by admin | Oct 14, 2013 | Amish, Books, Mystery, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Plain DisappearanceB&H Books (September 1, 2013)byAmanda FlowerABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel. Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.
Learn more about Amanda and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
USA Today recently hailed award-nominated author Amanda Flower for A Plain Death, calling it “the first Amish rom-com . . . bring on the next one!” As the enthusiastic reviews continue to mount, she’s back with her third Appleseed Creek mystery, A Plain Disappearance.
It’s Christmastime in Amish Country, and Chloe Humphrey has begun settling into her life in Appleseed Creek excited to see where her new relationship with Timothy Troyer will lead. Unfortunately it leads to murder when the couple discovers the body of Amish teenager Katie Lambright while on their first date.
Near the scene there is evidence that Timothy’s friend and auto mechanic Billy Thorpe is involved with the crime. The police reveal Billy is not really who he said he was and has been living the last decade in Knox County under a stolen alias. Now, Chloe and Timothy must find Billy, bring him to justice, or prove his innocence.
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Plain Disappearance, go HERE.
by admin | Oct 12, 2013 | Books, Europe, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Glittering Promises” is the third and final book in Bergren’s Grand Tour series and I must say that it brings the series to a very satisfying conclusion. Although a thick 400+ pages, the story was so well written and compelling that I found myself surprised when I reached the end so quickly. If I ever find the time, I plan to read the entire series again, one after the other. It is that good.
This installment finds the Kensington and Morgan families determined to keep a lower profile in order to avoid the attention of the press and of a man who is a potential threat to them all. Cora has finally chosen between the two men who profess to love her but the rejected suitor does not intend to give up easily. Relationships between Cora and her recently discovered siblings have improved but the one with her father remains difficult. The following weeks bring new challenges to the group as conflicts, jealousies, accidents, death, and more danger stalk them. The plot takes more than one very unexpected twist as the suspense builds to its climactic conclusion.
At this point in my life I doubt that I will ever set foot in Europe but through the magic of Lisa’s writing, I feel like I have experienced some of its wonders along with Cora and her friends and family. Her descriptions are so vivid that it almost as good as actually being there. I was most gratified by the positive changes that took place in most of the characters during the course of the series, especially Cora’s decision to use her newly acquired wealth to help others as directed by God.
For those who have not read any of the Grand Tour series, I strongly recommend that you do. I also recommend that you start at the beginning and read all three books in order. I don’t think you will regret it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lisa T. Bergren’s popular Grand Tour series concludes as Cora Kensington journeys farther into Italy, wrestles with a terrible ultimatum from her father, and comes to terms with the Father who will never fail her.
America’s newest heiress must decide if her potential fortune is rationale enough to give up her freedom and all that God is leading her toward. And when her newly-discovered siblings are threatened with ruin, her quandary deepens. Then as Cora nears Rome, more journalists are tracking the news story of the decade—“Copper Cora,” the rags-to-riches girl—and want to know more about her family and the men vying for her attention. Meanwhile, a charming Italian countess decides that if Cora isn’t going to claim Will’s heart, she might just try…
Purchase a copy here.
Read what others are saying about “Glittering Promises” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs.
Find out more at Lisa’s website.
Welcome to the blog tour for the exciting conclusion of Lisa T. Bergren‘s beloved Grand Tour series, Glittering Promises (David C. Cook). Wealth cannot buy peace or direction, and as Cora Kensington glimpses the end of the tour, Cora knows it’s time to decide Who and what defines her . . . and who and what does not.
Lisa is celebrating the release of Glittering Promises by giving away a $200 Italian feast from Williams-Sonoma and hosting a fun Facebook party on October 29th.
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Italian feast from Williams-Sonoma delivered to your door
- The three-book Grand Tour set
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 29th. Winner will be announced at the “Glittering Promises” Facebook Author Chat Party on October 29th. Connect with Lisa for an evening of book chat, European trivia, and prizes, and get an exclusive look Lisa’s next book.
So grab your copies of the Grand Tour series and join Lisa on the evening of October 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 29th!
by admin | Oct 12, 2013 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“The Journey of Josephine Cain” is a historical novel that takes place during the period of time immediately after the end of the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln. Much of the story revolves around the Transcontinental Railroad and the people involved with its construction as well as the temporary towns that grew around the construction sites. It was a place where gunfights and Indian raids were common and saloons and brothels were more evident than churches and schools.
Josephine Cain is the pampered daughter of the former Union general who has been assigned to oversee the eastern end of the railroad construction. Bored with living in a house of mourning, Josephine finds a way to manipulate her father into letting her new suitor accompany her and her aunt to visit the site. She finds a new dangerous but exciting world so unlike the safe and comfortable home to which she is accustomed. She also meets an entirely unsuitable young railroad worker but immediately feels a strong connection to him. Torn between her feelings for Hudson and the suitability of Lewis, Josephine may be forced to make an unwelcome decision regarding her future.
“The Journey of Josephine Cain” was perfectly paced with a storyline that was not only entertaining but informative. I loved learning about the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and its importance to the history of our country. The plot contained several unexpected twists and a few surprises. Josephine was a well-rounded character who evolved from a spoiled, selfish, and manipulative girl to a strong, compassionate, and mature woman of God. Hudson was proof that social standing is not as important as integrity and Lewis was a good example of what can happen when a person allows revenge to rule their life.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When a socialite from the nation’s capital embarks on a journey to the Wild West, her life is changed forever.
A setting populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians is hardly the place for a wealthy general’s daughter. But Josephine Cain is determined to visit her father, who supervises the day-to-day work involved in the grandest ambition of post-Civil War America: the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Life with the railroad is far from the proper life Josephine is used to, and she faces deadly gunfights, harsh weather, and vigilante uprisings. She is torn between the West and the East; between her privileged upbringing and the challenges of a new frontier; between the pull of the suitable beau her parents approve of and an attraction to a rough but charming Irish railroad worker. But if Josephine is willing, she just might find a new life, a unique purpose . . . and true love.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
NANCY MOSER is the best-selling author of more than twenty novels. She is a winner and two-time nominee of the Christy Award, and her latest novel was named to Booklist’s “Top 10 Romance Novels of 2011.” Nancy and her husband have three grown children and three grandchildren, and they live in the Midwest.
Learn more at Nancy’s website.
The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser follows the adventures of a D.C. socialite as she gets involved with the building of the Transcontinental Railroad right after the Civil War. Be sure to check out Nancy’s fun Pinterest board for the book!
Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!
Five winners will receive:
- The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 26th. All winners will be announced October 28th at the Litfuse blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 28th to see if you won one of the books!
by admin | Oct 9, 2013 | Books, England, Regency, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingAn Honest HeartB&H Books (October 15, 2013)byKaye DacusABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Humor, Hope, and Happily Ever Afters! Kaye Dacus is the author of humorous, hope-filled contemporary and historical romances with Barbour Publishing, Harvest House Publishers, and B&H Publishing. She holds a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University.
Kaye Dacus (KAY DAY-cuss) is an author and educator who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. A former Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers, Kaye enjoys being an active ACFW member and the fellowship and community of hundreds of other writers from across the country and around the world that she finds there. She currently serves as President of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, which she co-founded in 2003 with three other writers. Each month, she teaches a two-hour workshop on an aspect of the craft of writing at the MTCW monthly meeting. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is an academic advisor and English Composition instructor for Bethel University.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Set during the Industrial Revolution and the Great Exhibition of 1851, An Honest Heart is a “sitting-room romance” with the feel of a Regency-era novel but the fashions and technological advances of the mid-Victorian age.
Featuring dual romance stories, the main plot involves seamstress Caddy Bainbridge and the choice she must make between two men: one from the aristocracy, the other from the working class. Award-nominated author Kaye Dacus pinpoints the theme of honesty—both men in this love triangle have deep secrets to hide, and Caddy’s choice will be based on which of them can be honest with her.
Courtship . . . cunning . . . candor. Who possesses an honest heart?
If you would like to read the first chapter of An Honest Heart, go HERE
