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Review: Love Unexpected

15 Jan

Love Unexpected

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

1859
Presque Isle, Michigan

What Is the Secret That Could Shipwreck Both of Their Lives?

All Emma Chambers ever wanted was a home, but when her steamboat sinks just outside Presque Isle, she’s left destitute and with no place to stay.

An unlikely solution arises when the lighthouse keeper arrives in town. He’s just lost his wife and is having a difficult time caring for his child. So a traveling preacher gets the idea that the keeper and Emma might be the answer to each other’s dilemma. After a hasty marriage, she finds herself heading to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger. Nothing in her aimless life, though, has prepared her for parenting a rambunctious toddler, as well as managing a household.

Emma soon suspects Patrick may be hiding something from her, and then she hears a disturbing rumor about the circumstances surrounding his late wife’s death. It seems as if her wish for a home and family of her own could end up leading her once more into turbulent waters.

Thoughts:

Jody Hedlund’s name on a book cover makes it a must read for me! That fact, coupled with a lighthouse keeper storyline, made me giddy with excitement over the release of Book 1 in the Beacons of Hope series, Love Unexpected.

As I began reading Love Unexpected, I was immediately captivated! Jody Hedlund swept me away to Presque Isle, Michigan, and I reveled in the real-life history that was detailed in this compelling story. I loved the characters, broken in their own ways, but made complete in their love for God and each other. Love Unexpected is a dramatic tale of history and romance and one I highly recommend! I can’t wait to read Book 2, Hearts Made Whole!

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

 

jody hedlundJody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she’s not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.

She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.

To learn more about Jody Hedlund and her books, please visit
http://jodyhedlund.com/.

 

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

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Review: Dandelion Moon

13 Jan

Dandelion Moon

Dandelion Moon by Hannah Alexander

On Christmas Eve, a woman stumbles through a cemetery, not knowing who or where she is…

On Christmas Eve, Weston Cline frantically searches for the woman he loves, psychiatrist Myra Maxwell. She fled her clinic in the middle of the day, and he’s heard nothing from her since. When he can’t find her in the city, he decides to search in her hometown, where he’s made enemies in the past and must tread lightly.

Will Weston be able to find Myra and help her recover her memories, or will his past sins prevent him from reaching her?

Thoughts:

Dandelion Moon is an engaging tale of suspense and romance!  I enjoyed Book 1, Hallowed Halls, and was eager to read its sequel.  Although this story can stand on its own, I recommend reading the books in order.     

Dandelion Moon grabbed my attention on the very first page and my intrigue grew with each page I turned.  I loved the medical aspects of the story, as Hannah Alexander’s medical expertise is evident and brings the story to life.  I also enjoyed the great characterization, compelling storyline, and palpable emotions.  Dandelion Moon is a great story and a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense and medical drama! 

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Hannah Alexander is the pen name for a husband/wife writing team in which the wife is the novelist and the husband provides medical expertise from his experience of many years as a physician. Their romance has been written up in Charisma Magazine in years past, and can be found at http://www.hannahalexander.com

 

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 + Sale: Murder Tightly Knit

6 Jan

Murder Tightly Knit

Murder Tightly Knit by Vannetta Chapman

In a town where Amish and Englisch mingle every day, a grisly murder leads to mutual suspicion. Can Amber and Hannah find the killer before fear unravels the community . . . or he strikes again?

Even before she heard of Owen Esch’s death, Hannah Troyer knew something was amiss at The Cat’s Meow yarn shop. The store has been closing at odd times, the ever-dependable Mary isn’t always at her post . . . and an Englisch man has been seen loitering around back.

Now, as leaves of brown, gold, and orange blanket Middlebury, Indiana, Owen lies dead on the Pumpkinvine Trail. The only clues to the murderer’s identity point in two very different directions—one of them leading right to The Cat’s Meow.

The police call in a federal investigator, but Hannah and Village manager Amber Bowman are in no mood to wait for them to figure out what they already know—that no one from the Amish Village could have killed Owen Esch.

Amber and Hannah will need to work quickly to solve the murder mystery and bring harmony back to the Amish community.

Thoughts:

Vannetta Chapman has spun quite a yarn with her latest release, Murder Tightly Knit! I loved this delightful tale of mystery, friendship, and romance!

Since reading Murder Simply Brewed, I have been eager to revisit the Amish Artisan Village. These books easily stand alone, but I encourage you to read them in order. In doing so, you will come to know these special characters and understand their stories.

I enjoyed catching up with several favorites, especially Amber Bowman and Hannah Troyer. So much has happened since their last sleuthing escapade and now they’re at it again. “Now they were in the midst of dark waters again. Perhaps, together, they could find their way clear.”

Once again, a murder occurs in the Village and suspicions and suspects abound. I eagerly turned the pages, trying to guess the identity of the murderer, but remained unsure of the culprit until the very end.

Murder Tightly Knit is a charming cozy mystery! I can’t wait to see what Vannetta cooks up in the next book in the series, Murder Freshly Baked!

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook

SALE!  The e-book is only $2.99 until 01/12!

 

Vvc webannetta Chapman writes Fiction Full of Grace. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her first novel, A Simple Amish Christmas, quickly became a bestseller. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.

Connect with Vannetta:
http://vannettachapman.com
https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman
https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks

 

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: Holly Daze ( Christmas Traditions #7)

2 Jan

Holly Daze

Holly Daze by Gina Welborn

After a year of geological surveying northeastern Iowa, English paleontologist James Holly yearns to join a fossil dig in Colorado. Although amused by the town’s folklore and Christmas festivities, he doesn’t believe in superstitions or curses. Celebrating the holiday only reminds him of the family he lost. What goodwill he has for the townsfolk dissipates after someone steals one of his fossils. For once in his life he needs is a bit of luck on his side, and he’ll take it, even if it’s in the form of a charming lady.

Everyone knows fortune favors Lena Reinhardt. That’s why on St. Barbara’s Day since she turned eighteen, she’s the lucky one who places the cherry twig in the holy water. The town believes her good fortune causes the year’s windfall of crops and livestock, and it will continue as long as she stays unmarried. This year, though, Lena believes God sent James to change her luck. Now if she can only convince him…

Thoughts:

Holly Daze is a wonderful story! I love Gina Welborn’s writing and was delighted by her charming, holiday novella! James Holly and Lena Reinhardt are endearing characters and I enjoyed reading their story. Although it is a Christmas Traditions novella, this engaging story can be enjoyed any time of the year! I loved Holly Daze and highly recommend this novella!

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Gina WelbornGina 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/.

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Reviews: The Brides Series by Lena Goldfinch + GIVEAWAY

31 Dec

The Unexpected Bride

The Unexpected Bride by Lena Goldfinch
Book One in The Brides Series

What’s a man to do when his father orders him a bride?

Rebecca Sullivan has been “Becky” all her life, a real hoyden. Her childhood sweetheart taught her to ride bareback and shoot a rifle, but then he chose a “perfect lady” for a wife–a real Southern belle, who’s now expecting a baby. Heartbroken, Becky signs up to be a mail-order bride to a Seattle man, sight unseen. She resolves to squelch her hoydenish ways and become a “perfect lady” for her future husband.

If logging-operation owner Isaac Jessup had wanted a bride, he’d have chosen a sturdy frontier woman, not some fragile lady from back East. Ready to explain the mistake, honorable Isaac takes one look into Rebecca’s vulnerable eyes…and knows he’ll marry her, even though this delicate waif is obviously unsuited for wild Seattle.

Could an unexpected marriage be a match made in heaven?

Thoughts:

The Unexpected Bride is a wonderful, historical romance!  Lena Goldfinch’s talents abound and I was so excited to read this sweet story.  Engaging, humorous, and romantic, The Unexpected Bride is pure delight!  I enjoyed the vivid imagery and attention to historical details, as well as the endearing characters and enchanting storyline.  I loved this tender tale and can’t wait to continue the series! 

The Unexpected Bride purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Sleigh-Bells-Mistletoe2

Sleigh Bells & Mistletoe: A Short Story
Sequel to The Unexpected Bride

What’s a wife to do when her Christmas plans fall apart?

Join Becky and Isaac from The Unexpected Bride in a romantic short story complete with sleigh bells, mistletoe, and sweet holiday surprises.
 
It’s Christmas Eve, and smoke isn’t just rising from the chimney—it’s pouring from the stove due to yet another batch of burnt biscuits. Becky wants everything to be perfect for her family, but a ruined meal spells disaster for all her high hopes. Will the night end in despair…or with a happy Christmas dream?

Thoughts:

Sleigh Bells & Mistletoe is a delightful sequel to The Unexpected Bride!  I loved revisiting Becky and Isaac in this short story, as well as several other beloved characters from Book 1 of The Brides series.  I also enjoyed learning more about Jem and the excerpt from his story, The Bartered Bride, left me anxiously awaiting its release.  I can’t wait to continue this wonderful series! 

Now available in Kindle format for only $0.99!

 

GIVEAWAY!
Only 1 day left, so enter now!!

Deck the halls and bring on the books! One winner will receive mistletoe earrings from the LuvlyMint Etsy shop, as well as a signed paperback copy of The Unexpected Bride, Book 1 in “The Brides” series. This prize is only available to residents of the U.S. and Canada. Three runners-up (can be international) will receive one e-copy each of Sleigh Bells and Mistletoe.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Review: Buttermilk Sky

29 Dec

Buttermilk Sky

Buttermilk Sky by Jan Watson

Weary of the expectations imposed on her by her strict upbringing, eighteen-year-old Mazy Pelfrey prepares to leave her home in the Kentucky mountains for the genteel city of Lexington, where she’ll attend secretarial school. She knows her life is about to change—and only for the better. Everything will be blue skies from now on.

But business school is harder than she thought it would be and the big city not as friendly, until she meets a charming young man from a wealthy family, Loyal Chambers. When Loyal sets his sights on her, Mazy begins to see that everything she’d ever wished to have is right before her eyes. The only hindrance to her budding romance is a former beau, Chanis Clay, the young sheriff she thought she’d left firmly behind.

Thoughts:

“Danger rumbles like thunder on a high mountain ridge when Mazy’s cosseted past collides with her clouded future and forces her to come to terms with what she really wants.”

Jan Watson’s beautiful writing brings to life the setting and characters of Buttermilk Sky.  I was intrigued by Mazy Pelfrey and eager to know what would become of this young woman and her future.  There were several secondary characters that also interested me, and I would love to read their stories.  Buttermilk Sky is the first novel I have read by Jan Watson and I am eager to read more! 

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.

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Review + Sale: A Sandy’s Seashell Shop Christmas

22 Dec

Lisa Wingate has written an e-short Christmas story, A Sandy’s Seashell Shop Christmas, and it’s only $0.99.   Proceeds will help fund a donation to Operation Military Kids, which serves military children who are dealing with the deployment of a parent.

A Sandy's Seashell Shop Christmas

A magical place, an island Christmas eve, a broken family in need of healing….

For young military widow, Tiff Riley, Christmas isn’t just another day. It’s the worst of all days. Hiding out on Hatteras Island with three-and-a-half-year-old Micah, she’s desperate to once again ignore the anniversary of tragedy. The winter-season quiet of North Carolina’s Outer Banks is the perfect place to escape. It never feels like Christmas at the beach.

But in tiny Hatteras Village, the crew at Sandy’s Seashell Shop is determined to make sure no one is forgotten at Christmas. Is it possible for a magical Christmas Eve at the Seashell Shop to help mend one damaged life? On a night of miracles, in a place of miracles, can a young widow’s heart be reopened to joy, hope… and even love?

Thoughts:

I adore this special little story! A Sandy’s Seashell Shop Christmas is a Christmas tale that warms your heart and begs to be read again and again! Lisa Wingate once again brings the wonderful residents of Fairhope to life, as they share a magical Christmas Eve with a young military widow and her little boy. Brimming with hope, healing, and the magic of Christmas, this little story is the perfect holiday read!

Purchase a copy of A Sandy’s Seashell Shop Christmas today!

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Review: A Most Inconvenient Marriage

17 Dec

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings

With few options of her own, nurse Abigail Stuart agrees to marry her patient, a gravely wounded soldier calling himself Jeremiah Calhoun. They arrange a quick ceremony before he dies, giving Abigail the rights to his Ozark farm and giving Jeremiah the peace of knowing someone will care for his ailing sister after he’s gone–a practical solution for both of them.
 
After the war, Abigail fulfills her side of the bargain–until the real Jeremiah Calhoun shows up, injured but definitely alive, and wastes no time in challenging Abigail’s story. Abigail is flummoxed. After months of claiming to be his widow, how can she explain that she’s never seen this Jeremiah Calhoun before? How can she convince him that she isn’t trying to steal his farm? And will she find a way to stay, even though this practical arrangement has turned into a most inconvenient marriage?

Thoughts:

“Sometimes the best gifts aren’t convenient at the time.” 

I was immediately drawn to this book, first by the cover and then by the title.  As I read the back cover, I knew this was a story I would love! 

I enjoy Civil War era stories and I was quickly captivated by this one.  The historical details are rich and the Ozark Mountain setting is vivid.  Abigail Stuart and Jeremiah Calhoun are engaging characters and their story, with its unique circumstances, is full of emotion, from heart-wrenching to heartwarming.  This delightful tale has it all- trials and tribulations, humor and hijinks, faith and forgiveness, and a stirring romance.  I loved A Most Inconvenient Marriage and can’t wait to read more from this incredibly talented author! 

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

Purchase links:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Christianbook.com
DeeperShopping

Regina JenningsRegina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.

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

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Review: A Light In The Wilderness

16 Dec

A Light in the Wilderness

A Light In The Wilderness by Jane Kirkpatrick

Letitia holds nothing more dear than the papers that prove she is no longer a slave. They may not cause white folks to treat her like a human being, but at least they show she is free. She trusts in those words she cannot read–as she is beginning to trust in Davey Carson, an Irish immigrant cattleman who wants her to come west with him.

Nancy Hawkins is loathe to leave her settled life for the treacherous journey by wagon train, but she is so deeply in love with her husband that she knows she will follow him anywhere–even when the trek exacts a terrible cost.

Betsy is a Kalapuya Indian, the last remnant of a once proud tribe in the Willamette Valley in Oregon territory. She spends her time trying to impart the wisdom and ways of her people to her grandson. But she will soon have another person to care for.

As season turns to season, suspicion turns to friendship, and fear turns to courage, three spirited women will discover what it means to be truly free in a land that makes promises it cannot fulfill. This multilayered story from bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick will grip readers’ hearts and minds as they travel with Letitia on the dusty and dangerous Oregon trail into the boundless American West.

Thoughts:

“Three very different women. One dangerous journey. And a future that seems just out of reach.”

A Light In The Wilderness is a gripping story, one that captivated me from the very beginning! Based on a true story, Jane Kirkpatrick breathes life into her characters and beckons the reader into their world. I loved the historical depth of the story and the palpable emotions of the characters. A Light In The Wilderness is a very compelling story and a recommended read for fans of historical fiction!

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.

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Review: Ultimate Health

15 Dec

Ultimate Health

Synopsis:

Ultimate Health is one of the most important books you will ever read. Discover how to create a life of vitality, strength, and energy, with a preventive mindset that enhances longevity. Learn why food is medicine, spirituality matters, and how a positive emotional outlook can add years to your life and life to your years. Gain knowledge about the right habits, foods, vitamins, nutrients and exercise that will allow you to turn back the hands of time and regain a more youthful life.

Live your best life in Ultimate health!

Thoughts:

Ultimate Health is a great book and valuable health resource!  The writing team of Dr. Rick Wilson, Tony Jeary, Dr. Jennifer Engels, along with Tammy Kling, discuss twenty areas that have the most impact on your health.  Beginning with a personal health assessment, the book continues through the areas of impact and highlights ways to modify and improve your health.

Ultimate Health contains a wealth of important information.  I enjoyed the clear, concise manner in which the information is presented, as well as the tips, examples, and detailed descriptions.  The information contained in this book will encourage and challenge you to make changes in your life so you can live in Ultimate Health!

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.

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