by admin | Sep 12, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Culinary, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Overall, “All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes” was a fun and entertaining contemporary romance that was a pleasant diversion. I liked the idea of two long-time best friends coming to realize that their feelings for each other had changed. As far as their characterization went, I really liked both Kat and Lucas. Sometimes Kat’s frustration with her job and her desire to open her own bakery in another town blinded her to the very real possibilities right in front of her. Lucas was the perfect hero, sweet and supportive and willing to do almost anything for Kat – even wear an apron and cook on TV. I enjoyed reading about the cupcake competition and it seemed very realistic as far as what I have actually seen on similar programs. The vivid descriptions of Kat’s recipes made my mouth water and I appreciated the recipe that was included at the end of the book.
Lucas had always been Kat’s number one cheerleader – the one person she could count on for encouragement when her own family failed her. When both Kat and Lucas discovered strong feelings for each other, a trip together to California for a TV cupcake bake-off should have been the perfect romantic interlude. In actuality, their time together became more and more stressed with frequent quarrels that grew out of their personal insecurities about the other’s feelings. I’ll admit, I grew a bit frustrated with both Kat and Lucas at times. I wanted to shake them and tell them to wake up. A total lack of real communication contributed to their problems and it was beginning to look like things just were not going to work out for them.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more.
Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie’s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.
But when Lucas Brannen, Kat’s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.
As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself—her—is suddenly in danger of slipping away.
The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat’s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.
Learn more and purchase a copy on Betsy’s site.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana with her young daughter and has a heart for sharing the amazing news of God’s grace through her novels. A freelance journalist, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing.
“Love & Cupcakes” Kindle Giveaway and Facebook Party from @BetsyStAmant!
Don’t miss Betsy St. Amant’s latest fiction release, All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes. A “sweet” tale of two best friends and the choices they make between dreams and a possible “sure thing,” St. Amant’s novel is sure to satisfy your romantic-fiction craving.
Betsy is celebrating with a fun Kindle giveaway and a Love & Cupcakes Facebook party!
One winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle
- All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 18th. Winner will be announced at the “Love & Cupcakes” Author Chat Party on 9/18. Betsy will be hosting a “sweet” book chat, giving away prizes, and answering questions from readers. She will also share an exclusive sneak peek at her next book project!
So grab your copy of All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes and join Betsy on the evening of September 18th 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 18th!
by admin | Sep 11, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
“The Desire” is the story of Allan and Michele, a young couple who would like to start a family but have had no success. Michele can think of nothing else and resents that Allan seems to be more interested in his mission trips to Africa than her desire for a child. Obviously tensions in their marriage are escalating. At the same time, a pregnant teen enters the lives of Michele and the Anderson family and it appears that her baby could be the perfect solution to Michele’s problem.
In this compelling novel, the reader gains a look into the thoughts and emotions of an infertile young woman as well as an unwed mother. The story also takes us to the mission field in Africa where we get a graphic glimpse of the kind of life that we as Americans cannot even begin to imagine.
As the novel progresses, we see Michele’s attitude begin to change as she reviews a new curriculum for the children’s ministry in her church. As the Lord begins to work in her life and she begins to depend on Him more, she finds that the desire of her heart is more in tune with what the Lord intended for her and Allan all along.
“The Desire” is well-written and very thought provoking. It is a fitting addition to the Restoration Series and I recommend it.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can faith build a bridge between their dreams?
For two years, Allan and Michele have been trying to have a baby. The emotional ride has been taking a toll on their hearts–and their relationship. Michele is obsessed with researching fertility treatments while Allan seems content to spend his time–and their money–on supporting displaced children in Africa. Something’s got to give. But they both hope it’s not their marriage.
Still, God has a plan for Allan and Michele that they could never have imagined. And all it takes to set it in motion is a change of heart . . .
Read an excerpt from “The Desire” HERE.
Purchase a copy of “The Desire:
What critics are saying about the Restoration Series:
“So captivating that you’ll find it very difficult to put down.”–RT Book Reviews
“Readers will be totally drawn in to [the Andersons’] emotional journey.”–Booklist
“Sure to please.”–Library Journal
“Readers will definitely come away satisfied.”–Publishers Weekly
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Dance with Gary Smalley, The Discovery, and The Reunion. He has won three Carol Awards, and two of his novels were finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year for 2011 and 2012. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel.
Gary Smalley is one of the country’s best-known authors and speakers on family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, and TODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs. He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury and The Dance with Dan Walsh. Gary and his wife Norma have been married for 49 years and live in Missouri.
by admin | Sep 11, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Lynette Eason’s suspense novels since the first ones I read through Love Inspired Suspense. They were excellent but I love the fact that she is now writing full length novels. All the more pages to read before I reach the end!
“Nowhere to Turn” got off to an exciting start and barely slowed down long enough for me to catch my breath. The plot kept to a good pace throughout with plenty of action, danger, surprises, and a bit of romance to keep most readers happy. Although it was evident who some of the bad guys were, the author kept a few secrets to herself until just the right moment for their revelation. I did manage to guess how they kept finding where Danielle was staying but then I have read LOTS of suspense novels. I really liked Danielle and Adam as main characters and Danielle’s son Simon was just perfect for the story.
As long as Lynette Eason will continue to write books like “Nowhere to Turn”, I will keep reading them. I very much recommend it and all her other books to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She thought her days of hiding were over . . . but the danger has just begun
The day Danielle Harding takes her eleven-year-old son and flees from her abusive husband is the same day Kurt Harding dies. A relieved Dani believes she and her son are finally safe–but in reality, things are just heating up. When Kurt was alive, he took something important from a mysterious individual–who wants the item back and believes Dani now has it. As she and her son run for their lives, they have nowhere to turn, until she hires Adam Buchanan of Operation Refuge and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, she won’t be able to hide for long . . .
From the first breathless scene, this tension-laced story will hold you in its iron grip as bestselling author Lynette Eason propels you along in a race to discover the truth.
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series, as well as No One to Trust. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
Read an excerpt from “Nowhere to Turn” HERE.
Purchase a copy of “Nowhere to Turn”:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina.
by admin | Sep 11, 2014 | Books, Graphics & Web Design
In addition to all the time I spend reading and reviewing Christian fiction, I am a free-lance web and graphic designer. Although I am self-taught, I have managed to snag several regular clients who seem quite pleased to pay me to do something I love to do – and I don’t have to fight traffic and/or weather to do it.
A long-time regular client, S. A. Cranfill has just published her Kindle edition of “A Shakespearean Tale”, a short book for kids based on her original musical script. My involvement with the book included putting together the cover image as well as the title page, chapter headers, and graphic pages in between each part of the book. For this project I used stock photos, original photos and art produced by Cranfill’s daughter Abby, and even the sign image that I produced myself. The book is now for sale in Kindle version and will soon be available at other ebook outlets as well as a print version that will also be released soon. A CD with all the original songs from the play will also be available.
If you might be interested in purchasing a copy of this book, please check it out at Amazon.com.
Another recent project is the bookcover for “Retribution” by Wanda L. Dyson. I have done several projects for her in the past and always enjoy the challenge of producing a cover that meets her requirements. Wanda’s books are Christian Suspense and I had actually read several of them before I was asked to help reproduce their covers for Kindle publication. “Retribution” is the latest novel in this series and is now available for preorder at Amazon.com where you can purchase a Kindle Edition.
