The Nurse’s Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Nurse’s Secret Suitor
Love Inspired (October 1, 2013)
by
Cheryl Wyatt
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Not even Cheryl Wyatt’s closest friends would dream that this sweet, shy intercessor plots mayhem during announcements at church. She is a Registered Nurse turned stay-at-home-mom, wife and writer who loves Jesus with all of her heart.

Joyful chaos rules her home, and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. She is convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentines Day destined her to write Inspirational Military Romance.

Cheryl loves to laugh and to make others laugh, so she often plans comedic moments for her defenseless characters in spite of their grumbling. She says it’s payback for when they refuse to obey the plots she’s set out before them.

Prior to publication, six of Cheryl’s manuscripts placed in ten RWA Contests. Two of Cheryl’s stories also placed First in ACFW’s Noble Theme Contest 2005 (Contemporary Romance Category), as well as ACFW‘s Genesis Contest 2006 (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Category).

She currently writes for Love Inspired. Her Wings of Refuge Series, about a team of USAF Pararescue Jumpers and the ladies who capture their hearts, can be purchased anywhere books are sold.

Learn more about Cheryl and her books on her Website.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A Strong-Willed Heart

Trauma nurse Kate Dalton can handle any challenge—except love. The combat veteran dreams of settling down, but heartbreak is one risk she won’t take. Then a chance encounter opens her heart to a masked stranger…who might not be a stranger after all! Caleb Landis, the army medic behind the disguise, has always admired Kate, even though she only saw him as her best friend’s brother. What will it take for Kate to discard her fears and discover the man she’s always hoped to unmask?

Eagle Point Emergency: Saving lives—and losing their hearts— in a small Illinois town

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Nurse’s Secret Suitor, go HERE.

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MY REVIEW:

The Nurse’s Secret Suitor was a fun and entertaining book yet it included several highly emotional personal scenes and some intense medical ones as well. From the masquerade wedding that began the book to the storybook ball at its end, the author incorporated several unusual ideas into a very unique novel. Cheryl even has photos and links on her Facebook page to some of the projects described within the story.

I enjoyed the characters of The Nurse’s Secret Suitor, especially hero Caleb and Tia. That child Tia kept me laughing with her quips throughout the book that added just the right touch of humor. I also enjoyed touching base with characters from Cheryl’s previous books in this series.There were times I was a bit frustrated with Kate’s dependance on her mystery man when Caleb was such a caring person who was right there with her the entire time. I was so happy to watch how the Lord taught both Kate and Caleb how to trust him with their past hurts and to allow others past their self-imposed walls.

Home to Heather Creek Series Launch | Before the Dawn and Sweet September



MY REVIEW:

The first two books of Guidepost’s Home to Heather Creek series, “Before the Dawn” and “Sweet September”, chronicle the lives of the Stevenson family as grandparents Bob and Charlotte attempt to make a home for their daughter’s orphaned children. The adjustment is not easy as the three children, two of whom are teens, seem to resent the move from suburban California to a Nebraska farm to live with grandparents they barely know. Both books have a down-home feel and the transition from the first to the second is smooth despite being written by different authors.

“Before the Dawn” is the first book in the series which covers the first months of change in the lives of the family complete with all the conflicts both with the grandchildren and between Bob and son Pete who farms with him. Charlotte and Bob are not always in agreement on how to handle their grandchildren and Charlotte is fearful that they will make similar mistakes to those in raising their own children.

“Sweet September” continues the family story as harvest time approaches. The grandchildren have settled in but are still somewhat resistant to life on the farm. Christopher seems to be hiding something and Sam is falling behind in school. Emily has made a good friend but is still unhappy with her new life. On top of that, the conflict between Bob and Pete seems to escalate and someone or something is stealing eggs and vegetables right out of the garden while they sleep. Charlotte is so stressed she doesn’t know which way to turn.

The first two books in the Home to Heather Creek series are stories about second chances. Charlotte and Bob have a chance to make a difference in the lives of their grandchildren and even a second chance with their two remaining children. They are stories about relationships, about when to discipline and when to just love. There is a lot of wisdom within their pages and a strong emphasis on turning problems over to God. These books can be enjoyed by both young and old alike.

This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.



ABOUT THE BOOKS:

When the world around you falls apart, could it be that God is giving you a second chance? This is just one of the questions on Charlotte Stevenson’s mind as she brings her three grandchildren to live on the family farm in Guidepost Books’ Home to Heather Creek series.

Before The DawnBefore the Dawn begins just one week after the funeral of Charlotte’s daughter, Denise. Denise’s three children barely have time to process the death of their mother before they must move to the Heather Creek Farm they have never visited with grandparents they barely know. At age 16, Sam is fiercely protective of his younger siblings. Emily is 14 and desperately misses her friends. Young Christopher is only 8 and just wants to fit in. While Charlotte tries to help her grandchildren adjust to their new life, she also wrestles with her own grief and the enormous task of bringing her family together. Bob believes the fastest path to adjustment is a firm routine, with structure and chores, the same way they raised their own kids. However, that route led to Denise running away from home as a teenager and an estranged relationship with her family. Charlotte is worried about making the same mistakes she made with Denise. Is this her chance to make things right?

It is spring when the children arrive, and as Charlotte looks around the farm, she hopes the new life around them will signify hope and healing. The miracle of new life, along with God’s healing touch, reminds all of them that it’s always darkest just before the dawn.

Sweet SeptemberSweet September picks up at harvest time, as the children are settling into a new school year. While the harvest should be an exciting time, the children don’t seem to be getting into the spirit. Emily is struggling with farm life, Christopher spends most of his time alone, and Sam is failing school. Trying to learn from what did and didn’t work with her own kids, Charlotte is determined to get her grandchildren back on track.

As tenuous family bonds threaten to break apart, a mystery on the farm might be the one thing that can bond the family together. Charlotte sets out to uncover the truth, and as the kids unite to find answers, this cobbled-together family learns more about one another and the love that binds them together.

The lives of the Stevensons and their grandchildren unfold in this captivating story of the remarkable change that comes from the love of family, the kindness of others, sheer persistence and unshakable faith. As readers follow the Stevensons’ inspiring stories, it’s almost impossible not feel a part of this friendly, loving community, where God’s grace can be seen in every circumstance.

Purchase a copy of the books here.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathleen Bauer is the pen name for a team of writers who have come together to create the Home to Heather Creek series.

Before The Dawn — Written by Carolyne Aarsen.A transplanted city girl, Carolyne moved to the country when her fiancee and now husband, decided he wanted to farm. The move took quite well and Carolyne learned to milk cows, herd cows, drive a tractor, can, freeze, garden, bake, cook and preserve. She and her husband raised four wonderful children and took in numerous foster children. Somewhere along the way Carolyne decided she wanted to recreate her own version of the romance novels she loved reading. In her writing she yearns to show redemption and change and the chance to start over. Coming home to faith and love is a thread that is woven through every story she writes. CarolynAarsen
Sweet September – Written by Tricia Goyer.  Tricia Goyer

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Guideposts is celebrating the launch of Home to Heather Creek with a Paperwhite Kindle Giveaway!

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One winner will receive:

  • A Paperwhite Kindle
  • Before the Dawn and Sweet September by Kathleen Bauer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th HERE.

Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to their blog [enter your email in the blog sidebar] and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

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Love’s Awakening by Laura Frantz



MY REVIEW:

When I first read the description of “Love’s Awakening” I opened it somewhat expecting a retelling of the story of Romeo and Juliet or perhaps even the Hatfields and McCoys. I am pleased to say that neither situation transpired – no tragic deaths of star-crossed lovers or the violent fighting of feuding mountain families. However, there is a bit of violence but it is not graphic – it is mostly described after the fact. And there is a romance between the two predominant characters that seems doomed from the start.

Compared to previous novels by Laura Frantz, “Love’s Awakening” may move at a slower pace but it certainly has some action filled moments. Heroine Ellie Ballantyne is a sweet and innocent young woman with a backbone of steel that develops as her story progresses. I liked the way she learned to stand up for her dreams and beliefs and to fight for love rather than settling for security and society’s approval. Jack Turlock is the perfect hero. Viewed by most as a rogue, primarily because of the actions of his whiskey making family who have been known to resort to most anything to get ahead including suspected murder. Jack finds himself in love with Ellie but knows that there is no way her family would allow her to even be seen with a Turlock. He hates what his father and brother stand for but has no hope he can ever escape the family reputation.

Jam-packed with an abundance of historical facts, “Love’s Awakening” offers the reader an intimate look inside the lives of a family willing to risk everything to assist slaves to freedom. The highly volatile feelings between the abolitionists and those who favored slavery were vividly portrayed. The remarkable plot incorporates a wide range of emotions including anger, humor, grief, love, hate, and forgiveness. A prevalent theme is that a person does not have to be defined by his family or circumstances but by his own actions and by following the plan that God has for his life.

As with all Laura’s previous novels, I enjoyed “Love’s Awakening” and highly recommend it to those who love American historical fiction.

This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Love's AwakeningThe path to true love lies somewhere between two feuding families

In the spring of 1822, Ellie Ballantyne leaves finishing school and returns to the family home in Pittsburgh only to find that her parents are away on a long journey and her siblings don’t seem to want her to stay. Determined to stand her ground and find her place in the world, Ellie fills her time by opening a day school for young ladies.

But when one of her students turns out to be an incorrigible young member of the Turlock family, Ellie knows she must walk a fine line. Slaveholders and whiskey magnates, the Turlocks are envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly entangled with the rival clan–particularly the handsome Jack Turlock–she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future. Will she betray her family and side with the enemy?

Masterful storyteller Laura Frantz continues to unfold the stirring saga of the Ballantyne family in this majestic tale of love and loyalty. This is the Ballantyne Legacy.

Read an excerpt from Love’s Awakening HERE.

“Frantz’s in-depth historical research combines with her fascinating characters to create a gripping romance that kept me turning pages late into the night. I highly recommend Love’s Awakening. It is a rare find.”–Serena B. Miller, RITA Award-winning author of The Measure of Katie Calloway

In the second installment of the Ballantyne Legacy series, we are reunited with familiar characters from the first book and introduced to some new ones. Frantz’s family saga is a rare treat for fans that will stay with readers long after they finish. –RT Reviews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura FrantzLaura Frantz is a lover of history, is the author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel’s Lady, and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.

Learn more about Laura and her books HERE.

Made to Last by Melissa Tagg

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Made to Last
Bethany House Publishers (September 15, 2013)
by
Melissa Tagg
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I’m a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013. In addition to my nonprofit day job, I’m also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists.

It all started when my dad, at the ripe old age of sixteen, picked up my mom up for their first date. She was thirteen. Thirteen!* Dad drove a cherry red car up the lane to my grandparents big ol’ green house and honked his horn…whereupon Mom jumped out of the apple tree she’d been waiting in and off they went…fishing. True story. (I’d give more details, but I’m saving it for a novella I plan to entitle Two Leaves. Mom, I really hope you read this.)

Four years of college, a few trips abroad and a stint as a reporter later, that dream is soon to be a reality. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, is now out from Bethany House. Book two, Here to Stay, comes out on May 1, 2014.

In between writing and staring out the window brainstorming, I also work as a grant-writer at one of Iowa’s largest private nonprofits and serve as the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists founded by Susan May Warren.

And I love, love, love talking about finding our purpose and identity in Christ. (And well, okay, food, old movies, boots and scarves, my awesome nephew Ollie, and, fine, Tim Tebow, too.)

Learn more about Melissa and her books on her Website.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that’s how it looks when she’s starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she’ll do anything to boost ratings and save her show–even if it means pretending to be married to a man who’s definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.

When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda’s every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth–and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she’s built come crashing down just as she’s found a love to last?

If you’d like to read the first chapter of Made to Last, go HERE.

divider2MY REVIEW:

Made to Last is a fun to read romantic novel that is based on a classic theme of one woman juggling multiple men. Often humorous and definitely romantic, the story also has a more serious side that looks into what can happen when a person attempts to construct a successful life on their own terms.

Miranda Woodruff is the star of her own TV show  in which she teaches home building and repairs to her audience. Ratings are down and in an attempt to keep her show on the air, Miranda agrees to a pretend marriage to provide a face to the nonexistent husband she talks about on the program. Matthew Knox is a struggling journalist who had actually been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize before a misguided decision cost him his credibility and now he can’t seem to get anything right. As a final chance He accepts a job blogging about Miranda, hoping to get a scoop that will put him back on top. What he actually finds may just change his life.

Several of the characters in Made to Last have secrets  – some are revealed in the course of the story and others can only be imagined by the reader. Miranda’s secrets contribute to the load of guilt she carries everywhere, guilt that hinders her relationship to God. It also seems that each lie she tells requires another lie, then another lie – lies that could destroy any chance she has for future happiness. Matthew has a few secrets of his own but strangely finds it difficult to forgive Miranda for her shortcomings. Then there is Blaze, Miranda’s pretend husband. He’s a great guy as long as no one gets too close. He is definitely hiding something too.

Although some of the situations in Made to Last are just a bit over-the-top, the characters and their  response to their personal problems and to others is so very human. We each have our own struggles but often judge others in similar circumstances. Made to Last brilliantly illustrates the need for forgiveness and the need to let the Lord direct our lives. It is an excellent first novel and I look forward to future books by Melissa. I hope she will tell more of Blaze’s story in her next one.

Fired Up by Mary Connealy – LitFuse



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:

Fired UpDare 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 ConnealyMary 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.

Learn more about Mary at: http://maryconnealy.com/.

 
 



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.

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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!