Archive | July, 2015

Review: The Cactus Creek Challenge

18 Jul

 

The Cactus Creek Challenge- Cover

The Cactus Creek Challenge by Erica Vetsch

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

Anything he can do, I can do better. At least that was what Cassie Bucknell thought before she pinned on Ben Wilder’s badge and took to patrolling the streets of Cactus Creek, Texas. Cassie has been in love with Ben since primer school, but Ben treats her like a little sister. When they are picked to swap jobs for a month as part of the annual Cactus Creek Challenge in their Texas hometown, the schoolhouse is thrown into an uproar, the jail becomes a temporary bank vault, and Cassie and Ben square off in a battle of wills that becomes a battle for their hearts.

My thoughts:

Humor and hijinks abound in The Cactus Creek Challenge, as does romance! Erica Vetsch writes with a great voice for western fiction, and I was delighted by her imagery, details, and dialogue. I really enjoyed the unique story line and loved the challenge participants and their spirited determination to tackle the jobs they were given. I also enjoyed the other colorful residents of Cactus Creek and would love to revisit this Texas town. The Cactus Creek Challenge is an entertaining tale that is sure to tickle your funny bone!

 

The Legend of Obadiah Wilder

Also, don’t miss The Legend of Obadiah Wilder!  This short story prequel to The Cactus Creek Challenge is a great introduction to Cactus Creek and its residents!  

Plus, it’s FREE on Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

 

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

 

Erica Vetsch

Erica Vetsch is a transplanted Kansan now residing in Minnesota. She loves history and romance, and is blessed to be able to combine the two by writing historical romances. Whenever she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, she’s the company bookkeeper for the family lumber business, mother of two, wife to a man who is her total opposite and soul-mate, and avid museum patron.

To learn more about Erica and her books, please visit her website. 

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Friday Freebies

17 Jul

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

 

The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet

The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet by Stephanie Morrill

Amazon

Ellie Sweet is a lot of things—good girl, novelist, silent adorer of the new boy at school, Palmer. But when “outcast” gets added to the list, she decides it’s time to take reality into her own hands … and tweak it as needed.

In the pages of her book, she’s Lady Gabrielle, favorite of the medieval Italian court. Her once-friends are reduced to catty ladies-in-waiting, and the too-charming Palmer—who in real life never spares her a second word—gets to be nothing more than a rake wracked by unrequited love for her. She even has a perfect real-life villain in the brooding Chase, who hails from the wrong side of town.

But just when she’s getting along great in her fictional world, the real one throws her a few curves. With Chase pursuing her, Palmer wanting to date her—but in secret—and the details of her manuscript going public, Ellie suddenly receives more attention than she ever really wanted. And when her former-friends discover what she’s been writing, they’re determined to teach Ellie a lesson about the severe consequences of using her pen as her sword.

 

Kissed By A Cowboy

Kissed by A Cowboy by Lacy Williams

Amazon

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?

 

Child of the Mist

Child of the Mist by Kathleen Morgan 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

In the harsh Scottish highlands of 1564, superstitions threaten a truce . . . a traitor plans his attack . . . and a new love is born.

An arranged betrothal was never the course Anne MacGregor imagined her life would take. Yet when her father explains that her cooperation is the only way to bring about the long-sought truce between feuding families, Anne has no other choice.

A simple ceremony pledging Anne’s hand in marriage after one year of commitment is the only seal to the promise of peace. But when the arrangement requires the reluctant Anne to follow Niall Campbell back to his home, she soon discovers that peace is not so easily achieved. Before they even arrive, rumors about her abound, and her safety is threatened. Meanwhile, Niall’s ascension as leader of his clan is in jeopardy, as a traitor works to bring about his downfall.

As Niall and Anne begin to see beyond each other’s defenses, love takes them by surprise. But will it be enough to defeat their foes? Or will the truce be broken, their lives forfeit, and war return to their beloved land?

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Review: To Capture Her Heart | Gift Card Giveaway

16 Jul

To Capture Her Heart

To Capture Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

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

 

In an uncertain time, Heather Flower faces a choice that will change her life forever.

It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montaukett tribe, is celebrating her wedding feast when a rival tribe attacks, killing the groom and kidnapping her. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is bound by her captors and left to die—until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren.

Still tender from her loss, Heather Flower begins to heal in the home of the Hortons, English friends of her people. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her longtime friendship with Ben Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice—stay true to her friend or follow her heart.

 

My thoughts:

With a beautiful title that promises a story of love and romance, To Capture Her Heart delivers that and more! Well-researched historical details bring this story to life, as do its many meaningful characters. I enjoyed the dramatic story line and the romances that develop as the story unfolds. Rebecca DeMarino has penned another compelling story in The Southold Chronicles!

While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the series in order. Reading Book 1, A Place in His Heart, allows the reader a better understanding of the characters, their history, and their journeys. I was fascinated to learn that the author’s own family history inspired this series and eagerly await the release of Book 3!

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.

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Join Rebecca in celebrating the release of To Capture Her Heart!  Click the graphic above to enter the giveaway!  

Grand Prize: $75.00 gift card of choice (Amazon, Target, iTunes or Google play) & signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart 
First Runner Up: $25.00 gift card to Barnes & Noble & signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart
Second Runner Up: Signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart

 

Demarino-291Rebecca DeMarino writes love, legends and lore as a historical romance author and lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She inherited her love of baking and gardening from her mother, a love of horses, reading and writing from her dad, and the wanderlust gene from both parents. Her travels have taken her from Alaska to Nebraska and Florida, from Long Island to England and Italy, and from Washington DC to Texas, California and Guam. But usually you can find her at home, enjoying her grandchildren and baking crisp little ginger cakes. From Publisher’s Weekly ~ DeMarino’s … strong suit is recreating history and relating it to readers.

Connect with Rebecca on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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Celebrating 2 Years of Blogging with a GIVEAWAY!

15 Jul

Today marks 2 years of blogging at Buzzing About Books!  I love reading and sharing great books and have enjoyed the wonderful connections I’ve made through this blog!  I look forward to sharing many more book reviews, interviews, sales, and giveaways! 

2 Year Anniversary- Buzzing About Books

Last year, I asked for your book wishes and loved making some of them come true, so we’re doing it again this year!  To enter the giveaway, leave a comment with the title and author of the book that is at the top of your wish list. Please select a book that is currently available or releasing this month.  Be sure to include your email address! 

Wishes

You may only comment with one book title. However, additional entries may be earned by doing the following:

◦Follow my blog or let me know you’re already a follower
◦Share this giveaway through Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest

Be sure and leave a comment letting me know what you have done to earn additional entries.

 This giveaway ends Wednesday, July 22 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.  Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over.  Winners will be selected by Random.org, notified by email, and announced on the blog. Winners will have one week to respond before a new winner is selected. Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest are in no way associated with this giveaway. Void where prohibited by law.

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Review: Refining Fire

14 Jul

Refining Fire

Refining Fire by Tracie Peterson

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

Militine Scott, twenty-two, is in training at the Madison School for Brides in Seattle, Washington. Though she has no intention of pursuing marriage–believing no man will have her–she has found the school provides the perfect opportunity to hide her unsavory past.

Thane Patton, though fun loving and fiercely loyal to his friends, hides a dark secret, as well. He finds himself drawn to Militine, sensing a haunting pain similar to his own.

Will they finally allow God to make something new and beautiful from the debris of the past?

 

My thoughts:

Refining Fire is an engaging story rich in history! Although it is the second book in the Brides of Seattle series, I believe this story easily stands on its own. I have not read the first book, Steadfast Heart, and had no trouble following the story line.

Tracie Peterson’s love of research is evident in her stories, and the imagery and details she included in Refining Fire allowed me to envision the setting and the events that transpired during this time. I really enjoyed the historical aspects of the story, as well as the spiritual messages that were included. I also enjoyed visiting the Madison School for Brides and getting to know the well-crafted characters and experiencing their stories. With elements of drama and intrigue, Refining Fire is an enjoyable historical romance. I look forward to continuing the series in the next book, Love Everlasting.

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

 

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Visit Tracie’s web site at: http://www.traciepeterson.com

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Review: Letters from My Father’s Murderer | Kindle Fire Giveaway

13 Jul

Letters from My Father's Murderer

Letters from My Father’s Murderer by Laurie A. Coombs

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1g6sd4H

When her father was murdered, Laurie Coombs sought justice and found it.

His murderer now serves two life sentences with no possibility of parole. Yet, despite the swift punishment of the killer, Laurie found herself increasingly full of pain, bitterness, and anger she couldn’t control. After coming to faith, she realized she was being called to seek something infinitely more difficult than justice: forgiveness.

Using her incredible correspondence with the man who killed her father, Laurie reveals a compelling journey of transformation, not only in her life, but in the lives of those whom many would call irredeemable.

My thoughts:

“Now, I know my story is not an easy one to embrace, but I believe it has the power to transform lives.” ~ Laurie Coombs

Letters from My Father’s Murderer is a powerful story! Laurie Coombs writes with openness and honesty as she shares her journey of healing and forgiveness after her father’s murder. I was captivated by Laurie’s emotional story and touched by her candidness. Poignant and thought-provoking, Laurie’s story lingered in my mind long after the last page had been turned.  Letters from My Father’s Murderer truly is “an extraordinary true story of grace, mercy, and the redemptive power of God to change lives.”

I received a complimentary copy of Letters from My Father’s Murderer through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and share my thoughts.

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

 

Laurie Coombs

Laurie A. Coombs is a passionate writer and speaker on the issues of forgiveness, redemption, and the hope that is found in Jesus. Her story was featured in Billy Graham’s new film, Heaven. She is a featured writer and blogger for iBelieve and Crosswalk. Laurie and her husband, Travis, make their home in Nevada along with their two daughters.

Find Laurie online: website, Twitter, Facebook

 

Can God heal the deepest wounds and redeem what seems unredeemable? Laurie Coombs experiences God’s transforming and redemptive power in her new book, Letters from My Father’s Murderer.  Join Laurie in celebrating the release of Letters from My Father’s Murderer by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6
  • A copy of Letters from My Father’s Murderer

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 20th. The winner will be announced July 21st on Laurie’s site.

letter from father's murderer - enter banner

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Friday Freebies

10 Jul

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

 

The VowThe Vow by Jody Hedlund

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

In this e-book historical romance novella by Jody Hedlund, young Rosemarie finds herself drawn to Thomas, the son of the nearby baron. But just as her feelings begin to grow, a man carrying the Plague interrupts their hunting party. While in forced isolation, Rosemarie begins to contemplate her future—could it include Thomas? Could he be the perfect man to one day rule beside her and oversee her parents’ lands?

Then Rosemarie is summoned back to her castle in haste. The disease has spread, and her family is threatened. And the secret she discovers when she returns could change her future forever.

This novella also serves as a prequel to Jody Hedlund’s An Uncertain Choice.

 

Secretly Yours

Secretly Yours by Valerie Comer

Amazon

Chef Lindsey Solberg agrees to cater the church’s Valentine’s Day fundraising banquet as a favor to her teen sister, but she’s shocked to discover the bad boy from her high school days is now Riverbend’s youth pastor. Seriously? How could he have changed that much? Nick Harrison has prayed for years for an opportunity to make amends. Now Lindsey’s back in Riverbend and won’t give him the time of day. What’s a guy to do except leave a trail of gifts from a secret admirer?

Lindsey’s heart takes a beating when she realizes the boy who was never good enough is now a far better man than she deserves.

 

Good Enough for a Princess

Good Enough for a Princess by Carol Moncado

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Crown Princess Adeline of Montevaro has her life planned out for her: get her Master’s in international relations, marry nobility, produce an heir, inherit the throne. There’s no room for romance with the single father she meets when their cars collide on an icy winter night. Parliament – and her father – would never approve.

Charlie Brewer grew up without roots. The son of an archaeologist father and anthropologist mother, he either traveled along or lived with his aunt and uncle in the States. He’s determined to give his daughter the stability he never had. He also wants to give her a mom, but the beautiful European he’s falling for refuses to move to Serenity Landing, Missouri permanently.

He won’t move. She can’t stay. What will happen when they try to forget each other by dating someone “acceptable”? They find themselves drawn together by one of the girls in the after school program Addie supports – a girl who happens to be Charlie’s daughter. How will Charlie, and his daughter, feel when they find out the woman they’ve both fallen for is a… princess?

A trip halfway around the world shows Charlie and Addie how much they long to be together – and how impossible it is. Is there any way he can prove he is Good Enough for a Princess?

 

Goodnight, God

Good night, God: Night Time Devotions to End Your Day God’s Way 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

There is a deep peace that can be found in the quiet of the night … resting from the demands of work, family, friends and pondering the activities of the day. It is a great time to share those cherished moments with the One who loves you most.

Good Night, God is a night time devotional that offers you a collection of inspiring scriptures, true-to-life stories, and encouraging reflections to help you draw near to the heart of God and experience His life-changing grace. As you turn your focus from the day’s events you will discover calm rest in God’s precious promises and enjoy refreshment in His unfailing presence.

 

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Review: Beyond the Ashes

9 Jul

Beyond the Ashes

Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1IGu1bg

Where better to rebuild and face one’s fears than in 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes?

Ruby Marshall, a young widow, is certain she’ll discover new purpose assisting her brother Robert with his cancer research, but she doesn’t anticipate finding new love.

Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty home with family, but he’d always hoped it would be a wife and children. In the aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with extended family and friends left homeless by the disaster. When Robert’s widowed sister arrives, the close quarters seem close indeed.

Ruby and Gerald s fledgling romance is put at risk when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease they’re striving to cure. Together they must ask is it worth a second chance at love when time might be short?

My thoughts:

The beauty of Beyond the Ashes extends well beyond its lovely cover! I loved this dramatic, emotional story and the spiritual messages that are woven through its tapestry.

Set in 1906 San Francisco, Karen Barnett transports readers to this historic city in the months following a devastating earthquake. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the city and its atmosphere as the community worked to rebuild and recover. I also enjoyed the medical details that were given regarding the research and procedures that were being used to fight cancer. This vivid imagery, coupled with excellent characterization, brought the story to life for me. Barnett deftly expresses the feelings and emotions of her characters, and I loved experiencing their journeys.

Beyond the Ashes is a captivating story, and I look forward to reading more of The Golden Gate Chronicles!

I received a complimentary copy of Beyond the Ashes 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/kbarnett

 

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Karen Barnett

Karen Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken.  Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs.

Find Karen online: website, Twitter, Facebook

 

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In Good Company Giveaway

8 Jul

In-Good-Company-Giveaway-image

Bethany House Publishers is celebrating the release of In Good Company by giving away two fantastic prize packages!  Enter here!

Don’t miss this delightful story!  Read my review here.  

 

1st Prize – “From Millie’s Bookshelf”

Millie Longfellow is the consummate book lover. She carries a dictionary with her wherever she goes, practices new words on whomever she meets, and is permanently laden with a heavy bag full of her most precious books. As winner of first prize, you will receive all of the books that Millie holds dear, as well as the complete collection of Jen Turano’s books that are in print. And if that wasn’t enough, if anything is missing to complete your own bookshelf, you can add to it with a $150 Amazon gift card!

Books included in the “Millie’s Bookshelf Prize Package”:
Books from Jen Turano: In Good Company, After a Fashion, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, A Talent for Trouble, A Change of Fortune, A Match of Wits

Other treasures from Millie’s bookshelf:
The compete works of Jane Austin: Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
The Merriam Webster Dictionary, Thesauraus and Vocabulary Builder
 

2nd Prize – “Millie’s Bag of Treasures”

Millie’s prized tote goes with her everywhere, full of toys, books, trinkets, and anything else she might need for being the best nanny ever. Never find yourself unprepared with this beautiful gray houndstooth tote from Thirty-One.

This beautiful peacock comb and earrings will be a sweet reminder of the many laughing moments that you will encounter with a flock of peacocks, the antics of some sweet, yet mischievous children, and one calamity-prone nanny. You’ll enjoy every moment of Jen Turano’s hilarious new book In Good Company.

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Review: The Nanny’s New Family

7 Jul

The Nanny's New Family

The Nanny’s New Family by Margaret Daley

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

Annie Knight has her work cut out for her as the McGregor family’s newest nanny. Dr. Ian McGregor means well, but the distracted single dad’s lost touch with his four kids. The new nanny brings much-needed calm to the chaos, including finding a service dog that could be a real lifesaver. And soon the good doctor’s making Annie’s heart respond in ways it hasn’t for years. But Annie’s cheery demeanor hides a heart-wrenching secret that’s as much a part of her as her carefully hidden scars. Annie doesn’t think she deserves happiness—but Ian and his kids will show the caretaker that with the love of family, everything’s possible.

 

My thoughts:

I love Margaret Daley’s Caring Canines series, and am always eager to read its latest installment. The Nanny’s New Family was certainly no exception; it is a wonderful story!

My heart ached for the McGregor family and the losses they had endured, so I was delighted when the family’s newest nanny helped calm their chaos and heal their hurts. Harboring physical and emotional scars of her own, Annie Knight soon learns the power of faith, family, and love. I loved the drama and emotion of this story, as well as the endearing characters. The Nanny’s New Family is a touching story that will warm your heart!

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

 

Margaret Daley

Margaret Daley is an award-winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. She has also won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. Margaret wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press.

To learn more about Margaret and her books, please visit her website, www.margaretdaley.com.

 

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