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Friday Freebies

6 Mar

Three Little Words

Three Little Words by Melissa Tagg

Link:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

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.

Three Little Words is an e-only novella that gives an exciting introduction to Melissa Tagg’s new series about the charismatic Walker family and the endearing town of Maple Valley!

 

Callie

Callie by Sharon Srock

Link:
Amazon

A baby is dead and Callie Stillman blames herself. Haunted by memories of a tiny coffin, Callie can’t understand how God could expect her to put her heart on the line a second time. But the evasive little girl attending her Sunday School class is so obviously in trouble that Callie finds her resolve cracking.

Iris and Samantha Evans are living on borrowed time. Deserted, orphaned, betrayed, and deceived, they need rescuing in the worst way.

Steve Evans had his life changed by God. A reformed drug addict, he’s searching for the family he abandoned ten years ago and praying for a miracle.

The road to healing is rocky. But as Callie confronts her worst fears by bringing father and daughters together in a risky bid for reconciliation, she realizes that the Evans family aren’t the only ones God wants to rescue from a tortured past.

 

How Sweet the Sound

How Sweet the Sound by Amy Sorrells

Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

A Southern Novel of Second Chances

From a distance, the Harlans appear to be the perfect Southern family. Wealth and local fame mask the drama and dysfunction swirling through their family line. But as the summer heats up, a flood tide of long hidden secrets surface.

Devastation from a rape followed by the murder of two family members brings three generations of the Harlans together on their pecan plantation in Bay Spring, Alabama. Chief among them is Anniston, who by the time she turned thirteen thought she’d seen it all. But as her heart awakens to the possibility of love, she begins to deal with her loneliness and grief.

This tender coming-of-age tale, inspired by the story of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13, shows how true healing and hope comes only from God. Though our earthly family can wound and disappoint, our heavenly Father brings freedom to those long held captive through His mercy and grace.

Review: Paper Hearts

4 Mar

Paper Hearts

Paper Hearts by Courtney Walsh

Abigail Pressman would never have guessed that love notes penned on paper hearts by an anonymous couple could restore her belief in love. As a business owner in a quaint town at the base of the Rockies, she’s poured everything into dreams of expansion . . . and resisting the matchmaking efforts of the Valentine Volunteers, who gather in her store to continue Loves Park’s tradition of stamping mail with the city’s romantic postmark.

When Abigail is unwillingly drafted into the Volunteers, she encounters the paper hearts, a distraction that couldn’t come at a worse time. A hard-to-read doctor has become Abigail’s new landlord, and he’s threatening to end her lease to expand his practice.

As she fights a growing attraction to this handsome man crushing her dreams, Abigail is inspired to string the hearts in her store, sparking a citywide infatuation with the artsy trend. But when a new batch of hearts reaches the Volunteers, it appears something tragic has happened to the couple. Will uncovering their story confirm Abigail’s doubts about love, or could it rescue her dreams . . . and her heart?

Thoughts:

I was immediately drawn to this book and knew it would be a story I would love. The adorable cover captured my attention first and then I watched the book trailer and it sealed the deal. Love it! I knew Paper Hearts was a must-read for me and I wasn’t disappointed.

Paper Hearts is a heartwarming story and a sigh-worthy romance! I loved the charm of the small town of Loves Park, Colorado, and its colorful residents. I also enjoyed the Valentine Volunteers and their matchmaking efforts. With endearing characters, an enchanting storyline, and a lovely Valentine tradition, Paper Hearts captured my heart and left me grinning from ear to ear! I highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance and can’t wait to read more from Courtney Walsh.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

 

Watch this adorable book trailer that Courtney and her husband Adam created and starred in! 

 

FREE e-Book + Series Sale

3 Mar

Blowing on Dandelions

Blowing on Dandelions by Miralee Ferrell

FREE today and tomorrow!
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Blowing on Dandelions is the first book in Miralee Ferrell’s Love Blossoms in Oregon series.  The other books in the series are also on sale right now.  All four e-books can be purchased for under $10.00.  It’s the perfect time to enjoy this wonderful series!

GIVEAWAY: Hidden Agenda

2 Mar

Hidden Agenda

Hidden Agenda by Lisa Harris

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook.com | DeeperShopping

Michael Hunt is alive–and on the run. Presumed dead by friends and family, the undercover assignment he’s been working for the past eight months has just been blown. With a hit out on his life and corruption inside the Atlanta police department, Michael finds himself hunted by both the cartel and the law. His only hope is the daughter of the man who wants him dead.

This nonstop chase from taut suspense writer Lisa Harris will leave readers breathless as they race to connect the dots before it’s too late.

Thoughts:

Hidden Agenda is the third book in Lisa Harris’ Southern Crimes series. The thrills begin with Book 1, Dangerous Passage, and continue in Book 2, Fatal Exchange. Although each of these novels can be read independently, I encourage you to read them in order for a greater enjoyment of the series.

I love the way the stories in this series follow members of the Hunt family and continue to build in excitement and suspense! I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Hidden Agenda and it did not disappoint. This fast-paced story is full of action and kept me guessing! I enjoyed the unpredictable characters and unexpected plots twists. Hidden Agenda is a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense. I can’t wait to read more from Lisa Harris!

 

Hidden Agenda giveaway

To enter to win a print copy of Hidden Agenda, please leave a comment and include your email address.  This giveaway is open to residents of the United States and ends Monday, March  9 at 11:59 p.m. CST.  The winner will be drawn and announced on Tuesday, March 10.  Good luck! 

To earn additional entries, you may do the following:
◦ Follow this blog
◦ 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.

 

Lisa Harris

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She has over thirty novels and novella collections in print. She and her family have spent over ten years living as missionaries in Africa where she homeschools, leads a women’s group, and runs a non-profit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8)

When she’s not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa visit her website at http://www.lisaharriswrites.com or her blog at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. For more information about The ECHO Project, please visit http://www.theECHOproject.org.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

Friday Freebies

27 Feb

The Inheritance

The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander

FREE:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

An unexpected inheritance. An unknown future. An unending love.

Determined to tame her younger brother’s rebellious streak, McKenna Ashford accepts her cousin’s invitation to move west, and to begin again. But she quickly discovers that life in Copper Creek, Colorado, is far from what she expected. Shouldering burdens beyond her years, McKenna tries to be the parent Robert needs, instead of the older sister he resents. But an “untimely inheritance” challenges her resolve at every turn, while also offering a second chance to restore her sense of trust–and perhaps even her heart. 

U.S. Marshal Wyatt Caradon is dedicated to bringing fugitives to justice, yet years of living on the trail have taken their toll. When his path intersects with that of McKenna, he comes face-to-face with a past he never wanted to relive–and the one woman who can help him find the future he’s been longing for.

As McKenna struggles to let go of her independence and Wyatt considers opening his heart again, they discover an inheritance beyond imagination. But it will come at a price.

 

Lonestar Sanctuary

Lonestar Sanctuary by Colleen Coble

FREE:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

In the quiet safety of the Bluebird Ranch, old promises resurface and unexpected love brings new hope.

Though tragedy has wrecked her life, Allie Siders holds on to the hope that her five-year-old daughter, Betsy, will speak again. But with a stalker out for revenge, all Allie can think about now is their safety. She must sever all ties and abandon life as she knows it. She heads to the peaceful Bluebird Ranch, nestled deep in Texas hill country, and to the only person who can help them.

The ranch is a sanctuary for abused horses, and also for troubled youths: the perfect place for Betsy to grow and recover. Ranch owner Elijah DeAngelo eagerly welcomes the duo. But Rick Bailey—the ranch foreman and DeAngelo’s right hand man—hasn’t decided to let his guard down . . . yet.

Promises made long ago soon force Rick and Allie to work together to escape danger. Will they discover love along the way?

 

Barefoot Summer

Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

FREE:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Madison’s heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.

In the years since her twin brother’s drowning, Madison McKinley has struggled to put it behind her. Despite the support of her close-knit family and her gratifying job as a veterinarian in their riverside town, the loss still haunts her.

To find closure, Madison sets out to fulfill her brother’s dream of winning the town’s annual regatta. But first she has to learn to sail, and fast.

Beckett O’Reilly knows Madison is out of his league, but someone neglected to tell his heart. Now she needs his help–and he’ll give it, because he owes her far more than she’ll ever know.

Madison will do anything–even work with the infamous Beckett O’Reilly–to reach her goal. And as much as she’d like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying. As summer wanes, her feelings for him grow and a fledgling faith takes root in her heart.

But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their new love. Can their romance survive summer’s challenges? And will achieving her brother’s dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?

Cover Reveal: The Sea Keeper’s Daughters

26 Feb

Lisa Wingate’s third Carolina book, following The Prayer Box and The Story Keeper, is releasing this September.  I can’t wait!!

The-Sea-Keepers-Daughters-smaller-cover

About the book:

From modern-day Roanoke Island to the sweeping backdrop of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and Roosevelt’s folklore writers of the WPA Federal Writers’ Project, past and present intertwine to create an unexpected destiny . . .

Restaurant owner Whitney Monroe is desperate to save her business from a hostile takeover. The inheritance of a decaying Gilded Age hotel on North Carolina’s Outer Banks may provide just the ray of hope she needs.

But things at The Excelsior are more complicated than they seem. Whitney’s estranged stepfather is entrenched on the third floor, and the downstairs tenants are determined to save the historic building. Searching through years of stored family heirlooms may be Whitney’s only hope of quick cash, but will the discovery of an old necklace and a Depression-era love story change everything?

 Pre-order from Amazon
Add to Goodreads

 

Lisa Wingate Book Tour 2015

Lisa will be on tour this September and her preliminary agenda includes:

North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Virginia, and Northern Florida

While some tour events are already on the schedule, she’ll also have time for speaking at luncheons, teas, and book talks. Because she will be traveling in the areas listed above, your church, charity, or organization can hold an event without the cost of travel fees.

If you’re in these states (or know someone who is) and have an idea for a location, fundraiser, or tour event, CLICK HERE

Review: Betting on Hope + Kindle Fire Giveaway

25 Feb

Betting on Hope

Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

 

One clutzy advice columnist.

One champion cowboy.

And an entire small town rooting for love.

Advice columnist Maggie Hope never dreamed she’d be shaking hands with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan over a high-stakes bet, especially one that involves horses. And saddles. And everything else a city girl like Maggie feels uncomfortable around. But after filling in for a coworker and interviewing the handsome cowboy, she finds herself doing just that. Anything to save her advice column.

Despite Maggie’s two left feet, Tru is bound and determined to bring out her inner cowgirl by teaching her to ride a cutting horse, trained to separate cattle from the rest of the herd. While her riding improves, their attraction intensifies, but Tru knows he can never let her into his heart—for her own good.

In Wishing Springs, a community full of meddling but well-meaning townsfolk, Maggie discovers the home she’s always longed for. But she’s holding something back—a secret that could destroy her reputation and any future she’s ever hoped for with the cowboy she might just love.

Thoughts:

I love cowboy stories and was quickly captivated by Betting on Hope! Debra Clopton brings the small town of Wishing Springs and its residents to life. It’s a place you feel like you’ve been and would love to revisit again and again. I loved Maggie Hope and Tru Monahan! Their chemistry was perfect and such fun to read. Humor, hurt, heartache, love, and romance are just of few of the elements that comprise this wonderful story! I loved Betting on Hope and can’t wait to continue this series!

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.

 

Betting on Hope Giveaway

One grand prize winner will receive:
•A Kindle Fire
•A copy of Betting on Hope

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 8th. Winner will be announced March 9th on Debra’s blog.

bettingonhope-enterbanner

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Review: Gabriel’s Atonement

24 Feb

Gabriel's Atonement

Gabriel’s Atonement by Vickie McDonough

All Gabe Coulter ever wanted was to live a comfortable life as a successful gambler, but a confrontation with a disgruntled cowboy who’d just lost to Gabe leads to a family man dying in his arms. Even though it was self-defense, the only way Gabe knows to get rid of his guilt is to return the money he won to the man’s wife. Lara Talbot sees Gabe as a derelict like her husband and wants nothing to do with him. But as she struggles to provide for her family and makes plans to claim property in the upcoming Oklahoma land rush, she wonders if God might have sent the meddling gambler to help.

Thoughts:

What a wonderful story! With excellent characterization and a compelling plot, Vickie McDonough brings this captivating story to life! I love reading historical fiction and found the details of the Oklahoma land rush especially interesting. Full of action, adventure, and romance, this book is a must read! I loved Gabriel’s Atonement and can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Joline’s Redemption!

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | DeeperShopping

 

Vickie McDonoughBest-selling author Vickie McDonough grew up wanting to marry a rancher but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She lives out her childhood dream by penning romances set in the Old West. Vickie is an award-winning author of more than 30 books and novellas. Her books have won the Booksellers Best Award, OWFI Best Fiction Book Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, Texas Gold, and the ACFW Noble Theme contest, and she has been a finalist in ACFW’s BOTY/Carol Awards contest eight times and also the Holt Medallion Contest.

Vickie and her husband live in Oklahoma. They have been married thirty-nine years and have four grown sons and a feisty eight-year-old granddaughter. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, gardening, watching movies, traveling, and collecting antiques and doing stained glass projects. To learn more about Vickie’s books, visit her website: http://www.vickiemcdonough.com.

 

My thanks to the author and publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

The winner is…

23 Feb

Sabotaged

Melanie Backus

Congratulations, Melanie!  You’ve won a copy of SABOTAGED!

Thank you all for visiting and participating in the giveaway!

Friday Freebies

20 Feb

A Hopeful Heart

A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

In A Hopeful Heart, the first novel of the new Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series from best-selling author Amy Clipston, Hannah finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Her community offers her love and support after the untimely death of her husband, but an Englisher offers her the chance of a new life after her unexpected tragedy.

Wealthy businessman Trey Peterson is surprised by his attraction to the gentle Amish woman who works as a housekeeper in the Lancaster Grand Hotel. They share a common bond of loss and are able to offer each other comfort and support as they journey through their grief.

Joshua Glick wants nothing more than to offer his friendship and love to Hannah and her family. Not only is he her late husband’s brother and business partner, he has always been in love with Hannah.

A Hopeful Heart is filled with surprising twists as Hannah tries to balance her life in the Amish community and her growing love for an outsider.

 

All Right Here

All Right Here by Carre Armstrong Gardner

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Ivy Darling can’t have children of her own, and her husband Nick’s resentment is forcing them apart. And while Ivy has the support and love of her large, close-knit family, Nick’s family has never welcomed her into the fold.

When the three children next door are abandoned by their mother, Ivy and Nick take them in for the night. One night becomes several, and suddenly Ivy and Nick find themselves foster parents to the only African-American kids in the town of Copper Cove, Maine. As Ivy grows more attached to the children, Nick refuses to accept their eclectic household as a permanent family. Just as Ivy begins to question whether or not she wants to save her emotionally barren marriage, Nick begins to discover how much Ivy and the children mean to him. But is his change of heart too little, too late?

 

Veil of Fire

Veil of Fire by Marlo Schalesky

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

In 1894, the worst firestorm in Minnesota history descended on the town of Hinckley, consuming 400 square miles and killing 418 people in just four hours.

Heat, flame, and darkness swept through the town, devouring lives, and consuming all hope. In the aftermath of the fire, the town of Hinckley rises from the ashes, its people determined to rebuild their lives.

But in the shadows, someone is watching, someone is waiting, someone who knows the secrets the fire lay bare. A rumor spreads of a mysterious figure that haunts the hills; monster, a ghost, or a memory?

 

Bandit Bride

Bandit Bride by Helen Gray

Amazon

She’s Robin Hood of the Prairie. He’s a Texas Ranger. Is this duo too much for Dodge City?

Having lost her parents, and in danger of losing her ranch to an unscrupulous opportunist, Jackie (Jacinda) Laughton is surviving in Dodge City’s heyday, but not without a load of guilt and estrangement from God and the church. In desperation she and her best friend have resorted to banditry. Donning disguises, they are the popular “Whip and Blade” who hold up the lender’s stagecoach runs, keeping the money they need and distributing the rest to more of the man’s victims. No one suspects they are young women.

When Hoyt Travers, a Texas Ranger, arrives in Dodge and shows an interest in her, Jackie finds herself drawn to him, but wary of the danger he represents. He learns the truth and offers to marry her to protect her, but can she accept such a sacrifice and hide her love that might never be returned? She must learn to accept God’s forgiveness and trust God for her needs.