Tags: Alexa Verde, Buzzing About Books, Color of Danger, Giveaway, Giveaway winner, River of Danger, Winner
Review: Once Upon a Summertime
10 Jun
Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
When Anna Gordon follows her dream to New York City, she discovers something she never expected!
Melody Carlson’s vivid imagery brings to life the sights and sounds of this light-hearted story. Anna is an engaging character, and I enjoyed her journey of self-discovery and her relationship with Sean O’Neil, a crush from her childhood. The conclusion of the story felt a bit rushed, but I did appreciate its ambiance and romance. Once Upon a Summertime is an enjoyable story and a fun summer read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and appreciate the opportunity to share my honest opinion.
About the book:
Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it’s a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises–not the least of which is Sean O’Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than 6.5 million. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
Review: Now and Forever
8 Jun
Now and Forever by Mary Connealy
Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
A grizzly bear, sheep, and wolves! Oh my! I can always count on Mary Connealy to humor me with her stories, and she certainly delivered the laughs in Now and Forever. She also delivered drama, danger, and intrigue in this Wilde adventure.
I loved Shannon Wilde and Matt Tucker! Shannon is an independent woman who is determined to maintain her homestead and tend her sheep. Matt is a mountain man content to hunt and trap and live off the land. These two are entertaining characters and the fireworks between them are fun to behold!
Now and Forever is another delightful story in the Wild at Heart series. I love these feisty sisters and can’t wait to read Book 3, Fire and Ice!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Bethany House Blogger Reviewer program. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
About the book:
Saddle up for romance and adventure with the Wilde sisters!
Shannon Wilde is the middle sister–and the one who loves animals. She’s established her own homestead and is raising sheep for their wool. Things are going fine…until Shannon gets swept over a cliff by Matthew Tucker!
Tucker seizes every opportunity to get away from civilization, but one particular walk in the woods ends with him sprinting away from an angry grizzly and plunging into a raging river, accidentally taking Shannon Wilde with him. Their adventure in the wilderness results in the solitary mountain man finding himself hitched to a young woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for.
As Tucker and Shannon learn to live with each other, strange things begin to happen on Shannon’s land. Someone clearly wants to drive her off, but whoever it is apparently didn’t count on Tucker. Trying to scare Matthew Tucker just makes him mad–and trying to hurt the woman he’s falling in love with sets off something even he never expected.
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy…with cowboys.
http://www.maryconnealy.com
She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.
Review: As Waters Gone By | Summer of Fun $100 Giveaway
6 Jun
As Waters Gone By by Cynthia Ruchti
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Gs5M3Q
Emmalyn and Max Ross may have to endure the fight of their lives to mend the tattered fabric of their marriage. His actions ensured she could never be a mother and put him in prison, giving their relationship a court-mandated five-year time-out. On a self-imposed exile to beautiful but remote Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, Emmalyn has just a few months left to figure out if and how they can ever be a couple again.
Nudged along by the exuberant owner of the Wild Iris Inn and Café, a circle of misfit people in their small town, and a young girl who desperately needs someone to love her, Emmalyn restores an island cottage that could become a home and begins to restore her heart by learning what it means to love unconditionally. Yet even as hope begins to find a place within the cottage walls, Emmalyn still wonders if she’s ready for Max’s release. She may be able to rebuild a cottage, but can she rebuild a marriage?
Thoughts:
As Waters Gone By is a captivating story! Cynthia Ruchti drew me into the pages with her excellent characterization and beautiful imagery.
There is something special about each of the quirky, misfit characters in this book. Emmalyn, Boozie, and so many others warmed my heart. As I read, I found myself turning each page with an eagerness to know and understand them and their journeys. The charming setting of Madeline Island is another special character in this story. I would love to visit M’s restored cottage and then venture down the road to The Wild Iris Inn and enjoy their delectable fare and warm hospitality.
As Waters Gone By is a book to enjoy and savor! I loved this memorable story of hope and healing and can’t wait to read more from Cynthia Ruchti!
A complimentary copy of As Waters Gone By was provided to me through Litfuse Publicity. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and share my honest opinion.
Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/cruchti
Cynthia is celebrating the release of As Waters Gone By by giving away a summer of fun to one lucky reader!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A $100 cash card to put toward your trip to Madeline Island (discover the beauty of the setting of As Waters Gone By) or your summer vacation destination
- A book-club set (10 copies of As Waters Gone By and a downloadable starter kit) so you can start your own summer book club
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 10th. The winner will be announced June 11th on Cynthia’s blog.
Plus, now through mid-July, sign up for Cynthia’s mailing list for a five-day virtual tour around Madeline Island for the chance to win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack. Each day begins with an email from Cynthia that introduces where you’ll be “visiting” that day (all key places from As Waters Gone By) with various interactive elements, including“I wish you were here” postcards, trivia quizzes, and an ongoing Island scavenger hunt. The person who interacts the most will win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack (valued at more than $200). That includes:
- The letterpress block Hope sign from DaySpring
- A set of 6 Hemmed in Hope notecards showing a hope-themed Bible verse
- A leather “I can’t unravel, I’m hemmed in hope” journal
- Signed copies of each of Cynthia’s books, fiction and non-fiction
Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience with Heartbeat of the Home radio and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers.
Friday Freebies
5 Jun
No Place For A Lady by Maggie Brendan
Nothing in her past had prepared her for a Colorado cattle drive–or Luke Weber.
Longing for a new start, Crystal Clark arrives amid the splendor of the high country in June 1892. After the death of her father, Crystal is relieved to be leaving the troubles of her Georgia life behind to visit her aunt’s cattle ranch. Despite being raised as a proper Southern belle, Crystal is determined to hold her own in this wild land–even if a certain handsome foreman named Luke doubts her abilities.
Just when she thinks she’s getting a handle on the constant male attention from the cowhands and the catty barbs from some of the local young women, tragedy strikes. And saving the ranch from a greedy neighboring landowner means taking charge of a cattle drive, ready or not. Can she rise to the challenge? Or will she head back to Georgia defeated?
Tara’s Gold by Lisa Harris
Living up to the reputations of her aunt Rachel, who worked as a spy in the War Between the States, and parents who were instrumental in Boston’s Underground Railroad is a difficult task for Tara Young. So when she finds mention of an unsolved gold heist in her aunt’s journal, Tara decides her claim to fame will be finding the missing gold. Aaron Jefferson is a government agent seeking the same illusive goals-the cache of gold, but more importantly, a place of worth in his own illustrious family. When Tara and Aaron find their paths converging, however, each is determined to find the gold on their own. But their Heavenly Father has another plan. Will they ever learn that God Himself is to be desired more than fame or fine gold?
As Young As We Feel by Melody Carlson
Once upon a time in the little town on the Oregon coast, there were four Lindas—all in the same first-grade classroom. So they decided to go by their middle names. And form a club. And be friends forever. But that was 47 years and four lives ago. Now a class reunion has brought them all—the New York lawyer, the empty nester, the frustrated artist, and the aging starlet—together again in their old hometown, at a crossroads in their lives. They’re about to explore the invigorating reality that even the most eventful life has second acts…and there’s no statute of limitations on friendship.
Welcome to Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong
She’s learned you can’t count on anyone–but she didn’t count on landing in Last Chance.
The red warning light on her car dashboard may have driven Lainie Davis to seek help in the tiny town of Last Chance, New Mexico, but as she meets the people who make this one-horse town their home, it’s her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. These people are entirely too nice, too accommodating, and too interested in her personal life–especially since she’s on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed.
Yet in spite of herself, Lainie is increasingly drawn into the small-town dramas and to a handsome local guy with a secret of his own. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?
2 Book GIVEAWAY | River of Danger + Color of Danger
4 Jun
River of Danger by Alexa Verde
Purchase a copy: Amazon
Dallas reporter River Montenegro returns to her hometown, Rios Azules, in south Texas to aid her father, a constantly recovering alcoholic. After the notorious Smiling Killer strikes close to her home — and her own neck, River grudgingly accepts help from her childhood friend and first love, who unknowingly crushed her heart.
When his formerly awkward school buddy is being stalked and attacked, local newspaper editor and town favorite Jacob Forrester decides to protect River. Falling for River, who blossomed into a confident, beautiful woman, Jacob is also eager to take their friendship to a different level. But River always made it clear she wouldn’t stick around.
Scarred and scared, River has fled to the big city lights once. But she’s stronger now. The homegrown killer better be prepared because not all Rivers run…
Novella River of Danger is a prequel to the Secrets of Rios Azules Series, followed by Book 1, Color of Danger. The series is set in Rios Azules, a small Texas town where rivers and emotions run deep, and the richest family in town has a fine taste for food, jewelry, and murder. Each book is a complete inspirational romantic suspense and can be read as a stand-alone. Each book in the series features one of five childhood friends – a group once nicknamed Danger Girls – finding love amid danger to her life, her heart, and her faith.
My thoughts:
Last year, I had the privilege of reading and reviewing Alexa Verde’s debut novel, Color of Danger. This inspirational romantic suspense kept me guessing until the very end! It also left me eager for more, so I was excited to learn that Alexa was releasing a prequel novella.
River of Danger is an exciting story and a wonderful introduction to the Secrets of Rios Azules Series! Whether you’ve already enjoyed the first book, as I have, or have not yet had the pleasure of visiting Rios Azules, this novella is a recommended read.
I enjoyed getting to know River Montenegro and her childhood friends, the Danger Girls, and look forward to reading each of their stories in future books. Alexa Verde skillfully weaves elements of drama, intrigue, and romance with an inspirational thread. I really enjoyed River of Danger and can’t wait for more stories in this exciting series!
My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of River of Danger. I appreciate the opportunity to read this novella and share my honest opinion.
Alexa has graciously offered to give away an e-copy of River of Danger and an e-copy of Color of Danger to one lucky winner! To enter, please leave a comment, along with your email address.
This giveaway ends Wednesday, June 10 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
The winner will be drawn and announced on Thursday, June 11.
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.
About the Author:
Alexa Verde fell in love with writing at age eight when she penned her first poem. After publishing 200 short stories, poems, and articles in the five languages she speaks, Alexa has turned her creative passion to writing novels. Her May 2014 debut inspirational romantic suspense, COLOR OF DANGER, is the first in her Secrets of Rios Azules series—set in a fictional small Texas town where rivers and emotions run deep and the richest family in town has a fine taste for food, jewelry, and murder.
Review: Who’s the New Kid? | Fitbit Giveaway + Facebook Party
2 Jun
Who’s the New Kid? by Heidi Bond with Jenna Glatzer
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1R01IuI
Who’s the New Kid? shows readers how Heidi helped her daughter lose weight without the aid of fad diets, medication, or surgery and how other parents can do the same with their kids.
At nine years old, Breanna Bond weighed a whopping 186 pounds. Just walking up the stairs to her room was a challenge. Her legs chafed to the point of bleeding from rubbing against each other, and her school days were filled with taunts of “Hey, Fatty!” Breanna’s mom, Heidi, was devastated and wondered, How can I get my daughter healthy again?
In just over a year, Heidi’s plan worked! Breanna dropped 40 percent of her body weight and was transformed from a morbidly obese child who spent her days in front of the TV eating chips and chocolate to a vibrant, healthy, energetic little girl.
Thoughts:
Who’s the New Kid? is an inspiring story! In this encouraging book, Heidi Bond, Breanna’s mother, candidly shares the challenges and rewards of their emotional struggle and life-changing journey of transformation.
While the book is primarily the Bond’s story of overcoming Breanna’s obesity, helpful tips and advice, nutritional information, a forty day meal and exercise plan, and recipes are also included. Written with openness and honesty, Who’s the New Kid? will make you stop and think and encourage you to make the necessary changes in your life to achieve better physical health.
I received a complimentary copy of Who’s the New Kid? through Litfuse Publicity. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and share my honest opinion.
Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/hbond
Celebrate the release of Who’s the New Kid? by entering to win a Fitbit and RSVPing to Heidi’s June 9th author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Fitbit
- A copy of Who’s the New Kid?
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 9th. Winner will be announced June 9th at Heidi’s Facebook party. RSVP here!
Plus, participate in the #WhosTheNewKid conversation by pinning a family-friendly, healthy recipe (or two) to a Pinterest board!
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on June 9th!
Heidi Bond has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, and The Biggest Loser. A sought after speaker, she has helped thousands of parents who are struggling with overweight, underactive children. Heidi lives in Clovis, California with her husband, Dan, and their children, Breanna and Nathan.
Fun at RT 2015!
1 JunTwo weeks ago, my mother and I headed to Dallas for our first RT Booklovers Convention. We had a FANTASTIC time!!! It was such fun to spend a few days with so many wonderful authors! There were some we’ve known for several years and others we met for the very first time. All were lovely and gracious!!
Loved meeting the fabulous Rachel Hauck! We’ve known each other online for a few years and were thrilled to meet in person!
The inspirational panel was very interesting! It was great to hear each of the panelists discuss What Makes a Bestselling Novel Bestselling.
Panelists: Lisa Wingate, Francine Rivers, Dani Pettrey, Marta Perry, Rachel Hauck
A room full of lovely ladies!
On Thursday morning, the inspirational authors hosted the Saddle Up & Draw pictionary event with lots of smiles and laughter! Our group consisted of Team Dani Pettrey & Becky Wade vs. Team Melanie Dickerson & Laura McNeill
In addition to book prizes, participants were given these adorable fans signed by all of the authors. It is one of my very favorite swag items from the convention!!
Shortly after the Saddle Up & Draw event, we enjoyed Bethany House & Revell’s Chocolate Festival. Ten authors were present, signing and giving away books. Everything was fast and furious with all books and chocolate gone in less than 20 minutes! 🙂
Friday morning brought our favorite event of the convention, How Sweet It Is, Y’all. This lovely breakfast was hosted by Thomas Nelson, Zondervan, and Tyndale House. Eighteen of their authors were introduced and then they circulated around the room meeting and visiting with everyone and signing books.
The food was scrumptious and the company was even sweeter!!
In our goodie bags, we all received a blue, blinging ring and we raised them in honor of this sweet event!
Having fun with angel Kristy Cambron! 🙂
The fun continues with Karen Witemeyer and Sarah Ladd! (Photo bomber- Regina Jennings)
Sandra Brown was fascinating! We loved the author chat with Sandra and Kathy Reichs.
To top off this exciting event, I won this gift basket full of FABULOUS gifts from some of my favorite Inspy authors. Of all the names that were stuffed in the entry box, I was shocked that mine was pulled out of the hopper. Shocked!
Pinch me!!
RT 2015 was SO MUCH FUN!! I’ve just shared a quick glimpse of our time there. We met SO MANY GREAT AUTHORS and brought home SO MANY GREAT BOOKS!
I can’t wait until we meet again, friends!
Friday Fun + Freebies
29 May
Last Friday’s fun included a YouTube video of my mother and I singing in Robin Lee Hatcher’s Kickin’ Karaoke Contest and a plea for your vote. Well, I am excited to report that WE WON!! Thank you all so much for your kind words and your support! We had fun making our video and are still laughing about it! 🙂
A Horse for Kate by Miralee Ferrell
A horse of her own would be awesome. But Kate figures that might be a long way away, especially since she had to give up riding lessons and move to her late grandfather’s farm. Besides, it would be a lot more fun to have a best friend to ride with. When Kate discovers a barn on their new farm that’s perfect for a horse, and a dusty bridle too, she starts to think that her dream might come true. Then she meets Tori at school, who is totally the best. So when they discover a thoroughbred that appears to be all alone, could it be the answer to her prayers? Maybe. If she can convince her dad … and figure out what’s going on with that horse.
Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant
Dani Davis just wants a place to call home. With lovable-but-quirky town folks, quaint country charm, and loads of business potential, Miller’s Creek, Texas seems like the perfect place to start over…except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town. She secretly finances renovations to the downtown area until malicious rumors and a devastating discovery propel her down a road she never expected to travel.
Steve Miller is determined to rescue his dying hometown. When vandals jeopardize the renovation, he can’t help but suspect Dani, whose strange behavior has become fodder for local gossips. Can Steve and Dani call a truce for a higher cause, and in the process help Dani recognize the true meaning of home?
Greater Than Rubies by Hallee Bridgeman
From his cultured handsome looks to his vast fortune, Antonio “Tony” Viscolli is every girl’s dream. Robin comes from a blistering past, struggling for survival in a cold, cruel world. Robin never had a chance to dream of a white wedding gown or a prince charming. Instead, her dreams were nightmares — dark and clouded with fear and desperation. By the time Tony thaws her heart, she has known hunger, poverty, violence, and want.
For months, Tony courted the blond beauty with the sapphire eyes. He showered with attention, respect, and charm and covered her in diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Finally, Robin came to understand God’s love for her as imitated by the unconditional love Tony freely offered. On a sunny Florida beach, Tony proposed.
Back in bitter cold Boston, doubts about becoming a billionaire’s bride begin to burden her hopes for happiness. Robin struggles to cope with the never-ending details of the shower, ceremony, reception, and honeymoon; the prospects of changing her name and relocating; and the very public image she must suddenly adopt; all while dealing with her father’s very serious legal problems.
As the date draws inexorably near and the pressure mounts, Robin questions whether she is truly the woman God has made for him. Is she the girl of his dreams? His vast material wealth begins to overwhelm her. Nightmares from a forgotten past return in full force, reminding Robin of an even deeper and more terrifying prospect. Will she give in to her insecurities and cancel Boston’s “Royal Wedding” for good? Or, with God’s guidance, can Tony sacrifice everything to prove to his beloved Robin her true worth
Inspired by the Critically Acclaimed Christian Anthology – The Jewel Trilogy — Greater Than Rubies takes place immediately after book 1 and before book 2.
Review: The Proposal at Siesta Key + 5 Book Giveaway
28 May
The Proposal at Siesta Key by Shelley Shepard Gray
Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1AvyvUr
A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.
Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.
But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.
Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.
But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael’s time in Pinecraft will be over and he’ll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?
My thoughts:
Since reading The Promise of Palm Grove, I have been eager to return to the heart of Sarasota, Florida. In the second book in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, Shelley Shepard Gray invites readers back to the small Amish community of Pinecraft and the quaint Orange Blossom Inn. New primary characters are introduced, and familiar favorites are enjoyed in the secondary story line.
The Proposal at Siesta Key charmed me from the first page until the last! The story boasts vivid imagery, endearing characters, a unique story line, and a tender romance. I enjoyed The Proposal at Siesta Key and can’t wait to read the next book in this delightful series!
P.S. Don’t miss the great bonus material that is included in the back of the book. In addition to an author’s note and discussion guide, readers can enjoy a Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe, Shelley’s top five must-see spots in Pinecraft, scenes from Pinecraft, and a sneak peek of the next book, A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn.
I received a complimentary copy of The Proposal at Siesta Key through Litfuse Publicity. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and share my honest opinion.
Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray
Don’t miss Shelley Shepard Gray’s newest series, Amish Brides of Pinecraft, and the second book in the series, The Proposal at Siesta Key! “Shelley Shepard Gray brings readers into the Amish world with style and grace,” says Romantic Times Bookclub. Penny’s time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?
Click the image below to enter to win a copy of The Proposal at Siesta Key—five winners will be chosen! The winners will be announced June 15 on Shelley’s blog!
Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Buzzing About Books 