10.31.2012

American Patriots: Answering the Call to Freedom by Rick Santorum ~ Review

American Patriots: Answering the Call to Freedom
My Review: A book that celebrates the unsung men and women who fought for Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, sacrificing so much and even giving their lives for America.

Mr. Santorum has written a wonderful compact read, that recognizes what everyday men and women gave up in the cause of freedom. A freedom that they believed enough in, that many of them gave their lives for it's cause. This book has 25 inspiring stories about these heroes, many of whom I have sadly never heard of before reading this book.

Mr. Santorum tells each of their stories concisely, highlighting their passion for patriotism. I loved being able to pick up this book and read a chapter quickly, yet coming away with so much new knowledge. This book was easy to read, and well researched, with a real spirit of patriotism to it.

I absolutely loved learning so much about the unsung heroes of the Revolutionary War, and was inspired by how much these heroes genuinely cared for their country and fellow man/or woman.

Overall, this was an excellent book, that I would like to point out isn't just for adults but would be appropriate for ages 10 & Up as well, because this book reads like many short stories, but you actually learn some history! I immensely enjoyed this book, because I learned so much about historical figures, plus it was a pleasureable read! I am definitely recommending this book!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. Thank you!

10.30.2012

Flight of Fancy by Laurie Alice Eakes ~ Revell Blog Tour & Review

A Flight of Fancy

Lucie's Review: Misunderstandings and blackmail abound in this thrilling regency romance!

Cassandra and Geoffrey are happily engaged, when tragedy strikes leaving Cassandra scarred to the point where she calls off the engagement. Geofrey agrees to go undercover, and he begins to worry that he might be the reason that Cassie is being targeted, making Geofrey determined to keep her safe. Is it possible that these events can bring them back together instead of tearing them apart?

This was a fun regency read, filled with suspense and misunderstandings. Having not read the first book in the series I was happy to find that it was for the most part stand alone. There were times when I didn't totally understand the characters' motives for not speaking up sooner, but I loved hot there was alot of intrigue and suspense going on.

Overall, this was an entertaining read with plenty of action and a thrilling climax!

I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. Thanks!

 

10.29.2012

The Rake's Redemption by Regina Scott ~ Review

The Rake's Redemption

Lucie's Review:

Vaughn Everard is on a quest to find the truth about his beloved uncle's death.
Imogene is the daughter of the man who holds the secret to Vaughn's uncle's death. But the more they look into it the more suspicious Imogene's father looks. Can Imogene and Vaughn find love amidst this mystery?

Regina Scott has penned a riveting regency romance, with plenty of mystery and intrigue!
The was always plenty going on in this third installment in The Everard Legacy, which definitely kept me reading. While you don't have to read the two previous books in the series, reading the other books in teh series built up the anticipation for this book, and definitely made me appreciate it much more.

Overall, this book is full of action and intrigue with plenty of duels and romance. The characters were well developed and interacted well with each other, and developed a solid relationship. There was a kind of full feeling about this book because of the setting, backstory, and many side characters. A great additions to the Everard Legacy!

I received an ebook of this book in return for an honest review. Thanks!

Fun Interview with Jen Turano!

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.


Thank you so much for having me, Faye. It is an honor. Now, on to my writing journey - where to begin? I suppose the beginning, of course, would be the appropriate place to start. It was an owl, or a somewhat long-winded series regarding an owl, that had my fingers first flying over the computer keys. My son was in elementary school and we were at a point where he would read a chapter of a book out loud and then I would read the next one. Unfortunately, we'd chosen this one series and it was getting to be quite dreadful to read. After the sixth book (I've never admitted to my son, who is now in high school) that the sixth book wasn't really the end of the series, but he looked at me, tilted his head, and told me the stories I had told him to keep him occupied in his jogger stroller when he was a little guy, were way more exciting than the book we'd just read. Hence, the journey began. I sat down the very next day and wrote a few chapters about these repulsive lizard creatures, because again, I was writing for my son and he loved nothing more at that time than repulsive creatures, and he came home and...was totally disappointed the entire book wasn't finished. I had to type faster and within a few weeks, the story was done, but nothing really came of it - My son loved it and I did decide it might have some publishing potential - so I sent it out - to all of five agents. Rejections were swift and slightly brutal, but I discovered that I liked writing my stories down and over the next few years I dabbled when I had a few minutes. When my son reached middle school, it suddenly became clear he didn't think it was cool anymore for his mom to volunteer, and that is when I got serious about the craft. I turned to romance and have never looked back. I signed with Mary Sue Seymour, of The Seymour Agency, and she got me a contract with Bethany House.


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


Hmmmm.....well, I can't drive on the thruway - or rather highway, as most people call them. I know, it's weird, but after a close call with death, okay, that's a little dramatic and not exactly what happened....let me start again. You see, a bad accident almost happened, I had my one and only experience with that 'cold sweat' thing, and ever since then, every time I've tried to get on a thruway, panic attacks happen and for some odd reason, I don't think my fellow drivers feel very confident in my abilities when they look over and see me breathing into a paper bag. It's better all around if I just stick to the side roads.


Which fictional literary character most inspired/inspires you?


Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, Scarlett O'Hara, all of the heroines in Susan Elizabeth Phillips' books and Hermoine Granger, for being a smart, yet unattractive character, but not bothered by that pesky little situation in the least.

A Change of Fortune

What inspired you to choose the setting for your novel?

 

The department stores - the research on B. Altman's was fascinating and I needed a place that catered to high society and yet, held a seedier side of life. New York City was perfect.


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


That's a tough question, but....Miss Agatha Watson. She's a smart, no-nonsense kind of lady and not afraid to throw herself into the next adventure.


What inspired this novel?


Quite frankly, the story simply popped into my head out of the blue and the rest of the series flashed to mind that same day. Since I was actually cleaning the house when that happened, I not sure you could say anything really inspired it:)


What are 3 things you like to do to relax?


I take power walks every morning - try to do about five miles - which settles my thoughts so I can work. I read a couple of books a week to keep current with what readers like and, let me think....nope, can't come up with a third idea how I relax - maybe I should really try to come up with new ways to relax since it seems I'm not very proficient at it.


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


Eleanor Brown, The Weird Sisters, Lisa Norato, Prize of My Heart, and even though I've read this series before, since the last movie is coming out in November - yes, I did re-read all of the Twilight books. There's just something about a vampire....


Gentleman of Her DreamsWhat piece of writing advice have you received that was most helpful to you?

 

I had an agent call me out of the blue and explain to me in painful detail the fact I had a huge POV problem - I didn't even know what POV (point of view) stood for back then, so had to swallow my pride and ask, and to my amazement, she spent the next forty-five minutes teaching me about POV and that completely changed my writing style.


Where can readers connect with you?


My website is www.JenTurano.com and my facebook address is www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor - I've been trying to get that little facebook icon on my website (huge sigh) I'm afraid it's beyond my limited technical skills so I'm going to have to swallow my pride yet again and call my computer guy.


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!


Thank you so much for having me, Faye. It was fun!

And as a bonus, I thought I'd let you all know that her novella Gentleman of Her Dreams is currently FREE on kindle : http://www.amazon.com/Gentleman-Dreams-Distinction-novella-ebook/dp/B0091T62FS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351356304&sr=8-1&keywords=jen+turano
 

10.27.2012

A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller ~ Review

A Promise to Love
My Review: A sweet and engaging romance, that was hard to put down!

Ingrid is a brave, hardworking young woman, who is searching for her brother in the wilds of Michigan.
Joshua Hunter is a widower, in a battle to keep the custody of his children.
When Ingrid loses her job, marriage to the handsome Mr. Hunter seems like the perfect solution for both of them.

I loved this book! Let me just say that I had high expectations after reading last year's The Measure of Katie Calloway, and A Promise to Love more than lived up to them!

I absolutely adored Ingrid, who was so hardworking and dedicated. Joshua was such a good man who did the best that he could for his family.

A Promise to Love was an engaging read with endearing characters, and a great plot full of heart. The pages turned steadily and I was loathe to put it down.  A wonderful read, and I savored every moment of it!

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

A Light in the Window by Julie Lessman ~ Review

A Light in the Window: An Irish Christmas Love Story
My Review: A page turning romance from the pen of Julie Lessman.

Marceline is an upright young woman, who is well aware of the kind of young man that she doesn't want in her life, but the two men vying for her hand are anything but the godly man she hopes to find someday.
Patrick O'Connor & Sam O'Rourke are both determined to win her heart, but who, if either, will win her heart?

I absolutely loved this O'Connor Saga sequel, it was so fun seeing Marcy and Patrick as they were when they were young. I absolutely loved seeing Marcy younger, and I loved how she had God at the center in her life and wanted her romance to be God scripted.

Even if you sort of know how it's going to turn out (like if you've read any of the books in the O'Connor saga) I can pretty much guarantee that this lovely novella will still intrigue you with its many twists and sweet turns.

I loved the characters even more after seeing them as they were earlier in their lives, and I loved meeting new ones too! Every single one of them was so well developed, I really liked little Tillie, she was such a brave, spunky little soul, and I just wanted give her a big hug!

A Light in the Window is a lovely Christmas tale, with a Julie Lessman flare. I had a hard time not being late for work, because it was so hard to put down! Definitely one of my favorite O'Connor stories! I HIGHLY recommend!

I received an ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!

10.25.2012

The Shadow on the Quilt by Stephanie Grace Whitson ~ Review

The Shadow on the Quilt
My Review: A touching tale of forgiveness.

Julianna Sutton's life looks perfect, but when she uncovers a secret on the night of her husband's death, everything changes. Julianna struggles to reconcile her love for her husband, his death, and trying to forgive, while openning up a home for the friendless.
Can Julianna ever let go of the past and move forward?

Wow, I think this is one of the best books that I have read from Stephanie Grace Whitson! The characters were so well done and genuine, I liked how Julianna dealt with the many obstacles that came her way, and I really was able to instantly connect and feel for her. Cass was really likable, and was an ideal hero because he was sensitive to what Julianna had gone through, and he was the friend that she needed. There were many other great characters, like "The Aunts" and it was interesting to see Jenny's side of the story too.

I loved how powerful the plot was, and it definitely kept me engaged. The Shadow on the Quilt was a book that built a compelling story, with a sweet romance, and a powerful message of forgiveness and moving on. A book I highly recommend.

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

10.24.2012

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury ~ Review

The Bridge: A Novel
My Review: A heart warming Christmas romance.

Ryan and Molly met a few years ago in college and met secretly in a used bookstore so full of warm and love, owned by a kindly older man and his wife. Now seven years later a tragedy has brought them all back together to help Mr. Barton, the owner of the bookstore, get his shop up and running again.
Can Ryan and Molly bridge the gap that has grown up between them?

This is only the second book that I have read by Karen Kingsbury, and I found The Bridge to be a short and sweet read, written in an easy to read style that engaged me from the very first line.

I felt like this story could have been longer and for the most part there was alot of explanation of backstory that wouldn't have been so noticable if the book hadn't been so short. But that didn't really phase me, because I liked that it was a short read and quick read.

So I guess what I'm saying is that I wished that I could have gotten to know the characters better than I did, because I felt like there was alot there, but that I was being told rather than shown.

I really loved how this book had little snippets of my favorite things, like used bookstores and Country Music. I really loved Ryan and Molly's romance, because they started off as friends, which in my personal opinion always makes a relationship real or fictional, more genuine.

Overall, a sweet Christmas read, that would definitely make a great gift for a loved one, or for yourself! A nice little novella :)

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

10.23.2012

Whispers in the Wind by Lauraine Snelling ~ Review

Whispers in the Wind

Lucie's Review:

Cassie has finally at the ranch her father told her about, and when she arrives she get's a luke-warm welcome. Ransom is frustrated that he must not only share the ranch that he has worked for with his siblings, but with this newcomer, Cassie Lockwood.

This was a rather interesting read, though for me it just didn't have enough to the actual plot, time moved slowly and there didn't seem to be a ton of things going on.

There was good character development and I could see why Ransom would feel the way that he did, after all he was practically the only one putting anything into the ranch, and here comes a girl that he finds he has the share it with. I really liked Ransom's mother, and thought that she was a nice woman. And I wasn't really sure what to think of Lucas's infatuation with Cassie.

Overall for me, this just wasn't my kind of book. It was very well written, but the pace was slow and there wasn't alot going on. So for me personally this wasn't my kind of book.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest. Thanks!

A Perfect Word for every Occassion by Liz Dockworth ~ Review

A Perfect Word for Every Occasion: Ideal for: Letters, Receiving Lines, Facebook, Emails, Thank You Notes, Condolences. . . and Much More
My Review: A fun helper to have int hand when writing cards and letters :)

My birthday was just a little while ago and I found this book very helpful in writing Thank You cards. There were many great suggestions and great thoughts, I liked how I was able to sort of mix and match phrases and sentiments into the perfect little note.

I also really liked the suggestions for Bible verses for a multitude of different occassions from graduations to births. One of the chapter that I found to be intriguing, though I haven't tried it out and hope I don't have to anytime soon, is the section on how to write a sympathy card, which I have always found the most challenging of all things to write, and I thought it had many helpful ideas and suggestions.

Overall, a helpful guide that was really handy as I was writing Thank You cards this last birthday. :)


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

Unclaimed Legacy by Deborah Heal ~ Review

Unclaimed Legacy (Time and Again, #2)
My Review: Another time surfing adventure with Abby, Merri, John who use the mysterious computer program to solve a crime from years gone by.

Merri and Abby, along with John, are back and time surfing, in this all new adventure and this time they are determined to clear the name of a man accused of a crime many years ago.

I really liked this story and how it picked up not too long after the first book left off. I really liked the character of John because he was just so kind and respectful in the way that he treated Abby, and showed how much he cared about her, plus he was a great character in the first book and I loved that he was more prominate in this second installment. I really liked how in this story I got to see more of Miles Station, and learn more about the people in the town. I guess what I missed about this book, was that Michael wasn't really in it, and I had really liked him from the first book and was hoping to see more of him. So I'm hoping that he'll show up alot more in the third book :)

Overall, a great book for tweens, with a fun plot and well developed characters. I liked how in this book I could see how Merri was changing and growing still, even though the change wasn't as dramatic as in the first book, bust she's on her way :) This was  a fun and engaging book to read, that can be enjoyed by a variety of ages, depending what you are in the mood for :) A great, fun read!

I received this book from Deborah Heal in return for an honest review. Thank you!

10.22.2012

The Amish Family Cookbook by Jerry and Tina Eicher ~ FIRST Wild Card Blog Tour and Review



The Amish Family Cookbook

My Review: In the words of my brother "Everything tastes better Amish!"


Best-selling author Jerry Eicher and his wife, Tina, have put together a lovely cookbook filled with wonderful recipes and Amish sayings. And I am happy to say that my family and I, loved every recipe we tried.


In my family it is hard to find something that we all love, and my brother is more than a bit hard to please in that department. But we found a winner in more than a few recipes, which is rare for us, because we normally only find one or two recipes we actually like in the usual cookbook. Not only did we find new recipes like Biscuit Pizza Bake and Lasagna Soup, but we found inprovements on favorites like Moist Banana Bread and Oven Fried Chicken that had a perfectly crispy skin!
My brother and I especially liked the Filled Chocolate Cupcakes!

This is a cook book full of recipes that we will be sure to use over and over again, and if we only love theses six recipes we have tried it will be well worth it. But there are so many more recipes that I am itching to try! A great cookbook that I highly recommend!

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



Biscuit Pizza Bake

Oven Baked Chicken
Moist Banana Bread
Filled Chocolate Cupcakes


Lasagna Soup


Apple Strudel Muffins










It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!



Today's Wild Card authors are:


and the book:

Harvest House Publishers; Spi edition (October 1, 2012)

***Special thanks to Ginger Chen for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Jerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina, and their four children in Virginia.

Tina Eicher was born and married in the Amish faith, surrounded by a mother and sisters who were great Amish cooks. At fellowship meals and family gatherings, Tina’s dishes receive high praise and usually return empty. She and her husband, Jerry Eicher, author of several bestselling Amish fiction titles, are the parents of four children and live in Virginia.


Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:


From bestselling author Jerry Eicher (more than 350,000 books sold) and his wife, Tina, comes this warm and inviting peek into an Amish kitchen, complete with recipes, Amish proverbs, and a dash of Amish humor. Readers will laugh, pray, and eat robustly with The Amish Family Cookbook at their side.



Product Details:
List Price: $ 14.99
Spiral-bound: 272 pages

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers; Spi edition (October 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736943773
ISBN-13: 978-0736943772



AND NOW...A FEW RECIPES FOR YOU TO TRY (CLICK ON PICTURES TO SEE THEM LARGER):







10.19.2012

Twice Promised by Maggie Brendan ~ Revell Blog Tour & Review

Twice Promised

Lucie's Review:

Greta and Cora are shocked to find that they are both mail-order brides--to the same man! Turns out that Zach has been writing to both of the ladies for his brother Jess, so that Jess can finally be married. Will Greta and Cora both find love in the beautiful Colorado mountains?

Two brothers. Two brides. One crazy ride. Twice Promised is a fun romantic read, with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
I really liked the characters, especially Granny, who was a really smart lady who often had to untangle a few things out :)

I really liked Cora and Greta, and how they handled the situation, which was less than pleasing! I liked how this book told two love stories instead of one. Even though this is the second in a series, it really could be a stand alone, because while there were small mentions of Greta's sisters, this book was basically a whole new adventure. I guess the one thing that I noticed is that I didn't really get to know the guys, Zach and Jess, as well as Greta and Cora, so I didn't always understand why the guys did what they did.

Overall, this was a really sweet, fun, prairie romance. I loved Cora, Greta, and Granny, and the general plot of the book. I love my mail-order bride stories! A delightful story full of twists and charming turns.

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

10.18.2012

Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson ~ Litfuse Blog Tour and Review

Queen of the Waves

My Review: In my opinion, one of Janice Thompson's best!

I've always had a sort of love/hate relationship with Titanic books, but Queen of the Waves is definitely one that I love!

The plot was well put together and I thought that the characters were especially well-crafted, and likable from the start. There were things that Tessa struggled with, and it was easy to see why she had the reaction that she did because of the way she had been brought up, and I just really loved watching this story play out.

This book was easy to follow, and very engaging, I found that the pages went by faster than I realized and it was very easy to become absorbed into its pages.

Overall I enjoyed this well written tale from cover to cover, and I found the story very compelling, yet not too overdone. A book that I would happily recommend!

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

About the Book:
When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed.

Buy the Book Here: http://ow.ly/e0YHw

About the Author: Award-winning author Janice Thompson, who also writes under the name Janice Hanna, has published nearly eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more.

She formerly served as vice president of the Christian Authors Network and was named the 2008 Mentor of the Year by the American Christian Fiction Writers.
Thompson lives in Spring, Texas, near her four grown daughters and young grandchildren. She leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievous dachshunds.
Readers can keep up with Janice Thompson by visiting janiceathompson.com, becoming a fan on Facebook or following her Twitter.
Find out more about Janice at http://janicethompson.com.
 
Check out all of the other great stops on this tour: http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/american-tapestries-thompson
 
 
Celebrate with Janice by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 
One fortunate winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
  • Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Queen of the Waves and Where the Trail Ends and join Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors 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 todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson ~ Litfuse Tour and Review

Where the Trail Ends

Lucie's Review: A story of a strong woman, who was willing to take stand up for what was right.

A bit slow to start, this book intrigued me with it's many well developed characters. I thought this book was especially interesting because it wasn't your typical Oregon Trail journey, it was about some of the wagon trains that actually blazed the trail instead of just following it!

Samantha, the main character, is very strong and I liked how she was willing to take a stand. And there were many other great characters like the Kneedlers. I thought that the characters acted very realistcally, and I could understand why there was probably more than a little conflict along the way!

This story was almost like three different stories interwoven into one, which I really liked because then I got to see more stories than just one. One of my favorites was Jack and Aliyah's :)

Overall, I found this book very enjoyable, and the more I think back on it the more things I find to appreciate. I really liked how this book was more than a romance, it was about the struggle, the journey, the challenge, and the hardship of leaving everything they'd ever known, of some very courageous people who blazed the trail west. The characters were well written, and I came to really like Samantha and Alex, as well as many others like Micah, Samantha's brother. This is a book I would happily recommend :)

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

About the Book:
A young woman traveling the Oregon Trail in 1842 must rely on a stranger to bring her to safety. But whom can she trust with her heart?
For two thousand miles along the trail to Oregon Country, Samantha Waldron and her family must overcome tremendous challenges to reach the Willamette Valley before winter. Together they weather autumn storms, hunger and thirst, and the dangers of a wild and unfamiliar country. But when their canoe capsizes on the Columbia River, they must rely on handsome British exporter Alexander Clarke to rescue them from the icy water.
Alex escorts Samantha and her young brother, Micah, to Fort Vancouver. There Samantha is overwhelmed with men vying for her affections, but the only one who intrigues her-Alex-is the one she cannot have. When his betrothed arrives unexpectedly from England to escort him home, Samantha becomes determined to create a home for herself and Micah in the fertile valley far away from the fort. But how will an unmarried woman support herself and her brother in the wilderness alone?
 
Then Micah disappears into the wilderness one rainy night, and Samantha must rely on the man she loves-the man she’s trying desperately to forget-to rescue her brother before it’s too late.

Buy the Book Here: http://ow.ly/e0YC2


About the Author: Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside’s Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense).
Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years.
Melanie and her family enjoy their home in the Pacific Northwest. The entire Dobson family loves to travel and hike in both the mountains and along the cliffs above the Pacific.

When Melanie isn’t writing or playing with her family, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.
 
Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com.

Check out all the other great stops on this tour here: http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/american-tapestries-dobson


Celebrate with Melanie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 
One fortunate winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
  • Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Where the Trail Ends and  Queen of the Waves and join Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors 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 todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

10.17.2012

Interview with Deborah Heal + Giveaway!






Deborah Heal is the author of the young adult novel Time and Again. She lives in Waterloo, Illinois, where she enjoys reading, gardening, and learning about southern Illinois history. She is married and has three grown children, three grandchildren, and a canine buddy named Scout (a.k.a. Dr. Bob). Currently, she is working on book three in the Time and Again trilogy.
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.

 
It probably began when I was in the womb. Just kidding. But my mom loved to read and read to me when I was young. That’s a good start for an author (and anyone else too). I remember desperately wanting to write when I was four, but that was probably just so I could sign my name. It wasn’t until my eighth grade teacher complimented my story that I first got the dream of being a writer.

Please share with us one fact about you that not many people know. And
feel free to have fun with the question!
It’s not really a secret any longer, but still many people probably don’t realize that for many years I had an obsession with the Sherman and Mr. Peabody Show. I wrote at least a dozen letters to the producers hoping to get plans for a WABAC Machine of my own. They were most uncooperative and kept threatening to take out a restraining order. Finally, inspiration struck, and I imagined my own fictional time travel device. Now I get to “time-surf” any time I want to.

Which fictional literary character most inspired/inspires you?
The first one who comes to mind is Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if every child had a father as wise and kind as he? I wish I had a lawyer like him. It would have come in handy during the Mr. Peabody incident mentioned above.

What inspired you to choose the setting for your novel?
Unclaimed Legacy (Time and Again, #2)Time and Again is set just down the road from where I grew up. As a girl, I was intrigued by the idea there used to be a thriving town where now there is a only a bump in the road. You can read about the history behind the story here. The setting of Unclaimed Legacy is Camp Dubois, Lewis and Clark’s training camp before the Expedition headed up the Missouri River in search of a passage to the Pacific Ocean. I’ve always loved the Lewis and Clark story and wanted to include just a bit of it in my story.
If you could be best friends with any of the characters in your novel,
who would it be? Why?
I imagine every author grows to love his or her characters. I know I do. But I would have to choose Dr. Bob, the little rat terrier in the story, because dogs are, after all, man’s best friend. My own two dogs Scout and Digger would probably benefit from hanging out with such a talented guy as Dr. Bob. I bet he’d never get into the kitchen trash when I wasn’t looking. Dr. Bob came to my virtual book launch party. You can see him here.

What inspired this novel?
The first novel, Time and Again, began as a short story in a college creative writing class in 1992. When I brainstormed for a story idea, all my love of local history began popping up. I got so into it that the story just kept getting more and more involved. After a while, I realized I would never be able to finish it by the deadline. Fortunately, my instructor let me turn it in unfinished. I graduated and became an English teacher right after that. Then I was so busy grading student papers, I had to work on my story a few minutes at a time. You can read here about the long journey to get it published.

What are 3 things do you like to do to relax?
Read, read, and read. Or work in my garden.

What book(s) are you reading, or have read lately?
Here are some of the ones I enjoyed most in recent months. You can read my reviews for them by clicking on the titles.
A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner
Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore.
The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson
So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones
Out of Time by Caroline B. Cooney
Dark Liaison by D. I. Telbat


What piece of writing advice have you received that was most helpful to you?
 
Don’t make your characters too perfect. I try very hard to make my characters and their challenges realistic. One of my pet peeves is when Christian authors make their characters continually think spiritual thoughts and spout Bible verses. Does that make me sound like a bad Christian? My characters are like me. They love God, but they’re not very good about keeping him first in their lives or at recalling where that verse they half remember is in the Bible. And like me, although they’re growing in Christ, progress is in fits and starts.

Where can readers connect with you?
CLICK TO LEARN MORE:
 
 
About the Author
Where to buy the books


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!

Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles StationNow for a GIVEAWAY!!!!

Win a copy of Time and Again, the first book in the trilogy!

1. Leave a comment below mentioning something in the interview that you thought was fascinating. Don't forget to include your email address!

2. For an extra entry be a follower of this blog, as well as "like" Deborah Heal's page on Facebook.

*US residents only*

Contest ends October 27th, 2012



 For additional chances  to win this book (on other venues), see Deborah Heal’s official website and LIKE her Facebook Fan Page.


*GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*
 


You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren ~ Litfuse Blog Tour & Review

You Don't Know Me (Deep Haven, #6)

My Review: Can you imagine what it would be like to be suddenly thrust into the Witness Protection Program, leaving behind everything and everyone you know, to start all over again?

You Don't Know Me asks that emotionally charged question. Deidre O'Reilly has had to start her life all over once 20 years ago, so when faced with being moved again she has many challenging decisions to make.

Susan May Warren writes a fast moving tale filled with action, and emotions that run deep. I loved how fast the pages turned and how it had me on the edge of my seat, worried to death how they would ever untangle the mess they were in!

The characters were strongly written and the plot was very touching and poignant. Ms. Warren worte every aspect of this book with such meaning and suspense, that even though this wasn't exactly my style, I came away satisfied and an even bigger fan of Ms. Warren than before.

I don't want to give too much away so I'd better stop talking pretty soon, but this is a book that I highly recommend, as a fast paced emotionally charged read that requires a whole box of tissues to get through!


I received this book from the publisher through Litfuse in exchange for an honest review! Thanks!

About the Book:
A Deep Haven Novel

Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves can be our undoing.


To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.

No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker.

Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the courage to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?

Buy it Here: http://ow.ly/e6zml

About the Author:
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!


Find out more about Susan May at http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.


Check out all the other great stops on this tour here: http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/you-dont-know-me-by-susan-may-warren-200-weekend-getaway-giveaway-and-facebook-party-1023
Welcome to the campaign launch for Susan May Warren’s latest offering in her beloved Deep Haven series, You Don’t Know Me. Susan is celebrating with a $200 Weekend Getaway Giveaway and hosting a fun video Author Chat Party!

 
One fortunate winner will receive:
  • A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one and “Get to Know” your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
  • The entire set of Deep Haven Books
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the ”You Don’t Know Me” Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/23. Connect with Susan for an evening of book chat, Deep Haven trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be info about Susan’s BookShout read-along and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of You Don’t Know Me and join Susan on the evening of the October 23rd 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 todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!