Tag Archives: Christian fiction

Review: A Heart’s Disguise + Kindle Giveaway

21 Mar

A Heart's Disguise

A Heart’s Disguise by Colleen Coble

 Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1b01Z1h 

 

The Civil War has destroyed Sarah Montgomery’s marriage before it’s even begun.

After Sarah receives word that her fiancé, Rand Campbell, has been killed fighting for the Union, her brothers and ailing father persuade her to pledge herself to Ben Croftner—despite her strong misgivings. But when Sarah finds out that Rand is in fact alive—and that Ben Croftner knew it—she indignantly breaks off the engagement and goes in search of Rand.

But Ben Croftner does not take rejection lightly—and a single woman with a sick father makes an easy target. When Sarah is abducted by her treacherous fiancé, Rand finally comes to her aid . . . only to reveal that he has been posted at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, and intends to take her there as his wife.

But could Sarah leave her dying father’s side for the love of her life? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner?

 

My thoughts:

A Heart’s Disguise is a great beginning of what is sure to be a wonderful, historical journey!

This story begins Colleen Coble’s first novel serialization. The Journey of the Heart series includes six books that will be released monthly from March through August. These stories were originally published in two books, Where Leads the Heart and Plains of Promise.

I enjoyed Colleen’s beautifully descriptive writing and easily visualized the sights and sounds of Wabash, Indiana in 1865. The characters in this story are well-written and well-developed, and I am already invested in their emotional journeys. Drama, deception, and danger kept me engaged and the questions that linger left me anxious for more. I can’t wait to continue this adventure in next month’s release, A Heart’s Obsession!

A complimentary copy of A Heart’s Disguise was provided to me through Litfuse Publicity. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest opinion.

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


 
In the midst of end-of-war celebrations, Sarah discovers her betrothed was keeping a devastating secret in Colleen Coble’s A Heart’s Disguise. Will Sarah leave her dying father’s side for the only man she’s ever loved? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner?

Celebrate book one in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!

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 One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A Kindle Fire
  • A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
  • A copy of A Heart’s Obsession (blog tour coming in April)
  • A copy of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge (blog tour coming in April)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen’s website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge! RSVP here!

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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!

 

Colleen CobleColleen 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, Twitter, Facebook

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Cover Reveal + GIVEAWAY: The Lumberjacks’ Ball

17 Mar

I’m excited to reveal the cover of
Carrie Fancett Pagels’ upcoming release,
The Lumberjacks’ Ball!

Lumberjacks_ Ball cover

The Lumberjacks’ Ball by Carrie Fancett Pagels

A decade after surviving a brutal attack, a mercantile owner’s daughter seeks to begin her life anew in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A gifted craftsman wishes to leave his lumberjack life and seeks employment at her new store. When his presence dredges up memories she wishes to suppress, the new proprietress must learn to face her past. Can affection grow between the cabinetmaker and the proprietress of St. Ignace’s newest business? When complications arise will they overcome adversity in time for The Lumberjack’s Ball?

Available April 2015!

 

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Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is an award-winning, and Amazon bestselling author, of Christian historical romance. She served as a psychologist for twenty-five years. Carrie lives in the Tidewater Virginia area with her family. When not writing, researching, blogging and enjoying tea, Carrie beads and reads—not necessarily in that order!

 

 

 Winner’s Choice Giveaway!

Carrie's Cover Collage

Carrie has graciously offered to give away one of her books, winner’s choice, to a lucky Buzzing About Books reader.  Available titles and their formats are listed below. 

 To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment.
Be sure to include your email address!

Carrie Fancett Pagels’ books include: The Fruitcake Challenge, The Lumberjack’s Ball, Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance, God’s Provision in Tough Times, upcoming release Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter (ebook or paperback), A Cup of Christmas Cheer from Guidepost Books (hardcover only), or Family Fiction Anthology of The Story 2014, which includes her award-winning short story “The Quilt Contest” (paperback only).

Paperback copies available to US residents only.  International winners will receive an ebook (if available).  Winners will be chosen at random one week from today’s posting.

 

Blog Hop

Visit these participating blogs for your chance to win!!

Perspectives by Nancee 

Stuff & Nonsense 

Buzzing About Books 

Lane Hill House 

The Sword and Spirit

Overcoming with God

Colonial Quills

 

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Review: JADED

16 Mar

JADED

JADED by Varina Denman

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


Ruthie Turner resents the Christians in her small Texas town, but when she falls for the new preacher, she must release her bitterness…and learn to love. On the surface, nothing seems to change in this dull town- yet God always works beneath the surface.

Jaded is the rare novel that is both love story between a woman and man … and God and His church. Plunging deep into the waters of shame, forgiveness and restoration, it will resonate with every woman who’s experienced a loss of heart … and a thirst for hope.

 

My thoughts:

Jaded is Varina Denman’s debut novel and the first book in her Mended Hearts series. Set in a small, West Texas town, this story shares the emotional journey of a young woman, Ruthie Turner. Thirteen years after she and her mother were shunned by the local congregation, a new preacher moves to town and stirs old feelings, as well as new ones.

Ruthie’s story is one of hurt and heartache, but also one of healing and forgiveness. Varina Denman deftly expresses her characters’ experiences and emotions in this poignant narrative. The spiritual and romantic threads intertwine to create a unique love story. As the story concludes, several questions linger and leave the reader anxious to continue this series. I enjoyed Jaded and look forward to continuing the story in the sequel, Justified.

 

Varina Denman

Varina Denman is a native Texan who spent her high school years in a small Texas town. Now she lives near Fort Worth with her husband and her five mostly-grown children. Jaded is her debut novel. Look for the sequel, Justified, to be released soon from David C. Cook.

Author Links:
Website | Facebook

 

My thanks to the author for the complimentary digital copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

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Review: How to Catch a Prince + Royal Giveaway

10 Mar

How to Catch a Prince

How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1BD8DVo

 

She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?

American heiress Corina Del Rey’s life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she’s shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.

But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.  When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen’s pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?

Yet, true love has a destiny all its own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must choose to answer the call of love on their hearts.  Or let it be lost forever?

Thoughts:

How to Catch a Prince is the third book in Rachel Hauck’s Royal Wedding series.  I loved the first two books in the series and was eager to read Prince Stephen’s story.  While this book easily stands on its own, reading the other books in the series will certainly add to the enjoyment of this story.

How to Catch a Prince is a bit different from the first two books in the Royal Wedding series.  This storyline, while equally enchanting, delves deeper and explores several challenging topics.  Love, forgiveness, and redemption are just a few of the threads that are woven together to create this beautiful story.  “Love well” is another thought-provoking theme in the story and one I believe will resonate with many readers.

Corina Del Rey and Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom are endearing characters and their story, with its unique circumstances, is full of emotion, as secrets, regrets, and heartache plague their path.  I loved their spiritual journeys and delighted in their romance!

How to Catch a Prince is a magical tale and a wonderful addition to the Royal Wedding series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity.  All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhauck

An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever? Find out in Rachel Hauck’s new book, How to Catch a Prince. True love has a destiny all its own. With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?

Enter to win a “royal” prize pack! 

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A royal-themed Brighton charm bracelet
  • 2 tickets to see the new Cinderella movie
  • The Royal Wedding series (Once Upon a Prince, Princess Ever After, and How to Catch a Prince)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on Rachel’s blog.

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{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

 

Rachel HauckRachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as The Wedding Dress, Love Starts with Elle, and Once Upon A Prince. She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, Softly and Tenderly, one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.

Find Rachel online: website, Facebook, Twitter

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Review: Untraceable

9 Mar

Untraceable

Untraceable by Elizabeth Goddard

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

On a daring mission, search-and-rescue specialist Heidi Warren and her team step onto an icy Alaskan mountaintop. . .and right into a trap. A stranded gang of thieves holds them at gunpoint, forcing them to serve as guides along the treacherous path. Menaced on all sides by dangerous weather, deadly terrain and murderous criminals, Heidi desperately needs someone to trust. But her rescue partner, Isaiah Callahan, is keeping secrets from her. Secrets that ended their chance at a relationship before it could even begin. Yet her survival depends on finding a way to trust Isaiah when a blizzard starts closing in and her options start running out.

Thoughts:

“In the Alaskan wilderness, love and danger collide.”

Elizabeth Goddard delivers another nail-biting suspense in the Mountain Cove series!  In the Alaskan mountains, a group of criminals needs rescuing and forces the search and rescue specialists to guide them across the frozen terrain.  Can these volunteers navigate their way to safety before a blizzard closes in? 

Untraceable offers a unique search-and-rescue storyline and I enjoyed the elements of good versus evil.  I also enjoyed the spiritual thread that runs through the story, as well as the romantic undercurrent.  Untraceable is an exciting story and I look forward to reading more of the Mountain Cove series! 

 

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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.  While you’re there, be sure and sign up for her quarterly newsletter so you won’t miss any exciting news!

 

My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received. 

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Friday Freebies

6 Mar

Three Little Words

Three Little Words by Melissa Tagg

Link:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Ava Kingsley and Seth Walker might be the most unlikely friends ever. The only thing these two polar opposites have in common is a knack for wordsmithing. Back in college, they were known for their written sparring in the campus newspaper’s popular “He Says/She Says” column.

At their ten-year college reunion, they pick up right where they left off. Except this time their squabbling leads to a surprising turn: friendship and a year-long exchange of emails. So when Ava approaches a crossroads in her athletics department career in Minnesota, Seth is quick to offer the open apartment above the restaurant he’s been remodeling in Maple Valley, Iowa.

Ava doesn’t know where her career will lead her next, but she’s starting to suspect she might see Seth as more than a pen pal. Which would be exciting…except for the fact that he only sees her as a friend.

As Maple Valley grows on her, Ava wonders if there might be something here for her even though Seth is unavailable. And maybe, just maybe, after all the words the two of them have exchanged over the years, they’ll finally be able to say the three that matter most.

Three Little Words is an e-only novella that gives an exciting introduction to Melissa Tagg’s new series about the charismatic Walker family and the endearing town of Maple Valley!

 

Callie

Callie by Sharon Srock

Link:
Amazon

A baby is dead and Callie Stillman blames herself. Haunted by memories of a tiny coffin, Callie can’t understand how God could expect her to put her heart on the line a second time. But the evasive little girl attending her Sunday School class is so obviously in trouble that Callie finds her resolve cracking.

Iris and Samantha Evans are living on borrowed time. Deserted, orphaned, betrayed, and deceived, they need rescuing in the worst way.

Steve Evans had his life changed by God. A reformed drug addict, he’s searching for the family he abandoned ten years ago and praying for a miracle.

The road to healing is rocky. But as Callie confronts her worst fears by bringing father and daughters together in a risky bid for reconciliation, she realizes that the Evans family aren’t the only ones God wants to rescue from a tortured past.

 

How Sweet the Sound

How Sweet the Sound by Amy Sorrells

Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

A Southern Novel of Second Chances

From a distance, the Harlans appear to be the perfect Southern family. Wealth and local fame mask the drama and dysfunction swirling through their family line. But as the summer heats up, a flood tide of long hidden secrets surface.

Devastation from a rape followed by the murder of two family members brings three generations of the Harlans together on their pecan plantation in Bay Spring, Alabama. Chief among them is Anniston, who by the time she turned thirteen thought she’d seen it all. But as her heart awakens to the possibility of love, she begins to deal with her loneliness and grief.

This tender coming-of-age tale, inspired by the story of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13, shows how true healing and hope comes only from God. Though our earthly family can wound and disappoint, our heavenly Father brings freedom to those long held captive through His mercy and grace.

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GIVEAWAY: Hidden Agenda

2 Mar

Hidden Agenda

Hidden Agenda by Lisa Harris

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook.com | DeeperShopping

Michael Hunt is alive–and on the run. Presumed dead by friends and family, the undercover assignment he’s been working for the past eight months has just been blown. With a hit out on his life and corruption inside the Atlanta police department, Michael finds himself hunted by both the cartel and the law. His only hope is the daughter of the man who wants him dead.

This nonstop chase from taut suspense writer Lisa Harris will leave readers breathless as they race to connect the dots before it’s too late.

Thoughts:

Hidden Agenda is the third book in Lisa Harris’ Southern Crimes series. The thrills begin with Book 1, Dangerous Passage, and continue in Book 2, Fatal Exchange. Although each of these novels can be read independently, I encourage you to read them in order for a greater enjoyment of the series.

I love the way the stories in this series follow members of the Hunt family and continue to build in excitement and suspense! I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Hidden Agenda and it did not disappoint. This fast-paced story is full of action and kept me guessing! I enjoyed the unpredictable characters and unexpected plots twists. Hidden Agenda is a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense. I can’t wait to read more from Lisa Harris!

 

Hidden Agenda giveaway

To enter to win a print copy of Hidden Agenda, please leave a comment and include your email address.  This giveaway is open to residents of the United States and ends Monday, March  9 at 11:59 p.m. CST.  The winner will be drawn and announced on Tuesday, March 10.  Good luck! 

To earn additional entries, you may do the following:
◦ Follow this blog
◦ Share this giveaway through Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or email

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

 

Lisa Harris

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She has over thirty novels and novella collections in print. She and her family have spent over ten years living as missionaries in Africa where she homeschools, leads a women’s group, and runs a non-profit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8)

When she’s not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa visit her website at http://www.lisaharriswrites.com or her blog at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. For more information about The ECHO Project, please visit http://www.theECHOproject.org.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

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$0.99 Sale- At Every Turn

28 Feb

At Every Turn sale

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

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Friday Freebies

27 Feb

The Inheritance

The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander

FREE:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

An unexpected inheritance. An unknown future. An unending love.

Determined to tame her younger brother’s rebellious streak, McKenna Ashford accepts her cousin’s invitation to move west, and to begin again. But she quickly discovers that life in Copper Creek, Colorado, is far from what she expected. Shouldering burdens beyond her years, McKenna tries to be the parent Robert needs, instead of the older sister he resents. But an “untimely inheritance” challenges her resolve at every turn, while also offering a second chance to restore her sense of trust–and perhaps even her heart. 

U.S. Marshal Wyatt Caradon is dedicated to bringing fugitives to justice, yet years of living on the trail have taken their toll. When his path intersects with that of McKenna, he comes face-to-face with a past he never wanted to relive–and the one woman who can help him find the future he’s been longing for.

As McKenna struggles to let go of her independence and Wyatt considers opening his heart again, they discover an inheritance beyond imagination. But it will come at a price.

 

Lonestar Sanctuary

Lonestar Sanctuary by Colleen Coble

FREE:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

In the quiet safety of the Bluebird Ranch, old promises resurface and unexpected love brings new hope.

Though tragedy has wrecked her life, Allie Siders holds on to the hope that her five-year-old daughter, Betsy, will speak again. But with a stalker out for revenge, all Allie can think about now is their safety. She must sever all ties and abandon life as she knows it. She heads to the peaceful Bluebird Ranch, nestled deep in Texas hill country, and to the only person who can help them.

The ranch is a sanctuary for abused horses, and also for troubled youths: the perfect place for Betsy to grow and recover. Ranch owner Elijah DeAngelo eagerly welcomes the duo. But Rick Bailey—the ranch foreman and DeAngelo’s right hand man—hasn’t decided to let his guard down . . . yet.

Promises made long ago soon force Rick and Allie to work together to escape danger. Will they discover love along the way?

 

Barefoot Summer

Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

FREE:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Madison’s heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.

In the years since her twin brother’s drowning, Madison McKinley has struggled to put it behind her. Despite the support of her close-knit family and her gratifying job as a veterinarian in their riverside town, the loss still haunts her.

To find closure, Madison sets out to fulfill her brother’s dream of winning the town’s annual regatta. But first she has to learn to sail, and fast.

Beckett O’Reilly knows Madison is out of his league, but someone neglected to tell his heart. Now she needs his help–and he’ll give it, because he owes her far more than she’ll ever know.

Madison will do anything–even work with the infamous Beckett O’Reilly–to reach her goal. And as much as she’d like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying. As summer wanes, her feelings for him grow and a fledgling faith takes root in her heart.

But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their new love. Can their romance survive summer’s challenges? And will achieving her brother’s dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?

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Review: Betting on Hope + Kindle Fire Giveaway

25 Feb

Betting on Hope

Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton

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

 

One clutzy advice columnist.

One champion cowboy.

And an entire small town rooting for love.

Advice columnist Maggie Hope never dreamed she’d be shaking hands with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan over a high-stakes bet, especially one that involves horses. And saddles. And everything else a city girl like Maggie feels uncomfortable around. But after filling in for a coworker and interviewing the handsome cowboy, she finds herself doing just that. Anything to save her advice column.

Despite Maggie’s two left feet, Tru is bound and determined to bring out her inner cowgirl by teaching her to ride a cutting horse, trained to separate cattle from the rest of the herd. While her riding improves, their attraction intensifies, but Tru knows he can never let her into his heart—for her own good.

In Wishing Springs, a community full of meddling but well-meaning townsfolk, Maggie discovers the home she’s always longed for. But she’s holding something back—a secret that could destroy her reputation and any future she’s ever hoped for with the cowboy she might just love.

Thoughts:

I love cowboy stories and was quickly captivated by Betting on Hope! Debra Clopton brings the small town of Wishing Springs and its residents to life. It’s a place you feel like you’ve been and would love to revisit again and again. I loved Maggie Hope and Tru Monahan! Their chemistry was perfect and such fun to read. Humor, hurt, heartache, love, and romance are just of few of the elements that comprise this wonderful story! I loved Betting on Hope and can’t wait to continue this series!

My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

 

Betting on Hope Giveaway

One grand prize winner will receive:
•A Kindle Fire
•A copy of Betting on Hope

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 8th. Winner will be announced March 9th on Debra’s blog.

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{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

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