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Review: To Save Her Child

18 Feb

To Save Her Child

To Save Her Child by Margaret Daley

When a young boy goes missing from wilderness day camp, Alaskan search and rescue worker Josiah Witherspoon is on the case. The brooding ex-marine promises to find the child and return him to his worried mother. But he doesn’t know that Ella Jackson has a secret past. One that could put them all in danger. When tensions mount, Ella needs to tell Josiah the truth—but she can’t set aside her fears enough to trust him. Ella and Josiah are ready to risk their lives to save her son, but will they risk their hearts, as well?

Alaskan Search and Rescue: Risking their lives to save the day

Thoughts:

To Save Her Child is another exciting suspense from Margaret Daley! Although it is the second book in the Alaskan Search and Rescue series, this story stands on its own.

As Ella Jackson’s worst fears come true, she must learn to trust and accept help from those around her. Josiah Witherspoon risks his life as a search and rescue volunteer, but hesitates to risk his heart. These two must risk it all to save Ella’s young son.

I love reading about the special people who risk their lives to save others! Ella and Josiah are endearing characters and I really enjoyed the development of their relationship. The emotions are palpable in this fast-paced story of danger and suspense. I enjoyed To Save Her Child and recommend it to fans of romantic suspense!

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook

 

About the Author:

Margaret Daley

Margaret Daley is an award-winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. She has also won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. Margaret wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. 

To learn more about Margaret, please visit her website at: www.margaretdaley.com.

 

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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Free eBook- A Reader’s Journey Through Matthew

17 Feb

A Reader's Journey Through Matthew

A Reader’s Journey Through Matthew by Darlene Franklin

FREE from 02/16 – 02/18 at Amazon

Darlene Franklin shares a thought-provoking journey through the book of Matthew! Each day of this seven week devotional shares a scripture, insightful thoughts, and life applications. A Reader’s Journey Through Matthew is a unique study “written by and for avid readers and writers of literature.”

 

Darlene

Connect with Darlene on her author page at Amazon or find her on Facebook.

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Blog Tour: SABOTAGED Review + GIVEAWAY

16 Feb

Sabotaged

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.

SabotagedThis 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
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.

Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Get your copy of SABOTAGED by Author Dani Pettrey!

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Review: Masterpiece Marriage

11 Feb

Masterpiece Marriage

Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn

After a flood damages the looms at Zenus Dane’s Philadelphia textile mill and the bank demands loan payment, Zenus turns to his aunt for help repurposing his textiles. Trouble is . . . his aunt has already been hired by the lovely yet secretive Englishwoman Mary Varrs. Eager to acquire his aunt’s quilt patterns, Zenus attends the summer Quilting Bee, a social event his aunt has uniquely designed with the secret purpose of finding Zenus a wife. However Zenus only has eyes for Mary, but Mary has no such desire for him. Though his aunt is determined to design a masterpiece marriage, both Zenus and Mary will have to overcome their stubborn ways. Can he realize that love requires stepping out of his routine? And will she recognize that following her heart doesn’t mean sacrificing her ambition?

 

Thoughts:

“Being intentional,” he said, “is a quality more people should possess.”

Gina Welborn has penned a wonderful addition to the Quilts of Love series! Masterpiece Marriage is a beautiful story!

I loved the richness and depth of the historical setting and story details. The tapestry of this story includes so many lovely threads. The characters are complex and charming and the relationship between Englishwoman Mary Varrs and textile mill owner Zenus Dane is delightful. I also enjoyed Zenus’s Aunt Priscilla and her determination to design a masterpiece marriage.

Engaging, humorous, and romantic, Masterpiece Marriage is a pleasure to read! I loved this book and can’t wait to read more from Gina Welborn!

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook

 

Gina Welborn

Gina Welborn wrote public service announcements for a news radio station until she fell in love with writing romances. She’s the author of three Barbour novellas, including the 2014 Selah finalist “Mercy Mild” in ECPA-bestselling Mistletoe Memories, with more novellas to be released over the next two years. 2014 ushers in the release of her novels: The Heiress’s Courtship, The Marshal’s Pursuit, and Masterpiece Marriage. A moderately obsessive fan of Community, Once Upon a Time, and Chopped, Gina lives in Oklahoma with her pastor husband, their five Okie-Hokie children, a box-lab, two rabbits, four guinea pigs, and a fancy Russian dwarf hamster named Tom Bob Deucalion.

To learn more about Gina and her books, please visit http://www.ginawelborn.com/.

 

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: Christmas Underdogs

4 Feb

Christmas Underdogs

Christmas Underdogs by Connie Cameron

Christmas is supposed to be a season of joy and gladness. But sometimes it can be a season of pain and sorrow. For author Connie Cameron, Christmas of 2009 was just that.  However, Connie was reminded that she didn’t have to succumb to the pity party; she had a choice. When she trusted God in the midst of her sadness, He worked behind the scenes in her heart and in the hearts of others.

Thoughts:

Christmas Underdogs is an inspiring book! Connie Cameron shares seasons of joy and seasons of sorrow in this touching, personal story. I enjoyed the wit, wisdom, and candidness with which she recounts her journey helping underdogs, both canine and human. Christmas Underdogs is a heartfelt tale that will bring laughter and tears and encourage you to open your heart to those around you!

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.

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Reviews + GIVEAWAY: Tea with Penelope Carlevato

2 Feb

 

Tea on the Titanic

Tea on the Titanic
100 Years Later

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Tea on the Titanic is a lovely book!  Interesting and informative, this book offers readers a look at the origin, history, and traditions of tea.  Penelope Carlevato’s extensive knowledge and experience with tea are evident, as is her passion.  She weaves personal experiences with those of history in a way that engages the reader.  There is a wealth of information that is presented and numerous menus and recipes are included.  I enjoyed reading Tea on the Titanic and look forward to hosting my own tea party!

 

 

First Class Etiquette

First Class Etiquette
From the Titanic to Now…Manners Matter

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

First Class Etiquette is a charming little book!  Penelope Carlevato shares her knowledge of manners, etiquette, and tea in this simple guide for parents and children alike.  I enjoyed the history of the Titanic that was given at the beginning of the booklet, as well as the explanation of the passenger classes and their mealtimes.  I also enjoyed the tea table manners that were given.  They are accompanied by delightful illustrations drawn by Penelope’s granddaughter Amanda.  Tea party etiquette is also included, as well as a sample menu and recipes.  First Class Etiquette is a fun way to teach, as well as learn, tea time manners and etiquette!

 

Penelope Carlevato

Penelope Carlevato was born in England and moved to US as a little girl. She was raised in an English home on the plains of South Dakota. She has been involved with the tea industry for over three decades, from having her own retail tea business, writing and speaking about tea to women’s groups, tea, and historical organizations, and business events, and a tour leader for her annual “Taste of Britain” tea tours. A love of the Edwardian era and the traditions of that time period, was the motivation for both of her books. She is the grandmother of 11 and resides in Denver, CO.

 

GIVEAWAY!

Penelope has graciously offered to give away one print copy of Tea on the Titanic and one print copy of First Class Etiquette.  Two books ~ two winners!  Please leave a comment, including your email address, to be entered.  This giveaway is open to residents of the United States and ends Monday, February  9 at 11:59 p.m. CST. 

To earn additional entries, you may do the following:
◦ Let me know you follow my blog
◦ Sign up to follow my blog 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.

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Review: BURIED

27 Jan

Buried

BURIED by Elizabeth Goddard

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

Fleeing to Alaska is the only option for Leah Marks after witnessing a murder. Afraid for her life, the legal investigator hopes a remote cabin will be a safe shelter. But the killer has tracked her to Mountain Cove. As he chases her into snow-packed Dead Falls Canyon, an avalanche buries them both. Saved by daring search and rescue specialist  Cade Warren, Leah longs to tell him the truth. But how can she, without bringing even more danger into Cade’s life? Especially when they discover the killer is very much alive and waiting to take them both down.

Thoughts:

“In the Alaskan wilderness, love and danger collide.”

BURIED is an exciting Alaskan adventure! Elizabeth Goddard’s imagery grabbed me and pulled me into the story on the very first page! The drama unfolds quickly and kept me engaged throughout the book. I especially enjoyed the setting and the search and rescue aspects of the story, which are described with great vividness and detail.

Full of danger, intrigue, and romance, BURIED will delight fans of romantic suspense! I loved this story and look forward to more adventures in Mountain Cove!

 

highresgoddard-HR-2-2-e1382722351811

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!

 

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.

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Blog Tour + Review: Wind in the Wires

26 Jan

Wind in the Wires

Wind in the Wires by Janet Chester Bly

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

A cowgirl searches for love and family. An old man seeks justice for two cold case murders. Their journey together exposes lies and betrayal. Will the truth be too hard for either to bear?

It’s 1991. Reba Cahill loves ranching with Grandma Pearl in north central Idaho. But there’s a lot of work and only two of them. Reba decides she needs a husband to help her run the ranch. But she finds few prospects in the small town of Road’s End.  

But Reba is also missing something else: her mother. Deserted by her at three-years-old and never knowing her dad, she feels a sense of longing and loss. And bitterness.

When elderly, quirky Road’s End citizen Maidie Fortress dies, Uncle Seth presents Reba Cahill with an expensive piece of jewelry that turns Reba’s world upside down and leads her down unexpected paths and toward unsuspected admirers. Will the facts also ruin all hope for romance?  

Thoughts:

Wind in the Wires is the first book in a new series by Janet Chester Bly.  This Trails of Reba Cahill novel is Janet’s solo debut, as the books she has written in the past were co-authored with her late husband Stephen Bly.  Janet also co-authored with her three sons to finish Stephen’s last novel for him, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot.

Wind in the Wires takes the reader back to 1991 in the small town of Road’s End, Idaho.  The author’s imagery is vivid and I easily envisioned the rural countryside.  While the characterization is strong, the cast of characters is vast and I found myself struggling to become invested in the characters.  The plot also presented a few challenges.  There were times when the story was engaging and other times when I felt a bit lost and my interest waned.  As the story progressed, I enjoyed the elements of suspense as family secrets were uncovered and surprises were revealed.  As the story concludes, questions linger and set the stage for the novel to follow. 

Despite my personal struggles, I have no doubt there are many who will enjoy this unique story! 

My sincere thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts expressed in this review are my own. 

Click here to read the first chapter of Wind in the Wires.

 

About the Author:

Janet-w-leather-scarf-1-200x300Janet Chester Bly is a city girl with a country heart. She doesn’t corral horses or mow her own lawn. “I’m no womba woman,” she says. But she followed her husband award-winning western author Stephen Bly to the Idaho mountain top village of Winchester to write books and minister to a small church. When she lost him, she stayed. She manages the online Bly Books bookstore, rakes lots of Ponderosa pine needles and cones, and survives the long winter snows.

Janet Chester Bly is the widow of award-winning western author Stephen Bly. Together they authored and co-authored 120 fiction and nonfiction books. She and her three sons finished Stephen’s last novel for him, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, a Selah Award Finalist. The family’s story is told on her website blog: http://www.blybooks.com/. Wind in the Wires is Janet’s first solo adult novel, a contemporary western mystery, a road adventure with a touch of romance. It’s Cowgirl Lit. Reader’s Guide for Group Discussion included. 

Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

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Blog Tour + Review: Colorado Hope

19 Jan

Colorado Hope banner

 

About the Book:

1875 ~ Beset by a sudden spring storm on the Front Range, newlywed Grace Cunningham watches in horror as her husband, Monty, is swept downriver. Pregnant and despairing, she stumbles into Fort Collins and tries to make a life for herself, praying that one day the man she loves will walk into town and back into her life.Colorado Hope 2

A year after Grace’s tragic loss, Monty enters the dress shop where she works—with a beautiful woman on his arm. Shocked that he has no recollection of her, Grace is determined to win back his heart. Somehow she must help him regain his memories and his buried love for her—and not just for her sake but for the sake of their infant son, Ben.

Monty, miserable in his marriage to a woman he hardly knows, is inexplicably drawn to Grace. Every time he’s near her, memories surface, but they are hazy and troubling. He’s torn between his vows and the desires of his heart, for he cannot stay away from Grace.

Grace’s hope is sparked when Monty starts recalling glimpses of his past. But when murderous outlaws come to town, she is thrust into grave danger. Monty risks his life to rescue her, only to face even greater perils in the treacherous mountains. Can she truly hang on to hope when she is about to lose all she loves?

Thoughts:

Colorado Hope is another wonderful, historical romance by Charlene Whitman!  Adventures in the Colorado Territory continue in this second book in the Front Range series.  While readers of Book 1, Colorado Promise, will enjoy revisiting a few characters, Colorado Hope is easily enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.    

With excellent characterization and superb imagery, Charlene Whitman brings this story to life!  I loved the dramatic storyline and its pulse-pounding danger and tender romance.  Monty and Grace Cunningham are such endearing characters!  My heart ached for them and all they endured.  Their story is one of loss and despair, but is also one of abiding love and hope.  I loved this captivating journey and look forward to more adventures on the Front Range! 

For fans of historical and western romance, I highly recommend both books in Charlene Whitman’s Front Range series, Colorado Promise and Colorado Hope.   

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Charlene WhitmanCharlene Whitman spent many years living on Colorado’s Front Range.  She grew up riding and raising horses, and loves to read, write, and hike the mountains.  She attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins as an English major.  She has two daughters and is married to George “Dix” Whitman, her love of thirty years.  Colorado Hope is the second sweet Historical Western Romance novel in her Front Range series.

Connect with Charlene on Facebook and Twitter.

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. 

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Review: Like a Flower in Bloom

17 Jan

Like a Flower in Bloom

Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell

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

 

He Stole the Work She Loved.
Will She Let Him Steal Her Heart as Well?

It’s all her uncle’s fault. For years Charlotte Withersby has been free to pursue her love of plants and flowers by assisting her botanist father. But now that she’s reached the old age of twenty-two, an intrusive uncle has convinced her father that Charlotte’s future–the only proper future for a woman–is to be a wife and mother, not a scholar.

Her father is so dependent on her assistance that Charlotte believes he’ll soon change his mind…and then Edward Trimble shows up. A long-time botany correspondent in the South Pacific, Trimble arrives ready to step in as assistant so that Charlotte can step out into proper society–a world that baffles her with its unwritten rules, inexplicable expectations, and confounding fashion.

Things aren’t perfectly smooth between Trimble and her father, so Charlotte hatches a last gasp plan. She’ll pretend such an interest in marriage that the thought of losing her will make her father welcome her back. Only things go quickly awry, and she realizes that the one man who recognizes her intelligence is also the person she’s most angry with: Edward Trimble, her supposed rival. Suddenly juggling more suitors than she knows what to do with, Charlotte is caught in a trap of her own making. Will she have no choice but to leave her beloved flowers behind?

Thoughts:

“Victorian-Era England comes alive in this witty romance!”   

Charlotte Withersby, with her unconventional ways and social naiveté, is a most entertaining character! I enjoyed the snappy dialogue and the sparks that flew between Charlotte and Edward Trimble. Although it is full of scientific information, the author moves this delightful story along with humor and wit.

Engaging and well-researched, Like a Flower in Bloom had me smiling the whole way through! I look forward to reading more from this talented author!
 

Siri MitchellSiri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.  

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a speaker and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.

Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.

To learn more about Siri Mitchell and her books, please visit http://sirimitchell.com/.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Bethany House Blogger Reviewer program. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

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