by admin | Feb 25, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Quilts, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Scraps of Evidence has a fast-moving plot that follows a team of St. Augustine, Florida detectives as they work to solve the newest case in what appears to be a series of serial murders that began with Tess’s best friend in high school. As in all the books of the Quilts of Love series, quilts are a featured element in the story. Tess finds that quilting to be great stress relief from her demanding job as a police detective and spends hours at her Aunt Kathy’s quilt shop. Her new partner Logan finds Tess and her many talents to be a bit more attractive than might be appropriate for their job but they work well together and make a good team.
Scraps of Evidence is enjoyable with just the right amount of action, mystery, and romance. I recommend it as well as all the other books in the Quilts of Love series. I enjoyed following Logan and Tess through the streets of St. Augustine, a city I have always enjoyed visiting. Many seemingly insignificant incidents are eventually pieced together to create a comprehensive picture that is finally solved through clues in Aunt Kathy’s favorite quilt. I had my suspicions all along but the author kept me in the dark until the end.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tess has taken some ribbing from her fellow officer, Logan,for her quilting hobby. He finds it hard to align the brisk professional officer he patrols with during the day with the one who quilts in her off-time. Besides, he’s been trying to get to know her better and he’d like to be seeing her during those couple nights a week she spends with her quilting guild.
Then one afternoon Tess and Logan visit her aunt in the nursing home and she acts agitated when Tess covers her with the story quilt. Aunt Susan seems to be communicating a message to them about Tess’s uncle. There’s a story behind this quilt, they realize, one that may lead them to a serial killer. Will they have a chance to have a future together or will the killer choose Tess for his next victim before they find him?
Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Barbara Cameron is a best-selling author who has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. She is the author of more than 38 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Barbara is a former newspaper reporter. Some of her non-fiction titles include the “Everything Weddings on a Budget Book” and “Her Restless Heart: A Woman’s Longing for Love and Acceptance.” Cameron currently resides in Edgewater, Florida.Find out more about Barbara at
http://barbaracameron.com.
Barbara Cameron‘s Scraps of Evidence is the newest book in the Quilts of Love line, and Barbara is celebrating with an “intriguing” Kindle HDX giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron
- Tempest’s Course by Lynette Sowell
- Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 8th. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog on March 10th.
Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
by admin | Feb 20, 2014 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Teen, Young Adult
MY REVIEW:
I opted in to review “My Amish Boyfriend” because I always enjoy books by Melody Carlson. I was not overjoyed to have to read another Amish novel because it seems that I get more than my share of them to review. Fortunately, Carlson’s take on Amish fiction did not follow the usual pattern.
With her usual attention to detail, the author brings her readers a story about a sixteen-year-old city girl whose big plans for her summer vacation are preempted by her mother’s mysterious illness. Shannon and her mother find themselves on a bus to live with relatives Shannon was not aware existed. When they arrived at their destination, she was further surprised to learn that they were Amish. Shannon makes a good effort to adapt to the new lifestyle while helping take care of her mother. A good-looking Amish guy seems interested in her so Shannon finds her summer to be looking better all the time.
On the surface, “My Amish Boyfriend” may seem to be a fairly shallow teen romance story. I wanted to warn Shannon over and over about Ezra’s real intentions but fortunately she came to her senses before it was too late. In fact, I loved watching Shannon mature almost before my eyes as she made every effort to be a part of her new family and to help her mother recover. As always, Melody Carlson has written a simple story with deep spiritual truth.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Shannon’s summer just got a whole lot more . . . Amish?
Shannon McNamara has exciting plans for the summer–getting her driver’s license, a job, and more–and she can’t wait to dive in. But her ill mother has plans of her own: to relocate them both to the heart of Amish country in Ohio where she has relatives who can help her.
Turns out a “simple” life is actually a lot of hard work. But when a hot young Amish guy named Ezra enters the picture, Shannon’s ready to get an Amish makeover and even consider making it a permanent change. Will these plans come crashing down around her too? Or can she really make the jump into a whole new way of life?
Teen favorite Melody Carlson brings fans another surprising story of worlds–and families–colliding.
Read an excerpt from “My Amish Boyfriend” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than two hundred books, including the Life at Kingston High series, the Dating Games series, Double Take, and A Simple Song. She has 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. Melody and her husband live in Oregon. Find out more HERE.
by admin | Feb 20, 2014 | Amish, Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Hopeful” is a story primarily about Miriam Zehr but it includes more than one side story that feature other members of the Sugarcreek community. A common thread through each person’s story is hope though at times it seems that their circumstances are nearly hopeless. I enjoyed the way the author tied the lives of these friends and neighbors together and brought healing, hope, and love to each of them.
Miriam Zehr is one of those people everyone loves to be around because of her sunny and encouraging nature. Unfortunately Miriam does not see herself the way others view her but compares herself to other women who she believes are more attractive. Then one day a small ray of hope shines into Miriam’s life when it appears that the man she has had her eye on for years may have finally noticed her. What transpires is a story that is humorous, heartbreaking, romantic, and even mysterious and suspense filled. Yet through it all runs the message that if one places their hope and faith in the Lord, His grace and mercy never fail.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the Amish town of Sugarcreek, love comes in many forms. But will it come at all for Miriam?
Miriam Zehr has worked at the Sugarcreek Inn longer than she cares to admit. The restaurant is a favorite of town residents as well as the many tourists who come to taste the famous Amish fare. Though she always tries to have a smile for every customer, deep down Miriam knows something’s missing: a family of her own.
Miriam has never felt particularly beautiful, especially because she’s always been a bit heavier than other girls her age. When Junior, the man she’s pined for all her life, suddenly seeks her out, she’s thrilled to be noticed . . . until she realizes he’s only asking her to help get the attention of Mary Kathryn Hershberger, her pretty friend.
If Miriam helps Junior court Mary Kathryn, she’ll get to spend a lot of time with him, but she might lose him in the process. Are these few stolen moments worth a lifetime of sacrifice? Is Miriam right to even hope for the life she dreams of?
Purchase a copy and learn more at Shelley’s website .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
Welcome to the blog tour for Hopeful, the first book in Shelley Shepard Gray’s new series, Return to Sugarcreek.
Critics have already given their thumbs up for Hopeful:
“Lovable characters and a good story, full of romance and suspense . . . a must read.” (Library Journal)
Shelley and her publisher are celebrating by giving away FIVE copies of the book.
Five winners will receive:
- Hopeful by Shelley Shepard Gray
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 23rd. All winners will be announced February 24th at Shelley’s blog.
Enter today and be sure to visit Shelley’s blog on the 24th
to see if YOU won one of the books!
by admin | Feb 20, 2014 | Books, Historical, Native American, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Sky Without StarsAbingdon Press (February 18, 2014)byLinda S. ClareABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Linda S. Clare is an
award-winning author and coauthor of several books and has also published many essays, stories, and poems in publications, including The Christian Reader, The Denver Post, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Her most recent book is A Sky without Stars, the newest release in Abingdon’s Quilts of Love line. Born in Arizona, Linda and her husband now make their home in Eugene, Oregon, where Linda has taught college-level creative writing classes, and writes, edits, and mentors other writers. She also is a frequent writing conference presenter, a church retreat leader, and mom to four grown children and five wayward cats.
Learn more about Linda and her books on her Website
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Frankie Chasing Bear is caught between cultures. She wants to raise her son Harold to revere his Lakota heritage, but she also thinks he will need to learn the white man’s ways to succeed. After the untimely death of her husband, Frankie joins the U.S. Government’s Relocation Program and moves to Arizona. There she begins sewing a Lakota Star pattern quilt for Harold with tribal wisdom sung, sewn, and prayed into it.
A bed without a quilt is like a sky without stars, but neither the quilt—nor her new life—comes easily to Frankie. Nick Vandergriff, for instance, is the last man Frankie wants to trust. He’s half-Lakota but Christian, and Frankie can see no good coming from that faith after her own parents were forced to convert at an Indian school. Can Nick convince Frankie that white men and Christians aren’t all bad? And will Frankie learn that love is the most important ingredient—for her son’s quilt and life itself?
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Sky Without Stars, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
With Native American ancestry in both my family and my husband’s family, I am always interested in reading about them. There have also been quite a few quilters in our families and I have quilted some myself so the entire Quilts of Love series has been special. A Sky Without Stars combines the two and was both entertaining and informative.
Interestingly enough, the novel took place the year I was born. I was somewhat surprised at the amount of prejudice toward the Native Americans that was still prevalent during that era and also by the contempt so many of them held toward the “white God”. A Sky Without Stars opened my eyes to how these people were treated – possibly with good intentions to help improve their lives but with total disregard to their history and culture. No wonder they resisted the gospel!
I enjoyed A Sky Without Stars very much. The story was well-written and easy to read with strong characters that I could care about. Situations and emotions throughout the book were realistic and believable. I liked how everything was resolved at the end and would not mind reading more about these characters. I actually hated to see the story end.
by admin | Feb 19, 2014 | Amish, Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Road Unknown” is a somewhat interesting story about a young Amish woman who has run away from home – not to leave her Amish faith but to escape the overwhelming demands of her family. It was interesting to read about Elizabeth’s experiences on her own living with an Englisch friend. Some of her experiences with modern appliances and devices were humorous and she learned a lesson or two when she tried dating an Englisch man. I enjoyed watching Elizabeth’s confidence grow as God seemed to place her in exactly the right place numerous times.
The story moved along at a good pace and contained several interesting characters that included Elizabeth’s friend Paula and her new boss Saul. As expected, Elizabeth finds the romance she has always yearned to have and the book ends pretty much as expected. It is a story about following God’s plan for your life and should appeal to those who love Amish fiction.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book 1 in the new Amish Roads series
Elizabeth is at a crossroad. She’s been given the chance to experience life outside of her community, away from the responsibility to care for her eight younger siblings, but Elizabeth Bontrager can’t decide which road to take. Goshen has its charms and pressures, but Paradise, Pennsylvania, sounds . . . well, like paradise. And it’s also home to her Englisch friend, Paula. Decision made. Elizabeth is Paradise bound.
But will the small town live up to its name? When Elizabeth meets Paula’s friend, Bruce, she quickly learns he wants more than a friendship. And the same might be true of Saul Miller, her new boss at the country story that sells Amish products to the Englisch community. As the two compete for her attention, Elizabeth is surprised to realize she misses her family and becomes even more uncertain about where she belongs. She has a choice to make: return home or embrace this new life and possibly a new love?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Barbara Cameron is a best-selling author who has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. She is the author of more than 38 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Barbara is a former newspaper reporter. Some of her non-fiction titles include the “Everything Weddings on a Budget Book” and “Her Restless Heart: A Woman’s Longing for Love and Acceptance.” Cameron currently resides in Edgewater, Florida.
Find out more about Barbara and her books HERE.
Welcome to the campaign launch for Barbara Cameron‘s new Amish Roads series with Abingdon Press. A Road Unknown takes readers on a journey of new experiences, uncertainties, and faith.
Barbara has teamed up with her publisher for a $200 Visa cash card giveaway and a fun “Amish Roads” Facebook party.
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa cash card
- A Road Unknown by Barbara Cameron
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 27th. Winner will be announced at Barbara’s “Amish Roads” Facebook Party on February 27th. Connect with Barbara for an evening of book chat, Amish trivia, laughter, prizes, and more!
So grab your copy of A Road Unknown and join Barbara and friends on the evening of February 27th 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 27th!
