Review: The Nanny’s New Family

7 Jul

The Nanny's New Family

The Nanny’s New Family by Margaret Daley

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

Annie Knight has her work cut out for her as the McGregor family’s newest nanny. Dr. Ian McGregor means well, but the distracted single dad’s lost touch with his four kids. The new nanny brings much-needed calm to the chaos, including finding a service dog that could be a real lifesaver. And soon the good doctor’s making Annie’s heart respond in ways it hasn’t for years. But Annie’s cheery demeanor hides a heart-wrenching secret that’s as much a part of her as her carefully hidden scars. Annie doesn’t think she deserves happiness—but Ian and his kids will show the caretaker that with the love of family, everything’s possible.

 

My thoughts:

I love Margaret Daley’s Caring Canines series, and am always eager to read its latest installment. The Nanny’s New Family was certainly no exception; it is a wonderful story!

My heart ached for the McGregor family and the losses they had endured, so I was delighted when the family’s newest nanny helped calm their chaos and heal their hurts. Harboring physical and emotional scars of her own, Annie Knight soon learns the power of faith, family, and love. I loved the drama and emotion of this story, as well as the endearing characters. The Nanny’s New Family is a touching story that will warm your heart!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my honest opinion.

 

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.

To learn more about Margaret and her books, please visit her website, www.margaretdaley.com.

 

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Review: In Good Company

6 Jul

In Good Company

In Good Company by Jen Turano

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

After spending her childhood in an orphanage, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm tend to bring about situations that have employers looking askance at her methods. After her most recent dismissal, Millie is forced to return yet again to an employment agency.

Everett Mulberry has suddenly and quite unexpectedly found himself responsible for three children he’s never met. Attempting fatherhood while also pacifying the less-than-thrilled socialite he intends to marry is made even more complicated when the children scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.

At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance–with each other. Everett is wary of Millie’s penchant for disaster, and she’s not entirely keen on another snobby, grumpy employer, but they’re both out of options. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges and tries to stay one step ahead of them, Everett is more focused on achieving the coveted status of society’s upper echelons. As he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the children’s parents’ death, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?

 

My thoughts:

In Good Company is pure delight! With a writing voice all her own, Jen Turano has penned another imaginative tale that I believe is her best yet!

Millie Longfellow endeared herself to me in After a Fashion and I have been anxiously awaiting her story. This quirky character elicited non-stop smiles and laughter as I read In Good Company. I loved Millie’s creativity and charm as she dealt with her mischievous charges and her employer. Everett Mulberry was a bit obtuse and frustrating at times, especially with regard to the dreadful Caroline Dixon, but I enjoyed his transformation as the story progressed. Full of humor and heart, In Good Company is a must read! I adore Jen Turano and can’t wait for more of her fantastic stories!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Jen TuranoJen Turano is the acclaimed author of The Ladies of Distinction Series, published through Bethany House publishers. Her second novel, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen by Booklist as a Top Ten Romance for 2013. Her fourth book, A Match of Wits, released in July, 2014, while a new series, A Class of Their Own, will begin hitting the shelves in early 2015. She is a member of ACFW and makes her home outside of Denver, Colorado with her husband and teenage son.

Author links:
Website | Facebook

 

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The winner is…

4 Jul

Winner- CFPagels

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Independence Day

4 Jul

Quote- Freedom

Friday Freebies

3 Jul

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

 

Texas Roads

Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Dani Davis just wants to find a place to call home. Miller’s Creek, Texas, with its country charm and quirky citizens seems like the perfect place to start over. Perfect, that is, except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town… Dani secretly finances renovations to downtown Miller’s Creek, but malicious rumors force her to choose between keeping her involvement a secret and the home for which she’s always longed. Then the discovery of an age-old secret propels her down a road she never expected to travel.

Steve Miller is determined to save his dying hometown. When vandalism jeopardizes the Miller’s Creek restoration project, he can’t help but suspect Dani, whose strange behavior has become fodder for local gossips. Will Steve and Dani be able to call a truce for a higher cause and in the process help Dani understand the true meaning of home?

 

Stuck in the Middle

Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Joan Sanderson’s life is stuck.

Her older sister, Allie, is starting a family, and her younger sister, Tori, has a budding career. Meanwhile, Joan is stuck at home with Mom and her aging grandmother. Not exactly a recipe for excitement–or romance.

When a hunky young doctor moves in next door, Joan sets out to catch his eye. But it won’t be easy. Pretty Tori flirts relentlessly, and Joan is sure that she can’t compete. But with a little help from God, Allie, and an enormous mutt with bad manners, Joan begins to find her way out of this rut and into the life she’s been hiding from.

Book 1 of the Sister-to-Sister series, Stuck in the Middle combines budding romance, soul searching, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry that is sure to make you smile.

 

The Widow of Larkspur Inn

The Widow of Larkspur Inn by Lawana Blackwell

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Julia Hollis’ opulent life in Victorian London crashes to pieces when her husband passes away. Worse, she is told by his bankers that he gambled away their fortune. Now, the family’s hope rests on The Larkspur, an old abandoned coaching inn in the quaint village of Gresham.

Driven by dread and her desire to provide for her children, Julia decides to turn the dilapidated inn into a lodging house. But can she–who was accustomed to servants attending to every need–do what needs to be done and cope when boarders begin arriving? And then an eligible new vicar moves into town…

 

To Love Anew

To Love Anew by Bonnie Leon

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

A heart-gripping journey toward forgiveness and love

Hannah Talbot has no one. Forced to leave the only home she’s ever known, she works for a cruel employer who brutally takes the one thing she has left–her dignity. When she is banished to an Australian prison, she is certain God has turned his back on her. How could he–or anyone else–ever love her again?

John Bradshaw is a successful businessman, but his untamed spirit wants more. Little does he know what he will have to endure to find the adventure he seeks. Betrayed by those closest to him, he loses everything, even his freedom. There is no returning now. His life is not his own.

Now aboard a ghastly prison ship, John and Hannah are about to cross paths. What will happen when two hearts filled with pain discover how to love anew? This first book in the Sydney Cove series will capture your heart.

 

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Review: Silver Spurs

1 Jul

Silver Spurs

Silver Spurs by Miralee Ferrell

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

Kate’s dream of owning a horse has finally happened. But now her best friend Tori has no money to buy a horse. So Kate comes up with a plan—she’ll raise money by boarding horses and hosting a show in her family’s barn.

It seems the perfect solution until Melissa, the girl who disses Kate and Tori at school, shows up to board her horse, determined to compete in their show and win the silver spurs. Will their plan be ruined—or does God have something better in store for them all?

 

My thoughts:

Silver Spurs, Book 2 in the Horses and Friends series, is a wonderful story! Not only is Silver Spurs engaging and entertaining, it also emphasizes strong Christian values.

I loved continuing the story of Kate and her best friend Tori! I really enjoy their friendship and their interactions with each other and the people around them. In this story, Kate and her friends learn a valuable lesson about offering kindness and friendship, even in difficult situations.

There are several bonus features in the back of the book that I think young readers will really enjoy. Discussion questions are included as “Secrets for Your Diary” and each one includes a note from Kate. A recipe for Colt’s favorite horse cookies is also included, followed by a note from the author. I really enjoyed Silver Spurs and look forward to more books in this great series!

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Miralee Ferrell- headshot

Miralee Ferrell is the author of eleven popular novels, including the bestselling Blowing on Dandelions. She and her husband live on eleven acres along the Columbia River Gorge in Washington state, where she loves horseback riding on the wooded trails near her home. She also enjoys playing with her dogs, Lacey and Sophie. To learn more, visit Miralee’s website.

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Review: Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys

30 Jun

Laugh Out Loud cover

Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys by Rob Elliot

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

My thoughts:

Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys is sure to elicit smiles and laughs from the boys in your life!  Packed with jokes, riddles, and ready-to-finish doodles, this little book is full of fun.  As soon as I gave it to my oldest son, he began to read it out loud and the whole family shared in the laughs.  Here are his thoughts… 
 

Laugh out Loud“I thought this was a really good book!  The jokes were funny and the doodles were lots of fun, too.  Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys was quite entertaining!  Thank you for sending my mom this book for me to enjoy and review.”

 

We received a complimentary copy of Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. 

 

 About the book:
Rob Elliott’s Laugh-Out-Loud joke books have brought laughter to more than half a million households. His last book invited kids into the action as he teamed up with cartoonist Jonny Hawkins to create “Laugh-Out-Loud Doodles for Kids.” Now the dynamic duo is back with two brand-new books for boys and girls who love to draw and love to laugh! Packed with jokes that will keep boys and girls giggling for hours, and unfinished doodles for them to complete any way they want, these books keep little hands and minds busy. Perfect for road trips, lazy summer days, or anytime the kids say, “I’m bored!”

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Review: Summer’s List

29 Jun

Summer's List

Summer’s List by Anita Higman

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

A dying wish alters the course of a young woman’s life.

Life hadn’t been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness-caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother’s bookstore-she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only tries she had at love… didn’t turn out. She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something-or someone. 

Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from Summer’s past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?

My thoughts:

Summer’s List is a contemporary romance with a Gothic flair.  Quirky characters, humor, heartbreak, drama, dysfunction, and mystery intertwine to create a unique tale.  Summer Snow is a young woman who has experienced loss in life and in love.  When her grandmother sets an adventure in motion, Summer’s life changes in ways she never expected. 

Summer’s List is filled with unexpected surprises and evoked mixed emotions!  I really enjoyed the heartwarming moments of this story.  Granny Snow was my favorite character and I loved her sage advice and words of wisdom.  The relationship she shared with Summer was special, as was the list of tasks she left behind.  I also enjoyed the rekindled relationship between Summer and childhood friend Martin Langtree.  The Gothic threads that run through this story were not as enjoyable for me, but I have no doubt they will delight many readers. 

If you’re looking for an imaginative tale that blends poignancy with peculiarity, Summer’s List is the perfect choice! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my honest opinion.

Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/ahigman

 

Anita Higman

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

 

Find Anita online: website, Twitter, Facebook

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Review + GIVEAWAY: The Lumberjacks’ Ball

26 Jun

Lumberjacks_ Ball cover

The Lumberjacks’ Ball by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1LvRx0G

A decade after surviving a brutal attack, a mercantile owner’s daughter begins her life anew in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A gifted craftsman wishes to leave the lumber camp and seeks employment at her new store. When his presence dredges up memories she wishes to suppress, the proprietress must learn to face her past and open her heart. When complications arise, will they overcome adversity in time for The Lumberjack’s Ball?

My thoughts:

The Lumberjacks’ Ball is a wonderful short novel! Carrie Fancett Pagels is a terrific wordsmith, evoking imagery and emotion from the first words until the last. She skillfully brings her beautiful setting, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, to life, as well as her endearing characters. Brimming with drama, intrigue, and romance, Rebecca and Garrett’s story is captivating!

The Lumberjacks’ Ball is the second book in The Christy Lumber Camp Series, following The Fruitcake Challenge. I loved both of these stories and look forward to more!

 

Giveaway- CFPagelsThank you so much, Carrie, for offering this generous giveaway!  To enter, please leave a comment, along with your email address. This giveaway ends Friday, July 3 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.

To earn additional entries, you may do the following:

◦Follow my blog, Buzzing About Books
◦Share this giveaway through Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or email

Be sure and leave a comment letting me know what you have done to earn additional entries.

 

Carrie brick headshot pmConnect with Carrie:

Carrie Fancett Pagels Ph.D. is an award-winning, best-selling, and multi-published Christian historical romance author. Carrie was a psychologist for twenty-five years. Married for twenty-seven years with two children. Carrie resides in Virginia’s Historic Triangle and enjoys reading, traveling and researching. She’s a finalist for the 2014 Maggie Awards for Excellence.

Website | Blog- Overcoming with God | Blog- Colonial Quills | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | LinkedIn

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Review: Love’s Rescue

25 Jun

Love's Rescue

Love’s Rescue by Christine Johnson

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her crippled brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O’Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the upright man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.

From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws readers into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy south. Readers will cheer for Elizabeth and Rourke as they battle the odds and the elements to secure their future.

My thoughts:

Love’s Rescue is a captivating story of adventure and romance! Christine Johnson’s writing is beautiful and she deftly swept me away to historical Key West. The island setting comes to life on the pages, as do the characters and their story.

Elizabeth Benjamin and Rourke O’Malley are wonderful characters and their dramatic story beguiled me with its intrigue, emotion, and romance. I loved Love’s Rescue and look forward to continuing this compelling series!

I received a complimentary copy of Love’s Rescue from the author. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and share my honest opinion.

 

Christine Johnson

A small-town Michigan girl, Christine Johnson has lived in every corner of the state’s Lower Peninsula. After trying her hand at music and art, she returned to her first love–story. She holds degrees in English and library studies and works part-time as a librarian. She feels blessed to write for Love Inspired and doubly blessed that two of her manuscripts were finalists for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® award.

When not at the computer keyboard, she loves to hike, kayak, and explore God’s majestic creation. She and her husband split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys.

Christine enjoys hearing from readers through her web site at http://www.christineelizabethjohnson.com.

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