Deanne Patterson
Congratulations, Deanne! You’ve won a copy of Raising the Stakes!
Thank you all for visiting and entering this giveaway!
Review: One Perfect Year
13 Apr
One Perfect Year by Melinda Curtis
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
How can Shelby Hawkley forgive Gage Jamero for bailing on her when she needed him most? He and her husband, Nick, were the best part of her life. Now her former best friend is back, shaking up the widowed wine harvester’s world. The safest bet is to protect herself. Except Gage is awakening feelings that are decidedly unfriend-like.
Shelby is the woman Gage has secretly loved since high school. Starting over together could be the best dream he’s ever had. If only he can find the courage to say what he should have said all those years ago.
My thoughts:
Melinda Curtis brings Harmony Valley and its residents to life in One Perfect Year. I loved the charming characters, both main and secondary, and the entertaining storyline! The relationship between Shelby and Gage is full of chemistry and was such fun to read. Witty and romantic, this wonderful story warmed my heart and left me smiling. I loved visiting Harmony Valley and look forward to returning again soon!
Although Melinda has lived in Georgia and Texas, she’s a California girl at heart. Her earliest memories are of life on an isolated 50-acre sheep ranch in rural Sonoma County, California. Picture rolling hills covered in brown grass, a eucalyptus forest, a long gravel driveway lined with plump sheep and no sidewalks. It was a big deal to drive into town on a one-lane road in a ramshackle, bubble-fendered pickup for an ice cream.
Flash forward to this century. Melinda lives in California’s hot central valley with her husband – her basketball playing college sweetheart. With three kids the couple has done the soccer thing, the karate thing, the dance thing, the Little League thing and, of course, the basketball thing.
Melinda writes sweet to medium heat contemporary romances as Melinda Curtis and red hot reads as Mel Curtis. She loves writing romances about women who don’t realize how strong they are until a hero comes along to show them, while capturing the wry humorous power struggle of falling in love – because, really, who lets the man have the last word?
Author Links:
Website | Facebook
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
Do your children love horses? Enter to win a $150 Horse Lovers Prize Pack
11 AprDo your children love horses?
Film a short video telling why and you could win a $150 Horse Lovers Prize Pack!
Click here for contest details, rules, and entry form.
SILVER PRIZE
The Silver Prize is the Breyer Show Jumping Classics Toy Horse with Accessories, Breyer Classics Chelsea Show Jumper, and a copy of Miralee Ferrell’s new book A Horse for Kate. Two winners will be picked randomly, so anyone who submits a video has a chance to win!
GOLD PRIZE
The Gold Prize is a Horse Lovers Prize Pack (a $150 value!) of Breyer Horses products plus two copies of Miralee Ferrell’s new book A Horse for Kate. See image of the prize pack above. During the voting period (April 27–May 3), votes will be collected to determine the Gold Prize winner—the video with the most votes wins.
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.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Books-A-Million | Christianbook.com | DeeperShopping | Parable | Family Christian Stores
Learn more about the entire book series on Miralee Ferrell’s website.
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.
Friday Freebies
10 Apr
Everything’s Coming Up Rosy: A novella
by Anita Higman
When Rosy McBride is left at the altar on her wedding day, she’s devastated. She heads back to her hometown of Galveston, thinking she’s going to collapse from sorrow. But her family has another plan: set her up with an old friend, Larson. As he reveals his feelings, Rosy pulls back, but he is determined to help her find her way again—in love, in life, and in all that matters most.
Three Little Words: A novella
by Melissa Tagg
Ava Kingsley and Seth Walker might be the most unlikely friends ever. The only thing these two polar opposites have in common is a knack for wordsmithing. Back in college, they were known for their written sparring in the campus newspaper’s popular “He Says/She Says” column.
At their ten-year college reunion, they pick up right where they left off. Except this time their squabbling leads to a surprising turn: friendship and a year-long exchange of emails. So when Ava approaches a crossroads in her athletics department career in Minnesota, Seth is quick to offer the open apartment above the restaurant he’s been remodeling in Maple Valley, Iowa.
Ava doesn’t know where her career will lead her next, but she’s starting to suspect she might see Seth as more than a pen pal. Which would be exciting…except for the fact that he only sees her as a friend.
As Maple Valley grows on her, Ava wonders if there might be something here for her even though Seth is unavailable. And maybe, just maybe, after all the words the two of them have exchanged over the years, they’ll finally be able to say the three that matter most.
My thoughts:
Three Little Words is simply delightful and a wonderful introduction to the Walker family! I loved Seth Walker and Ava Kingsley. They are adorable characters and I really enjoyed their great chemistry and witty banter. I was reluctant for this e-only novella to end, and am eager to return to Maple Valley as the Walker Family Series continues!
Deadly Neighbors by Cynthia Hickey
When Marsha Calloway’s daughter is accused of a crime she didn’t commit, Marsha is determined to find the real culprit. She enlists the help of her Cadillac driving mama, the man who ditched Marsha at her high-school graduation but kept her heart, and a bumbling police officer. Folks around River Valley are having things disappear while they are sleeping with their eyes open. Seems everyone has a dream and not enough funds. Someone is determined to kill for that dream. Will River Valley’s cast of colorful characters live to see another day? Can Marsha find out who the thief is before she becomes one of the sleep walkers?
Begin Again Giveaway
9 AprBethany House Publishers is celebrating the release of two amazing books, From the Start and Together with You! Click the image below to enter to win one of two fantastic prize packages being given away!
Review: From the Start
9 Apr
From the Start by Melissa Tagg
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping
Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn’t kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays…until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.
Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend’s hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he’s lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he’s never really done normal before.
While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it’s like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. Starting over wasn’t part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that’s ever happened to them?
My thoughts:
I adored this book! A few of the things I especially loved were the charming setting of Maple Valley, the endearing characters, the witty dialogue, and the inspirational thread. Melissa Tagg writes with such heart and her stories sparkle with her signature humor and wit! The Walker family is destined to be one of my favorite fictional families, right up there with Susan May Warren’s Christiansen family.
From the Start is a heartfelt romance and the beginning of what is sure to be an award-winning series. It certainly won my heart and left me begging for the next book in the Walker Family series!
A complimentary copy of From the Start was provided to me by the publisher. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest opinion.
Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, 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.
Review: Tried and True
8 Apr
Tried & True by Mary Connealy
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!
Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister–and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It’s a risk–they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as “boys”–but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.
Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?
Thoughts:
I loved this fun story! Mary Connealy is a master of humor and western romance! From the spunky characters to the drama, danger, and romance, Tried & True is pure delight. I devoured this book and am eager to get my hands on the next one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
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.
The winner is…
8 Apr
craftybooksheeps
Congratulations! You’ve won a copy of Sword of Forgiveness!
Thank you all for visiting and participating in this giveaway!
Review: Enough Already + Getaway Giveaway
7 Apr
Enough Already by Barbara Roose
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Eqr5Tw
Recognize your own outer and inner beauty as defined by God, not the media or others.
Most women know that God loves them, but might he love them more if they finally lost that last ten pounds, or got their hair to lay right, or finally found a pair of jeans that looked good and let them breathe? Well, maybe God doesn’t care about jeans, but women do, and all the talk about inner beauty hasn’t kept all of us from staring into a mirror and taking an inventory that never quite measures up. Enough Already will:
-Elevate the soul-freeing, spiritual truth that God is the Creator of beauty and that women are called to appreciate and care for themselves as his own.
-Enable women to accept God-given beauty so that when they look in the mirror they see his handiwork, not their flaws.
-Equip women to win the ugly struggle with beauty once and for all.
My thoughts:
“Enough Already addresses the origins of our ugly struggle with beauty as well as how to equip ourselves to win the battle.”
In this book, Barbara Roose encourages women to recognize and embrace their God-given beauty. Each of its twenty chapters contains a wealth of information and encouragement. The author shares her personal beauty stories and struggles, as well as those from other women she has surveyed. Scriptures and biblical teachings are also shared and each chapter concludes with questions for group discussion and personal reflection.
Barbara Roose writes with openness and honesty as she offers advice on how to win your “ugly struggle with beauty.” I enjoyed her message and appreciate the opportunity to read and review Enough Already.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/broose
Learn how to recognize your own outer and inner beauty as defined by God, not the media or others, in Barbara Roose‘s new book, Enough Already. What would it take for you to believe you are enough already? Most women know God loves them, but might he love them more if they finally lost that last ten pounds, or got their hair to lay right, or finally found a pair of jeans that looked good and let them breathe? Well, maybe God doesn’t care about jeans, but women do, and all the talk about inner beauty hasn’t kept all of us from staring into a mirror and taking an inventory that never quite measures up.
Barbara is celebrating the release with a giveaway! One reader will receive a cash card and writing supplies for her own inner-beauty weekend getaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A $75 cash card for your own inner-beauty weekend getaway
- A notepad/pencil set for your inner-beauty quiet time
- A copy of Enough Already
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 12th. Winner will be announced April 13th on Barbara’s blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
Barbara Roose is an African-American, wife, mother, and pastor with a passion for creatively communicating God’s truths in a manner that is relevant and easy for people to apply to their lives. In February 2002, she joined the staff at Cedar Creek Church in Perrysburg, Ohio. Currently, she is the Directional Leader and Pastor of Spiritual Formation. For the past eight years, she has had the privilege to serve as periodic teaching pastor to 10,000 (average) weekly attendees. Since 2010, she has spoken at various women’s conferences in the U.S. and Honduras. In October 2012, she was a guest speaker for best-selling author and former Women of Faith speaker, Nicole Johnson’s Seasons Weekend Experience. Barbara and her husband, Matt, have been married 21 years and live in Toledo, Ohio.
Blog Tour: Raising the Stakes + 2 GIVEAWAYS
6 Apr
This blog tour is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The Raising the Stakes blog tour runs April 1-7, and you can view the complete tour schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours.
Raising the Stakes
by Karen Rock
Genre: Adult
Age category: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 1 April, 2015
Blurb:
Hiding from the world…Tucking herself away in the Adirondack woods was supposed to keep Vivienne Harris safe. From dark memories of the Bronx, from danger, from entanglements. But when an orphaned bear cub raids her pantry and conservation officer Liam Walsh appears with news of poachers nearby, her private, peaceful world is turned upside down!
Suddenly two forces are drawing her out—Button, the cub who needs her help, and Liam, the man who’s dead set against her rehabilitating the bear. If she can just win Liam’s support, Vivie knows she can give Button a good life. And maybe find the courage to embrace a future with Liam…
You can find Raising the Stakes on Goodreads.
You can buy Raising the Stakes here:
– Amazon
– Barnes & Noble
– Kobo
– Harlequin
My thoughts:
Raising the Stakes is a sweet story that tugged at my heartstrings! Vivienne Harris and Liam Walsh are strong, independent characters, yet they both struggle with emotional scars of the past. Brought together by an orphaned bear cub, Vivie and Liam find themselves at odds with each other and the sparks begin to fly.
I really enjoyed this unique story and was captivated by the drama that unfolded. I especially loved the emotional ending that had me laughing and crying. Raising the Stakes is a delightful, heartwarming tale, and I look forward to reading more from Karen Rock!
I received a complimentary copy of Raising the Stakes through Lola’s Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
Excerpt:
He lifted her chin with a gentle finger and gazed down at her. “You’re always safe with me.”
For some odd reason, her eyes welled and a tear clung to her lashes.
He brushed the wetness away with his thumb, his hands lingering and cupping her face.
“I’m never safe,” she whispered, her voice so low he had to bend closer to hear.
“I’ll protect you,” he found himself saying, a gallant and reckless offer considering his planned move. Still, a fierce urge to reassure her filled him. A need to kiss her full lips followed.
He captured them with his own, tasting berries, and something sweeter still. He buried his hands in her silky hair and brought her close, an insatiable hunger taking hold. The wildflower smell of her enveloped him and her mouth tantalized his. He nibbled on her lower lip, loving her soft exclamation of pleasure. Or was it surprise? She was early spring sunshine, a spring-fed pond, a mountain peak and everything that’d ever made him glad to be alive.
Without warning, she jerked away and sprang to her feet, backing away until her legs brushed the bushes.
“What’s wrong?”
Her face had lost all color and she looked as if she might faint. She shook her head, her hand rising to cover her mouth.
Regret snuffed out his elation. He shouldn’t have moved so fast. Or at all, darn it. “Did I offend you? I’m sorry. Blame it on a beautiful day. A lonely bachelor. A stupid one.”
Button appeared at Vivie’s feet. She stretched up on her hind legs, put her paws on Vivie’s sides and pressed her face against her caregiver’s stomach. If Button wasn’t a wild animal, he’d think the young bear sensed Vivie’s mood. Was trying to console her. He’d comfort Vivie, too, if she didn’t seem ready to bolt.
“I’m an idiot, Vivie.” He got to his feet, feeling like a consummate jerk for kissing her without any signs she’d welcome it. But for a moment, when she’d kissed him back, it’d seemed as though…
He shook his head. Women had the final say when it came to what they wanted. He should have been more sensitive. Not given in to impulses. “Please. It won’t happen again.” And he meant it. She was upset. Had a right to be. If he had any sense, he’d know kissing her was wrong for him, as well. Soon he’d be across the country. His attraction to Vivie was irrational.
“Vivie, talk to me.”
She stumbled away, Button stuck by her side, the cub’s turtle dangling from her mouth.
He ducked in front of her, unwilling to let the moment end badly. “What can I do?”
She wiped her nose and met his gaze. “Just stay away.” Without another word, she returned to the trail.
It took all of his willpower not to chase after her. He’d follow at a distance instead, staying far enough behind to ensure she got home safely. But it wasn’t enough. He wanted things back to normal again. If that was possible.
Strange that she’d said the same words he repeated to himself whenever Vivie came to mind—stay away.
Yet the more time he spent with her, the harder that became. His emotions for this complicated woman deepened every day. He could deny it all he wanted, but he cared about her.
The job in Yellowstone came to mind. He wouldn’t put off his decision any longer. As soon as he got home, he’d let them know. Escape before his feelings lashed him down forever.
Vivie was right.
Except when it came to Button, he’d stay away.
About the Author:
Karen Rock is an award-winning YA and adult contemporary romance author. She holds a master’s degree in English and worked as an ELA instructor before becoming a full-time writer. Currently she writes for Harlequin Heartwarming and her first novel for the line, WISH ME TOMORROW, has won the 2014 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2014 Golden Quill Contest and a finalist in the Published Maggie Awards. The first novel in her co-authored YA series, CAMP BOYFRIEND, has been a finalist in the Booksellers Best and Golden Leaf awards.
You can find and contact Karen here:
– Website
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Goodreads
– Tumblr
– Quarterly Newsletter
– Amazon Author Page
Tour GIVEAWAY!
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Raising the Stakes. These are the prizes you can win:
– a 100$ Amazon gift card (INT)
– a set of signed paperbacks of Wish Me Tomorrow, His Hometown Girl, Someone Like You and A League of Her Own (US only)
For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blog GIVEAWAY!
In addition to the tour-wide giveaway, one copy of Raising the Stakes is being given away to a lucky Buzzing About Books reader, winner’s choice of e-copy or paperback (US) or an e-copy (INT).
To enter to win a copy of this delightful tale, please leave a comment below. To earn additional entries, you may do the following:
◦ Follow this blog, Buzzing About Books, or let me know if you are already a follower
◦ Share this giveaway through Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or email
Be sure to include your email address and let me know what you have done to earn additional entries! This giveaway ends Monday, April 13 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
Buzzing About Books 