Tag Archives: Buzzing About Books

Review: Waiting for Morning

25 Aug

Waiting for Morning

Waiting for Morning by Karen Kingsbury

As Hannah Ryan waits for her family to return home from a camping trip, she realizes she has everything going for her—a husband other women admire, two charming teenage daughters, and a loving Christian home. As the sunny afternoon turns into twilight, her uneasiness grows along with the shadows. Then a car pulls into Hannah’s driveway, bringing two police officers…and devastating news that shatters her life forever.

In the days that follow, Hannah struggles with unspeakable feelings of sorrow and rage—feelings that fuse into one chilling purpose for living: revenge against Brian Wesley, the drunk driver who has caused all her pain.

In her fury, Hannah shuts the Lord out of her life. She’s determined not to forgive Wesley or the God who allowed this tragedy to happen. Can two caring people help Hannah rediscover her faith…before bitterness destroys her?

My thoughts:

“I’m afraid there’s been a car accident…”

Waiting for Morning is such an emotional story! Hannah Ryan’s life is irrevocably changed when she receives news that her family has been involved in a car accident. Letting hate and vengeance replace her faith, seeking revenge becomes Hannah’s singular mission.

This is such a heartbreaking story and one so many people have lived. My heart aches for all those who have suffered such tragedy! I thought the author did a tremendous job portraying each of the characters and their spiritual and emotional states. The theme of forgiveness is woven through the narrative, and I appreciated the scriptural references. Each chapter begins with a verse from Lamentations that offers a precursor to the events that are unfolding.

Waiting for Morning is a dramatic story and the first book in the Forever Faithful series. I enjoyed this story and look forward to continuing the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Blogging for Books in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Karen Kingsbury

KAREN KINGSBURY is a USA Today and New York Times best-selling author, with nearly twenty million books in print. Dubbed the “Queen of Christian Fiction” by Time magazine, Karen has written more than forty Life-Changing Drama, which encompasses the Redemption, Firstborn, and Sunrise series, as well as stand-alone novels such as Like Dandelion Dust, When Joy Came to Stay, and This Side of Heaven. Karen and her husband, Don, live in the Pacific Northwest and are parents to six children, including three adopted from Haiti.

To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.  

Tags: , , , , , ,

Free E-book- Sins of the Mothers

24 Aug

Sins of the Mothers

Sins of the Mothers by Caryl McAdoo

Now through Thursday, August 27, Sins of the Mothers is FREE in Kindle format. 

Propelled by blind love, Mary Rachel Buckmeyer defies her father to elope with Caleb Wheeler. The newlyweds run off to California then partner with his cousin in his dry goods business.

Unbeknownst to the young bride, her new husband sends his kissing cousin ahead. He wants his love and his new wife’s money, too. Betrayal and murder drive Mary, soon a young mother, to the depths of despair. But she hates the man who loves her enough to cover her sins and deliver her out of the horrible pit she’s dug for herself in. Or does she?

Mary Rachel travels from frontier Texas to the raw bone boomtown of 1850’s San Francisco gold rush days, then all the way to genteel New York to find redemption for the sins of her mothers.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Friday Freebie

21 Aug

The Art of Falling

The Art of Falling by Julie Jarnagin

FREE: Kindle | Nook

Heather Tornsten needs a man…a celebrity, more specifically, for a fundraising gala for the Dallas art museum, where she works. And what better headliner than bull rider Wyatt Lawrence? Although why people idolize grown men who make their living falling off animals, she’ll never understand.

When his mom was diagnosed with cancer, Wyatt determined to focus on doing what she wants—like visiting some art museum. But when his mom teams up with Heather Tornsten to get him involved in a fundraiser, he knows he’s been set up. The more involved he gets with the pretty events coordinator, the more he realizes falling off a bull is far safer. Because falling for Heather–who has made it clear that she won’t risk her heart on any man who courts danger–might break a whole lot more than his bones.

My thoughts:

The Art of Falling is an adorable novella! This was my first Julie Jarnigan read, but it certainly won’t be my last. I really enjoyed the humor and heart of this touching story, as well as its delightful characters.

Wyatt Lawrence and Heather Tornsten are complete opposites and their conflict and chemistry is such fun to read. I enjoyed The Art of Falling and am eager to read the next book in the Taste of Texas series! 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Review: Irish Meadows | Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat

20 Aug

Irish Meadows

Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Mi7dDS

Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he’s put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry—as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans.

As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O’Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. 
Mason2

My thoughts:

Irish Meadows is a lovely story! The O’Leary family is governed by patriarch James O’Leary who expects his daughters to marry well and help secure the family’s future. When complications arise, will sisters Brianna and Colleen have the courage to pursue their dreams?

I loved the complexity of this family! There are so many personalities at work and the author does a great job of bringing the characters and their stories to life. I was pleasantly surprised to find not one, but two romantic threads woven through this story, and I delighted in them both.

Beautifully written with imagery and emotion, Susan Anne Mason swept me into her story world. Irish Meadows is a wonderful debut novel, and I can’t wait to read more from this talented author!

I received a complimentary copy of Irish Meadows through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

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

 

irishmeadows-400

Join Susan in celebrating the release of Irish Meadows by entering to win her Kindle Fire giveaway and RSVPing to her September 1st author chat party!

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A Kindle Fire HD 6
  • One copy of Irish Meadows

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/1. The winner will be announced at the Irish Meadows Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Susan and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

irishmeadows-enterbanner

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!

 

Susan Anne Mason

Susan Anne Mason’s debut historical novel, Irish Meadows, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. A member of ACFW, as well, she lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children.

Find Susan online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

$0.99 Sale- Christmas Traditions

19 Aug

 Did you know there are only 127 days until Christmas?  

While I’m not quite ready to think about Christmas yet, I do want to share this collection of holiday stories.  Whether you’re treating yourself or stuffing cyber stockings, the Christmas Traditions collection is a great gift at a great price! 

Christmas Traditions

Christmas Traditions (Christmas Romance short stories)

Purchase a copy:  http://amzn.to/1LjQs9Z

Eight heartwarming novellas of Christmas’s gone by where the true meaning of the season warms your heart and love flows as fast as apple cider. Grab your favorite drink, no matter the temperature outside, curl up in a cozy chair and lose yourself in holiday romance.

My thoughts:

Each of these gifted authors brings their heartwarming story to life with endearing characters and an engaging story line!  At the time I read these stories individually, Angela Breidenbach’s novella was not available.  However, I have since purchased the collection and plan to enjoy Eleven Pipers Piping soon.    

Nutcracker Christmas– Jennifer AlLee has written a beautiful story that will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. Isabella Brandt is a lovely character and I loved reading her story!

An Apple for Christmas– An Apple for Christmas is a wonderful novella! Darlene Franklin has penned a story as sweet and delicious as the apples she has written about.

Christmas Lessons– Patty Smith Hall tugged at my heartstrings in this Christmas novella. I loved Claire Davenport and Billy Warner and their rekindled romance.

Handcarved Christmas– Handcarved Christmas is a beautiful tale, brimming with love! Cynthia Hickey deftly expresses the emotions of her characters when an unexpected gift becomes a great blessing.

The Fruitcake Challenge– 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.

Sadie’s Gift– Niki Turner shares her gift of writing in this inspiring novella. From heart-wrenching to heartwarming, Sadie’s Gift is a wonderful Christmas story you don’t want to miss!

Holly Daze– Holly Daze is a wonderful story! I love Gina Welborn’s writing and was delighted by her charming, holiday novella!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Review: A Heart’s Home | Conversations with Colleen Giveaway

18 Aug

A Heart's Home

A Heart’s Home by Colleen Coble

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Iyr7Im

Emmie’s hope for a life with Isaac is overshadowed by a tragic loss at Fort Phil Kearny.

Isaac Liddle is keen to marry Emmie, and she knows she shouldn’t hide her pregnancy from him any longer. But before she can tell him her secret, a widower friend asks the impossible of Emmie: Will she honor her promise to his dead wife by marrying him to care for the orphaned baby?

With the Sioux Wars threatening outside the fort, Emmie’s solemn vow threatens her happiness from within. Will she honor a promise sure to break her heart—and Isaac’s? Or is there another way to find a home for her heart?

 

My thoughts:

A Heart’s Home is an emotional conclusion of the Journey of the Heart serialization.   Secrets and surprises in the last installment set the stage for this dramatic ending and Emmie and Isaac’s story tugged at my heartstrings!  

As I read this serialization, my love for the characters grew through each of the stories.  My breath caught each time danger threatened; my heart ached when tragedy befell and rejoiced when happiness was found. Colleen Coble is a wonderful storyteller and I enjoyed this beautiful journey of the heart!

The Journey of the Heart serialization begins with A Heart’s Disguise and includes six installments. This is certainly a series that needs to be read in order!  These stories are Colleen’s early works, originally published in two books, Where Leads the Heart and Plains of Promise.

A complimentary copy of A Heart’s Home was provided to me through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and share my thoughts.

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

 

Colleen is celebrating the final book release of her A Journey of the Heart series by giving away the entire series and the chance to host Colleen virtually at your book club, local library, or women’s group to talk about the series.

heartshome-400

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • Books 1–6 of A Journey of the Heart series
  • A chat with Colleen via Skype or Google Hangout
  • A custom book-club kit PDF, featuring Colleen’s favorite recipes and group discussion questions

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 31st. Winner will be announced September 1st on Colleen’s website.

heartshome-enterbanner

 

Colleen Coble

 

Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble’s addictive brand of romantic suspense.

Find Colleen online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Friday Freebies

14 Aug

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

 

When Mockingbirds Sing

When Mockingbirds Sing by Billy Coffey

Kindle | Nook

Leah is a child from Away, isolated from her peers because of her stutter. But then she begins painting scenes that are epic in scope, brilliant in detail, and suffused with rich, prophetic imagery. When the event foreshadowed in the first painting dramatically comes true, the town of Mattingly takes notice.

Leah attributes her ability to foretell the future to an invisible friend she calls the Rainbow Man. Some of the townsfolk are enchanted with her. Others fear her. But there is one thing they all agree on—there is no such thing as the Rainbow Man.

Her father, the town psychologist, is falling apart over his inability to heal his daughter . . . or fix his marriage. And the town minister is unraveled by the notion that a mere child with no formal training may be hearing from God more clearly than he does.

While the town bickers over what to do with this strange child, the content of Leah’s paintings grows darker. Still, Leah insists that the Rainbow Man’s heart is pure. But then a dramatic and tragic turn of events leaves the town reeling and places everyone’s lives in danger. Now the people of Mattingly face a single choice:

Will they cling to what they know . . . or embrace the things Leah believes in that cannot be seen?

 

Leaving Lancaster

Leaving Lancaster by Kate Lloyd

Kindle | Nook

More than anything else, thirty-something Holly Fisher longs for family. Growing up in Seattle without a dad or grandparents, she wonders what it would be like to have a heritage, a place of belonging. Holly is furious when her mother, Esther, reveals a long-kept secret: Holly’s grandmother and uncles are still alive and begging Esther to return. And Holly is shocked when she learns that the family she’s never known lives on a Lancaster, Pennsylvania, farm—as part of an Amish community her mother once abandoned.
Guilt-ridden Esther, terrified to see her mother and siblings, begs Holly to accompany her on a visit to Esther’s mother before she dies. But can their journey to a conflicting world heal their emotional wounds and finally bring them home?

 

Seek and Hide

Seek and Hide by Amanda G. Stevens

Kindle | Nook

Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment–including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent.

Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she’s targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she’d never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help.

When Aubrey and Marcus’s lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus’s life in a way he’d never expect, turning a loner into a leader.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Review: Through Waters Deep | Anchors Aweigh Giveaway

12 Aug

Through Waters Deep

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

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

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war.

Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges—and dangers—await them.

 

My thoughts:

“We have to hoist our sails. We have to let the Lord fill them. Then we have to resist the current if necessary to stay the course. Then we can fly with the wind.”

Through Waters Deep is an engaging tale of action and adventure, mystery, and romance! Set during the months prior to the US entering World War II, the story begins slowly and gains momentum as mysterious events occur and tensions rise.

Mary Stirling is a delightful character, efficiently handling her secretarial duties and eager to play amateur sleuth. Jim Avery is a charming naval officer, dedicated to always doing his best, but happy to go where the wind takes him. I appreciated the authenticity of these characters and their vulnerabilities and really enjoyed their personal growth and rekindled relationship.

Sundin’s extensive research and attention to detail is evident as she describes life in and around Boston and the Navy Yard. The time and setting are masterfully conveyed, and I loved the descriptions and dialogue. I also enjoyed the historical details that were included; they allowed me to gain a greater knowledge and understanding of what was happening during this tumultuous time in history.

Weaving spiritual lessons through this historical romance, Sarah Sundin has penned a novel that will encourage, educate, and entertain!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

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

 

Join Sarah in celebrating the release of Through Waters Deep by entering to win an Anchors Aweigh prize pack!

twd-400
One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A copy of Through Waters Deep
  • A nautical tote bag
  • A set of compass rose notecards
  • A “Hope Anchors the Soul” journal
  • A Boston Tea Party earl grey tea set
  • A Through Waters Deep apron
  • A set of nautical tea towels
twd-collage
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. The winner will be announced August 25th on Sarah’s blog.
twd-enterbanner

 

Sarah Sundin
Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, In Perfect Time, and the Wings of Glory series. In 2014, On Distant Shores was a finalist for the Golden Scroll Awards from both AWSA and the Christian Authors Network. In 2011, Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.
Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Sunday Psalm Contest

11 Aug

Hi, dear readers!  Anne Mateer, a wonderful historical fiction author, shares a lovely Sunday Psalm each week on her blog and Facebook page.  She recently offered a “newsletter subscriber only” contest in which participants were asked to create a Sunday Psalm graphic.  I chose to create a graphic using Psalm 51:10.   

If you would like to vote for my graphic, visit this post on Anne’s Facebook page and click Like below my graphic.  Thanks so much!

Psalm 51

Tags: , ,

Review: The Potter’s Lady

10 Aug

The Potter's Lady

The Potter’s Lady by Judith Miller

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

When Rose McKay convinces her brother, Ewan, to invest in a pottery business, she’s determined to assist him in making the venture a success. Having just graduated from the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, she believes she can design pieces that will sell well. In her efforts to help the pottery flourish, Rose reconnects with Joshua Harkness, who oversees his own family’s pottery works in a nearby town.

Rylan Campbell has never liked change, but the new owners of the pottery seem to be the decent sort. He just wishes Rose wouldn’t insist on cleaning and moving everything. But when McKay Pottery starts losing business to the Harkness company, Rylan realizes Joshua might be taking advantage of Rose.

Then Franklin Hotels announces a design contest. Winning the Franklin contract would be exactly the boost McKay Pottery needs, so Rose and Rylan work closely together to create something magnificent. With Joshua’s company as their main competition, can Rylan convince Rose her trust in Joshua may be misplaced?

 

My thoughts: 

With great attention to historical details, Judith Miller ushers readers back to 1872. I really enjoyed the vivid imagery of the pottery works and design process. I also enjoyed the wonderful characterization. There were heroes and heroines to delight in and villains to detest. While some aspects of the plot were easily anticipated, the charm of the main characters allowed me to remain engaged in the story. A historical tale with a subtle romance, The Potter’s Lady is a recommended read for historical fiction fans.

I enjoyed The Potter’s Lady without having read Book 1, The Brickmaker’s Bride. It was apparent that family and business history was shared in the first book. Although plenty of details were included in this narrative, I believe reading The Brickmaker’s Bride first would have enhanced the reading of The Potter’s Lady.

I received a complimentary copy of The Potter’s Lady from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Judith Miller

Although born and reared in a small suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Judy moved to Kansas at the age of seventeen and has considered the sunflower state ‘home’ ever since. She currently lives in Topeka. She enjoys reading, traveling, researching history, and Bible study.

Writing Christian fiction is Judy’s second career. For many years she worked as a legal assistant in law firms and later worked in government law offices. She has retired from legal work in order to write fulltime —a vocation she considers both a ministry and a blessing.

Judy has authored or co-authored more than twenty-five books since she began writing in 1996. She is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, several of which have placed in the CBA and ECPA top ten lists. It is her deep desire to point readers to the love and grace of Jesus.

To learn more about Judy and her books, please visit her website.    

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →