by admin | Nov 6, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Quilts, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Quilted by Christmas is a charming love story filled with memorable characters, especially Taryn’s feisty grandmother Jemma. Set in North Carolina during the weeks leading up to Christmas, the story brings to light how our decisions can affect our life and those of others for many years to come.
The man Taryn loved has returned home after twelve years away in military service. Because of one huge secret made out of good intentions and because of the advice of others, Taryn wants to avoid Justin as much as possible. Due to a bit of manipulation by Jemma and subsequent events, Taryn and Justin are forced to spend more time together than she had planned. Their relationship seems so comfortable, just like old times that Taryn finds herself hoping for the impossible. Will Justin hate her if she reveals her secret?
Quilted by Christmas reminded me of the old axiom that begins with “Oh what tangled threads we weave…” So many decisions were made based on wounds inflicted by other people and so many secrets were kept – not only by Taryn. I loved the way Taryn learned to trust the Lord with her secrets and eventually learned the power of truth and forgiveness. I also liked the family quilt history and how the quilt Taryn and Justin worked on together eventually forced the truth out into the open. Quilted by Christmas is a perfect novel for the coming holiday season.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A grandmother’s last wish is to communicate God’s love through an Irish chain quilt.
Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle?schoolers she teaches.
When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?
Purchase a copy and learn more at the Quilts of Love website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jodie Bailey is Tarheel born and bred. After 15 years as a military spouse, she settled with her family back in North Carolina. She is the author of the military suspense novel “Freefall” and is a contributor to a devotional for military families, “Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home.” While not working on her next novel, she teaches middle?schoolers to love writing as much as she does.Find out more about Jodie at http://JodieBailey.com.
Quilts of Love | QUILTED BY CHRISTMAS –
Kindle Giveaway & “Merry Quilted” Facebook Party!
Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey. October’s QOL release is a warm Christmas tale of God’s steadfast love.
Enter to win a Kindle HDX, and RSVP for the “Merry Quilted” Quilts of Love Facebook party on December 9th.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Two copies of Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey (One for you and one to give away as a gift!)
- Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
- Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven
Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 16th. Winner will be announced November 17th at the Quilts of Love blog.
Wait! There’s more! RSVP for the “Merry Quilted” Quilts of Love Christmas Book Chat Party on December 9th and connect with some of the Quilts of Love authors. Jodie Bailey, Laura V. Hilton, Cindy Loven, Cathy Elliott, and Gina Welborn will be hosting a “merry” evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, prizes, and more!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Hope to see you on December 9th!
by admin | Oct 28, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Quilts, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingQuilted by ChristmasAbingdon Press (October 21, 2014)by
Jodie BaileyABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A note from the Author: Well, I’m a regular ol’ person. Who just happens to write. A lot. Probably more than I should. I firmly believe that God created me to be a writer. From the time I learned how to string letters together into words I’ve been making up stories. Believe me… I have a very rich imagination. I used to think I was weird; now I know God just put me together that way. I can’t even watch commercials without expanding them into stories in my head. I am humbled and honored all at the same time that God looked down from heaven on me and said, “Jodie, do what you love.” Wow… how awesome is that?
I have always loved to write. I have stories that I wrote when I was in first grade. I used to sit at my grandmother’s yellow electric typewriter for hours, banging out my own little stories. When I was eleven, she bought me a typewriter of my own (It was 1984, okay?) and I would write and write on it. I wrote stories out by hand, and they ran to hundreds of pages. I got my first computer when I was eighteen, and the first thing I did was write a story on it. I wrote for school. I wrote for fun. I wrote for my friends. I’d get them on the phone and make up stories for them. (I earned the nickname “Dreamweaver” for that one. Nobody calls me that anymore, but it still stands as the coolest nickname I ever had.)
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches. When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Quilted by Christmas, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Quilted by Christmas is a charming love story filled with memorable characters, especially Taryn’s feisty grandmother Jemma. Set in North Carolina during the weeks leading up to Christmas, the story brings to light how our decisions can affect our life and those of others for many years to come.
The man Taryn loved has returned home after twelve years away in military service. Because of one huge secret made out of good intentions and because of the advice of others, Taryn wants to avoid Justin as much as possible. Due to a bit of manipulation by Jemma and subsequent events, Taryn and Justin are forced to spend more time together than she had planned. Their relationship seems so comfortable, just like old times that Taryn finds herself hoping for the impossible. Will Justin hate her if she reveals her secret?
Quilted by Christmas reminded me of the old axiom that begins with “Oh what tangled threads we weave…” So many decisions were made based on wounds inflicted by other people and so many secrets were kept – not only by Taryn. I loved the way Taryn learned to trust the Lord with her secrets and eventually learned the power of truth and forgiveness. I also liked the family quilt history and how the quilt Taryn and Justin worked on together eventually forced the truth out into the open. Quilted by Christmas is a perfect novel for the coming holiday season.
by admin | Sep 27, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Quilts, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
One thing I have enjoyed about the Quilts of Love series is the sheer variety of themes among the featured books. So far I have read everything from Amish stories to Historical tales plus contemporary novels and sometimes even some mystery and suspense – all of which contain at least one romantic relationship. I have been a fan of Robin’s books since I first read some of her early Love Inspired Suspense novels. Since then she has gone on to write excellent full-length suspense novels that I make sure to obtain asap. Hidden in the Stars is Robin’s contribution to the Quilts of Love series and is a fine example of her versatility.
The somewhat pastel colors of the cover of Hidden in the Stars might trick the reader into thinking this novel is just a sweet romance. Never fear! Robin has woven her usual brilliant suspenseful mystery complete with some dastardly characters in which a quilt plays a major role. And let’s not forget the romance. Sparks fly between Sophia, victim of a brutal attack that killed her mother and investigating detective Julian. Although both of them feel a strong attraction, they decide it is just a reaction resulting from the aftermath of such a devastating crime. Could it be true love?
I enjoyed learning a bit about ballet and gymnastic training. I also liked seeing Julian’s perspective of the investigation. Most of all, I just loved having another novel by Robin Caroll in my hands. My only complaint is that it was over too soon.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A quilt holds the secret to a killer still at large—and who his next victim will be.
Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, 21?year?old Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept her estranged grandmother’s offer to return to their family home. Although detective Julian Frazier is working hard on the case, Sophia unknowingly frustrates him because her inability to speak thwarts her eyewitness evidence. The fact that Julian is undeniably attracted to Sophia doesn’t help either, so Julian hides his feelings as concern for a trauma victim and focuses instead on finding the killer.
Little do they know, the clues to solving the case may be right in front of them, displayed in Sophia’s mother’s “special” quilt design. Who will realize the secret Sophia’s unwittingly been hiding in plain sight? When the truth comes to light, will Sophia find her voice again? Or will the murderer—still at large—silence her forever?
Visit the Quilts of Love website to learn more and purchase a copy.
Read an excerpt from “Hidden in the Stars” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Caroll is the author of 22 published novels. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of 20?plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character?filled pets at home in Little Rock, Arkansas. She gives back to the writing community by serving as conference director for ACFW. Her books have been named finalists in such contests as the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.
Find out more about Robin at http://www.robincaroll.com.
Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll. September’s QOL release is a wonderful combination of mystery, romance, and family love bound together by a quilt and the story it tells.
Enter to win a “Night on the Town” (a $200 Visa cash card!) and RSVP for the “Fall into Fall” Quilts of Love Facebook party on 10/7.
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa cash card (The perfect accessory for a “night on the town”!)
- A Grand Design by Amber Stockton
- Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 7. Winner will be announced at the October 7th author chat party with Amber Stockton and Robin Caroll! RSVP for an evening of book chat, quilting tips and tricks, prizes, and more!
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on October 7th!
by admin | Sep 22, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Quilts, Romance, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHidden in the StarsAbingdon Press (September 16, 2014)byRobin Caroll
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-plus years, her 3 beautiful daughters, 2 precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?
Learn more about Robin and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, 21-year-old Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept her estranged grandmother’s offer to return to their family home. Although detective Julian Frazier is working hard on the case, Sophia unknowingly frustrates him because her inability to speak thwarts her eyewitness evidence. The fact that Julian is undeniably attracted to Sophia doesn’t help either, so Julian hides his feelings as concern for a trauma victim and focuses instead on finding the killer.
Little do they know, the clues to solving the case may be right in front of them, displayed in Sophia’s mother’s “special” quilt design. Who will realize the secret Sophia’s unwittingly been hiding in plain sight? When the truth comes to light, will Sophia find her voice again? Or will the murderer—still at large—silence her forever?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Hidden in the Stars, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
One thing I have enjoyed about the Quilts of Love series is the sheer variety of themes among the featured books. So far I have read everything from Amish stories to Historical tales plus contemporary novels and sometimes even some mystery and suspense – all of which contain at least one romantic relationship. I have been a fan of Robin’s books since I first read some of her early Love Inspired Suspense novels. Since then she has gone on to write excellent full-length suspense novels that I make sure to obtain asap. Hidden in the Stars is Robin’s contribution to the Quilts of Love series and is a fine example of her versatility.
The somewhat pastel colors of the cover of Hidden in the Stars might trick the reader into thinking this novel is just a sweet romance. Never fear! Robin has woven her usual brilliant suspenseful mystery complete with some dastardly characters in which a quilt plays a major role. And let’s not forget the romance. Sparks fly between Sophia, victim of a brutal attack that killed her mother and investigating detective Julian. Although both of them feel a strong attraction, they decide it is just a reaction resulting from the aftermath of such a devastating crime. Could it be true love?
I enjoyed learning a bit about ballet and gymnastic training. I also liked seeing Julian’s perspective of the investigation. Most of all, I just loved having another novel by Robin Caroll in my hands. My only complaint is that it was over too soon.
by admin | Aug 26, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Quilts, Romance
MY REVIEW:
A Grand Design is a quickly read romantic novel set on Mackinac Island. In this story, a return trip to the island after many years away revives old memories and pain for Alyssa Denham. With the help of her best friend, her grandmother, and Scott Whitman, Alyssa begins to break down some of the walls she has so carefully built to protect herself.
The novel length was a bit too short for the author to go into as much depth as I might have preferred but she did manage to cover all the bases adequately. Her descriptions of the island were vivid and made me want to visit it. The characters were well defined but I would have liked to spend more time with them. A Grand Design is short and sweet and the perfect book for when you don’t have the time or notion to dig into something that requires more concentration.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A getaway on a charming island may be just what Alyssa needs—if only she can let go of her past.
When Alyssa Denham, a single career woman, wins a fun getaway for two on Mackinac Island where her grandmother lives, she gives her carefree best friend a call. Together, they tour the old shops and hidden treasures of the quaint island while helping Alyssa’s grandmother piece together an heirloom quilt. Their quest gains them entrance into the homes of many longtime residents of the island, parts of the city that are otherwise off limits to tourists.
As the quilt’s story takes shape, Alyssa gains amazing insight into her grandmother’s life . . . and attracts the attention of the handsome Scott Whitman, an island resident in charge of hotel transportation. Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will the quest to piece together the heirloom quilt restore Alyssa’s fractured heart—and bring healing to her entire family?
Find our more and purchase a copy at the Quilts of Love website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amber Stockton is an award?winning author, a national speaker, and a direct?sales brand partner with Nerium International. She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. They have a daughter and a son, and an Aussie/retriever mix named Roxie. Three of her novels have won annual reader’s choice awards. Find out why readers love her by visiting her website AmberStockton.com.
Find out more about Amber at http://amberstockton.com.
Quilts of Love | A GRAND DESIGN – Kindle HDX Giveaway & “Fall into Fall” Facebook Party!
Don’t miss this month’s Quilts of Love book, A Grand Design by Amber Stockton. Who hasn’t struggled to let painful memories go and move into God’s healing? You’ll be sure to love this heartfelt and encouraging tale set on historic Mackinac Island.
Celebrate August’s release by entering to win a Kindle from Quilts of Love and RSVPing for the “Fall into Fall” Facebook author chat party.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle HDX
- A Grand Design by Amber Stockton
- Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 16th. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog. Plus make sure you RSVP to the October 7th author chat party with Amber Stockton and Robin Caroll for an evening of book chat, quilting tips and tricks, prizes, and more!
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Hope to see you on October 7th!
by admin | Aug 19, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Quilts, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Grand DesignAbingdon Press (August 19, 2014)byAmber StocktonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Words from the author:
Hi, I’m Amber, but my friends call me Tiff, short for Tiffany, my first name. I am in my mid-30’s, married to the love of my life since July 2007, have a daughter and a son, and live in Colorado. Here, I am content to do what I love—write, speak, and offer virtual assistance.
Thanks to the gentle nudging of a fellow author — Tracie Peterson — in 2002, I joined the American Christian Fiction Writers and wouldn’t be published today without them. For those of you who are also fiction writers looking for a wonderful support group, check them out! My very first book, Promises, Promises, sold in December 2006 and released in February 2008. I’ve been going steady ever since.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Alyssa Denham, a single career woman, wins a fun getaway for two on Mackinac Island where her grandmother lives, she gives her carefree best friend a call. Together, they tour the old shops and hidden treasures of the quaint island while helping Alyssa’s grandmother piece together an heirloom quilt. Their quest gains them entrance into the homes of many longtime residents of the island, parts of the city that are otherwise off limits to tourists.
As the quilt’s story takes shape, Alyssa gains amazing insight into her grandmother’s life . . . and attracts the attention of the handsome Scott Whitman, an island resident in charge of hotel transportation. Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will the quest to piece together the heirloom quilt restore Alyssa’s fractured heart—and bring healing to her entire family?
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Grand Design, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
A Grand Design is a quickly read romantic novel set on Mackinac Island. In this story, a return trip to the island after many years away revives old memories and pain for Alyssa Denham. With the help of her best friend, her grandmother, and Scott Whitman, Alyssa begins to break down some of the walls she has so carefully built to protect herself.
The novel length was a bit too short for the author to go into as much depth as I might have preferred but she did manage to cover all the bases adequately. Her descriptions of the island were vivid and made me want to visit it. The characters were well defined but I would have liked to spend more time with them. A Grand Design is short and sweet and the perfect book for when you don’t have the time or notion to dig into something that requires more concentration.
