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#BookReview: Starving Hearts | Delightful Heart #Giveaway

1 Sep

Starving Hearts

Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28OtflH

Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage.

She yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way.

Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After a failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.

Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette both endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter’s faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?

 

My thoughts:

Starving Hearts is an intricately woven tale of sordid secrets and dastardly deceptions. In her debut novel, Mendenhall introduces readers to a diverse cast of characters and skillfully sets the stage for the series to follow. While the characterization is strong and the imagery vivid, there were times when I struggled a bit with the story. I found it very engaging in parts, yet other times my interest waned. Steeped in historical themes and elements, Starving Hearts blends intrigue and romance and leaves readers wondering what will happen next as the Triangular Trade Trilogy continues.

 

Join in the search for love and acceptance with Janine and Starving Hearts by entering to win the Delightful Heart Gift Pack Giveaway.

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One grand prize winner will receive:

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Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on September 12. The winner will be announced September 13 on Janine’s blog.

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Janine Mendenhall

Janine Mendenhall teaches teens English, of all things! Sometimes she sleeps, but most nights she reads, writes, or watches movies like Pride and Prejudice and claims she’s researching her next book. Splickety Love and Splickety Prime have published her flash fiction. She and her husband, Tom, live in North Carolina where they and their two golden retrievers help gratify the needs of their five children and two cats.

 

Starving Hearts
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 Starving Hearts. 

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#BookReview: Without Warning by Lynette Eason

29 Aug

Without Warning

Without Warning by Lynette Eason

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2bHmbst

Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

Daniel might be concerned, but he’s not convinced that a bodyguard–and a female one at that–is necessary. A new attack and his niece’s urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who’s behind the intimidation and threats–before a would-be killer strikes again.

 

My thoughts:

Without Warning is an action-packed suspense! When Katie Singleton stumbles into an assignment, she finds herself protecting local restaurant owner Daniel Matthews. As tensions build and threats escalate, Katie and Daniel must work together to stay safe and uncover the identity of this relentless attacker. Enjoying the drama, intrigue, and romance of their story, I eagerly turned the pages to find out what would happen next. Now, I’m already anticipating Quinn and Maddy’s story in the next exciting adventure with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency!

While this is the second book in the Elite Guardians series, Without Warning easily reads as a stand-alone story.

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

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#BookReview: The Artisan’s Wife by Judith Miller

25 Aug

The Artisan's Wife

The Artisan’s Wife by Judith Miller

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2bch98a

Ainslee McKay’s world is shaken when she discovers her twin sister has not only eloped with a man she barely knows but now Ainslee must fulfill their obligation at a tile works in Weston, West Virginia. Ainslee must learn the ropes and, if she can keep the tile works profitable, her brother will help her sell the business.

When Levi Judson arrives and shows Ainslee his designs for new tiles, she’s impressed by his skill and passion for the business. But he’s hiding his true reason for coming to Weston. And Ainslee knows he’d be crushed to learn his plans for a long career at McKay Tile Works are in vain since she intends to sell. Can the growing feelings between them survive if the truth comes to light–or is a future together as untenable as the future of the tile works itself?

 

My thoughts:

Alive with imagery and emotion, The Artisan’s Wife captured my attention from beginning to end! It was such a pleasure to revisit the McKay family, and I delighted in the history and romance of Ainslee’s story. I also enjoyed learning about the tile making process and the artistry involved in creating mosaic tiles. Judith Miller never fails to charm me with her characters and their stories, and I look forward to reading more from this wonderful 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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#BookReview: Until Then | Amazon Gift Card #Giveaway

24 Aug

Until Then

Until Then by Krista Noorman

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/2bgJ6Xw

Connect with Krista:
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Growing up with a distant mother and absentee father, Michelle’s childhood has been far from idyllic. Her only attention comes from her partying friends and the guys who are more than happy to give her the affection she longs for. But when one party goes wrong, Michelle’s family hatches a plan to get her out of Chicago and away from her so-called friends.

College plans are low on Michelle’s priority list, especially with no money to pay for it, until her grandparents offer to foot the bill for her entire tuition. There’s just one catch. Michelle must choose between three schools – all hours away from Chicago and all Christian colleges.

Michelle’s reluctant choice leads her to an unfamiliar place, where she’s faced with new relationships and unexpected decisions that could change her life and her heart forever.

 

My thoughts:

Until Then is a coming of age story of forgiveness and redemption. As a fan of Book 1, Goodbye, Magnolia, I delighted in the opportunity to turn back the clock and delve into Michelle’s backstory. Getting to know her past allowed a greater insight into her character and the relationships she cultivated. I enjoyed reading Michelle’s emotional journey and was pleased with the overlap between the two Cornerstone novels.

Because Until Then addresses mature themes, the author gives the story a PG-13 rating.

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

 

To celebrate the release of Until Then, Krista is giving away a $15 Amazon gift card!

$15 Amazon Gift Card

Click here to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway!

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#BookReview: Service Tails | Take Your Dog to the Park #Giveaway

22 Aug

Service Tails

Service Tails by Ace Collins

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2bb7SeE

Not all heroic dogs wildly toss themselves into lifesaving situations. Some save lives simply by their incredible commitment to duty and service. Some lead the way to independence for people whose disabilities were supposed to limit their lives.

In Service Tails: More Stories of Man’s Best Hero, prolific author Ace Collins introduces us to leaders whose entire lives are wrapped in the banner of service. Their stories are remarkable snapshots of the value of vision and teamwork, as well as devotion to duty and unconditional love and acceptance—stretching the way we see both canine and human potential. Their training was intense, their loyalty unquestioned and each step of the way they constantly adapt to better serve those they lead. These unforgettable dogs are more than heroes; they are models from which we can learn how to love and serve unconditionally.

 

My thoughts:

Service Tails is a wonderful collection of “heart-tugging true stories”! Beautifully told, each tale of love and loyalty is brimming with insight and inspiration. From their extensive training to their incredible service and sacrifice, these canine companions are consummate heroes who work diligently to perform their duties. They have proved “there are no simple acts of service. Each one makes a mighty effect in helping those who are down to again rise up.” I delighted in each of these stories and highly recommend this heartwarming collection!

 

Celebrate the release of Service Tails with Ace by entering to win the Take-Your-Dog-to-the-Park Pack!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

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Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on August 30. The winner will be announced August 31 on the Litfuse blog.

service tails - enterbanner

 

Ace Collins
Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. He has authored more than sixty books that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children’s works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a network television special and does college basketball play-by-play. Ace lives in Arkansas.

 

 

Service Tails
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 Service Tails.

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#BookReview: When Death Draws Near | Prize Package #Giveaway

17 Aug

When Death Draws Near

When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2auSB8Y

Death has always been part of Gwen Marcey’s job. But when faced with her own mortality, everything takes on a different hue.

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs and homes when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky. The Eastern Kentucky town, located deep in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, has been plagued by a serial rapist and a series of unexplained deaths. Before Gwen can develop a composite drawing, the latest witness vanishes, just like all the previous victims.

Turning her attention to sketching the face of an unidentified body, she discovers a link between his death and a Pentecostal serpent-handling church. Serpent-handling is illegal in Kentucky, and the churches have gone underground to avoid the authorities and continue to worship as they believe. Gwen is offered a handsome reward to infiltrate the renegade members, a reward she desperately needs as it seems her breast cancer has returned.

Joined by her digitally-obsessed, Generation Z daughter, Gwen goes undercover to a nineteenth century revival, planning to draw the faces of the snake handlers so they can be identified and arrested. Instead she uncovers a murderous plot and a festering evil.

 

My thoughts:

With its unique story line and great characterization, When Death Draws Near is an intriguing read! Although this is the third Gwen Marcey novel, it is my first time to enjoy Carrie Stuart Parks’ storytelling. Drawing from her own expertise, Parks adds exceptional detail to the narrative, and I found the elements of forensic art to be fascinating. Gwen Marcey is a strong character, and I enjoyed her snarky sense of humor and the way she uses it to help lighten the mood of the darker situations she finds herself in. The suspense of this story kept me guessing, and I look forward to reading more Gwen Marcey novels!

 

Join Carrie in celebrating the release of When Death Draws Near by entering to win an Undercover Artist Starter Set.

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One grand prize winner will receive:

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Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on August 22. The winner will be announced August 23 on the Litfuse blog.

when death draws near - enterbanner

 

Carrie Stuart Parks

Carrie Stuart Parks is a Christy finalist as well as a Carol award-winning author. She has won numerous awards for her fine art as well. An internationally known forensic artist, she travels with her husband, Rick, across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement professionals. The author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing and painting, Carrie continues to create dramatic watercolors from her studio in the mountains of Idaho.

 

When Death Draws Near
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 When Death Draws Near. 

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#BookReview: Fetching Sweetness | Prize Pack #Giveaway

11 Aug

Fetching Sweetness

Fetching Sweetness by Dana Mentink

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2auLee3

It should have been so simple for Stephanie Pink: Meet up with Agnes Wharton in a small town in California, retrieve the reclusive author’s valuable new manuscript, and be promoted to a full-fledged literary agent.

But Agnes’s canine companion, Sweetness, decides to make a break for it before Stephanie can claim her prize. Until Agnes has Sweetness safely back at home in Eagle Cliff, Washington, Stephanie will never set eyes on the manuscript she needs to make her dreams come true.

When Stephanie tracks the runaway mutt to a campground, she meets Rhett Hastings—a man also on the run from a different life and a costly mistake. Rhett agrees to help Stephanie search for the missing dog . . . thus launching a surprising string of adventures and misadventures.

Once Sweetness gets added to the mix, it’s a recipe for love and loss, merriment and mayhem, fun and faith in the backwoods of the Pacific Northwest.

My thoughts:

Humorous and heartwarming, Fetching Sweetness introduces readers to a quirky mutt and the unlikely pair of humans he leashes. Mayhem ensues when this “one hundred pounds of lovable trouble” drags Stephanie and Rhett on a series of madcap misadventures. Along the way they encounter strays, experience surprises, and make several unexpected discoveries. While it is light-hearted and entertaining, their story is also threaded with a meaningful message. I enjoyed Fetching Sweetness and look forward to Dana Mentink’s next tail-wagging tale!

 

Celebrate the release of Fetching Sweetness with Dana by entering to win the Sweetness Unleashed Prize Pack!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

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Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on August 24. The winner will be announced August 25 on Dana’s blog.

fetching sweetness - enterbanner

 

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.

 

Fetching Sweetness
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 Fetching Sweetness.

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Join Barbara Cameron’s Facebook Party!

9 Aug
seasons in paradise- fb event

Join Barbara and other readers on Facebook on August 16th for a fun author chat party at 8:00 PM EDT (that’s 7:00 Central, 6:00 Mountain, & 5:00 Pacific)!

Barbara will be chatting about Seasons in Paradise, answering your questions about the book and all things Amish fiction, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways and prizes too!  We hope you can join the fun. Bring your friends who love to read and who love Amish fiction!

RSVP: Seasons in Paradise Facebook Party

 

Seasons in Paradise

Sam Stoltzfus left the Amish community and followed his older brother into the Englisch world, walking away from a chance for love. Is there more to Sam’s leaving the Amish community than what he says? Find out in Barbara Cameron’s new book, Seasons in Paradise.

Get your copy of Seasons in Paradise so you’re ready for a fun book discussion. You can order your copy and find out more about the book here.

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Friday Freebies

5 Aug

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

IcecuttersDaughter_Cvr_Spine

The Icecutter’s Daughter by Tracie Peterson

Kindle | Nook 

Merrill Krause longs for a family of her own, but she’s bound by a promise to her dying mother to care for her father and older brothers until they no longer need her. She enjoys being part of the family business, harvesting ice during the brutal Minnesota winters. Merrill actively takes part, possessing a keen ability to work with the horses–despite the advice of her good friend, who disapproves of her unladylike behavior.

When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small town to join his uncle doing carpentry, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn’t intimidated by them or by Merrill’s strength and lack of femininity. As he thrives under the mentorship of his uncle, Rurik dreams of inheriting the business and claiming Merrill as his wife. But while he is determined to start a new life, the past is determined to follow him when his former fiancee and her brother show up in town. Soon Rurik is put in the center of a major scandal that may damage his relationship with Merrill. Can they learn to trust God–and each other–and embrace the promise of love?

 

Always with You

Always With You by Elaine Stock

Kindle

Can she move forward without knowing her past? Will he enjoy his present if he can’t free himself from what he left behind? In the heart of the Adirondacks, Isabelle lives in the shadow of a dark family secret whose silent burden strips her family of emotional warmth and faith in God. Tyler belongs to the religious sect called The Faithful, which Isabelle’s father dislikes immensely. Yet, because Tyler belongs to this group, Isabelle sees only a man devoted to his family and faith. She wants it; she gets it; they marry. And when the truth comes out, Isabelle faces two choices: Staying could endanger her child. Leaving could cost her life.

 

The Widow of Larkspur Inn

The Widow of Larkspur Inn by Lawana Blackwell

Kindle | Nook

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…

 

Paradise Valley

Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer

Kindle | Nook 

An Amish settlement in Ohio has run afoul of a law requiring their children to attend public school. Caleb Bender and his neighbors are arrested for neglect, with the state ordering the children be placed in an institution. Among them are Caleb’s teenage daughter, Rachel, and the boy she has her eye on, Jake Weaver. Romance blooms between the two when Rachel helps Jake escape the children’s home.

Searching for a place to relocate his family where no such laws apply, Caleb learns there’s inexpensive land for sale in Mexico, a place called Paradise Valley. Despite rumors of instability in the wake of the Mexican revolution, the Amish community decides this is their answer. Since it was Caleb’s idea, he and his family will be the pioneers. They will send for the others once he’s established a foothold and assessed the situation. Caleb’s daughters are thrown into turmoil. Rachel doesn’t want to leave Jake. Her sister, Emma, who has been courting Levi Mullet, fears her dreams of marriage will be dashed. Miriam has never had a beau and is acutely aware there will be no prospects in Mexico.

Once there, they meet Domingo, a young man and guide who takes a liking to Miriam, something her father would never approve. While Paradise Valley is everything they’d hoped it would be, it isn’t long before the bandits start giving them trouble, threatening to upset the fledgling Amish settlement, even putting their lives in danger. Thankfully no one has been harmed so far, anyway.

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#BookReview: A Beauty Refined | Precious Gems #Giveaway

2 Aug

A Beauty Refined

A Beauty Refined by Tracie Peterson

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/29Sh70o

What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father’s intentions—both for her and the gemstones—are not what she thinks.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie—a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father’s plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family’s deception begins to unravel.

 

My thoughts:

A Beauty Refined is an intriguing tale of danger, deception, and romance! When Phoebe Von Bergen arrives in Montana with her father, she is shocked by several unexpected discoveries.

I was quickly captivated by Phoebe’s story, not putting the book down until the last page had been turned. I delighted in the historical details included in the narrative, as well as the threads of suspense and romance. Tracie Peterson transports readers to the past with her beautiful storytelling, and I can’t wait to read more of her stories!

 

Join Tracie in celebrating the release of A Beauty Refined by entering to win her Precious Gems Giveaway (details below) and by attending her author chat party on August 9!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/9. The winner will be announced at A Beauty Refined Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie and fellow fans of historical fiction, 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 9th!

 

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

 

 

 

A Beauty Refined

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about A Beauty Refined.

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