#BookReview: Sit, Stay, Love by Dana Mentink | Prize Pack #Giveaway

19 Apr

Sit, Stay, Love

Sit, Stay, Love by Dana Mentink

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1W95mqe

Take one abrasive professional athlete, a quirky out-of-work schoolteacher, and an overweight geriatric dog, and you’re ready for a lesson in love . . . Tippy style.

Pro baseball pitcher Cal Crawford is not a dog guy. When he inherits his deceased mother’s elderly dog, Tippy, he’s quick to call on a pet-sitting service.

Gina isn’t thrilled to be a dog sitter when her aspirations lie in the classroom. Furthermore, she can’t abide the unfriendly Cal, a man with all the charm of a wet towel. But with no other prospects and a deep love for all things canine, she takes the job caring for Tippy.

As Gina travels through Cal’s world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too . . .

 

My thoughts:

“There’s just something about Tippy.”

Yes, indeed! This adorable dachshund mix stole my heart, as did Gina and Cal. Theirs is a heartwarming tale, and I loved every word. From the quirky characters to the humorous antics, I reveled in the charm of this story. While it is a lighthearted romance, Sit, Stay, Love shares a deeper message that will resonate with many readers. Delightfully engaging and entertaining, Sit, Stay, Love is sure to put a smile on your face. Dana Mentink hit a home run with this story, and I would love to read more Tippy tales!

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What do you get when you add one abrasive professional athlete, a quirky out-of-work schoolteacher, and an overweight geriatric dog? A lesson in love—Tippy style—in Dana Mentink’s new book, Sit, Stay, Love. As Gina travels through Cal’s world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too. . . .

Join Dana in celebrating the release of Sit, Stay, Love with a blog tour and a Travels with Tippy prize pack giveaway!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of Sit, Stay, Love
  • A $75 Visa cash card
  • A basket filled with Tippy-themed goodies
    • Travel-themed decorator box
    • Reading dog statue
    • Dog journal
    • Poems for Dog Lovers
    • Snuggle Paws fleece blanket from Animal Rescue Site
    • Pawprint scarf
    • Doxie desk pen
    • Pupmobile auto magnet
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Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on April 25th. The winner will be announced April 26th on Dana’s blog.

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Dana Mentink

Dana Mentink lives in California, where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Dana is an American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year finalist for romantic suspense and an award winner in the Pacific Northwest Writers Literary Contest. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third and fourth grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with her husband, two daughters, a dog with social anxiety problems, a chubby box turtle, and a feisty parakeet.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

 

Sit, Stay, Love

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 Sit, Stay, Love.

#BookReview: The Art of Afternoon Tea by Penelope M. Carlevato

18 Apr

The Art of Afternoon Tea

The Art of Afternoon Tea by Penelope M. Carlevato

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

A gourmet guidebook and an irresistible collection of almost 100 recipes, directly from, or inspired by, the fascinating era of the Edwardians. Includes special menus for entertaining friends, with interesting facts and stories of life in Downton Abbey and Titanic times. Whether planning a Birthday Tea, a Christmas Tea, a Christening Tea or even a themed Downton Abbey Tea, the pleasures of celebrating and sharing tea time come alive as Penelope shares her enthusiasm, knowledge, and inspiration for all things tea. Discover the pleasures and rituals of high tea and afternoon tea in the grand English style of Downton Abbey’s ambiance and the traditions of the Titanic’s first class customs.

My thoughts:

The Art of Afternoon Tea is a wonderful book! From the very first page, Penelope Carlevato captivated me with her enthusiasm for tea and her extensive knowledge of both the drink and the ceremony. I thoroughly enjoyed the fascinating history and tradition of tea and delighted in the references to Downton Abbey and the Titanic.

With a myriad of details, stories, recipes, and menus, Carlevato paints a vivid picture of the Edwardian era. I loved this charming book and highly recommend it to tea enthusiasts and Downton Abbey fans alike!

 

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Penelope Carlevato

British-born and an avid tea lover, Penelope grew up with tea as a way of life. Author of several books, including Tea on the Titanic and First Class Etiquette, and founder of Penelope’s Tea Time, she has written many magazine articles (including, currently, a column for Leading Hearts Magazine); co-hosted the web TV series Cooking up Wonders; and is known as the “Ambassador of Tea.” A passionate traveler, Penelope leads groups on an annual “Taste of Britain” tea tour to the British Isles. She and her husband reside in Colorado, have three grown children, and grandparents of 11 future tea-lovers.

 

The Art of Afternoon Tea

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

Friday Freebies

15 Apr

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

All for Anna

All for Anna by Nicole Deese

Kindle | Nook

An empowering love story about letting go of guilt and holding on to hope.

When Tori Sales, a 23 year-old trauma nurse returns home, she’s determined to escape the painful memories that haunt her still…two years after the loss of Anna. But not even the distraction of a new job, an overbearing family, or a therapist who won’t take no for an answer can lessen the guilt trapped inside her.

After a chance encounter with a compassionate fireman, Tori sets out on a journey to find closure where she needs it most. But when a shocking revelation threatens the relationship she’s come to rely on, Tori is forced to make another life-altering decision. Will she stay with the man she loves or will she choose the escape she knows best…

 

Under the Tulip Poplar

Under the Tulip Poplar by Diane Ashley & Aaron McCarver

Kindle | Nook

Rebekah eagerly anticipates the return of her childhood sweetheart from college and his long-awaited proposal. But when Asher instead tells her that their wedding must wait while he fights for his country, Rebekah’s dreams seem to shatter around her.

Asher longs to provide a life of wealth and position for his true love, Rebekah. But when she balks at some of his plans for their future, he begins to question the dreams he believed they shared.

Will Rebekah and Asher lose their dreams of love or follow God’s leading to the life He has for them together?

 

White River Dreams

White River Dreams by Frances Devine

Kindle | Nook 

With her brother prepared to bring his new bride home to their Missouri farm, Lexie Rayton desires to make a change in her life. She is delighted when given the opportunity to care for two orphaned girls on a neighboring farm. But it is the girls’ caregiver, Jack Sullivan, who captures her interest.

Jack Sullivan is willing to give up his beloved riverboat and enter into a marriage of convenience with Lexie in order to adopt the twin girls he adores. But when dreams of something more awaken his heart, will Lexie return his love?

#BookReview: The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder | Murder Mystery Prize Pack #Giveaway

14 Apr

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder

The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan

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

In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.

Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city’s underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.

While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto’s premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever—if they can stay alive long enough to do so.

 

My thoughts:

“A murder scene is no place for a proper lady.”

With a nod to Sherlock and Watson, McMillan’s bachelor girls Merinda and Jem reject the social expectations of the time and set their caps on professional careers. In an effort to launch their detective business, the intrepid sleuths scour the city in search of a murderer. Along the way, they find themselves in one adventure after another and encounter drama, danger, and romance.

The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder is cleverly crafted and told from multiple points of view that change at will. For me, this was a bit jarring at times and took some getting used to, as did the occasional use of footnotes. I appreciated the wit and humor, but was hoping for more depth to the story and its characters. Ray DeLuca was the character I enjoyed most, and I delighted in his and Jem’s story. While it was not quite what I was expecting, The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder is an imaginative and entertaining tale.

 

Meet best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem, who launch their own Sherlock Holmes-esque consulting detective business in 1910 Toronto in Rachel McMillan’s The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city’s underbelly. Merinda could well be Toronto’s premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever–if they can stay alive long enough to do so.

Rachel is celebrating the release of The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder with a Murder Mystery Prize Pack giveaway (details below) and an author chat party on April 28!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 4/28. The winner will be announced at The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Rachel and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

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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 28th!

 

Rachel McMillan

Rachel McMillan is a keen history enthusiast and a lifelong bibliophile. When not writing or reading, she can most often be found drinking tea and watching British miniseries. Rachel lives in bustling Toronto, where she works in educational publishing and pursues her passion for art, literature, music, and theater.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

 

 

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder

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 Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder.  

#BookReview + #Giveaway: More Than a Promise by Ruth Logan Herne

13 Apr

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More Than A Promise

More Than a Promise by Ruth Logan Herne

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook

Widower Matt Wilmot is in trouble. His boys are causing chaos and wreaking havoc, his former mother-in-law is threatening to sue for custody, his father just had heart surgery and their family company is liable for a huge balloon payment on a loan his father took out to expand the business the previous year. But rain and illness took their toll, and Matt is having a rough time spinning multiple plates in the air.

But when he discovers Elle Drake next door, a woman with a wonderful hand at managing errant boys, cranky relatives, and frustrated men… Matt’s world suddenly tips back into a more normal orbit. And when drastic measures are required, it’s the girl next door who’s there to save the day.

Elle Drake wanted nothing more than to create beautiful pottery and have a family, but when her millionaire husband publicly dumped the renowned artist for another woman, Elle moves back to Cedar Mills to start anew, the spinster artist with her big potting shed. But when her to-die-for good-looking neighbor thinks marriage is a good idea, Elle figures he’s either crazy, desperate or right.

But a marriage of convenience can become its own conundrum, and when life takes sudden turns, can this marriage become all that they bargained for? And maybe more than a promise?

 

SLB Review

“My Three Sons”… Naughty sons, at that!… meets “Sarah, Plain and Tall” in this delightful marriage of convenience story that shows how amazingly inconvenient love… and life… can be!

Mayhem and madness, love and laughter abound! Ruth Logan Herne always captures the intricacies of family life in her stories, and More Than a Promise is certainly no exception! 

The three Wilmot boys are rambunctious rascals, and their dad Matt has his hands full as a single parent and a business man. “If the Wilmots were a hashtag, they’d rock the “trending now” list daily.” When next door neighbor Elle Drake finds herself in the midst of the Wilmot chaos, her life takes a turn she never expected.

I enjoyed the humor and heart of this story and reveled in the relationships and romance that developed. More Than a Promise is another delightfully heartwarming story from a wonderfully talented author!

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

 

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But Elle…

Elle was amazing.

Elle made the boys laugh. She made him laugh. She made them think about things other than themselves. She made them cookies, made them work, and most of all, she expected them to rise to a challenge. To be good. To be kind.

And when they were around her, they tried to meet her expectations.

Married. To Elle.

He gripped her hand tighter as they made their way over to her house. His father moved ahead and Matt took advantage of the moment to slow Elle’s steps. “You seem to excel at getting me out of trouble.”

Elle winced. “I couldn’t let her rake you over the coals like that. Who does that kind of thing, when someone’s house is burning down alongside them? Sorry.” She made a face of regret and sighed. “Now we’ll have to wiggle our way out of this and that’s going to be a tangle, but I figured it would quiet her down. And it did work,” she added with a quick, small smile.

“What if we don’t wiggle our way out of this?”

“What?”

She tried to stop their progress, but Matt kept her hand in his and kept walking.

“Matt.”

“You said yourself it makes perfect sense.”

“I said no such thing,” she hissed as they drew closer to the house. “We barely know each other.”

He smiled into her eyes and saw the answering flicker of acknowledgment and interest. Real interest. “A lifetime gives us plenty of time for that, I guess.”

“Are you crazy?”

He was, kind of, because her off-the-cuff idea was growing in appeal. “Maybe. Or maybe you came up with the best answer possible.” They’d reached the door. He put a finger to his lips. “We’ll hash this out later.”

“There is nothing to hash out.”

He winked, because the more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea.

“Matt, I—”

He kissed her.

He kissed her long and slow and with a gentle firmness that said they had a lot to talk about.

Later.

And when he stopped kissing her, he cupped her face with his two hands and whispered, “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

It was wonderful and he knew it, which meant she should take him down a peg, but his parents were excitedly waiting inside her back door. “We’ll discuss this later.”

He grazed one finger across her lips. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Insufferable.

Confidence bordering cockiness.

Righteously good-looking.

And he couldn’t possibly be serious. Could he?

One look at his face said otherwise.

 

MTAP- Giveaway

Click here to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway!

 

Ruth Logan Herne

Multi-published, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne loves God, her family, her country, dogs, chocolate and coffee! A country gal with a heart for the big city, Ruthy likes nothing more than to write the kind of books she loves to read, and she’s even more happy that now she gets paid to do it! She’s been married for a Very Long Time and she and her husband Dave live on a small farm in upstate New York where lake effect snow buries them on a regular basis in winter. But that’s all right… it gives her more time to write!

Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Blog | Website | Seekerville

 

MTAP- Tour Schedule

April 11–cherylbbookblog | A Holland Reads
April 12–Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance | Reading Is My SuperPower
April 13–Buzzing About Books | The Power of Words
April 14–Smiling Book Reviews | Singing Librarian Books
April 15–Katie’s Clean Book Collection | Colorimetry | The Green Mockingbird
April 16–Just Commonly | Red Headed Book Lady

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#BookReview: The Midwife’s Dilemma by Delia Parr

12 Apr

The Midwife's Dilemma

The Midwife’s Dilemma by Delia Parr

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1VP5E5o

Midwife Martha Cade has decided. When he returns in February, she is going to marry Mayor Thomas Dillon. That is the only decision in life in which she feels confident these days. Everything else around her feels like it’s changing too fast, from her daughter’s obvious affection for the town’s young doctor to Martha realizing she’s ready to pass on her role as midwife to someone younger. Even her beloved town of Trinity is changing.

The 1830s Pennsylvania town, having mushroomed in size and population, is becoming an important agricultural and economic center for the region, and soon a canal will connect it even more to the outside world.

It is a season that will set the course for the rest of her life. Martha will need every ounce of confidence, courage, and faith she possesses to overcome the obstacles that will make her life far more challenging and difficult than she can dare to imagine.

 

My thoughts:

The Midwife’s Dilemma is a wonderful story! The third novel in the At Home in Trinity series, Delia Parr concludes the trilogy with a heartfelt and dramatic tale.

I love Martha Cade and her dedication to her family and friends and to her calling as a midwife. As this series concludes, Martha is faced with a myriad of personal and professional changes as she enters a new season in her life. Brimming with emotion and encouragement, I delighted in the culmination of Martha’s journey.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and will miss visiting the beloved town of Trinity and its residents. The Midwife’s Dilemma and its series predecessors are recommended reads for those who enjoy inspirational historical fiction.

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

Release Day #Giveaway from Melissa Tagg!

6 Apr

Hi, friends!  Melissa Tagg is celebrating the release of her fourth novel with a giveaway you don’t want to miss!  If you follow Melissa on social media, you know she’s been gushing about Logan Walker for a long time now!  😉  Head over to her blog and read more about why she really loves this character and enter to win a copy of Like Never Before, plus a $25 Visa card!  

Release Day Giveaway

#BookReview: Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

4 Apr

Back in the Saddle

Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1MyMU8l

The prodigal is coming home.

It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.

He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest—a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding . . . and why.

Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor. And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

 

My thoughts:

Back in the Saddle is a wonderful story of faith, family, and forgiveness! From the eye-catching cover to the sweet treat on the last page, I delighted in everything about this western romance. Ruth Logan Herne beautifully captures the intricate dynamics of this ranching family and brings the narrative to life with great characterization, vivid imagery, and an engaging story line.

It’s been years since Colt Stafford left the Double S Ranch, and now the prodigal son has returned. What he finds at home is not at all what he expected, but he’s determined to get back in the saddle. Colt’s story isn’t the only one that needs to be told, though. All of the Stafford men are wrestling with the past in their own way, and I can’t wait to continue the series and see what their future holds!

 

Ruth Logan Herne

Ruth Logan Herne has more than half a million books in print, including fifteen Love Inspired contemporary novels. Back in the Saddle is the first book in her new western romance series. Ruth is a founding member of Seekerville, a popular writing collective blog. A country girl who loves the big city, Ruth and her husband live on a farm in upstate New York.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

 

Back in the Saddle

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 Back in the Saddle.

#BookReview: Tailspin by Elizabeth Goddard

31 Mar

Tailspin

Tailspin by Elizabeth Goddard

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook

Nothing can stop Sylvie Masters from scuba diving to find her mother’s downed plane—except possibly the hit man determined to keep the truth from surfacing. When brave bush pilot Will Pierson comes to her rescue, she knows she can still reach her goal, but she needs his help. Will wants answers about the crash, too, especially since his mother was the missing plane’s pilot. He’ll be the hero Sylvie needs, but can he ever trust her? Sylvie is shrouded in secrets that keep leading her back to Mountain Cove. Secrets someone will kill for. Will may protect her, yet no one can persuade her to end her search…not even a killer.

 

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My thoughts:

Tailspin is an adrenaline-fueled adventure! Aptly titled, Goddard sends her characters into a tailspin again and again as they race to uncover buried secrets while trying to stay alive. Just as the tagline promises, love and danger collide in this fast-paced story. Sylvie and Will’s journey is filled with drama, danger, and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed this exciting tale and look forward to the next Mountain Cove adventure!

Tailspin is the fifth stand-alone book in the Mountain Cove series. Fans of romantic suspense are sure to enjoy this story, as well as its predecessors.

 

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Elizabeth Goddard is an award-winning author of eighteen romance and romantic suspense novels, including the romantic mystery, The Camera Never Lies—winner of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011. After acquiring her computer science degree, she worked at a software firm before eventually retiring to raise her four children and become a professional writer. A member of several writing organizations, she judges numerous contests and mentors new writers. In addition to writing, she home schools her children and serves with her husband in ministry.

Connect with Beth:
Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

Tailspin

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

#BookReview: Playing the Part | 5 Book #Giveaway

29 Mar

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Playing the Part by Jen Turano

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1RQM4QD

Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan’s interest turns threatening. Lucetta’s widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta’s life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson’s estate to hide out.

Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there’s much more to him than society knows.

Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail’s matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can’t ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it’ll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.

 

My thoughts:

A castle, moat, and cannon! Oh my! Playing the Part is witty and wonderful and so much fun! Jen Turano’s imaginative stories are pure delight and never fail to elicit smiles and laughter. From the gothic goings-on to the animal antics, I reveled in the humor and hijinks of this entertaining tale. Lucetta Plum and Bram Haverstein share a unique story; theirs is a charming romance mixed with a large dollop of mystery. Readers who have enjoyed this series from the beginning are sure to be pleased with its final act. I most certainly hold Playing the Part in high esteem and can’t wait for Turano’s next madcap adventure!

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

 

Enter to win a copy of Playing the Part—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter the giveaway.  The winners will be announced April 7 on the Litfuse blog!

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Jen TuranoAbout the author:

Jen Turano, author of the Ladies of Distinction series and the A Class of Their Own series, is a graduate of the University of Akron. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.

 Connect with Jen:
Website | Facebook

 

 

PlayingThePart_mck.indd
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 Playing the Part.