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$1.99 First in Series Sale

20 Jun

Falling to Pieces

Falling to Pieces by Vannetta Chapman

Download Falling to Pieces today from Amazon or Barnes & Noble for only $1.99!

When two women—one Amish, one English—each with different motives, join forces to organize a successful on-line quilt auction, neither expects nor wants a friendship. As different as night and day, Deborah and Callie are uneasy partners who simply want to make the best of a temporary situation. But a murder, a surprising prime suspect, a stubborn detective, and the town’s reaction throw the two women together, and they form an unlikely alliance to solve a mystery and catch a killer.

Thoughts:

Falling to Pieces is the first book in the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series. I was delighted by its unique storyline and loved the suspense!

Vannetta Chapman has written an Amish mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. With well-developed characters, both Amish and English, and a great plot, Falling to Pieces is sure to entertain. I enjoyed this fresh, engaging story and look forward to reading the next book in the series, A Perfect Square!

 

 

A Promise for Miriam

A Promise for Miriam by Vannetta Chapman

Download A Promise for Miriam today from Amazon or Barnes & Noble for only $1.99!

A Promise for Miriam introduces the Amish community of Pebble Creek and some of the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.

Amish schoolteacher Miriam King loves her students. At 26, most women her age are married with children of their own, but she hasn’t yet met anyone who can convince her to give up the Plain school that sits along the banks of Pebble Creek. Then newcomer Gabriel Yoder steps into her life, bringing his daughter, an air of mystery, and challenges Miriam has never faced before.

Will Gabe be able to let go of the past that haunts him? He thinks he just wants to be left alone, but the loving and warm community he and his daughter have moved to has other plans for him. After a near tragedy is averted, he hesitantly returns offers of help and friendship, and he discovers he can make a difference to the people of Pebble Creek—and maybe find love again.

Thoughts:

A Promise for Miriam is a must-read Amish romance! With its endearing characters, emotional storyline, and tender romance, A Promise for Miriam captured my heart and made me long for more of this special community and its wonderful residents! I can’t wait to visit Pebble Creek, Wisconsin again in the pages of A Home for Lydia!

I love all of Vannetta’s books, but the Pebble Creek series holds a special place in my heart!

 

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Silenced GIVEAWAY

27 May

SilencedSM

Silenced by Dani Pettrey

Synopsis:

A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna’s route leads her to a face-to-face encounter with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something sinister? When the case is handed to the overburdened sheriff, he turns to Jake Westin. With Jake’s past now revealed, he’s ready to use his talent for investigation again-–but he could never prepare for where the case will take him.

Kayden and Jake soon realize that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is on to them. When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger.

But the truth is far worse than either of them imagine.

Thoughts:

Silenced is the fourth book in Dani Pettrey’s acclaimed Alaskan Courage series.  While any of the books in the series can stand alone, I encourage you to read them in order.  In doing so, you will come to know and love the McKenna family and understand their stories.

I am such a fan of this fantastic series and love coming back to Yancey, Alaska, and catching up with the McKenna family! 

Dani Pettrey always grabs my attention from the very beginning of the story, and that is exactly what she did in Silenced!  The suspense quickly mounted and I was anxious to find out more with each turn of the page. 

I loved the wonderful romance in this story, from the progression of Kayden and Jake’s relationship to the happily-ever-afters for two McKenna siblings.  Now I can’t for Reef’s story in the last book of the series, Sabotaged, which releases next spring. 

Dani Pettrey is a master at writing characters you care about and suspense that keeps you guessing!  Silenced is another exciting Alaskan adventure you don’t want to miss!

For more information about Silenced, including an excerpt, please visit: http://www.danipettrey.com/books/

Available from:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Indiebound
Books-a-Million
Christianbook

Biography:

DaniSpring1

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, and her latest release, Silenced. 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:

Web Site
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Get your copy of SILENCED by Author Dani Pettrey!

 GIVEAWAY!

Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers have generously offered a copy of Silenced to be given away to one lucky reader!  To enter, please leave a comment, along with your email address. 

This giveaway ends Friday, May 30 at midnight CST.  The winner will be drawn and announced on Saturday, May 31.  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.

 

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

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A Bridge Unbroken- Spotlight, Review, and GIVEAWAY

20 May

Welcome to the BlitzKat blog tour for Cathy Bryant’s A Bridge Unbroken. Another Miller’s Creek Novel set in the heart of Texas, A Bridge Unbroken brings two new characters to the forefront while still giving fans a glimpse of their favorite characters from the past, including the old geezers and Mama Beth.

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Synopsis: 

Letting go to build a bridge…

Dakota Kelly wants her painful past to disappear. A plan to start afresh is derailed when she co-inherits her late grandfather’s farm with the man responsible for the scars on her heart. But Chance Johnson isn’t the only ghost from the past. Someone else is out to get her and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Will Chance and Dakota lay aside their grudges to restore the old farmhouse and bridge, or will evil forces sabotage their attempt at forgiveness?

Click HERE to read a sample chapter of A Bridge Unbroken.

The Other Miller’s Creek Novels

| Texas Roads | A Path Less Traveled | The Way of Grace| Pilgrimage of Promise|

“Miller’s Creek, Texas…where folks are friendly, the iced tea is sweet, and Mama Beth’s front porch beckons…”
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Thoughts:

A Bridge Unbroken is Book 5 in Cathy Bryant’s Miller’s Creek novels.  While fans of the series are sure to welcome the newest addition, A Bridge Unbroken can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed the community of Miller’s Creek and its residents.  Dakota Kelly and Chance Johnson are strong characters, left vulnerable by the physical and emotional scars of their pasts.  Their journey, full of suspense and romance, is one of faith and forgiveness.  I loved the unexpected plot twists, as well as the beautiful spiritual messages!   

One of my favorite quotes from the novel:

“I think we naturally shy away from difficulties, but God uses them to grow us closer to Him and help us depend on Him.”

A Bridge Unbroken is a touching, engaging story and one that I highly recommend to fans of inspirational romantic suspense!   

GIVEAWAY!

Cathy has generously offered to give away one e-copy of A Bridge Unbroken.  To enter, please leave a comment, along with your email address. 

This giveaway ends Sunday, May 25 at midnight CST.  The winner will be drawn and announced on Monday, May 26.  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.

Biography:

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A native daughter of the Lone Star State, Cathy loves spinning tales about life in small town Texas. When she’s not weaving stories about the fine folks in Miller’s Creek, you’ll find her rummaging through thrift stores, feeding her reality TV addiction, or up to her elbows in yet another home improvement project in the mountain cabin she shares with her minister husband of over thirty years. You can find out more about Cathy and her books at http://www.CatBryant.com.

Here are a few other places to meet up with Cathy in cyberspace:

|Facebook| Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads |  Amazon | YouTube | Google+|

And reader friends on Facebook may want to visit the following groups, the first for book bargains and the second to discuss all things Miller’s Creek.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChristianBooks.Giveaways/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MillersCreekReaders/

Blog Tour and Launch Party

Cathy is celebrating the new addition to the Miller’s Creek family by making several prizes available to reader friends, including a $100 Visa Card Giveaway. Winners will be announced at the interactive Facebook Launch Party on May 22, 2014.
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Other prizes include: t-shirts, coffee mugs, tote bags, bookmarks, eBooks, print books and Amazon Gift cards.

Enter the grand prize drawing for the $100 Visa Card by clicking one of the links below. Hurry, because the contest ends May 22, 2014. (NOTE: Some contest tasks can be completed daily for extra chances to win.) The grand prize winner will be announced at the A Bridge Unbroken Facebook launch party on May 22.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE DRAWING VIA CATHY’S WEBSITE.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER VIA THE GIVEAWAY TAB ON CATHY’S FACEBOOK PAGE.

Don’t miss the fun! See you at the party!

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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Color of Danger GIVEAWAY

13 May

ColorOfDanger

Color of Danger by Alexa Verde

Synopsis:

Former runaway Mari Del Lobo works hard to save her struggling restaurant and to trust people again. Dallas surgeon Dr. Luke Goodman turns her world upside down with terrifying news. A recent murder has her late brother’s – aka the Smiling Killer – signature and MO. When attacks on her escalate, Mari fights her growing attraction to the good doctor as fiercely as she fights for her life. To rescue herself and those she loves, will she be able to stop the murderer before he strikes again?

Luke couldn’t save his fiancée from the Smiling Killer, but he’ll do anything to prevent more murders, even ask help from the serial killer’s sister. Finding a kindred tortured soul and the perpetrator’s next target in Mari, Luke is determined to protect the stubborn ex-rebel. But Mari would rather face danger than risk the safety of the man she comes to love.

Thoughts:

I love finding new authors and was excited for the opportunity to read and review Color of Danger by Alexa Verde.  After reading the synopsis, I was certainly intrigued and eager to read more! 

Color of Danger is Alexa Verde’s debut novel, which releases Friday, and the first book in her Secrets of Rios Azules series.  Set in a fictional south Texas town, this inspirational romantic suspense kept me guessing until the very end! 

I really enjoyed the complexity of the main characters, Mari and Luke, and their emotional and spiritual growth, as well as the undercurrents of romance.  The dramatic elements and mounting suspense made for some hair-raising moments and intensified my need to know how the story would end.  I loved the twists, turns, and surprises along the way, as Mari and Luke worked to stay out of danger and one step ahead of the killer!

Color of Danger is a great debut and a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense!  I look forward to reading more from Alexa Verde!       

For more information about Alexa Verde and Color of Danger, please visit:

Website: http://www.alexaverde.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22017076-color-of-danger

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexaverdeauthor

Biography:

Alexa Verde fell in love with writing at age eight when she penned her first poem. After publishing 200 short stories, poems, and articles in the five languages she speaks, Alexa has turned her creative passion to writing novels. Her May 2014 debut inspirational romantic suspense, COLOR OF DANGER, is the first in her Secrets of Rios Azules series—set in a fictional small Texas town where rivers and emotions run deep and the richest family in town has a fine taste for food, jewelry, and murder. For news, recipes, giveaways, and more, please visit www.alexaverde.com. 

 

GIVEAWAY!

Alexa has very generously offered to give away 2 e-copies of Color of Danger!  To enter, please leave a comment, along with your email address. 

This giveaway ends Sunday, May 18 at midnight CST.  The winners will be drawn and announced on Monday, May 19.  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. 

 

* 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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A Broken Kind of Beautiful

8 May

A Broken Kind of Beautiful

 A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

Synopsis:

Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong.

Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.

If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?

Thoughts:

A Broken Kind of Beautiful is a poignant story of hurt, hope, and healing. As I read this compelling story, the characters stepped from the pages and into my heart. I loved each of them and longed to offer comfort, as the emotional pain they endured was heartrending. Each broken in their own way, their journey of faith and healing was beautiful and uplifting. The spiritual messages in this book are rich and abundant and there were several quotes that I lingered over and savored.

Katie Ganshert’s writing is lovely and she has written another wonderful story! A Broken Kind of Beautiful is a tender tale of love and a beautiful story of redemption!

Enjoy a Sneak Peek!

Available online from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, ChristianBook.com, and Random House, as well as other retailers. 

Biography:

Katie GanshertKatie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she’s not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption. She is the author of Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows. Visit her website at katieganshert.com.

 

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

 

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An Amish Garden GIVEAWAY

6 May

An Amish Garden

An Amish Garden

Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Tricia Goyer, & Vannetta Chapman

Rooted in Love  by Beth Wiseman
Rosemary is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul has been interested in her for years, but Rosemary has turned him down repeatedly. Saul begins helping with her family’s garden, but someone is sabotaging his efforts—and keeping a secret that could change their lives.

Flowers for Rachael by Kathleen Fuller
Rachael’s garden is beautiful, but she is lonely. Gideon is in love with Rachael, but when Rachael finds her garden in shambles after a crisis, she rejects his help. Will she realize she doesn’t have to do everything on her own?

Seeds of Love by Tricia Goyer
When a corporation shows interest in buying Sadie’s heirloom seeds, she panics. They are all she has left of her Dat and Mem. Eli believes he can help Sadie, but a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken. Will she trust him again, and will the seeds of a new relationship take root?

Where Healing Blooms by Vannetta Chapman
Emma discovers a run-away teen in her barn, and the bishop asks her to provide a haven for a woman and her two children. Then her mother-in-law reveals a secret about her garden. Will Emma choose loneliness or learn to accept God’s gifts?

Thoughts:

An Amish Garden is a fantastic collection of Amish novellas! Each of the four novellas is refreshing, unique, and a delight to read!

I loved everything about this book! Even before I began reading, I was drawn to the beautiful cover of An Amish Garden. Endearing characters and engaging storylines drew me in even deeper and surrounded me with peace and comfort.

Hope, encouragement, and healing burst from the pages and romance blooms in An Amish Garden!

One of my favorite novellas in this collection is Where Healing Blooms by Vannetta Chapman.  This beautiful novella is like a breath of fresh air!

I quickly fell in love with Emma Hochstetter and her mother-in-law, Mary Ann. Emma’s loving heart and Mary Ann’s wonderful words of wisdom are simply delightful! Their story is as special as the garden they so lovingly tend.

As Mary Ann said, “Gardens are a place to rest, to draw near, and to heal.” These words are so true of the garden in this lovely story, where hope and healing spring forth and romance blossoms.

To order a copy of An Amish Garden, please visit: http://vannettachapman.com/books/an-amish-garden/

 

GIVEAWAY! 

Vannetta Chapman has graciously offered a copy of An Amish Garden to be given away to one lucky reader! 

Do you plant a garden?

To enter, please leave a comment and answer the question, “Do you plant a garden?”  Don’t forget to include your email address!

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.

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends Sunday, May 11 at midnight CST.  The winner will be drawn and announced on Monday, May 12.  Good luck!!

 

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Forget Me Not- Special Promo

28 Apr

Now through Tuesday, Forget Me Not by Miralee Ferrell is available in eBook format for only $0.99! 

Don’t miss this wonderful story at a wonderful price!  Download your Kindle copy or Nook copy today!!

 

Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not by Miralee Ferrell

Synopsis:

Can a Lost Love be Redeemed?

Baker City, Oregon, 1881

Seven years ago, Julia McKenzie rejected the man she loved, wanting to experience more of life. Now, at the age of twenty-four, she regrets that decision. What will Seth think of her, when they encounter one another hundreds of miles from home? Will the man she cared for understand the direction her life has taken and love her in spite of her choices?

Pastor Seth Russell has never completely forgotten the girl he once courted. When she shows up in his new home of Baker City, all those feelings return. But why is she sneaking around town late at night? Even more important, will she reject him and break his heart again, or can God heal the breach between them?

Thoughts:

Forget Me Not is a story that is as beautiful and unique as its namesake! This heartfelt novella is a wonderful addition to the Love Blossoms in Oregon series. While any of the books in the series can stand alone, I encourage you to read them in order. In doing so, you will come to know the residents of Baker City, Oregon, and understand their stories.

Miralee Ferrell is a master storyteller and has once again penned an exceptional story. I loved the endearing characters and their spiritual and emotional journeys! I was also touched by the themes of compassion and forgiveness, expressed so eloquently in this novella. One of my favorite quotes is, “Forgiving isn’t saying what they did is right, it’s simply letting go of the past and choosing to walk toward God’s light and love, instead of toward darkness.”

Inspiring words of wisdom and faith, woven together in this tender love story, make Forget Me Not a must read!

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Author Interview and GIVEAWAY with Vannetta Chapman

11 Apr
I am so excited to share this interview, along with the opportunity to win a copy of Murder Simply Brewed!  I shared my thoughts of Murder Simply Brewed on Wednesday’s post. 
 

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Welcome, Vannetta Chapman!

 

Murder Simply Brewed is set in an Amish Artisan Village.  What inspired this unique setting?

When I visited Middlebury for research, I stayed at the Essenhaus. It’s a lovely setting, and the “village” includes an inn, restaurant, bakery and several shops. The manager allowed me to interview him, and the rest — well, it went together easily.

You can visit them online at http://www.essenhaus.com/index.php

In Murder Simply Brewed, which character most interested you while you were writing?  Why?

I could relate to both Hannah and Amber. Hannah is young and impressionable and full of life and energy. She’s a sweet girl. She’s also very bright. So many experiences are ahead of her (falling in love, marrying, starting a family) and she’s eagerly anticipating them all. It’s a time of life that I think we can all look back on and remember fondly. Hannah is older, and while she’s very happy in her work her love life is non-existent. In fact, she doesn’t even have very many friends because she’s so busy. THAT too is something most of us can relate to. I loved putting these two women together.

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Did you encounter any surprises while you were writing Murder Simply Brewed?

Yes! One character, Preston, did NOT act like he was supposed to. I had envisioned him as this quasi dangerous, homeless man. He became one of my favorite characters.

 

Just for fun, please share 3 random facts we might not know about you.

  • I’m afraid of tall bridges (the kind you drive on that go way up high in the sky).
  • I have a new shelter dog named Phoebe. She’s a yellow lab and I adore her.
  • I live in a small town of 6,000.

What can we look forward to next in the Amish Village Mystery series? 

 Murder Tightly Knit  It is a fun, fun story and once again Hannah and Amber are called on to solve a mystery. This time, the federal government is involved. Oh my! But God’s grace is evident throughout as my characters learn that no problem or danger or incident is too big for God to use to his glory.
 
 

Thank you so much, Vannetta, for taking the time to answer these questions!

Thanks for having me! I’m happy to give away a copy of Murder Simply Brewed to one commenter with a U.S. address.  Since this book takes place in a coffee shop, how about we share our favorite summertime drink? 🙂

GIVEAWAY!

To enter, please leave a comment and answer Vannetta’s question, “What is your favorite summertime drink?”  Don’t forget to include your email address!

 

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.

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends Tuesday, April 15 at midnight CST.  The winner will be drawn and announced on April 16.  Good luck!!

 

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Murder Simply Brewed

9 Apr

 

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Murder Simply Brewed by Vannetta Chapman

Synopsis:

Spring has arrived in Middlebury, Indiana, and Amber Wright is optimistic about the growing profit from her collection of Amish shops—until she receives a call that Ethan Gray is dead. Hurrying over to A Simple Blend, she finds a solitary hole in the front window and the store manager lying next to the espresso machine, dead from an apparent heart attack. All the money is still in his register.

When Amber hires a young Amish woman, Hannah Troyer, to take over the shop’s duties, the two women become fast friends—as well as amateur sleuths. The police believe Gray’s death is a by-product of vandalism, but Amber and Hannah aren’t convinced.

Clues that don’t add up, a neighbor who is pulled into the midst of the investigation, a town with secrets to hide, and a blossoming romance—all will combine to push Amber and Hannah into unfamiliar roles in order to reveal answers to the mysteries around them.

Thoughts:

Once again, Vannetta Chapman has created a delicious blend of mystery, friendship, and romance!

Murder Simply Brewed is an engaging and entertaining tale!  The murder mystery and acts of vandalism kept me guessing and left me anxious to discover the culprit.  I was delighted by the special friendship that developed between Amber and Hannah and adored the romance that blossomed for each of these characters.  My favorite quote from the book is, “One can never guess who will or won’t become important in their life.”

In addition to the great story, I also enjoyed the glossary of Amish terms and the map of the Amish Artisan Village that were included in the front of the book. While Vannetta’s imagery is vivid, this pictorial reference of the village is an added pleasure!

I enjoyed this cozy mystery and am eager to discover what will happen next in the Amish Artisan Village!

To order your copy of Murder Simply Brewed, please visit:

http://vannettachapman.com/books/murder-simply-brewed/

Biography:

vcVannetta 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.

For more information, visit www.VannettaChapman.com.

Please join me again Friday for a fun interview with Vannetta and a chance to win a copy of Murder Simply Brewed! 

 

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

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It Had To Be You, plus a $100 Visa Giveaway

27 Mar

 

It Had to be You

It Had to be You by Susan May Warren

Blog tour information and schedule:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/swarren

Synopsis:

Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.

Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

Learn more and purchase a copy at Susan’s website.

Thoughts:

Susan May Warren is a master storyteller and has penned another fantastic story in It Had to be You!

One of my favorite things about a book series is the opportunity to really get to know the characters and become invested in their stories.  I fell in love with the Christiansen family in the first book, Take a Chance on Me, and adore them even more after reading It Had to be You.

John and Ingrid Christiansen are the parents of this Deep Haven, MN family.  Their beautiful love story is told in the prequel novella, I Really Do Miss Your Smile, which is included in the back of this book.  I loved reading “the love story that started it all”!

Each Christiansen Family novel tells the story of one of John and Ingrid’s children.  It Had to be You is Eden’s story and it opens, as each series novel does, with a letter to Eden from her mother.  One quote from this emotional letter is, “You see your value only in what you bring to your siblings, your friends, your world, instead of believing in the remarkable woman you are, in the person God created.”

It Had to be You is the story of Eden’s journey to discovering the person God created her to be.  Set amidst the exciting sport of hockey, this story is full of emotion, spiritual wisdom, and tender romance.  I loved the endearing characters and the personal growth they experienced.  Several storylines were woven through this novel, adding to its complexity and making it even richer.  There were times my heart ached while I was reading and other times when it rejoiced. 

I love the way Susan May Warren brings her characters to life and can’t wait to spend more time with the Christiansen family! 

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

Biography:

Susan May WarrenSusan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more.

Learn more about Susan at: http://www.susanmaywarren.com

Giveaway:

Susan May Warren is celebrating the release of her newest Christiansen Family novel, It Had To Be You, with a $100 Visa cash card giveaway and offering readers a free book club kit.

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One winner will receive:

  • $100 Visa cash card
  • Take a Chance on Me and It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 29th. Winner will be announced April 1st on Susan’s blog. Also, visit her website to learn more about the It Had To Be You backstory and Susan’s free book club kit.

Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Susan’s blog on April 1st to see if you won.

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