by admin | Aug 23, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Counting on a Cowboy” is both fun and poignant. The perfect follow-up to the previous “Betting on Hope”, it not only included a brand new romance between Monahan brother Bo and Abby Knightly, but the continuing story lines involving side characters add even more interest.
After visiting and falling in love with Wishing Springs, Texas with Hope in the first book, it is no wonder that Abby chose the cozy little town as a place to start over. Still grieving over major loss in her life, Abby has no desire to even think about another man but when Bo finds himself with a challenge he cannot handle alone, Abby’s resistance is poor.
With bigger-than-life characters who are also believable, “Counting on a Cowboy” is a story of healing, forgiveness, and love. I reached the end of this wonderful tale much too quickly and cannot wait for the next installment to find out what lucky lady will make confirmed bachelor Jarrod change his mind.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk.
Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she’s brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins.
Bo Monahan isn’t interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become—or the women who might be looking at him like he’s their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn’t looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down.
This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs help. Even Abby can see that, and despite her best efforts to keep her distance, she can’t help but be drawn to this new father-son duo. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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.
Find out more about Debra at http://debraclopton.com.
A new tale of romance, family, and taking risks—don’t miss Debra Clopton’s Counting on a Cowboy! After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.
Saddle up with Debra and her new book and enter to win her Love at the Reins prize pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 8th. The winner will be announced September 9th on
Debra’s blog.
by admin | Aug 19, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
The second book in the Two Blue Doors series, “Reservations for Two” continues Juliette D’Alisa’s story as she balances preparations to open a new restaurant with a long-distance romance, her mother’s serious illness, and her search for the answers to secrets from her grandmother’s life. The reader is privileged to read along with Juliette as she discovers unknown facts from her grandmother’s past through letters mostly between her grandmother and her great-aunt. The book is also interspersed with recipes that are mentioned during the story.
From Europe to Portland to Memphis and back, it was fun to follow Juliette and sometimes Neil as they discovered local sights and food together. I especially enjoyed Juliette’s trip to Memphis because I have spent my life close to the city and am familiar with most of the places she and Neil visited together. Unfortunately, the Macaroni Grill on Poplar that they visited was destroyed by fire and had to be leveled.
I mostly enjoyed “Reservations for Two” and look forward to the next book in the series in which I hope to see all the loose ends tied up nicely and all questions answered. “Reservations for Two” is a must for those who enjoy reading tempting descriptions of food, especially gourmet quality food.
This book was provided for review by Blogging for Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A culinary concoction of taking chances and finding love in the most delectable places
Food writer-turned-restaurateur Juliette D’Alisa has more than enough on her plate. While her trip to Provence might have unlocked new answers to her grandmother’s past, it’s also provided new complications in the form of Neil McLaren, the man she can’t give up.
Juliette and Neil find romance simple as they travel through Provence and Tuscany together, but life back home presents a different set of challenges. Juliette has a restaurant to open, a mother combating serious illness, and a family legacy of secrets to untangle – how does Neil, living so far away in Memphis, fit into to her life?
As she confronts an uncertain future, Juliette can’t help but wish that life could be as straightforward as her chocolate chip cookie recipe. Can her French grandmother’s letters from the 1940’s provide wisdom to guide her present? Or will every new insight create a fresh batch of mysteries?
Click here to download chapter one of Reservations for Two.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA bestselling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during her internship at Northwest Palate magazine. A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring new walking trails. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon.
by admin | Aug 17, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
When I discovered Lisa Wingate’s novels, I certainly found true treasures. From her light-hearted contemporary romances to the more meaty stories in her latest Carolina Heirlooms series, I find myself totally immersed in them. I am not sure how it can be possible but “The Sea Keeper’s Daughters may just be the best one yet.
There are so many layers to this tale. On a basic level, Whitney is desperate to come up with the money needed to save the new restaurant she and her cousin plan to open. Then her trip to the Outer Banks to check on her ill step-father turns into something she could never have expected. The discovery of old letters from an aunt she never knew existed opens doors to family secrets that change everything for Whitney.
It is so very difficult for me to express just how good this book is. I loved everything about it. Reading the old letters along with Whitney revealed a part of our history that I did not know. The stories about the Melungeons actually made me wonder about some of my own ancestors. For me though, the very best part of “The Sea Keeper’s Daughters” was the intricate relationships in it and the way they evolved. It is such a wonderful illustration of faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation as well as an example of how God can change a person’s dreams to match the plans He has for them.
No question – you NEED this book – and while you are at it, you might as well pick up the first two books in the series too. I don’t think you will be sorry. Even my sister who has a preference for true crime novels, loves this series.
This book was provided for review by Lisa Wingate and Tyndale House Publishers.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From modern-day Roanoke Island to the sweeping backdrop of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and Roosevelt’s WPA folklore writers, past and present intertwine to create an unexpected destiny.
Restaurant owner Whitney Monroe is desperate to save her business from a hostile takeover. The inheritance of a decaying Gilded Age hotel on North Carolina’s Outer Banks may provide just the ray of hope she needs. But things at the Excelsior are more complicated than they seem. Whitney’s estranged stepfather is entrenched on the third floor, and the downstairs tenants are determined to save the historic building. Searching through years of stored family heirlooms may be Whitney’s only hope of quick cash, but will the discovery of an old necklace and a Depression-era love story change everything?
by admin | Aug 17, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingOnce Upon a SummertimeRevell (June 2, 2015)byMelody Carlson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
My husband Chris and I live in a cabin-style home next to the National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Mountain area of the Pacific Northwest. Our two grown sons and granddaughter live nearby and we try to see them as often as we can. We also have two ‘re-homed’ pets to make life more interesting-our yellow Labrador retriever Audrey and a Maine coon cat named Harry.
My writing studio is in a separate building next to our courtyard (a garden area that’s off limits to the voracious deer). The window behind my desk looks out into the Ponderosa pine forest, where I see deer, squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional raccoon. The other windows in my office overlook the courtyard which is frequented by numerous hummingbirds in the summertime-one August evening we counted nearly fifty of the little hummers.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it’s a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises–not the least of which is Sean O’Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!
Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Summertime, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed many books by Melody Carlson, so I looked forward to reading “Once Upon a Summertime”. Overall it was an enjoyable, light romance that is perfect for reading on the beach, at the lake, or even a lazy summer afternoon or evening.
While Carlson’s talented style is quite evident in this book, the story itself was fairly predictable, especially once Anna was actually in New York. As other reviewers have mentioned, the story ended rather abruptly with all the potential conflict neatly wrapped up in a tidy package.
One aspect I have always enjoyed about Melody’s books is that I can usually count on a strong spiritual message or lesson. Unfortunately in “Once Upon a Summertime” the romance between Anna and Sean seemed to have a much stronger focus than their faith.
Nevertheless, fans of Melody Carlson should still find this novel entertaining, especially those who love happy-ever-afters.
by admin | Aug 15, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Now that I have read both “A Cry From the Dust” and “The Bones Will Speak” I am certain that I will have a place on my bookshelves for any forthcoming novel by Carrie Stuart Parks. I have always enjoyed suspense novels but in the past few years have begun to shy away from those that have too much gore. Carrie’s books have just enough details to ramp up the suspense as well as give the crimes credibility but she does not include anything that makes me cringe or keeps me awake at night. I also like the fact that she draws from her own career and personal experiences for her plot and character development.
In “The Bones Will Speak” forensic artist Gwen Marcey is trying to pick up the pieces after a bout with cancer, an unwanted divorce, and financial pressures due to the loss of her job. A discontented teen daughter adds to her stress. When her dog brings home a human skull, Gwen’s life becomes even more complicated as more bodies are discovered and there is even a possibility that she and her daughter are being targeted by a serial killer.
This book had me turning the pages as fast as I could read. I didn’t want to put it down until I found out who the killer could be. Plenty of twists and surprises kept the story moving and the tension built throughout the book until its climatic last pages. I can’t wait to read about Gwen’s next adventure.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Forensic artist Gwen Marcey has become the target of a serial killer who believes he’s been appointed God’s executioner.
In Copper Creek, Montana, Gwen Marcey is struggling to put together her life after cancer and divorce. When her dog retrieves a skull of a murder victim and leads her to the victim’s grave, Gwen uses her forensic art ability to identify a serial killer. She is horrified to discover all the victims look like her fourteen-year-old daughter.
The murderer is a “lone wolf,” a member of the terrorist group Phineas Priesthood-and he has a score to settle with Gwen. Unraveling the tangled Christian Identity movement, where race-not grace-provides salvation, Gwen is in a frantic rush against time. She must use all her skills to uncover the killer before he can carry out his threat to destroy her and everyone she loves.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carrie Stuart Parks is an award-winning fine artist and internationally known forensic artist. She teaches forensic art courses to law enforcement professionals and is the author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing. Carrie began to write fiction while battling breast cancer and was mentored by New York Times bestselling author Frank Peretti. Now in remission, she continues to encourage other women struggling with cancer. Visit Carrie’s website.
by admin | Aug 10, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHope HarborRevell (July 7, 2015)byIrene Hannon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of 10 with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention.
Okay…maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But she was one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut!
Since then, she has written more than 45 romantic suspense and contemporary romance/women’s fiction novels. She is a seven-time finalist and three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romantic fiction—and a member of Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. Her books have also won a Daphne du Maurier award, a Carol award, three HOLT Medallions, a National Readers’ Choice award, a Retailers Choice award, two Booksellers’ Best awards and two Reviewers’ Choice awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. One of her novels was also named by Booklist as a top 10 inspirational fiction books of 2011. In addition, she is a two-time Christy award finalist.
Irene, who holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full. She is happy to say she has no regrets!
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening and singing. A trained vocalist, she has sung the leading role in numerous musicals, including “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma” “The King and I” and “Anything Goes.” She is also a soloist at her church.
When not otherwise occupied, Irene and her husband enjoy traveling, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life–and love–altered her plans. When tragedy strikes and changes her plans yet again, she finds herself back in her hometown with a floundering farm to run and a heartbreaking secret. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter’s. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help save a struggling charitable organization, the winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives–including their own.
Fan favorite Irene Hannon brings a whole new cast of characters to life in a charming Oregon seaside village. Emotional and heartwarming, this story invites readers to come home to Hope Harbor, where love and hope bloom–and hearts heal.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Hope Harbor, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
“Hope Harbor” is an engaging inspirational romance about second chances in both faith and love. A stranger’s visit to Hope Harbor in an attempt to overcome his grief and guilt after his wife’s death results in some probably not so coincidental encounters that affect the lives of many in a positive way. It is a story of healed emotions and restored relationships as well as renewed faith in God.
I really enjoyed visiting the Oregon coastal town of Hope Harbor and getting to know some of its inhabitants. The love interests Michael and Tracy were well developed but other characters filled major roles. I particularly enjoyed Anna and Charley and Floyd the seagull added a nice touch of humor. I also found the details about cranberry farming to be quite interesting.
I always enjoy Irene Hannon’s novels – whether it is a romantic suspense or a contemporary romance. “Hope Harbor” did not disappoint.
