Tag Archives: Buzzing About Books

Review: Refining Fire

14 Jul

Refining Fire

Refining Fire by Tracie Peterson

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

Militine Scott, twenty-two, is in training at the Madison School for Brides in Seattle, Washington. Though she has no intention of pursuing marriage–believing no man will have her–she has found the school provides the perfect opportunity to hide her unsavory past.

Thane Patton, though fun loving and fiercely loyal to his friends, hides a dark secret, as well. He finds himself drawn to Militine, sensing a haunting pain similar to his own.

Will they finally allow God to make something new and beautiful from the debris of the past?

 

My thoughts:

Refining Fire is an engaging story rich in history! Although it is the second book in the Brides of Seattle series, I believe this story easily stands on its own. I have not read the first book, Steadfast Heart, and had no trouble following the story line.

Tracie Peterson’s love of research is evident in her stories, and the imagery and details she included in Refining Fire allowed me to envision the setting and the events that transpired during this time. I really enjoyed the historical aspects of the story, as well as the spiritual messages that were included. I also enjoyed visiting the Madison School for Brides and getting to know the well-crafted characters and experiencing their stories. With elements of drama and intrigue, Refining Fire is an enjoyable historical romance. I look forward to continuing the series in the next book, Love Everlasting.

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

 

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Visit Tracie’s web site at: http://www.traciepeterson.com

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Review: Letters from My Father’s Murderer | Kindle Fire Giveaway

13 Jul

Letters from My Father's Murderer

Letters from My Father’s Murderer by Laurie A. Coombs

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1g6sd4H

When her father was murdered, Laurie Coombs sought justice and found it.

His murderer now serves two life sentences with no possibility of parole. Yet, despite the swift punishment of the killer, Laurie found herself increasingly full of pain, bitterness, and anger she couldn’t control. After coming to faith, she realized she was being called to seek something infinitely more difficult than justice: forgiveness.

Using her incredible correspondence with the man who killed her father, Laurie reveals a compelling journey of transformation, not only in her life, but in the lives of those whom many would call irredeemable.

My thoughts:

“Now, I know my story is not an easy one to embrace, but I believe it has the power to transform lives.” ~ Laurie Coombs

Letters from My Father’s Murderer is a powerful story! Laurie Coombs writes with openness and honesty as she shares her journey of healing and forgiveness after her father’s murder. I was captivated by Laurie’s emotional story and touched by her candidness. Poignant and thought-provoking, Laurie’s story lingered in my mind long after the last page had been turned.  Letters from My Father’s Murderer truly is “an extraordinary true story of grace, mercy, and the redemptive power of God to change lives.”

I received a complimentary copy of Letters from My Father’s Murderer 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/lcoombs

 

Laurie Coombs

Laurie A. Coombs is a passionate writer and speaker on the issues of forgiveness, redemption, and the hope that is found in Jesus. Her story was featured in Billy Graham’s new film, Heaven. She is a featured writer and blogger for iBelieve and Crosswalk. Laurie and her husband, Travis, make their home in Nevada along with their two daughters.

Find Laurie online: website, Twitter, Facebook

 

Can God heal the deepest wounds and redeem what seems unredeemable? Laurie Coombs experiences God’s transforming and redemptive power in her new book, Letters from My Father’s Murderer.  Join Laurie in celebrating the release of Letters from My Father’s Murderer by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6
  • A copy of Letters from My Father’s Murderer

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 20th. The winner will be announced July 21st on Laurie’s site.

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Friday Freebies

10 Jul

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

 

The VowThe Vow by Jody Hedlund

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

In this e-book historical romance novella by Jody Hedlund, young Rosemarie finds herself drawn to Thomas, the son of the nearby baron. But just as her feelings begin to grow, a man carrying the Plague interrupts their hunting party. While in forced isolation, Rosemarie begins to contemplate her future—could it include Thomas? Could he be the perfect man to one day rule beside her and oversee her parents’ lands?

Then Rosemarie is summoned back to her castle in haste. The disease has spread, and her family is threatened. And the secret she discovers when she returns could change her future forever.

This novella also serves as a prequel to Jody Hedlund’s An Uncertain Choice.

 

Secretly Yours

Secretly Yours by Valerie Comer

Amazon

Chef Lindsey Solberg agrees to cater the church’s Valentine’s Day fundraising banquet as a favor to her teen sister, but she’s shocked to discover the bad boy from her high school days is now Riverbend’s youth pastor. Seriously? How could he have changed that much? Nick Harrison has prayed for years for an opportunity to make amends. Now Lindsey’s back in Riverbend and won’t give him the time of day. What’s a guy to do except leave a trail of gifts from a secret admirer?

Lindsey’s heart takes a beating when she realizes the boy who was never good enough is now a far better man than she deserves.

 

Good Enough for a Princess

Good Enough for a Princess by Carol Moncado

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Crown Princess Adeline of Montevaro has her life planned out for her: get her Master’s in international relations, marry nobility, produce an heir, inherit the throne. There’s no room for romance with the single father she meets when their cars collide on an icy winter night. Parliament – and her father – would never approve.

Charlie Brewer grew up without roots. The son of an archaeologist father and anthropologist mother, he either traveled along or lived with his aunt and uncle in the States. He’s determined to give his daughter the stability he never had. He also wants to give her a mom, but the beautiful European he’s falling for refuses to move to Serenity Landing, Missouri permanently.

He won’t move. She can’t stay. What will happen when they try to forget each other by dating someone “acceptable”? They find themselves drawn together by one of the girls in the after school program Addie supports – a girl who happens to be Charlie’s daughter. How will Charlie, and his daughter, feel when they find out the woman they’ve both fallen for is a… princess?

A trip halfway around the world shows Charlie and Addie how much they long to be together – and how impossible it is. Is there any way he can prove he is Good Enough for a Princess?

 

Goodnight, God

Good night, God: Night Time Devotions to End Your Day God’s Way 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

There is a deep peace that can be found in the quiet of the night … resting from the demands of work, family, friends and pondering the activities of the day. It is a great time to share those cherished moments with the One who loves you most.

Good Night, God is a night time devotional that offers you a collection of inspiring scriptures, true-to-life stories, and encouraging reflections to help you draw near to the heart of God and experience His life-changing grace. As you turn your focus from the day’s events you will discover calm rest in God’s precious promises and enjoy refreshment in His unfailing presence.

 

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Review: Beyond the Ashes

9 Jul

Beyond the Ashes

Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1IGu1bg

Where better to rebuild and face one’s fears than in 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes?

Ruby Marshall, a young widow, is certain she’ll discover new purpose assisting her brother Robert with his cancer research, but she doesn’t anticipate finding new love.

Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty home with family, but he’d always hoped it would be a wife and children. In the aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with extended family and friends left homeless by the disaster. When Robert’s widowed sister arrives, the close quarters seem close indeed.

Ruby and Gerald s fledgling romance is put at risk when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease they’re striving to cure. Together they must ask is it worth a second chance at love when time might be short?

My thoughts:

The beauty of Beyond the Ashes extends well beyond its lovely cover! I loved this dramatic, emotional story and the spiritual messages that are woven through its tapestry.

Set in 1906 San Francisco, Karen Barnett transports readers to this historic city in the months following a devastating earthquake. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the city and its atmosphere as the community worked to rebuild and recover. I also enjoyed the medical details that were given regarding the research and procedures that were being used to fight cancer. This vivid imagery, coupled with excellent characterization, brought the story to life for me. Barnett deftly expresses the feelings and emotions of her characters, and I loved experiencing their journeys.

Beyond the Ashes is a captivating story, and I look forward to reading more of The Golden Gate Chronicles!

I received a complimentary copy of Beyond the Ashes 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/kbarnett

 

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Karen Barnett

Karen Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken.  Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs.

Find Karen online: website, Twitter, Facebook

 

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Review: The Nanny’s New Family

7 Jul

The Nanny's New Family

The Nanny’s New Family by Margaret Daley

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

Annie Knight has her work cut out for her as the McGregor family’s newest nanny. Dr. Ian McGregor means well, but the distracted single dad’s lost touch with his four kids. The new nanny brings much-needed calm to the chaos, including finding a service dog that could be a real lifesaver. And soon the good doctor’s making Annie’s heart respond in ways it hasn’t for years. But Annie’s cheery demeanor hides a heart-wrenching secret that’s as much a part of her as her carefully hidden scars. Annie doesn’t think she deserves happiness—but Ian and his kids will show the caretaker that with the love of family, everything’s possible.

 

My thoughts:

I love Margaret Daley’s Caring Canines series, and am always eager to read its latest installment. The Nanny’s New Family was certainly no exception; it is a wonderful story!

My heart ached for the McGregor family and the losses they had endured, so I was delighted when the family’s newest nanny helped calm their chaos and heal their hurts. Harboring physical and emotional scars of her own, Annie Knight soon learns the power of faith, family, and love. I loved the drama and emotion of this story, as well as the endearing characters. The Nanny’s New Family is a touching story that will warm your heart!

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

 

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 and her books, please visit her website, www.margaretdaley.com.

 

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Review: In Good Company

6 Jul

In Good Company

In Good Company by Jen Turano

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

After spending her childhood in an orphanage, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm tend to bring about situations that have employers looking askance at her methods. After her most recent dismissal, Millie is forced to return yet again to an employment agency.

Everett Mulberry has suddenly and quite unexpectedly found himself responsible for three children he’s never met. Attempting fatherhood while also pacifying the less-than-thrilled socialite he intends to marry is made even more complicated when the children scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.

At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance–with each other. Everett is wary of Millie’s penchant for disaster, and she’s not entirely keen on another snobby, grumpy employer, but they’re both out of options. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges and tries to stay one step ahead of them, Everett is more focused on achieving the coveted status of society’s upper echelons. As he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the children’s parents’ death, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?

 

My thoughts:

In Good Company is pure delight! With a writing voice all her own, Jen Turano has penned another imaginative tale that I believe is her best yet!

Millie Longfellow endeared herself to me in After a Fashion and I have been anxiously awaiting her story. This quirky character elicited non-stop smiles and laughter as I read In Good Company. I loved Millie’s creativity and charm as she dealt with her mischievous charges and her employer. Everett Mulberry was a bit obtuse and frustrating at times, especially with regard to the dreadful Caroline Dixon, but I enjoyed his transformation as the story progressed. Full of humor and heart, In Good Company is a must read! I adore Jen Turano and can’t wait for more of her fantastic stories!

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.

 

Jen TuranoJen Turano is the acclaimed author of The Ladies of Distinction Series, published through Bethany House publishers. Her second novel, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen by Booklist as a Top Ten Romance for 2013. Her fourth book, A Match of Wits, released in July, 2014, while a new series, A Class of Their Own, will begin hitting the shelves in early 2015. She is a member of ACFW and makes her home outside of Denver, Colorado with her husband and teenage son.

Author links:
Website | Facebook

 

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The winner is…

4 Jul

Winner- CFPagels

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Friday Freebies

3 Jul

Freebie Graphic- BuzzingAboutBooks.com

 

 

Texas Roads

Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Dani Davis just wants to find a place to call home. Miller’s Creek, Texas, with its country charm and quirky citizens seems like the perfect place to start over. Perfect, that is, except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town… Dani secretly finances renovations to downtown Miller’s Creek, but malicious rumors force her to choose between keeping her involvement a secret and the home for which she’s always longed. Then the discovery of an age-old secret propels her down a road she never expected to travel.

Steve Miller is determined to save his dying hometown. When vandalism jeopardizes the Miller’s Creek restoration project, he can’t help but suspect Dani, whose strange behavior has become fodder for local gossips. Will Steve and Dani be able to call a truce for a higher cause and in the process help Dani understand the true meaning of home?

 

Stuck in the Middle

Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Joan Sanderson’s life is stuck.

Her older sister, Allie, is starting a family, and her younger sister, Tori, has a budding career. Meanwhile, Joan is stuck at home with Mom and her aging grandmother. Not exactly a recipe for excitement–or romance.

When a hunky young doctor moves in next door, Joan sets out to catch his eye. But it won’t be easy. Pretty Tori flirts relentlessly, and Joan is sure that she can’t compete. But with a little help from God, Allie, and an enormous mutt with bad manners, Joan begins to find her way out of this rut and into the life she’s been hiding from.

Book 1 of the Sister-to-Sister series, Stuck in the Middle combines budding romance, soul searching, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry that is sure to make you smile.

 

The Widow of Larkspur Inn

The Widow of Larkspur Inn by Lawana Blackwell

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Julia Hollis’ opulent life in Victorian London crashes to pieces when her husband passes away. Worse, she is told by his bankers that he gambled away their fortune. Now, the family’s hope rests on The Larkspur, an old abandoned coaching inn in the quaint village of Gresham.

Driven by dread and her desire to provide for her children, Julia decides to turn the dilapidated inn into a lodging house. But can she–who was accustomed to servants attending to every need–do what needs to be done and cope when boarders begin arriving? And then an eligible new vicar moves into town…

 

To Love Anew

To Love Anew by Bonnie Leon

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

A heart-gripping journey toward forgiveness and love

Hannah Talbot has no one. Forced to leave the only home she’s ever known, she works for a cruel employer who brutally takes the one thing she has left–her dignity. When she is banished to an Australian prison, she is certain God has turned his back on her. How could he–or anyone else–ever love her again?

John Bradshaw is a successful businessman, but his untamed spirit wants more. Little does he know what he will have to endure to find the adventure he seeks. Betrayed by those closest to him, he loses everything, even his freedom. There is no returning now. His life is not his own.

Now aboard a ghastly prison ship, John and Hannah are about to cross paths. What will happen when two hearts filled with pain discover how to love anew? This first book in the Sydney Cove series will capture your heart.

 

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Review: Silver Spurs

1 Jul

Silver Spurs

Silver Spurs by Miralee Ferrell

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

Kate’s dream of owning a horse has finally happened. But now her best friend Tori has no money to buy a horse. So Kate comes up with a plan—she’ll raise money by boarding horses and hosting a show in her family’s barn.

It seems the perfect solution until Melissa, the girl who disses Kate and Tori at school, shows up to board her horse, determined to compete in their show and win the silver spurs. Will their plan be ruined—or does God have something better in store for them all?

 

My thoughts:

Silver Spurs, Book 2 in the Horses and Friends series, is a wonderful story! Not only is Silver Spurs engaging and entertaining, it also emphasizes strong Christian values.

I loved continuing the story of Kate and her best friend Tori! I really enjoy their friendship and their interactions with each other and the people around them. In this story, Kate and her friends learn a valuable lesson about offering kindness and friendship, even in difficult situations.

There are several bonus features in the back of the book that I think young readers will really enjoy. Discussion questions are included as “Secrets for Your Diary” and each one includes a note from Kate. A recipe for Colt’s favorite horse cookies is also included, followed by a note from the author. I really enjoyed Silver Spurs and look forward to more books in this great series!

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

 

Miralee Ferrell- headshot

Miralee Ferrell is the author of eleven popular novels, including the bestselling Blowing on Dandelions. She and her husband live on eleven acres along the Columbia River Gorge in Washington state, where she loves horseback riding on the wooded trails near her home. She also enjoys playing with her dogs, Lacey and Sophie. To learn more, visit Miralee’s website.

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Review: Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys

30 Jun

Laugh Out Loud cover

Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys by Rob Elliot

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

My thoughts:

Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys is sure to elicit smiles and laughs from the boys in your life!  Packed with jokes, riddles, and ready-to-finish doodles, this little book is full of fun.  As soon as I gave it to my oldest son, he began to read it out loud and the whole family shared in the laughs.  Here are his thoughts… 
 

Laugh out Loud“I thought this was a really good book!  The jokes were funny and the doodles were lots of fun, too.  Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys was quite entertaining!  Thank you for sending my mom this book for me to enjoy and review.”

 

We received a complimentary copy of Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. 

 

 About the book:
Rob Elliott’s Laugh-Out-Loud joke books have brought laughter to more than half a million households. His last book invited kids into the action as he teamed up with cartoonist Jonny Hawkins to create “Laugh-Out-Loud Doodles for Kids.” Now the dynamic duo is back with two brand-new books for boys and girls who love to draw and love to laugh! Packed with jokes that will keep boys and girls giggling for hours, and unfinished doodles for them to complete any way they want, these books keep little hands and minds busy. Perfect for road trips, lazy summer days, or anytime the kids say, “I’m bored!”

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