The Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt begins TODAY at noon (Mountain Time) and ends Sunday, November 6 at midnight (Mountain Time). You have all weekend to complete the hunt and enter for prizes along the way!
The first stop can be found here: http://bit.ly/2fFaJQH
Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund
A Novel of Love and Rebellion
Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping
She was a nun of noble birth. He, a heretic, a reformer…an outlaw of the Holy Roman Empire.
In the 16th century, nun Katharina von Bora’s fate fell no further than the Abbey. Until she read the writings of Martin Luther.
His sweeping Catholic church reformation—condemning a cloistered life and promoting the goodness of marriage—awakened her desire for everything she’d been forbidden. Including Martin Luther himself.
Despite the fact that the attraction and tension between them is undeniable, Luther holds fast to his convictions and remains isolated, refusing to risk anyone’s life but his own. And Katharina longs for love, but is strong-willed. She clings proudly to her class distinction, pining for nobility over the heart of a reformer. They couldn’t be more different.
But as the world comes tumbling down around them, and with Luther’s threatened life a constant strain, these unlikely allies forge an unexpected bond of understanding, support and love.
Together, they will alter the religious landscape forever.
Luther and Katharina is a riveting story!
Knowing very little about Martin Luther and the Reformation, I was fascinated by the history of this story. Jody Hedlund masterfully weaves facts and fiction, giving breath and life to the people and persecution of the sixteenth century. I enjoyed learning about Doctor Luther and was equally intrigued by Katharina von Bora and the life she lived. These two people endured so much during this tumultuous time, and Hedlund vividly portrays the atrocities, as well as the goodness they, and others, experienced.
Luther and Katharina is a memorable story and a highly recommended read for fans of historical fiction!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves history and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.
Contact Jody:
I hang out on Facebook here: Author Jody Hedlund
I also love to chat on Twitter: @JodyHedlund
My home base is at my website: jodyhedlund.com
Follow me on Pinterest: pinterest.com/jodyhedlund
I get personal on Instagram: instagram.com/JodyHedlund/
Or you’re welcome to email me at: jodyhedlund@jodyhedlund.com
The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1GcsGbS
Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.
Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed—until the day he’s shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.
When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success—but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn’t aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn’t Captain America—just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger’s sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there’s no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It’s 2015—and the world has become an unrecognizable place.
Katherine Mueller—crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle—offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he’s trying to flee?
My thoughts:
The Methuselah Project is an intriguing story! When Roger Greene’s plane is shot down over enemy territory, he is captured and held as a prisoner of war. However, Roger also becomes a Nazi science experiment, and his life is changed in ways he never could have imagined.
I love World War II fiction and enjoyed traveling back in time and meeting this special war hero. Barry’s attention to detail is tremendous and his knowledge of WWII history is evident in his storytelling. I am not usually a fan of sci-fi elements, but those contained in this story were well-written and very engaging. I really enjoyed the convergence of the story lines and reveled in its twists, turns, and surprises. Rick Barry has penned an imaginative tale, and I look forward to reading more!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Blog tour landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/rbarry
Rick Barry is the author of Gunner’s Run, another World War II novel, Kiriath’s Quest, and over 200 articles and fiction stories. In addition to being a World War II buff, he is the director of church planting ministries at BIEM, a Christian ministry operating in Eastern Europe. He holds a degree in foreign languages, speaks Russian, and has visited Europe more than fifty times. Rick lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.
A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears
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Silas Jonesey’s life in Salt Flatts, Kansas, has not followed the course he imagined. After his mail-order bride, Lucinda, abandoned him, it was an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices and sour moods. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true; his estranged wife has contacted him after ten years of silence to tell him of her whereabouts.
Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but after realizing she had been deceived about her intended groom she never went through with the marriage. Settling into life as a schoolteacher, she’s spent her spare time the past few years helping her student, Anthony, and his sick mother. When Lucinda passes away, Kate is ready to fulfill the woman’s wish that she take care of nine-year-old Anthony–until a man shows up in town asking about Lucinda and claiming he was married to the woman ten years ago.
Silas and Kate disagree over who should raise young Anthony, who has opinions of his own about his future. After being forced to come together for the good of Anthony, Silas and Kate begin to see another side to each other and the possibility of a united future despite all that stands between them. When Kate’s past comes to light, Silas’s feelings about women who abandon their grooms immediately throw the walls right back up between them. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony’s wounded souls bind them together as a family, or will past hurts and new resentments leave them lonely forever?
My thoughts:
A Bride at Last is a compelling historical romance! Silas, Kate, and Anthony each endure an emotional journey filled with twists, turns, and surprises. I enjoyed each of these unique characters and the tenuous threads that bound them together. I love the Unexpected Brides series and, as it concludes, I was pleased to revisit characters from earlier stories. Rich in drama and emotion, Melissa Jagears has penned another tale that will draw the reader into her story world!
A Bride at Last is the third full-length novel in the Unexpected Brides series. Each of the books in this series can be read independently. However, I have enjoyed each of the engaging tales and recommend them for fans of historical romance and mail-order bride 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 honest opinion.
Celebrate the release of A Bride at Last by entering to win a $100 Memory-Making giveaway and RSVPing to Melissa’s August 4th author chat party!
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/4. The winner will be announced at Melissa’s 8/4 A Bride at Last Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Melissa and fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!
Much to her introverted self’s delight, Melissa Jagears hardly needs to leave her home to be an elementary homeschool teacher, day-care provider, church financial secretary, and historical romance novelist. She doesn’t have to leave her house to be a housekeeper either, but she’s doubtful she meets the minimum qualifications to claim to be one in her official bio. Her passion is to help Christian believers mature in their faith and judge rightly.
Find her online at www.melissajagears.com, Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
Blessing by Lyn Cote
Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping
An impetuous love swept Blessing Brightman away from the Quaker community, into the highest ranks of Cincinnati society. But behind the glitter of ballroom and parlor, her spirit slowly eroded in an increasingly dangerous marriage. Widowed young, determined never to lose her independence again, Blessing reclaimed her faith and vowed to use her influence to fight for women’s rights and abolition.Gerard Ramsay, scion of a wealthy Boston family, arrives in Cincinnati hoping to escape his father’s clutches with a strategy that will gain him independence. His plan is soon complicated, however, by the enchanting widow. Never before has a woman spoken as if she’s his equal–or challenged him to consider the lives of others.In a city nearly ablaze with racial tensions quickly dividing the country, can two people worlds apart possibly find common ground?
My thoughts:
Blessing, Book 2 in the Quaker Brides series, is a captivating story!
Blessing Brightman is a woman who speaks her mind and is determined to fight for women’s rights and abolition. Gerard Ramsay is man eager to escape his father’s control. Both tenacious characters, I enjoyed getting to know Blessing and Gerard and experiencing their emotional and spiritual journeys.
Lyn Cote’s dramatic portrayal of historical events really brings this story to life. Delving deep into a tumultuous time in our nation’s history, Cote blends fact and fiction creating a compelling narrative. I loved Blessing’s story and am eager to meet Faith in the final book of the series!
While Blessing is a stand-alone story, it does revisit beloved characters from Book 1, Honor. Both of these novels, as well as the series prequel, Where Honor Began, are recommended reads for fans of historical fiction.
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.
In 1997, Lyn Cote’s first book, Never Alone, was chosen for the “new” Love Inspired romance line. Since then, Lyn has had over thirty-five novels published. In 2006 Lyn’s book, Chloe, was a finalist for the RITA, and her book Her Patchwork Family was a finalist for the Carol Award in 2010 and Her Healing Ways won in 2011. These are two of the highest awards in the romance genre.
Lyn’s brand “Strong Women, Brave Stories,” always includes three elements: a strong heroine who is a passionate participant in her times, authentic historical detail and a multicultural cast of characters. Lyn also features stories of strong women both from real life and true to life fiction on her blog http://BooksbyLynCote.com.
Backfire by Elizabeth Goddard
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Just as the tagline promises, love and danger collide in Elizabeth Goddard’s latest Mountain Cove release. While fans of the series will enjoy David Warren’s story, each of the Mountain Cove books can be enjoyed independently.
Backfire is an exciting story! Tracy Murray and David Warren are vulnerable characters who have been deeply affected by traumatic events. Both are struggling to overcome their pasts and must rely on each other to secure their future. I enjoyed these characters, as well as another special character, Solomon. I thought this search and rescue dog was a great addition to the story line. Dramatic and intriguing, I enjoyed this Alaskan adventure!
A complimentary copy of Backfire was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and offer my honest opinion.
About the book:
Tracy Murray had thought she’d be safe disappearing in the wilds of Alaska after her testimony put away a gang leader. But the gang symbol tattooed on an attacker’s arm means the clock has run out. She’s been found—and she knows the killers won’t let her escape alive again. She can’t fight an entire gang alone—she needs help. But when she finds herself relying on widowed firefighter David Warren, a new struggle emerges. Fleeing Alaska and cutting all ties could be the only way to survive…but it would mean leaving her heart behind.
Mountain Cove: In the Alaskan wilderness, love and danger collide
Elizabeth Goddard is an award-winning author of eighteen romance and romantic suspense novels, including the romantic mystery, The Camera Never Lies—winner of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011. After acquiring her computer science degree, she worked at a software firm before eventually retiring to raise her four children and become a professional writer. A member of several writing organizations, she judges numerous contests and mentors new writers. In addition to writing, she home schools her children and serves with her husband in ministry.
To learn more about Elizabeth and her books, visit her website at http://elizabethgoddard.com.
Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1eN4pC8
Hearts Made Whole is a captivating story! The superb imagery and characterization pulled me into the pages and swept me away to 1865 Michigan. I felt such compassion for the characters in this story! Ryan Chambers, who we met in Book 1, Love Unexpected, is a haunted hero. This war veteran has come to the Windmill Point Lighthouse to hide from his past and, instead, finds himself and his future. Caroline Taylor, the heroine, assumes the care of her family and the lighthouse after her father’s death and does so with strength and tenacity. In addition to the main characters, there are also several secondary characters who evoked strong emotions as I read.
I loved the historical details, spiritual themes, gripping suspense, and tender romance found in Hearts Made Whole. Jody Hedlund masterfully weaves these threads together, creating a most compelling story! I highly recommend Hearts Made Whole, as well as the other stories in the Beacons of Hope series. While each story stands alone, there is a special thread that runs through the series and is such a beautiful part of each story. As thoughts of this story linger, I anxiously await the release of Book 3, Undaunted Hope.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me through Litfuse Publicity. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and share my honest opinion.
Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/jhedlund
Celebrate the release of Hearts Made Whole by entering to win an Afternoon at the Beach prize pack and RSVPing to Jody’s June 23rd author chat party!
One second-place winner will receive:
One third-place winner will receive:
About the book:
Can she forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?
After her father’s death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren’t supposed to have such roles, so it’s only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper—even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.
Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He’s secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation—the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he’s unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope…and possibly love?
Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling historical fiction author. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.
Now and Forever by Mary Connealy
Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
A grizzly bear, sheep, and wolves! Oh my! I can always count on Mary Connealy to humor me with her stories, and she certainly delivered the laughs in Now and Forever. She also delivered drama, danger, and intrigue in this Wilde adventure.
I loved Shannon Wilde and Matt Tucker! Shannon is an independent woman who is determined to maintain her homestead and tend her sheep. Matt is a mountain man content to hunt and trap and live off the land. These two are entertaining characters and the fireworks between them are fun to behold!
Now and Forever is another delightful story in the Wild at Heart series. I love these feisty sisters and can’t wait to read Book 3, Fire and Ice!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Bethany House Blogger Reviewer program. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
About the book:
Saddle up for romance and adventure with the Wilde sisters!
Shannon Wilde is the middle sister–and the one who loves animals. She’s established her own homestead and is raising sheep for their wool. Things are going fine…until Shannon gets swept over a cliff by Matthew Tucker!
Tucker seizes every opportunity to get away from civilization, but one particular walk in the woods ends with him sprinting away from an angry grizzly and plunging into a raging river, accidentally taking Shannon Wilde with him. Their adventure in the wilderness results in the solitary mountain man finding himself hitched to a young woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for.
As Tucker and Shannon learn to live with each other, strange things begin to happen on Shannon’s land. Someone clearly wants to drive her off, but whoever it is apparently didn’t count on Tucker. Trying to scare Matthew Tucker just makes him mad–and trying to hurt the woman he’s falling in love with sets off something even he never expected.
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy…with cowboys.
http://www.maryconnealy.com
She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.
The Proposal at Siesta Key by Shelley Shepard Gray
Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1AvyvUr
A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.
Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.
But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.
Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.
But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael’s time in Pinecraft will be over and he’ll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?
My thoughts:
Since reading The Promise of Palm Grove, I have been eager to return to the heart of Sarasota, Florida. In the second book in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, Shelley Shepard Gray invites readers back to the small Amish community of Pinecraft and the quaint Orange Blossom Inn. New primary characters are introduced, and familiar favorites are enjoyed in the secondary story line.
The Proposal at Siesta Key charmed me from the first page until the last! The story boasts vivid imagery, endearing characters, a unique story line, and a tender romance. I enjoyed The Proposal at Siesta Key and can’t wait to read the next book in this delightful series!
P.S. Don’t miss the great bonus material that is included in the back of the book. In addition to an author’s note and discussion guide, readers can enjoy a Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe, Shelley’s top five must-see spots in Pinecraft, scenes from Pinecraft, and a sneak peek of the next book, A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn.
I received a complimentary copy of The Proposal at Siesta Key through Litfuse Publicity. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and share my honest opinion.
Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray
Don’t miss Shelley Shepard Gray’s newest series, Amish Brides of Pinecraft, and the second book in the series, The Proposal at Siesta Key! “Shelley Shepard Gray brings readers into the Amish world with style and grace,” says Romantic Times Bookclub. Penny’s time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?
Click the image below to enter to win a copy of The Proposal at Siesta Key—five winners will be chosen! The winners will be announced June 15 on Shelley’s blog!
Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
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