Archive | March, 2017

#BookReview: Her Motherhood Wish by Keli Gwyn

29 Mar

Her Motherhood Wish is a wonderful story! Callie embraces life and Chip is a “bit too regimented”, which leads to an engaging and entertaining journey. I loved their interactions with each other and the children at the Double T Orphanage, and I also enjoyed revisiting several beloved characters from Gwyn’s earlier books. Historical tidbits, inspirational messages, and tender romance are woven together to create a most delightful tale!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

En route to the Double T Orphanage to work on its expansion, carpenter Chip Evans and Caroline Hunt discover two orphaned children–and become their caregivers. But Chip’s determined not to let himself get too attached to the children who just lost their widowed father…or to the lovely woman helping him care for them. Especially since Callie and the little ones just don’t fit into his detailed plans for the future.

Callie can’t help but fall in love with the orphans, and despite her better judgment, she’s falling for Chip, too. Her dreams of being a wife and mother were not quite like this. But Callie believes a plan bigger than Chip’s brought them all together…and now she just has to help him see it, too.

Purchase a copy.

Visit the author’s website.

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#BookReview: A Stolen Heart by Amanda Cabot

27 Mar

A Stolen Heart is a delightful blend of mystery and romance! Amanda Cabot takes readers to the Texas Hill Country where Cimarron Creek residents are less than welcoming to Northern newcomer Lydia Crawford. Their resentment is not the only surprise that awaits her, and an engaging tale of mystery and secrets soon unfolds. Well-told with great characterization, I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet story and look forward to returning to Cimarron Creek as the series continue!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

From afar, Cimarron Creek seems like an idyllic town tucked in the Texas Hill Country. But when former schoolteacher Lydia Crawford steps onto its dusty streets in 1880, she finds a town with a deep-seated resentment of Northerners–like her. Lydia won’t let that get her down, though. All will be well when she’s reunited with her fiancé. But when she discovers he has disappeared–and that he left behind a pregnant wife–Lydia is at a loss about what to do next. The handsome sheriff urges her to trust him, but can she trust anyone in this town where secrets are as prevalent as bluebonnets in spring?

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#BookReview: A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander

21 Mar

A Note Yet Unsung is a beautiful story! This third novel in the Belmont Mansion series highlights a deep love and appreciation of music, and I was fascinated by the historical details Alexander included. Alive with a richness and vibrancy that resonates through the narrative, I loved Tate and Rebekah and their emotional journey. From trials to triumphs, this pitch perfect tale captivated me from beginning to end!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Despite her training as a master violinist, Rebekah Carrington was denied entry into the Nashville Philharmonic by young conductor Nathaniel Whitcomb, who bowed to public opinion. Now, with a reluctant muse and a recurring pain in his head, he needs her help to finish his symphony. But how can he win back her trust when he’s robbed her of her dream?

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#BookReview: Raging Storm by Vannetta Chapman

20 Mar

Raging Storm is a chilling tale! Action-packed and terrifying at every turn, I was completely absorbed in Shelby and Max’s search for supplies, as well as what was happening in the community they left behind. Spellbound, I frantically turned the pages to find out what would happen next. Well within the realm of possibility, thoughts of this story continue to linger in my mind as I anxiously await the next installment!

The Remnant Series is one I highly recommend reading in order. The prequel novella, Overshadowed, sets the stage for the catastrophic events that occur and subsequent novels continue the dramatic devastation that ensues.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

When a massive solar flare wiped out all modern technology across the globe, the small town of Abney, Texas, was thrown into chaos. Shelby Sparks and her teenage son, Carter, have found refuge, but Shelby knows she can’t simply remain hidden forever. Carter is a type 1 diabetic in need of insulin—and Shelby will risk her life traveling to Austin to make sure he gets it.

Shelby’s best friend and high school sweetheart, Max Berkman, won’t even consider letting her make the perilous journey alone. Together, they manage to get to the capital—only to discover that while things are desperate in Abney, Austin has turned into an urban nightmare on the brink of anarchy.

Shelby and Max’s search for medical supplies will lead them into terrifying territory, where the only thing more uncertain than finding what they need is the hope of making it out of the city alive.

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Friday Freebies

17 Mar

 

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas by Erica Vetsch

Kindle | Nook

Fashion artist Priscilla Hutchens has a grudge against the army that has ruined her family and taken the people she holds most dear. When her twin niece and nephew are left orphaned at Fort Bliss, Texas, she swoops down on Fort Bliss to gain custody of them immediately.

There is just one thing standing in the way—Post surgeon Major Elliot Ryder, who is also the twins uncle, also claims the children and thinks he knows what is best for them.

Priscilla and Elliot will cross swords, but each will have to lay down arms if they are to find a lasting peace on which to form the family both are longing for. Who will win the battle? Or will a truce be called for the sake of love and family?

 

Finding Love in Sun Valley, Idaho by Angela Ruth Strong

Kindle

Actress Emily Van Arsdale has returned to her Idaho hometown – with an entire film crew in tow! With its stunning scenery and reputation for hosting celebrities, Sun Valley is the perfect setting for Emily’s newest romantic comedy. Tracen Lake is happy to work as a stunt consultant for the movie but not as thrilled to deal with a bunch of high-maintenance Hollywood types. But Tracen is surprised to discover in Emily a down-to-earth Idaho girl who does all her own stunts and loves the outdoors. As filming wraps up and Emily heads off to her next gig, will she be able to leave Sun Valley – and Tracen – behind?

 

Sins of the Mothers by Caryl McAdoo

Kindle

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.

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#BookReview: For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund

16 Mar

For Love and Honor is a beautiful story with a beautiful message! Jody Hedlund never fails to charm me with her medieval tales, and For Love and Honor is no exception. Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet stole my heart, and their story of valor and romance captivated me from beginning to end.

The third book in the An Uncertain Choice series, For Love and Honor can be enjoyed independently of its predecessors. However, I have read and loved each of the books in this collection and highly recommend them to fans of medieval romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?

Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?

As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?

 

 

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves history and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

 

Connect with Jody:
Website | Facebook | Twitter |Pinterest | Instagram

 

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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#BookReview: Her Secret by Shelley Shepard Gray | 5 Book #Giveaway

15 Mar

Her Secret is a tale that will keep you turning the pages! Shelley Shepard Gray is an engaging storyteller, and the atmosphere of this story and the emotions of its characters are palpable. Each member of the Hilty family has been affected by the events that drove them to make a fresh start, and their reactions vary as secrets are revealed and danger threatens. A great blend of compelling suspense and charming romance, I thoroughly enjoyed Her Secret and look forward to revisiting The Amish of Hart County!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the book:

After a stalker went too far, Hannah Hilty and her family had no choice but to leave the bustling Amish community where she grew up. Now she’s getting a fresh start in Hart County, Kentucky…if only she wasn’t too scared to take it. Hannah has become afraid to trust anyone-even Isaac, the friendly Amish man who lives next door. She wonders if she’ll ever return to the trusting, easy-going woman she once was.

For Isaac Troyer, the beautiful girl he teasingly called “The Recluse” confuses him like no other. When he learns of her past, he knows he’s misjudged her. However, he also understands the importance of being grateful for God’s gifts, and wonders if they will ever have anything in common. But as Hannah and Isaac slowly grow closer, they realize that there’s always more to someone than meets the eye.

Just as Hannah is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding a new love, more secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes. Now Hannah must decide if she should run again or dare to fight for the future she has found in Hart County.

Read what other bloggers are saying about Her Secret.

 

Enter to win a copy of Her Secret!  Five winners will be chosen and announced April 3rd on the Litfuse blog!   Click the image below to enter to win.

 

About the author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

Visit the author’s website.

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#BookReview: The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection

14 Mar


I adored this extraordinary collection! As you open the pages of the book, you read of a precious message sealed in a bronze bottle. Traveling through time and across many waters, the message of hope contained in the vessel touches the lives of all who hold it dear.

From medieval Ireland to the California coast, I reveled in the richness and vibrancy that resonates through each novella. All five stories are beautifully rendered, and I lost myself within their pages. Often in a collection such as this, I find myself favoring one or two stories above the others. However, each of these tender tales shines as brightly as the one before it. I loved the adventure and romance of The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection and was touched by its powerful message!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection:

Join the journey as one word etched in Latin on an ancient bronze bottle travels through the centuries to reach five young women who are struggling to maintain their faith in God and love. An Irish princess, a Scottish story weaver, a Post-Colonial nurse, a cotton mill worker, and a maid who nearly drowned each receive a message from the bottle just when they need their hope restored. But will the bottle also bring them each to a man whose love will endure?

 

 

The Distant Tide by Heather Day Gilbert
1170: County Kerry, Ireland
When a Viking bent on revenge mistakenly raids the castle of a bookish Irish princess, will she cast her fears aside to befriend the enemy, finally realizing God’s plan for her life?

A Song in the Night by Amanda Dykes
1717: Scotland and England
When a Scottish story-weaver loses her family in a clan war, she finds herself aided by a handsome, secretive bagpiper in a race against time to reunite with someone she never dared hope she’d see again.

The Forgotten Hope by Maureen Lang
1798: New York
As a champion of the sick, a young New Yorker never doubted her worth until a new doctor arrives to work with her father, one who believes her to be nothing more than a social butterfly. Can she gain his respect—and his love?

A River Between Us by Jocelyn Green
1864: Roswell, Georgia
When a Georgian cotton mill worker is arrested and sent North, the Union officer who tries to protect her is the last person she wants to forgive—and the only man who can bring hope and healing to her heart.

The Swelling Sea by Joanne Bischof
1890: Coronado Island, California
After washing ashore on the California coastline, a young woman’s yearning to discover her past leads her to the courageous oarsman who helps her find the key.

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#BookReview: The Elusive Miss Ellison | Kindle and Cuppa #Giveaway

9 Mar

Regency fans are sure to delight in The Elusive Miss Ellison! With a deft hand, Carolyn Miller whisks readers away and immerses them in 19th century England where the St. Hampton Heath village and villagers spring to life. I reveled in the story’s rich imagery and characterization and was entertained by the charms of both the hero and heroine. The frustrations Lavinia and Nicholas have with each other make their journey even more compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance and look forward to continuing the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own. 

 

Settle in for a cozy night of reading with a cuppa and a Kindle!

One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below!  The giveaway ends on March 22, and the winner will be announced March 23 on the Litfuse blog.

 

About the book:

Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions.

That’s the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister’s daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won’t take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia’s pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother-who stole the most important person in Livvie’s world.

Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he’s just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there’s already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect.

That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn’t the only heart that needs to change.

These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society’s opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.

Fans of Georgette Heyer, Lori Wick, and Julie Klassen will enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister’s daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God’s grace and the true strength of love.

Learn more about The Elusive Miss Ellison.

 

About the author:

Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.

Visit the author’s website.

 

Read what other bloggers are saying about The Elusive Miss Ellison.  

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The winner is…

8 Mar

Thanks so much, Alexa, for sharing the Road to Danger giveaway.  Thank you, dear readers, for visiting my blog. Another great giveaway is coming soon!   🙂  

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