Archive | October, 2016

Friday Freebies

14 Oct

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

Island Refuge

Island Refuge by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Kindle

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.

 

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Angels Watching Over Me by Michael Phillips

Kindle | Nook 

Two young Southern girls, one the daughter of a plantation owner and one the daughter of a slave, barely survive the onset of the Civil War and the loss of both their families. When these tragic circumstances bring them together, they join forces to discover if they can make a life for themselves. As their preconceptions give way to experience, they gradually learn to value their contrasting and complementing strengths and skills as they face the formidable task of keeping body and soul together in the aftermath of this devastating war. But is it possible the Lord they have come to know has something bigger in mind for the plantation than either of them can imagine?

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The Devoted iPad Mini Giveaway

13 Oct
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You’re invited back to Stoney Ridge for a story of dreams deferred and hopes fulfilled in The Devoted!

Bright, curious, and restless, Ruthie Stoltzfus loves her family but is stuck in a sea of indecision about her future: Should she stay Amish? Or should she leave? She’s done all she can to prepare to go–passed the GED, saved her money–but she can’t quite set her journey into motion.

Patrick Kelly is a young man on a journey of his own. He’s come to Stoney Ridge to convert to the Amish and has given himself thirty days to learn the language, drive a buggy, and adapt to “everything Plain.” Time, to Patrick, is of the essence. Every moment is to be cherished, especially the hours he spends with Ruthie, his Penn Dutch tutor.

Ruthie’s next-door neighbor and cunning ex-boyfriend, Luke Schrock, is drawn to trouble like a moth to a flame. Rebellious, headstrong, defiant, Luke will do anything to win Ruthie back–anything–and Patrick Kelly is getting in his way.

Suzanne is celebrating the release of The Devoted with a special giveaway!

One winner will receive:

  • A copy of The Devoted
  • An iPad Mini 2 16GB

Enter today, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 2. The winner will be announced November 3 on Suzanne’s blog.  Enter to win by filling out the form when you click here, or click the graphic above to enter to win.

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#BookReview: From Depths We Rise by Sarah Rodriguez

11 Oct

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From Depths We Rise by Sarah Rodriguez

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2d8Kc8H

Sarah Rodriguez experienced more loss and heartache in a short period of time than most people will endure in a lifetime. Infertility. Miscarriage. Her husband Joel’s cancer diagnosis (not once, but twice). Her husband’s death. Her two-week-old baby girl in a fight for her life. . . And still, Sarah clung to her faith. From Depths We Rise is a miraculous story of hope and overcoming. Sarah’s is a journey of beauty from ashes, of marching toward purpose out of the pain. Her awe-inspiring story will encourage you to grasp tightly to your faith and to rise above even the most daunting of circumstances.

 

My thoughts:

From Depths We Rise is an extraordinary story! Sarah Rodriguez has experienced unfathomable suffering and loss, and her journey through this heartache and pain is one of “beauty from ashes”. “What I have to share will hopefully make you laugh-it might even make you cry-but I pray it leaves you filled with hope, because even as the story ends it is really just beginning.” Sarah’s faith is inspiring and her candid story is sure to touch all who read it. Heartrending and hope-filled, From Depths We Rise is a book not soon to be forgotten!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing.  All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep

10 Oct

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The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/2dKDRU1

Proper English governess Eleanor Morgan flees to the colonies to escape the wrath of a an angry duke. When the Charles Town family she’s to work for never arrives to collect her from the dock, she is forced to settle for the only reputable choice remaining to her—marriage to a man she’s never met. Trapper and tracker Samuel Heath is a hardened survivor used to getting his own way by brain or by brawn, and he’s determined to find a mother for his young daughter. But finding a wife proves to be impossible. No upstanding woman wants to marry a murderer.

 

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My thoughts:

The Captive Heart is a frontier adventure you don’t want to miss! Michelle Griep takes readers to the Carolina backcountry, and with vibrant details and descriptions, brings to life the ruggedness of the American wilderness. All of the characters are richly drawn, and I loved Samuel and Eleanor and their tumultuous journey. Drama and danger abound as these two face numerous threats, all the time fighting to survive in the face of adversity. Bringing to mind The Last of the Mohicans, I was captivated by this story and would love to read more about these memorable characters!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: Targeted for Murder by Elizabeth Goddard

8 Oct

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Targeted for Murder by Elizabeth Goddard

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/2d2buha

With his dying breath, Hadley Mason’s fatally shot father reveals he’s a CIA agent…and a bounty has been placed on both their heads. Heeding his urgent warning to disappear and trust no one, Hadley flees into the Oregon wilderness, but she can’t shake the string of hired killers on her trail. So when a fearless and too-handsome wilderness guide comes to her rescue, Hadley has no choice but to put her life in Cooper Wilde’s hands. The former Green Beret vows to protect her, but beyond steep gorges and treacherous terrain, a ruthless man will stop at nothing to see her dead.

 

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My thoughts:

Goddard kicks off her new Wilderness, Inc. series with a pulse-pounding suspense! The action begins on the first page and continues full throttle until the very end. I loved the picturesque setting of the Oregon wilderness and the urgency and intrigue of Hadley and Cooper’s story. Targeted for Murder is a wild ride, and I can’t wait for the next adventure!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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Friday Freebies

7 Oct

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

valley-of-dreams

Valley of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling

Kindle | Nook

Addy Lockwood’s mother died when she was little, so Addy traveled with her father’s Wild West Show and became an amazingly skillful trick rider, likened by some to the famous Annie Oakley. When her father died, she continued to work with the show, having nowhere else to go.

Now Addy has discovered that “Uncle” Jason, the show’s manager, has driven the show into debt, and he’s absconded with what little money was left. Devastated, Addy decides to try to find the hidden valley where here father had dreamed of putting down roots. She has only one clue. She needs to find three huge stones that look like fingers raised in a giant hand. With Chief, a Sioux Indian who’s been with the show for twenty years, and Micah, the head wrangler, she leaves both the show and a bundle of heartache behind and begins a wild and daring adventure.

 

invisible

Invisible by Lorena McCourtney

Kindle | Nook

A mysterious disappearance fuels the mutant curiosity of Ivy Malone, whose oddball humor, possum-gray hair, and quirky sleuthing skills make her an unlikely crime fighter. Even the authorities’ attempts to keep Ivy out of danger. But will the determination that fuels this persistent, quirky sleuth threaten her very safety?

 

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The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Kindle | Nook

Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband’s debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose’s big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she’s even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.

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#BookReview: A Lady Unrivaled | The Manor House #Giveaway

6 Oct

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A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile–even if it’s just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won’t wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he’s determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won’t budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her–and his daughter–from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?

 

My thoughts:

Oh, how I have loved the Ladies of the Manor series! While each of the three stories shares a stand-alone romance, continuing themes carry through this captivating series.

Capturing the essence of the Edwardian era, Roseanna White breathes life into her characters and settings. Lady Ella Myerston and Lord James Cayton are delightfully charming, and I loved their chemistry and the compelling journey they shared. As their story unfolded, I was thrilled to revisit beloved characters from Books 1 and 2 and enjoyed the parts they played in helping piece together the mystery surrounding the Fire Eyes diamonds. Brimming with intrigue and romance, A Lady Unrivaled is a wonderful culmination of a wonderful series!

 

Roseanna is celebrating the Ladies of the Manor series with a grand Manor House Giveaway!

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One lucky winner will receive:

Word Cloud Classics Books, including:
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
Dracula
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Great Expectations
The Brothers Grimm: 101 Fairy Tales
The Brothers Grimm, Volume II
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Complete Set of the Ladies of the Manor Series
The Lost Heiress
The Reluctant Duchess
A Lady Unrivaled

Bone China Tea Set
Winner’s choice of pattern – because nothing says “English setting” like tea!

$25 Teavana Gift Card
So the winner can select her favorite blend, or try something new,
and get any tea balls she might need for the awesome loose leaf varieties she picks.

ENTER NOW!

 

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I received a complimentary copy of this book.
All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: This Road We Traveled by Jane Kirkpatrick

5 Oct

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This Road We Traveled by Jane Kirkpatrick

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2dtYcMz

Tabitha Brown refuses to be left behind in Missouri when her son makes the decision to strike out for Oregon–even if she has to hire her own wagon to join the party. After all, family ties are stronger than fear.

Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. The trials they face along the way will severely test her faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family’s survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn’t know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life–and the greater part she had to play in history.

 

My thoughts:

“The choice comes back to knowing what we’re called to do and then doing it with all our hearts and minds and souls.” 

Based on actual events, This Road We Traveled takes readers on a compelling journey along the Oregon Trail. Told from three different perspectives, I enjoyed the historical depth of this story and the palpable emotions of its characters. Tabitha Brown was a strong, courageous woman whose faith never wavered amid the trials and tribulations she and her family faced. How fascinating to learn about The Mother of Oregon and her arduous journey!  A story of “resilience, love, and doing good”, This Road We Traveled offers an inspiring and insightful glimpse into the past.

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

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#BookReview: Guide Me Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

4 Oct

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Guide Me Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Click here to purchase a copy or learn more about Guide Me Home.

Working in the massive cave might allow Rebekah the chance to bring joy back to her family.  But will it claim more than it gives?

After tragedy leaves its mark on Rebekah Hardin’s family, she plans to help her parents and six siblings honor her beloved brother’s memory and alleviate their poverty by working as a guide in the dangerous cave system. Kentucky’s renowned Mammoth Cave presents profitable opportunities for hardworking, capable men. But Rebekah is determined and if it means presenting herself as a himself, then she’s up to the job.

Under the wing of experienced guide Tolly Sanford, “Reb” begins to learn the complexities of the cave. The two are joined by an aspiring young cartographer, Devlin Bale. The university student has traveled to the hill country to map tunnels—not to fall for a girl in disguise.

Can the God who designed miles of underground astonishment shape Devlin’s ambitious plans and free Reb from the weight of her past?

 

My thoughts:

Kim Vogel Sawyer never fails to captivate me with her stories, and Guide Me Home is certainly no exception! Rebekah Hardin immediately endeared herself to me, and I admired her dedication to her family and her determination to help provide for them. Tolly Sanford was another favorite character; I loved the way this experienced guide took Rebekah under his wing and taught her the ins and outs of the cave system. When Rebekah and Tolly are joined by Devlin Bale, an aspiring cartographer, a compelling story of faith, family, and romance unfolds. Beautifully told, Guide Me Home is a tender tale and a recommended read for fans of historical fiction!

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

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#BookReview: Total Family Makeover | Family Fun Night #Giveaway

3 Oct

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Total Family Makeover by Melissa Spoelstra

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2d5hLtG

God calls us as parents to be key disciple-makers in our children’s lives, but if we’re honest, some days it’s a battle just to get them dressed and ready for school on time. How can you mold their hearts when sometimes you can’t even find their shoes?

In Total Family Makeover, author Melissa Spoelstra gives parents a way—a sort of spiritual track to run on—when it comes to building family discipleship. She focuses on eight key habits of growth:

-Spending Time in Prayer
-Reading God’s Word
-Growing Through a Mentoring Relationship
-Finding Community in the Church
-Serving Others
-Taking Time to Rest
-Giving Back to God
-Sharing Your Faith

Disciples are made, not born. Whether your children are babes in arms or teenagers getting ready to leave the nest, making disciples at home starts with you! Give your family a makeover with this practical approach to helping your children learn what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

 

My thoughts:

Total Family Makeover is a helpful and insightful guide to training your children to be better disciples! Melissa Spoelstra shares her own personal experiences and couples them with recommendations based on Biblical principles, giving parents “a sort of spiritual track to run on–when it comes to building family discipleship.” I enjoyed delving into the eight key habits Spoelstra highlights and found encouragement and inspiration within each one. Whether you are just starting a family or are in the later stages of child rearing, Total Family Makeover offers a practical approach for spiritual growth.

 

Plan an evening of fun, pizza, devotionals, and games with your family! Melissa is giving away a Family Fun Night Prize Pack.

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One grand prize winner will receive:

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melissa-spoelstra
Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God’s Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of the First Corinthians: Living Love When We Disagree, Joseph: The Journey to Forgiveness, and Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World Bible studies and Total Family Makeover: 8 Steps to Making Disciples at Home book. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids.

 

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on October 7. The winner will be announced October 10 on Melissa’s blog.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Total Family Makeover.

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