by admin | Dec 5, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
As a reviewer for the past five or six years and as an avid reader for more years than I can count, I have obviously read many romance novels. Most of the time the primary characters are fairly young, even those who have lost a husband or wife. That is not a bad thing, but in “Love Without End” I enjoyed the story that featured a couple who were just a bit more mature with children in their teen years. As I get older myself, I find I enjoy reading about more mature characters once in awhile.
Both Chet and Kimberly are alone. Chet’s wife walked out on him after their son’s death and Kimberly’s husband died suddenly leaving her in a world of debt. Each is determined to be a good parent to their children and somehow get through life the best way they can. In “Love Without End” Chet and Kimberly find that God may just have other plans for them.
I enjoyed reading about the growth of Chet and Kimberly’s relationship with each other and in their faith. A bonus was reading the chapters that detailed Nana Anna’s history in King’s Meadow and on the Leonard ranch. I loved Anna’s character and how her wisdom and love for Chet, Kimberly, and their children helped each of them to heal from their own pain. A novel that focuses on following God’s plan for your life, “Love Without End” is a worthwhile read. I look forward to future books in the King’s Meadow series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?
Chet Leonard’s life was forever changed when his 17-year-old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.
Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious 15-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King’s Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of becoming involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.
When octogenarian Anna McKenna returns to King’s Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet may discover that true love has no end.
Learn more at Robin’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.
Find out more about Robin Lee at http://robinleehatcher.com.
Fire Up the Romance this Holiday with @RobinLeeHatcher’s “Love Without End” Kindle Fire Giveaway!
Fire up the romance this holiday with Robin Lee Hatcher‘s latest offering in the King’s Meadow Romance series, Love Without End. For two single parents with bruised hearts, it’ll take more than a little courage to get back on the horse when it comes to love.
Celebrate love rising from the ashes of tragedy with Robin by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Love Without End and the rest of the King’s Meadow Romance series from Robin Lee Hatcher
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 14th. Winner will be announced December 15th on Robin’s blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
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 4, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Historical, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Widower Roy Gibbons is at the end of his rope trying to be both father and mother to his young daughters. They need a woman’s touch and they have requested a new mother for Christmas. Alma Pickens is in absolutely no hurry to marry. She is content living with her father and taking care of him and their home. Her father’s newest plans changes everything for Alma but she is not certain she is happy about it.
“The Festive Bride” is a somewhat different story about an arranged marriage. Although both Roy and Alma have agreed to her father’s suggestion, neither is sure it is a good idea. With interesting characters and some unexpected twists, this sweet Christmas romance is another fun addition to the 12 Brides of Christmas collection. It is just right for a long winter’s evening by the fire or any cozy reading spot.
This book was provided for review by Shiloh Run Studios.
When Roy Gibbons finds Alma Pickens as a mother to give his daughters for Christmas he thought it would be a simple arrangement. But this is the only wedding Alma will have, and she is determined to make it festive. Will this bride be more than Roy bargained for?
More About The Festive Bride with Diana Brandmeyer
Diana’s novella is a poignant story of love between a widow and a widower, which reflects her own personal experience–though she didn’t have to fall in love quite so fast!
The 12 Brides of Christmas stories all feature gifts and that’s where Diana began thinking about her story. “I wanted to set my novella long enough after the Civil War that healing had begun; it was a time for the country to breathe.”
It took some thinking to find out what was available at the time that could be used. “I wasn’t sure paint would have been used on glass. I asked my son, an artist about the paint Alma uses for Roy’s gift and found out I was on the right track.”
As she wrote, she fell in love with the quirkiness of her heroine’s character. “She was fun to write. I named her after a friend of mine which could be what made her so special.”
Diana’s own family traces back to Revolutionary days, though she wouldn’t want to be a pioneer herself. “I like reading about this time period, love looking at the old houses and wondering what it would be like…but live during that time? No. I’m way too spoiled by microwaves, cell phones and warm cars!”
Diana is thrilled to be part of The 12 Brides of Christmas ebook collection. “This has been one of the most exciting writing endeavors I’ve had, 12 authors one topic—Christmas!”
For her, personally, Christmas was a simpler time growing up. “Our family Christmas’s were not huge affairs. My mom stressed the importance of making gifts and the love that goes with that effort is worth more than an item you can buy.”
Who is Diana Brandmeyer?
A multi-published author, Diana Brandmeyer began her career in 1987 writing devotionals for children. From there, she “followed the stories that God placed in my heart. I’m not saying He told me to write them, but the ideas that I get I feel do come from him. At first it was contemporary fiction, then I was led to write about the journey my family took to become well blended. Now I’m writing a historical fiction novel. I love the surprising way God works.”
She writes historical and contemporary novels and a non-fiction book based on her experiences joining two families into one: We’re Not Blended-We’re Pureed, A Survivor’s Guide to Blended Families.
Together, Diana and her husband have three sons, several daughter-in-laws and an adorable grandchild. She lives in Illinois, not far from where The Festive Bride takes place.
For more information, you can visit Diana’s website: http://dianabrandmeyer.com/
Or find her on social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest
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
