fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

 

Melissa Jagears

Much to her introverted self’s delight, Melissa Jagears hardly needs to leave her home to be an elementary homeschool teacher, day-care provider, church financial secretary, and historical romance novelist. She doesn’t have to leave her house to be a housekeeper either, but she’s doubtful she meets the minimum qualifications to claim to be one in her official bio. Her passion is to help Christian believers mature in their faith and judge rightly.

Find her online at www.melissajagears.com, Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

 

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Review: Blessing

29 Jul

Blessing

Blessing by Lyn Cote

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

An impetuous love swept Blessing Brightman away from the Quaker community, into the highest ranks of Cincinnati society. But behind the glitter of ballroom and parlor, her spirit slowly eroded in an increasingly dangerous marriage. Widowed young, determined never to lose her independence again, Blessing reclaimed her faith and vowed to use her influence to fight for women’s rights and abolition.Gerard Ramsay, scion of a wealthy Boston family, arrives in Cincinnati hoping to escape his father’s clutches with a strategy that will gain him independence. His plan is soon complicated, however, by the enchanting widow. Never before has a woman spoken as if she’s his equal–or challenged him to consider the lives of others.In a city nearly ablaze with racial tensions quickly dividing the country, can two people worlds apart possibly find common ground?

 

My thoughts:

Blessing, Book 2 in the Quaker Brides series, is a captivating story!

Blessing Brightman is a woman who speaks her mind and is determined to fight for women’s rights and abolition. Gerard Ramsay is man eager to escape his father’s control. Both tenacious characters, I enjoyed getting to know Blessing and Gerard and experiencing their emotional and spiritual journeys.

Lyn Cote’s dramatic portrayal of historical events really brings this story to life. Delving deep into a tumultuous time in our nation’s history, Cote blends fact and fiction creating a compelling narrative. I loved Blessing’s story and am eager to meet Faith in the final book of the series!

While Blessing is a stand-alone story, it does revisit beloved characters from Book 1, Honor. Both of these novels, as well as the series prequel, Where Honor Began, are recommended reads for fans of historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Lyn Cote

In 1997, Lyn Cote’s first book, Never Alone, was chosen for the “new” Love Inspired romance line. Since then, Lyn has had over thirty-five novels published. In 2006 Lyn’s book, Chloe, was a finalist for the RITA, and her book Her Patchwork Family was a finalist for the Carol Award in 2010 and Her Healing Ways won in 2011. These are two of the highest awards in the romance genre.

Lyn’s brand “Strong Women, Brave Stories,” always includes three elements: a strong heroine who is a passionate participant in her times, authentic historical detail and a multicultural cast of characters. Lyn also features stories of strong women both from real life and true to life fiction on her blog http://BooksbyLynCote.com.

 

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Review: Among The Fair Magnolias | Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway

28 Jul

Among The Fair Magnolias

Among the Fair Magnolias by Tamera Alexander, Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love, and Elizabeth Musser

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Igkc7H

“During the most turbulent decade of our nation’s history, four Southern women – their destinies forged by birth and heritage – face nearly impossible choices on their journey in life…and in love.”

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front. This time, one of the heart.

An Outlaw’s Heart by Shelley Gray
When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he’s determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother’s homestead, he discovers she’s very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love
Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser
Emily has a secret: She’s in love with one of the freedmen on her family’s plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.

 

My thoughts:

Among the Fair Magnolias is a lovely novella collection! The authors deftly convey the history and essence of the South, and each of their stories boasts wonderful characterization and vivid imagery.

I can easily name To Mend a Dream as my favorite story in this collection. Tamera Alexander is a fantastic storyteller, and Savannah Darby’s story has been begging to be told! This was my first time to read Dorothy Love and Elizabeth Musser, and I enjoyed their writing voices very much. Shelley Gray always delights readers with her stories and An Outlaw’s Heart is no exception. I enjoyed the drama and romance of each of these stories and recommend this collection for fans of historical romance and Southern fiction!

Speaking of Southern fiction, it just wouldn’t be complete without the mention of good ‘ole Southern cooking! In addition to the novellas, each of these talented authors has shared a delectable Southern recipe. The mouth-watering fare includes:

Molly’s Southern Spoon Bread from A Heart So True
Savannah’s Truly Southern Peach Cobbler from To Mend a Dream
Mrs. Derracott’s Lemon-Filled Coconut Cake from Love Beyond Limits
Texas Sheet Cake from An Outlaw’s Heart

Among the Fair Magnolias is a lovely collection that sweeps the reader into the history and romance of the South!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an unbiased review.  I appreciate the opportunity to read these stories and share my thoughts.  

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

 

Join the authors in celebrating the release of Among the Fair Magnolias by entering to win their Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to their August 13th author chat party!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6
  • One copy of Among the Fair Magnolias

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/13. The winner will be announced at the Among the Fair Magnolias Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tamera, Dorothy, Shelley, and Elizabeth, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

magnolias-enterbanner

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 13th!

 

Authors

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of numerous books including A Lasting Impression and The Inheritance. She is a two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. A native of west Tennessee. website, Twitter, Facebook

Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. website, Twitter, Facebook

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. website, Twitter, Facebook

Elizabeth Musser, a native of Atlanta, Georgia now living in France, is a novelist who writes what she calls ‘entertainment with a soul.’ For over 25 years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in mission work with International Teams. website, Twitter, Facebook

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Review: A Heart’s Promise | Take It To The Beach Giveaway

27 Jul

A Heart's Promise

A Heart’s Promise by Colleen Coble 

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Gc4QeO

Emmie makes a promise to her friend that, if fulfilled, could mean the end to her dreams of a future with Isaac.

Emmie Croftner let Isaac Liddle go to avoid telling him about her past. But Isaac remains determined to win Emmie’s heart and hand. Though Emmie resolves to keep her heart in check, it hurts when she sees that another woman has set her bonnet for Isaac.

Then Emmie’s dear friend extracts a costly promise: if anything happens to her in childbirth, Emmie will marry her widower and raise the baby herself. And it seems Emmie may have to fulfill that promise. But can she live happily without Isaac?

 

My thoughts:

A Heart’s Promise is another compelling story in the Journey of Heart serialization! After meeting Emmie Croftner in A Heart’s Betrayal, I was eager to continue her story, as well as the stories of Rand and Sarah and Jacob and Amelia. Secrets and surprises in this fifth installment set the stage for a dramatic conclusion. I love the intrigue and romance of this serialization and am eager to read the final story, A Heart’s Home!

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 Promise was provided to me through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and offer my thoughts.

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

 

Will the promise Emmie makes to her friend mean the end to her dreams of a future with Isaac? Find out in book five, A Heart’s Promise, of Colleen Coble’s A Journey of the Heart series. 

Take a day off and head to the beach with a new giveaway from Colleen: Five books (Books One–Five in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series) and a beach bag to tote your new books in!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of A Heart’s Promise
  • A Lands’ End beach tote
  • A copy of A Heart’s Betrayal
  • A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
  • A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
  • A copy of A Heart’s Danger

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced August 3rd on Colleen’s website.

heartspromise-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

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Friday Freebies

24 Jul

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

Good Clean Murder

 

Good Clean Murder by Traci Tyne Hilton

Kindle | Nook

Bible school student Jane cleans houses to make ends meet. She’s getting by just fine — until she finds one of her customers murdered in his bed. A cozy Christian mystery!

 

 

 

RubyRuby by Lauraine Snelling

Kindle | Nook

Book 1 of Dakotah Treasures. Author Lauraine Snelling once again takes readers west to the untamed land of Dakota Territory, introducing new characters both unique and appealing. Ruby Torvald and her young sister, Opal, have received an inheritance from their long-lost father who left home years ago to seek his fortune in the Black Hills. When they leave their comfortable situation in Chicago and arrive at the mining town of Medora to claim their inheritance, the sisters discover that rather than the legacy of gold they expected, their father has left them a shocking bequest. Ruby’s bold determination in the face of scandal leads the reader on a journey both heartwarming and inspiring.

 

Chasing Amanda

Chasing Amanda by Robin Patchen

Kindle | Nook

After an unsettling run-in with two strangers, college student Amanda Prince struggles to know who to trust.

Mark Johnson is a marine about to ship out to Afghanistan. He’s not interested in romance and certainly doesn’t want a girlfriend at home waiting for him. But his military training has taught him to listen to his gut. And all his instincts scream that Amanda is in danger.

Can Amanda trust the enigmatic soldier? Can Mark protect the vulnerable young woman without engaging his heart?

 

 

More Than This

More Than This by Staci Stallings

Kindle

Liz Savoy has no plans to date anyone—least of all the dark handsome mystery man who sometimes inhabits the corner table at the coffee shop where she’s working to get through school. But plans change, sometimes in ways no one expected.

Jake McCoy is the next mega-millionaire author, or at least he would be if he could get the stories in his head down on the ether. With no good place to write, he resorts to dark corners in Wi-Fi hotspots, knowing no one in the world cares about him or his comings and goings one way or the other. However, there is one waitress at The Grind coffee shop with a cute smile and kind eyes who doesn’t seem to think he is as invisible as he likes to think he is. Can reality with her ever hope to match the fantasy world where his imagination has him living?

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Wishes Granted!

23 Jul

2 Year- Winners

Three names were selected using Random.org and each winner will receive a copy of the book she wished for.

Merry- Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth Vogt

Brandy- In Good Company by Jen Turano

Morgan- Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen

Thank you all so much for celebrating with me!  I had such fun reading your comments and book wishes!  I have another great giveaway planned for next month, so I hope you’ll join me again!

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Review: Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

23 Jul

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor- Buzzing About Books

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson

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

When Heather Toulson returns to her parents’ cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a sixty-year-old murder.

Libby, a free spirit who can’t be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver’s death.

Sixty years later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family’s cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She’s mourning her father’s passing but can’t let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family’s belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family’s history.

 

My thoughts:

“Set in a charming world of thatched cottages, lush gardens, and lovely summer evenings, this romantic and historical mystery brings to light the secrets and heartaches that have divided a family for generations.”

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is an atmospheric tale that sweeps the reader away to another time and place!  I was immediately captivated by the beauty of the setting and enchanted by the manor, cottage, and gardens. This multi-generational narrative boasts elements of drama, suspense, and romance and a compelling story line that kept me turning the pages. While I found the multiple points of view to be a bit cumbersome at times, I enjoyed the characters and their journeys.  Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is a unique story that won’t soon be forgotten!

I received a complimentary copy of Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

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

 

Melanie Dobson

Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of thirteen historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010. Melanie lives with her husband Jon and two daughters near Portland, Oregon.

Find Melanie online: website, Twitter, Facebook

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Review: Goodbye, Magnolia

21 Jul

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00064]

Goodbye, Magnolia by Krista Noorman

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Wedding photography is Maggie’s passion. The art of capturing a moment forever in time is magical to her, and she’s worked hard to become the best of the best. Week after week, she works with couples as they plan their happily ever afters, but she hasn’t been so lucky in love.

Behind the camera, it’s easy to hide from the pain and rejection of her past. The life she has made for herself is safe and predictable, until the owner of a rival photography studio sets up shop in her small town and comes to her with an unexpected proposal. Suddenly, everything she has worked so hard to build is threatened and her simple, controlled life is thrown into chaos.

As she travels the state of Michigan photographing weddings, she struggles to keep her business afloat and the wall around her heart intact. But along the way, she learns more about loyalty and love than she ever imagined.

 

My thoughts:

Goodbye, Magnolia is a heartwarming story that will leave a smile on your face! The story line is refreshing, engaging, and filled with endearing characters. I especially enjoyed the chemistry between Maggie and Simon; their banter was quite entertaining! Goodbye, Magnolia is light-hearted story, but it also shares a deeper inspirational message. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful tale and look forward to reading more from Krista Noorman!

I received a complimentary copy of Goodbye, Magnolia from the author in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Krista Noorman

KRISTA NOORMAN is the author of the young adult novel, The Truth About Drew, and the contemporary romance, Goodbye, Magnolia. Most of her life has been spent scribbling away in journals, honing her writing skills, while documenting her every day life. But it wasn’t until she took part in National Novel Writing Month in 2008, that she found her true calling and turned her pen (or rather her computer keyboard) to fiction.

Krista studied music education at Cornerstone University. After college, she turned to her love of photography and spent nearly a decade running her own wedding photography business. She is constantly inspired by books and movies, enjoys beautiful instagram feeds, and loves a great cup of coffee. Krista makes her home in a small town in western Michigan with her husband, Jacob, and their two children.

She writes about life, family, faith and whatever else comes to mind at bykrista.com.

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Review: The Innocent

20 Jul

The Innocent

The Innocent by Ann H. Gabhart

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. The war ends without further word. Now penniless, in debt, and forced from her home, Carlyn seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, only to discover that they will not allow her to keep her beloved dog, an animal that has been her faithful companion since her husband went off to war. Sheriff Mitchell Brodie has pity on the lovely young woman and agrees to take the dog. Carlyn is just settling into life as a sister in the Shaker village when she receives a devastating letter confirming her worst fears. As she wrestles with whether to commit herself fully to the Shaker life, mysterious deaths begin to occur, and Carlyn comes under suspicion. Can Sheriff Mitchell help her expose the true culprit?

 

My thoughts:

The Innocent is a compelling story! I was immediately drawn to Carlyn Kearney and had such compassion for her and all she had endured. Carlyn’s canine companion was a beloved character in the story, as was Sheriff Mitchell Brodie. The intrigue of the plot kept me engrossed as I read and beckoned each time I set the book aside. Ann Gabhart is a gifted storyteller, and I loved the drama and romance of her latest tale!

I received a complimentary copy of The Innocent in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Ann Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. She’s published over twenty-five books for both adults and young adults. Scent of Lilacs, her first inspirational novel, was chosen as a Top Ten Christian Fiction Book by Booklist magazine. Her first Shaker book, The Outsider, was a finalist for ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year and was a Top Pick by Romantic Times Book Review Magazine. Ann writes about Kentucky history and small town life.

Ann lives on a farm in Kentucky not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann loves hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dog, Oscar.

Learn more about Ann and her books at www.annhgabhart.com.

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