Tag Archives: Buzzing About Books

Review: A Heart’s Promise | Take It To The Beach Giveaway

27 Jul

A Heart's Promise

A Heart’s Promise by Colleen Coble 

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Gc4QeO

Emmie makes a promise to her friend that, if fulfilled, could mean the end to her dreams of a future with Isaac.

Emmie Croftner let Isaac Liddle go to avoid telling him about her past. But Isaac remains determined to win Emmie’s heart and hand. Though Emmie resolves to keep her heart in check, it hurts when she sees that another woman has set her bonnet for Isaac.

Then Emmie’s dear friend extracts a costly promise: if anything happens to her in childbirth, Emmie will marry her widower and raise the baby herself. And it seems Emmie may have to fulfill that promise. But can she live happily without Isaac?

 

My thoughts:

A Heart’s Promise is another compelling story in the Journey of Heart serialization! After meeting Emmie Croftner in A Heart’s Betrayal, I was eager to continue her story, as well as the stories of Rand and Sarah and Jacob and Amelia. Secrets and surprises in this fifth installment set the stage for a dramatic conclusion. I love the intrigue and romance of this serialization and am eager to read the final story, A Heart’s Home!

The Journey of the Heart serialization begins with A Heart’s Disguise and includes six installments that will release monthly from March through August. These stories were originally published in two books, Where Leads the Heart and Plains of Promise.

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

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

 

Will the promise Emmie makes to her friend mean the end to her dreams of a future with Isaac? Find out in book five, A Heart’s Promise, of Colleen Coble’s A Journey of the Heart series. 

Take a day off and head to the beach with a new giveaway from Colleen: Five books (Books One–Five in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series) and a beach bag to tote your new books in!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of A Heart’s Promise
  • A Lands’ End beach tote
  • A copy of A Heart’s Betrayal
  • A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
  • A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
  • A copy of A Heart’s Danger

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced August 3rd on Colleen’s website.

heartspromise-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

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Friday Freebies

24 Jul

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

Good Clean Murder

 

Good Clean Murder by Traci Tyne Hilton

Kindle | Nook

Bible school student Jane cleans houses to make ends meet. She’s getting by just fine — until she finds one of her customers murdered in his bed. A cozy Christian mystery!

 

 

 

RubyRuby by Lauraine Snelling

Kindle | Nook

Book 1 of Dakotah Treasures. Author Lauraine Snelling once again takes readers west to the untamed land of Dakota Territory, introducing new characters both unique and appealing. Ruby Torvald and her young sister, Opal, have received an inheritance from their long-lost father who left home years ago to seek his fortune in the Black Hills. When they leave their comfortable situation in Chicago and arrive at the mining town of Medora to claim their inheritance, the sisters discover that rather than the legacy of gold they expected, their father has left them a shocking bequest. Ruby’s bold determination in the face of scandal leads the reader on a journey both heartwarming and inspiring.

 

Chasing Amanda

Chasing Amanda by Robin Patchen

Kindle | Nook

After an unsettling run-in with two strangers, college student Amanda Prince struggles to know who to trust.

Mark Johnson is a marine about to ship out to Afghanistan. He’s not interested in romance and certainly doesn’t want a girlfriend at home waiting for him. But his military training has taught him to listen to his gut. And all his instincts scream that Amanda is in danger.

Can Amanda trust the enigmatic soldier? Can Mark protect the vulnerable young woman without engaging his heart?

 

 

More Than This

More Than This by Staci Stallings

Kindle

Liz Savoy has no plans to date anyone—least of all the dark handsome mystery man who sometimes inhabits the corner table at the coffee shop where she’s working to get through school. But plans change, sometimes in ways no one expected.

Jake McCoy is the next mega-millionaire author, or at least he would be if he could get the stories in his head down on the ether. With no good place to write, he resorts to dark corners in Wi-Fi hotspots, knowing no one in the world cares about him or his comings and goings one way or the other. However, there is one waitress at The Grind coffee shop with a cute smile and kind eyes who doesn’t seem to think he is as invisible as he likes to think he is. Can reality with her ever hope to match the fantasy world where his imagination has him living?

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Wishes Granted!

23 Jul

2 Year- Winners

Three names were selected using Random.org and each winner will receive a copy of the book she wished for.

Merry- Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth Vogt

Brandy- In Good Company by Jen Turano

Morgan- Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen

Thank you all so much for celebrating with me!  I had such fun reading your comments and book wishes!  I have another great giveaway planned for next month, so I hope you’ll join me again!

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Review: Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

23 Jul

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor- Buzzing About Books

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson

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

When Heather Toulson returns to her parents’ cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a sixty-year-old murder.

Libby, a free spirit who can’t be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver’s death.

Sixty years later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family’s cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She’s mourning her father’s passing but can’t let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family’s belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family’s history.

 

My thoughts:

“Set in a charming world of thatched cottages, lush gardens, and lovely summer evenings, this romantic and historical mystery brings to light the secrets and heartaches that have divided a family for generations.”

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is an atmospheric tale that sweeps the reader away to another time and place!  I was immediately captivated by the beauty of the setting and enchanted by the manor, cottage, and gardens. This multi-generational narrative boasts elements of drama, suspense, and romance and a compelling story line that kept me turning the pages. While I found the multiple points of view to be a bit cumbersome at times, I enjoyed the characters and their journeys.  Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is a unique story that won’t soon be forgotten!

I received a complimentary copy of Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor 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/mdobson

 

Melanie Dobson

Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of thirteen historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010. Melanie lives with her husband Jon and two daughters near Portland, Oregon.

Find Melanie online: website, Twitter, Facebook

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Review: Goodbye, Magnolia

21 Jul

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00064]

Goodbye, Magnolia by Krista Noorman

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Wedding photography is Maggie’s passion. The art of capturing a moment forever in time is magical to her, and she’s worked hard to become the best of the best. Week after week, she works with couples as they plan their happily ever afters, but she hasn’t been so lucky in love.

Behind the camera, it’s easy to hide from the pain and rejection of her past. The life she has made for herself is safe and predictable, until the owner of a rival photography studio sets up shop in her small town and comes to her with an unexpected proposal. Suddenly, everything she has worked so hard to build is threatened and her simple, controlled life is thrown into chaos.

As she travels the state of Michigan photographing weddings, she struggles to keep her business afloat and the wall around her heart intact. But along the way, she learns more about loyalty and love than she ever imagined.

 

My thoughts:

Goodbye, Magnolia is a heartwarming story that will leave a smile on your face! The story line is refreshing, engaging, and filled with endearing characters. I especially enjoyed the chemistry between Maggie and Simon; their banter was quite entertaining! Goodbye, Magnolia is light-hearted story, but it also shares a deeper inspirational message. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful tale and look forward to reading more from Krista Noorman!

I received a complimentary copy of Goodbye, Magnolia from the author in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Krista Noorman

KRISTA NOORMAN is the author of the young adult novel, The Truth About Drew, and the contemporary romance, Goodbye, Magnolia. Most of her life has been spent scribbling away in journals, honing her writing skills, while documenting her every day life. But it wasn’t until she took part in National Novel Writing Month in 2008, that she found her true calling and turned her pen (or rather her computer keyboard) to fiction.

Krista studied music education at Cornerstone University. After college, she turned to her love of photography and spent nearly a decade running her own wedding photography business. She is constantly inspired by books and movies, enjoys beautiful instagram feeds, and loves a great cup of coffee. Krista makes her home in a small town in western Michigan with her husband, Jacob, and their two children.

She writes about life, family, faith and whatever else comes to mind at bykrista.com.

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Review: The Innocent

20 Jul

The Innocent

The Innocent by Ann H. Gabhart

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

Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. The war ends without further word. Now penniless, in debt, and forced from her home, Carlyn seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, only to discover that they will not allow her to keep her beloved dog, an animal that has been her faithful companion since her husband went off to war. Sheriff Mitchell Brodie has pity on the lovely young woman and agrees to take the dog. Carlyn is just settling into life as a sister in the Shaker village when she receives a devastating letter confirming her worst fears. As she wrestles with whether to commit herself fully to the Shaker life, mysterious deaths begin to occur, and Carlyn comes under suspicion. Can Sheriff Mitchell help her expose the true culprit?

 

My thoughts:

The Innocent is a compelling story! I was immediately drawn to Carlyn Kearney and had such compassion for her and all she had endured. Carlyn’s canine companion was a beloved character in the story, as was Sheriff Mitchell Brodie. The intrigue of the plot kept me engrossed as I read and beckoned each time I set the book aside. Ann Gabhart is a gifted storyteller, and I loved the drama and romance of her latest tale!

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

 

Ann Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. She’s published over twenty-five books for both adults and young adults. Scent of Lilacs, her first inspirational novel, was chosen as a Top Ten Christian Fiction Book by Booklist magazine. Her first Shaker book, The Outsider, was a finalist for ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year and was a Top Pick by Romantic Times Book Review Magazine. Ann writes about Kentucky history and small town life.

Ann lives on a farm in Kentucky not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann loves hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dog, Oscar.

Learn more about Ann and her books at www.annhgabhart.com.

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Review: The Cactus Creek Challenge

18 Jul

 

The Cactus Creek Challenge- Cover

The Cactus Creek Challenge by Erica Vetsch

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

Anything he can do, I can do better. At least that was what Cassie Bucknell thought before she pinned on Ben Wilder’s badge and took to patrolling the streets of Cactus Creek, Texas. Cassie has been in love with Ben since primer school, but Ben treats her like a little sister. When they are picked to swap jobs for a month as part of the annual Cactus Creek Challenge in their Texas hometown, the schoolhouse is thrown into an uproar, the jail becomes a temporary bank vault, and Cassie and Ben square off in a battle of wills that becomes a battle for their hearts.

My thoughts:

Humor and hijinks abound in The Cactus Creek Challenge, as does romance! Erica Vetsch writes with a great voice for western fiction, and I was delighted by her imagery, details, and dialogue. I really enjoyed the unique story line and loved the challenge participants and their spirited determination to tackle the jobs they were given. I also enjoyed the other colorful residents of Cactus Creek and would love to revisit this Texas town. The Cactus Creek Challenge is an entertaining tale that is sure to tickle your funny bone!

 

The Legend of Obadiah Wilder

Also, don’t miss The Legend of Obadiah Wilder!  This short story prequel to The Cactus Creek Challenge is a great introduction to Cactus Creek and its residents!  

Plus, it’s FREE on Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

 

I received a complimentary copy of The Cactus Creek Challenge in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Erica Vetsch

Erica Vetsch is a transplanted Kansan now residing in Minnesota. She loves history and romance, and is blessed to be able to combine the two by writing historical romances. Whenever she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, she’s the company bookkeeper for the family lumber business, mother of two, wife to a man who is her total opposite and soul-mate, and avid museum patron.

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

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Friday Freebies

17 Jul

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

 

The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet

The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet by Stephanie Morrill

Amazon

Ellie Sweet is a lot of things—good girl, novelist, silent adorer of the new boy at school, Palmer. But when “outcast” gets added to the list, she decides it’s time to take reality into her own hands … and tweak it as needed.

In the pages of her book, she’s Lady Gabrielle, favorite of the medieval Italian court. Her once-friends are reduced to catty ladies-in-waiting, and the too-charming Palmer—who in real life never spares her a second word—gets to be nothing more than a rake wracked by unrequited love for her. She even has a perfect real-life villain in the brooding Chase, who hails from the wrong side of town.

But just when she’s getting along great in her fictional world, the real one throws her a few curves. With Chase pursuing her, Palmer wanting to date her—but in secret—and the details of her manuscript going public, Ellie suddenly receives more attention than she ever really wanted. And when her former-friends discover what she’s been writing, they’re determined to teach Ellie a lesson about the severe consequences of using her pen as her sword.

 

Kissed By A Cowboy

Kissed by A Cowboy by Lacy Williams

Amazon

Just shy of her thirtieth birthday, Haley Carston returns to Redbud Trails, Oklahoma, to care for her dying aunt. She thinks she’s ready for this homecoming. She’s spent years escaping her perpetual shyness and being Katie Michaels’ tag-along friend, but being back in her hometown brings back a lot of old memories, especially when she is faced with the cowboy she never forgot—Katie’s older brother, Maddox.

Twelve years ago, Maddox Michaels was supposed to be somebody. He had everything. A football scholarship. A Division I team scouting him. Maybe even a chance at the pros. Now, he’s a burned-out cowboy working day and night to stay ahead of his brother’s medical bills and keep their family farm from going bankrupt. And trying to be a father-figure for his niece, Olivia.

When Haley and Olivia start spending time together, Maddox can’t help remembering those dreams that died alongside his sister. Will being with Haley open his heart to new dreams?

 

Child of the Mist

Child of the Mist by Kathleen Morgan 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

In the harsh Scottish highlands of 1564, superstitions threaten a truce . . . a traitor plans his attack . . . and a new love is born.

An arranged betrothal was never the course Anne MacGregor imagined her life would take. Yet when her father explains that her cooperation is the only way to bring about the long-sought truce between feuding families, Anne has no other choice.

A simple ceremony pledging Anne’s hand in marriage after one year of commitment is the only seal to the promise of peace. But when the arrangement requires the reluctant Anne to follow Niall Campbell back to his home, she soon discovers that peace is not so easily achieved. Before they even arrive, rumors about her abound, and her safety is threatened. Meanwhile, Niall’s ascension as leader of his clan is in jeopardy, as a traitor works to bring about his downfall.

As Niall and Anne begin to see beyond each other’s defenses, love takes them by surprise. But will it be enough to defeat their foes? Or will the truce be broken, their lives forfeit, and war return to their beloved land?

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Review: To Capture Her Heart | Gift Card Giveaway

16 Jul

To Capture Her Heart

To Capture Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

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

 

In an uncertain time, Heather Flower faces a choice that will change her life forever.

It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montaukett tribe, is celebrating her wedding feast when a rival tribe attacks, killing the groom and kidnapping her. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is bound by her captors and left to die—until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren.

Still tender from her loss, Heather Flower begins to heal in the home of the Hortons, English friends of her people. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her longtime friendship with Ben Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice—stay true to her friend or follow her heart.

 

My thoughts:

With a beautiful title that promises a story of love and romance, To Capture Her Heart delivers that and more! Well-researched historical details bring this story to life, as do its many meaningful characters. I enjoyed the dramatic story line and the romances that develop as the story unfolds. Rebecca DeMarino has penned another compelling story in The Southold Chronicles!

While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the series in order. Reading Book 1, A Place in His Heart, allows the reader a better understanding of the characters, their history, and their journeys. I was fascinated to learn that the author’s own family history inspired this series and eagerly await the release of Book 3!

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

 Giveaway-graphic-300x300 - Copy

Join Rebecca in celebrating the release of To Capture Her Heart!  Click the graphic above to enter the giveaway!  

Grand Prize: $75.00 gift card of choice (Amazon, Target, iTunes or Google play) & signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart 
First Runner Up: $25.00 gift card to Barnes & Noble & signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart
Second Runner Up: Signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart

 

Demarino-291Rebecca DeMarino writes love, legends and lore as a historical romance author and lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She inherited her love of baking and gardening from her mother, a love of horses, reading and writing from her dad, and the wanderlust gene from both parents. Her travels have taken her from Alaska to Nebraska and Florida, from Long Island to England and Italy, and from Washington DC to Texas, California and Guam. But usually you can find her at home, enjoying her grandchildren and baking crisp little ginger cakes. From Publisher’s Weekly ~ DeMarino’s … strong suit is recreating history and relating it to readers.

Connect with Rebecca on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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Celebrating 2 Years of Blogging with a GIVEAWAY!

15 Jul

Today marks 2 years of blogging at Buzzing About Books!  I love reading and sharing great books and have enjoyed the wonderful connections I’ve made through this blog!  I look forward to sharing many more book reviews, interviews, sales, and giveaways! 

2 Year Anniversary- Buzzing About Books

Last year, I asked for your book wishes and loved making some of them come true, so we’re doing it again this year!  To enter the giveaway, leave a comment with the title and author of the book that is at the top of your wish list. Please select a book that is currently available or releasing this month.  Be sure to include your email address! 

Wishes

You may only comment with one book title. However, additional entries may be earned by doing the following:

◦Follow my blog or let me know you’re already a follower
◦Share this giveaway through Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest

Be sure and leave a comment letting me know what you have done to earn additional entries.

 This giveaway ends Wednesday, July 22 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.  Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over.  Winners will be selected by Random.org, notified by email, and announced on the blog. Winners will have one week to respond before a new winner is selected. Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest are in no way associated with this giveaway. Void where prohibited by law.

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