Tag Archives: Inspirational fiction

Review: To Capture Her Heart | Gift Card Giveaway

16 Jul

To Capture Her Heart

To Capture Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

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

 

In an uncertain time, Heather Flower faces a choice that will change her life forever.

It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montaukett tribe, is celebrating her wedding feast when a rival tribe attacks, killing the groom and kidnapping her. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is bound by her captors and left to die—until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren.

Still tender from her loss, Heather Flower begins to heal in the home of the Hortons, English friends of her people. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her longtime friendship with Ben Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice—stay true to her friend or follow her heart.

 

My thoughts:

With a beautiful title that promises a story of love and romance, To Capture Her Heart delivers that and more! Well-researched historical details bring this story to life, as do its many meaningful characters. I enjoyed the dramatic story line and the romances that develop as the story unfolds. Rebecca DeMarino has penned another compelling story in The Southold Chronicles!

While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the series in order. Reading Book 1, A Place in His Heart, allows the reader a better understanding of the characters, their history, and their journeys. I was fascinated to learn that the author’s own family history inspired this series and eagerly await the release of Book 3!

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.

 Giveaway-graphic-300x300 - Copy

Join Rebecca in celebrating the release of To Capture Her Heart!  Click the graphic above to enter the giveaway!  

Grand Prize: $75.00 gift card of choice (Amazon, Target, iTunes or Google play) & signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart 
First Runner Up: $25.00 gift card to Barnes & Noble & signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart
Second Runner Up: Signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart

 

Demarino-291Rebecca DeMarino writes love, legends and lore as a historical romance author and lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She inherited her love of baking and gardening from her mother, a love of horses, reading and writing from her dad, and the wanderlust gene from both parents. Her travels have taken her from Alaska to Nebraska and Florida, from Long Island to England and Italy, and from Washington DC to Texas, California and Guam. But usually you can find her at home, enjoying her grandchildren and baking crisp little ginger cakes. From Publisher’s Weekly ~ DeMarino’s … strong suit is recreating history and relating it to readers.

Connect with Rebecca on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Review: Refining Fire

14 Jul

Refining Fire

Refining Fire by Tracie Peterson

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

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

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

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

 

My thoughts:

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

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

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

 

Tracie Peterson

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

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

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Review: Beyond the Ashes

9 Jul

Beyond the Ashes

Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett

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

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

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

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

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

My thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

 

barnett-pin1-504x754

 

 

Karen Barnett

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

Find Karen online: website, Twitter, Facebook

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

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.

 

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

Review: In Good Company

6 Jul

In Good Company

In Good Company by Jen Turano

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

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

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

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

 

My thoughts:

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

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

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

 

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

Author links:
Website | Facebook

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Review: Silver Spurs

1 Jul

Silver Spurs

Silver Spurs by Miralee Ferrell

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

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

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

 

My thoughts:

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

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

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

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

 

Miralee Ferrell- headshot

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Review + GIVEAWAY: The Lumberjacks’ Ball

26 Jun

Lumberjacks_ Ball cover

The Lumberjacks’ Ball by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1LvRx0G

A decade after surviving a brutal attack, a mercantile owner’s daughter begins her life anew in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A gifted craftsman wishes to leave the lumber camp and seeks employment at her new store. When his presence dredges up memories she wishes to suppress, the proprietress must learn to face her past and open her heart. When complications arise, will they overcome adversity in time for The Lumberjack’s Ball?

My thoughts:

The Lumberjacks’ Ball is a wonderful short novel! Carrie Fancett Pagels is a terrific wordsmith, evoking imagery and emotion from the first words until the last. She skillfully brings her beautiful setting, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, to life, as well as her endearing characters. Brimming with drama, intrigue, and romance, Rebecca and Garrett’s story is captivating!

The Lumberjacks’ Ball is the second book in The Christy Lumber Camp Series, following The Fruitcake Challenge. I loved both of these stories and look forward to more!

 

Giveaway- CFPagelsThank you so much, Carrie, for offering this generous giveaway!  To enter, please leave a comment, along with your email address. This giveaway ends Friday, July 3 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.

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.

 

Carrie brick headshot pmConnect with Carrie:

Carrie Fancett Pagels Ph.D. is an award-winning, best-selling, and multi-published Christian historical romance author. Carrie was a psychologist for twenty-five years. Married for twenty-seven years with two children. Carrie resides in Virginia’s Historic Triangle and enjoys reading, traveling and researching. She’s a finalist for the 2014 Maggie Awards for Excellence.

Website | Blog- Overcoming with God | Blog- Colonial Quills | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | LinkedIn

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

Review: Love’s Rescue

25 Jun

Love's Rescue

Love’s Rescue by Christine Johnson

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her crippled brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O’Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the upright man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.

From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws readers into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy south. Readers will cheer for Elizabeth and Rourke as they battle the odds and the elements to secure their future.

My thoughts:

Love’s Rescue is a captivating story of adventure and romance! Christine Johnson’s writing is beautiful and she deftly swept me away to historical Key West. The island setting comes to life on the pages, as do the characters and their story.

Elizabeth Benjamin and Rourke O’Malley are wonderful characters and their dramatic story beguiled me with its intrigue, emotion, and romance. I loved Love’s Rescue and look forward to continuing this compelling series!

I received a complimentary copy of Love’s Rescue from the author. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and share my honest opinion.

 

Christine Johnson

A small-town Michigan girl, Christine Johnson has lived in every corner of the state’s Lower Peninsula. After trying her hand at music and art, she returned to her first love–story. She holds degrees in English and library studies and works part-time as a librarian. She feels blessed to write for Love Inspired and doubly blessed that two of her manuscripts were finalists for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® award.

When not at the computer keyboard, she loves to hike, kayak, and explore God’s majestic creation. She and her husband split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys.

Christine enjoys hearing from readers through her web site at http://www.christineelizabethjohnson.com.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Review: A Heart’s Betrayal | Melt Into Summer Giveaway

24 Jun

A Heart's Betrayal

A Heart’s Betrayal by Colleen Coble

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1B65ZsM

Emmie finds shelter in the arms of a soldier, but her secret could drive them apart.

When Emmie Croftner answered the door to her late husband’s home, she discovered an awful truth: her deceased husband was a bigamist. And what’s more, the home she thought she inherited never belonged to her at all.

Suddenly displaced, powerless, and ashamed, Emmie can’t stay in Wabash, Indiana. She makes a hopeful start for Fort Laramie, Wyoming, to find her friend Sarah Montgomery and a new beginning. But when she arrives, she discovers she’s pregnant—and without a husband. The new start she’d hoped for slips from her fingers.

But then she meets Isaac Liddle, a handsome soldier with a kind heart. When he begins to court her, Emmie wonders whether she could ever really be his—and whether she dares to tell him she is carrying another man’s baby.

My thoughts:

A Heart’s Betrayal is another great story in the Journey of the Heart serialization!  As the end of this journey draws closer and closer, the more anxious I become to find out what will happen next.  Each short story has left me eager for the next, and A Heart’s Betrayal is no exception. 

In this fourth installment of the serialization, readers are introduced to Emmie Croftner, Ben Croftner’s sister.   When Emmie’s world is turned upside down, she seeks a fresh start in Wyoming with childhood friend Sarah Montgomery.  While this story is not as action-packed as those that have preceded it, I thought the slower pace was well-suited to the dramatic story line.  I enjoyed meeting Emmie, as well as catching up with Rand and Sarah and Jacob and Amelia, and I can’t wait to continue their stories.   

The Journey of the Heart serialization begins with A Heart’s Disguise and includes six installments that will release monthly from March through August. These stories were originally published in two books, Where Leads the Heart and Plains of Promise.

A complimentary copy of A Heart’s Betrayal was provided to me through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest opinion.

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

 

Melt into summer with a new giveaway from Colleen: four books (books one–four in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series) and a box of chocolates to pair with your new books!

heartsbetrayal-400
One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A copy of A Heart’s Betrayal
  • A box of Colleen’s favorite chocolate truffles from DeBrand Fine Chocolates
  • A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
  • A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
  • A copy of A Heart’s Danger

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 30th. Winner will be announced July 1st on Colleen’s website.

heartsbetrayal-enterbanner

 

Colleen Coble

Colleen 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, Facebook, Twitter

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

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →