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The Fruitcake Challenge + GIVEAWAY

3 Oct

Fruitcake Challenge cover jpg

The Fruitcake Challenge by Carrie Fancett Pagels

When new lumberjack, Tom Jeffries, tells the camp cook, Jo Christy, that he’ll marry her if she can make a fruitcake, “as good as the one my mother makes,” she rises to the occasion. After all, he’s the handsomest, smartest, and strongest axman her camp-boss father has ever had in his camp—and the cockiest. And she intends to bring this lumberjack down a notch or three by refusing his proposal. The fruitcake wars are on! All the shanty boys and Jo’s cooking helpers chip in with their recipes but Jo finds she’ll have to enlist more help—and begins corresponding with Tom’s mother.

Step back in time to 1890, in beautiful Northern Michigan, near the sapphire straits of Mackinac, when the white pines were “white gold” and lumber camps were a way of life. Jo is ready to find another life outside of the camps and plans that don’t include any shanty boys. But will a lumberjack keep her in the very place she’s sworn to leave? When hope runs out, will God provide a way for Jo to achieve her dreams?

Thoughts:

I opened the pages of this novella and stepped into a lively lumber camp of 1890! Carrie Fancett Pagels brings to life a delightful cast of characters, as well as the sights and sounds of Northern Michigan.

There are so many things I adored about this delectable tale! Equal parts entertainment and encouragement, mixed with savory nuggets of history, dashes of sweet romance, and pinches of humor sprinkled throughout, make a perfect holiday treat!

I loved The Fruitcake Challenge and highly recommend this novella!  Download your copy for only $0.99 from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. 

 

GIVEAWAY!

Carrie is giving away an ecopy of The Fruitcake Challenge to one lucky commenter on this post!  Leave a comment, including your email address, to be entered.  The giveaway ends October 8th at midnight CST.

More ways to win:

On Wednesday, I shared a wonderful interview with Carrie.  She has generously offered ebook copies of The Fruitcake Challenge and Return to Shirley Plantation to one lucky reader on that post, so be sure and comment on Carrie’s interview to be entered!  The giveaway ends October 8th. 

 

Connect with Carrie:

Carrie brick headshot pmCarrie Fancett Pagels Ph.D. is an award-winning, best-selling, and multi-published Christian historical romance author. Carrie was a psychologist for twenty-five years. Married for twenty-seven years with two children. Carrie resides in Virginia’s Historic Triangle and enjoys reading, traveling and researching. She’s a finalist for the 2014 Maggie Awards for Excellence.

Website: www.carriefancettpagels.com
Blogs: Overcoming With God and Colonial Quills
Facebook Author Page
Facebook Personal Page
Twitter
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Goodreads
LinkedIn

Links to purchase:

The Fruitcake Challenge (2014) on Amazon

A Cup of Christmas Cheer, Guidepost Books (2013)

Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance (Helping Hands Press, 2013) on Amazon in ebook and in print

Return to Shirley Plantation on Barnes and Noble in ebook

God’s Provision in Tough Times Lighthouse of the Carolinas (2013) on Amazon in ebook and in print

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Awakening

29 Sep

Awakening

Awakening by Tracy Higley

Kallie Andreas is a mystery, even to herself.

Seven years ago Kallie woke up in a New York City museum, injured and traumatized. Alone and unclaimed.

Despite her shattered memories, she’s worked her way into a position as assistant curator in that very museum, and now she wants nothing more than to pursue funding for her project–assembling pieces from the ancient Minoans.

But then the blackouts start. Lost time, stranded in terrifying danger, frantic visions that can’t be real. A threatening phone call may be nothing more than paranoia and madness. Or perhaps not.

It’s time to start seeing her psychiatrist more often.

Kallie’s doctor challenges her to keep a journal, but her writing morphs into something else… What begins as a romantic fairy tale becomes an allegory of a woman plunged into crisis in the ancient past, in the misty islands of Minoan Greece, home to myth and legend.

When a mysterious billionaire invites Kallie to scour the black market with him for the most valuable of all Minoan treasures, the key to their lost language, Kallie can’t resist. Dimitri is wealthy, charming and good-looking, but she’s not interested–not in someone who’s clearly hiding secrets of his own.

Together, the two embark on a global quest to find the Key, through some of the most exotic and beautiful locations in the world–unraveling the mystery and pursuing leads, all the while resisting romance in Italy, under the Santorini sun, and among the pyramids of Egypt.

Meanwhile, Kallie’s memories are bleeding through and her journal has turned violent. She’s teetering on the verge of a breakthrough, but what devastating truth has she been suppressing?

When a strange woman who clearly knows Kallie’s real identity tries to murder her, it’s clear that Kallie’s past and present worlds are colliding, in a deadly crisis that will finally reveal the shocking mystery of her past.

But will the truth leave room for love?

Thoughts:

Awakening is unlike stories I normally read, and I found it to be very intriguing.  With mythical/fantasy elements, Tracy Higley weaves a unique tale where past and present collide.   Her tremendous research and vivid descriptions bring to life the sights and sounds of this exotic adventure.   Full of unexpected twists and turns, Higley kept me guessing until the very end!

If you are a fan of history and fantasy, then I certainly think you will enjoy the exciting journey in Awakening!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

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Playing By Heart

24 Sep

Playing By Heart

Playing By Heart by Anne Mateer

Lula Bowman has finally achieved her dream: a teaching position and a scholarship to continue her college education in mathematics. But when she receives a shocking telephone call from her sister, Jewel, everything she’s worked for begins to crumble.

After the sudden death of Jewel’s husband, Jewel needs Lula’s help. With a heavy heart, Lula returns to her Oklahoma hometown to do right by her sister. But the only teaching job available in Dunn is combination music instructor/basketball coach. Neither subject belongs anywhere near the halls of academia, according to Lula!

Lula commits to covering the job for the rest of the school year, determined to do well and prove herself to the town. Reluctantly, she turns to the boys’ coach, Chet, to learn the game of basketball. Chet is handsome and single, but Lula has no plans to fall for a local boy. She’s returning to college as soon as she gets Jewel back on her feet.

However, the more time she spends in Dunn, the more Lula realizes God is working on her heart–and her future is beginning to look a lot different than she’d expected.

Thoughts:

Playing by Heart is a charming tale, rich in history! Written from dual points of view, Anne Mateer expertly shares this story through both Lula’s and Chet’s perspective. I really enjoyed these endearing characters and this unique way of storytelling.

I always love finding interesting facts in fiction and adored the history of this story, especially the bits from Anne’s own family. With her beautiful writing voice, Anne Mateer plucked my heartstrings and struck a perfect chord with Playing by Heart!

 

Bethany House Publishers is sponsoring a fun giveaway to celebrate the release of Playing by Heart.  Click the graphic to be taken to the official entry page.  Good luck!

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* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman

22 Sep

The Redemption

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman by Carole Brown

Caralynne Hayman is angry and bitter over the abuse and death of her eleven-year-old daughter at the hands of a radical religious cult—The Children of Righteous Cain. So when her husband, a founding member of the cult, suffers a massive heart attack, Caralynne allows her husband to die.

Caralynne’s secret seems safe until Dayne MacFarland returns, determined to learn the truth about the cult. His investigation and his rekindled love for Caralynne lead the pair toward a confrontation with the group’s elders.

Can Dayne’s love for Caralynne bridge the gulf of anger and bitterness that divides the community? Or will Caralynne’s deadly secrets prove too high a price for her redemption?

Thoughts:

In writing The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, Carole Brown tackles a dark, difficult subject and does a tremendous job! With a well-developed plot and characters, you are quickly drawn into this thought provoking story. The dramatic events keep you turning the pages and wondering what will happen next. It is a reminder that evil does exist and may be closer than we think. However, even amidst the suffering, pain and anguish there is also hope, forgiveness and redemption.

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman is a well-written novel and I look forward to reading more from Carole Brown!

Goodreads Giveaway:

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/99314-the-redemption-of-caralynne-hayman

The giveaway ends September 24.

About the Author:

Carole Brown’s debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, was a semi-finalist in the Genesis contest. Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, she enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband have ministered and counseled across the country. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Connect with Carole:
Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

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A Grand Teton Sleigh Ride

1 Sep

A Grand Teton Sleigh Ride

A Grand Teton Sleigh Ride by Elizabeth Goddard & Lynette Sowell

Wyoming’s spectacular mountains have drawn many, from trappers to ranchers to skiing enthusiasts. This Christmas, spend the holidays with the Covington family, who have called Wyoming home for generations. Rough, bristly rancher Zebulon sets his sights on eastern lady Belle Murray. Forward-thinking Emily would rather stay a dog musher than become a bride. Outfitter Sam wants to make his name in Wyoming, not say, “I do.” Hayley’s quest for her father’s approval goes sour when she takes an interest in a local ski bum. Will four festive sleigh rides rein in romance?

Thoughts:

Happy release day to Elizabeth Goddard & Lynette Sowell!  I had the pleasure of reading A Grand Teton Sleigh Ride earlier this summer and am excited to share it with you today.

Christmas stories are some of my favorites and I loved this delightful novella collection! Spanning four generations, these stories are filled with faith, family, and love.  Elizabeth Goddard and Lynette Sowell vividly portrayed the Covington family and their beloved ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  I adored the romance in this collection and looked forward to each special sleigh ride!

While these novellas celebrate love at Christmas, A Grand Teton Sleigh Ride is a collection to love any time of the year!  You can purchase your copy from Amazon, other online retailers, or your favorite bookstore.  You can also enter to win a copy on Goodreads!  

Goodreads Giveaway!

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/105898-a-grand-teton-sleigh-ride-four-generations-of-wyoming-ranchers-celebrat

The giveaway ends Sept. 17th.

 

I received a copy of this collection from the authors. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

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Her Hometown Hero

27 Aug

 

Her Hometown Hero

Her Hometown Hero by Margaret Daley

Synopsis:

In a split second, a tragic accident ends Kathleen Somers’s ballet career. Her dreams shattered, she returns home to the Soaring S ranch…and her first love. Suddenly the local veterinarian, Dr. Nate Sterling, goes from her ex to her champion. With the help of a lively poodle therapy dog, the cowboy vet sets out to challenge Kathleen’s strength and heal her heart. He’ll show her there’s life beyond dance, even if it means she leaves town again. But maybe, just maybe, he’ll convince her there’s only one thing in life worth having…and he’s standing right in front of her.

Thoughts:

I love Margaret Daley’s Caring Canines series and highly recommend its latest addition, Her Hometown Hero! Full of emotion, Kit Somers’s story tugged at my heartstrings. I enjoyed her inspiring recovery and rekindled romance with Dr. Nate Sterling. Her Hometown Hero is a wonderful story of hope and healing!

Goodreads Giveaway!

Enter the Goodreads giveaway to win a copy of Her Hometown Hero!

  https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/103135?utm_medium=api&utm_source=giveaway_widget

The giveaway ends Aug. 28th. 

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.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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A Matchmaker in Middlebury

1 Aug

Matchmaker

A Matchmaker in Middlebury by Anita Higman

Synopsis:

Meredith Steinberg takes the stage again in A Matchmaker in Middlebury and is given another chance to dance with destiny and meddle in the romantic affairs of two lovelorn singles. But Meredith’s skills as a yenta are stretched to the limit as she discovers that her golden egg-of-a-plan has a perilous crack. In the end, however, heartstrings are indeed knotted together as two singles find tender love—they’re just not the two people Meredith paired for marital bliss…

Thoughts:

Love and matchmaking are in the air in this charming tale!  I had such fun reading this story and loved Meredith Steinberg and her quirky matchmaking methods.  With endearing characters and a playful plot, this short story tickled my funny bone and warmed my heart.  A Matchmaker in Middlebury is the perfect afternoon treat!

A Matchmaker in Middlebury is a novelette sequel to A Marriage in Middlebury, but can easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. 

This romantic comedy novelette is an eBook exclusive on Amazon and can be purchased for $0.99! 

Author:

anita_bioBest-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has forty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

To learn more about Anita, please visit her website, www.anitahigman.com. 

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Sealed with a Kiss

29 Jul

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The Inspy Kisses authors have released a new collection of never-before-seen love stories!

 

Featuring these novellas:

Mail-Order Sunshine Bride by Janet Tronstad 

When mail-order bride, Eleanor O’Reilly, arrives in the Montana Territory the only one on the railway platform to greet her is a dangerous-looking man who claims to be the sheriff. Where is her intended husband? Janet Tronstad delights readers with another of her popular mail-order bride stories.

Deadly Intent by Margaret Daley 

Texas Ranger Sarah Osborn is sent to investigate the kidnapping of a prize stallion from the Shamrock Ranch, owned by Ian O’Leary, an ex-FBI agent and Sarah’s high school sweetheart. Someone from Ian’s past has a grudge against him and intends to make him suffer. Can Sarah help Ian find who wants him dead?

Unshakeable Pursuit by Camy Tang 

A mysterious young woman warns Dr. Geoffrey Whelan and nurse Maylin Kinley that they are in mortal danger, and then two Asian hit men attack them at the children’s clinic where they work. Geoffrey and Maylin run for their lives, determined to figure out who is after them and why. When they discover the threat is connected to a young teenager whose life they saved, they must race to stop the person who wants them dead—before everyone they care about is caught in the crossfire.

With Love, Cowboy by Lacy Williams

When the love of his life is injured in combat, Ryan Michaels promises himself he won’t let any more time go by without declaring his love. Veteran Ashley Reynolds returns home a changed woman, but is she ready to see the truth about the cowboy she left behind?

 

Thoughts:

Sealed with a Kiss is a delightful anthology by a wonderfully talented group of inspirational authors!

From historical to contemporary, each novella was a pleasure to read! I adored Janet Tronstad’s mail-order bride story. Margaret Daley and Camy Tang kept me in suspense with lots of excitement and hold-your-breath moments. Lacy Williams warmed my heart with her endearing love story.

I loved Sealed with a Kiss and look forward to reading more from these great authors!

I received a complimentary copy of Sealed with a Kiss. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

Buy now:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
iBooks

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Love in the Wind

25 Jul

Love in the Wind

Love in the Wind by Elizabeth Goddard

Synopsis:

Sailing is Maddie Cramer’s escape.

Now she’s counting on it to bring her closer to the biological father she’s just met. But her chances of winning the regatta—and his approval—are in jeopardy unless she can find a new crewmate. Enter Grady Stone, a perfect fit for Maddie’s crew in more ways than one.

Maddie and Grady grow close as they spend time together on the water. But Maddie, wary of emotional entanglement, guards her heart closely. And Grady’s here only to help Maddie win the race, then he’s off to a new job. The day of the race will test their ability to sail together—and the trueness of their love.

Thoughts:

Love in the Wind is a delightful love story!  I loved the main characters, Maddie Cramer and Grady Stone.  They both had such strength, but their pasts left them vulnerable as well. Their emotional and romantic journey felt very natural and was a pleasure to read. I also enjoyed the beautiful setting and the sailing that was wonderfully detailed.  Love in the Wind is a great story and a perfect afternoon read! 

You can purchase your copy from Amazon, other online retailers, or your favorite bookstore.

Biography:

highresgoddard-HR-2-2-e1382722351811Elizabeth 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 in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

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Captured by Love

23 Jul

Captured by Love

Captured by Love by Jody Hedlund

Synopsis:

It is 1814 and the British have taken hold of Mackinac Island and its fort, forcing American residents to swear an oath of loyalty to the British crown in order to retain their land. Pierre Durant is a voyageur–a fur trader who left his family home to find freedom and adventure. He’s been gone five years and when he returns, his family’s farm is at the mercy of the British invaders.

Torn between the life he’s grown used to and guilt over leaving his brother and mother, he’s drawn back into the loyalist fight against the British–and into a relationship with Angelique Mackenzie, a beautiful local girl who’s been befriended by the daughter of the British commander. As tensions mount and the threat of violence increases, both Angelique and Pierre must decide where their loyalties rest, how far they will go to find freedom, and how much they will risk to find love.

Thoughts:

Captured by Love is an excellent historical romance! I found myself immediately drawn to the beautiful cover, and as I began reading I was quickly captivated by the story.

Jody Hedlund paints a vivid picture with her words and brings this story, its characters, and the setting to life. Although it is a work of fiction, many of the events and characters are based on the actual history of Mackinac Island. This perfect blend of fact and fiction, coupled with an achingly tender romance, makes this a must read for fans of historical romance!

Captured by Love stirred my emotions and left me eager to read more from Jody Hedlund!

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

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