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I’m excited to reveal the cover of
Review: A Heart’s Disguise + Kindle Giveaway
21 Mar
A Heart’s Disguise by Colleen Coble
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1b01Z1h
The Civil War has destroyed Sarah Montgomery’s marriage before it’s even begun.
After Sarah receives word that her fiancé, Rand Campbell, has been killed fighting for the Union, her brothers and ailing father persuade her to pledge herself to Ben Croftner—despite her strong misgivings. But when Sarah finds out that Rand is in fact alive—and that Ben Croftner knew it—she indignantly breaks off the engagement and goes in search of Rand.
But Ben Croftner does not take rejection lightly—and a single woman with a sick father makes an easy target. When Sarah is abducted by her treacherous fiancé, Rand finally comes to her aid . . . only to reveal that he has been posted at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, and intends to take her there as his wife.
But could Sarah leave her dying father’s side for the love of her life? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner?
My thoughts:
A Heart’s Disguise is a great beginning of what is sure to be a wonderful, historical journey!
This story begins Colleen Coble’s first novel serialization. The Journey of the Heart series includes six books that will be released monthly from March through August. These stories were originally published in two books, Where Leads the Heart and Plains of Promise.
I enjoyed Colleen’s beautifully descriptive writing and easily visualized the sights and sounds of Wabash, Indiana in 1865. The characters in this story are well-written and well-developed, and I am already invested in their emotional journeys. Drama, deception, and danger kept me engaged and the questions that linger left me anxious for more. I can’t wait to continue this adventure in next month’s release, A Heart’s Obsession!
A complimentary copy of A Heart’s Disguise was provided to me through Litfuse Publicity. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest opinion.
Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/ccoble
In the midst of end-of-war celebrations, Sarah discovers her betrothed was keeping a devastating secret in Colleen Coble’s A Heart’s Disguise. Will Sarah leave her dying father’s side for the only man she’s ever loved? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner?
Celebrate book one in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
- A copy of A Heart’s Obsession (blog tour coming in April)
- A copy of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge (blog tour coming in April)
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen’s website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge! RSVP here!
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 May 5th!
Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble’s addictive brand of romantic suspense.
Friday Freebies
20 Mar
Informed Consent by Sandra Glahn
FREE:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Dr. Jeremy Cramer is a young doctor on the verge of a cutting-edge medical discovery. But his research is derailed when Cramer’s son is infected with a rare fatal disease. Now as he races against time to save his child’s life, Cramer will make a decision that could shatter his career.
Informed Consent is a pulse-pounding medical thriller that complements the current popularity of hospital dramas. With non-stop suspense, snappy dialogue, and witty humor, author Sandra Glahn takes a look at some of today’s hot-button issues through this provocative story.
God & Kings by Lynn Austin
FREE:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Gods and Kings is the story of King Hezekiah, heir to the throne of King David. When his evil father plots to sacrifice him, Hezekiah’s mother, Abijah, searches frantically for a way to save him. But only two men can help her, and neither of them seems trustworthy. In a time and place engulfed by violence, treachery, and infidelity to Yahweh, Abijah and her son must discover the one true Source of strength if they are to save themselves and their country. Book 1 of Chronicles of the Kings.
Land of My Heart by Tracie Peterson
FREE:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Book 1 of Heirs of Montana from bestselling author Tracie Peterson. Adventurers, families, outlaws…all driven west in the 1860s by a longing for endless blue sky along with wild and wide-open spaces. Tracie Peterson, from her own Montana home, paints an unforgettable portrait of this rich, rugged landscape, populated by strong and spirited characters. When Dianne Chadwick urges her family to move west to her uncle’s ranch in the Montana Territory, she has no idea that her new life in the rugged frontier–and even within her uncle’s home–will not be the idyllic adventure she expects. But first she has to survive the arduous wagon journey with the help of guide Cole Selby, whose heart seems to be as hard as the mountains he loves.
The Centurion’s Wife by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke
FREE:
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Janette Oke has dreamed for years of retelling a story in a biblical time frame from a female protagonist’s perspective, and Davis Bunn is elated to be working with her again on this sweeping saga of the dramatic events surrounding the birth of Christianity…and the very personal story of Leah, a young Jewess of mixed heritage trapped in a vortex of competing political agendas and private trauma.
Caught up in the maelstrom following the death of an obscure rabbi in the Roman backwater of first-century Palestine, Leah finds herself also engulfed in her own turmoil–facing the prospect of an arranged marriage to a Roman soldier, Alban, who seems to care for nothing but his own ambitions. Head of the garrison near Galilee, he has been assigned by Palestine’s governor to ferret out the truth behind rumors of a political execution gone awry. Leah’s mistress, the governor’s wife, secretly commissions Leah also to discover what really has become of this man whose death–and missing body–is causing such furor.
This epic drama is threaded with the tale of an unlikely romance and framed with dangers and betrayals from unexpected sources. At its core, The Centurion’s Wife unfolds the testing of loyalties–between two young people whose inner searchings they cannot express, between their irreconcilable heritages, and ultimately between their humanity and the Divine they yearn to encounter.
Review: How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You?
19 Mar
How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You? by Rachael Carman
You’ve probably said these things to your kids, but have you listened to what you’re saying?
“I remember the day you were born.”
“Turn down the music!”
“This is going to hurt me more than it’s going to hurt you.”
“Hold my hand.”
Your heavenly Father wants to tell you many of these same things. Rachael Carman knows how noisy it can be when you’re raising children—she has seven! But this lovely devotional book will help you to hear God’s still, small voice amid the chaos of carpools, cut fingers, and carpet crawlers. You’ll learn how to recognize God’s instructions for you, even as you seek to follow His example as a parent.
Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1FcMvCl
My thoughts:
Rachael Carman shares her heart and her “everyday adventures” in How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You? and offers her own personal stories and insights gained as a parent of seven children. In this encouraging book, Rachael suggests that, as a parent, you should examine what you are saying to your children and discover what God is saying to you.
Each short chapter begins with a common parenting phrase such as “We Don’t Act Like That” and “It Doesn’t Matter What Everyone Else Is Doing” and includes parenting and spiritual application. I enjoyed the concise manner in which each phrase was addressed and the candidness with which Rachael shared her own life experiences. I also enjoyed the “moment of introspection” that concludes each chapter. These questions are great for thought, discussion, and reflection.
One of my favorite chapters in the book is “God Has Great Plans For You”. Rachael talks about the ways she has shared this promise with her children from their infancy and also reminds us that God has great plans for each of us as His children. I especially loved the following passage.
“God has great plans for you and for me, just as He does for our kids. This motherhood gig isn’t just a bump in the road. It’s not just another detour or quick pit stop. It is a critical part of our journey. It’s not meant to be rushed or resented, abdicated or averted, dismissed or diminished. It’s meant to be relished. This time is to be embraced and enjoyed.”
How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You? is a heartfelt book that will encourage you and challenge you in your role as a parent and also as a child of God!
Rachael Carman is an author and speaker for Apologia Educational Ministries. The wife of Davis and the mother of seven children, Rachael challenges parents to live by reckless, obedient faith. As a direct reflection of her heart’s desire to encourage, inspire, and celebrate motherhood, Rachael also leads Real Refreshment Retreats, weekend events that energize and invigorate homeschooling mothers with meaningful worship and speakers plus practical encouragement for the homeschool journey.
Find Rachael online: website, Twitter, Facebook
Visit the Litfuse Landing Page to read what others are saying about How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You?.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
Cover Reveal + GIVEAWAY: The Lumberjacks’ Ball
17 MarI’m excited to reveal the cover of
Carrie Fancett Pagels’ upcoming release,
The Lumberjacks’ Ball!
The Lumberjacks’ Ball by Carrie Fancett Pagels
A decade after surviving a brutal attack, a mercantile owner’s daughter seeks to begin her life anew in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A gifted craftsman wishes to leave his lumberjack life and seeks employment at her new store. When his presence dredges up memories she wishes to suppress, the new proprietress must learn to face her past. Can affection grow between the cabinetmaker and the proprietress of St. Ignace’s newest business? When complications arise will they overcome adversity in time for The Lumberjack’s Ball?
Available April 2015!
Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is an award-winning, and Amazon bestselling author, of Christian historical romance. She served as a psychologist for twenty-five years. Carrie lives in the Tidewater Virginia area with her family. When not writing, researching, blogging and enjoying tea, Carrie beads and reads—not necessarily in that order!
Winner’s Choice Giveaway!
Carrie has graciously offered to give away one of her books, winner’s choice, to a lucky Buzzing About Books reader. Available titles and their formats are listed below.
To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment.
Be sure to include your email address!
Carrie Fancett Pagels’ books include: The Fruitcake Challenge, The Lumberjack’s Ball, Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance, God’s Provision in Tough Times, upcoming release Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter (ebook or paperback), A Cup of Christmas Cheer from Guidepost Books (hardcover only), or Family Fiction Anthology of The Story 2014, which includes her award-winning short story “The Quilt Contest” (paperback only).
Paperback copies available to US residents only. International winners will receive an ebook (if available). Winners will be chosen at random one week from today’s posting.
Visit these participating blogs for your chance to win!!
Review: JADED
16 Mar
JADED by Varina Denman
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping
Ruthie Turner resents the Christians in her small Texas town, but when she falls for the new preacher, she must release her bitterness…and learn to love. On the surface, nothing seems to change in this dull town- yet God always works beneath the surface.
Jaded is the rare novel that is both love story between a woman and man … and God and His church. Plunging deep into the waters of shame, forgiveness and restoration, it will resonate with every woman who’s experienced a loss of heart … and a thirst for hope.
My thoughts:
Jaded is Varina Denman’s debut novel and the first book in her Mended Hearts series. Set in a small, West Texas town, this story shares the emotional journey of a young woman, Ruthie Turner. Thirteen years after she and her mother were shunned by the local congregation, a new preacher moves to town and stirs old feelings, as well as new ones.
Ruthie’s story is one of hurt and heartache, but also one of healing and forgiveness. Varina Denman deftly expresses her characters’ experiences and emotions in this poignant narrative. The spiritual and romantic threads intertwine to create a unique love story. As the story concludes, several questions linger and leave the reader anxious to continue this series. I enjoyed Jaded and look forward to continuing the story in the sequel, Justified.
Varina Denman is a native Texan who spent her high school years in a small Texas town. Now she lives near Fort Worth with her husband and her five mostly-grown children. Jaded is her debut novel. Look for the sequel, Justified, to be released soon from David C. Cook.
Author Links:
Website | Facebook
My thanks to the author for the complimentary digital copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
Friday Freebie + Review
13 Mar
The Sentinels of Andersonville by Tracy Groot
FREE through 3/14:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Near the end of the Civil War, inhumane conditions at Andersonville Prison caused the deaths of 13,000 Union soldiers in only one year. In this gripping and affecting novel, three young Confederates and an entire town come face-to-face with the prison’s atrocities and will learn the cost of compassion, when withheld and when given.
Sentry Dance Pickett has watched, helpless, for months as conditions in the camp worsen by the day. He knows any mercy will be seen as treason. Southern belle Violet Stiles cannot believe the good folk of Americus would knowingly condone such barbarism, despite the losses they’ve suffered. When her goodwill campaign stirs up accusations of Union sympathies and endangers her family, however, she realizes she must tread carefully. Confederate corporal Emery Jones didn’t expect to find camaraderie with the Union prisoner he escorted to Andersonville. But the soldier’s wit and integrity strike a chord in Emery. How could this man be an enemy? Emery vows that their unlikely friendship will survive the war—little knowing what that promise will cost him.
As these three young Rebels cross paths, Emery leads Dance and Violet to a daring act that could hang them for treason. Wrestling with God’s harsh truth, they must decide, once and for all, Who is my neighbor?
My thoughts:
Tracy Groot shares the stark reality of life and death in Andersonville Prison during the Civil War. Brimming with historical details, this story and its characters lingered in my mind long after the last page had been turned. Well-researched and beautifully written, The Sentinels of Andersonville is a poignant novel and a recommended read for fans of historical fiction. I loved this novel and look forward to reading more from Tracy Groot!
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.
The winner is…
11 Mar
Caryl Kane
Congratulations, Caryl! You’ve won a copy of HIDDEN AGENDA!
Thank you all for visiting and participating in the giveaway!
Review: How to Catch a Prince + Royal Giveaway
10 Mar
How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1BD8DVo
She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?
American heiress Corina Del Rey’s life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she’s shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.
But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.
Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war. When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen’s pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?
Yet, true love has a destiny all its own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must choose to answer the call of love on their hearts. Or let it be lost forever?
Thoughts:
How to Catch a Prince is the third book in Rachel Hauck’s Royal Wedding series. I loved the first two books in the series and was eager to read Prince Stephen’s story. While this book easily stands on its own, reading the other books in the series will certainly add to the enjoyment of this story.
How to Catch a Prince is a bit different from the first two books in the Royal Wedding series. This storyline, while equally enchanting, delves deeper and explores several challenging topics. Love, forgiveness, and redemption are just a few of the threads that are woven together to create this beautiful story. “Love well” is another thought-provoking theme in the story and one I believe will resonate with many readers.
Corina Del Rey and Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom are endearing characters and their story, with its unique circumstances, is full of emotion, as secrets, regrets, and heartache plague their path. I loved their spiritual journeys and delighted in their romance!
How to Catch a Prince is a magical tale and a wonderful addition to the Royal Wedding series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhauck
An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever? Find out in Rachel Hauck’s new book, How to Catch a Prince. True love has a destiny all its own. With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?
Enter to win a “royal” prize pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A royal-themed Brighton charm bracelet
- 2 tickets to see the new Cinderella movie
- The Royal Wedding series (Once Upon a Prince, Princess Ever After, and How to Catch a Prince)
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on Rachel’s blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as The Wedding Dress, Love Starts with Elle, and Once Upon A Prince. She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, Softly and Tenderly, one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.
Review: Untraceable
9 Mar
Untraceable by Elizabeth Goddard
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping
On a daring mission, search-and-rescue specialist Heidi Warren and her team step onto an icy Alaskan mountaintop. . .and right into a trap. A stranded gang of thieves holds them at gunpoint, forcing them to serve as guides along the treacherous path. Menaced on all sides by dangerous weather, deadly terrain and murderous criminals, Heidi desperately needs someone to trust. But her rescue partner, Isaiah Callahan, is keeping secrets from her. Secrets that ended their chance at a relationship before it could even begin. Yet her survival depends on finding a way to trust Isaiah when a blizzard starts closing in and her options start running out.
Thoughts:
“In the Alaskan wilderness, love and danger collide.”
Elizabeth Goddard delivers another nail-biting suspense in the Mountain Cove series! In the Alaskan mountains, a group of criminals needs rescuing and forces the search and rescue specialists to guide them across the frozen terrain. Can these volunteers navigate their way to safety before a blizzard closes in?
Untraceable offers a unique search-and-rescue storyline and I enjoyed the elements of good versus evil. I also enjoyed the spiritual thread that runs through the story, as well as the romantic undercurrent. Untraceable is an exciting story and I look forward to reading more of the Mountain Cove series!
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.
To learn more about Elizabeth and her books, visit her website at http://elizabethgoddard.com. While you’re there, be sure and sign up for her quarterly newsletter so you won’t miss any exciting news!
My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
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