To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander ~ Review

Lucie's Review:


 Maggie Linden is determined to make her horse a champion, but the one man who can make that dream a reality has vowed to stay away from racing forever.
Cullen McGrath is a man hoping to make a fresh stop in America, but is finding that it is difficult to find someone that will sell to an Irishman.
Maggie's father is dying and wants to provide for his daughter and see her taken care o in his absence, so he makes a deal to sell his land to Cullen for the cost of the back taxes if he will marry Maggie.
Maggie says that she will consider the plan, little did she know that the preacher would show up the next day...

I loved Cullen immediately, and how he quickly bonded with Mr. Linden. I admired his interest and willingness to learn.

Maggie is a passionate about her horse, Bourbon Belle, she is a natural horsewoman, so in tune with her mount that they seem to fly. But she isn't the owner of Belle anymore, Cullen is, which causes some problems.

I loved seeing some familiar faces like, Uncle Bob. I liked the interaction between Maggie and Cullen as their friendship slowly grew. This was an interesting book in that it explored realistically the challenges that many Southern families faced after the war.

Overall, this was a good book, but not my favorite from the author, I felt it was longer than it had to be and focused more on the physical things than any other aspects of the relationship. It was a well written read, filled with complex characters and a good plot. Definitely great for fans of Civil Was Era history and romance.

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:
To Win Her Favor (Zondervan, May 2015)

A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.

An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He's come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he'd wagered, especially when Maggie Linden's father makes him an offer he shouldn't accept yet cannot possibly refuse.

Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance---and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder---Maggie's father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail---Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1OYbn27

About the author:

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville, Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious---and precocious---silky terrier.

Find Tamera online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Landing Page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/talexander 

Rise of the Fallen by Chuck Black ~ Review

My Review:

Validus is the last ans least of the angels, yet now it is up to him to  stand against the fallen in a war that has been brewing for centuries. Validus finds himself on the front lines protecting Drew Carter, a young man for who the legions of the fallen are coming .

The second book in the series, tells the story from Validus's point of view from the dawn of creation to the present day.

I was a little disappointed that this book didn't pick up right where the last one left off with Drew and Ben, but instead followed the angel Validus. it felt a bit more like a companion book to the last one rather than a part of the series. This was still fantastic read, but after the cliffhanger at the end of the last book, it wasn't what I was expected.

This was a very well done book, Mr. Black did a terrific job of creating a realistic and nonconflicting setting, that as displayed in the appendix, he did his very best to maintain scriptural integrity. It was filled with action and new perspective on what is going on in the other part of the story. Definitely a great book for fans of the series and this author :)




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 Gentleman's Kiss by Ginny Aiken, Kristin Billerbeck, Lynn A. Coleman, Peggy Darty, Rebecca Germany, Bev Huston, Yvonne Lehman, Gail Sattler, Pamela Kaye Tracy ~ Review

Lucie's Review: 


A collection of modern romances about men who have old fashioned values.

In Mix and Match Melissa is tired of her grandmother's matching making ways so she wears combat boots with her dress, knocks on her date's door and makes him go rollerblading with her. She doesn't realize that she grabbed the wrong guy until they she get's home.

The same matchmaking grandma get's her other granddaughter, Mattie a date in Mattie Meets Her Match. 

Spring in Paris brings one sweet couple together on a plane. I loved the way they meet in this one!

Garden Plot, is another great read with a matchmaking grandma, who convinces her granddaughter to help her grow her garden, and in the process introduces her to Scott.

Sharmane makes the best of a cancelled vacation in Sudden Showers, and meets the man who might just be the one.

I loved Jase in The Great Expectation who gives up a promising career in order to put his conscience at ease, not he runs a kennel which might just bring the girl of his dreams his way.

Name That Tune was one of my favorites and most poignant reads, where the story of a old violin brings a couple together.

Overall, a wonderful read from beginning to end, filled with stories well worth the read!



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."

The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

I can't figure out why I didn't love this book. It had everything that I usually love, and as I was reading this book, I kept asking myself, "Why don't I like this a lot more?" I'm actually still really confused about why I didn't connect with this book, and that never happens to me. I can usually pin down exactly why I like or don't like a book, so keep that in mind during my review.

Amanda Dunn is the heiress to an industry of textiles. At her father's urging she travels across the ocean to America to learn about cotton, so that she can better represent the company. She stays with her sister, Abigail and her husband, Jackson Henthorn, who are wealthy slave owners.

Amanda is opposed to the practice of slavery, and is determined to assert her independence while in America. While exploring she meets Nathaniel Cooper, a small shop owner who is enterprising and very much a self made man. His natural charm is one of his many qualities.

I didn't care for Jackson much, and though he may have loved his wife, he wasn't a very honorable person.

I guess one thing that struck me was how little changed for them after the war. They didn't have to make any overwhelming sacrifices, and the characters didn't grow or change because of the war.

Overall, as I said before, this book just didn't hook me, and I'm not sure why. My main impression, is that I should have had more of an impression after reading this book. I can't say that I would recommend it, but if you are curious give it a shot, it might be that this book just wasn't a good one for me.





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."

Second Chance Hero by Winnie Griggs ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Nate Cooper recently moved to Turnabout, Texas, to open a saddle shop. But he has secrets from his past that make him wary of getting too close to people.
Verity is the niece of the town doctor, and worked for many years as his assistant before marrying. Now her husband is dead, and she's moved back to town with her young daughter, Joy. Verity is very good at what she does, so when Nate jumps in front of an oncoming wagon to save her daughter, she and her uncle have him patched up in no time.
Will Verity and Joy be able to get past Nate's walls, and show him another side of life?

Nate is a man of many hidden talents, which bring him and Verity back together again for the Founder's Day Celebration. I love how he is with Verity's daughter, Joy. Nate has a dog, Beans, that takes a liking to Joy, and they are so cute.

I liked how Verity and Nate grew in their friendship by spending time together, as events naturally brought them together.

Overall, this is a story about surrendering fears, and worries of tomorrow to God and learning to depend on His grace. I loved the book, it's always fun to return to Turnabout and revisit old friends. This was a great story about second chances and new love.




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."

The Rancher Takes a Bride by Brenda Minton ~ Review

Lucie's Review:


Oregon Jefferies came to Martin's crossing for a reason, and now it's time for her to tell both Duke and Lilly the truth.
Duke is surprised, but more than willing to take on the responsibility, he wants to be a part of Oregon and Lilly's lives from now on. Sp when Lilly breaks her leg, he offers them a place to stay with him on the ranch.
Will this second chance at love bring Duke and Oregon back together for good?

I liked that Oregon came back to Martin's Crossing so her daughter could have family, but what she didn't count on was finding friends and a place to call home.

Duke has come a long way from the man he used to be, and he's doing everything in his power to shake that image. He wants to be the kind of man that Oregon and Lilly can depend on.

Lilly is a hardworking girl, who is willing to work for what she wants...which is of course, a horse.

Overall, a wonderful story of family, and second chances. I loved the interaction between Duke and Oregon, as well as with Lilly, and how he took the time to connect with them. This is a fantastic story, sure to please. I definitely 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."

When Calls the Heart TV Series Exclusive Giveaway + Season 2 Episode 1 & 2 Review

Lucie's Review:

When my daughter told me that she had received confirmation of being on this lovely tour, I was thrilled! Last year When Calls the Heart became my favorite TV Show currently airing, I fell in love with town, and all of its wonderful inhabitants, so when I found out that I had the unique opportunity to see the first episodes of season 2 before it aired you can imagine how excited I was.

When Calls the Heart is the hit series that aired last year on the Hallmark Channel created based off of books originally written by Janette Oke, and put onto the small screen by Michael Landon Jr.

Season 2 picks up right where season one left off, with many returning faces, along with some new ones as well. I love that Abigail is back, as the voice of reason and encouragement of Coal Valley, yet her story has some new plot twists on their way.

Elizabeth is called home when her mother falls ill, and finds herself caught between two worlds. The one she came from and the frontier life she has come to love. And her parent's may just have a few tricks up their sleeves.

This is a terrific series, that celebrates faith, family, and community. I love every single one of the stories not just those of the main characters, but also of the side characters, they could probably make a spinoff series, and I would be just as invested in that too! From what I've seen of the second season, it is sure to be a good one! So if you haven't seen this show, I strongly recommend you give it a try, it's not often you find such a well made show that incorporates wholesome values into quality entertainment!


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 series:

The series is inspired by Janette Oke’s bestselling book series about the Canadian West. “When Calls the Heart” tells the captivating story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young teacher accustomed to her high society life, who receives her first classroom assignment in Coal Valley, a small coalmining town where life is simple, but often fraught with challenges. Lori Loughlin plays Abigail Stanton, a wife and mother whose husband, the foreman of the mine, along with a dozen other miners, has just been killed in an explosion. The newly widowed women find their faith is tested when they must go to work in the mines to keep a roof over their heads. Elizabeth charms most everyone in Coal Valley, except Constable Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) who believes Thatcher’s wealthy father has doomed the lawman’s career by insisting he be assigned in town to protect the shipping magnate’s daughter. Living in a turn of the century coal town, Elizabeth will have to learn the ways of the frontier if she wishes to thrive in the rural west on her own.

Now for the very special giveaway. If you are dying to see When Calls the Heart Season 1, then here's your chance! Right here on this blog, I've been privileged to be able to host a giveaway for the DVD set of the entire first season!

The following rules apply:

 Open to US residents only please.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

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Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Hanna Thompson ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Katie Fisher is planning her wedding. Her boyfriend might not have proposed yet, but why pass up the opportunity of a lifetime to win the dress of her dreams? On the same day that Katie wins, her boyfriend, Casey, get's a new job, and breaks up with her because he wants to be free to focus on her career.
Will she be able to claim her prize without a groom?

Katie Fisher has a large family, and on Friday night they get together at Sam's Buffet, her three brothers, mom, pop, and her grandmother, that everyone calls Queenie.

Brady James is a pro basketball player, but after a knee injury he finds himself sidelined and using his charm and people skills at his mom's bridal shop, while she goes to Paris for a year.

I love how the ladies of the bridal shop welcome Katie with open arms, and share with her the codes that they have for the different kinds of brides. I loved how her brothers came to the shop and found something they weren't expecting ;)

Overall, this is a fun read with many funny twists, that I don't want to give away! What a fun book, the characters were warm, and I like their family and how they all relate to one another. This is a wonderfully charming read, and I enjoyed every minute of 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."

Never a Bridesmaid by Janice Hanna Thompson ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Mari's sister is getting married, and naturally she thought that her sister would ask her to be the maid of honor. But instead Crystal chooses her friend Sienna. Mari still get's to be a bridesmaid. The last bridesmaid, paired with the groom's 14 year old cousin.
With tensions high will this wedding make for a happily ever after or not?

I love how Mari offers to help with her sister's wedding plans, when Sienna doesn't lend a hand.

Derrick is the groom's best man, and also a pro baseball player. Derrick is genuinely a good guy and I loved how he encouraged Mari and prayed for her. He is very approachable and friendly towards his fans.

I loved this story from beginning to end, it was well done, a fast paced, and engaging story filled with great characters, and natural interaction. Definitely a charming read, sure to please :)





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."

Double Cross by DiAnn Mills ~ Review

Astor's Review:

Strap on your seat belt and get ready for an adventure! 

When a seemingly simple scam targeting the elderly leads FBI Agent Laurel Evertson to her the ex-fiance that she put in prison five years ago, she doesn't know who to trust, but now Morton is her best lead.
Meanwhile Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears that his grandparents may be the next victims of the scam, so he and Laurel must work together. But when Daniel finds out something about Laurel, will he be able to trust her?

Good gracious! What a wild ride, I didn't not want to put this book down!!! From beginning to end, with tons of crazy twists along the way, this was an adventure that I will not soon forget. It had me guessing all the way, and I had no idea who to trust or who was behind it all.

This is a thrilling book that you will not want to miss! There were so many curves and twists along the way, just when I thought that I had it figured out, I found out that I was completely wrong!

I loved the suspense, intrigue and constant suspicion. This is probably the best book that I have ever read by Ms. Mills.The characters were so well developed, and the pace was breakneck. I don't want to give anything away, but this isn't something you will want to miss!!!!!



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 Double Cross Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (April 1, 2015) by Diann Mills

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at her website.

ABOUT THE BOOK

FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead. Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon. As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Double Cross, go HERE.