by admin | Sep 12, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Culinary, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Overall, “All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes” was a fun and entertaining contemporary romance that was a pleasant diversion. I liked the idea of two long-time best friends coming to realize that their feelings for each other had changed. As far as their characterization went, I really liked both Kat and Lucas. Sometimes Kat’s frustration with her job and her desire to open her own bakery in another town blinded her to the very real possibilities right in front of her. Lucas was the perfect hero, sweet and supportive and willing to do almost anything for Kat – even wear an apron and cook on TV. I enjoyed reading about the cupcake competition and it seemed very realistic as far as what I have actually seen on similar programs. The vivid descriptions of Kat’s recipes made my mouth water and I appreciated the recipe that was included at the end of the book.
Lucas had always been Kat’s number one cheerleader – the one person she could count on for encouragement when her own family failed her. When both Kat and Lucas discovered strong feelings for each other, a trip together to California for a TV cupcake bake-off should have been the perfect romantic interlude. In actuality, their time together became more and more stressed with frequent quarrels that grew out of their personal insecurities about the other’s feelings. I’ll admit, I grew a bit frustrated with both Kat and Lucas at times. I wanted to shake them and tell them to wake up. A total lack of real communication contributed to their problems and it was beginning to look like things just were not going to work out for them.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more.
Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie’s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.
But when Lucas Brannen, Kat’s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.
As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself—her—is suddenly in danger of slipping away.
The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat’s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.
Learn more and purchase a copy on Betsy’s site.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana with her young daughter and has a heart for sharing the amazing news of God’s grace through her novels. A freelance journalist, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing.
“Love & Cupcakes” Kindle Giveaway and Facebook Party from @BetsyStAmant!
Don’t miss Betsy St. Amant’s latest fiction release, All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes. A “sweet” tale of two best friends and the choices they make between dreams and a possible “sure thing,” St. Amant’s novel is sure to satisfy your romantic-fiction craving.
Betsy is celebrating with a fun Kindle giveaway and a Love & Cupcakes Facebook party!
One winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle
- All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 18th. Winner will be announced at the “Love & Cupcakes” Author Chat Party on 9/18. Betsy will be hosting a “sweet” book chat, giving away prizes, and answering questions from readers. She will also share an exclusive sneak peek at her next book project!
So grab your copy of All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes and join Betsy on the evening of September 18th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Hope to see you on the 18th!
by admin | Sep 11, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Lynette Eason’s suspense novels since the first ones I read through Love Inspired Suspense. They were excellent but I love the fact that she is now writing full length novels. All the more pages to read before I reach the end!
“Nowhere to Turn” got off to an exciting start and barely slowed down long enough for me to catch my breath. The plot kept to a good pace throughout with plenty of action, danger, surprises, and a bit of romance to keep most readers happy. Although it was evident who some of the bad guys were, the author kept a few secrets to herself until just the right moment for their revelation. I did manage to guess how they kept finding where Danielle was staying but then I have read LOTS of suspense novels. I really liked Danielle and Adam as main characters and Danielle’s son Simon was just perfect for the story.
As long as Lynette Eason will continue to write books like “Nowhere to Turn”, I will keep reading them. I very much recommend it and all her other books to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She thought her days of hiding were over . . . but the danger has just begun
The day Danielle Harding takes her eleven-year-old son and flees from her abusive husband is the same day Kurt Harding dies. A relieved Dani believes she and her son are finally safe–but in reality, things are just heating up. When Kurt was alive, he took something important from a mysterious individual–who wants the item back and believes Dani now has it. As she and her son run for their lives, they have nowhere to turn, until she hires Adam Buchanan of Operation Refuge and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, she won’t be able to hide for long . . .
From the first breathless scene, this tension-laced story will hold you in its iron grip as bestselling author Lynette Eason propels you along in a race to discover the truth.
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series, as well as No One to Trust. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
Read an excerpt from “Nowhere to Turn” HERE.
Purchase a copy of “Nowhere to Turn”:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina.
by admin | Sep 10, 2014 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mennonite, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I actually hesitated to accept “A Season of Change” for review. I may be one of the few readers of Christian fiction who has grown a bit weary of Amish fiction and sometimes wonder how long this trend can last. I was pleasantly surprised by a unique tale featuring an unlikely romance between an old order Amish widower and a young woman whose career in the circus has come to an end.
“A Season of Change” is a heart-warming story set in Pinecraft, an actual Amish/Mennonite community near Sarasota, Florida. It was interesting to read about the relaxed atmosphere of the community that is is such contrast to the Amish lifestyle I usually read about. The characters are well developed and the narrative held my interest quite well. I loved how Jacob’s children played an integral role. I also liked the fact that Jacob and Natalie were able to find a compromise for their differences. I usually find it difficult to believe when an Englisher converts to the Amish faith – even if it is for love.
A good story with a surprise or two, “A Season of Change” is sure to please those who enjoy Amish fiction and possibly even a few readers such as myself.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Amish widower Jacob Miller believes it was a mistake to visit the Amish village of Pinecraft for winter vacation, especially after his daughter is struck by a car. Stranded in Sarasota until his daughter recovers, Jacob grows increasingly wary of events that unfold in his unfamiliar surroundings—including the strange curiosity of Englischer Natalie Bennett.
Natalie never thought her circus career as an aerial silks artist would end with a blown-out knee at the age of 25. She also never knew her late mother had a secret—that she was once Amish.
When Natalie meets the Millers at the Sarasota hospital, she is attracted to their warm hospitality and simple ways—and soon wonders if they can help her find her mother’s family. As Jacob and Natalie fall in love, their worlds collide. Will their differences tear them apart? Or will their love be strong enough to blend their clashing cultures?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of over 15 titles for Barbour Publishing, Harlequin, and Abingdon Press. Lynette was born in Western Massachusetts in the shadow of the Berkshire Mountains, raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, but makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country. She loves reading, cooking, watching movies, and is always up for a Texas road trip. When she’s not writing fiction, she works as a reporter for her city newspaper and has a weekly column called My Front Porch.
by admin | Sep 8, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Sunken Treasure” is the third novel in Katy Lee’s Love Inspired Suspense series set on Stepping Stones Island. A modern-day pirate tale, the plot is fast paced and filled with danger, suspense, and adventure as well as the requisite romance. The setting of Stepping Stones Island is perfect with its rich and mysterious history.
Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time! Rachelle Thibodaux found herself right in the middle of a high-stakes race to find a sunken ship that also involved revenge. Plenty of action, drama, and a few surprises kept me reading the entire book in one sitting. Realistically portrayed circumstances in Rachelle’s life made her character well-rounded and believable. I loved seeing how she slowly broke out of her self-imposed isolation and realized that her friends and neighbors did not blame her for the sins of her father. I really liked the characters and their connections to the previous books in the series.
“Sunken Treasure” is another riveting tale from Katy Lee and I highly recommend it and all her novels.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Danger on the High Seas
Shipwreck diver Gage Fontaine is used to modern-day pirates chasing after his boat and the buried treasure he salvages. But when he unknowingly leads a dangerous criminal to the waters off Stepping Stones Island, he puts a beautiful fisherwoman in grave danger. Rachelle Thibodaux has spent the past year hiding on her boat to avoid the town’s censure for her father’s crimes. But when she comes face-to-face with a gun-wielding pirate, she becomes a new kind of target. To save her own life, she’ll have to work with Gage to find the treasure before the pirates do.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As an Inspirational Romantic Suspense author, Katy Lee writes higher-purpose stories in high-speed worlds. Through her writing, ministries, and teaching, she dedicates her life to sharing tales of love, from the greatest love story ever told to those sweet romantic stories of falling in love. Katy and her husband are born New Englanders, but have been known to travel at the drop of a hat along with their three children. But is where you can find Katy anytime.
by admin | Sep 6, 2014 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I will be totally honest and admit that I did not remember entering to win a copy of “The Hesitant Heiress” when the author notified me that I had won a digital copy. I had seen brief mention of the book on Facebook a few times but had no other knowledge of it. I found I had some open space on my review calendar due to the late arrival of a book so I decided to go ahead and read it. As far as I know, this is Dawn’s first novel so I had no preconceived expectations.
Well, it looks like I have yet another new author to add to my “To Read” list. The well-paced plot with beautiful prose and captivating characters drew me in immediately. Although not exactly brooding, the overall tone of the story reminded me just a bit of the old Gothic novels by Victoria Holt or Mary Stewart that I so loved when I was younger. It is a historical romance with just the right touch of mystery and unanswered questions to hold my interest. I really liked the fact that Amaryllis and Nathan actually conversed – a lot. And sometimes they even talked about their faith. It was not just instant attraction but a relationship that grew as they got to know each other better, even though Amaryllis was so determined that she could not trust Nathan. There were times that I became a little frustrated with Amaryllis because nearly every time Nathan attempted to explain his feelings for her, she managed to change the subject.
During the first half of the book or so, the author seemed to concentrate on developing the back story for both Nathan and Amaryllis while their tempestuous relationship ebbed and flowed. Then as the story progressed toward its climatic end, the drama built, secrets were revealed, and there was even some action and danger. As all good stories do, this one ended well, leaving me anxious for the next installment of The Everstone Chronicles. I am thankful that I am on the list of influencers who will receive an advance copy to review.
So, if you are looking for a new author who writes really good historical romance, be sure to check out “The Hesitant Heiress”. I’m glad I did!
I won a digital copy of this book during its book launch contest.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After being unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music, Amaryllis Brigham sees her dreams of founding a music academy disappearing before her very eyes. Now the only way to achieve her goal comes with high stakes for someone set on avoiding men as much as possible: marry within the year to inherit her grandmother’s fortune. Amaryllis reluctantly takes part in her aunt’s society, intent on getting to the west coast on her own… and without a husband.
Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself falling in love with the most unlikely of men, Nathan Everstone, whose father not only had a part in her expulsion, but whose ominous presence has haunted her dreams for a decade since her mother’s tragic death. Nathan turns out to be much more than he seems and everything she never knew she wanted. But just as everything Amaryllis has recently hoped for comes to fruition, it all falls apart when she finds that the real culprit who has been “managing her life isn’t who she thought at all.
ENDORSEMENTS:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dawn Crandall is the author of The Hesitant Heiress (released August 1, 2014).
A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn’t begin writing until 2010 when her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming published, he let her quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take encouraged long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.
Apart from writing books, Dawn is also a first-time mom to a precious little boy (born March 2014) and also serves with her husband in a premarriage mentor program at their local church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Dawn is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, secretary for the Indiana ACFW Chapter (Hoosier Ink), and associate member of the Great Lakes ACFW Chapter.
The Everstone Chronicles is Dawn’s first series with Whitaker House. All three books composing the serieswere semifinalists in ACFW’s prestigious Genesis Writing Contest, the third book going on to become a finalist in 2013.
by admin | Aug 29, 2014 | Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
What could be any better than a book that combines a mysterious folk legend like the spooklight and an historical love story that includes a cowboy? Lori Copeland has written such a story and I could not resist. I have read quite a few of Lori’s books and enjoyed them all. The Healer’s Touch might just be my favorite one yet.
While the author does not attempt to solve the mystery of the spooklight legend, it does play a prominent role in setting up her story. Other mysteries within the course of the story do find resolution and there are also some surprising revelations in store for the reader.
I loved the rural Missouri setting and the book’s characters, particularly Lyric. The plot included plenty of action, drama, mystery, humor, and romance to keep me happily advancing the pages of my ereader screen. The Healer’s Touch was a fun to read book and I would love to see more with the same setting.
This book was provided for review by the publisher through Net Galley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lyric Bolton doesn’t ask for much—just friendship and acceptance from her rural Missouri community. But her family is regarded with suspicion and fear because of her mother’s sickness—a sickness of the mind that grows worse by the day. Lyric is resigned to a life of isolation and doesn’t see any way out…but that’s before Ian Cawley bolts into her life on a runaway stallion.
As she opens her heart to Ian, Lyric dares to imagine a different life. But what will happen when he discovers the secret she holds closest of all?
Purchase a copy of The Healer’s Touch HERE.
Read an excerpt from The Healer’s Touch HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Copeland is the author of more than 100 titles, including A Kiss for Cade and Under the Summer Sky. Her beloved novel Stranded in Paradise is now a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Her stories have developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband, Lance.
