by admin | Dec 4, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Quilts, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Swept Away” is a fun-to-read contemporary romance with several memorable characters. Sara Jane Morgan’s feisty grandmother is determined to find a husband for her and has decided that Drew Stevenson is the perfect match for Sara Jane. At first glance, the pair could not be any more unlikely to make a match. Sara Jane is a well-dressed teacher who appears to be Miss Prim and Proper. On the other hand, broom maker/handyman Drew looks like he just stepped out of the wilderness. The question is “Could Sara Jane’s grandma be right about them being perfect for each other or is she just desperate to see Sara Jane happily married?”
I thoroughly enjoyed Grandma’s antics as well as all the uncomfortable situations Sara Jane and Drew found themselves in. The history of ballad quilts was quite interesting to me and almost makes me want to create one for myself. “Swept Away” is an engaging story that ends just right. I would not mind reading more by this pair of authors.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sara doesn’t think she wants love. But her grandmother has other plans.
Sara Jane Morgan is trying to balance teaching with caring for her ailing, stubborn grandmother. When school lets out for the summer, the plans are for Grandma to teach Sara Jane to quilt as they finish up the Appalachian Ballad quilt Grandma started as a teenager. But things don’t always go as planned.
Andrew Stevenson is hiding from his past—and his future. He works as a handyman to pay the bills, but his heart is as an artisan, designing homemade brooms. When Sara Jane’s grandmother hires him to renovate her home, sparks fly between Drew and his new employer’s granddaughter.
Still, it doesn’t take Sara Jane long to see Drew isn’t what he seems. Questions arise, and she starts researching him online. What she discovers could change her life—and her heart—forever.
Learn more, read an excerpt, and purchase a copy at the Quilts of Love website.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning author and a professional book reviewer. A stay-at-home mom and home school teacher, Laura lives with her family in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas.
Cindy Loven is active in the church and writes from her home in Conway, Arkansas, where she lives with her husband and their son.
Quilts of Love | SWEPT AWAY – Kindle Giveaway & “Merry Quilted” Facebook Party!
Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven. November’s QOL release is a spark of romance and fun just in time for the holidays.
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
- Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven
- Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
- Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey
Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 9th. Winner will be announced during the “Merry Quilted” Christmas Facebook party on December 9th. RSVP today and connect with some of the Quilts of Love authors (Jodie Bailey, Laura V. Hilton, Cindy Loven, Cathy Elliott, and Gina Welborn) for 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 | Dec 3, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Novella
MY REVIEW:
Lisa Wingate has surprised her fans with a short Christmas novella just in time for the holidays. I ignored the many chores that were awaiting me and read “A Sandy’s Seashell Shop” in one sitting this morning but wished I had taken just a bit more time to savor it. Set in Hatteras Village located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the novella features a grieving young military widow who has tried her best to ignore Christmas since her husband’s death during that season.
This is a read that requires a nearby box of tissues because I guarantee there will be a moment or two that will bring tears to your eyes. Fortunately other scenes will bring forth chuckles or maybe even a hearty laugh or two. Young Micah is just precious and both Tiff and Jason are characters I want to get to know better. A sweet story of healing, hope, and miracles – I absolutely did not want this story to end!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For young military widow, Tiff Riley, Christmas isn’t just another day. It’s the worst of all days. Hiding out on Hatteras Island with three-and-a-half-year-old Micah, she’s desperate to once again ignore the anniversary of tragedy. The winter-season quiet of North Carolina’s Outer Banks is the perfect place to escape. It never feels like Christmas at the beach.
But in tiny Hatteras Village, the crew at Sandy’s Seashell Shop is determined to make sure no one is forgotten at Christmas. Is it possible for a magical Christmas Eve at the Seashell Shop to help mend one damaged life? On a night of miracles, in a place of miracles, can a young widow’s heart be reopened to joy, hope… and even love?
Proceeds from the sale of this E-short will help fund a donation to Operation Military Kids, which serves children whose parents are deployed. Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Wingate is a former journalist, inspirational speaker, and the author of over twenty mainstream fiction novels, including the national bestseller, Tending Roses, now in its nineteenth printing. She is a seven-time ACFW Carol award nominee, a Christy Award nominee, an Oklahoma Book Award finalist, and a two-time Carol Award winner. Her novels are known for taking on gritty subjects while offering redemptive and uplifting themes. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. More information about Lisa’s novels can be found at www.Lisawingate.com
by admin | Dec 1, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Raelynn Rivers grew up being told that she was born to sing so she dreamed of a career doing what she loved. One day she left her family home in the mountains of Virginia and her best friend/fiance Lane behind to pursue her dream. Sure enough, Raelynn reached the top and became the “Country Music Queen” but fame was not all it was cut out to be and she broke under the stress of it all. After a few years at the top, Raelynn found herself opening for her own former opening acts. A mining accident sends Raelynn running home to her family and realizes just how much she has missed the mountains and Lane. Their relationship appears to rekindle but Lane has a secret that could change everything.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Silver White Winters” and barely put it down until I had read it all. Both Raelynn and Lane are characters I could easily picture in my mind. The plot was well paced and emotionally satisfying. Lane’s particular secret is one I have not run across in my extensive reading but I felt that Candice handled it well and helped me understand that particular challenges of a person in Lane’s situation. I liked the way the author worked the importance of faith into the story and felt it played an important role in the outcome.
As a somewhat visual person, I have to mention that I think the cover is gorgeous. In my opinion, I believe you can often judge a book by its cover and this one made me want to read what was inside.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Raelynn Rivers dreams of reviving her floundering career. The “Country Music Queen” hasn’t had a number one hit in six years, and her song-writing ability has vanished. But Raelynn’s hopes are derailed when tragedy strikes. Returning to her home town forces her to confront her past—Lane Ryan, the childhood best friend and former fiancé she abandoned in order to pursue her music career.
In the snow-covered mountains of Appalachia, Raelynn reconnects with family and rediscovers her musical abilities—and her faith. And no one inspires her more than Lane. She’s finally ready for a relationship, but the secret Lane carries is as big as Coal Mountain and threatens any future they may have together.
Second chances don’t come around every day. Will Raelynn sacrifice her career this time or say goodbye to Lane forever?
This title is part of the Christmas Holiday Extravaganza, specially priced through December. Order a copy for yourself while it is on sale HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Candice Sue Patterson studied at The Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in southern Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes contemporary romance with threads of nostalgia.
Visit at www.candicesuepatterson.blogspot.com
by admin | Dec 1, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, International Intrigue, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“The Brothers’ Keepers” is a novel that requires a good bit of concentration and attention to details. A suspenseful story of danger and intrigue laced with a hearty dose of Christian history, the narrative takes the reader on a fast-paced journey from one foreign city to another and back again.
When daughter Maggie is abducted and daughter-in-law Becca is attacked, Grace Madison and her entire family become involved in a race against time and unknown enemies to track down an ancient artifact that seems to be of great value not only to Israel but also to the Vatican and possibly others. With the involvement of Mossad and other intelligence organizations, The Madison family find themselves deeply entrenched in the investigation and realize they have no choice but to trust God and to do the right thing.
Overall, “The Brothers’ Keepers” has a very serious tone but is relieved at times by a touch of somewhat dry levity. With so many characters, I found it a little difficult to identify with any of them but that is most likely because this novel is somewhat different than my usual reading choice. The book is well written with a very involved plot filled with action, drama, danger, a hint of romance and some unexpected twists and surprises.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A friend’s deception. A family’s dilemma.
While cataloging looted antiquities in Brussels, archaeologist Grace Madison learns that her daughter has disappeared in France, and daughter-in-law has been attacked in Switzerland. But before the Madisons can save themselves, they must rescue an old friend—if he’ll let them. Navigating a deadly, four-thousand-year-old artifact trail that crosses three continents, they jeopardize hearts and lives against a foe as old as time—as time runs out.
Because choosing what’s right is all that’s left.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After an award-winning detour through journalism and marketing and a graduate degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, NLB Horton returned to writing fiction. She has surveyed Israeli and Jordanian archaeological digs accompanied (twice!) by heavy artillery rounds from Syria and machine gun fire from Lebanon. Calmly tossed a tarantula from her skiff into the Amazon after training with an Incan shaman. Driven uneventfully through Rome. And consumed gallons of afternoon tea across five continents. Her first novel, WHEN CAMELS FLY, was released in May, 2014.THE BROTHERS’ KEEPERS her second in the Parched series, will be released November 17, 2014. The third in the series will release in the fall of 2015.
Find out more about NLB at http://nlbhorton.com.
Don’t miss NLB Horton’s The Brothers’ Keepers—international suspense at its best. While cataloguing looted antiquities in Brussels, archaeologist Grace Madison discovers her daughter has vanished in France, and her son’s bride has been attacked in Switzerland. After the Madison family unearths a relic whose taproot pierces the Ancient Near East, they realize before they can save themselves, they must rescue an old friend . . . if he’ll let them.
Learn more about book one in the series, When Camels Fly, and enter to win a Kindle Fire.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- When Camels Fly and The Brothers’ Keepers by NLB Horton
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 7th. Winner will be announced December 8th on NLB’s blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
by admin | Nov 26, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mennonite
MY REVIEW:
I have learned that when I open a novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer I can usually expect a story that delves into the depths of human emotions. It is also quite possible that it will cover at least one issue that many do not find especially comfortable to discuss. Kim always manages to depict her characters and their difficult situations in a tactful manner that also leaves the reader encouraged and hopeful. “When Mercy Rains” is definitely one that meets those criteria.
Suzanne Zimmerman made a poor decision as a teen and was sent away from her family because of it. During the following twenty years she earned a nursing degree and managed to make a good life for herself and her daughter. Summoned home to help care for her injured mother, Suzanne and her daughter Alexa reluctantly return, hoping to mend old wounds but in many ways receiving the reception she feared.
“When Mercy Rains” covers approximately two months in the lives of the Zimmerman family, complete with family tension, guilt, revealed secrets, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It is not always a pretty story but it is one of changed lives. Everything does not turn out exactly as the reader might expect but the end is probably that much more realistic for that very reason. Not only that, but its ending does leave things wide open for possibilities in the next book of this series, “When Grace Sings”.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I look forward to “When Grace Sings” for more about the Zimmerman family.
This book was provided for review by Blogging for Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She left, heavily weighted with secrets.
But God reveals all things, in His timing.
And He redeems them.
Suzanne Zimmerman was only seventeen and pregnant when her shamed mother quietly sent her away from their Old Order Mennonite community in Kansas. With her old home, family, and first love firmly behind her, Suzanne moved to Indiana, became a nurse, and raised a daughter, Alexa, on her own.Now, nearly twenty years later, an unexpected letter arrives from Kansas. Her brother asks her to bring her nursing abilities home and care for their ailing mother. His request requires that Suzanne face a family that may not have forgiven her and a strict faith community. It also means seeing Paul Aldrich, her first love.Paul, widowed with an eight-year-old son, is relieved to see Suzanne again, giving him the chance to beg her forgiveness for his past indiscretion. But when he meets Alexa, his guilt flickers in the glare of Suzanne’s prolonged secret—one that changes everything.Suzanne had let go of any expectation for forgiveness long ago. Does she dare hope in mercy–and how will her uncovered past affect the people she loves the most?
Click here to download chapter one of When Mercy Rains.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are currently in print and have garnered awards including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas, with husband Don and their four feline companions. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and ten grandchildren.
by admin | Nov 23, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Revell, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Each year I look forward to reading Melody Carlson’s latest Christmas novel. I would be extremely disappointed if she decided to stop writing them. At this point, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without one. As expected, her latest, “The Christmas Cat” did not disappoint. It was a short and sweet story that contained a timely message appropriate to the season.
I felt immediate sympathy for Garrison and his aversion to his grandmother’s houseful of cats because of his allergic reaction to them. How would he ever meet the requirements of her will without becoming ill himself? I especially liked how Garrison found just the right owners for each of the cats and the special effects the cats had on their new owners. Most of all, I loved the changes in Garrison himself as he honored his grandmother’s last wishes and found himself blessed for it.
“The Christmas Cat” is a heartwarming tale that can be read in one evening. Do yourself a favor and begin a Christmas tradition with Melody Carlson’s Christmas books. I think you will love them as much as I do.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He felt his face flushing as Cara opened the door. Wearing a garnet-colored knit dress and with her dark hair pinned up, she looked even prettier than he remembered. Suddenly he wished he’d thought to bring a hostess gift. Like a cat.
After years abroad, Garrison Brown finds himself at the home of his beloved grandmother who has just passed away. He must sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While he hopes to dispense with the task quickly–especially since he is severely allergic to cats–his grandmother’s instructions don’t allow for speed. She has left some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends.
Can he match the cats with the perfect new owners? And is it possible that he might meet his own match along the way?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than six million. She is the author of several Christmas books, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington’s, as well as The Christmas Pony and A Simple Christmas Wish. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
