by admin | Sep 27, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
Fired Up is classic Connealy with a bevy of handsome cowboys, a feisty heroine, a little mystery and danger, plenty of action, a romance or two and of course Mary’s trademark humor. What more could a fan of western romance novels ask than the latest addition to the Trouble in Texas series?
In this second installment of the Trouble in Texas series, the story continues with many of the characters who first appeared in “Swept Away”. It was fun to catch up with Ruthy and Luke as well as Vince and Jonas but Fired Up is mostly Glynna and Dare’s story. Peppered with misunderstandings, suspicious accidents, and plenty of interference from others plus Glynna’s determination to avoid involvement with all men in her future, things do not look very promising for Dare’s attraction to the pretty widow even if he manages to stay alive.
Fired Up is a fast-paced tale with an emphasis on friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness. I was not 100% happy with the way the book ended but have high hopes that everything will be resolved to my satisfaction in the next book in the series. I just hope I don’t have to wait too long to find out.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can’t let his guard down for a moment, which is a challenge, since right now he’s trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.
Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she’s determined to care for her son and daughter on her own. She wants to believe Dare Riker is as decent as he seems, but she’s terrified to lock herself into another marriage. She plans to support her small family by opening a diner—never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent. The men in Broken Wheel, Texas, are so desperate for home cooking that they seem willing to overlook dried-out beef and blackened biscuits.
Glynna can’t help but notice that danger follows Dare wherever he goes. There’s the avalanche. And then the fire. But things really get out of hand when someone plunges a knife from Glynna’s diner into Dare’s back. Are Flint’s cronies still plotting revenge? Is Glynna’s son engaged in a misguided attempt to protect his mother? Is a shadowy outsider still enraged over past injustices? And can Dare survive long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Connealy writes fun and lively “romantic comedy with cowboys” for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie’s Daughters series.
She has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.
Fired Up! Enter to Win a Kindle Fire HD from Mary Connealy and RSVP for her Live Webcast Event!
Mary Connealy is back with the second book, Fired Up, in her Trouble in Texas series, and she’s celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway and a LIVE author chat party on October 8th.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HD
- Swept Away and Fired Up by Mary Connealy
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 8th. Winner will be announced at the “Fired Up” Live Webcast Event on October 8th. Connect with Mary for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Mary will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.
So grab your copy of Fired Up and join Mary and friends on the evening of October 8th 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 by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!
by admin | Sep 18, 2013 | Books, Mystery, Romance, Texas, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingFired Up(Bethany House March 1,byMary ConnealyABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.
The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.
The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.
Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.
The Sophie’s Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.
She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she’s one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.
Learn more about Mary and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Rollicking Wild West Adventure and Romance from Bestselling Author Mary Connealy
Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can’t let his guard down for a moment, which is a challenge, since right now he’s trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.
Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she’s determined to care for her son and daughter on her own. She wants to believe Dare Riker is as decent as he seems, but she’s terrified to lock herself into another marriage. She plans to support her small family by opening a diner–never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent. The men in Broken Wheel, Texas, are so desperate for home cooking that they seem willing to overlook dried-out beef and blackened biscuits.
Glynna can’t help but notice that danger follows Dare wherever he goes. There’s the avalanche. And then the fire. But things really get out of hand when someone plunges a knife from Glynna’s diner into Dare’s back. Are Flint’s cronies still plotting revenge? Is Glynna’s son engaged in a misguided attempt to protect his mother? Is a shadowy outsider still enraged over past injustices? And can Dare survive long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Fired Up, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Fired Up is classic Connealy with a bevy of handsome cowboys, a feisty heroine, a little mystery and danger, plenty of action, a romance or two and of course Mary’s trademark humor. What more could a fan of western romance novels ask than the latest addition to the Trouble in Texas series?
In this second installment of the Trouble in Texas series, the story continues with many of the characters who first appeared in “Swept Away”. It was fun to catch up with Ruthy and Luke as well as Vince and Jonas but Fired Up is mostly Glynna and Dare’s story. Peppered with misunderstandings, suspicious accidents, and plenty of interference from others plus Glynna’s determination to avoid involvement with all men in her future, things do not look very promising for Dare’s attraction to the pretty widow even if he manages to stay alive.
Fired Up is a fast-paced tale with an emphasis on friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness. I was not 100% happy with the way the book ended but have high hopes that everything will be resolved to my satisfaction in the next book in the series. I just hope I don’t have to wait too long to find out.
by admin | Sep 5, 2013 | Books, Historical, Quilts, Romance, Texas, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThreads of ChangeRiver North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2013)byJodi Barrows
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Over the past twenty years, Jodi has remarkably touched thousands of quilters throughout the world with her unique method called Square in a Square®. Her point of view provides the quilter with the freedom to create most any quilt design with speed and accuracy.
Jodi has spoken to quilting audiences throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Italy and S. Africa. She has appeared as a guest on several quilting shows, including TNN’s Aleene’s Creative Living, TNN’s Your Home Studio, Perfecting Patchwork on Family Net TV and a pbs series with Kaye Wood.
Jodi was raised in southwest Kansas, has two grown sons, and is married to Steve, her high school sweetheart.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Conflict develops in the South,
Four granddaughters travel into uncertainty,
And Grandfather sells their precious home.
In the first book of A Quilting Story series, the four cousins-with social graces, charm, and a love for quilting-will face the anguish of life on the frontier in 1856 with every turn along the wagon trail. Raging storms and adversities hit the small band of travelers. Relieved to finally arrive at the abandoned military post at Fort Worth, Texas, they begin the hard work of establishing a new home. When trials follow them, they must decide to become true warriors of their hearts, minds, and souls or fall to the sufferings of prairie life.
Join the four women on a passage of friendship, love, and self-discovery as lives are mended around the quilting frame.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Threads of Change, go HERE.
by admin | Aug 17, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
While “Welcome to Last Chance”, the debut novel by Cathleen Armstrong is not perfect, it definitely shows plenty of promise for future novels by this author. The story is set in the small New Mexico town of Last Chance whose very name is indicative of the point Lainie Davis has reached in her life. The first person Lainie meets is Ray, a bartender whose life has been on hold for awhile.
One thing I usually enjoy in novels about small towns is the eclectic blend of local characters. “Welcome to Last Chance” has its share of them. Lainie was not exactly a likeable character at first. A product of an unfortunate background, she has learned to protect herself by not allowing anyone to get very close and the walls around her heart discourage trust in any form. After some time passes the residents of Last Chance manage to penetrate her walls through their loving and nonjudgmental acceptance.
“Welcome to Last Chance” includes both drama and a bit of humor with the romance between Ray and Lainie playing a prominent role with its ups and downs. At times the plot gets a little busy but keeps on track most of the time. The author is not afraid to write about real life issues and is to be commended for the way she handled them. I will definitely be on the lookout for her next novel.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The red warning light on her car dashboard may have driven Lainie Davis to seek help in the tiny town of Last Chance, New Mexico, but as she meets the people who make this one-horse town their home, it’s her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. These people are entirely too nice, too accommodating, and too interested in her personal life-especially since she’s on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed.
Yet in spite of herself, Lainie is increasingly drawn into the small-town dramas and to a handsome local guy with a secret of his own. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, but her roots remain deep in New Mexico, where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. Her debut novel, Welcome to Last Chance, has already won the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women’s Fiction.
Praise for Welcome to Last Chance
“With equal parts hope, charm, and tender faith, Cathleen Armstrong spins a tale as warm and welcoming as a roadside cafe on a dusty highway. Exit from the fast lane and visit Last Chance. It’s a place you won’t soon forget.”
Lisa Wingate, bestselling and award-winning author of Firefly Island and Blue Moon Bay
“Cathleen Armstrong packs a lot into her debut novel: the suspense of danger lurking on the edges of Lainie Davis’s life, a touch of can-this-really-go-anywhere romance, small-town friendships becoming like family, and the disappointment of family being less than ideal. With an eclectic cast of characters and well-developed plot, Welcome to Last Chance pulls the reader in from the first blink of the warning light on the dashboard of Lainie’s car to the happily-ever-after waiting at the end of her last chance to get her life right.”
Beth K. Vogt, author of Catch a Falling Star and Wish You Were Here
“An outstanding debut novel! Welcome to Last Chance gives us a warm but never sentimental view of small-town life, sprinkled with characters full of quirks and faults–all seen through the eyes of a tough but fragile heroine. Cathleen Armstrong has crafted a story to cherish.”
Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of With Every Letter
by admin | Jul 21, 2013 | Anthology, Books, Historical, Mail Order Brides, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The subject of mail order brides has always been an interesting one to me. It is difficult for me to fathom traveling across the country to marry a man one has never met. What circumstances would induce a young woman to do such a thing? “A Bride For All Seasons” tackles that question a total of four times. What a treat it was to read each story, all of which were penned by familiar and favorite authors.
Normally, I would take my time with an anthology such as this and enjoy each tale separately at my leisure. Each novella was so entertaining and delightful that I found myself having read all of them without a break. I loved the premise of the meddling Mr. Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalogue who thought he could improve on the matches by editing information given by the prospective brides and grooms. The misunderstandings caused by his misinformation made for some humorous situations when the couples met. As expected in a book of this nature, each couple worked out their differences and love bloomed but what fun it was to read!
I will not go into any details about the individual novellas because I do not want to detract from other readers’ enjoyment of them. Each story can stand on its own – the only connection is that the matches were all made through The Hitching Post Catalogue. “A Bride For All Seasons” is a perfect book to take along to the beach or a cabin, or a road trip, etc. The short novellas are light and humorous yet each one contains a strong dose of faith and Christian truth. I highly recommend this book.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It All Started with an Ad in a Mail Order Bride Catalogue…
Melvin Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalog isn’t dishonest—not exactly. If he tweaks his clients’ applications a bit, it’s because he’s looking out for their best interests.
This charming bouquet of novellas introduces four Hitching Post prospects in the year 1870, each one eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they’ll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.
And Then Came Spring by Margaret Brownley
Mary-Jo has been unlucky all her life. But who would guess she’d travel halfway across the country to meet her match . . . only to find him dead!
An Ever-After Summer by Debra Clopton
Ellie had no idea she’s not what Matthew ordered. And what’s wrong with being a “Bible thumper” anyway? She’s determined to show him she’s tougher than she looks—and just the girl he needs.
Autumn’s Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher
Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn’t come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. The trouble is, there’s no money to send them back. . .
Winter Wedding Bells by Mary Connealy
David’s convinced he’s not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he’s gone—nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than twenty-five historical and contemporary novels. @margaretbrownley
Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. Her books often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher
Mary Connealy is a Carol Award winner, an a RITA, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. @MaryConnealy
Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra has her first book coming as a movie starring LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton
A Bride for All Seasons | 12-Day Unexpected Packages Giveaway!
Enter today.
Four novellas, four brides, and four stories to fall in love with.
Enter the world of mail-order brides with four of your favorite authors: Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher, Debra Clopton, and Margaret Brownley. In A Bride for All Seasons (Thomas Nelson) each of the prospective brides is hopeful for a second chance at love—and that second chance always seems to come in an unexpected package.
The authors are celebrating with a fun 12 Days of Unexpected Packages Giveaway! Between July 12-23 visit the authors’ Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on July 23rd! Such fun!
by admin | Jul 16, 2013 | Books, Gold Rush, Historical, Romance, San Francisco, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingIn Golden Splendor• B&H Books (July 15, 2013)byMichael ReynoldsABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael K. Reynolds is the writer and producer of Emmy and Telly Award-winning film campaigns and has more than two decades of experience in fiction, journalism, copy writing, and documentary production. He owns Global Studio, a marketing agency, and is also an active leader in church and business, speaking in both ministry and corporate settings. Michael lives with his wife and three children in Reno, Nevada.
Learn more about Michael and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Irish immigrant Seamus Hanley is a lost soul, haunted by his past as a U.S. Army deserter and living alone in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in 1849. But after witnessing a deadly stage coach crash, he finds purpose in the scattered wreckage — a letter with a picture of a beautiful and captivating woman named Ashlyn living in San Francisco at the height of the Gold Rush.
Moved by her written plea for help, he abandons all and sets out on an epic journey across the wild and picturesque American frontier. While being pursued by those who want to hang him, Seamus encounters fascinating characters including a young Pauite Indian who makes the ultimate sacrifice in helping Seamus to cross the snowy Yosemite Valley.
Battered but changed for the better, Seamus reaches San Francisco on Christmas Eve as the city burns in the tragic fire of 1849. But there is little time for rest, as an even greater, more harrowing adventure involving Ashlyn is about to begin.
If you would like to read the first chapter of In Golden Splendor, go HERE
MY REVIEW:
In Golden Splendor is the second novel in Michael Reynolds’ The Heirs of Ireland series that features members of the Hanley family. Although Seamus is the primary character in this installment, other members of the family are featured to varying degrees.
It took me a few chapters to get into the story but once the groundwork was laid, I was along for the ride to the very end. The narrative contained a perfect blend of adventure, danger, suspense, romance and interesting historical facts. I love the way I learned new things while enjoying a good tale. Strong characters and a credible plot kept the story moving right along and the secrets of several characters were revealed at just the right time. Most important was the strong Christian theme that emphasized that no one is past God’s forgiveness and to just trust Him when everything seems to be impossible.
I recommend both In Golden Splendor and the first book in the series, “Flight of the Earls” and am looking forward to the final novel “Songs of the Shenandoah”, scheduled for publication in January 2013.
