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Review: One Perfect Year

13 Apr

One Perfect Year

One Perfect Year by Melinda Curtis

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

How can Shelby Hawkley forgive Gage Jamero for bailing on her when she needed him most? He and her husband, Nick, were the best part of her life. Now her former best friend is back, shaking up the widowed wine harvester’s world. The safest bet is to protect herself. Except Gage is awakening feelings that are decidedly unfriend-like.

Shelby is the woman Gage has secretly loved since high school. Starting over together could be the best dream he’s ever had. If only he can find the courage to say what he should have said all those years ago.

My thoughts:

Melinda Curtis brings Harmony Valley and its residents to life in One Perfect Year. I loved the charming characters, both main and secondary, and the entertaining storyline! The relationship between Shelby and Gage is full of chemistry and was such fun to read. Witty and romantic, this wonderful story warmed my heart and left me smiling. I loved visiting Harmony Valley and look forward to returning again soon!

 

Melinda Curtis

Although Melinda has lived in Georgia and Texas, she’s a California girl at heart. Her earliest memories are of life on an isolated 50-acre sheep ranch in rural Sonoma County, California. Picture rolling hills covered in brown grass, a eucalyptus forest, a long gravel driveway lined with plump sheep and no sidewalks. It was a big deal to drive into town on a one-lane road in a ramshackle, bubble-fendered pickup for an ice cream.

Flash forward to this century. Melinda lives in California’s hot central valley with her husband – her basketball playing college sweetheart. With three kids the couple has done the soccer thing, the karate thing, the dance thing, the Little League thing and, of course, the basketball thing.

Melinda writes sweet to medium heat contemporary romances as Melinda Curtis and red hot reads as Mel Curtis. She loves writing romances about women who don’t realize how strong they are until a hero comes along to show them, while capturing the wry humorous power struggle of falling in love – because, really, who lets the man have the last word?

Author Links:
Website | Facebook

 

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

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Review: From the Start

9 Apr

From the Start

From the Start by Melissa Tagg

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

 

Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn’t kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays…until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.

Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend’s hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he’s lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he’s never really done normal before.

While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it’s like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. Starting over wasn’t part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that’s ever happened to them?

 

My thoughts:

I adored this book! A few of the things I especially loved were the charming setting of Maple Valley, the endearing characters, the witty dialogue, and the inspirational thread. Melissa Tagg writes with such heart and her stories sparkle with her signature humor and wit! The Walker family is destined to be one of my favorite fictional families, right up there with Susan May Warren’s Christiansen family.

From the Start is a heartfelt romance and the beginning of what is sure to be an award-winning series. It certainly won my heart and left me begging for the next book in the Walker Family series!

A complimentary copy of From the Start was provided to me by the publisher. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest opinion.

 

mtagg-pic1Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she’s also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever (not that she’s biased), watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next story. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings.

Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at http://www.melissatagg.com.

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Review: Tried and True

8 Apr

Tried & True

Tried & True by Mary Connealy

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!

Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister–and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It’s a risk–they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as “boys”–but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.

Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?

Thoughts:

I loved this fun story!  Mary Connealy is a master of humor and western romance!  From the spunky characters to the drama, danger, and romance, Tried & True is pure delight.  I devoured this book and am eager to get my hands on the next one! 

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. 

Mary Conneally

 

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy…with cowboys.
http://www.maryconnealy.com
She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.
    

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Review: Enough Already + Getaway Giveaway

7 Apr

Enough Already

Enough Already by Barbara Roose

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Eqr5Tw

Recognize your own outer and inner beauty as defined by God, not the media or others.

Most women know that God loves them, but might he love them more if they finally lost that last ten pounds, or got their hair to lay right, or finally found a pair of jeans that looked good and let them breathe? Well, maybe God doesn’t care about jeans, but women do, and all the talk about inner beauty hasn’t kept all of us from staring into a mirror and taking an inventory that never quite measures up. Enough Already will:

-Elevate the soul-freeing, spiritual truth that God is the Creator of beauty and that women are called to appreciate and care for themselves as his own.

-Enable women to accept God-given beauty so that when they look in the mirror they see his handiwork, not their flaws.

-Equip women to win the ugly struggle with beauty once and for all.

 

My thoughts:

“Enough Already addresses the origins of our ugly struggle with beauty as well as how to equip ourselves to win the battle.”

In this book, Barbara Roose encourages women to recognize and embrace their God-given beauty.  Each of its twenty chapters contains a wealth of information and encouragement.  The author shares her personal beauty stories and struggles, as well as those from other women she has surveyed.  Scriptures and biblical teachings are also shared and each chapter concludes with questions for group discussion and personal reflection.

Barbara Roose writes with openness and honesty as she offers advice on how to win your “ugly struggle with beauty.”  I enjoyed her message and appreciate the opportunity to read and review Enough Already.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  

Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/broose

 

Learn how to recognize your own outer and inner beauty as defined by God, not the media or others, in Barbara Roose‘s new book, Enough Already. What would it take for you to believe you are enough already? Most women know God loves them, but might he love them more if they finally lost that last ten pounds, or got their hair to lay right, or finally found a pair of jeans that looked good and let them breathe? Well, maybe God doesn’t care about jeans, but women do, and all the talk about inner beauty hasn’t kept all of us from staring into a mirror and taking an inventory that never quite measures up.

Barbara is celebrating the release with a giveaway! One reader will receive a cash card and writing supplies for her own inner-beauty weekend getaway!

enough-400 
One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A $75 cash card for your own inner-beauty weekend getaway
  • A notepad/pencil set for your inner-beauty quiet time
  • A copy of Enough Already

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 12th. Winner will be announced April 13th on Barbara’s blog.

enough-enterbanner

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

 

Barb Roose

Barbara Roose is an African-American, wife, mother, and pastor with a passion for creatively communicating God’s truths in a manner that is relevant and easy for people to apply to their lives. In February 2002, she joined the staff at Cedar Creek Church in Perrysburg, Ohio. Currently, she is the Directional Leader and Pastor of Spiritual Formation. For the past eight years, she has had the privilege to serve as periodic teaching pastor to 10,000 (average) weekly attendees. Since 2010, she has spoken at various women’s conferences in the U.S. and Honduras. In October 2012, she was a guest speaker for best-selling author and former Women of Faith speaker, Nicole Johnson’s Seasons Weekend Experience. Barbara and her husband, Matt, have been married 21 years and live in Toledo, Ohio.

Find Barbara online: website, Facebook, Twitter

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Blog Tour: Raising the Stakes + 2 GIVEAWAYS

6 Apr

Raising the Stakes banner
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 CoverRaising 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.

 

karen in gardenAbout 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)

Raising the Stakes Grand Prize

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). 

Raising the Stakes Cover

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. 


Lola's Blog Tours

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Review: Halo Found Hope + Kindle Giveaway

2 Apr

Halo Found Hope

Halo Found Hope by Helo Matzell

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

Machines beeping, the blur of medical staff running, a crash cart whizzing into an ICU room—was there any hope?

A young woman lay, packed in ice, as doctors attempted to somehow stop the swelling in her brain that threatened to take her life… and her family waited.

Six days turned into eight weeks. She awoke to discover that she was not the same. She saw two of everything, couldn’t feel half of her face, couldn’t hear from one ear, and could not speak. She couldn’t even tell anyone that she felt hopeless… or could she?

An exceptional ENT, a brilliant neurosurgeon and a dedicated medical team tackle the tumor, setting off a series of unbelievable miracles. Helo’s story is not one of survival, or of salvaging a life through a broken body. It is not about endurance through pain, but victory because of it. While the family heard her silence, God heard her prayer.

 

My thoughts:

“Halo Found Hope is the story of a beautiful, busy wife and mother of three whose life changes instantly with the diagnosis of a rare brain tumor.”

In this inspiring book, Heloise Matzelle shares her journey, from her brain tumor diagnosis to her recovery.  What an amazing story of hope and faith!

I found myself captivated by Helo’s life and her story.  From the first mention of brain tumor, through the myriad of complications, and through her arduous recovery, Helo’s faith remained strong and unwavering.  Yes, she was filled with questions, fear, and uncertainty, but through it all she relied on her faith in God to give her strength.  Knowing that no matter the outcome, He would carry her and her family through this life-threatening situation.   I was touched by Helo’s candidness and moved by her emotional story!

I appreciate the opportunity to read Halo Found Hope and share my honest opinion.  I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity.

Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/hmatzelle

 

Halo Found Hope Helo Matzelle

This story of hope and faith in the midst of great physical and medical adversity is sure to encourage you in your faith. Helo Matzelle’s Halo Found Hope is a must-read. Machines beeping, the blur of medical staff running, a crash cart whizzing into an ICU room—was there any hope? Halo Found Hope is the story of a beautiful, busy wife and mother of three whose life changes instantly with the diagnosis of a rare brain tumor.

Halo is offering a Kindle Fire to one lucky reader to celebrate the release of Halo Found Hope!

halohope-400 

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A Kindle Fire
  • Halo Found Hope

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 3rd. Winner will be announced April 4th on the Litfuse blog.

halohope-enterbanner
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

 

Helo MatzelleHelouise “Halo” Matzelle led a charmed life until receiving a shocking diagnosis in 2011 of a rare brain tumor sitting over the main artery in her brain. Matzelle’s passion is helping those who face various challenges and afflictions discover where true hope is found. She resides in Redmond, WA, with her husband and their three children.

Find Helo online: website, Facebook, Twitter

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Review: Sword of Forgiveness + Giveaway

1 Apr

DebbieCostello_SwordOfForgiveness_800px

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.

 

Author page

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

 

Sword of Forgiveness

Visit Monday’s post to enter the Sword of Forgiveness giveaway!

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Review: A Harvest of Hope

25 Mar

A Harvest of Hope

A Harvest of Hope by Lauraine Snelling

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

Miriam Hastings has her future plans in place…
But Trygve Knutson is intent on changing them.

Just a few short weeks into her year-long training at the Blessing Hospital, Miriam Hastings is called home to Chicago, where her mother is gravely ill. With siblings to care for, Miriam pleads to be allowed to finish her training in Chicago. Her nursing supervisor grants her a brief reprieve but extracts a promise that Miriam will return to Blessing and fulfill her one-year commitment.

While in Chicago, Miriam has tried to get Trygve Knutson and Blessing out of her mind, but his letters make that impossible. Trygve is busy building a house, hoping he can convince Miriam to return to North Dakota and marry him. Torn between Trygve’s love and her family’s needs, she doesn’t know what to do.

When Miriam finally returns to Blessing, she buries herself in her work. But no matter how hard she tries to put it off, she has some life-changing decisions to make about her future, her family… and the man who is never far from her thoughts.

What will it take to convince her to stay?

 

My thoughts:

A Harvest of Hope is a much-anticipated continuation of the Song of Blessing series!  I highly recommend reading book one, To Everything a Season, before reading A Harvest of Hope.  Several important events occur in the first book and set the stage for this second story. 

Lauraine Snelling does a wonderful job of bringing the characters and community to life, and I was eager to return to this quaint community in North Dakota.  I really enjoyed the historical details, as well as the complexity of the characters and their stories.  The drama continues, as does the romance between Miriam and Trygve, creating an emotional narrative.  Blessing is a lovely place to visit and I look forward to continuing this compelling series!   

Please note: This series is a continuation of Lauraine’s earlier stories of the Bjorkland family and the community of Blessing.  If you are a long-time fan, you will certainly welcome the opportunity to revisit these special characters and this unique community.  For those who are not familiar with these stories, you may find the large, diverse cast of characters to be a bit overwhelming at first.  A Bjorkland family tree has been included in the beginning of the book for reference. 

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me through the Bethany House Blogger Reviewer program.  I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my honest opinion.

  

Lauraine Snelling

Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of over seventy books, with sales of more than 2 million copies.  She also writes for a wide range of magazines, and helps others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writers’ conferences across the country.

Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a watchdog Basset named Winston.  They love to travel, most especially in their forty-foot motor coach, which they affectionately deem “a work in progress”.

To learn more about Lauraine, please visit her website.


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Review: The Promise of Palm Grove + 5 Book Giveaway

24 Mar

The Promise of Palm Grove

The Promise of Palm Grove by Shelley Shepard Gray

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1aQJuw2
 

Leona must decide: Does she follow the path set out before her? Or take a chance with only the promise of what could be to guide her?

A young Amish woman finds herself torn between the man she’s pledged to wed and the man her heart desires in this heartwarming story of chance, duty, and choice in the face of love—the first volume in the beloved New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Amish bride-to-be Leona is thrilled to be in Florida, on a mini-vacation in the pretty town of Pinecraft. Her girlfriends think she’s happy because she’s away from the stress of wedding planning. They have no idea that Leona’s real joy is in being away from her fiancé.

Edmund is a good man, and will make a decent husband . . . just not for Leona. The more time she spends with him and his overbearing ways, the less she wants to be his wife. Her cousins are sure Edmund is the right man for her—and their certainty makes Leona begin to doubt herself. But when a chance encounter with a wayward cat brings her face-to-face with a handsome, fun-loving Amish man named Zachary Kauffman, Leona’s faced with two vastly different futures.

 

SiestaBeachvia The Promise of Palm Grove Pinterest board

My thoughts:

Ready for a vacation?  I just returned from a wonderful visit to the sun-kissed community of Pinecraft, Florida, courtesy of Shelley Shepard Gray and The Promise of Palm Grove.  I highly recommend this book vacation!

The Promise of Palm Grove is a delightful story of friendship and romance!  I reveled in the wonderful details and descriptions that brought the setting and characters to life.  The drama that unfolds is captivating, as is the whole atmosphere of the story.  The endearing cast of characters warmed my heart, and I hope to revisit them in future stories.  I loved The Promise of Palm Grove and am eager to continue the Amish Brides of Pinecraft Series!

P.S.  Even after this charming story ends, the fun continues!  In addition to an author’s note and discussion guide, a pie recipe, Shelley’s top five must-see spots in Pinecraft, scenes from Pinecraft, and a sneak peek of Shelley’s next book, The Proposal at Siesta Key, are included in the back of the book.  I loved this bonus material!  

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me through Litfuse Publicity.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  

 

Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray

Promise Palm Grove Shelley Shepard Gray
Don’t miss Shelley Shepard Gray’s new series, Amish Brides of Pinecraft, and the first book in the series, The Promise of Palm Grove! Romantic Times said, “Vibrant descriptions and details bring the plot to life in this heartwarming tale of new beginnings and renewal.” Does Leona follow the path set out before her? Or take a chance with only the promise of what could be to guide her?

Enter to win a copy of The Promise of Palm Grove—five winners will be chosen! The winners will be announced March 30 on Shelley’s blog!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shelley S GrayShelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Find Shelley online: website

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Review: A Heart’s Disguise + Kindle Giveaway

21 Mar

A Heart's Disguise

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!

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 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!

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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 CobleColleen 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.

 

Find Colleen online: website, Twitter, Facebook

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