Tag Archives: Contemporary fiction

Friday Freebie

31 Jul

Island Refuge

Island Refuge by Kimberly Rose Johnson

FREE on Amazon through August 1!

Five-Star-Chef Zoe Griffin walked away from her dream job. Did she make a mistake?

Her engagement off, Zoe Griffin retreats to tiny Wildflower Island in the Puget Sound. Hiding out as a cook and maid at a shabby bed-and-breakfast seems crazy for a chef who’s used to running her own five-star kitchen. And just as she starts to feel at home, her klutzy mishaps make Zoe fear her handsome new boss will fire her.

Dr. Nick Jackson is done with medicine, and owning a B&B is as far from doctoring as he can get. He needs help, but his only employee’s mistakes give him doubts. As Zoe lets her defenses down, Nick begins to see a competent and caring woman. One whose wounds are as deep as his own. But as they fall for each other, Nick and Zoe must learn the hardest lesson of all—to forgive. Only then can they heal the past and embrace the future . . . together.

 

My thoughts:

Island Refuge is a charming story! I loved the island setting and was very interested to know that it was inspired by Anderson Island, Washington. The main characters in this story, Zoe Griffin and Nick Jackson, are both seeking refuge from their pasts. Their story is entertaining, intriguing, and romantic. I enjoyed visiting the Wildflower Bed and Breakfast and look forward to returning to this small island in the next book, Island Dreams!

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

 

SALE!  Pre-order Book 2, Island Dreams, before August 1 and save $1.00 off the regular price.

Island Dreams

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Review: Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

23 Jul

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor- Buzzing About Books

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson

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

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

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

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

 

My thoughts:

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

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

I received a complimentary copy of Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

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

 

Melanie Dobson

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

Find Melanie online: website, Twitter, Facebook

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Review: Goodbye, Magnolia

21 Jul

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00064]

Goodbye, Magnolia by Krista Noorman

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

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

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

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

 

My thoughts:

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

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

 

Krista Noorman

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

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

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

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Review: The 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: Summer’s List

29 Jun

Summer's List

Summer’s List by Anita Higman

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

A dying wish alters the course of a young woman’s life.

Life hadn’t been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness-caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother’s bookstore-she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only tries she had at love… didn’t turn out. She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something-or someone. 

Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from Summer’s past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?

My thoughts:

Summer’s List is a contemporary romance with a Gothic flair.  Quirky characters, humor, heartbreak, drama, dysfunction, and mystery intertwine to create a unique tale.  Summer Snow is a young woman who has experienced loss in life and in love.  When her grandmother sets an adventure in motion, Summer’s life changes in ways she never expected. 

Summer’s List is filled with unexpected surprises and evoked mixed emotions!  I really enjoyed the heartwarming moments of this story.  Granny Snow was my favorite character and I loved her sage advice and words of wisdom.  The relationship she shared with Summer was special, as was the list of tasks she left behind.  I also enjoyed the rekindled relationship between Summer and childhood friend Martin Langtree.  The Gothic threads that run through this story were not as enjoyable for me, but I have no doubt they will delight many readers. 

If you’re looking for an imaginative tale that blends poignancy with peculiarity, Summer’s List is the perfect choice! 

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

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

 

Anita Higman

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

 

Find Anita online: website, Twitter, Facebook

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Review: Two Roads Home | 5 Book Giveaway

23 Jun

Two Roads Home

Two Roads Home by Deborah Raney

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

What if it’s too late for dreams to come true?

Minor—but-nagging setbacks continue to sour Grant and Audrey Whitman’s initiation into the world of innkeeping, but larger challenges brew when an innocent flirtation leads to big trouble for the Whitmans’ son-in-law, Jesse. Jesse Pennington’s friendly, outgoing personality has always served him well, especially in a career that has earned him and his wife Corinne a very comfortable lifestyle. But Corinne and Jesse are both restless—and for similar reasons, if only they could share those with each other. Instead, too many business trips and trumped-up charges of harassment from a disgruntled coworker threaten their marriage and possibly put their three precious daughters at risk.

With their life in disarray, God is tugging at their hearts to pursue other dreams. Can Corinne and Jesse pick up the pieces of what was once a wonderful life before it all crumbles beneath them?

 

Thoughts:

Two Roads Home is an engaging story!  With great characterization, vivid imagery, and a realistic story line, Deborah Raney brings Jesse and Corinne Pennington’s story to life.  Real-life issues and experiences are shared, and spiritual elements are beautifully woven through this narrative.  I really enjoy family dramas and this one has me rooting for the Whitman family and eager for more!   

One of my favorite things about a book series is the feeling of really knowing the characters and becoming invested in their stories.  I have not read Book 1, Home to Chicory Lane, so I was a bit concerned about starting this series with the second book.  However, I had no problem following the story line or understanding the family dynamics.  I look forward to reading Book 1, as well as the forthcoming novels in the Chicory Inn series. 

I received a complimentary copy of Two Roads Home through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.  I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my honest opinion. 

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

 

Click the image below to enter to win a copy of Two Roads Home — 5 winners will be chosen!

Two Roads Home Deborah Raney

 

D. Raney

Deborah Raney’s books have won numerous awards, including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, and the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken, recently traded small-town life in Kansas-the setting of many of Deborah’s novels-for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita, where they enjoy gardening, antiquing, movies, and traveling to visit four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away.

Find Deborah online: website, Twitter, Facebook

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Review: Desperate Measures

20 Jun

Desperate Measures

Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the medicinal plant responsible for tearing her family apart. She’s certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her father. Kate will risk anything to find the truth–even her budding relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But more people than she can fathom are after the plants and going it alone just might prove to be a fatal mistake.

 

Thoughts:

Desperate Measures is an exciting conclusion to an exciting series!  This is the third and final book in the Port Aster Secrets series, and I definitely recommend reading the first two books, Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust, prior to reading this one.  The drama, intrigue, and romance are ongoing through this series and continue to build with each novel. 

While lingering questions were answered, Desperate Measures continued to surprise me with its twists and turns.  I have really enjoyed the characters in this series, as well as the unique plots.  The research and use of plants and herbal medicine was very interesting!  Sandra Orchard writes with depth and detail, and I appreciate her complex story lines that keep me turning the pages.  I enjoyed this great series and look forward to more stories from this talented author! 

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

 

Sandra Orchard

Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several books including Deadly Devotion, winner of the 2014 The Word Award for suspense, and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Sandra has also received a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She lives in Ontario, Canada.

Learn more at http://www.sandraorchard.com.

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Review: The Mapmaker’s Children

14 Jun

The Mapmaker's Children

The Mapmaker’s Children by Sarah McCoy

Sarah Brown, the vibrant, talented daughter of abolitionist John Brown, is dynamically changed when she stumbles onto her father’s work on the Underground Railroad shortly after being told the shocking news that she won’t ever bear children. Realizing that her artistic talents may be able to help save the lives of slaves fleeing north, she becomes one of the movement’s leading mapmakers, hiding maps within her paintings while bigotry and hatred steer the country toward a bloody civil war.

Interwoven with Sarah’s adventure is the present-day story of Eden, a modern woman desperate to conceive a child with her husband, who moves to an old house in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and discovers a porcelain head hidden in the root cellar—the remains of an Underground Railroad doll with an extraordinary past of secret messages, danger and deliverance. Sarah and Eden’s connection bridges the past and present, forcing each of them to define courage, family, love, and legacy in a new way.

 

My thoughts:

The Mapmaker’s Children is dramatic, intriguing, and full of emotion!  Sarah McCoy skillfully weaves fact and fiction together in this dual time-period narrative.  I love historical fiction, so I really enjoyed the history of Sarah Brown and her family and their work with the Underground Railroad.  While the historical story line was my favorite, I also enjoyed the contemporary story line and the threads that tied the past and present together.  I really enjoyed this compelling story and look forward to reading more from this talented author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Blogging for Books and appreciate the opportunity to offer my honest opinion.

 

sarah mccoy

SARAH McCOY is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestseller The Baker’s Daughter, a 2012 Goodreads Choice Award Best Historical Fiction nominee. Her first novel is The Time It Snowed in Puerto Rico.

Sarah’s work has been featured in Real Simple, The Millions, Your Health Monthly, Huffington Post and other publications. She has taught English writing at Old Dominion University and at the University of Texas at El Paso.

The daughter of an Army officer, her family was stationed in Germany during her childhood. She calls Virginia home but presently lives with her husband, an Army physician, and dog, Gilbert, in El Paso, Texas.

Her novella “The Branch of Hazel,” featured in the anthology Grand Central (Penguin), releases July 1, 2014. Her third novel The Mapmaker’s Children releases from Crown May 5, 2015.

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

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Review: Once Upon a Summertime

10 Jun

Once Upon a Summertime

Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

When Anna Gordon follows her dream to New York City, she discovers something she never expected!

Melody Carlson’s vivid imagery brings to life the sights and sounds of this light-hearted story.  Anna is an engaging character, and I enjoyed her journey of self-discovery and her relationship with Sean O’Neil, a crush from her childhood.  The conclusion of the story felt a bit rushed, but I did appreciate its ambiance and romance.  Once Upon a Summertime is an enjoyable story and a fun summer read! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and appreciate the opportunity to share my honest opinion.

 

About the book:

Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it’s a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises–not the least of which is Sean O’Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!

 

Melody CarlsonMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than 6.5 million.  She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice.  She and her husband live in central Oregon.  Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com. 

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2 Book GIVEAWAY | River of Danger + Color of Danger

4 Jun

River of Danger

River of Danger by Alexa Verde

Purchase a copy: Amazon

Dallas reporter River Montenegro returns to her hometown, Rios Azules, in south Texas to aid her father, a constantly recovering alcoholic. After the notorious Smiling Killer strikes close to her home — and her own neck, River grudgingly accepts help from her childhood friend and first love, who unknowingly crushed her heart.

When his formerly awkward school buddy is being stalked and attacked, local newspaper editor and town favorite Jacob Forrester decides to protect River. Falling for River, who blossomed into a confident, beautiful woman, Jacob is also eager to take their friendship to a different level. But River always made it clear she wouldn’t stick around.

Scarred and scared, River has fled to the big city lights once. But she’s stronger now. The homegrown killer better be prepared because not all Rivers run…

Novella River of Danger is a prequel to the Secrets of Rios Azules Series, followed by Book 1, Color of Danger. The series is set in Rios Azules, a small Texas town where rivers and emotions run deep, and the richest family in town has a fine taste for food, jewelry, and murder.  Each book is a complete inspirational romantic suspense and can be read as a stand-alone. Each book in the series features one of five childhood friends – a group once nicknamed Danger Girls – finding love amid danger to her life, her heart, and her faith.

 

My thoughts:

Last year, I had the privilege of reading and reviewing Alexa Verde’s debut novel, Color of Danger.  This inspirational romantic suspense kept me guessing until the very end!  It also left me eager for more, so I was excited to learn that Alexa was releasing a prequel novella.

River of Danger is an exciting story and a wonderful introduction to the Secrets of Rios Azules Series!  Whether you’ve already enjoyed the first book, as I have, or have not yet had the pleasure of visiting Rios Azules, this novella is a recommended read.

I enjoyed getting to know River Montenegro and her childhood friends, the Danger Girls, and look forward to reading each of their stories in future books.  Alexa Verde skillfully weaves elements of drama, intrigue, and romance with an inspirational thread.  I really enjoyed River of Danger and can’t wait for more stories in this exciting series! 

My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of River of Danger.  I appreciate the opportunity to read this novella and share my honest opinion.  

Giveaway- Alexa Verde

Alexa has graciously offered to give away an e-copy of River of Danger and an e-copy of Color of Danger to one lucky winner!  To enter, please leave a comment, along with your email address. 

This giveaway ends Wednesday, June 10 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
The winner will be drawn and announced on Thursday, June 11.

To earn additional entries, you may do the following:

◦Follow my blog, Buzzing About Books
◦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.


 About the Author:

Alexa Verde fell in love with writing at age eight when she penned her first poem. After publishing 200 short stories, poems, and articles in the five languages she speaks, Alexa has turned her creative passion to writing novels. Her May 2014 debut inspirational romantic suspense, COLOR OF DANGER, is the first in her Secrets of Rios Azules series—set in a fictional small Texas town where rivers and emotions run deep and the richest family in town has a fine taste for food, jewelry, and murder.

Visit Alexa online: website, Facebook, Goodreads

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