Archive | April, 2017

#BookReview: The Heart-Shaped Life Daily Devotional by Karen Moore

30 Apr

The Heart-Shaped Life is a lovely devotional! Karen Moore welcomes readers by saying, “It’s time to energize your spirit and realign your heart so you think more positively and lovingly about every circumstance you encounter.” Brimming with encouragement for every day of the year, I have enjoyed adding this devotional to my daily routine. Its uplifting reminders to make love a priority will hearten readers and inspire greater love and heart-shaped living.

“Actions created in love feel good. They lift our spirits and encourage our hearts. If what you did yesterday doesn’t brings you peace of mind today, then try again. Create meaningful interactions with the people around you, and let love guide all you do.”

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

 

About the book:

Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:2: “If I had the gift of prophecy and knew all about what is going to happen in the future, knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would it do?” . . .the Heart-Shaped Life series will encourage you to live life “heart first.”

The Heart-Shaped Life Daily Devotional provides refreshing thoughts, prayers, and scripture selections to help you discover the best path to the good life. . .which is all about LOVE!

Learn more about The Heart-Shaped Life Daily Devotional.

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Friday Freebies

28 Apr

 

La Belle Christiane by Lyn Cote

Kindle

In the early 1770’s, Christiane Pelletier, an extraordinarily beautiful young woman, is next in a line of courtesans who have been favorites at the French court during the reigns of two monarchs. Yet she longs to be the beloved wife of one man, not a lovely piece of human art passed from one noble to another. And the winds of change are sweeping Europe.

After her mother’s violent murder, Christiane flees France with her renegade father. In the Canadian wilderness, she survives the shock of leaving a life of wealth and privilege. To escape frontier violence, she moves southward only to become involved in the burgeoning American Revolution. Daughter of a French courtesan to frontier wife to companion of Lady Washington, Christiane moves into the heart of the American rebel elite. But one man in her life can never be forgotten. Once he was her friend. Now he has become her enemy. Will he become her destiny? Only God knows.

 

Appalachian Serenade by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Kindle | Nook

Delilah Morrissey has always wanted to be a mother, but when she becomes a young widow, that dream now seems farther away than ever. Unable to continue to live alone in Chicago, her only option is to accept her sister’s offer to move in with her family back in West Virginia. Will Delilah have the faith to pursue a new dream–even if it means giving up the old?

 

Chasing Charlie by Kathy Carmichael

Kindle | Nook

Raised in a family of rodeo champions on a South Texas cattle ranch, Charlie wants only one thing: to avoid thrill-seeking cowboys.

Davis Murphy, cowboy wannabe and one of Dallas’s most eligible bachelors, needs a pretty and witty faux fiancée so his widowed mother will marry her longtime gentleman friend. Charlie, his local librarian, seems the prefect choice.

Charlie’s first reaction is to run, but she’s promised herself to step out of her plain-jane routine. When Charlie accepts, Davis’s plan is set. But now Charlie’s sweet ways are challenging his bachelor heart.

 

The Only Best Place by Carolyne Aarsen

Kindle | Nook

Shaky marriage. Failing business. Leslie desperately wants to fix both. She’s not so sure her husband’s solution of moving back into the bosom of the family and family farm back in Holmes Crossing. As daughter of an alcoholic single mom who thought six months in one area was an extended stay, Leslie is not so much with the extended family interactions. But they seem to have no choice so they pack up their two children and off to cows, chickens and Holmes Crossing they go. Leslie and Dan had agreed it was only for a year so they could reconnect and retrench financially. But once he’s back he starts making noises about staying. A near tragedy challenges Leslie’s ideas about family and community and faith and Leslie has to decide if this truly is The Only Best Place for her and her heart.

 

From This Moment On by Debra Clopton

Kindle | Nook

Like the sweet music of a love song, Windswept Bay has a magic of its own and on moonlit nights and sun bronzed days love is in the air. Debra Clopton’s new series will sweep you away to romance that leaves your heart thumping with the satisfaction of pure heartwarming romance.

Hurt by her failed marriage and dashed dreams, Cali Sinclair returns home to Windswept Bay with her heart wary and closed to the dreams of true love she so desperately wanted. Determined to never again risk her heart, she throws herself into running the family’s small boutique resort on the Florida coast, a place so full of romance that it’s a reminder every day of what she’ll never have. But when renowned artist Grant Ellington shows up to paint a mural on the wall of the resort, she’s swept away by her response to the artist. Suddenly, every time he looks at her, Cali finds it harder than she ever thought possible to keep her heart protected.

Grant Ellington loves his ranch, his horses, and his life as a sought-after artist. But after walking away from a plane crash that killed his best friend and the young pilot, he’s still struggling with survivor’s guilt as he heads to Windswept Bay. Painting a sea life mural at the resort started out as a favor to his neighbor, but one meeting with the beautiful Cali and he feels alive again—and determined to spend time on the moonlit beaches with her in his arms…

But, like him, Cali has her own emotional scars—can they learn to trust the love that sparks between them and move forward from this moment on?

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#BookReview: Long Time Gone by Mary Connealy

26 Apr

From the western setting to the strong characters, Connealy’s stories are always fun to read! Drama and danger continue for the Boden clan, and I enjoyed reading Justin and Angie’s story. Humor and hijinks abound amidst the mystery and mayhem, leaving me eager to know how the series will conclude. While reading this series in order is not necessary, it is recommended for a greater understanding of the ongoing storyline. Long Time Gone is a charming blend of action, adventure, and romance!

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

 

About the book:

The Boden clan thought their problems had ended with the death of a dangerous enemy, but have they truly uncovered the real plot to take their New Mexico ranch? Rancher Justin Boden is now in charge. He is normally an unshakable and rugged man, but with his brother, Cole, shot and in mortal danger, even a tough man faces doubts. And it doesn’t help that Angie DuPree, the assistant to the doctor trying to save Cole, is as distracting a woman as Justin ever laid eyes on.

With her and the doc’s timely skills, Cole looks to be on the mend, and Justin and the rest of the Bodens can turn their attention back to the dangers facing them. It’s clear now that everything that’s occurred is part of a much bigger plot that could date back to a decades-old secret. Can they uncover all the pieces before danger closes in on them, or is the threat to the ranch even bigger than any of the Bodens could imagine?

Purchase a copy | Visit the author’s website

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Spotlight + #Giveaway: Season of Joy by Alexa Verde

25 Apr

Season of Joy by Alexa Verde

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

Single dad Dylan McGregor wants to give his two sons the best life possible in the small town where he’d grown up. When his youngest son writes a letter to God asking for a Mom for Christmas, Dylan reluctantly starts dating again. His lifelong friend, Joy Avila, agrees to help him find the right woman. Then Dylan begins to see Joy in a new light and believes she’s the right woman for him and his family.

Overweight and teased in school, Joy never hoped her first crush, Dylan McGregor, would return her feelings. Confident and successful now, she’s found her passion in writing about international travels. The trip of a lifetime awaits her after the holidays. Instead, will she find her dreams right there in Rios Azules?

 

Thanks to the generosity of Alexa Verde, one lucky commenter will win a Kindle copy of Season of Joy.

To enter the giveaway:
Leave a comment below letting us know what you enjoy about small town settings.  The giveaway ends Tuesday, May 2 at midnight CST. The winner will be chosen and announced on Wednesday, May 3.

To earn additional entries:
Follow this blog and/or share the giveaway. Be sure to let me know what you’ve done to earn additional entries! This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Contest Rules:
◦No purchase is necessary.
◦Odds of winning are based on number of entries.

Whether as a reader or a resident, what do you enjoy about small town settings?

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You’re Invited to Becky Wade’s Author Chat Party!

24 Apr

Raise your hand if you’re ready for Becky Wade’s new series!

Celebrate the release of book one, True to You, with Becky and other readers on Facebook on May 4th during a fun author chat party at 8:00 PM EDT (that’s 7:00 Central, 6:00 Mountain, & 5:00 Pacific)! Becky will be chatting about the book and answering your questions about the new series, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways too!

Pre-order your copy of True to You so you’re ready for a fun book discussion. Find out more about the book here.

Hope to see you on May 4 for Becky’s True to You Facebook Party!

#BookReview: Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon

22 Apr

Sandpiper Cove is full of charm! Irene Hannon has crafted a community that springs to life on the page, and I always delight in the time I spend in this seaside setting. Lexie Graham and Adam Stone are contrasting characters, yet they share more in common than they realize. I loved their story and the complexities of their relationship; theirs is my favorite Hope Harbor romance to date. As with each visit to this special place, I also enjoyed the endearing cast of secondary characters and the wisdom they dispensed. Hope and healing resonate through this heartwarming series, and I’m already anticipating its next installment!

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

 

About the book:

Hope Harbor police chief Lexie Graham has plenty on her plate raising her son alone and dealing with a sudden rash of petty theft and vandalism in her coastal Oregon hometown. As a result, she has zero time for extracurricular activities–including romance. Ex-con Adam Stone isn’t looking for love either–but how ironic is it that the first woman to catch his eye is a police chief? Yet wishing for things that can never be is foolish.

Nevertheless, when Lexie enlists Adam’s help to keep a young man from falling into a life of crime, sparks begin to fly. And as they work together, it soon becomes apparent that God may have a different–and better–future planned for them than either could imagine.

Purchase a copy.

Visit the author’s website.

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#BookReview: The NKJV Woman’s Study Bible | Grow in the Word #Giveaway

20 Apr

I love reading and studying God’s word with The NKJV Woman’s Study Bible! There are many special features to delight in, and two I especially enjoy are the large print and lay flat design. I can sit at the table with the Bible open in front of me, reading and making notes with ease.

I also love the extensive footnotes, articles, and essays that are included throughout the text. The study content is rich and abundant, offering a deeper knowledge of God and His Word.

I recently spent time in Ruth and appreciated several of the unique features included in this book. From the full color map that shows the area of Moab and the probable route of Naomi and Ruth to the interesting character portraits and family tree, I enjoyed these special attributes and many others.

The NKJV Woman’s Study Bible is a wonderful Bible and one I look forward to using for years to come!

I received a complimentary copy of this Bible. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.  Blog tour landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/tnelson

 

You’re invited to receive God’s truth for balance, hope, and transformation in the fully revised and redesigned The NKJV Woman’s Study Bible. The new edition features a beautiful, full-color redesign and poignantly reveals the Word of God with Scripture insights and the contributions of more than eighty women from a wide variety of ethnic, denominational, educational, and occupational backgrounds. Special features designed to speak to a woman’s heart appear throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture-based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman’s identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the Kingdom.

This spring, cultivate your heart’s spiritual roots and enter to win the Grow in the Word Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on April 27. The winner will be announced April 28 on the Litfuse blog.

 

About the book:

Special features designed to speak to a woman’s heart appear throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture-based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman’s identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the Kingdom.  Now with a beautiful full-color redesign, The Woman’s Study Bible reflects the contributions of over 80 women from a wide variety of ethnic, denominational, educational, and occupational backgrounds. Since the publication of the first edition of The Woman’s Study Bible under the editorial guidance of Dorothy Kelley Patterson and Rhonda Harrington Kelley, this landmark study Bible has sold over 1.5 million copies.

 

 
Features Include:
-Beautiful full-color design throughout
-Detailed biographical portraits of over 100 biblical women
-Thousands of extensive verse-by-verse study notes
-Over 300 in-text topical articles on relevant issues
-Insightful essays by women who are recognized experts in the fields of theology, biblical studies, archaeology, and philosophy
-Book introductions and outlines
-Hundreds of full-color in-text maps, charts, timelines, and family trees
-Quotes from godly women throughout history
-Set of full-page maps of the biblical world
-Topical index
-Concordance

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#BookReview: False Security by Elizabeth Goddard

19 Apr

Elizabeth Goddard once again treats readers to a heart-racing, page-turning adventure! I loved the tangible tension and engaging emotion that could be felt as Olivia and Zach struggled to survive in the Oregon wilderness. I also enjoyed the history shared between the two and the feelings that were rekindled as death and danger loomed. False Security is an exciting story and a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense!

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

 

About the book:

Arriving at her secluded cabin to find her brother missing, Olivia Kendricks follows his trail into the woods until two shooters take aim at her. She only escapes when ex-detective Zachary Long, her brother’s friend and Olivia’s first love comes to her rescue. Now as they run for their lives in the snowbound wilderness, they must search for her brother while figuring out why someone wants them dead. And though Zach’s police force training may be what will save them, it’s also what once drove them apart when he gave Olivia up to chase his dream. In a freezing landscape as deadly as it is beautiful, they’ll have to let go of the past and face down powerful men willing to kill to keep secrets buried.

Purchase a copy | Visit the author’s website

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#BookReview: Life After by Katie Ganshert

18 Apr

Sure to resonate with readers, Life After is a poignant and powerful tale! With its ripped-from-the-headlines plot, this compelling story kept me engrossed as I read and beckoned each time I set the book aside. Katie Ganshert deftly brings her characters to life, and my heart ached for Autumn and the Elliotts. Their struggles and emotions were real and raw, and I loved the beauty and complexity of their journey!

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

 

About the book:

Snow whirls around an elevated train platform in Chicago. A distracted woman boards the train, takes her seat, and moments later a fiery explosion rips through the frigid air, tearing the car apart in a horrific attack on the city’s transit system. One life is spared. Twenty-two are lost.

A year later, Autumn Manning can’t remember the day of the bombing and she is tormented by grief—by guilt. Twelve months of the question constantly echoing. Why? Why? Why? Searching for answers, she haunts the lives of the victims, unable to rest.

Paul Elliott lost his wife in the train bombing and wants to let the dead rest in peace, undisturbed and unable to cause more pain for his loved ones. He wants normalcy for his twelve-year-old daughter and young son, to see them move beyond the heartbreak. But when the Elliotts and Autumn are unexpectedly forced together, he fears she’ll bring more wreckage in her wake.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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#BookReview: A Fragile Hope | Sign of Hope #Giveaway

12 Apr

A Fragile Hope is a beautiful story!  Ruchti takes readers on a compelling journey, one experienced alongside the characters.  My senses were engaged and my emotions stirred, as I savored this story and its thoughtful messages.  Perceptive and powerful, A Fragile Hope is not to be missed! 

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

 

Celebrate the release of A Fragile Hope by entering to win Cynthia’s Sign of Hope Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on May 3. The winner will be announced May 4 on the Litfuse blog.

 

About the book:

Hope grows when seeds are planted—even in the muddy middle of life.

Josiah Chamberlain’s life’s work revolves around repairing other people’s marriages. When his own is threatened by his wife’s unexplained distance, and then threatened further when she’s unexpectedly plunged into an unending fog, Josiah finds his expertise, quick wit and clever quips are no match for a relationship that is clearly broken.

Feeling betrayed, confused, and ill-equipped for a crisis this crippling, he reexamines everything he knows about the fragility of hope and the strength of his faith and love. Love seems to have failed him. Will what’s left of his faith fail him, too? Or will it be the one thing that holds him together and sears through the impenetrable wall that separates them?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

 

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope through her novels, novellas, nonfiction books, articles and devotionals, drawing from 33 years of on-air radio ministry. Ruchti has written more than 20 award-winning novels, novellas, nonfiction books and devotionals. Her books have received numerous awards and nominations, including the RT Reviewers’ Choice, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year nominations, two Selah Awards, Christian Retailing’s BEST, was an ACFW Carol Award finalist and a Christy finalist, among other honors. Her latest release is the novel A Fragile Hope.

One of Ruchti’s greatest joys is helping other writers grow in their craft. To that end, she has served as worship and devotions staff and faculty for the Write-to-Publish conference and teaches at other writers’ conferences across the country and internationally as opportunities arise. She also serves as the professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers.

Ruchti speaks frequently for women’s groups and serves on her church’s worship team. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.

Find out more about Cynthia at http://www.cynthiaruchti.com.

 

Read what other bloggers are saying about A Fragile Hope.

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