by admin | Mar 20, 2013 | Books, ebook
Deeanne Gist’s E-Short gives readers a peek inside the world’s fair. Tempest in the White City is a digital short story available from online retailers for 99 cents.
Deeanne Gist fans won’t have to wait until the April 30 release of It Happened at the Fair to read her latest work! On March 19, readers will be able to purchase the e-short, Tempest in the White City, a 40-page short story prelude to It Happened at the Fair, for 99 cents from all online retailers. While the characters from the short story are not carried over into the full-length release, audiences will get a taste of the awe-inspiring backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and will be anxious to spend more time exploring the exhibition.
In true Gist form, Tempest in the White City combines her trademark humor with romance. Hunter Scott is one of the elite. A Chicago World’s Fair guard specifically chosen for his height, physique, character and ability to serve and protect. When Hunter is overcome with debilitating abdominal pain, he stumbles to an infirmary in the Fair’s Woman’s Building only to discover the doctor is female—which he is none too happy about. But even worse, she has the nerve to diagnose him—the toughest man west of anyplace east—with constipation.
The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair overflowed with the latest innovations welcomed by a throng of people from all around the globe. This setting replete with history, intrigue and wonder caught Gist’s attention and is sure to draw readers of both releases in as well. “I’m always drawn to events in our country’s past that are strangely absent from our history classes. Why the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition has been left out, I don’t know, especially since it was such a pivotal event for us,” explains Gist. “We were able to wow the world with our scientific innovations, and it gave women their first official board position recognized and approved by an Act of Congress (all before we had the right to vote). But it was technology which claimed the day as it nipped at the heels of horses, buggies and man-powered tools.”
More about It Happened at the Fair:
Young inventor Cullen McNamara gambles everything, including the family farm, in order to make his family proud—and earn his father’s entry money to the Fair Expo back—by selling his design for an automatic sprinkler system inspired by his mother’s death in a mill fire. Struggling with hearing loss from his previous life on the farm, McNamara finds it difficult to communicate with potential buyers over the din in the Fair’s Machinery Building. In an act of desperation, he hires attractive Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading. Much like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, Cullen is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground or will he be carried away?
by admin | Mar 19, 2013 | Books
MY REVIEW:
Once again Mary Connealy has brought her readers a thoroughly entertaining diversion from their daily routines. With a feisty heroine and a manly hero, Swept Away is an action-packed, suspense-filled western romance seasoned with with Mary’s trademark humor.
I loved getting to read Luke’s story and thought that Ruthy was a good match for him. There seemed to be a bit more action and not quite as much humor in this novel but that did not hinder the story for me. I enjoyed meeting Luke’s friends, “the Regulators” and hope some of them will be featured in future novels. As usual Mary has provided the perfect blend of faith, fun, action and romance to keep me reading her books as long as she can write them.
If you are not already a fan of Mary Connealy, give “Swept Away” a try and I can almost guarantee you will love it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there’s going to be trouble in Texas!
Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn’t terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they’ve ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she’s rescued by Luke Stone…so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.
Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won’t let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can’t just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she’s going to have to go with him.
But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary 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, and 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.
Mary Connealy is celebrating the release of Swept Away by giving away a $250 “Swept Away” Vacation Package and hosting a Facebook Author Chat Party!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A $250 Visa Cash Card (Get away for the weekend or use it to buy an eReader for a relaxing ‘Staycation’!)
- A copy of Swept Away (For you AND a friend!)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 27th. Winner will be announced at the “Swept Away” Author Chat Party on March 28th. Connect with Mary, get a sneak peek of the next book in the series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways — gift certificates, books, and more!
So grab your copy of Swept Away and join Mary on the evening of the March 28th 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 28th!
by admin | Mar 19, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Grave Consequences” is the second book in Bergren’s Grand Tour trilogy. Although possibly enjoyable as a stand-alone novel, I believe the reader would understand and enjoy it better after reading Glamorous Illusions, the first book of the series as “Grave Consequences” continues where it leaves off without any recap to fill in details.
After a traumatic kidnapping attempt in the first book, Cora Kensington and her newly discovered half-siblings continue their grand tour of Europe, staying in luxurious hotels and castles along their journey. Torn between two men who both profess to love her, Cora continues to be confused about her true identity. Can she return to her old life after experiencing the luxury and opportunities provided by her wealthy birth father or will she choose to follow his plans for her life? All she can do is try to follow God’s plans for her life and hope that she can accurately discern what He is telling her.
Although at times the descriptions of historic locations and even meals become a tad lengthy, there is plenty of drama, action, mystery and romance to keep things interesting. I liked the way the author portrayed the characters so that even some of the most unlikeable people from Glamorous Illusions turned out to have some positive attributes after all – particularly Hugh.
Some reviewers have described “Grave Consequences” as being highly improbable but I found the story to be good enough to capture my attention until the very last page and enjoyed traveling through Europe through the experiences of its characters. Improbable or not, to me the story is what is important.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Powerful, Epic Romance Continues, Book 2 in Lisa T. Bergren’s Grand Tour series
For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future—her very life—depends on the decisions she’ll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone’s plans in danger.
And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences.
Purchase a copy here.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of more than thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. She has written fiction and non-fiction for readers of all ages—children, teens and adults. A former publishing executive, Bergren now divides her time between writing, freelance editing, and ministry.
Bergren loves to travel, especially for writing research, and dreams of her next trip to Italy. Lisa and her husband, Tim, are the parents of three and live in Colorado Springs, CO.
Learn more about Lisa T. Bergren at her online home, www.lisatawnbergren.com. Readers can also join Bergren’s Facebook fan page or follow her on Twitter.
Celebrate the release of Grave Consequences with Lisa T. Bergren by entering to win an iPad Mini!
One “grand” winner receive:
- A brand new iPad Mini
- Grave Consequences and Glamorous Illusions will be pre-loaded onto the Mini!
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced on March 25th at Lisa’s website.
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
by admin | Mar 14, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMemory of MurderLove-Inspired SuspensebyRamona RichardsABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A word from Ramona:
The hardest biographical sketch to write is always your own, whether or not you’re a writer by profession. You can’t decide what to throw in, what to leave out, and whether or not you should list strengths and flaws, or just strengths.
I like writing and telling stories so much that I once tried to live out a few. After getting a master’s in English, I went on to be the seneschale of my local Society for Creative Anachronism. I had a rocky start, but I did get better. (Robin Hood, eat your heart out.)
People often ask members of the SCA, “Are you in a play?” so I thought it would be fun to do that, too. For seven years, I produced and performed in shows staged by Nashville’s Circle Players.
Although I’m single now, I married in 1982 and in 1987 had Rachel. She’s a cutie. Severely disabled, she’s the heroine of many an article for Special Ed Today magazine. Rachel’s nurse, Phyllis, is the real life heroine of “An Act of Desperation,” which I sold to Chicken Soup for the Caregiver’s Soul.
I’m not really a complex person, and my dreams are fairly straightforward: sell books, have enough money to pay the bills and travel a bit, and settle into a cottage. In early 2006, I bought the cottage, which is now more or less swamped by books and DVDs. I write at night (I’m a lifelong night owl), and I occasionally escape by scuba diving, hiking, dancing, and going to movies and bookstores.
I’ve gone to the same church since 1993, and I even sing in the choir. It’s a small but awesome church. I’m no angel, although occasionally I play one in the backyard.
I like staying busy. Life is too short not to follow your dreams.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
THE SECRETS OF HER PAST COULD IMPERIL HER FUTURE
Lindsey Presley certainly can’t imagine why anyone would want her dead-though she knows she wouldn’t be alive today if not for the local cop who saved her from two murder attempts. Deputy Jeff Gage has worked difficult cases, but with only Lindsey’s fractured memories of a broken past to guide him, this is by far his most challenging.
For Lindsey, fleeing the town she has come to call home is unthinkable. Separately, they are vulnerable, but together, Jeff and Lindsey just may stand a chance of catching a ruthless killer.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Memory of Murder, go HERE.
Watch the book video trailer:
MY REVIEW:
Memory of Murder is one of those stories that hits the ground running and barely slows down enough for the reader to catch her breath before the climatic conclusion. Combining heart-racing suspense with a growing romance, Memory of Murder unites the best of two worlds in a novel that kept my attention until the last page. With likeable primary characters who have enough baggage to keep them real and an escalating plot that gives very little away, Memory of Murder showcases the superb skill of the author as well as what makes the Love Inspired Suspense novels my favorites for a quick but satisfying read.
When Lindsey Presley’s life is suddenly threatened for unknown reasons, her friend Jeff Gage, a local deputy takes it upon himself to keep her safe. As the pair work together to discover why she has been targeted and who is behind the threats, Lindsey is forced to relinquish some of her self-reliance and learns to depend on others as well as the Lord. Jeff also has issues of his own to work through as their bond grows closer through their trials.
I thoroughly enjoyed Memory of Murder and plan to go back to read the previous books in the series that feature Lindsey’s two sisters. If you enjoy romantic suspense and like novels that can be read in just a few hours, pick up a copy of Memory of Murder for an excellent introduction to the Love Inspired Suspense novels.
