Archive | October, 2015

Review: The Imposter

31 Oct

The Imposter

The Imposter by Suzanne Woods Fisher

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

Katrina Stoltzfus thought she had life and love all figured out: she was going to marry John and live happily ever after. Those plans started to crumble when her father moved the family to Stoney Ridge, then completely collapsed when John decided to marry someone else. Katrina is devastated. How could she have felt so loved, yet been so deceived?

As she struggles to face a future without him, a widow asks for her help to start a new business and Katrina quickly agrees. She needs time to heal her broken heart, to untangle her messy life, to find a purpose. What she doesn’t need is attention from Andy Miller, a farm hand who arrives at the widow’s farm just when help is most needed–and who always seems to say the right thing, and be in the right place, at the right time. Is Andy for real, or too good to be true? Deceived once before, Katrina is determined to keep her feelings in check.

When a cascade of events is set in motion by some surprising information, the little Amish church is turned upside down. Soon, everyone has a stake in the outcome, and the community struggles to find the best response to an imposter in their midst. Can they forgive even the most deceitful deeds?

 

My thoughts:

Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to Stoney Ridge in her new series, The Bishop’s Family. Fans of Fisher’s earlier Stoney Ridge novels will enjoy revisiting this beloved community and its residents and will fall in love with a host of new characters.

I loved everything about this multi-faceted story! It’s brimming with charming characters, suspense and surprises, inspiration, and romance. The Imposter captivated me from beginning to end and left me begging for more! I adore Suzanne Woods Fisher’s stories and can’t wait to continue this new series.

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

 

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling, award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction books about the Old Order Amish for Revell Books, host of the radio-show-turned-blog Amish Wisdom, a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine.

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.

Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can’t life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth.

Suzanne can be found on-line at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

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Friday Freebies

30 Oct

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com
Island Refuge

Island Refuge by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Kindle

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.

 

Hog Insane

Hog Insane by Carole Brown

Kindle

The Davis couple load up their RV and eagerly head for the Smokey Mountains, with the Mountain Mist Campground at Pigeon Forge as their final destination. Newly retired, Denton hopes to use this trip to rekindle the dwindling flame of his marriage. In spite of her protests, he is sure his wife looks forward to the rest and relaxation as much as he does.

They barely arrive at their destination when a risk-taking motorcyclist speeds past them, followed by a careening sports car. Denton remembers the fatal tangle of his nephew ten years earlier … with the bike Denton taught him to ride.

Things continue to go south the rest of the evening, culminating in Denton finding a body sprawled in the brush beside the path to their cabin, the man’s booted feet toe down, as if they had dug into the ground. The biker gloves on his hands indicate Denton may have seen him earlier in the day. Denton squats and presses two fingers alongside the neck of the victim. No pulse. Just as he expects.

The bullet hole in the victim’s head says it all. Denton has a job to do and a mystery to solve.

 

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Review: Miracle Drug | 5 Book Giveaway

29 Oct

Miracle Drug

Miracle Drug by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1L8pNgx

The infection wasn’t supposed to happen, but it did. The treatment was supposed to take care of it, but it didn’t. Then Dr. Josh Pearson discovers why—his patients, including the former President of the United States, have been dosed with a different strain of the original virus, one that is universally fatal. The only chance for survival is treatment with an experimental drug, but the manufacturer might already have discarded its supply.

As if treating the President of the United States isn’t stressful enough, the situation goes from bad to worse when Rachel Moore, a nurse Josh is falling in love with, falls ill. With the nation’s eyes on him, Josh must pull off a miracle to save a man who holds a good deal of power and the woman who holds his heart.

My thoughts:

Miracle Drug is an exciting medical suspense!

Once again, Dr. Mabry’s expertise is evident in his storytelling. He pulls readers into the drama with just enough medical jargon to engage rather than overwhelm. I really enjoyed the premise of this story, which is very timely in light of recent events. I also enjoyed the political elements that were included in regard to the handling of a former U.S. President.  This fast-paced suspense kept me guessing until the very end.  If you need a healthy dose of suspense laced with romance, Miracle Drug is the perfect prescription!

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

Blog tour landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/rmabry

 

Enter to win a copy of Miracle Drug—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced November 2 on Richard’s blog!

miracle-drug-400

 

Dr. Mabry

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes “medical suspense with heart.” His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers’ debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and Romantic Times’ Reader’s Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. “Miracle Drug” is his ninth published novel. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas.

Find Richard online: website, Facebook, Twitter

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Review: A Reason To Stay

27 Oct

A Reason to Stay

A Reason To Stay by Kellie Coates Gilbert

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

As the host of her own television news show, Faith Marin works to expose the truth for her viewers. But in her personal life, she’s anchored her world with firm boundaries in order to hide a family history she’d like to forget. Her pro bass fisherman husband Geary’s life is an open book, and unfortunately his busybody family doesn’t know the meaning of boundaries. Deception and crippling differences soon derail their tender relationship, leading Faith to believe her only option is to end the marriage. But while divorce papers sit on her desk waiting to be signed, tragedy strikes and her heartrending decision is interrupted. With her life in the balance, Faith finds that the one she has been shutting out may be the very one she cannot bear to lose.

My thoughts:

“Sometimes the thing that keeps us from making the wrong choice is the one thing we can’t control.”

Kellie Coates Gilbert continues to shine with her Texas Gold Collection! Each of these Texas tales stand alone and are relevant, ripped from the headlines stories that provoke thought and evoke emotion.

A Reason To Stay is an emotional portrayal of the life-changing circumstances people endure and the hope and healing that can come through love. Faith and Geary are well-crafted characters and their touching journey is one I believe will resonate with many readers. Gilbert’s heartfelt and faith-filled fiction is always a pleasure to read, and A Reason To Stay is certainly no exception.

If you’re a fan of emotionally charged women’s fiction, Kellie Coates Gilbert is a must read!

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

 

Kellie Coates Gilbert

As a former legal professional, Kellie Coates Gilbert spent nearly twenty-five years working in courtrooms and behind the scenes of some of the largest and most well-known cases in America. She was one of the lead paralegals in the Jack-in-the-Box litigation, where uncooked hamburger resulted in the deaths of several toddlers and made many more critically ill, which is now the subplot of her recently released Where Rivers Part, the second novel in a collection of contemporary women’s fiction stories all set in Texas. Her books not only explore the heart issues that matter most to women, but often allow readers an inside peek into her former legal world.

Kellie currently makes her home in Dallas, Texas with her husband and a very spoiled 2.7 lb. Yorkie named Emmie Sweetpea.

Please visit her online at www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com.

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Review + GIVEAWAY: Amish Christmas at North Star

26 Oct

Amish Christmas at North Star

Amish Christmas at North Star by Cindy Woodsmall, Mindy Starns Clark with Emily Clark, Amanda Flower, and Katie Ganshert

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

One night four lives entered the world by the hands of an Amish midwife, just outside North Star, Pennsylvania.

Rebekah’s Babies, as they are called, are now grown adults and in four heartwarming novellas each young person experiences a journey of discovery, a possibility of love, and the wonder of Christmas.

Guiding Star by Katie Ganshert
Curiosity gets the best of Englischer Chase Wellington when he investigates the twenty-five-year-old disappearance of an Amish baby. When he finds adventurous Elle McAllister in Iowa will his discoveries upend her world?

Mourning Star by Amanda Flower
Eden Hochstetler slips from her parents’ fudge shop to investigate the death of her friend Isaac. Who is guilty? Isaac’s handsome great nephew Jesse, an angry Englischer, or someone else?

In the Stars by Cindy Woodsmall
Heartbroken Kore Detweiler avoids North Star after Savilla Beiler rejects his love. But when he is unexpectedly called to return home, he and Savilla must join forces to keep a family together.

Star of Grace by Mindy Starns Clark and Emily Clark
Andy Danner left North Star to join a new Amish settlement in Mississippi. His little brother devises a scheme to bring Andy home for Christmas and unwittingly unleashes the power of forgiveness in a reclusive widower’s life.

My thoughts:

Filled with inspiration, intrigue, and romance, Amish Christmas at North Star is a wonderful collection!

While Woodsmall, Clark, and Flower are beloved authors of Amish fiction, this is Ganshert’s first foray into the genre. What a marvelous addition she is! Her story, Guiding Star, was my favorite of the collection, and I hope she will bring us more Amish stories in the future.

Although they share a common thread, the four novellas are unique, and I delighted in the charm of each one. These ladies are gifted storytellers and their stories of discovery engaged and entertained! I loved Amish Christmas at North Star and can’t wait to share this treasure with family and friends this holiday season!

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

 

Giveaway- Amish Christmas at North Star

GIVEAWAY DETAILS – (US only)
Thanks to the generosity of the publisher, THREE readers will win a copy of Amish Christmas at North Star!

To enter the giveaway:
Leave a comment below and include your email address.  The giveaway ends Saturday, October 31 at 11:59 p.m. CDT. The winners will be drawn and announced on Sunday, November 1.

To earn additional entries:
Follow my blog and/or share the giveaway via social media. Be sure to let me know what you’ve done to earn additional entries!

 

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The winner is…

25 Oct

Winner- Valley of Decision
Thank you all so much for visiting and participating in this giveaway! I will be sharing another exciting giveaway tomorrow!

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Friday Freebies

23 Oct

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

For Mercie's Sake

For Mercie’s Sake by Sharon Srock

Kindle | Nook

A victim of rape, sixteen year old Scottlyn Rich is disowned by her family when she refuses to abort the child she carries. Determined to raise her baby, she has no idea how to handle the obstacles ahead, she only knows that giving her daughter, Mercie, a chance to live is the most important thing she’ll ever do.

Widowed school teacher Diana Kensington lost everything she held dear the day her husband’s plane fell out of the sky. Four hundred and thirty nine days later she still has no answer to her daily prayer. “What now, God?”

Can trust be built between these two lost women? Can they work together to fill the void in each other’s lives, for Mercie’ s sake?

 

A Lady of Esteem

A Lady of Esteem by Kristi Ann Hunter

Kindle | Nook 

Miss Amelia Stalwood may live in London at her absent guardian’s townhouse, but she’s never actually met any nobility, and instead of aristocrats, her closest friends are servants. Quite by happenstance, she’s introduced to the Hawthorne family and their close family friend, Anthony, the reformed Marquis of Raebourne . They welcome her into their world, but just as she’s beginning to gain some confidence and even suspect she may have caught Anthony’s eye, she’s blindsided by an unexpected twist in her situation accompanied by nasty rumors. Will she lose her reputation when the world that has only just accepted her turns its back on her, or will she rest in the support of the friends who’ve become like family and the man who’s shared his faith and captured her heart?

A Lady of Esteem is an e-only novella that gives an exciting introduction to Kristi Ann Hunter’s new Regency romance series about the aristocratic Hawthorne family! Includes an extended excerpt of Kristi’s debut full-length novel, A Noble Masquerade.

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Spotlight: While You’re Awake

21 Oct

WhileYoureAwake - final cover

While You’re Awake by Amber Stokes

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

Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance Novelette

There’s no rest for the fearful.

Ava always knew the bees would come. Just when she’s settled into a place of her own, freelance editing and savoring her independence, her rental house is invaded by a swarm of honey bees. And with their arrival, her lifelong fear morphs into a full-fledged panic that steals her sleep—and her peace of mind.

Keegan knows all about fear. When he meets Ava at the coffee shop where he works, he can’t help but come to her rescue. Together with his German shepherds, Sun and Moon, he sets out to break the “curse” that hovers over Tired Girl. But is it possible to conquer nightmares and live a dream while you’re awake?

This sweet novelette is a contemporary re-imagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale that sheds light on the worries that bind us and the love that leads to peace.

WYA and HaSF Promo - October 2015

Download your FREE Kindle copy of How a Star Falls here.

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Review + GIVEAWAY: Valley of Decision

20 Oct

ValleyofDecision

Valley of Decision by Lynne Gentry

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1VU6WsA

Every choice has a consequence in the explosive conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles as Lisbeth returns to third-century Carthage for a thrilling final adventure.

Thirteen years ago, Lisbeth made an impossible decision—leave third-century Carthage and her husband Cyprian behind for good. She knew it was to protect her daughter Maggie, so Lisbeth gathered the strength to move on with her life.

All these years, Lisbeth has thrown herself into her work and raising her headstrong daughter, all to live up to the promise she made to Cyprian. But Maggie is sick of being protected. In an act of teenage rebellion Maggie decides to do what her mother can’t—secretly returning to the third century on a quest to bring her father back, leaving Lisbeth no choice but to follow.

With Maggie’s surprise arrival in Carthage, chaos ensues. She finds her grandmother on trial for murder and attempts to save her, but instead the diversion sparks a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city. Only one thing will appease the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage: the death of the instigator.

Will Lisbeth arrive in time to save her daughter from the clutches of Rome? How can God possibly redeem such a slew of unwise decisions and deep regrets?

 

What an amazing adventure!

I can’t believe it’s time to say goodbye to these special characters that I’ve come to know and love! The only consolation I have is that this fantastic series has a special place on my keeper shelf, and I can revisit third-century Carthage again and again.

Valley of Decision is a sensational conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles! Once again, Lynne Gentry deftly weaves past and present together and brings to life the history, drama, and romance of this extraordinary story. Full of heart-wrenching emotion and poignant truths, this story of faith and family will leave you breathless!

I absolutely loved the Carthage Chronicles and can’t wait to experience this incredible author’s next adventure!

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

 

Giveaway- ValleyofDecision

I am giving away a print copy of Valley of Decision to one lucky reader!  To enter, please answer the following question in the comments section, and be sure to include your email address!  This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends Saturday, October 24 at 11:59 p.m. CDT. The winner will be drawn and announced on Sunday, October 25. Good luck!! 

If you could travel back in time, what time period would you visit?  

To earn additional entries, you may do the following:

◦Follow this blog
◦Share this giveaway through social media

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

 

Lynne Gentry

Lynne Gentry has written for numerous publications. She is a professional acting coach, theater director, and playwright. Lynne is an inspirational speaker and dramatic performer who loves spending time with her family and medical therapy dog.

Find Lynne online: website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

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Review: Murder at the Courthouse

19 Oct

Murder at the Courthouse

Murder at the Courthouse by A.H. Gabhart

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

After a few years as a police officer in Chicago, Michael Keane has no trouble relaxing into the far less stressful job of deputy sheriff in his small hometown. After all, nothing ever happens in Hidden Springs, Kentucky. Nothing, that is, until a dead body is discovered on the courthouse steps. Everyone in town is a little uneasy. Still, no one is terribly worried–after all the man was a stranger–until one of their own is murdered right on Main Street.

As Michael works to solve the case it seems that every nosy resident in town has a theory. When the sheriff insists Michael check out one of these harebrained theories, his surprising discovery sends him on a bewildering search for a mysterious killer that has him questioning everything he has ever believed about life in Hidden Springs.

 

My thoughts:

Murder at the Courthouse is an entertaining whodunit! Ann Gabhart has a gift for capturing the essence of small town life, and she has certainly done so in this tantalizing tale. I was delighted by the colorful characters and the twists and turns of the story line. Although I had my suspicions about the culprit, Gabhart kept me guessing and didn’t confirm my thoughts until the very end. I’m excited about this talented author’s foray into the cozy mystery genre and look forward to continuing the Hidden Springs Mystery series!

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

 

Ann H. Gabhart

A. H. Gabhart is Ann H. Gabhart, bestselling author of many novels, including Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Love Comes Home, several popular Shaker novels such as The Outsider, The Believer, and The Innocent, and The Heart of Hollyhill series. Ann grew up in a small rural town in Kentucky much like Hidden Springs, but Ann is happy to report nobody was ever murdered on her hometown’s courthouse steps. Ann and her husband still live on a farm near that same little town in Kentucky.

Learn more at http://www.annhgabhart.com.

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