10.31.2013

Critical Pursuit by Janice Cantore ~ review

Critical Pursuit
Astor's Review:

Brinna Caruso was kidnapped as a child and left for dead in the middle of the desert, now she and her rescue dog, Hero are the number one team on the force to be called in kidnapping cases.
Detective Jack O'Reilly is ready to go back to job after the death of his wife in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, now he is bent on revenge and bringing his wife's killer to justice.
Together Brinna and Jack make a fearsome team, but will the scars from their past prevent them from moving on and looking to a brighter future?

An action filled book, the first of a brand new series by Janice Cantore. Critical  Pursuit  is very different from the other Christian Suspense books on the market, mainly because it isn't a romance. It is all about the story, and the characters who are still coming to terms with their pasts.

Jack and Brinna, though at first they seem very different, are more similar that they know, both of them struggle to understand how a loving God let such horrible atrocities happen to them.

This book was full of action and adventure, but also had a surprising emotional and spiritual depth to it that I wasn't quite expecting, but was pleasantly surprised. The chapters were short, but made the book fast paced and nearly impossible to put down!

Overall, a very good beginning to what is sure to be a fantastic series. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

A Bride for Noah by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith ~ Review

A Bride for Noah
Lucie's Review:

Noah writes a letter to his aunt and uncle as a joke, telling them to send a wagon load of women west, his aunt is naturally mortified, but his uncle takes him seriously. His first recruit is Evie, their former housemaid.
Evie is shocked by the idea, but when she realizes that she doesn't love her fiancé and that he doesn't love her in return, she decides to take a chance on a fresh start.
When Evie and the other women arrive, Noah is dumbfounded, he never expected his uncle to take him seriously, and now the lumber camp is swarming with women!

I was fascinated by the fact that this novel is the fictitious account of a real life event, and there was a lot of history incorporated into the story. The setting is realistic and truly gives a sense of what it must have been like to have been among the first settlers in a new area.

My favorite historical character was Chief Seattle, the authors did a great job of portraying his as a wise, at times humorous, man of faith.

This books has a full cast of characters many of whom are at differing stages of their relationships. It was fun getting to know them all. Noah's Uncle Miles was a huge part of the story and was something of a big dreamer and schemer.

Overall, this was an interesting read based on historical facts and events, I loved how the people of Seattle had a vision for their town to be a place free of liquor and other vices. Thought the pace was a bit slow at times I appreciated the research that went into it, to tell this tale of the birth of Seattle.

Disclosure Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

10.30.2013

Rebecca's Christmas Gift by Emma Miller ~ Review

Rebecca's Christmas Gift


Lucie's Review:
When Rebecca arrives for her first day of working for the bishop she is shocked to find the house a mess, because the bishop's young daughter had decided to make pancakes for breakfast all by herself.
Caleb is even more surprised to see Rebecca, because he didn't even know she was coming to help out. Ever since his wife died, Caleb has struggled to bear the burden of being the district's bishop as well as raising his young daughter.

The characters were well developed and I think that Amelia really flourished the most over the course of the book. I especially appreciated Rebecca's wisdom and understanding in dealing with Amelia. Many of her ideas came from her childhood memories of her parents.
The dialogue between Caleb and Rebecca helped their working relationship transition into friendship.

This story really reminded me of Beauty and the Beast, because Rebecca was a lovely person inside and out, while Caleb was scarred on the outside and let that get in the way of how he related to people.

The Amish setting was very realistic and if you have read any of the other stories in this series you will remember some of the side characters. This is a book sure to please lovers of Amish fiction!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

10.26.2013

Audrey Bunny by Angie Smith, illustrated by Breezy Brookshire ~ Review & Giveaway!!!!!!!!

Audrey Bunny

My Review:

Audrey Bunny is the heartwarming tale of a little girl and her beloved bunny, that shows God's great love for us despite our imperfections.

This was a sweet read, with beautiful illustrations that complemented the story perfectly. This would be a wonderful book to read with your children or younger siblings, I loved how such a simple story conveyed such a wonderful truth.

Definitely a keeper :)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

About Audrey Bunny
From best-selling women’s author Angie Smith (I Will Carry You, Mended) comes this sweet children’s book about a stuffed animal named Audrey Bunny who fears her imperfections make her unworthy of a little girl’s love. She'll learn the truth soon enough, and young readers will learn that everyone is special and wonderfully made by God.
Publisher: B&H Publishing
Hardcover with jacket:  32 pages 
Release Date: October 1, 2013
$14.99


Let author Angie Smith tell you more about this book:  http://youtu.be/hB6YFDowXxs

Angie Smith is the wife of Todd Smith (lead singer of Dove Award winning group Selah), best-selling author of MendedI Will Carry You, and What Women Fear, and one of the most popular speakers and blog writers in the country. She holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and lives with her husband and daughters in Nashville, TN.
 
Stay Connected
 
Now I am excited to say that we have a hardcover copy of Audrey Bunny to give away! US Residents only please :)

 
 


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10.23.2013

Burning Sky by Lori Benton ~ Riveting Debut!!!

Burning Sky: A Novel of the American Frontier

Lucie's Review:
This book grabbed me from the very first page, and didn't let go until the very last page was turned down, with its wide spectrum of characters, each with their own story and secret. I was riveted to the page, and I just wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next, yet at the same time I didn't want it to end.

Willa was a strong practical heroine, that you can help but immediately admire. She had been through so much already, that I was hard to see her go through much more, and all I wanted was for her to have the happiest ending imaginable. Willa had such an inner strength about her, she did what she had to do, even if it meant risking it all.

Willa is a young woman who walks in two worlds, even though she was taken captive against her will by the Indians so many years ago,  her people still treat her with rudeness and suspicion. The one ray of light was Willa's friend Anni who is a loyal friend who supports Willa even when she doesn't understand her choices.

Willa finds Neil MacGregor hurt and unconscious in the woods, so she takes him to her parent's place only to find it abandoned. Neil has his own past to hide, but he has a great sense of humor and strong faith.

Joseph Tames-His-Horse has loved Willa ever since the Indians took her and named her Burning Sky, but she was adopted into his clan so that he could never be more than a brother to her, but even so he follows her to her parents house in hopes of convincing her to come back to the People. Joseph is a strong man, with a sincere faith in Christ, who seeks to do God's will even when it is at war with his own.

Richard Waring wanted to marry Willa, before she was taken, and after she was stolen he searched high and low for months. But he also has his eye on her parent's land. Willa's parents are mysteriously missing, and it is assumed by everyone that they were Tories and the state is going to auction off the land, unless Willa can prove other wise.

There were so many fantastic characters. 2 of my favorites are Matthew and Maggie, who are young "half-breed" children who Willa takes in.

This book has it all, it all drama, intrigue, great dialogue, and compelling characters, with a fresh plot that had me glued to the pages. One of my favorite thing was how well the author seamlessly added Indian and Scottish words without losing the meaning of what they were saying or explaining everything. This is a tale of hope, healing, and second chances. This book is definitely going into my list of top ten reads this year, I highly recommend it!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."


You can read an excerpt and check out the book here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307731470

Perfectly Matched by Maggie Brendon ~ Review

Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides, #3)

Lucie's Review:

From the very beginning it would seem that Anna and Edward are anything but Perfectly Matched.

On their wedding day, directly after the ceremony, Edward gives Anna a list of her duties. Anna is a young woman not even eighteen, she has no idea what it means to be a wife. She never learned to cook or care for a house, but she is willing to learn and works hard to improve her skills.
Edward expects his life to run like clockwork, and he has a hard time understanding her impulsive nature, but to his credit he also has a list for himself of how he can show kindness to his new bride.
Is it possible that they could be a perfect match?

This book was filled with well researched historic places and settings, though I was a bit curious as to why Edward would have felt that he needed to order a bride considering that there didn't seem to be an extreme lack of women around. But I admired how both of them had a high view marriage and were determined to stick with their commitment.

At first their relationship is more physical than anything else, but as they get to know each their relationship grew and they found a true marriage. I loved how welcoming Edward's family was to Anna, and  how the animals that Anna took in filled out the story and brought humor to the story.

“Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Finally a Bride by Renee Ryan ~ Review

Finally a Bride (Charity House, #7)Lucie's Review: Another great Charity House book!

Molly and Garrett have been friends since they were children, and they grew their friendship became something more, but Garrett broke it off when he went off to school.
When Garrett shows up in Denver, Molly doesn't know how to speak to him again after to so long apart, but a certain Mrs. Singletary has a plan to bring them back together. Molly and Garrett are determined to foil her plans, but that means working together and pretending to be a couple. Will their pretending become the real thing?

Both of the main characters were very likable, it didn't take long for me to get to know them and I loved how their interactions really made strides toward forwarding their relationship. Their past together really added to the tension of them trying to figure out what they were in the present.

I jumped right into this book from the very beginning, and the pace kept me turning the pages as fast as I could, this ended up being one of my favorites in the series.

Overall, this was a terrific read, with a realistic setting and touches of humor. And I loved Mrs. Singletary, she was very wise, and a terrific mentor to Molly. I enjoyed every minute of this book.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

10.17.2013

Royal Inheritance by Kate Emerson ~ Review

Royal Inheritance (Secrets of the Tudor Court, #6)

My Review:

Audrey Malte's father is tailor to King Henry VIII, when Audrey is invited to court rumors begin to fly because of her red hair, but she finds true friendship in the eyes of a young man named Jack. As speculation grows that Audrey may be the king's daughter, Audrey struggles to hold close the ones dear to her.

Kate Emerson has woven a rich Tudor novel, that though part of a series stands well on it's own, in fact I didn't know it was a series until I finished it. The story was well written and swift moving, I don't know why but I always find myself drawn to the Tudors and tale set during this dangerous time of conspiracy and intrigue, and this book was just what I needed.

This book was filled with characters both real and fictional, with a good balance between fictitious  and real. Audrey was a wonderful heroine, who was loyal to the ones she loved. I also liked the character of her father, because he truly loved her and had her best interests in mind.

Overall this was a riveting tale, that would be great for fans of Sandra Byrd's Tudor novels. I loved the first person storytelling and how it bounced from the "present" to the past as Audrey told her story to her decedents. An excellently entertaining novel!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears ~ CFBA Tour and Review

A Bride for Keeps

Lucie's Review: A Mail Order Bride Story with a twist!

Everett Cline has tried to find a wife before, even tried a mail order bride more than once--three times to be exact-- and Everett has begun to accept the fact that maybe he isn't cut out for marriage. But a well meaning neighbor decides to go behind his back and orders another bride for Everett, maybe the 4th time's the charm?

Julia and Everett were like two ships passing in the night, two strangers living in the same home. This book dealt with the challenges faced by mail order couples, and showed a different, harder side of the story.

Julia, throughout the book, is constantly running from her past, and trying to lay the demons of the men in her past and present to rest. And in so many ways this book is the story of Julia and her struggles to embrace a future, through a journey of faith.

It was hard for Everett and Julia to reach out to each other, until Jesus became a part of their relationship. This book was slow paced at some points, but it did keep me reading because I wanted to see how everything would play out in the end.

Overall, this was a very different kind of Mail Order Bride story than what I expected, I liked how it was different, because it showed how God worked in both their hearts throughout the course of the book, especially Julia's. In this story especially, I think it is more than fitting to say that God brought them together. Both Everett and Julia were people who liked to keep to themselves and solve their our problems, and they had to learn to reach to each other. A unique tale, of letting go of past hurts and embracing a future.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Bride for Keeps
Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2013)
by
Melissa Jagears


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I am a stay at home mother on a tiny little farm with a fixer-upper house. As much as I love writing and reading about homesteaders, I am so glad I’m a homesteader during an era with modern grocery stores to take up for my slack. I am an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher by trade, and I still work occasionally in that field along with being my church’s financial secretary and writing novels.

My husband and I have been married since 2001 and have a daughter and two little boys. My husband shares my fascination with traditional living except for being more hands on. He loves blacksmithing, knife smithing, traditional archery, hunting, etc. Generally whatever a mountain man does, he does it or has or wants to attempt it. He comes in handy for research! And of course, the rest of the family gets involved. I have my own blackpowder rifle, named Calvin, that my husband made for me. And I’m pretty sure my daughter is probably one of very few her age who can instruct adults how to shoot a longbow properly. The boy digs random holes in my yard to make “cement” with dirt and water making our yard a tripping hazard. The baby does what babies do.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Tender Tale of Love on the Prairie Perfect for CBA Readers!

Although Everett Cline can hardly keep up with the demands of his homestead, he won't humiliate himself by looking for a helpmate ever again--not after being jilted by three mail-order brides. When a well-meaning neighbor goes behind his back to bring yet another mail-order bride to town, he has good reason to doubt it will work, especially after getting a glimpse at the woman in question. She's the prettiest woman he's ever seen, and it's just not possible she's there to marry a simple homesteader like him.

Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. Having finally worked up the courage to leave her life in Massachusetts, she's determined to find a place where people will value her for more than her looks. Having run out of all other options, Julia resorts to a mail-order marriage in far-away Kansas.

Everett is skeptical a cultured woman like Julia could be happy in a life on the plains, while Julia, deeply wounded by a past relationship, is skittish at the idea of marriage at all. When, despite their hesitations, they agree to a marriage in name only, neither one is prepared for the feelings that soon arise to complicate their arrangement. Can two people accustomed to keeping their distance let the barricades around their hearts down long enough to fall in love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Bride for Keeps, go HERE.

10.16.2013

Forget Me Not by Amber Stokes ~ Cover Reveal + Giveaway

Old hurts, new betrayals, and a love that survives them all...Summer 1885

A startling revelation sends Elizabeth Lawson escaping into a stormy night - and tosses her into the arms of a young mountain man with secrets of his own. When he offers to take her to the Nevada mining town where her long-lost brother lives, she accepts. Suspicions and uncertainties are pushed aside as she struggles to forge a future for herself by meeting her past.

David has been hiding from his painful memories for years. The solitude and wildness of the Rocky Mountains are challenge and comfort enough for him - until Elizabeth's arrival. Fueled by anger and a sense of obligation, he strives to take control of his new situation...only to find control slipping from his grasp with each new emotion Elizabeth evokes in him.

When their journey leads them on unexpected paths, can two lonely hearts find the strength to remember the good amid the heartbreak?


The Book’s Blog
You can find all the latest news about Forget Me Not, along with book extras, at the Forget Me
Not blog.

Amber Stokes
About the Author
Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a passion for the written word
- from blogging to writing poetry, short stories, and novels. After her brief time at college in
Oregon, she is now back home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day at
a time and pursuing her passion via freelance editing and self-publishing. You can connect with
Amber on her blog, Seasons of Humility.



About the Cover Designer
Lena lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very
spoiled Black Lab. She writes fiction for young adults, mostly light fantasy with a healthy dose
of "sigh-worthy" romance. You can visit her online at www.lenagoldfinch.blogspot.com.



Enter via the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win forget-me-not note cards (set of three)
from Carol Sapp Watercolors! Giveaway limited to U.S. residents only.



 
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10.15.2013

The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser ~ Litfuse Tour & Review

The Journey of Josephine Cain (American Tapestries)Lucie's Review:

After the war, all Josephine wants if for everything to go back to the way it was, with parties, dresses, and maybe a beau. But her mother is still mourning the loss of her son, and her father has buried himself in his work that takes him west to oversee the railroad. Josephine decides to travel west to be with her father, but when she meet Lewis Simmons she decides to stay.
But Lewis may not be all that he appears to be, with a shady past and motives that are not entirely pure, as he takes the job of escorting Josephine and her cousin Freida on the historic train ride west to celebrate the railroad meeting the 100th meridian.
Along the way she meets Hudson, a young man who fought with her father in the war,  and as distance takes them away from each other, the train brings them back together.
Who will she ultimately choose?

This is a well researched historical novel, not so much about the romance, but about Josephine personally as she grows as a woman and in her faith.

There were many colorful side characters that enriched the story, one of my favorite was a little girl named Nelly, which also opens the door for Josephine to get to know Hudson better as he becomes their escort back to Washington.

I would not suggest this book to younger readers as there are some graphic details, that accurately portray the darker side of the west, as well as delving into the bad guy's head which is not something that I liked, and for me personally it slowed down the pace of the story.

My favorite character was Hudson, because of his enthusiasm about his job and how he wanted a future different fro his past and went after it. He had a sharp sense of humor and a way with words.

This would be a terrific book for fans of post-civil war fiction, because it is full of history and tells the story of a nation beginning to heal after war.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

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: http://ow.ly/pq47s

Meet Nancy: 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 at: http://nancymoser.com/.

Check out all of the other great stops on this tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/nmoser
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!
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  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!

10.14.2013

Under a Blackberry Moon by Serena Miller ~ Revell Blog Tour & review

Under a Blackberry Moon
My Review:

Under a Blackberry Moon took me back to the Michigan Northwoods where I revisited several memorable characters from previous books, as well as delving deeper in the story of others.

Finally, Moon Song and Skypilot's story! I've been waiting for this book ever since I finished The Measure of Katie Calloway. And even though this book is a sequel, it stands well on its own, so don't be afraid to dive right in!

I loved getting to know Moon Song and Skypilot better through this book, and I already had high opinions of them both, but now I love them even more!

This story woven a heartwarming tale as two people from different worlds bridged their cultural gaps and found friendship and love.

Overall this was well written story that engaged from the very first words, and swept me off into the Northwoods. This was a tale of endurance, and breaking down the walls of the things like race that can sometimes seem to define who we are, and instead finding true identity in Christ. Definitely a book worth reading!

Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

10.11.2013

Promise to Return by Elizabeth Byler Younts ~ Review

Promise to Return
My Review:

Miriam Coblentz has always loved Henry Mast, but their plans are delayed when Henry gets drafted to serve in the Conscientious Objector Civilian Public Services camp. Upon his return, Henry tells Miriam that he has enlisted to fight a war that he believes in, causing the Amish community to shun him.
Meanwhile Eli Brenneman seems determined to win her from Henry's arms.
Will Miriam stay faithful to Henry even if it means going against her community?

Promise to Return is a riveting historical novel, and excellent debut from Elizabeth Blyer Yount.

I loved getting to know the characters through Miriam's eyes, I thought this book did a great job of bringing to life her struggles the challenges she faced. Miriam wasn't perfect, and that's what made her likable and relatable as a character.

This book was complex and engaging, with many intertwining storylines and characters who cross paths.

Overall, this was a well written debut that told an excellent story. I would definitely recommend this to fans of Amish fiction, who are looking for a fresh new author that is sure to be a favorite!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

10.07.2013

A Christmas Gift for Rose by Tricia Goyer ~ Litfuse Blog Tour & Review

A Christmas Gift for Rose

Lucie's Review:

Rose thought she would marry Jonathan, but he went to fight in WWII. And when Rose's sister finds a fancy apron with Rose's name on it, the discovery shakes everything that Rose thought she knew about herself and where she came from.

This is a heartwarming novel just in time for Christmas! The character were excellent and the plot developed quickly, drawing me right into the story.

One of my favorite parts of the story was when Rose read Heidi to her students, and it touched her, and showed how a good book can bring light to a difficult time.

Jonathon was so supportive of Rose and I loved his steadiness and how he wouldn't give up on Rose and did the best he could to help her. Rose's parent's were also very supportive of her, and they only wanted to best for her.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming novel of Rose's discovery of how much she is truly loved by God, her parents, and Jonathon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

About the book: Rose turned her back on the man she loves after he assisted the Englisch during World War
II---only to discover she's an Englischer herself. Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns that she was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own
kind---Englischers? When the man she loves leaves her behind, Rose is certain he left for good. Yet Rose discovers sometimes our greatest gifts are the ones we fear.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pfhBl

About Tricia: USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and "Lead Your Family Like Jesus," (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children.

You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com.

Check out all of the other great stops on the tour here: http://litfusegroup.com/author/tgoyer

 
Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her first Christmas novella, A Christmas Gift for Rosewith a Christmas Gift giveaway! 

Enter to win a NEW Kindle Fire HDX for you AND one for a friend!


christmas-gift-rose-rafflecopter

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A brand new Kindle Fire HDX and one to give away to a friend!
  • A Christmas Gift for Rose, by Tricia Goyer for you and your friend!
Four second place winners will receive:
  • A Christmas Gift for Rose Christmas pack (includes a recipe card, bookmark, a signed book plate, discussion questions, and a Gathering & Giving handout!)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. All winners will be announced October 21st at Tricia's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Tricia's blog on the 21st to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

10.03.2013

Purple Moon by Tessa Emily Hall ~ Behind the Scenes

Purple Moon

Purple Moon:
Selena’s life isn’t turning out to be the fairy tale she imagined as a kid. That hope seemed to vanish long ago when her dad kicked her and her mom out of the house. This summer might finally hold the chance of a new beginning for Selena…but having to live with her snobby cousin in Lake Lure, NC while waiting for her mom to get out of rehab wasn’t how Selena was planning on spending her summer. She soon begins to wonder why she committed to give up her “bad habits” for this.

Things don’t seem too bad, though. Especially when Selena gains the attention of the cute neighbor next door. But when her best friend back home in Brooklyn desperately needs her, a secret that’s been hidden from Selena for years is revealed, and when she becomes a target for one of her cousin’s nasty pranks, she finds herself having to face the scars from her past and the memories that come along with them. Will she follow her mom’s example in running away, or trust that God still has a fairy tale life written just for her?

Find “Purple Moon” on Amazon
Find "Purple Moon" on Goodreads
Find "Purple Moon" on Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas
Find "Purple Moon" on Facebook

Tessa Emily HallTessa Emily Hall is a 19-year-old author of Purple Moon, her YA Christian fiction novel to be
published September 2013 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is also the editor
over the faith department for Temperance Magazine, a column writer for Whole Magazine, a
contributing writer for More To Be, as well as the PR for God of Moses Entertainment. Other
than writing, Tessa enjoys acting, music, Starbucks, and her Teacup Shih Tzu—who is named
Brewer after a character in her book, as well as her love for coffee.
Website:  www.tessaemilyhall.com
Blog: www.christiswrite.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tessaemily
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tessa.h16

Behind the Scenes: What’s Your Name Meaning?
(The previous fact or fiction was FALSE.)

It’s always important for an author to choose the names of their characters carefully. However, I
didn’t look up the meaning of my main characters names until after I’d written the first version
of Purple Moon. Little did I know that those name meanings would have a significant
impact on the overall story.

Not to give away any spoilers—but in Purple Moon, Austin tells my protagonist, Selena, that
the meaning of her name is “moon”. I actually didn’t even realize this until after I’d already had
Selena be interested in the night sky, especially the moon.




I think it’s important to look up name meanings—not only the ones of our characters’, but
of our own names as well.

I didn’t realize this until I was fifteen years old and visiting my friend’s church. When we were
down at the altar, a lady whom I’d never before seen came up and asked if I knew what the
meaning of my name was. As you can probably guess, I was completely caught off guard. I told
her that I used to know, but that I couldn’t remember at the time. She then went on to tell me that
God told her that He hand-picked my name, and that I should look up the meaning of it when I
So I did. And when I did, I was completely stunned when I realized that the meaning of my name was harvester.

Here’s why that was so significant to me: I’d always been intrigued by scriptures in the Bible
that had to do with sowing and harvesting (spiritually speaking, of course). In fact, my favorite
scripture was (and still is) Ecclesiastes 3:1, which says, “For everything there is a season, a
time for every purpose under heaven.” I’ve always liked that scripture because it reminds me
that there is a purpose for every season, and that each one would—like puzzle pieces—would
eventually come together to create a perfect picture at the end. Some seasons were for sowing,
and some were for reaping. At the time, I knew God was telling me that—despite how difficult
the seasons that I was going through were, I was actually planting the seeds for the crops that I
would harvest in the future.  

For Selena, the meaning of her name is spiritually significant as well. It reminds her that God is
always with her, and that He is constant and never-changing, even in the midst of darkness and pain.

(By the way, the same thing happened with Austin, too. I’d already chosen his name long before
I realized that the meaning of it was “great”. Of course, I had to incorporate that into the story as
What’s the meaning of your name? If you haven’t before, I advise for you to look it up. Like
Selena—and myself—you might just be surprised with what you find. =)

Fact or Fiction?: Guess this fact or fiction, and be sure to stop by the next blog tour stop to see if you guessed correctly! (You’ll also receive one extra entry for the “Purple Moon” Prize Pack if you send me your guess).

 








 
“Purple Moon” Prize Pack! a Rafflecopter giveaway

10.01.2013

The Miner's Lady by Tracie Peterson ~ Review

The Miner's Lady (Land of Shining Water #3)

Lucie's Review:
Chantel Panetta returns from Italy to find that her sister, Isabella, has fallen in love with Orlando Carlarco. The Panetta's have been feuding with the Carlarco's for ages, so to hide the relationship Isabella enlists Chantel's help to distract Dante, Orlando's older brother, to which Chantel reluctantly agrees.
But when the mine caves in on Chantel and Isabella's father has a life changing experience when he gives his life to the Lord, and he comes to see the error of his ways. Can they end the terrible feud?

It took awhile for the plot to get set up, but once it did the pace picked up. The characters were well developed and I loved how their dialogue was filled with plenty "Italian Seasoning" and an authentic ethnic back round.

One of the things that I most appreciated about this book were the strong family ties portrayed. I loved their mutual respect for one another, and how Papa Panetta took the initiative to lead his family by example.

This is an exciting book filled with action, though there are a few bar scenes that depict a seedier lifestyle. I felt that the author did a great job of bringing Dante and Chantel together naturally as their relationship changed and grew. Dante especially, was a character truly torn by his circumstances.

Overall, another well written stand alone novel in the Land of Shining Water Series!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."