Tag Archives: Romance

#BookReview: Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

4 Apr

Back in the Saddle

Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1MyMU8l

The prodigal is coming home.

It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.

He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest—a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding . . . and why.

Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor. And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

 

My thoughts:

Back in the Saddle is a wonderful story of faith, family, and forgiveness! From the eye-catching cover to the sweet treat on the last page, I delighted in everything about this western romance. Ruth Logan Herne beautifully captures the intricate dynamics of this ranching family and brings the narrative to life with great characterization, vivid imagery, and an engaging story line.

It’s been years since Colt Stafford left the Double S Ranch, and now the prodigal son has returned. What he finds at home is not at all what he expected, but he’s determined to get back in the saddle. Colt’s story isn’t the only one that needs to be told, though. All of the Stafford men are wrestling with the past in their own way, and I can’t wait to continue the series and see what their future holds!

 

Ruth Logan Herne

Ruth Logan Herne has more than half a million books in print, including fifteen Love Inspired contemporary novels. Back in the Saddle is the first book in her new western romance series. Ruth is a founding member of Seekerville, a popular writing collective blog. A country girl who loves the big city, Ruth and her husband live on a farm in upstate New York.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

 

Back in the Saddle

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 Back in the Saddle.

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#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.

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#BookReview: A Home of Her Own by Keli Gwyn

10 Mar

A Home of Her Own

A Home of Her Own by Keli Gwyn

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

Becky Martin knows that she can’t stay at James O’Brien’s apple farm forever, but she wishes she could. After her brother framed her for arson, she flees Chicago, traveling cross-country to California and finding work caring for James’s ailing mother. Beneath the apple blossoms, it’s almost as if she has a real family…but her secret won’t stay buried forever.

James, scarred from an explosion, didn’t expect to connect to the pretty young traveler. Could she really love someone damaged like him? He knows she’s hiding something. If only she’d trust him. Can she let go of her past and believe in the possibility of a future amid the apple trees?

 

My thoughts:

There are so many things to love about this book! Keli Gwyn weaves together historical details, picturesque descriptions, and heartfelt emotion to create a beautiful and romantic tale. I loved James and Becky and reveled in the tenderness of their story. I highly recommend A Home of Her Own and can’t wait to read more from this wonderful author!

While browsing Pinterest, I pinned a few images that brought to mind A Home of Her Own.

 

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Award-winning author Keli Gwyn writes stories that transport readers to the 1800s, where she brings historic towns to life, peoples them with colorful characters and adds a hint of humor. A California native, she lives in the Gold Rush-era town of Placerville at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains.

When Keli’s fingers aren’t hovering over the keyboard of her newfangled laptop, she enjoys strolling past stately Victorian houses in her historic town, burying her nose in reference books as she unearths interesting facts to include in her stories, and interacting with other romance readers. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, other Gold Rush-era towns and historical museums. She loves hearing from readers and invites you to visit her Victorian-style cyber home at http://www.keligwyn.com, where you’ll find her contact information.

 

A Home of Her Own

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

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#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

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#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

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Guest Post + #Giveaway: Vannetta Chapman

28 Jan

Guest Post- Vannetta Chapman

It’s my pleasure to welcome Vannetta Chapman back to Buzzing About Books!  Thank you so much for visiting with us today, Vannetta, and for graciously offering a copy of Joshua’s Mission to one of my readers.  

Thank you for allowing me to visit your blog today, Britney. I’m very excited about the release of Joshua’s Mission (2-1-16), which is book 2 in my Plain & Simple Miracles series. This book is a Christian romance story, but some of you may wonder … how do you find romance in the midst of a disaster? And how is this sort of story about the grace of God? Great questions!

Joshua's Mission

Joshua’s Mission – Finding romance and grace in the midst of disaster

Joshua Kline travels from his farm in Oklahoma to offer aid to an Englisch town on the gulf coast of Texas after a category 4 hurricane has ravaged the area. What will Joshua find when he arrives in Texas? A budding romance? A call from God? A possible healing of his relationship with his brother? Joshua’s Mission is a story of love, forgiveness, and the grace of God that carries us through even the worst situations.

1. Romance? I love writing romance. I adore happily-ever-after, and I can find those stories in just about any situation. Middle of a hurricane? No problem. While your brother is intent on finding trouble with the law? Yeah. I can do that. During a recovery mission? Absolutely! I think love is, literally, all around us. And sometimes, it’s when we have trouble in our lives that we’re most open to a new relationship.

2. Grace? Disasters are a terrible thing. If you’ve ever experienced a first hand natural disaster, or been on site soon after one, you know what I mean. It’s heartbreaking to see people’s lives ripped apart. So how can we possibly have a story about grace in such a terrible situation?
The answer is in the way that we comfort one another. Christ told us to be His hands and feet, and during disasters we find people doing that very thing. We put down our cell phones, unplug from the internet, turn off the television, and we become involved with each other’s lives.

wimberley

I had the awesome chance to experience this recently after we had massive flooding in central Texas. On May 25, 2015, the towns of Wimberley and San Marcos were hit by catastrophic flooding from the Blanco River. The river crested at an estimated 41.5 feet, nearly 30 feet above flood stage. Lives were lost. Homes were destroyed. But the people in the area pulled together. Volunteers showed up in droves. Donations came in. Rebuilding began. The experience I had helping one family certainly changed my outlook. As one of the men told my husband, “We had no idea where to begin, and then you all showed up. You gave us hope.” Wow. Grace in the midst of disaster.

3. Fiction. Joshua’s Mission is a fictional account of a hurricane that hits the Texas gulf, but I was able to use first hand testimonies of hurricane victims in other areas, my own experience working on an emergency response team, and interviews with people in the area to weave together a story. There’s a little romance and a whole lot of grace. I hope that you’ll give it a try.

 

Giveaway graphic- Joshua's Mission

GIVEAWAY DETAILS – (US only)
One lucky reader will win a print copy of Joshua’s Mission!

To enter the giveaway:
Leave a comment below, and be sure to include your email address. The giveaway ends Monday, February 1 at midnight CST. The winner will be drawn and announced on February 2nd.

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!

Have you ever experienced a natural disaster or helped in a recovery effort? If not, maybe you know someone who has. Tell us your story.

 

VC

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her novel, Falling to Pieces, was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award winner for best mystery. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time. She lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.

Connect with Vannetta:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Purchase a copy of Joshua’s Mission:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

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#BookReview: One Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg

10 Dec

One Enchanted Christmas

One Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Last December, mystery author Maren Grant had the most perfect night of her life. On a glimmering winter evening, she got to watch the photo shoot for her very first book and ended up on a magical date with the cover model himself—Colin Renwycke.

Fast forward one year. This December, with a looming deadline, restless spirit and her creative spark long since gone, Maren is desperate to get unstuck. And she can’t get Colin out of her head…or his year-old open invitation to spend a couple weeks writing at his family’s farm.

Drew Renwycke never planned to come home and take over the Renwycke family farm. But he’s spent too many years watching his siblings unravel, including his brother, Colin, after one terrible family mistake. If moving to Maple Valley, Iowa, renovating an old farmhouse and switching careers is what it takes to put the Renwycke family back together, he’ll do it.

But his simple plan upends when a scrappy author lands on his doorstep. And she just might be the key to coaxing his brother home. But what if he wants her all to himself? Drew will have to choose between his Christmas wish and the enchantment of a holiday romance that just might be the happy ending they all long for.

 

One Enchanted Christmas graphic

My thoughts:

Adorable! Bubbly! Charming! Delightful!

I’m pretty sure I could continue through the alphabet listing adjectives to describe this holiday novella. I loved it! All of the story elements, from the narration to the cover model crush to the trip Maple Valley, were such fun, and the romance was enchanting!

One Enchanted Christmas is the perfect read for the holiday season; it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart!

 

mtagg-pic1

Melissa Tagg is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she’s also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever (not that she’s biased), watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next story. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings.

Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at http://www.melissatagg.com.

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#BookReview: The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck | $100 Cash Card #Giveaway

3 Dec

The Wedding Chapel

The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

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

For sixty years, a wedding chapel sat silent, waiting for love. But times have changed and the hour has come when it just might be too late.

Retired hall-of-fame football coach Jimmy “Coach” Westbrook never imagined anything would come of his labor of love—the wedding chapel he built for Collette Greer, the woman he fell for back in ’49. But now an offer has come to turn the chapel into what it was meant to be—a place for love—and Jimmy sees no reason to hang onto his dream any longer.

Photographer Taylor Branson is trying to make a life for herself in New York. Leaving her hometown of Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, she put a lot of things behind her, including her family’s abysmal marriage rate. But love surprises her when she falls head-over-heels for Jack Forester, a top ad man. Their whirlwind romance results in an elopement, and a mountain of doubt. Jack, while genuine in his love for Taylor, can never seem to overcome his own demons to find the words of his heart.

When Taylor takes an assignment in Heart’s Bend, the job does more than send her back to her hometown, but into a world of family secrets buried beneath the sands of time.

When Taylor’s journey intersects with Coach’s, they rediscover the heartbeat of their dreams and that the love they long to hold is right in front of them. And worth every waiting moment.

 

My thoughts:

There is so much goodness to be found in Rachel Hauck’s stories, and I believe The Wedding Chapel is one of her best yet! 

Told from multiple points of views, I was captivated by the intricacies of this story. I also reveled in the dual time frame and the superb imagery that brought each time period to life. There was a genuineness about the characters and their emotion-filled journeys that captured my heart, as did the wedding chapel and all it represented.

I loved this beautiful love story and longed to step into its pages and visit the enchanting chapel tucked in the Tennessee woods. I think it’s a place you’ll want to visit, too!

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/rhauck

 

Join Rachel in celebrating the release of The Wedding Chapel by entering to win a copy and a $100 cash card—perfect for finishing up your Christmas gift shopping!

wedding chapel - 400

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of The Wedding Chapel
  • A $100 cash card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 17th. The winner will be announced December 18th on Rachel’s blog.

wedding chapel - enter banner

 

Rachel Hauck

Rachel 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.

Connect with Rachel: website, Twitter, Facebook

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#BookReview: The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

1 Dec

The Golden Braid

The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

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

The one who needs rescuing isn’t always the one in the tower…

Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man. She paints beautiful flowering vines on the walls of her plaster houses. She sings so sweetly she can coax even a beast to sleep. But there are two things she is afraid her mother might never allow her to do: learn to read and marry.

Fiercely devoted to Rapunzel, her mother is suspicious of every man who so much as looks at her daughter and warns her that no man can be trusted. After a young village farmer asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides to move them once again—this time, to the large city of Hagenheim.

The journey proves treacherous, and after being rescued by a knight—Sir Gerek—Rapunzel, in turn, rescues him farther down the road. As a result, Sir Gerek agrees to repay his debt to Rapunzel by teaching her to read. Could there be more to him than his arrogance and desire to marry for riches and position?

As Rapunzel acclimates to life in a new city, she uncovers a mystery that will forever change her life. In this Rapunzel story unlike any other, a world of secrets and treachery are about to be revealed after seventeen years. How will Rapunzel finally take control of her own destiny? And who will prove faithful to a lowly peasant girl with no one to turn to?

 

My thoughts:

The Golden Braid is a delightful retelling of Rapunzel!

I loved the adventure and romance of this enchanting tale! As I read, images danced across my mind as the story and its characters came to life on the pages. Although the premise is not new, Dickerson’s reimagining of Rapunzel’s story is fresh and vibrant and sure to please fans of fairy tales and medieval romance.

Melanie Dickerson is known and loved for her fairy tale retellings, and The Golden Braid is another splendid addition to the Hagenheim / Fairy Tale Romance series!

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/mdickerson

 

Melanie Dickerson

Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer’s Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.

Connect with Melanie: website, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube

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#BookReview: Rising Darkness by Nancy Mehl

30 Nov

Rising Darkness

Rising Darkness by Nancy Mehl

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. After a rough childhood, her teenage poor choices harmed others, leaving her with no choice but to change her life. Her entry-level writing job at a newspaper puts her in the right place at the right time to overhear office gossip about a prisoner who has information on a decades-old unsolved crime. While the other reporters write off the tip as the ravings of an angry criminal, Sophie can’t ignore it because she knows the name of this prisoner from her old life.

Upon learning from the man that one of the other suspects is hiding out in the Missouri town of Sanctuary, she takes on a false identity to investigate and meets the young pastor of a local church–the very man she’d loved as a troubled teenager. As she gets closer to finding the suspect, will the truth of her own past come out before she discovers the identity of the criminal–or the very person she’s seeking puts a fatal stop to her investigation?

 

My thoughts:

Rising Darkness is the third and final book in the Finding Sanctuary series. While this novel stands alone, it does revisit characters from previous books. In fact, readers who have read Unbreakable, book two in the Road to Kingdom series, will especially enjoy reading Sophie Wittenbauer’s story.

When the pursuit of information concerning an unsolved crime leads Sophie to Sanctuary, Missouri, it also brings her face to face with someone from her past. Can Sophie keep her own identity concealed while trying to uncover the identity of a criminal?

Sophie and Jonathon are well-crafted characters, and their story is filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Rising Darkness combines suspense and romance and is an enjoyable conclusion to the Finding Sanctuary series.

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

 

Nancy Mehl

Nancy Mehl lives in Festus, Missouri, with her husband Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson. She’s authored fifteen books and is currently at work on a new romantic suspense series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

You can find out more about Nancy and her books by visiting her website.

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