12.28.2012

A Lady in the Making by Susan Page Davis ~ Review

A Lady in the Making

My Review: A lovely conclusion to the Prairie Dreams Series.

Millie Evans has decided to leave her old life behind, but then a stagecoach brings her face-to-face with the man that she and her brother had previously tried to swindle. But as she cares for him, and helps him make his way home, she finds herself falling for him. Will David Stone make a lady of Millie yet?

The conclusion of a lovely series, and in my opinion the best! David Stone finally comes face-to-face with those who would do him harm in order to take his inheritance, I'm happy to see this story come to a sweet ending.

This is definitely the kind of series that you may want to read in order so that the full story arc can be fully appreciated. The story was told by 3 main characters, David, Millie, and the villian, Peregrin, and it was nice to see the tale through so many different eyes.

Overall, I found this book very enjoyable, and there was a tinge of suspense to the story as well. I really liked how David and Millie's relationship grew and developed naturally, and didn't feel forced or anything! A lovely conclusion to s series!

I received this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

12.24.2012

Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall ~ Please Rank My Review!

Christmas in Apple Ridge: Three-in-One Collection: The Sound of Sleigh Bells, The Christmas Singing, NEW! The Dawn of Christmas
My Review: Three sweet Amish tales, old and new, just in time for  Christmas!

Welcome to Apple Ridge, in this three-in-one novella collection, three couples find love, and learn that often in order to open the door to incoming love, the past must be let go.

Cindy Woodsmall has written three poignant tales that are sure to delight. I had previously read The Christmas Singing, but I was happy to read 2 stories that  I hadn't read before, though I should note that The Sound of Sleigh Bells is also a previously released title.

Ms. Woodsmall does an excellent job of creating engaging characters and telling their tales in a sweet and meaningfull way. The stories are well written and the pacing is great!

Overall, I deeply enjoyed each story, and so did my mother (who isn't an Amish fiction fan at all!) Each of the stories was woven with threads that endeared the characters to me :) A collection that I would definitely recommend to fans of great inspirational reads!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Check out Cindy Woodsmall's Website:  http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/

 Get a sneak peek at this book! http://www.scribd.com/doc/101875405/Christmas-in-Apple-Ridge-by-Cindy-Woodsmall-Chapter-1-Excerpt

 

12.18.2012

No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig ~ Review

No Safe Harbor (Edge of Freedom, #1)

My Review: A winding tale that shows the promise of America to immigrants dreaming of a new future.

Cara Hamilton comes to America in search of her twin brother, Eoghan, who has become embroiled in political conspiracies. Cara soon becomes a target, herself. Who can she trust  in this strange new world?

Ms. Ludwig does an excellent job of bringing America to life through the eyes of a young woman just arrived on it's golden shores. Cara was an excellent heroine who made the best out of the situation she was put in.

I loved how this story kept me guessing and had me puzzling over motives. I don't usually like books that tell the story from the "bad guy's" point of view, but with this novel it fit seamlessly with the story and enriched the plot.

Overall, a well written read that is laced with mystery, with a thrilling climax. I learned so much about a part of history that I wasn't formerly familiar with, Ms. Ludwig did an wonderful job with her detailed research. And now I'm excited to see what will happen next in the series!

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review :)

Starflower Giveaway!

Starflower  (Tales of Goldstone Wood #4)
About the book: When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps the lovely Lady Gleamdren, Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission...and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.
But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?

So how about it? Would you like to win Anne Elisabeth Stengl's newest book?

Find the details and enter to win below.



 
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12.14.2012

Sunshine Award ~ Thanks Kara!

 
Thank you, Kara for giving me this award! :)
 




The rules are:
1. Answer the 8 questions the person who awarded you asked
2. Nominate 8 new people (no tag-backs) and notify them on their blog
3. Ask 8 new questions (or reuse the ones you were asked) for your nominees to answer

 
 
1. What is your favorite TV show?
 
That is a tough one! But right now I'm in love with Merlin from BBC. And I'm really looking forward to the return of Downton Abbey! And then there's my old favorites like Dr. Quinn, Wives and Daughters, The Waltons, Road to Avonlea, Christy, & Little Men :)

2. Have you ever read a book based on a friend's recommendation alone? If so, what was it and did you like it?
 
The OutsidersYes. I read the Outsiders by S.E. Hinton solely on my best friend's recommendation because she was just obcessed with it at the time. And I did like it to some extent, but the language and themes made it something I am not likely to read again.


3. What is your favorite Bible verse?
 
Oh, that is soooo hard! But probably some of my favorites are from the book of John, I love John 1:1-3, John 14:2,6 :)


4. What is your least favorite food?
 
Coconut, because I'm allergic...and to me it tastes like sunscreen & an allergy attack.


5. Who is your favorite professional sports team?
 
Uh... Go team USA!


6. What is your favorite part about blogging?
 
Through blogging I have met some amazing new friends. And I just love how truly warm and kind everyone is with their encouragement. I also just love reading!


7. What is your favorite Christmas song?
 
What Child is This.


8. What are five of your all-time favorite books?
Ella EnchantedElla Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin
To Die For by Sandra Byrd
Before Midnight by Cameron Dokey
Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George
And many more!
 
And are my questions!

What is your favorite genre to read?

What fictional place would you most like to live?

What is another pastime that you enjoy, besides reading?

What time period would you most like to live during?

What books are you most looking forward to in 2013?

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?

What TV shows do you wish were still on the air?

What is more addictive, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, or Pinterest?


The Wonderful People I am Tagging :)

Megan @ http://faerytalesarereal.blogspot.com/

Sarah Elizabeth @ http://www.ohrestlessbird.com/

Amber @ http://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/

Rosie @ http://writingsofrosie.blogspot.com/

Dawn Janis @ http://dawnsdreams.blogspot.com/

Marie @ http://www.burtonbookreview.com/

Abbi @ http://writingchristiannovels.blogspot.com/

Cathy @ http://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/


And again, thanks so much Kara!
 
 
 

12.10.2012

Giveaway of Robin Lee Hatcher's Belonging & Betrayal

Belonging

Today I have a super cool giveaway of not one, but two books! The winner of this giveaway will win both Belonging & Betrayal, the two books in Robin Lee Hatcher's Where the Heart Lives Series.

If you are interested you can check out my review of Belonging or my mother's review of Betrayal . We both really enjoyed the books :)

Here's the blurb for Belonging: In the high desert town of Frenchman's Bluff, Idaho, Felicia Kristoffersen has set out to create a future for herself that is better than her painful past. Alone in the world with only her faith to sustain her, she must prove herself as this tiny community's new school teacher. She cannot, must not, fail. But, there are those who never wanted her there to begin with.

Five years after the death of his wife, local merchant Colin Murphy cares about just one thing: raising his daughter, Charity. Colin wants to give her the educational advantages he never had. The new schoolmarm's inexperience doesn't sit well with him, and if this teacher up and marries like the last one did, Charity's heart will be broken once again.

A woman who hasn't known love. A man who lost the love he had.

In the midst of the wide, sage-covered plains, each is about to discover that life's bitterest circumstances truly can work together for good.

Betrayal (Where The Heart Lives, #2)
And here's the blurb for Betrayal:
It's the turn of the twentieth century and drifter Hugh Brennan is a man well acquainted with betrayal. Hugh finds himself drawn to the attractive widow, Julia, yet when he looks into her eyes, he recognizes the same hurt that haunts him. Julia Grace has little reason to trust men, but she's going to have to trust someone if she's to keep her ranch from the clutches of her dead husband's half-brother. Is it possible God had a hand in bringing Hugh to her door? The latest historical romance from award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher and the second book in the Where the Heart Lives series, Betrayal will take you to the high desert of western Wyoming, through the crags of the Rocky Mountains, and into the hearts of two seekers learning to trust God's love no matter the circumstances.

And if you don't win this time don't worry I'll be hosting another giveaway in a few weeks for another set of Betrayal and Belonging!



*GIVEAWAY ENDS DECEMBER 16TH, 2012*


 
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12.06.2012

Strong and Stubborn by Kelly Eileen Hake ~ Review

Strong and Stubborn (Husbands for Hire #3)

Lucie's Review:

The third in the Husbands for Hire series the mine is being riddled by mysterious explosions and cave ins. Along comes Michael, a carpenter in search of a safe place for his son away from his overbearing in-laws. But Michael isn't looking for love, especially after being roped into a marriage of convenience in the past. But he and Naomi find themselves drawn together amidst the turmoil at the mine, made even worse by Naomi's manipulative sister coming to town. Will they ever be able to make sense of all the chaos?

If you've read the other two books, I'm sure that this is a must-read! I came into the series with this third installment, so it did take me awhile to figure out what was going on. But when I did, I found this to have an engaging plot and plenty going on, with many twists and turns.

What made this book hard for me to read was just how horrible Naomi's sister was, she was a character that readers will probably love to hate. The main characters were strong, and I really liked Michael and Naomi and they both struggled to thrive in the midst of  adversity and people that made their lives miserable.

Overall, a good way to tie up the ends of a series. I think my favorite character was Michael, because he had a calm leadership about him, and a strong faith. There were some pretty humorous situations, that were just the funniest to picture mentally. A great introduction to Kelly Eileen Hake's books.

I received this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
 

Interview with Pam Funke!



Welcome! I’m so excited to be interviewing you! First, I would love it if you would start by briefly telling us how your writing journey began. Please share with us one fact about you that not many people know. And
feel free to have fun with the question! I am the proud grand-daughter of a pastor and was brought up in the church. I love serving God and living a Christian life. God has blessed me abundantly not only with many creative talents but with wonderful children. I have two adult children, a daughter aged 21 and a son aged 19. Besides reading and writing, I enjoy photography, cooking, painting, drawing, scrap-booking and anything creative actually. 

If you could be best friends with any of the characters in your novel, who would it be? Why? I would probably be best friends with is Katie Farnsworth. Katy is a sweet, elderly Christian woman who would do everything in her power to help someone. She has a heart pleasing to God. She tries to do things that pleases God in everything that she does, but she is quite human and makes mistakes just like everyone else. She is a lot like myself.

What inspired this novel? My inspiration behind it was The Left Behind Series by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. While I enjoyed reading their series very much, I don’t believe that they realized that many non-Christians would be reading the series and enjoying it as well. So I decided to write a series that is just as exciting as theirs but I also include Biblical scripture to back up what I have to say so that my readers can check it out for themselves if they so choose.

 What are 3 things you like to do to relax? I enjoy scrapbooking, painting and reading.

What book(s) are you reading, or have read lately? I am currently reading A Christmas Home by Greg Kinkaid; an excellent read by the way.

Operation Dark AngelWhat piece of writing advice have you received that was most helpful to you? Someone once told me to write to my heart's content. I took this to mean that my writing should be influenced by my heart and that I should write not only for the enjoyment of others but mostly for my own enjoyment.

Where can readers connect with you? You can reach me on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Four-Horsemen-Series-Fan-Club/246913845377700), twitter (@4HorsemenSeries) and on my blog (http://thefourhorsemenseries.blogspot.com/).

Thank you so much for giving me the pleasure of an interview with you! And I wish you the very best with your newest release!


12.03.2012

Interview with Elizabeth Ludwig + Giveaway!

Today we have a special guest with us, author Elizabeth Ludwig!

Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Journey, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Janelle Mowery, earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year honors. This book was followed in 2009 by “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” part of a Christmas anthology collection called Christmas Homecoming, also from Barbour Publishing.

In 2010, her first full-length historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned Four Stars from the Romantic Times. Books two and three of Elizabeth’s mystery series, Died in the Wool (Barbour Publishing) and Inn Plain Sight (Spyglass Lane), respectively, released in 2011.

Coming in 2012 is Elizabeth’s newest historical series from Bethany House Publishers. No Safe Harbor, the first book in the Edge of Freedom Series, will release in October, with two more books following in 2013 and 2014.

Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, and often attends conferences and seminars, where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoyed a wide readership in its first full year, with more than 17,000 visitors in 2011. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in the great state of Texas. To learn more about her work, visit her at www.elizabethludwig.com.


Welcome! I’m so excited to be interviewing you! First, I would love it if you would start by briefly telling us how your writing journey began.

Believe it or not, I started writing in elementary school. I had a fifth grade teacher who really got into the creative writing stuff, and encouraged us to love it, too. I also LOVED to read, so I guess she thought it was a natural progression for me to also write. So when she learned of a contest for young authors, she pushed me to enter.

I told myself I was going to hate it, but as I got into the story, I found I really liked coming up with my own characters. I did spend most of my time daydreaming about books, after all. I guess that was the spark I needed, because I never forget what it was like to write and began seeking publication in 2001.

Where the Truth Lies (Massachusetts Mayhem Series #1) (Heartsong Presents Mysteries #16)Well, I wish I could say success came immediately, right after I submitted my first manuscript. The truth is, I wrote for five years before I sold my first book, and I completed six full manuscripts, none of which will probably ever see the light of day.

I sold my seventh book to Barbour Publishing in 2006 (though the book did not actually release until 2008). It’s a mystery called Where the Truth Lies. I co-authored it and two sequels, Died in the Wool (which is a Carol Award Finalist this year) and Inn Plain Sight, with Janelle Mowery.



Please share with us one fact about you that not many people know. And feel free to have fun with the question!

This is a fun one! I guess it would have to be that I love playing with computers. In fact, my kids call me a computer geek wannabe! I’m not good enough with techie stuff to actually do anything fancy…just good enough to get in trouble.

Which fictional literary character most inspired/inspires you?


Oh my goodness…I know this answer is going to baffle most people but…I have to say the character who most inspires me is Annabel Tippens.

Annabel is a little girl “with short blond hair and very good manners” (taken from the book description on Amazon.com/No Flying in the House by Betty Brock). She seems quite ordinary, except that she’s also half fairy—and instead of parents, she has a two-inch high dog named Gloria.

Well, you can imagine that for a kid who loved to read, this book was extraordinary. I read it over and over again, and dreamed of the day I would learn to fly. Later, I came to realize that what captured my imagination was not so much the story of a half-fairy princess, but of a little girl struggling to find herself. The sacrifices that Annabel Tippens makes challenged me to acknowledge what was real and important—love, faith, and family.

What inspired you to choose the setting for your novel?

My newest release, No Safe Harbor, is set in and around New York City, especially Ellis Island. For those of you not familiar with its history, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954. Many of those immigrants were Irish, so when I decided to write a book about an Irish girl searching for her brother in America, it seemed the natural choice.


If you could be best friends with any of the characters in your novel, who would it be? Why?

Goodness…I love them all, but if I had to narrow it down, I guess I would have to say Cara. She’s the perfect definition of a true friend—honest, loyal, and caring, and she would do anything for those that she loves. Want to know a secret? I fashioned this character after my four beautiful, loving sisters. J


What inspired this novel?

Family members on both my side and my husband’s emigrated from Europe in the early 1900’s. Some of my ancestors were from Spain. My husband’s ancestors were from Holland, Ireland, and Germany. These brave men and women who risked everything in search of a better life were the inspiration for this story. I hope I’ve done them proud!


What are 3 things you like to do to relax?

Died in the Wool (Hometown Mysteries)First, I love to read. Even as a kid, I spent hours curled up with a book. My sisters never understood the fascination. One of my younger sisters (whom I affectionately call Magon Dragon—she knows what that means) used to hide my books just to get me outside to play!

Apart from reading, I love to ski. My family and I look forward to going to Colorado every Spring Break. Last year, we took twelve newbies with us and taught them all how to ski. Okay…so we taught them how to avoid killing themselves. Still, by the end of the week, they could all get off the lift, and they all could stop at the bottom of the mountain before they crashed into the chalet.
And lastly, I’m a sports nut, so everyone knows…don’t bother me when the Steelers are playing. Go Pitt!


What book(s) are you reading, or have read lately?


I just finished reading Stephanie Landsem’s debut novel, The Well (Howard Books, 2013) for endorsement. It’s a wonderful book about the woman at the well who is written about in the scriptures (John 4). Actually, it’s not only about the woman…it’s also about her family and how they are impacted by her sin…and by her meeting with Jesus.
Sorry folks, it doesn’t release until next year, but it’s definitely worth the wait.

What piece of writing advice have you received that was most helpful to you?


Don’t stop learning, and never, ever give up!

Where can readers connect with you?


Love Finds You in Calico, CaliforniaI’ve actually made quite a home for myself out in cyber space. Readers can find me at:
Website: www.elizabethludwig.com

Blog: www.theborrowedbook.blogspot.com.

I’m also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.ludwig.33?ref=tn_tnmn and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/theborrowedbook.


Stop on by! I’d love to have you visit.

Thank you so much for giving me the pleasure of an interview with you!
And I wish you the very best with your newest release!


The pleasure is all mine, Faye. Thank you so much for having me!

No Safe Harbor (Edge of Freedom, #1)About Ms. Ludwig's new book No Safe Harbor:

The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America

Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh.

Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara's desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke's true intentions come to light.


We've got a copy of No Safe Harbor up for grabs just in time for Christmas!

*GIVEAWAY ENDS DECEMEBER 9TH, 2012*

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12.01.2012

Sagebrush Knights by Erica Vetsch ~ Review

Sagebrush Knights

Lucie's Review: A wonderful western novella collection, set in the wonderful state of Wyoming!

The Gerhard Sisters journey to Wyoming as mail-order in hopes of finding a place to start over, and a chance at love?

Evelyn surprises her perspective husband by not telling him that she has a son from her previous marriage, but he might just have a secret of his own.
Jane has always struggled with being, in her own personal opinion, the plainest of the sisters. Harrison, her husband-to-be, is working hard to make a go of his ranch, and prove to his father that he can make it on his own. Will he take the time to notice the woman, who may be able to make his dream a reality?
Gwendolyn arrives to find that her supposed perspective husband is dead, but marrying her wasn't what the deceased had in mind...he was hoping she'd marry someone else!
Emmeline meets her husband while his house is going up in flames! But that isn't the first surprise that awaits Emmeline...


I loved how in this collection of novellas all of the stories were occurring simultaneously, and so all of the sisters didn't know what was going on with their siblings.
Each of the stories was engaging, and I loved each of the stories and the sisters, the characters were all well developed and I loved how resourceful each of the sisters were. I loved the uniqueness of each of the sisters' situations, that had touches of humor to them and I loved the fun side characters!

Overall, I loved this novella collection! Sagebrush Knights had all of my favorite things in it, cowboys, Wyoming, and mail-order brides, add that to stellar character developement, wonderful plotlines, and terrific storytelling, and that pretty much sums up how much there was that I loved about this book :) And one of the things that I thought that Ms. Vetsch handled amazingly well was how each of the stories fit into the length of the story, the characters used the time that they had together well, I loved watching their relationships grow. A novella collection, that just might be my new favorite!

I received this ebook from Netgalley in return for an honest review. Thank you!