Tag Archives: Contemporary fiction

#BookReview: The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

21 Mar

The Red Door Inn

The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

Marie Carrington is broke, desperate, and hoping to find sanctuary on Prince Edward Island while decorating a renovated bed-and-breakfast. Seth Sloane moved three thousand miles to help restore his uncle’s Victorian B and B–and to forget about the fiancée who broke his heart. He wasn’t expecting to have to babysit a woman with a taste for expensive antiques and a bewildering habit of jumping every time he brushes past her.

The only thing Marie and Seth agree on is that getting the Red Door Inn ready to open in just two months will take everything they’ve got–and they have to find a way to work together. In the process, they may find something infinitely sweeter than they ever imagined on this island of dreams.

 

My thoughts:

The Red Door Inn is a lovely story! Liz Johnson brings to life the sights and sounds of Prince Edward Island in a heartwarming tale of hope and healing. From the characters and their stories to the setting and its charm, I delighted in the story that unfolds at the Red Door Inn. I really enjoyed Marie’s and Seth’s journey and rooted for these two wounded characters to find happiness.

The Red Door Inn is “a place where the wounded come to heal, the broken find forgiveness, and the lonely find a family.” I enjoyed visiting this special place and look forward to continuing the Prince Edward Island Dreams series!

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

#BookReview: The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer | Banister Falls #Giveaway

17 Mar

The Hearts We Mend

The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/21Zw8Tk

Thirteen years ago, Evie’s firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, leaving her to raise their young son, Cody, alone. Now, Cody is marrying the love of his life, and as he packs up his belongings, the house feels as empty as Evie’s heart. But for all her planning and mad organizational skills, Evie could never have anticipated the dramatic shift her life is about to make.

Tattooed, rough-around-the-edges Jack raises quite a few eyebrows in the tight-knit community of Banister Falls. Where Evie’s life is stream-lined, Jack’s approach to living is moment-by-moment. But as Evie gets drawn into Jack’s world—a world that isn’t as safe or predictable as the one she’s worked so hard to create—he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems outside the walls of the church.

Jack doesn’t make Evie feel comfortable, but he definitely makes her feel something. Something she hasn’t felt since Max passed away—or, maybe ever. Because even though Jack isn’t anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.

 

My thoughts:

 Heartfelt and hopeful, The Hearts We Mend is an inspiring tale! Captivated by the characters in Book 1, The Dandelion Field, I was eager to continue their stories in this second Banister Falls novel.

Evie Bennett is a woman who thrives on plans and post-it notes. When Jack Vale walks into Evie’s life, he changes it in ways she never expected. I loved the relationships shared in this novel and rooted for each of the characters and their happily ever after.

Populated with genuine characters and real-life challenges, I thoroughly enjoyed The Hearts We Mend. Kathryn Springer brings this small town and its residents to life, and I loved experiencing their stories. While the novels in this series can stand alone, I believe they are better enjoyed in order.

 

Celebrate the release of The Hearts We Mend with Kathryn and enter to win two of her books by signing up for her newsletter on her website (left sidebar). The winner will be announced March 23 via Kathryn’s newsletter.

The Hearts We Mend giveaway

 

Kathryn Springer

Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother’s typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books — which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Website | Facebook

 

The Hearts We Mend

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about The Hearts We Mend. 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Guest Post + #Giveaway: Mary Alford

3 Mar

I’m happy to welcome Mary Alford to Buzzing About Books!
Thanks so much for visiting with us today, Mary, and for graciously offering a copy of Rocky Mountain Pursuit to one of my readers! 

Guest Post- Mary Alford 

The Dance

A few years ago, my oldest granddaughter was certain she wanted to be a dancer after she watched Angelina Ballerina. Unfortunately, for the dancing world that has since changed many times over.

I was about my granddaughter’s age when I read my first Nancy Drew mystery and knew that I wanted to create stories when I grew up. That was it. Career settled. Life put into place. If only it were that easy. At the time, I had no idea I was about to embark on the dance of a lifetime.

MAlford- 1

Just like dancing, writing requires a lot of discipline and training.

First, you must learn the proper steps: There is nothing scarier than sitting in front of a blank computer screen for the first time and trying to write…something. It’s a huge leap to go from reading inspirational romantic suspense to actually writing it. When I wrote my first story, I had no idea all the intricate steps involved in creating a suspense story, but I wrote, I read about my craft, and I found a great network of seasoned authors who willingly shared their knowledge.

Practice, Practice, Practice: It you don’t use it you lose it. In other words, to improve as a dancer or a writer, you have to work through all the self-doubt and times when life gets in the way.

MAlford- 2

In the beginning, writing was a trial and error experience for me. I confess I tried other genres in the process before I came back to my first love, inspirational romantic suspense. Some wise author once told me, write what you enjoy reading and then perfect it. In other words, if you don’t read contemporary romance, then don’t try to write it.

Submitting a manuscript the first time can be a frightening experience. After you’ve polished and perfected your baby, it’s time to send it out into the world and let it stand on its own. And that’s just the beginning. You wait and wait until one day you receive news about your baby. Only it’s not what you were hoping. The dreaded rejection letter arrives and it feels as if someone slugged you in the stomach hard. This wasn’t what I expected. To quote my granddaughter, “Now what”? Well, some rejection letters are form letters. Those you file away. Others have comments from the editor who reviewed it. Those you can gain little pearls of wisdom to help you along your way…but you have to put aside your hurt feelings and listen. You can’t take it personal. Publishing is a business. A very hard one at that.

It’s finally Showtime! What do you mean I’ll be dancing by myself?

MAlford- 3

For me, ten years of writing came down to five minutes in the spotlight. In 2012, I entered the Speed Dating Contest that editor Emily Rodmell hosted and I was one of the lucky ones who got an appointment to chat with Emily. On the day of the pitch, I was on vacation in Colorado. At our cabin, internet service is nonexistent. I could have given up and said, well, that’s it, better luck next time, but I didn’t. My husband and I drove into the small town of Pagosa Springs where I did the entire chat on my laptop in the parking lot of the Ace Hardware Store.

Emily was kind enough to request a synopsis although I was so nervous she probably didn’t understand anything I told her. I promptly sent the synopsis out to her. Then she requested the first three chapters followed by the full manuscript. With each request, I tried not to get my hopes up.

Forgotten Past

In December 2012, Emily called. To this day, I can’t tell you what she said to me other than that she wanted to buy FORGOTTEN PAST for Love Inspired Suspense. It was a surreal moment. One that still hasn’t fully sunken in yet. It’s a great feeling to have your dream become a reality and even greater to hold your book in your hands.

But Would There Be A Second Dance? For most authors who have been published, selling the second book can be even more daunting. For me, the answer to that question was yes, there would be a second dance.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PURSUIT is available now!

Rocky Mountain PursuitEveryone believes agent Jase Bradford is dead—everyone but Reyna Peterson. Only he can protect her now that someone wants the information her CIA husband died to secure. As the one member of their spy team not killed, Jase must remain in the shadows. Yet when Reyna leads the enemy right to his mountain refuge and blows his cover, Jase risks his life for hers. As his best friend’s beautiful widow scales the walls around his heart, whether out of loyalty or love, he makes it his duty to secure her safety. But when their pursuers trap them in the snowy Colorado mountains, will it become his final mission?

Available at:
Harlequin, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other fine booksellers

 

MAlford- 4

So to quote Garth Brooks’ famous song, The Dance, “I could have missed the pain, but I’d have had to miss the dance”.

And what a dance it is.

What about you? What dreams are dancing around in your head? Whether it is becoming a published author or something else, I’d love to hear how you’ve overcome the obstacles along the way to your Showtime?

I’ll be giving away a signed print copy of ROCKY MOUNTAIN PURSUIT, my second Love Inspired Suspense, to one random person who comments. Thanks for stopping by! ~ Mary

Giveaway- Rocky Mountain Pursuit

GIVEAWAY DETAILS – (US only) 

Thanks to Mary’s generosity, one lucky reader will win a signed copy of Rocky Mountain Pursuit!

To enter the giveaway:
Leave a comment below, and be sure to include your email address. The giveaway ends Tuesday, March 8 at midnight CST, and a winner will be chosen and announced on March 9th.

To earn additional entries:
Follow this blog, Buzzing About Books, and/or share the giveaway. Be sure to let me know what you’ve done to earn additional entries!  This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Contest Rules:
◦No purchase is necessary.
◦Odds of winning are based on number of entries.
◦US residents, 18 and older, are eligible to enter.

 

Mary AlfordMary Alford is a Texan whose debut novel, FORGOTTEN PAST is now available at Love Inspired Suspense.  When Mary’s not dreaming up people in dangerous situations and writing them down, she’s also a mom, wife, grandmother, avid reader, a proud geek-girl.  For occasional updates and news about upcoming publications, please go to the contact form on her website and subscribe to her newsletter!

Author links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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

#BookReview: On Lone Star Trail by Amanda Cabot

29 Feb

On Lone Star Trail

On Lone Star Trail by Amanda Cabot

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

If there’s one thing Gillian Hodge never wants to see again, it’s a man on a motorcycle. Her last encounter with one left her right hand crushed, ending her promising career as a concert pianist. Unsure about the next phase in her life, she heads to Rainbow’s End Resort for some R&R when a sudden thunderstorm causes a motorcycle to crash right in front of her.

When TJ Benjamin’s wife died, he lost more than his best friend; he lost his faith. He has spent the past year wandering the country on his motorcycle, trying not to think about the future. When he finds himself stranded with a busted bike and a reluctant rescuer, he has to wonder about God’s sense of humor.

As these broken people collide, they find that a bright future is still ahead–it just might not be the one they imagined for themselves.

 

My thoughts:

Once again, Amanda Cabot entertains and encourages readers with an enjoyable visit to the Texas Hill Country! Gillian Hodge and TJ Benjamin are both seeking a new direction when their paths cross quite unexpectedly. “Can this woman without a future and this man running from his past find romance in the present?”

On Lone Star Trail is an engaging story! Gillian and TJ are wounded characters, and theirs is a realistic story riddled with drama, emotion, and romance. I have enjoyed the Texas Crossroads series and will miss visiting Dupree, Texas, and the Rainbow’s End Resort!

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

 

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, Christmas Roses, At Bluebonnet Lake, and In Firefly Valley. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers’ Best. She lives in Wyoming. Learn more at www.amandacabot.com.

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

#Giveaway: COLD SHOT by Dani Pettrey

25 Feb

Cold Shot

COLD SHOT by Dani Pettrey

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

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI, and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world–and friendships–crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet–until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern–a young social justice lawyer missing since spring–and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper.

When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he’ll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he–and those he cares about–are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

 

My thoughts:

COLD SHOT is a great romantic suspense! This first book in an exciting new series by beloved author Dani Pettrey introduces readers to a cast of complex and intriguing characters. I really enjoyed getting to know this band of brothers and am eager to learn more about them as the series progresses.

I loved Griffin and Finley and their romantic chemistry! Struggling with issues from their pasts, it was great to experience their emotional and spiritual journeys as the story unfolded. COLD SHOT enthralled me from beginning to end as murders, investigations, and a tangle of twists and turns kept me guessing.

I am really excited about the adventures that await in this new series! As much as I loved the McKenna family from the Alaskan Courage series, I have a sneaking suspicion that I just might love the “brothers” of Chesapeake Valor even more. We’ll see!  

 

Giveaway- Cold Shot

GIVEAWAY DETAILS – (US only)
Thanks to the generosity of Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers, one lucky reader will win a print copy of COLD SHOT!

To enter the giveaway:
Leave a comment below, and be sure to include your email address. The giveaway ends Tuesday, March 1 at midnight CST. The winner will be drawn, emailed, and announced on March 2nd.  If the winner does not claim their prize within 3 days, another winner will be drawn.  

To earn additional entries:
Follow this blog, Buzzing About Books, and/or share the giveaway via social media. Be sure to let me know what you’ve done to earn additional entries!  This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Contest Rules:
◦No purchase is necessary.
◦Odds of winning are based on number of entries.
◦US residents, 18 and older, are eligible to enter.

 

DaniSpring2016

Dani Pettrey is the acclaimed author of the brand new romantic suspense Chesapeake Valor series, as well as the well-loved Alaskan Courage series which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super-adorable grandson.

Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

#BookReview: Kissed by a Cowboy by Debra Clopton

17 Feb

Kissed by a Cowboy by Debra Clopton

Kissed by a Cowboy by Debra Clopton

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PMjz9Z

Having lived through her parents’ endless string of “matrimonial bliss gone wrong,” Cassidy Starr knows when the odds are not in her favor. Divorced and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground, Cassidy is through with love. She’s been bucked off that horse far too many times. Instead, she returns to Wishing Springs, Texas, and the rundown farm she’s inherited from her great aunt Roxie. She’ll reopen the strawberry farm and a bed & breakfast and follow in her aunt’s footsteps, remaining forever-independent, happy . . . and single.

Rancher Jarrod Monahan’s hands are full running the ranch, looking after his ailing grandfather, and chasing down a group of rustlers on the loose. He’s pushed his longing for a family to the bottom of his list of priorities. Besides, he was in love once but ran scared and lost his shot at happiness. But suddenly, the biggest regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded heart, determined to become a spinster . . . and that’s a challenge that Jarrod can’t pass up.

Jarrod sets his mind to breaking down the walls around Cassidy’s stubborn heart. How can he show her that a cowboy’s kiss lasts forever? For the good folks of Wishing Springs, falling in love has never been so much fun to witness.

 

My thoughts:

Cassidy was looking for a home and a place to belong . . . not for a cowboy to steal her heart.

  Kissed by a Cowboy is another enjoyable Four Hearts Ranch Romance! Once again, Debra Clopton welcomes readers back to Wishing Springs, Texas, where the folks are friendly and feel like family.

I have enjoyed this fun series, and it’s been a pleasure getting to know the Monahan brothers. They are all such charming cowboys! Jarrod and Cassie are great characters and their chemistry, quick wit, and quirky comments are delightful. I really enjoyed their second chance at romance, and I also loved revisiting beloved characters from previous series releases. Humorous and heartwarming, Kissed by a Cowboy is an entertaining story!

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

Blog Tour:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/dclopton

 

Debra Clopton

Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra’s goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.

Connect with Debra: website, Twitter, Facebook

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

#BookReview: Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey | Chesapeake Valor Prize Pack #Giveaway

16 Feb

Cold Shot

Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey

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

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world–and friendships–crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet–until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern–a young social justice lawyer missing since spring–and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he’ll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he–and those he cares about–are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

 

My thoughts:

Cold Shot is a great romantic suspense! This first book in an exciting new series by beloved author Dani Pettrey introduces readers to a cast of complex and intriguing characters. I really enjoyed getting to know this band of brothers and am eager to learn more about them as the series progresses.

I loved Griffin and Finley and their romantic chemistry! Struggling with issues from their pasts, it was great to experience their emotional and spiritual journeys as the story unfolded. Cold Shot enthralled me from beginning to end, as murders, investigations, and a tangle of twists and turns kept me guessing.

I am really excited about the adventures that await in this new series. As much as I loved the McKenna family from the Alaskan Courage series, I have a sneaking suspicion that I just might love the “brothers” of Chesapeake Valor even more. We’ll see!

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

 

chesapeake valor prize pack

Bethany House Publishers is celebrating the release of Cold Shot with a Chesapeake Valor Prize Pack Giveaway!  Enter here!!

 

Dani Pettrey

Dani Pettrey is the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage.  She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super-adorable grandson.

Author Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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

#BookReview: Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander

30 Jan

Where She Belongs

Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Shelby Kincaid is ready to move on from her grief. With high hopes for the future, she longs to purchase her family’s ancestral homestead so she can raise her young daughters in the only place she ever truly belonged. She plans to transform the abandoned house into the perfect home of her memories. But she’ll have her work cut out for her.

AJ Sullivan never wanted the homestead. Inherited as a punishment from his grandfather, it has sat empty for fifteen years and fallen into ruin. He’s glad to finally unload it. But a clean break isn’t possible when he can’t get the young widow Shelby off his mind.

 

My thoughts:

“Abiding love was the legacy she most desired…”

Where She Belongs is a complex contemporary romance with elements of intrigue and mystery woven through its pages. It’s a heartfelt story of friends and family, love and loss.

Vivid details and descriptions bring the setting and characters to life and beckon the reader into the story. Shelby Kincaid is determined to reclaim her family’s homestead, and AJ Sullivan is more than happy to be rid of the property. Can they overcome their pasts in order to build a future?

I really enjoyed visiting Misty Willow, its residents, and the memories it holds. “A treasured memory. There’s no greater gift.”

Where She Belongs was my first Johnnie Alexander book, 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.

 

Johnnie Alexander

Johnnie Alexander is the award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides. Johnnie is an accomplished essayist and poet whose work has appeared in the Guideposts anthology A Cup of Christmas Cheer. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren, and taking road trips. She lives near Memphis, Tennessee.  To learn more about Johnnie and her books, visit her website johnnie-alexander.com/.  

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

#BookReview: Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

27 Jan

Thin Ice

Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

If Ginny Reed is still alive–who is the woman buried in her grave?

After losing her parents and her sister, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Now, life is finally starting to feel normal again–until an envelope addressed in her sister’s handwriting arrives in the mail. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case . . . but he’s coming up with more questions than answers. Is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game–or the target of a sinister plot? As Lance digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: someone in the shadows has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon pulls out all the stops in this high-stakes thriller that races to a bone-chilling finish.

 

My thoughts:

From the very beginning, Thin Ice takes readers front and center to the dramatic events that unfold. Irene Hannon does a wonderful job crafting a suspense filled story line, and I loved the edge of your seat moments. I also enjoyed the romance that develops between Christy and Lance and cheered them on as they struggled to stay ahead in a twisted game of cat-and-mouse.

Thin Ice is an exciting romantic suspense, and I look forward to reading more about the McGregor brothers as the Men of Valor series continues!

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

 

Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including That Certain Summer, One Perfect Spring, and the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, three HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers’ Choice Award, a Booksellers’ Best Award, and a National Readers’ Choice Award. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its “Top 10 Inspirational Fiction” list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

The Feathered Bone Pre-Order Offer

22 Jan

The Feathered Bone Pre-Order Offer

Pre-order THE FEATHERED BONE from any bookseller by Monday, January 25, and receive a 50-page collection of family recipes, plus behind-the-scenes stories about Julie’s Louisiana childhood.  Email your receipt to tnzfiction@harpercollins.com and they’ll email you a digital pdf file of this special cookbook.

The Feathered Bone- RT Book Reviews

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

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →