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#BookReview: Jilted by Varina Denman | Sweet Summertime #Giveaway

22 Jun

Jilted

Jilted by Varina Denmna

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/237iWMF

Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago.

Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest. As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life where the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love.

Jilted tells of a woman who has lost the joy of living, a man determined to draw her back toward happiness, and a town that must—once and for all—leave the past where it belongs. It is a gentle reminder that all things can work together for good.

 

My thoughts:

Once again, Varina Denman deftly tackles tough topics as she brings the residents of Trapp to life and shares Lynda Turner’s journey. Fans of this series are sure to delight in the opportunity to revisit this west Texas town and the characters they’ve come to know through the first two books, Jaded and Justified. Although Jilted can be read as a stand-alone story, reading the trilogy in order will offer a greater understanding of the characters and their stories.

I enjoyed delving deeper into Lynda’s story and appreciated the inspirational messages it offered. While the novel’s pacing is a bit slow, it does befit the nature of the narrative. Jilted is a well-written and satisfying conclusion to the Mended Hearts series!

 

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Celebrate the release of Varina’s Jilted by entering to win a $50 gift card.

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of Jilted to kick off a summer of reading
  • A $50 Kohl’s gift card to make your summertime sweet

The giveaway ends on July 1st. The winner will be announced July 5th on Varina’s website.

 

Varina Denman

Varina Denman is author of the Mended Hearts series and a native Texan. She spent her high school years in a rural town and now writes stories about the struggles women face in similar small town settings. She and her husband live near Fort Worth, where they enjoy spending time with their five mostly grown children.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

 

Jilted

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 Jilted.

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#BookReview: Murder Comes by Mail by A.H. Gabhart

21 Jun

Murder Comes by Mail

Murder Comes by Mail by A.H. Gabhart

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

Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane doesn’t particularly enjoy being touted as the hero of Hidden Springs after pulling a suicidal man back from the edge of the Eagle River bridge in front of dozens of witnesses–a few of whom caught the breathtaking moments with their cameras. But the media hype doesn’t last long as a new story pushes its way into the public consciousness of Hidden Springs’ concerned citizens.

Photos of a dead girl arrive in the mail, and Michael becomes convinced she was murdered by the man he saved. With a killer one step ahead, things in Hidden Springs begin to unravel. Now Michael must protect the people he loves–because the killer could be targeting one of them next.

 

My thoughts:

Murder Comes by Mail is sure to delight cozy mystery fans! Gabhart weaves an intriguing suspense while capturing the essence of small town living and bringing to life a cast of colorful characters.

Equal parts charming and chilling, this mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I loved Deputy Sheriff Keane and his determination to catch a killer and protect the people closest to him. With its twists, turns, and surprises, I thoroughly enjoyed Murder Comes by Mail and am eager to continue this entertaining series in Book 3, Murder Is No Accident!

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

 

Ann H. Gabhart

A. H. Gabhart is Ann H. Gabhart, bestselling author of many novels, including Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Love Comes Home, several popular Shaker novels such as The Outsider, The Believer, and The Innocent, and The Heart of Hollyhill series. Ann grew up in a small rural town in Kentucky much like Hidden Springs, but Ann is happy to report nobody was ever murdered on her hometown’s courthouse steps. Ann and her husband still live on a farm near that same little town in Kentucky.

To learn more about Ann and her books, please visit her website.

 

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$1.99 Sale- Be Still My Soul

20 Jun

Be Still My Soul by Joanne Bischof is only $1.99 for a limited time!
Don’t miss this beautiful story!

Sale- Be Still My Soul

Purchase links:
Kindle | Nook

 

Be Still My Soul

Night’s chill tickled her skin. Lonnie pressed her hands together and glanced up. He was even more handsome up close. Having grown up the shy, awkward daughter of Joel Sawyer, she’d hardly spoken to any boy, let alone the one who had mothers whispering warnings in their daughter’s ears and fathers loading shotguns.

Pretty Lonnie Sawyer is shy and innocent, used to fading into the background within her family, and among the creeks and hollows of the Appalachian hills. Though her family is poor and her father abusive, she clings to a quiet faith. But when handsome ladies’ man and bluegrass musician Gideon O’Riley steals a kiss, that one action seals her fate.

Her father forces her into a hasty marriage with Gideon—a man she barely knows and does not love. Equally frustrated and confused by his new responsibilities, Gideon yearns for a fresh start, forcing Lonnie on an arduous journey away from her home in Rocky Knob.

Her distant groom can’t seem to surrender his rage at the injustice of the forced matrimony or give Lonnie any claim in his life. What will it take for Gideon to give up his past, embrace Lonnie’s God, and discover a hope that can heal their two fractured hearts?

Gideon only ever cared about himself. Now that Lonnie is his wife, will he ever be worthy of her heart?

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#BookReview: More Than Rivals by Ken Abraham

20 Jun

More Than Rivals

More Than Rivals by Ken Abraham

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/28PaLSN

In 1970, one small southern town was a powder keg ready to erupt.
But it was also on the verge of something incredible.

Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon grew up on opposite sides of the tracks in Gallatin, Tennessee. They knew the barriers that divided them–some physical landmarks and some hidden in the heart–but those barriers melted away when the boys were on the basketball court. After years of playing wherever they could find a hoop, Eddie and Bill rose as leaders of their respective high school teams. And at the end of the 1970 season, all-white Gallatin High and all-black Union High faced each other in a once-in-a-lifetime championship game. What happened that night would challenge Eddie and Bill–and transform their town.

 

My thoughts:

“To me, it’s just basketball. The sport is the common denominator that brings us all together. Colored or white, it doesn’t matter. It’s just a game.”

More Than Rivals is a poignant story! Ken Abraham brings the time period to life as he shares the story of an unlikely pairing and a championship game that transformed a Tennessee community. I was immediately drawn into the lives of Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon, and I enjoyed their amazing journey.

Based on a true story, More Than Rivals is an informative glimpse of history, as well as a touching tale of friendship!

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: No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

16 Jun

No Other Will Do No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

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

Men are optional. That’s the credo Emma Chandler’s suffragette aunts preached and why she started a successful women’s colony in Harper’s Station, Texas. But when an unknown assailant tries repeatedly to drive them out, Emma admits they might need a man after all. A man who can fight–and she knows just the one.

Malachi Shaw finally earned the respect he craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma’s plea arrives, he bolts to Harper’s Station to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she’s not a girl any longer. She’s a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn’t deserve.

As the danger intensifies, old feelings grow and deepen, but Emma and Mal will need more than love to survive.

 

My thoughts:

I loved this delightful story! Boasting a unique story line, mystery and danger, and swoon-worthy romance, this Texas tale captivated me from beginning to end!

Karen Witemeyer brings Harper’s Station and its residents to life with her signature humor and charm.  Emma Chandler and her aunts are strong characters, presiding over the women’s colony they founded. When trouble comes calling, Emma reaches out to a man she knows she can trust, Malachi Shaw, and the story that unfolds is engaging and entertaining and one I highly recommend!

With memorable characters and a community you’ll want to visit again and again, No Other Will Do is one for the keeper shelf!

 

karen-witemeyer

Christy Award finalist and winner the ACFW Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, and Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes Christian historical romance for Bethany House, believing the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children.  To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.  

 

 

No Other Will Do

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

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Denise Hunter’s Hallmark Premiere Party!

15 Jun
convenient groom - fb event

Exciting news for fans of Denise Hunter’s stories: The Convenient Groom is making its silver screen premiere as a Hallmark Channel Original Movie! Join Denise and other readers on Facebook on June 16th for a fun author chat party at 8:00 PM EDT (that’s 7:00 Central, 6:00 Mountain, & 5:00 Pacific)! Denise will be chatting about the book, answering your questions about the book-to-movie process, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways too: a $100 Amazon gift card and 25 signed copies of Denise’s newest book, The Goodbye Bride!

The movie releases two days after the author chat party on Saturday, June 18th, 9 EDT/8 CDT. Click here for details and to find out more about the movie.

 

The Convenient Groom

Grab a copy of The Convenient Groom so you’re ready for a fun book discussion.

About the book:

She wrote the book—literally—on finding the right mate. But does she really understand what love’s about?

Five hours before her Nantucket beach wedding—and on the eve of her big book launch—celebrity marriage counselor Kate Lawrence has everything in place.

Everything, that is, but the groom. She might not have a career, either, when her nationwide audience finds out their marriage guru has been left at the altar.

Enter Lucas Wright, who offers to stand in for the missing husband-to-be and marry her. Kate’s desperate enough to agree—although she’s sure this Mr. Wright is completely wrong for her. But can they pull it off? And why would Lucas marry her in the first place?

Could it be that “Dr. Kate” doesn’t know the first thing about love?

 

Hope to see you on June 16 for Denise’s The Convenient Groom Pre-Premiere Facebook Party!

The Convenient Groom Denise Hunter

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#BookReview: Medical Judgment | E-Reader #Giveaway

14 Jun

Medical Judgment

Medical Judgment by Richard Mabry, M.D.

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

Dr. Sarah Gordon lost her husband and daughter. Now she’s about to lose her life.

After losing the two people she loved the most, Sarah Gordon doesn’t think life could get worse. But, after a fire in her garage is ruled an arson, she begins to realize someone is after her—and that person wants to see her dead. But first, they want to see her suffer.

Her late husband’s best friend, Kyle Andrews, and a recovering alcoholic detective, Bill Larson, are trying to solve the mystery before it’s too late, and they’re both trying to win her heart, too. Not only does Sarah feel torn between two men, she also feels as though she cannot trust anyone.

With creepy threats that become more and more sinister, Sarah finds herself in constant fear, but even the best home alarm technology won’t protect her. Who is doing this, and why are they after her?

 

My thoughts:

If you enjoy medical drama laced with suspense, Medical Judgment just might be what the doctor ordered!

Recovering from the tragic loss of her family, Dr. Sarah Gordon finds herself the target of harassment. As the threats escalate, she begins to suspect those around her and is unsure who to trust. I am a fan of medical dramas, and while the medical elements were not as prevalent as I hoped, they were present and engaging. The elements of intrigue and suspense were woven through the narrative and several characters came to mind as possible perpetrators. Although I would have liked more depth of story, Medical Judgment was enjoyable and kept me guessing until the end.

 

Join Richard in celebrating the release of Medical Judgment by entering to win an e-reader!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of Medical Judgment
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 21st. The winner will be announced June 22nd on the Litfuse blog.

medical judgment - enterbanner

 

Dr. Mabry

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes “medical suspense with heart.” His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers’ debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and Romantic Times’ Reader’s Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

Medical Judgment

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 Medical Judgment.

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#BookReview: Deception by Elizabeth Goddard

13 Jun

Deception

Deception by Elizabeth Goddard

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

Jewel Caraway thought she’d left her mistakes in the past—but then her past arrives at her door. Though she’s thrilled to reunite with her estranged sister, something about her sister’s new husband makes Jewel uneasy. Does he know her secret? Is he the one behind the growing list of attacks against her? And if he is involved…does that mean her sister is, too? With nowhere else to turn, Jewel must rely on police chief Colin Winters—the first man to make the widow question her resolve to never love again. But will he stay by her side when her guarded secrets are revealed?

 

Deception graphic

My thoughts:

Elizabeth Goddard delivers another action-packed adventure in Deception! The drama unfolds quickly in this fast-paced story, and danger lurks around every corner. I really enjoyed the intrigue of Jewel and Colin’s story; it kept me turning the pages as I puzzled over secrets and suspects. I also enjoyed the vivid imagery of the Alaskan wilderness and the inspirational threads that were woven through the narrative. Deception is an exciting tale and a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense!

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

 

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

Connect with Beth:
Website | Facebook | Twitter

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#BookReview: Forever Safe | Goodreads #Giveaway

10 Jun

Forever Safe

Forever Safe by Jody Hedlund

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1thi1MY

Heiress to a vast fortune, Victoria Cole has everything she wants, including the perfect fiancé. Having left two other men at the altar, Victoria is sure that now she’s found her true love and will finally live happily ever after. As her wedding draws near, however, Victoria’s life is threatened. To keep her safe, Victoria’s father hires a bodyguard.

Tom Cushman’s number one priority is protecting his clients, which means no personal entanglements. But he’s never guarded someone as beautiful and winsome as Victoria. After a near-kidnapping, the wedding is cancelled, and Tom hides Victoria at Cape Cod’s Race Point Lighthouse until her attacker can be found. Appointed as assistant light keeper with Victoria posing as his wife, Tom believes the isolation of the lighthouse will keep her safe.

As Victoria struggles to live without familiar luxuries, her heart betrays her with growing feelings for her protector. Determined to help Tom stop fleeing from his haunted past, can the runaway bride learn to face her own fears? With the attacker closing in, will both of them ever be able to stop running and find the safety they long for?

 

Graphic- Forever Safe by Jody Hedlund

My thoughts:

I loved this enthralling story! Jody Hedlund masterfully weaves history, mystery, and romance, creating a tender tale that is not to be missed!

Victoria Cole and Tom Cushman are wounded characters who share a beautiful and inspiring journey. Both running from past hurts and fears, I really appreciated their emotional and spiritual growth, and I loved the development of their relationship. I also delighted in Tom’s parents, James and Zelma. The wit and wisdom they offered Tom and Victoria was such a wonderful part of the narrative.

I have loved each Beacons of Hope novel, and I believe Forever Safe is my favorite of the series! I do hope Jody Hedlund will continue sharing these beautiful novels set among our nation’s lighthouses!

Enter the Goodreads giveaway now to win 1 of 5 copies of Forever Safe!

 

Jody Hedlund bio pic

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves history and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

Connect with Jody:
Website | Facebook | Twitter |Pinterest| Instagram

 

Forever Safe

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

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$0.99 Sale- A Place in His Heart

7 Jun

A Place in His Heart Promo

Purchase a copy:
Kindle | Nook

 

A Place in His Heart

Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Puritan Barnabas Horton is still in love with his deceased wife and needs only a mother for his two young sons.

And yet these two very different people with very different expectations will take a leap of faith, wed, and then embark on a life-changing journey across the ocean to the Colonies. Along the way, each must learn to live in harmony, to wait on God, and to recognize true love where they least expect to find it.

This heartfelt tale of love and devotion is based on debut author Rebecca DeMarino’s own ancestors, who came to Long Island in the mid-1600s to establish a life–and a legacy–in the New World.

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