Archive | August, 2015

To Get to You | Release Day + Giveaway

31 Aug

I’m so excited to celebrate Joanne Bischof’s latest release, To Get to You!  I will be sharing more about this special story over the next few weeks, so stay tuned!  To Get to You is a journey you don’t want to miss, and it’s AVAILABLE NOW!   

To Get To You

To Get to You by Joanne Bischof
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

To get to the girl he loves, Riley Kane must head off on a road trip with the father he never knew. Then pray for a miracle.

Most teens would love to have a pro surfer for a dad. Just not Riley. Abandoned as a kid, he hates the sound of the ocean and the man who gave himself to it.

When the eighteen-year-old learns that his best friend is stranded at a New Mexico hospital as her father fights for his life, Riley hits the highway to head east. But when his Jeep breaks down before he even leaves California, he must rely on the one man he despises to get to the girl who needs him the most. And when it comes to the surfer with the Volkswagen van and dog-eared map, a thousand miles may–or may not–be enough to heal the past.

 

Joanne is celebrating the release of To Get to You with an exciting Road Trip Giveaway!  Two great prize packages are up for grabs, so visit Joanne’s blog and enter now!  

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Friday Freebie

28 Aug

A Horse for Kate

A Horse for Kate by Miralee Ferrell

FREE: Kindle | Nook

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.

Debra Clopton’s Love at the Reins Giveaway

27 Aug

A new tale of romance, family, and taking risks—don’t miss Debra Clopton’s Counting on a Cowboy! After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.

Saddle up with Debra and her new book and enter to win her Love at the Reins prize pack!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

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Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 8th. The winner will be announced September 9th on Debra’s blog.
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Review: Waiting for Morning

25 Aug

Waiting for Morning

Waiting for Morning by Karen Kingsbury

As Hannah Ryan waits for her family to return home from a camping trip, she realizes she has everything going for her—a husband other women admire, two charming teenage daughters, and a loving Christian home. As the sunny afternoon turns into twilight, her uneasiness grows along with the shadows. Then a car pulls into Hannah’s driveway, bringing two police officers…and devastating news that shatters her life forever.

In the days that follow, Hannah struggles with unspeakable feelings of sorrow and rage—feelings that fuse into one chilling purpose for living: revenge against Brian Wesley, the drunk driver who has caused all her pain.

In her fury, Hannah shuts the Lord out of her life. She’s determined not to forgive Wesley or the God who allowed this tragedy to happen. Can two caring people help Hannah rediscover her faith…before bitterness destroys her?

My thoughts:

“I’m afraid there’s been a car accident…”

Waiting for Morning is such an emotional story! Hannah Ryan’s life is irrevocably changed when she receives news that her family has been involved in a car accident. Letting hate and vengeance replace her faith, seeking revenge becomes Hannah’s singular mission.

This is such a heartbreaking story and one so many people have lived. My heart aches for all those who have suffered such tragedy! I thought the author did a tremendous job portraying each of the characters and their spiritual and emotional states. The theme of forgiveness is woven through the narrative, and I appreciated the scriptural references. Each chapter begins with a verse from Lamentations that offers a precursor to the events that are unfolding.

Waiting for Morning is a dramatic story and the first book in the Forever Faithful series. I enjoyed this story and look forward to continuing the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Blogging for Books in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Karen Kingsbury

KAREN KINGSBURY is a USA Today and New York Times best-selling author, with nearly twenty million books in print. Dubbed the “Queen of Christian Fiction” by Time magazine, Karen has written more than forty Life-Changing Drama, which encompasses the Redemption, Firstborn, and Sunrise series, as well as stand-alone novels such as Like Dandelion Dust, When Joy Came to Stay, and This Side of Heaven. Karen and her husband, Don, live in the Pacific Northwest and are parents to six children, including three adopted from Haiti.

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

Free E-book- Sins of the Mothers

24 Aug

Sins of the Mothers

Sins of the Mothers by Caryl McAdoo

Now through Thursday, August 27, Sins of the Mothers is FREE in Kindle format

Propelled by blind love, Mary Rachel Buckmeyer defies her father to elope with Caleb Wheeler. The newlyweds run off to California then partner with his cousin in his dry goods business.

Unbeknownst to the young bride, her new husband sends his kissing cousin ahead. He wants his love and his new wife’s money, too. Betrayal and murder drive Mary, soon a young mother, to the depths of despair. But she hates the man who loves her enough to cover her sins and deliver her out of the horrible pit she’s dug for herself in. Or does she?

Mary Rachel travels from frontier Texas to the raw bone boomtown of 1850’s San Francisco gold rush days, then all the way to genteel New York to find redemption for the sins of her mothers.

Friday Freebie

21 Aug

The Art of Falling

The Art of Falling by Julie Jarnagin

FREE: Kindle | Nook

Heather Tornsten needs a man…a celebrity, more specifically, for a fundraising gala for the Dallas art museum, where she works. And what better headliner than bull rider Wyatt Lawrence? Although why people idolize grown men who make their living falling off animals, she’ll never understand.

When his mom was diagnosed with cancer, Wyatt determined to focus on doing what she wants—like visiting some art museum. But when his mom teams up with Heather Tornsten to get him involved in a fundraiser, he knows he’s been set up. The more involved he gets with the pretty events coordinator, the more he realizes falling off a bull is far safer. Because falling for Heather–who has made it clear that she won’t risk her heart on any man who courts danger–might break a whole lot more than his bones.

My thoughts:

The Art of Falling is an adorable novella! This was my first Julie Jarnigan read, but it certainly won’t be my last. I really enjoyed the humor and heart of this touching story, as well as its delightful characters.

Wyatt Lawrence and Heather Tornsten are complete opposites and their conflict and chemistry is such fun to read. I enjoyed The Art of Falling and am eager to read the next book in the Taste of Texas series! 

Review: Irish Meadows | Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat

20 Aug

Irish Meadows

Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Mi7dDS

Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he’s put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry—as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans.

As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O’Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. 
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My thoughts:

Irish Meadows is a lovely story! The O’Leary family is governed by patriarch James O’Leary who expects his daughters to marry well and help secure the family’s future. When complications arise, will sisters Brianna and Colleen have the courage to pursue their dreams?

I loved the complexity of this family! There are so many personalities at work and the author does a great job of bringing the characters and their stories to life. I was pleasantly surprised to find not one, but two romantic threads woven through this story, and I delighted in them both.

Beautifully written with imagery and emotion, Susan Anne Mason swept me into her story world. Irish Meadows is a wonderful debut novel, and I can’t wait to read more from this talented author!

I received a complimentary copy of Irish Meadows 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/smason

 

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Join Susan in celebrating the release of Irish Meadows by entering to win her Kindle Fire giveaway and RSVPing to her September 1st author chat party!

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A Kindle Fire HD 6
  • One copy of Irish Meadows

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/1. The winner will be announced at the Irish Meadows Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Susan and other readers, 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 1st!

 

Susan Anne Mason

Susan Anne Mason’s debut historical novel, Irish Meadows, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. A member of ACFW, as well, she lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children.

Find Susan online: website, Facebook, Twitter

$0.99 Sale- Christmas Traditions

19 Aug

 Did you know there are only 127 days until Christmas?  

While I’m not quite ready to think about Christmas yet, I do want to share this collection of holiday stories.  Whether you’re treating yourself or stuffing cyber stockings, the Christmas Traditions collection is a great gift at a great price! 

Christmas Traditions

Christmas Traditions (Christmas Romance short stories)

Purchase a copy:  http://amzn.to/1LjQs9Z

Eight heartwarming novellas of Christmas’s gone by where the true meaning of the season warms your heart and love flows as fast as apple cider. Grab your favorite drink, no matter the temperature outside, curl up in a cozy chair and lose yourself in holiday romance.

My thoughts:

Each of these gifted authors brings their heartwarming story to life with endearing characters and an engaging story line!  At the time I read these stories individually, Angela Breidenbach’s novella was not available.  However, I have since purchased the collection and plan to enjoy Eleven Pipers Piping soon.    

Nutcracker Christmas– Jennifer AlLee has written a beautiful story that will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. Isabella Brandt is a lovely character and I loved reading her story!

An Apple for ChristmasAn Apple for Christmas is a wonderful novella! Darlene Franklin has penned a story as sweet and delicious as the apples she has written about.

Christmas Lessons– Patty Smith Hall tugged at my heartstrings in this Christmas novella. I loved Claire Davenport and Billy Warner and their rekindled romance.

Handcarved ChristmasHandcarved Christmas is a beautiful tale, brimming with love! Cynthia Hickey deftly expresses the emotions of her characters when an unexpected gift becomes a great blessing.

The Fruitcake Challenge– I opened the pages of this novella and stepped into a lively lumber camp of 1890! Carrie Fancett Pagels brings to life a delightful cast of characters, as well as the sights and sounds of Northern Michigan.

Sadie’s Gift– Niki Turner shares her gift of writing in this inspiring novella. From heart-wrenching to heartwarming, Sadie’s Gift is a wonderful Christmas story you don’t want to miss!

Holly DazeHolly Daze is a wonderful story! I love Gina Welborn’s writing and was delighted by her charming, holiday novella!

Review: A Heart’s Home | Conversations with Colleen Giveaway

18 Aug

A Heart's Home

A Heart’s Home by Colleen Coble

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Iyr7Im

Emmie’s hope for a life with Isaac is overshadowed by a tragic loss at Fort Phil Kearny.

Isaac Liddle is keen to marry Emmie, and she knows she shouldn’t hide her pregnancy from him any longer. But before she can tell him her secret, a widower friend asks the impossible of Emmie: Will she honor her promise to his dead wife by marrying him to care for the orphaned baby?

With the Sioux Wars threatening outside the fort, Emmie’s solemn vow threatens her happiness from within. Will she honor a promise sure to break her heart—and Isaac’s? Or is there another way to find a home for her heart?

 

My thoughts:

A Heart’s Home is an emotional conclusion of the Journey of the Heart serialization.   Secrets and surprises in the last installment set the stage for this dramatic ending and Emmie and Isaac’s story tugged at my heartstrings!  

As I read this serialization, my love for the characters grew through each of the stories.  My breath caught each time danger threatened; my heart ached when tragedy befell and rejoiced when happiness was found. Colleen Coble is a wonderful storyteller and I enjoyed this beautiful journey of the heart!

The Journey of the Heart serialization begins with A Heart’s Disguise and includes six installments. This is certainly a series that needs to be read in order!  These stories are Colleen’s early works, originally published in two books, Where Leads the Heart and Plains of Promise.

A complimentary copy of A Heart’s Home was provided to me 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/ccoble

 

Colleen is celebrating the final book release of her A Journey of the Heart series by giving away the entire series and the chance to host Colleen virtually at your book club, local library, or women’s group to talk about the series.

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • Books 1–6 of A Journey of the Heart series
  • A chat with Colleen via Skype or Google Hangout
  • A custom book-club kit PDF, featuring Colleen’s favorite recipes and group discussion questions

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

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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

Friday Freebies

14 Aug

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

 

When Mockingbirds Sing

When Mockingbirds Sing by Billy Coffey

Kindle | Nook

Leah is a child from Away, isolated from her peers because of her stutter. But then she begins painting scenes that are epic in scope, brilliant in detail, and suffused with rich, prophetic imagery. When the event foreshadowed in the first painting dramatically comes true, the town of Mattingly takes notice.

Leah attributes her ability to foretell the future to an invisible friend she calls the Rainbow Man. Some of the townsfolk are enchanted with her. Others fear her. But there is one thing they all agree on—there is no such thing as the Rainbow Man.

Her father, the town psychologist, is falling apart over his inability to heal his daughter . . . or fix his marriage. And the town minister is unraveled by the notion that a mere child with no formal training may be hearing from God more clearly than he does.

While the town bickers over what to do with this strange child, the content of Leah’s paintings grows darker. Still, Leah insists that the Rainbow Man’s heart is pure. But then a dramatic and tragic turn of events leaves the town reeling and places everyone’s lives in danger. Now the people of Mattingly face a single choice:

Will they cling to what they know . . . or embrace the things Leah believes in that cannot be seen?

 

Leaving Lancaster

Leaving Lancaster by Kate Lloyd

Kindle | Nook

More than anything else, thirty-something Holly Fisher longs for family. Growing up in Seattle without a dad or grandparents, she wonders what it would be like to have a heritage, a place of belonging. Holly is furious when her mother, Esther, reveals a long-kept secret: Holly’s grandmother and uncles are still alive and begging Esther to return. And Holly is shocked when she learns that the family she’s never known lives on a Lancaster, Pennsylvania, farm—as part of an Amish community her mother once abandoned.
Guilt-ridden Esther, terrified to see her mother and siblings, begs Holly to accompany her on a visit to Esther’s mother before she dies. But can their journey to a conflicting world heal their emotional wounds and finally bring them home?

 

Seek and Hide

Seek and Hide by Amanda G. Stevens

Kindle | Nook

Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment–including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent.

Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she’s targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she’d never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help.

When Aubrey and Marcus’s lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus’s life in a way he’d never expect, turning a loner into a leader.