by admin | Mar 7, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Broken Kind of Beautiful” is a beautifully written and poignant story that is filled with such insight into the human spirit. It is overflowing with grace that brings healing and more into the lives of two very broken people.
Ivy Clark, a very successful model since her mid-teens, has been manipulated and exploited for her entire career. She has experienced life in the fast lane when all she really desired was the love and acceptance of her father. Davis Knight, once an up-and-coming professional photographer has given up his profession to become a church caretaker. Ivy and Davis are brought together by Marilyn Olsen for a magazine spread featuring her line of wedding gowns. Davis immediately recognizes that there is more to Ivy than her flippant attitude and soon finds himself thinking about her constantly. Ivy resists his friendship initially but soon realizes how dependent on him she has become. With the help of Marilyn’s unconditional love and the Holy Spirit, Ivy and Davis manage to overcome their pasts and to anticipate a brighter future than either expected.
“A Broken Kind of Beautiful” was difficult to read at times because of the intense emotions experienced by the primary characters. I didn’t always like Ivy but nevertheless I could understand her actions because of her background. I did like Davis throughout the story although at times I wanted to tell him to “get over the guilt”. But despite the love interest between Ivy and Davis, I felt that Marilyn was the real star of this book. Her love for everyone, especially Ivy, was a beautiful and bright light that illuminated her faith in Christ.
I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to read this wonderful book. I enjoyed both Wildflowers From Winter and Wishing on Willows but I think Katie has taken “A Broken Kind of Beautiful” a step further. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers next.
An advance reader copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong.
Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.
If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?
Praise for A Broken Kind of Beautiful
“Both beautifully written and honestly told, A Broken Kind of Beautiful is captivating! Faith is the resounding heartbeat of this poignant story, but Ganshert also breathes to life a tender romantic tale and a powerful inner journey as soothing as sweet tea on a hot summer day.”
—Denise Hunter, best-selling author of Dancing with Fireflies
“In A Broken Kind of Beautiful, Katie Ganshert writes her most compelling novel yet, where imaginary characters seem to step off the pages. Readers will embrace both Ivy and Davis as they struggle with who they are and who they want to be. The story lingers with you after you close the book, like a melody you want to listen to again and again.”
—Beth K. Vogt, author of Catch a Falling Star and Somebody Like You
“A Broken Kind of Beautiful is beautifully written and populated with characters that tugged at my heart from the first page. This story is about The Story—the best story of history—that of God’s redeeming grace and pursuing love. I found it moving, inspiring, and wholly satisfying. Another Katie Ganshert novel for my keeper shelf!”
—Becky Wade, author of Meant to Be Mine
“Ganshert’s fresh, riveting novel of shattered dreams, second chances, and true love is one that will capture readers’ hearts and refuse to let them go. This story reveals the deep truth that we can trust our fractured hearts to the God who specializes in mosaic tiles—the One who formed the universe from words and man from dust, and who has no trouble figuring out how to bring beauty from the broken.”
—Betsy St. Amant, author of All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes
“Katie Ganshert has created characters so real, my heart ached for them as I longed to know them more and soothe the hurts in their pasts. The truth threaded through the pages is one to savor, as is this story of a journey from brokenness to redeemed beauty.”
—Cara Putman, award-winning author of Shadowed by Grace
“Katie Ganshert’s A Broken Kind of Beautiful is poignant, heartfelt fiction at its finest—a gentle story of hope and healing wrapped in the kind of romance that keeps the reader turning pages. I love the emotional depth, lyrical writing, and strong sense of place. Most of all, I love that days after closing the book, the characters are still alive in my head.”
—Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Say
“With a setting that becomes its own kind of character, a tender romance and soul-stirring symbolism, A Broken Kind of Beautiful is a shining example of how God’s grace can restore the brokenness in our lives. Her gorgeous writing voice pulled me in from the first page and kept me thinking about her characters after the story ended. Katie’s novels are to be savored and enjoyed again and again.”
—Lisa Jordan, award-winning author of Lakeside Reunion and Lakeside Family
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband and their young son. She is the author of Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows.
by admin | Mar 6, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Terri Blackstock has always been one of my go-to authors when I am in the mood for a good suspense. I have enjoyed her books for years and “Distortion” is sufficient proof to me that her books have only gotten better over the years.
The plot of “Distortion” is one that could come from current news. It was easy to imagine the nightmare Juliet’s life became after witnessing the murder of her husband then finding her horror compounded by discovering the web of lies surrounding him. His death and subsequent discoveries and threats were additional heartbreaking events to previous tragedies in the lives of Juliet’s siblings and friends. I loved the way they all stuck together to help each other despite their own troubles and grief.
“Distortion” is an action-filled story that kept me involved until the very end. It is a tale of faith and courage in the midst of tragedy that ultimately led to a fitting resolution. One thread was left hanging but I suspect it will be tied up in a neat package in the next installment of the series. I can’t wait to read it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Juliet Cole’s life has been dismantled by the murder of her husband. She doesn’t know who—or what—to trust when everything she has believed to be true about her marriage has been a lie.
A husband’s lies can have deadly consequences.
When Juliet Cole’s husband of fifteen years is murdered before her eyes, she thinks it was a random shooting. Devastated and traumatized, she answers hours of questioning, then returns home to break the tragic news to her boys. But a threatening voicemail takes this from a random shooting to a planned, deliberate attack.
Juliet realizes that she and her children are in danger too, unless she meets the killers’ demands. But as she and her sisters untangle the clues, her husband’s dark secrets come to light. The more she learns, the more of her life is dismantled. Was her husband an innocent victim or a hardened criminal?
Pre-order a copy for just $4.99 on Kindle, Nook, iTunes, or the eBook version on CBD until March 10th.
Learn more at Terri’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terri Blackstock has sold over six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of “Intervention,” “Vicious Cycle,” and “Downfall,” as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, Restoration, and Moonlighters.
Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party!
Don’t miss Terri Blackstock‘s latest release in the Moonlighters series, Distortion.
The book releases March 11th, and Terri will be kicking off the release with a fun Facebook Distortion party and giving away a Kindle Fire HDX. PLUS readers can pre-order the ebook for just $4.99 between now and 3/11 everywhere ebooks are sold.
One winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
- Distortion and Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 11th. Winner will be announced at the Distortion Facebook Party on March 11th. Connect with Terri for a “suspenseful” book launch party with prizes, a book chat, and more.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN
on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your
chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!
by admin | Mar 5, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Princess Ever After” is a modern day fairytale that reminds us that God chose us and had a specific plan for us even before we were born – but it is up to us to choose to accept that calling in faith and step out in obedience, knowing that He has our back.
Rachel’s characters are usually normal everyday people but God tends to interrupt their routine lives with something extraordinary. In “Princess Ever After”, Regina learns that she is a princess of Hessenburg, a small European country whose citizens need her to save it. Confusion and fear dog her every step as she struggles to make a decision that will change her life forever no matter how she chooses. Tanner is the government official of Hessenburg who is assigned to convince Regina to accept the throne and to help her become acquainted with her new kingdom. Although Tanner falls in love with Regina at first sight, his past mistakes convince him he is not good enough for her. Several questions are in play here. Will Regina give up her life of restoring old automobiles and become the new ruler of Hessenburg? Can Tanner make peace with his past? Is true love possible for Regina and Tanner?
Written in the author’s usual thoughtful style, “Princess Ever After” quickly drew me into the story and held my interest until the last page. I loved getting to know both Regina and Tanner and was eager to see how their story would turn out. I loved the sweet romance, the touch of mystery and the aura of wonder that filled the plot…and of course those “Holy Spirit” moments that Rachel manages to insert at just the right places. What more could I ask?
This second installment of Hauck’s Royal Wedding series is just another example of why her novels are on my must read list. I refuse to miss even one of them. In my opinion, “Princess Ever After” was perfect and I can’t wait for the next installment of this series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Regina Beswick was born to be a princess.
But she’s content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother’s hand-painted book of fairytales.
Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation’s future—and his own.
Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever. Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she’s destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together—with a little divine intervention—Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love.
Purchase a copy and learn more at Rachel’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as RITA nominated “The Wedding Dress” and RITA nominated “Love Starts with Elle,” part of the Lowcountry series, the Nashvegas series and the Songbird Novels penned with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Their novel “Softly and Tenderly,’ was one of Booklists 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, she worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full time in 2004. Rachel serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.
Rachel is celebrating her “swoon”-worthy romance with a fun $200 “Princess” prize package giveaway and a Facebook “Princess” party on March 6th. Grab your tiaras and RSVP today!
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa cash card (buy your very own “princess ever after” gown or tanks of gas for your “royal” ride)
- Princess Ever After, Once Upon a Prince, and The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 6th. Winner will be announced at Rachel’s “Princess” Facebook Party on March 6th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of “royal” book chat, princess-themed trivia, laughter, prizes, and an exclusive look at the next book in the Royal Wedding series!
So grab your copy of Princess Ever After and join Rachel and friends on the evening of March 6th 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 6th!
by admin | Feb 28, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
After witnessing a mob hit, Daisy Grant finds herself on a race for her life. She quickly determines that the police are not able to protect her, so with both sides of a Mafia rivalry after her, Daisy knows she is on her own. With advice from a friend, Daisy attempts to evade her pursuers by faking her own death and ignoring her friend’s instructions makes her way to New Orleans where she encounters more bad luck. Surely the new job and immediate connection she feels with handsome Mark Jensen is a sign that her luck is beginning to change…or is it?
“Down and Dead in Dixie” is a story that hits the ground running and doesn’t stop for more than a quick breath or two until the very end. Filled with action, danger, suspense, and romance, a huge dose of humor adds a welcome sense of relief at frequent intervals. I loved Daisy and Mark as well as their sometimes quirky cast of supporting characters. Although the story is likely improbably, it had me hooked for its entire length and rooting for Daisy and Mark’s successful “deaths”.
“Down and Dead in Dixie” is highly entertaining and I look forward to reading its sequels. Hope I can manage the wait!
I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
To live, sometimes ya gotta die! Daisy Grant is in a heap of trouble. She stumbles into a mob turf war and now somebody wants her dead. Daisy may be small-town to the bone, not at all the kind of woman to deal with the Southern Mafia, but she knows how to get creative fast!
Enters the way-too-attractive Mark Jensen… He didn’t mean to rescue anybody, and he certainly didn’t mean to go on the run because of a stubborn, sassy woman. Soon they are up to their ears in so many wacky characters they don’t know who’s on their side. Daisy and Mark decide that to live, sometimes ya gotta die. And sometimes to die right takes . . . practice.
Clean Read. This book is suitable for most readers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Over 1.5 Million Books In Print
Vicki’s first published novel, a romantic suspense, was a bestseller that sold in nearly a dozen foreign countries. Since then, she’s shifted writing focus several times. After co-creating the first single-title open-ended continuity series, she turned to military life and has been credited with a Career Achievement Award for being one of the first to write military romantic suspense, military romantic intrigue, and military romantic thrillers. Recently, she has shifted focus to Christian fiction. Her willingness to take risks and blaze trails has won her many prestigious nominations and awards
by admin | Feb 28, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed each and every one of the books in Janice Thompson’s Weddings by Bella and Weddings by Design series as well as a number of her other novels. I love this author’s blend of a sweet romance with a large dose of humor that is well seasoned with wisdom and practical faith.
I believe that “The Dream Dress” may just be my favorite of all Janice’s books. I liked the character of Gabi Delgado – her dogged loyalty to her job despite the despicable way she was treated by her boss and her willingness to stay up all night working on a wedding dress for a friend. I also loved they way her friends and Jordan encouraged and stood up for Gabi, especially the way each one of them pointed her toward the Father who would never let her down.
There are so many things to love about “The Dream Dress”. Gabi and Jordan were wonderful additions to the series and characters from the first two books, Scarlet and Armando and Hannah and Drew made numerous appearances throughout its pages, especially Scarlet. And of course the story would be incomplete without Bella, the Rossi family, and of course the Spendora Sisters. I would probably never grow tired of new additions to Thompson’s wedding series set in Galveston and the nearby area.
I heartily recommend “The Dream Dress” as well as any of Janice Thompson’s other novels to those who love a good romance with a generous helping of humor and faith.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Big dreams take big leaps of faith . . .
but what if you trip on the way?
A lowly seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own original dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. But when Jordan Singer, reporter for Texas Bride magazine, visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is humbled in his influential–and unnervingly handsome–presence.
Convinced she’ll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement–especially from her friend Bella Neeley–to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well.
Praise for the Weddings by Design Series
“Funny one-liners and absolutely lovable characters combine with just enough romantic tension to keep the pages turning.”–RT Book Reviews on Picture Perfect
“This breezy, fun-filled romance is sure to please readers who have been eagerly awaiting the second series installment.”–Library Journal on The Icing on the Cake
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect and The Icing on the Cake. She lives in Texas. Visit www.janiceathompson.com for more.
by admin | Feb 26, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingDating, Dining, and DesperationB&H Books (March 1, 2014)byMelody CarlsonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults–with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.
She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.
Learn more about Melody and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Daphne Ballinger has learned to accept her deceased, eccentric aunt’s strange request that she marry in order to inherit her estate, along with taking over her aunt’s hometown paper’s advice column.
But knowing and accepting that God’s will be done becomes harder when a new neighbor, a divorced socialite, learns of Daphne’s predicament and takes on the task of finding her the perfect man, even if it includes speed dating. When God does open Daphne’s heart, it is instead to take in a young girl left parentless and in the care of her dying grandmother. It may be a temporary arrangement until the girl’s uncle returns from the Marines, but God uses Daphne to speak His heavenly love and protection into the life of the child — whom Daphne soon discovers has a very handsome and single uncle.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Dating, Dining, and Desperation, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Dating, Dining, and Desperation, the second installment of Melody Carlson’s Dear Daphne series continues where “Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel” ended. Time seems to be running out for Daphne to keep the inheritance left by her Aunt Dee and her best option seems to have disappeared. A new neighbor becomes a new friend who pushes Daphne to improve her image and to date more actively. During the course of the book Daphne meets several new possibilities but none of them seem to be a good match. It is only when she learns to wait on God and becomes involved in reaching out and helping others that Daphne finds real joy and is content with whatever her life brings – even if it means giving up her inheritance.
Once again Carlson has given her readers a fun and humorous story that is filled to the brim with wisdom and encouragement. Dating, Dining, and Desperation is a prime example of why I keep reading her books and recommend them to others.
