Archive | August, 2015

Review: Through Waters Deep | Anchors Aweigh Giveaway

12 Aug

Through Waters Deep

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

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

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war.

Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges—and dangers—await them.

 

My thoughts:

“We have to hoist our sails. We have to let the Lord fill them. Then we have to resist the current if necessary to stay the course. Then we can fly with the wind.”

Through Waters Deep is an engaging tale of action and adventure, mystery, and romance! Set during the months prior to the US entering World War II, the story begins slowly and gains momentum as mysterious events occur and tensions rise.

Mary Stirling is a delightful character, efficiently handling her secretarial duties and eager to play amateur sleuth. Jim Avery is a charming naval officer, dedicated to always doing his best, but happy to go where the wind takes him. I appreciated the authenticity of these characters and their vulnerabilities and really enjoyed their personal growth and rekindled relationship.

Sundin’s extensive research and attention to detail is evident as she describes life in and around Boston and the Navy Yard. The time and setting are masterfully conveyed, and I loved the descriptions and dialogue. I also enjoyed the historical details that were included; they allowed me to gain a greater knowledge and understanding of what was happening during this tumultuous time in history.

Weaving spiritual lessons through this historical romance, Sarah Sundin has penned a novel that will encourage, educate, and entertain!

I received a complimentary copy of this book 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/ssundin

 

Join Sarah in celebrating the release of Through Waters Deep by entering to win an Anchors Aweigh prize pack!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A copy of Through Waters Deep
  • A nautical tote bag
  • A set of compass rose notecards
  • A “Hope Anchors the Soul” journal
  • A Boston Tea Party earl grey tea set
  • A Through Waters Deep apron
  • A set of nautical tea towels
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Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. The winner will be announced August 25th on Sarah’s blog.
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Sarah Sundin
Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, In Perfect Time, and the Wings of Glory series. In 2014, On Distant Shores was a finalist for the Golden Scroll Awards from both AWSA and the Christian Authors Network. In 2011, Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.
Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter

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Sunday Psalm Contest

11 Aug

Hi, dear readers!  Anne Mateer, a wonderful historical fiction author, shares a lovely Sunday Psalm each week on her blog and Facebook page.  She recently offered a “newsletter subscriber only” contest in which participants were asked to create a Sunday Psalm graphic.  I chose to create a graphic using Psalm 51:10.   

If you would like to vote for my graphic, visit this post on Anne’s Facebook page and click Like below my graphic.  Thanks so much!

Psalm 51

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Review: The Potter’s Lady

10 Aug

The Potter's Lady

The Potter’s Lady by Judith Miller

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

When Rose McKay convinces her brother, Ewan, to invest in a pottery business, she’s determined to assist him in making the venture a success. Having just graduated from the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, she believes she can design pieces that will sell well. In her efforts to help the pottery flourish, Rose reconnects with Joshua Harkness, who oversees his own family’s pottery works in a nearby town.

Rylan Campbell has never liked change, but the new owners of the pottery seem to be the decent sort. He just wishes Rose wouldn’t insist on cleaning and moving everything. But when McKay Pottery starts losing business to the Harkness company, Rylan realizes Joshua might be taking advantage of Rose.

Then Franklin Hotels announces a design contest. Winning the Franklin contract would be exactly the boost McKay Pottery needs, so Rose and Rylan work closely together to create something magnificent. With Joshua’s company as their main competition, can Rylan convince Rose her trust in Joshua may be misplaced?

 

My thoughts: 

With great attention to historical details, Judith Miller ushers readers back to 1872. I really enjoyed the vivid imagery of the pottery works and design process. I also enjoyed the wonderful characterization. There were heroes and heroines to delight in and villains to detest. While some aspects of the plot were easily anticipated, the charm of the main characters allowed me to remain engaged in the story. A historical tale with a subtle romance, The Potter’s Lady is a recommended read for historical fiction fans.

I enjoyed The Potter’s Lady without having read Book 1, The Brickmaker’s Bride. It was apparent that family and business history was shared in the first book. Although plenty of details were included in this narrative, I believe reading The Brickmaker’s Bride first would have enhanced the reading of The Potter’s Lady.

I received a complimentary copy of The Potter’s Lady from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Judith Miller

Although born and reared in a small suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Judy moved to Kansas at the age of seventeen and has considered the sunflower state ‘home’ ever since. She currently lives in Topeka. She enjoys reading, traveling, researching history, and Bible study.

Writing Christian fiction is Judy’s second career. For many years she worked as a legal assistant in law firms and later worked in government law offices. She has retired from legal work in order to write fulltime —a vocation she considers both a ministry and a blessing.

Judy has authored or co-authored more than twenty-five books since she began writing in 1996. She is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, several of which have placed in the CBA and ECPA top ten lists. It is her deep desire to point readers to the love and grace of Jesus.

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

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Review: Hope Harbor

8 Aug

Hope Harbor

Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon

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

Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life–and love–altered her plans. When tragedy strikes and changes her plans yet again, she finds herself back in her hometown with a floundering farm to run and a heartbreaking secret. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter’s. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help save a struggling charitable organization, the winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives–including their own.

Fan favorite Irene Hannon brings a whole new cast of characters to life in a charming Oregon seaside village. Emotional and heartwarming, this story invites readers to come home to Hope Harbor, where love and hope bloom–and hearts heal.

 

My thoughts:

Hope Harbor is an enchanting story! Irene Hannon does a wonderful job of bringing this special Oregon community and its residents to life. I loved the richly layered story line and appreciated the complexity of the characters and their dramatic, emotional journeys. I really enjoyed Tracy and Michael’s story, and was touched by several secondary characters as well. Reading this story made me want to walk along the beach, visit Charley’s taco stand, and enjoy some fresh cranberry nut cake. Hope Harbor is a story of hope and healing that warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face!

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

 

Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon, who writes both romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 45 novels. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romantic fiction), a National Readers’ Choice Award, three HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, a Retailers Choice Award, a Booksellers’ Best Award and two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. She is also a two-time Christy Award finalist.

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, long walks, cooking, gardening, traveling and spending time with family.

To learn more about Irene and her books, visit http://www.irenehannon.com.

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Friday Freebies

7 Aug

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

 

The Scent of Rain

The Scent of Rain by Julianne Jones

Kindle

It rained the day Damien proposed. A gentle falling rain that carried the salt from the ocean and released the scents from the nearby flowering bushes. Madi thought he couldn’t have chosen a more romantic time or place than the little pavilion beside the beach with the rain providing a veil around them. As he slipped the solitaire ring on to her finger she thought she must be the happiest person alive. Damien loved her!

Damien Hamilton was everything Madeline Johnstone could wish for. Tall, good-looking, charming, and with an exciting career, she couldn’t believe that he had chosen her. The day of their wedding she believed all her dreams had come true. Little did she know that the nightmare was only beginning.

The choices Madi makes will cause ripples that will affect not only her but also her daughter, Jaena, her family and friends, destroy a lifelong friendship, and jeopardise Jaena’s relationship with the handsome Mitchell Gallagher.

 

Lancaster Co.

Lancaster Country Second Chances by Ruth Price

Kindle | Nook

After Katie Fisher’s husband and young son are killed in a house fire, the young Amish widow returns to her parents’ home broken-hearted with her faith in shambles. Katie can never imagine herself marrying again. But when 31-year-old Amish widower, Joseph Lapp, comes to Katie’s district church service looking to hire an honest woman to help him take care of his three active, rambunctious children, Katie takes the plunge and accepts the position. Katie quickly finds herself falling in love with Joseph’s children, and though Katie and Joseph cannot spend time together unsupervised due to the strict tenants of their Ordnung, the widow and widower find themselves growing closer in spirit as well. But when a new tragedy threatens the fragile future Katie and Joseph have begun to build, will the couple have the faith to risk a second chance at love?

Find out in Lancaster County Second Chances, Book 1 of the Amish Second Chances series.

 

Deadly Aim

Deadly Aim by Patricia H. Rushford

Kindle | Nook 

Angel Delaney puts up a tough front-as a female police officer she must. She works for peace in her coastal Oregon town, but loathes the means she must sometimes use to get it. So when her line of duty requires her to use deadly force against a twelve-year-old boy, Angel’s world begins to crumble.

The community wants answers, and Angel is dismayed to find that the media portrays her as a racist, a rogue cop, and a menace. While she works to clear her name and her conscience, the investigation into her use of deadly force creates more questions than answers.

The detective working on Angel’s case, has his hands full when crucial evidence disappears and other people are found murdered. Do these killings relate to the boy’s death? Is Angel next?

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Review: Crazy Little Thing Called Love

6 Aug

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1VkD0s8

Paramedic Vanessa Hollister has put her adolescence behind her, including the unwanted label of being the new kid in town over and over again, thanks to her father’s military career. She’s overcome what her mother called “the biggest mistake of her life” and is planning an elegant destination wedding in Destin, Florida with her new fiancé. But will the reappearance of her first husband from her what-were-you-thinking teenage elopement disrupt her dream of an idyllic beach wedding?

As a professional storm chaser, Logan Hollister is used to taking risks. However, a reckless decision during the last tornado season has him questioning the future of his team, the Stormmeisters. Coming face to face with his ex-wife eight years after their divorce compels him to confront his greatest regret: losing Vanessa. Does their past give him the right to interfere with her future?

A fast-moving, powerful hurricane throws Vanessa and Logan together as they evacuate to a storm shelter along with other residents of the Florida Gulf Coast. Forced to spend time together, the pair battles unexpected renewed feelings for each other.

Vanessa and Logan are faced with a choice: Should they accept, once and for all, their teenage marital mistake? Or is God offering them a second chance at happily ever after?

 

My thoughts:

“What if what you thought was your biggest mistake was actually the right choice?”

Crazy Little Thing Called Love examines this question and so much more. Beth Vogt’s characters are well-crafted and deal with the struggles of life and the ramifications of impulsive decisions. Much of Vanessa and Logan’s relationship is shared through flashbacks. While I enjoyed these glimpses into their feelings and emotions, I did wish for more present-day communication and development as they rekindled their relationship.

I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter! They were perfect precursors, and I looked forward to reading each one. An engaging plot and endearing secondary characters round out this narrative, making it an enjoyable summer read. I look forward to continuing the Destination Wedding series and can’t wait to see where the next wedding will be.

I received a complimentary copy of Crazy Little Thing Called Love 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/bvogt

 

Beth VogtBeth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” A 2015 RITA® Finalist and a 2014 Carol Award finalist, Beth is a contemporary romance novelist with Howard Books. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2014. In 2015 she introduced her destination wedding series with both an e-novella, Can’t Buy Me Love, (May) and a novel, Crazy Little Thing Called Love (June).

Visit Beth online: website, Facebook, Twitter

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Not By Sight Giveaway

5 Aug

Not By Sight Giveaway

Bethany House Publishers is celebrating the release of Not By Sight by giving away two fantastic prize packages! Enter here!

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

 

First Prize: Come for Tea

With war overseas and intrigue and espionage at home, everything around Grace Mabry is in turmoil except her father’s lovely teahouse. However, the invisible ink of misfortune is on the wall and everything is about to change.

Whether in turmoil or peace, nothing is as soothing and delightful as a cup of tea. Create your own oasis with this stunning antique tea set. Made and shipped from England, this fine bone china tea set will take your breath away!

Enjoy the taste of the finest English tea with this loose leaf tea chest including 6 delicious flavors of tea: (Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast, Assam, Ceylon OP Black, Singell Darjeeling) Tea strainer included with prize.

You will love the world of Kate Breslin’s Not by Sight and this DVD, The Manners of Downton Abbey. will take you even deeper into the world of Edwardian manners. Discover the secrets of how the aristocratic set dined and dressed, how they married and made money, how they interacted with the servants (and the servants interacted with each other), and above all why they behaved as they did.

 

Second Prize: Spies Like Us

Jack Benningham may not be what he seems, but as Grace Mabry slowly realizes, he is not the only one who is an imposter. Everyone is hiding something and Grace just wants to discover the truth.

Discover the truth for yourself as you spy out a mystery, or beauty, or even just have an adventure. This vintage genuine leather satchel will see you through wherever the journey takes you.

Enjoy This lovely emerald green leather journal and invisible ink pens. Write secret messages to yourself, or hide your innermost thoughts with invisible ink.

This telescoping brass spyglass will make you feel like you are a spy in the 1920’s, even if all you are spying on is the birds! Comes with a beautiful protective wooden box.

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Review: Frontier Engagement

4 Aug

Frontier Engagement

Frontier Engagement by Regina Scott

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

James Wallin’s family is depending on him to find a schoolteacher for their frontier town. Alexandrina Fosgrave seems to be exactly what he needs to help fulfill his father’s dream of building a new community. If only James could convince her to accept the position.

Alexandrina has traveled west to seek a fresh start, not to find a groom. But after she’s stranded in the wilderness with James, he offers her his hand in marriage to protect her reputation. Both are afraid to fall in love, but maybe an engagement of convenience could make them reconsider…

My thoughts:

Frontier Engagement is a charming story! Regina Scott’s wonderful imagery and historical details paint a vivid picture and drew me into the story. While I especially enjoyed James Wallin and Alexandrina Fosgrave, I also enjoyed the extended Wallin family. I loved their genuine, heartfelt banter and camaraderie! In addition to the wonderful characters, I also loved the spiritual messages that were seamlessly woven through the story. A frontier adventure that leads to romance, James and Rina’s story is a delightful tale!

Although Frontier Engagement is the third book in the Frontier Bachelors series, it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. I have not read the first two books in this series, but I plan to remedy that soon. I am eager to revisit the Wallin family and Wallin Landing!

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.

 

Regina Scott

Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she’d learned a bit more about writing. After numerous short stories and articles in magazines and trade journals, and a good kick in the backside from her husband, she got serious about writing. Since then, she’s had published more than two dozen clean historical romances for adults and young adults. Her traditional romances have earned praised from reviewers and readers alike. Booklist calls her work “quietly compelling” and “impeccably written.” Huntress Reviews says, “Regina Scott delivers,” and “I will always buy a book with Regina Scott’s name on it.”

She makes her home in the Puget Sound area of Washington State with her beloved husband and a hyperactive Irish terrier named Fergus. Find her online at her website, the blog she shares with author Marissa Doyle, on Facebook, and on Goodreads.

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Review: Not By Sight

3 Aug

Not By Sight by Kate Breslin

Not By Sight by Kate Breslin

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

With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover.

Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country’s cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she’ll set off when she hands a feather to Jack.

And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them–or the faith they’ll need to maintain hope.

 

My thoughts:

Not By Sight is a compelling story that sweeps the reader into a world of intrigue, drama, and romance! I loved the complexity of the characters and their stories; Jack Benningham is an enigmatic hero and Grace Mabry is a charming heroine. Their story, reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, completely captivated me!

The time period and setting of this story set it apart from most. My knowledge of World War I is very limited, and I was fascinated by the history and events of this time. Filled with secrets, suspense, and surprises, Not By Sight is gripping tale. Kate Breslin writes with a richness and depth that is hard to match, and I believe fans of historical romance and literary fiction will love this beautiful story! I certainly did!

I received a complimentary copy of Not By Sight in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Kate Breslin

A Florida girl and former bookseller, Kate Breslin migrated to the Pacific Northwest where she lives with her husband and a spoiled cat named Coco. Kate has written travel articles, published award-winning poetry, and was a finalist in RWA’s Golden Heart Contest. For Such A Time is her debut novel; now that she’s writing inspirational romance, Kate enjoys creating stories showing how God’s love brings two hearts together. When she’s not plotting the next novel, Kate can be found with her nose in a book, or enjoying a long walk in one of Washington’s beautiful forests. She also likes to do a bit of traveling to new places–great for finding the next story idea! She’d love to hear from you, so please stop by and say hello at www.katebreslin.com.

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