#BookReview: Sister Dear by Laura McNeill

10 May

Sister Dear

Sister Dear by Laura McNeill

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/24TOGXK

Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, Allie watched a decade of her life vanish — time that can never be recovered. Now, out on parole, Allie is determined to clear her name, rebuild her life, and reconnect with the daughter she barely knows.

But Allie’s return home shatters the quaint, coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia. Even her own daughter Caroline, now a teenager, bristles at Allie’s claims of innocence. Refusing defeat, a stronger, smarter Allie launches a battle for the truth, digging deeply into the past even if it threatens her parole status, personal safety, and the already-fragile bond with family.

As her commitment to finding the truth intensifies, what Allie ultimately uncovers is far worse than she imagined. Her own sister has been hiding a dark secret—one that holds the key to Allie’s freedom.

 

My thoughts:

All Allie Marshall wants is a fresh start. But when dark secrets refuse to stay buried, will her chance at a new life be shattered forever?

Sister Dear is a unique and compelling read! Laura McNeill draws readers into this intriguing story and keeps them turning the pages until the very end. Written from multiple points of view, the narrative twists and turns as information surfaces and secrets are revealed. A well-written and cleverly crafted tale, Sister Dear will appeal to fans of suspense and psychological dramas.

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 Sister Dear.

 

Laura McNeill

Laura McNeill is a writer, web geek, travel enthusiast, and coffee drinker. In her former life, she was a television news anchor for CBS News affiliates in New York and Alabama. Laura holds a master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University and is completing a graduate program in interactive technology at the University of Alabama. When she’s not writing and doing homework, she enjoys running, yoga, and spending time at the beach. She lives in Mobile, AL with her family.

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#BookReview: The Inheritance | 5 Book Giveaway

5 May

The Inheritance by Michael Phillips

The Inheritance by Michael Phillips

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

The death of the clan patriarch has thrown the tiny Shetland Islands community of Whale’s Reef into turmoil.

Everyone assumed MacGregor Tulloch’s heir to be his grand-nephew David, a local favorite, but when it is discovered that MacGregor left no will, David’s grasping cousin Hardy submits his own claim to the inheritance, an estate that controls most of the island’s land. And while Hardy doesn’t enjoy much popular support, he has the backing of a shadowy group of North Sea oil investors. The courts have frozen the estate’s assets while the competing claims are investigated, leaving many of the residents in financial limbo. The future of the island-and its traditional way of life-hangs in the balance.

Loni Ford is enjoying her rising career in a large investment firm in Washington, DC. Yet in spite of her outward success, she is privately plagued by questions of identity. Orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her paternal grandparents, and while she loves them dearly, she feels completely detached from her roots. That is until a mysterious letter arrives from a Scottish solicitor. . . .

 

My thoughts:

The Inheritance is the beginning of a family saga set among the Shetland Islands. Michael Phillips brings together past and present as an inheritance and a way of life fall into jeopardy.

While I enjoyed the setting, the narrative was heavy and seemed to make very little progression. The story volleys back and forth between two seemingly unrelated story lines that do not converge until the book’s conclusion. A myriad of characters and details effectively set the stage for what I anticipate will become a more engaging story line as the series continues. Although my interest in the story waned, The Inheritance does leaves me contemplating the future of Whale’s Reef and its residents.

 

Enter to win a copy of The Inheritance—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced May 12 on the Litfuse blog!

The Inheritance giveaway

 

Michael Phillips

Michael Phillips is a bestselling author with more than 70 of his own titles. In addition, he has served as editor/redactor of nearly 30 more books. He is known as the man responsible for the reawakened interest in George MacDonald of the last 30 years. In addition to the MacDonald titles adapted/edited for today’s reader, his publishing efforts in bringing back full-length quality facsimile editions also spawned renewed interest in MacDonald’s original work. Michael and his wife, Judy, spend time each year in Scotland but make their home near Sacramento, California.

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The Inheritance by Michael Phillips

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 The Inheritance.

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#BookReview: The Firefighter Daddy by Margaret Daley

4 May

The Firefighter Daddy

The Firefighter Daddy by Margaret Daley

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

Firefighter Liam McGregory is used to staring down five-alarm fires—but becoming a father to his two little nieces has him sending out a call for help. When the girls return a lost pup to its beautiful owner, Liam thinks widow Sarah Blackburn is just the person he needs—or who the children need. He’s promised to never marry again. ‘ Sarah takes his deal: she’ll watch his kids and he’ll watch her menagerie of pets—but the new father is off-limits. But two determined little matchmakers can be hard to resist when they need a mom to make one big happy family…

 

My thoughts:

From the endearing characters to the charm of small town life, I loved everything about The Firefighter Daddy! Liam and Sarah’s story is engaging, entertaining, and such a pleasure to read. I’m excited to know this is the first book in a new series, and I look forward to future stories. Margaret Daley has written another touching and tender tale that is sure to delight fans of heartwarming romance!

Fun side note: I was delighted to find a character in this book who shares my first name! Rarely do I find my name in print, and it’s always fun to spot another Britney. In this case, Britney Simmons is a swim instructor who readers meet in Chapter Eight. 🙂

 

Margaret Daley

Margaret Daley is an award-winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. She has also won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. Margaret wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press.

Connect with Margaret:
Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

The Firefighter Daddy

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: A Dream of Miracles by Ruth Reid | Kindle Fire #Giveaway

2 May

A Dream of Miracles

A Dream of Miracles by Ruth Reid

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1S7DC2v

Amish widow Mattie vows never to love again . . . until a suspicious outsider with a shadowy past comes crashing into her fragile world.

Mattie Diener can barely keep it together. A young Amish widow and mother of two young children, she faces the lingering heartbreak of lost love, her son’s mysterious illness, and a torrent of accusations that threaten to undo her.

Bo Lambright is a fast-rising social services investigator whose high-society mother won’t rest until she finds his Mrs. Right. Despite Bo’s worldly success, the raw ache of a shadowy past and a series of unsettling dreams have left him reeling.

When Mattie and Bo cross paths, all signs point to disaster. Yet as they face a crucible of trials and tragedies together, longings begin to stir that seem destined only to end in more heartbreak. Is a miracle possible—not only of healing but of forbidden love? What secrets lie in Bo’s dreams? And will Mattie find the courage to face her uncertain future . . . or will she simply run away?

 

My thoughts:

A Dream of Miracles is a compelling story! Mattie Diener endeared herself to me and my heart ached for her and her young children. When devastating accusations are made, Bo Lambright is called to investigate and he becomes drawn to Mattie as well. Theirs is a dramatic and emotional journey!

I was intrigued by the medical mystery that carries through the story and delighted by the relationship that develops between Mattie and Bo. With strong characterization and a unique story line, A Dream of Miracles engaged me from beginning to end. I really enjoyed this novel and recommend it to fans of Amish fiction and medical dramas.

 

Ruth is celebrating the release of A Dream of Miracles with a Kindle Fire HD 6 giveaway (details below) and an author chat party on May 3!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • One copy of A Dream of Miracles
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/3. The winner will be announced at A Dream of Miracles Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Ruth and other fans of Amish fiction, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

dream of miracles - enter banner

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 3rd!

 

Ruth ReidRuth Reid is a CBA and ECPA bestselling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She’s a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children. When attending Ferris State University School of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms. Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simple life.

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A Dream of Miracles

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 A Dream of Miracles.

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#BookReview: Song of Silence | Prize Pack #Giveaway

27 Apr

Song of Silence

Song of Silence by Cynthia Ruchti

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1RAajD2

Music taught Lucy love and beauty. Could silence teach her hope?

Lucy and Charlie Tuttle agree on one thing: they’re committed to each other for life. Trouble is, neither of them expected life to look like this. Charlie retired early, but Lucy is devoted to a long-term career . . . until the day she has no choice.

Forced to retire from her position as music educator in a small Midwestern K-8 school, Lucy can only watch helplessly as the program her father started years ago disintegrates before her eyes. As the music fades and a chasm separates her form the passion of her heart, Lucy wonders if her faith’s song has gone silent, too. The musical score of her life seems to be missing all the notes.

When a simple misstep threatens to silence Lucy forever, a young boy and his soundless mother change the way she sees—and hears—everything.

 

My thoughts:

“Rests deserve as much attention as the notes you sing or play.
Honor each rest as a precise note of soundlessness.”

Song of Silence is sure to strike a chord in the hearts of all who read it! Cynthia Ruchti is a gifted storyteller and has once again shared a beautiful story of hope and healing.

Boasting wonderful characterization and an engaging plot, Song of Silence captured my attention from beginning to end. Lucy’s journey stirred my emotions and offered thought-provoking insight into a number of issues. Themes of silence and rest carry through the narrative and create a tender, touching tale. I loved this poignant story and highly recommend it!

 

Celebrate the release of Song of Silence with a blog tour and giveaway. Two winners will be chosen!

song of silence - 400

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of Song of Silence
  • A $150 Visa cash card

One second place winner will receive:

  • A copy of Song of Silence
  • A music-themed prize pack filled with goodies hand-picked by Cynthia

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 9th. The winners will be announced May 10th on Cynthia’s blog.

song-of-silence-enter

 

Cynthia Ruchti (2)
Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope. She’s the award-winning author of 17 books and a frequent speaker for women’s ministry events. She serves as the Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, where she helps retailers, libraries, and book clubs connect with the authors and books they love. She lives with her husband in Central Wisconsin.

 

 

Song of Silence

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 Song of Silence.

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#BookReview: The Magnolia Duchess by Beth White

26 Apr

The Magnolia Duchess

The Magnolia Duchess by Beth White

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1T7mdEA

As the War of 1812 rages across the newly formed United States, another war rages in Fiona Lanier’s heart–one that threatens to tear her family apart.

Fiona can scarcely take in the news of her brother’s capture and imprisonment by the British Navy. It is almost as unbelievable as the half-drowned British sailor who is washed ashore on the beach of Navy Cove.

Charlie Kincaid claims to have no memory of his life before being discovered by Fiona, but in a world that seems saturated with treachery, she cannot be sure he is telling the truth.

As Charlie’s memory returns in agonizing jags and crashes, he and Fiona discover that falling in love may be as inevitable as the tide. But when political allegiances collide, they’ll each have to decide where their true loyalty lies.

 

My thoughts:

The Magnolia Duchess is an intriguing story! Although I haven’t read the first two books in the Gulf Coast Chronicles, I had no trouble enjoying Book 3.

Fiona and Charlie share a compelling journey as war rages all around, and they struggle to discover the truth of their loyalties and their love. I really enjoyed the history of this story and the intricate details White uses to bring it to life. From action and adventure to drama and danger, The Magnolia Duchess is a well-told historical romance. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the first two books in the series.

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

 

About the author:

Beth White’s day job is teaching music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. A native Mississippian, she writes historical romance with a Southern drawl and is the author of The Pelican Bride and The Creole Princess. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers’ Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Learn more at http://www.bethwhite.net.

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#BookReview: The Reluctant Duchess | Rowena’s Comforts #Giveaway

25 Apr

ReluctantDuchess_mck.indd

The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/23TcQU0

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt good enough—not for her father, not for the man she thought she’d marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she’s willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping Loch Morar and the men who have jeopardized her life.

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has suddenly found himself in possession of a rare treasure his enemies are prepared to kill for. While Brice has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, the last thing he needs is the distraction of his neighbor, Lady Rowena, who finds herself in a desperate situation. But when the moody Earl of Lochabar tries to trap Brice into marrying Rowena, Brice finds he’s not as opposed to the idea as he expected to be.

Rowena wanted to escape the Highlands, but she’s reluctant to resort to marrying a notorious flirt just to gain his English home. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in some kind of questionable business with a stolen treasure, she ’fears she’s about to end up directly in the path of everything she was trying to avoid.

 

My thoughts:

“Love is not just a thing, after all, it is an action too.”

The Reluctant Duchess is an exceptional story! As I opened the beautiful cover, I was quickly swept away and immersed in the drama that unfolded. Evoking imagery and emotion from the first word until the last, Roseanna White captivated me with Rowena and Brice’s journey. I loved the intrigue and romance of The Reluctant Duchess and highly recommend this novel to historical fiction fans!

The Reluctant Duchess is the second book in the Ladies of the Manor series. While there are continuing themes from the first book, the story itself is independent of The Lost Heiress. I loved both of these novels and eagerly await the release of Book 3, A Lady Unrivaled.

 

To celebrate the release of The Reluctant Duchess, Roseanna is sharing a few of Rowena’s favorite things!  Click here to enter the giveaway!

The Reluctant Duchess giveaway

 

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna has a slew of historical novels available, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia.

Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

 

 

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

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Join Becky Wade for a Facebook party on May 5!

22 Apr
wade event promo - fb

A female bodyguard plus her star NFL client plus danger equals a great recipe for romance! Her One and Only, book four in Becky Wade’s Porter Family novels, releases May 3. To celebrate, Becky is hosting an author chat party on her Facebook page on May 5 at 5 PM PDT/8 PM EDT. Join Becky for an evening of book chat with other bookworms and prizes.

Plus a portion of all pre-sales and sales the release week of Her One and Only will be donated to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. For more details on how to purchase a copy, click here.

wade 400 - fallen heroes

About the book:

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans. But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives — and their hearts — to one another.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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#BookReview: Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

21 Apr

Like Never Before

Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

Maple Valley became Amelia Bentley’s haven after her heart and her dreams of a family were shattered. But her new life as a newspaper editor is shaken when the small-town paper is in danger of closing. Her one hope: A lead on an intriguing story that just might impress the new publisher…if only she new who he was.

After his biggest campaign success yet, widowed speechwriter Logan Walker now has the chance of a lifetime–a spot on a presidential campaign. But his plans are interrupted when he finds out he’s inherited his hometown newspaper. He travels home intent on selling the paper and spending some much-needed time with his young daughter before making the leap into national politics.

But instead of a quick sale and peaceful break from his hectic career, Logan finds himself helping Amelia chase her story. She’s scrappy, but wounded. He’s dependable, but lost. They may butt heads more than expected, but a series of leads on Maple Valley’s quirky unsolved mystery is just the start of the sparks that fly in the office and in their hearts.

 

Quote- Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

My thoughts:

Like Never Before is a must-read romance! Melissa Tagg’s trademark humor and wit shine as she brings Logan and Amelia’s story to life.

From the email banter that begins the novel to the sigh worthy ending, each and every word is pure delight. Speaking of words, here’s one for you – LOGAN. Be still my heart! I love this guy who sees Amelia for who she really is. “I just think one person seeing you for who you really are is better than 150,000 people who’ve got it wrong.”

Humorous and heartfelt, Like Never Before is a novel that is equal parts entertaining and encouraging! The charm of Maple Valley and its residents swept me into the story and Amelia and Logan engaged me with every turn of the page. I reveled in the unexpected historical mystery that threads its way through the novel and savored the inspirational insights that were shared.

From the moment I met them, the members of the Walker family leapt straight from the pages and into my heart. “They are one of Maple Valley’s staple families- the kind everyone loved and not-so-secretly wanted to be a part of.” I adored Like Never Before and can’t wait to continue this fantastic series!

 

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Melissa Tagg is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she’s also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever (not that she’s biased), watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next story. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings.

Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at http://www.melissatagg.com.

 

Like Never Before

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: Faith by Lyn Cote

20 Apr

Faith

Faith by Lyn Cote

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

The Civil War battlefield is the last place Quakeress Faith Cathwell thought she’d find herself. But with a gift for nursing, Faith seizes this opportunity to join the fight for abolition—and to search for Shiloh, a freeborn childhood friend who was kidnapped and sold south by unscrupulous slave catchers.

Knowing it’s much too dangerous for her to search enemy territory alone, Faith enlists the help of Colonel Devlin Knight, who is indebted to her for saving his cousin’s life. A career soldier, Dev is committed to the preservation of the Union but conflicted about freeing his own slave and confidant, who plans to enlist as soon as Dev gives him manumission papers.

Blazing a trail east with the rest of Grant’s army, Dev and Faith fight their personal battles—and a growing attraction to each other. When beliefs clash and passions flare, they quickly find that the only thing more dangerous than the war surrounding them is the battle within their hearts.

 

My thoughts:

Faith is a captivating story! The third novel in the Quaker Brides series, Lyn Cote concludes the trilogy with a story rich in history and brimming with drama, danger, and romance!

Civil War battlefields come to life as Quakeress Faith Cathwell nurses the wounded while searching for her childhood friend. When she meets Colonel Devlin Knight, a new battle is waged as Faith struggles with the feelings that begin to develop. Cote weaves fact and fiction into a most compelling narrative, one filled with depth and emotion. I loved Faith and Dev’s journey and the culmination of this wonderful series.

While Faith is a stand-alone story, it does revisit beloved characters from previous books, Honor and Blessing. All three novels, as well as the series prequel, Where Honor Began, are recommended reads for fans of historical fiction.

 

Lyn Cote

In 1997, Lyn Cote’s first book, Never Alone, was chosen for the “new” Love Inspired romance line. Since then, Lyn has had over thirty-five novels published. In 2006 Lyn’s book, Chloe, was a finalist for the RITA, and her book Her Patchwork Family was a finalist for the Carol Award in 2010 and Her Healing Ways won in 2011. These are two of the highest awards in the romance genre.

Lyn’s brand “Strong Women, Brave Stories,” always includes three elements: a strong heroine who is a passionate participant in her times, authentic historical detail and a multicultural cast of characters. Lyn also features stories of strong women both from real life and true to life fiction on her blog http://BooksbyLynCote.com

 

Faith

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

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