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

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 Rose, with a Christmas Gift giveaway! 

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

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!)

Purple Moon by Tessa Emily Hall ~ Behind the Scenes

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 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

The Miner's Lady by Tracie Peterson ~ Review

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."

Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz ~ Revell Blog Tour & Review

My Review:

Ellie Ballantyne comes home from boarding school to find that her life has gone along without her and that her skills are not wanted by her siblings, so she opens a day school for young ladies.
One of her young student's is Chloe Turlock, the daughter of her family's old rival who has always been jealous of the Ballantynes. Ellie finds her self growing more and more involved with the Turlocks, especially Chloe's handsome older brother Jack. Will she be able to bridge the gap between the feuding families?

A fantastic addition to The Ballantyne Legacy that stands strong as a novel in its own right, but I would strongly advise against missing Love's Reckoning!

Both Ellie and Jack were strong and showed their mettle by breaking free of their family's prejudices. Love's Awakening drew me in from the page, sweeping me away to a young America, fraught with taunt tensions running high and young men and women forging their own futures.

Overall, an epic historical drama that took me with Ellie and Jack every step of their journey, and was nearly impossible to put down--it really made me hate my homework more than usual! Ms. Frantz brought to life a world from years gone by, that realistically brought to the life the struggles and heartaches of the human condition. Highly recommend!

Available from Baker Publishing Group at your favorite Bookseller September 2013

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."

Dark Road Home by Elizabeth Ludwig ~ Review

My Review: Who can be trusted in a world where even your own family could be the enemy?

Ana Kavanagh is the sole survivor of a fire that took her widowed mother and her sister from her, a priest helps her make her way to America with a new name leaving her past far behind, or so she thinks...

Ms. Ludwig has penned a riveting novel fraught with danger, and tangled loyalties. Dark Road Home brings back many of the characters from No Safe Harbor including Cara and Rourke, keeping up the momentum from the first novel in this fantastic next chapter in the saga.

Politics, conspiracy, and family secrets, all come together in this suspenseful read. I really liked getting to know Eoghan after reading so much about him in No Safe Harbor, and what his side of the story was and how it affected him. Ana was a strong young woman who had been through so much in her short life, yet it was so clear that God was with her every step of the way even when she didn't see it.

Overall, a well written story that was meticulously researched, with a rich setting that brought the story to life. Not only did this book have great plot twists but I also thought there was great character development in both Eoghan and Ana, as they both learned to put their pasts to rest. I would definitely recommend this book, especially to people who like to read about Celtic history!


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."

Help Jon Lewis Publish A Grey Griffins Book!

I have read Jon Lewis's CHAOS Series and immensely enjoyed them. So when I heard of Jon Lewis's latest project, I knew I had to share it with you! --Faye


Now, here's Jon to tell you a little more about the project ---

My name is Jon Lewis, and I would like to publish the next adventure in the Grey Griffins series as an independent story. I need $10,000 to hire professional artists and editors in order to ensure the same high quality you've come to expect from the Grey Griffins novels published by Scholastic and Little Brown.

The part I'm really excited about? If we raise an additional $15,000 we'll unlock a collection of Grey Griffins short stories written by some of the biggest names in the publishing industry today . . . I'm talking authors like Brandon Mull (Fablehaven), Aprilynne Pike (Wings), Frank Beddor (Looking Glass Wars), Shannon Messenger (Let the Sky Fall) and more!

Like Any Good Story, There's a Twist

As crazy as it might sound, I want to do more than publish my own book. I want to spearhead a new way to publish novels, and it's all based on a unique strategy employed by the comic book industry.

I don't use the word giddy often, but in this case it works. I'm absolutely giddy about an anthology of short stories written by some of the biggest names in publishing.

Forget that it's set in a world that I helped create (although I have to admit that's pretty amazing), the best thing about the anthology is that 100% of the profits will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Kids Need to Read.

Check out the roster:

* Brandon Mull | NY Times Bestselling Author, Fablehaven

* Aprilynne Pike | NY Times Bestselling Author, Wings

* Frank Beddor | NY Times Bestselling Author, Looking Glass Wars * Michael Spradlin | NY Times Bestselling Author, Youngest Templar

* Dean Lorey | Co-Executive Producer, Arrested Development

* Shannon Messenger | Let the Sky Fall, Keeper of the Lost Cities 

 * Tom Leveen | Party, manicpixiedreamgirl, Sick

* Joseph Nassise | International Bestselling Author, Templar Chronicles

* Matt Forbeck | Leverage: The Con Job based on the TNT television series

* Janette Rallison | My Fair Godmother, Slayers

Why I'm Self-Publishing Both the Anthology and My Next Novel 

I've been lucky enough to publish nine books through Scholastic, Little Brown, and Thomas Nelson. I hope to work with them again one day, but I'm going to self-publish the Grey Griffins anthology. I'm also going to self-publish my next novel (Grey Griffins: Night of Dragons). 

Why? The industry has drastically changed since my first book was published in 2007 and its time for me to change as well. Besides, by self-publishing the anthology, we'll be able to donate 70% of the cover price to the charities instead of 17.5%, which is what we'd earn if it went through a traditional publisher. The Drawback with Self-Publishing Each short story in the Grey Griffins anthology will be professionally edited. It will also have its own cover painted by the incredibly talented Scott Altmann. The final product will look every bit as good as what the major publishing houses produce, but there's a drawback. When you publish your own books you have to come up with the money to pay the artists and the editors. That's why I'm turning to Kickstarter. 

Crowdsourcing with Kickstarter 

Running a Kickstarter campaign gives readers the chance to pre-order the book and I'll be able to invest the money into making an amazing product. 

I know what it means to have a tight budget, so I made sure the pledge levels started at $1. There are some fun rewards, too, like custom Grey Griffins short stories, collectible character trading cards and sketches from the cover artist. For the writers out there, we're offering the chance for a query letter review, a partial manuscript review, and even a Skype brainstorm session where I'll help you come up with ideas for your story. 

You can help fund the Kickstarter campaign here.  

You Can Even Get Your Story Published in the Grey Griffins Anthology 

Because I also have a passion for helping new writers break into the industry I thought the best way to do that with this project was to give someone a chance to get a short story published in the anthology. Your story will end up in the same book with all those New York Times bestselling authors. If it sounds like something you're interested in, you can find the submission guidelines here. 

Thank you 

Thanks for taking the time to read this and for your consideration to back the Kickstarter campaign. I'm going to need your help to make this project a reality, and I know that together we can do something incredible!

Jon S. Lewis

Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson and Own It by Michael & Haley DiMarco ~ Review + Giveaway!

My Review:

Grace Trey, the daughter of one-hit-wonder Johnny Trey, gets her big break as an artist doing what she's always wanted to do, but are the compromises of what it takes to become a start ones she is willing to make?

Grace Unplugged was a fairly quick read, that could also be enjoyed as an older teen read. The writing style was easy to read, and the plot was good but a bit predictable, but overall had a terrific message.

This story had many great elements, a romance, the story of a father's love, and Grace's personal coming-of-age. For the most part this book focused on Grace and her prodigal journey, I thought that her story was told realistically, and I liked how they showed that it wasn't one huge compromise, but many small ones that are the most dangerous.

Overall, I enjoyed reading the book, with a great message about leaving a borrowed faith and making it your own. And it definitely made me want to see the movie :)

About Grace Unplugged the Novel

Grace Trey is an 18 year old singer as passionate about her Christian faith as she is her phenomenal, God-given musical talent. Both traits come from her father, one hit wonder Johnny Trey who found Jesus after losing his chart success two decades ago. 

When Grace encounters her own music break of a lifetime, the sudden dive into the "real world" puts her deeper beliefs to the test. Pop superstardom is just within reach but appears to require some spiritual compromise. Will Grace reject her faith, or will she own it? 

 

Grace Unplugged is based on the motion picture of the same name starring AJ Michalka (Super 8) and Kevin Pollak (A Few Good Men) with performances by award-winning artists Chris Tomlin and Jamie Grace. 

 

About the Grace Unplugged Author

Melody Carlson has sold more than five million books. A professional writer for twenty years, she recently received the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Melody has two grown sons and lives with her husband in the Pacific Northwest.

 

My Review:

Own it is a relatively short read, following in the footsteps of the film Grace Unplugged talks about leaving behind a borrowed, rented, or inherited faith and taking the steps toward owning it!

 

This was a nicely written book that I could see helping someone who might struggle with questions about their faith. But personally, I felt that I did not benefit from reading it. But it did a good job of explaining everything in a simple, easy to follow conversational tone, that made it easy to read.

 

Overall a well written book, that asks tough questions, to help you truly Own It.

 

About Own It, Discover Your Faith in God

The movie Grace Unplugged tells the story of Grace Trey, an ideal Christian teenager who is also a phenomenal singer. But when she is pushed into the “real world” at the tender age of eighteen after getting the music break of a lifetime, her faith is put to the test.

Own It mirrors the film by asking what it means to really “own” your personal faith rather than just automatically following in the footsteps of parents, friends, or other influencers. Best-selling authors Hayley and Michael DiMarco help readers understand what to do when faith meets real world challenges.
Without solid beliefs, poor choices are likely to follow. You must take the time to really know who you are, who you are becoming, and who God made you to be. It's your personal faith . . . own it!

About the Own It Authors

Hayley DiMarco is the best-selling author of more than thirty books including Dateable, Marriable, Mean Girls, and The Woman of Mystery. She has been a featured speaker at Women of Faith, Precept National Women's Conference, and MOPS Intl. among others and has consulted on the creation and enhancement of some of the largest stadium events for teens and young women in North America.

Michael DiMarco is a skillled communicator and teacher who has authored more than a dozen bestselling books including the 2010 Christian Book of the Year for Youth, B4UD8 (Before You Date). He and his wife, author Hayley DiMarco, have one daughter and live in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

Stay Connected: 
Grace Unplugged Movie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graceunplugged

Grace Unpluggled Movie Twitter: @GraceMovie
Grace Unplugged Website: www.graceunplugged.com

B&H Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bhpublishing

B&H Twitter: @BHpub

And here's the trailer for Grace Unplugged: 

 

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."


Now is your chance to enter to win a copy of BOTH Grace Unplugged (the novelization) by Melody Carlson and Own It by Haley & Michael DiMarco!

US residents only please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Home for My Heart by Anne Mateer ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

When the current matron of the orphanage leaves in order to get married, Sadie steps up to fill the position thinking that it will be a while before she and her long time beau tie the knot. But when Blaine comes up with the land, and house so that they can get married, Sadie has already committed to serving as matron, that does not allow for marriage.
Adding to her difficulties are the orphanage's need for money, with the threat of it being closed down.
Will Sadie be able to save the orphanage or her relationship with Blaine.

A Home for My Heart was a sweet story, with a Gift of the Magi spin to it. Filled with so many great characters, who drew me with their realness and humanity.

The story is told from Sadie's point of view throughout in first person perspective, through her struggles and triumphs. I loved the many side characters, Miranda was a very smart, wise woman. And Blaine always did his best to please.

Overall, this was a very good story, that in many ways was very different from your typical Christian Fiction Romance, because it told a story at what was very possibly the end of a relationship instead of the beginning. This was the kind of book that when I had finished it, I wasn't sure how much I liked, but the more I thought back on it the more I realized that I had really enjoyed it. Great 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."

Made to Last by Melissa Tagg ~ CFBA Blog Tour & Review

Lucie's Review:

Randi is the star of her own TV shows with fans all over the country, who are curious about the husband that Randi talks about on her show all the time, but no one has ever seen. So Randi's producer comes up with a solution--a fake husband for Randi, and against her better judgment she agrees. But then she finds out that her manager has invited a reporter to stay in her cabin to follow her around and get the inside scoop.
Matthew has a set of problems of his own, not the least of which is his growing attraction to Miranda...

This plot set up has much to offer, with ample opportunities for humorous interactions that will put a smile on your face, embarrassing misunderstandings, and character growth. And I loved it!

There was a full cast of characters, and intriguing side characters, some of my favorites were Randi's fake husband, Blaze, who was something of a misplaced surfer dude, but had his moments where he was insightful, helpful & faithful. I fell in love with Matthew's niece, Celine, a sweet little girl who had lost her hearing. Celine was such a big fan of Randi's show, and played a big part in why Matthew took the job :)

My favorite scene in the book was the scene where Matthew and Randi danced...*swoon*

Ms. Tagg's writing style is engaging, weaving believable characters, with great interactions full of chemistry. Faith, forgiveness, trust, and truth are well engrained in the heart of the story. The character development was fantastic, Randi and Matthew both had ghost in their past that they had find freedom from.

I would definitely recommend this book, because it is a book that is engaging every minute of the way, yet sits back and watches the characters grow naturally into what they need to be. It was set up sort of like a comedy, but it was not a "light read" because it also had a great depth to it. I immensely enjoyed this debut from Melissa Tagg and I can't wait to read her next 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."
 

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Made to Last Bethany House Publishers (September 15, 2013) by Melissa Tagg

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I’m a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013. In addition to my nonprofit day job, I’m also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists.

It all started when my dad, at the ripe old age of sixteen, picked up my mom up for their first date. She was thirteen. Thirteen!* Dad drove a cherry red car up the lane to my grandparents big ol’ green house and honked his horn…whereupon Mom jumped out of the apple tree she’d been waiting in and off they went…fishing. True story. (I’d give more details, but I’m saving it for a novella I plan to entitle Two Leaves. Mom, I really hope you read this.)

Four years of college, a few trips abroad and a stint as a reporter later, that dream is soon to be a reality. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, is now out from Bethany House. Book two, Here to Stay, comes out on May 1, 2014.

In between writing and staring out the window brainstorming, I also work as a grant-writer at one of Iowa’s largest private nonprofits and serve as the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists founded by Susan May Warren.

And I love, love, love talking about finding our purpose and identity in Christ. (And well, okay, food, old movies, boots and scarves, my awesome nephew Ollie, and, fine, Tim Tebow, too.)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that's how it looks when she's starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she'll do anything to boost ratings and save her show--even if it means pretending to be married to a man who's definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.

When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda's every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth--and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she's built come crashing down just as she's found a love to last?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Made to Last, go HERE.

The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson ~ Reivew & Litfuse Tour

Lucie's Review:

A full cast of characters both real and fictitious blend together seamlessly to bring the Revolutionary War to life.

Lydia pulls a mysterious stranger from the river, who changes her life forever.

The main plot of the book is greatly enhanced by the subplots, and the many secrets that come to light over the course of the book. I loved the realistic-ness of the setting and story, and it made sense that Lydia and Nathan wouldn't see each other too often, as it was a time of war. So their interaction was limited, but that actually made a lot of sense to me, considering the circumstances.

One of my favorite characters was Sarah, whose story was heartbreaking and touching. Another character who shone brighter and brighter as the story progressed was Lydia's mother. And I greatly respected Elisha, a man who was a Caswell slave, but showed himself to be one of the stronger character who didn't let his position in the house prevent him from showing what he stood for.

Nathan was an honorable man, who was always thinking and using his head to get out of tight scrapes.

Overall, I loved how the touches of humor and faith were interwoven throughout the storyline, as well as the reminder that freedom isn't free. It was a bit slow to start, but by the end I was glad I picked it up!

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: An unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.

As the British and Continental armies wage war in 1781, the daughter of a wealthy Virginia plantation owner feels conflict raging in her own heart. Lydia Caswell comes from a family of staunch Loyalists, but she cares only about peace. Her friend Sarah Hammond, however, longs to join the fight. Both women's families have already been divided by a costly war that sets father against son and neighbor against neighbor; a war that makes it impossible to guess who can be trusted.

One snowy night Lydia discovers a wounded man on the riverbank near Caswell Hall, and her decision to save him will change her life. Nathan introduces her to a secret network of spies, couriers, disguises, and coded messages---a network that may be the Patriots' only hope for winning the war. When British officers take over Caswell Hall and wreak havoc on neighboring plantations, Lydia will have to choose between loyalty and freedom; between her family's protection and her own heart's desires.

As both armies gather near Williamsburg for a pivotal battle, both Lydia and Sarah must decide how high a price they are willing to pay to help the men they love.

Part of the American Tapestries™ series: Each standalone novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. This is the fifth book in the series.

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1aLxC9s

About the author: Melanie Dobson is the author of twelve novels; her writing has received numerous accolades including two Carol Awards. Melanie worked in public relations for fifteen years before she began writing fiction full-time. Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides with her husband and two daughters in Oregon.

Connect with Melanie at: http://melaniedobson.com

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

Melanie Dobson's latest release, The Courier of Caswell Hall, is a riveting story you won't want to miss. The newest offering in the American Tapestries™ series, it follows an unlikely spy who discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.

Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!

  Five winners will receive:

• The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th at the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won one of the books!