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Sword of Truth
I’m excited to reveal the cover of
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.
Review: Sword of Forgiveness + Giveaway
1 Apr
Sword of Forgiveness by Debbie Lynne Costello
Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1DpblQG
After the death of her cruel father, Brithwin is determined never again to live under the harsh rule of any man. Independent and resourceful, she longs to be left alone to manage her father’s estate. But she soon discovers a woman has few choices when the king decrees she is to marry Royce, the Lord of Rosencraig. As if the unwelcome marriage isn’t enough, her new husband accuses her of murdering his family, and she is faced with a challenge of either proving her innocence or facing possible execution.
Royce returns home after setting down a rebellion to find his family brutally murdered. When all fingers point to his betrothed and attempts are made on his life, Royce must wade through murky waters to uncover the truth. Yet Brithwin’s wise and kind nature begin to break down the walls of his heart, and he soon finds himself in a race to discover who is behind the evil plot before Brithwin is the next victim.
My thoughts:
What a spectacular debut novel! Debbie Lynne Costello wowed me with this medieval romance! Opening the pages of this story was like stepping back in time and I found myself riveted by the drama that unfolded. Excellent characterization, rich historical details, and a stirring romance are just a few of the elements that bring this compelling story to life. As I read, the vivid images danced across my mind, as if playing on a movie screen. What an exciting movie this would be!
Sword of Forgiveness is a fantastic novel, one I loved and highly recommend! I can’t wait to read more from this immensely talented author!
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.
Debbie Lynne Costello has enjoyed writing stories since she was about eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina. She has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children’s Director. Debbie Lynne has shown and raised Shetland Sheepdogs for eighteen years and still enjoys litters now and then. In their spare time, she and her husband take pleasure in camping and riding their Arabian and Tennessee Walking horses.
Connect with Debbie:
https://www.facebook.com/debbielynnecostello
https://twitter.com/DebiLynCostello
https://www.pinterest.com/debbielynne1/
http://www.debbielynnecostello.com
http://www.theswordandspirit.blogspot.com
http://www.hhhistory.com
Visit Monday’s post to enter the Sword of Forgiveness giveaway!
Interview: Debbie Lynne Costello + GIVEAWAY
30 Mar
Welcome to Buzzing About Books, Debbie Lynne! Please share a little about yourself.
I live in upstate South Carolina with my very own hero who I have been married to for almost 35 years. Wow! I can’t believe that number because I feel like I should only be 35. I must have been a child bride. We have four children and a daughter-in-law who we love dearly, along with 2 awesome grandchildren. I have raised Shelties for almost 20 years. We own 2 Arabian horses and 2 Tennessee Walkers, a miniature donkey, German Shepherd, and two Shelties. Riding horses is a time when hubby and I get to spend some fun time together. We usually get about 3 rides in a week. I love the three R’s. Reading, Writing, and Riding.
When did you decide to pursue writing and eventually publication?
I thought to pursue writing when I went to college for journalism. But that wasn’t in God’s plan. I married my high school sweetheart who was in the Air Force and then 15 months later we started our family. Then about 8 years ago, my kids were grown or teenagers and I decided to start my career.
What is your writing process like? Do you write daily? Are you a plotter or a pantster?
Honestly, my writing schedule used to be clockwork but then life happened with sick parents, deaths, grandchildren, and other things and I’ve had to rearrange my priorities. I am a pantster! Although, I am trying to be better about doing some plotting. My plotting usually comes half way through my story.
What is your favorite part of the writing process? Least favorite?
My favorite part is writing the last chapters! They are so much fun. My least favorite, Hmmmm, can I call marketing part of the writing process? LOL!
Please tell us about your debut novel, Sword of Forgiveness.
It is set in late 14th century England. A young woman who is relieved that her cruel father has died has no desire to marry again and get treated as chattel. She wants to live out her days as a single woman and care for the people of her father’s castle. When she receives a note from the king she realizes her dream of remaining single is crumbling before her. But to make matters worse when she meets her husband-to-be he accuses her and her household of killing his parents. Brithwin must prove her innocence or she just may face a fate worse than death.
What inspired this medieval romance?
Actually it was my husband who said to me, “You should write a book.” That inspired me.
In researching this early time period, what was one of the most interesting things you discovered?
I think one of the things I never expected was that some castles had water closets. I never thought of medieval time period as being advanced enough to have indoor plumbing. Okay, plumbing might be a little far-fetched but still…
Did you encounter any surprises while you were writing Sword of Forgiveness?
Writing characters is a funny thing. Maybe that’s why they are called characters, because they are always acting out! I will have a plan for my character and when I start writing it he just won’t do what he is supposed to do. He wants to do something else. It’s like these people we create become alive in our heads! I know! Scary. Huh?
Do you have a favorite scene you would like to share?
One of my favorite scenes is shortly after Royce and Brithwin meet and they very much at odds with each other. Brithwin has her bath water drawn and she goes upstairs to discover that Royce has stolen her bath.
Sword of Forgiveness is such a complex story with so many beautiful threads. Will you tell us a bit about the spiritual thread in the story?
The spiritual thread is Forgiveness. Sword of Forgiveness has 3 different types of forgiveness in it. It deals with forgiving others who have hurt you, forgiving yourself for things you have done in your past, and accepting God’s forgiveness.
What do you hope readers will take away from this story?
I think every person at some point in their life has struggled with some type of forgiveness. My hope is that somehow Sword of Forgiveness will touch people’s lives that are struggling with some type of forgiveness.
What will you be working on next?
I have 2 things on the horizon. I have a 19th century story set in Charleston, South Carolina with Royce and Brithwin’s many times great-grandson as the hero. Royce and Brithwin’s son ends up marrying a lass who lives on the borderlands. He settles in Scotland with his wife. Duncan is a direct descendant from him. That story should be out in 3 to 4 months. I’m also writing the sequel to Sword of Forgiveness. The working title right now is Sword of Truth/Trust/Faith. I’m not quite sure.
Thank you so much, Debbie Lynne! Where can readers connect with you?
https://www.facebook.com/debbielynnecostello
https://twitter.com/DebiLynCostello
https://www.pinterest.com/debbielynne1/
http://www.debbielynnecostello.com
http://www.theswordandspirit.blogspot.com
http://www.hhhistory.com
Debbie Lynne has graciously offered to give away one copy of Sword of Forgiveness! Print or Kindle copy available to a winner in the continental US. If an international winner is drawn, a Kindle copy will be given.
To enter, ask Debbie Lynne a question in the comments below AND let her know which title you would like to see on Book 2. Any of them could fit the theme.
Sword of Truth
Sword of Trust
Sword of Faith
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!
Blog Hop Winners!
25 MarCarrie has announced the blog hop winners from each stop, as well as the grand prize winner!
The winner drawn from this stop is…
Sharon Clark Paavola
Congratulations, Sharon!
Other blog winners include:
Perspectives by Nancee – Melissa Battles
Stuff & Nonsense – Natalie Monk
Lane Hill House – Betti Mace
The Sword and Spirit – Christine Bures
Overcoming with God – Gracie Yost
Colonial Quills – Wendy Newcomb
And the grand prize goes to….
Lisa Stifler
Congratulations, winners!!
Thank you all for participating in the blog hop!
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!!
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!
GIVEAWAY: Hidden Agenda
2 Mar
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!
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 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.
The winner is…
23 Feb
Melanie Backus
Congratulations, Melanie! You’ve won a copy of SABOTAGED!
Thank you all for visiting and participating in the giveaway!
Blog Tour: SABOTAGED Review + GIVEAWAY
16 Feb
SABOTAGED by Dani Pettrey
(Alaskan Courage Series #5)
Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey’s search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light.
Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits. Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank’s daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper’s bidding or she will die.
Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.
Book Info & Sample Chapter:
http://www.danipettrey.com/books/
Enjoy the SABOTAGED Pinterest Board:
Thoughts:
I had such mixed emotions as I began this book! I was anxious to read Reef’s story, but I was also reluctant to let go of the McKenna family. I am happy to say that Sabotaged is an exciting conclusion to an exciting series!
The drama quickly unfolds in the icy tundra of Alaska. As mushers race to the finish in the Iditarod, Reef McKenna and Kirra Jacobs find themselves in a race against time. The danger continues to escalate in this page-turning suspense and the twists and turns will leave you breathless. I loved the uniqueness of this storyline, the spiritual threads that run throughout, and the tender romance that developed. Sabotaged is a compelling story that kept me guessing and I enjoyed every minute of the adventure!
Sabotaged is the fifth and final book in Dani Pettrey’s acclaimed Alaskan Courage series. While each book in the series can stand on its own, I encourage you to read them in order to better understand the characters and their stories. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, this is a series I think you will love!
Saying goodbye to the McKenna family also means saying hello to a whole new cast of characters. I can’t wait to meet them in Dani’s Chesapeake Valor series, which releases next year!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
GIVEAWAY!
Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers have generously offered a copy of Sabotaged to be given away to one lucky reader! To enter, please leave a comment, including your email address.
This giveaway is open to US residents only and ends Sunday, February 22 at 11:59 p.m. CST. The winner will be drawn and announced on Monday, February 23. Good luck!!
To earn additional entries, you may do the following:
◦Let me know you follow my blog
◦Sign up to follow if you are not a follower
◦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.
Contest Rules:
◦No purchase is necessary.
◦Odds of winning are based on number of entries.
◦US residents, 18 and older, are eligible to enter.
Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and her latest release, Sabotaged. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super-adorable grandson.
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