Monday, December 22, 2014

Once Beyond a Time

Once Beyond a Time
by
Ann Tatlock


MY THOUGHTS:
 Ann Tatlock's books always have a fascinating twist, and Once Beyond a Time is no exception. Ann has created a wide variety of characters with depth and compassion. I don't want to go into too much detail because half the fun on this book is discovering the basic premise.

I didn't want to put this book down. The story races along, and the end of each chapter is so compelling that I just HAD to read the next one to find out what happened. This book links historical and contemporary fiction genres in a masterful way!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in either genre. It is a wonderful story of love, forgiveness, and self discovery.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
After settling into an old house nearly hidden on the side of a mountain, a broken family discovers that their new home is no ordinary place. The family can see and speak with people who have lived there in the past, and with those who will live there in the future. Are these people apparitions or real? Could the house itself be the stuff of mountain lore, a place where all of time is happening at once?

It's 1968, and Sheldon and Meg Crane have just moved their family from suburban Philadelphia to the town of Black Mountain, NC. Sheldon has resigned in disgrace from the ministry after an affair. He will now sell used cars for his brother-in-law's auto dealership. Sheldon is burdened by his wife's unwillingness to forgive and his daughter's anger over the move. The oldest son is in Vietnam. The only happy member of the family is his eight-year-old son, Digger. But then, Digger suddenly disappears. Has he been kidnapped or has he wandered off into the mountains? How does the "house beyond time" show one family the healing power of forgiveness and the loving sovereignty of God?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ann Tatlock writes historical and contemporary Christian fiction. You can find more of her books and a great interview here: http://anntatlock.com/

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

GIVEAWAY - An Amish Second Christmas

An Amish Second Christmas
by
Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Ruth Reid, and Tricia Goyer

MY THOUGHTS:
With all the Amish novels I've read, I never remember reading about the tradition of Second Christmas. I've learned that this is a traditional day of friendship -- after the worshipful Christmas day, on December 26 the Amish get together with family and friends just for the purpose of having fun and rekindling friendships. What a wonderful concept!

This book is four novellas that related to Second Christmas in some way. The stories aren't connected, and therefore stand alone. Each has a very different plot, and all involve Christian growth and romance. I loved the various stories -- they were unlike any Amish novel I've read to date!

It would be hard for me to pick a favorite, but I especially enjoyed the twist on family history in When Christmas Comes Again, and I was most fond of the characters in The Christmas Aprons.

This is a great holiday read for anyone who loves Amish fiction and wants a great insight into Amish life around the holidays.

Oh, and I forgot to mention there are some fabulous recipes included in the back!

If you would like a chance to win a copy, just leave a comment (and your email address) and tell us about your favorite Christmas cookie or dessert!

You can get a copy of the book HERE.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Celebrate Second Christmas, a treasured, lighthearted time of community, with four Amish romances. 
“When Christmas Comes Again” by Beth Wiseman
Katherine knows the first Christmas without Elias will be hard for her and the children. But when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of her late husband, Katherine  begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store.
“Her Christmas Pen Pal” by Ruth Reid
Joy was expecting a wedding proposal from Henry; what she got instead was news of another woman. But when her heartfelt letter to a cousin ends up in the hands of a young cabinetmaker, an unexpected correspondence between two strangers gets interesting fast.
“A Gift for Anne Marie” by Kathleen Fuller
Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were kids. Now things are evolving . . . in ways everyone else predicted long ago. But when her mother suddenly decides to remarry in another state, Anne Marie’s new chapter with Nathaniel looks doomed to end before it begins.
“The Christmas Aprons” by Tricia Goyer
Vanilla crumb pie has been Esther’s mem’s calling card for decades. But when Esther finally gets her hands on the secret recipe, she discovers that vanilla crumb pie is more than just dessert . . . it’s bachelor bait.

About the Authors

Award-winning, bestselling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but she has also written several successful contemporary novels, set primarily in her beloved Texas, including Need You Now and The House that Love Built. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth's The Promise is inspired by a true story. Website: www.bethwiseman.com Twitter: @bethwiseman Facebook: Fans-of-Beth-Wiseman

Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including A Man of His Word and Treasuring Emma, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, The Mysteries of Middlefield. Website: www.kathleenfuller.com Twitter: @TheKatJam Facebook: Author Kathleen Fuller

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children. Facebook: Author-Ruth-Reid Twitter: @authorruthreid

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series. She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. Tricia and her husband John live in Little Rock, Arkansas where John works for FamilyLife. They have six children. Twitter: @triciagoyer Facebook: authortriciagoyer

Wednesday, December 03, 2014

Where Treetops Glisten -- a GIVEAWAY!

Where Treetops Glisten
by
Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, and Sarah Sundin


MY THOUGHTS:
I'm not sure why I like WWII books -- life wasn't really simpler then (although the focus may have been more clear), but for some reason I'm drawn to this time. And I love Christmas books. More than anything else, a great Christmas book will get me into the spirit! Where Treetops Glisten is the best of both worlds! It is a compilation of three stories about one family, the Turners, who are dealing with all that wartime brings.

It also helps that the book is written by three of my favorite WWII authors!

Throughout the three stories the true meaning of Christmas is shared through candy, children, and caring. The home front comes alive in White Christmas, by Cara Putman, as Abigail is mourning the death of her boyfriend who was killed in the war. In the busyness of her life as a college student and employee at a candy store she is still able to find a way to help others. Sarah Sundin wrote my favorite of all three, I'll Be Home For Christmas, about an extremely active little girl who finds a way to bring love to all she meets. And the final story, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, takes you to the front lines of a military hospital in Holland. It was written by my all time favorite author Tricia Goyer and is based on a true story.

The three authors did a marvelous job of weaving the stories together to create a portrait of a loving family who leans on each other in troubled times. Pick it up for a bit of holiday cheer! And a bonus -- there are cookie recipes in the back. The White Velvet Cutouts are AMAZING.

If you would like a chance to win a copy, just leave a comment sharing your favorite Christmas treat!

You can get a copy of the book HERE

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime
 
Siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories,
filled with the wonder of Christmas


Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America’s involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

In Cara Putman’s White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements—until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

Abigail’s brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theater in Sarah Sundin’s I’ll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete’s friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he’s no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, “Merry” to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that’s precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

The Turner family believes in God’s providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ’s birth and His plan for a future?

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
 
Cara Putman is the author of twenty books including Shadowed by Grace, She is the winner of the 2008 Carol Award for historical fiction. Sarah Sundin is the critically-acclaimed author of the Wings of the Nightingale series, the  Wings of Glory series, and the forthcoming Waves of Freedom novels. Tricia Goyer is a prolific author of nearly forty books, including Chasing Mona Lisa, and a speaker and blogger.


Saturday, November 22, 2014

The Christmas Cat

The Christmas Cat
by
Melody Carlson


MY THOUGHTS:
Every year Melody Carlson writes a heartwarming short Christmas story. Each year the story is better than the year before! The Christmas cat is a great book about a man who  inherits his grandmother's estate -- and her six cats! His challenge is to find each cat the perfect home -- that is, perfect according to the detailed instructions in grandma's will.

Carlson has done an artful job of creating fascinating characters. I enjoyed getting to meet each one (including the cats). I look forward to her Christmas novellas each year as a way to calm my spirit and set my thoughts clearly on what is important during the holiday.

This book is full of humor, romance, and encouragement -- it's just plain fun! It's the perfect book to put into a stocking. Better yet, read it now to help get into the Christmas spirit.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
After years abroad, Garrison Brown finds himself at the home of his beloved grandmother who has just passed away. He must sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While he hopes to dispense with the task quickly--especially since he is severely allergic to cats--his grandmother's instructions don't allow for speed. She has left some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends.

Can he match the cats with the perfect new owners? And is it possible that he might meet his own match along the way? 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than six million! She is the author of several Christmas books, including the best selling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington's, as well as The Christmas Pony and A Simple Christmas Wish. she received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycalrson.com


Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Deceived

Deceived
by
Irene Hannon

MY THOUGHTS:
Irene Hannon is a master of suspense! Her books always lead me on a wild trail of evidence and supposition that leaves me anxious for her next book! Deceived is the third (and I presume last) book in the Guardians of Justice series. I've read the other books, but I you won't be lost if you pick up Deceived first. The premise of the book is creative, and all characters have a wonderful level of depth. At times I found myself feeling sorry for the bad guy!

One fun aspect of her books is the St. Louis setting. As a native, I enjoy 'knowing' that the characters go to some of the same places I've been.

I did find myself a bit distracted in this book because the primary characters seemed just a bit too beautiful and obsessed with each other right from the beginning, but it IS a romantic suspense novel.

I will read every book Irene Hannon writes. I hope you enjoy her books as much as I do.

This is
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For three years, Kate Marshall has been grieving the loss of her husband and their four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on an escalator in the mall, she is convinced it is the son she thought was dead. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan. The former Secret Service agent is dubious but agrees to investigate. Digging into the case he discovers that the incident may have been no accident at all. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may be willing to go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.

As Irene Hannon's many fans have come to expect, Deceived is filled with complex characters, unexpected twists, and a riveting plot line that accelerates to an explosive finish.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of 10 with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention.
Okay…maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But she was one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut!
Since then, she has written more than 45 romance and romantic suspense novels. Her books have been honored with two RITA awards—the “Oscar” of romantic fiction—and she is a six-time finalist. Her books have also won a Daphne du Maurier award, a Carol award, three HOLT Medallions, a National Readers’ Choice Award, a Retailers Choice Award, a Booksellers’ Best Award and two Reviewers’ Choice awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. One of her novels was also named by Booklist as a top 10 inspirational fiction books of 2011. In addition, she is a two-time Christy award finalist.
Irene, who holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full-time. She is happy to say she has no regrets!
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening and singing.  A trained vocalist, she has sung the leading role in numerous musicals, including “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma” “The King and I” and “Anything Goes.” She is also a soloist at her church.
When not otherwise occupied, Irene and her husband enjoy traveling, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Feeling 'Spongy'

I was blessed to spend the weekend with two very special women that I like to call my 'Safe Haven Friends.' We don't get to spend time together very often, but lately we've been able to spend extended periods together a couple times each year. These are women I can tell ANYTHING to and I know without a doubt that they will respect my feelings and my privacy -- as I will theirs. They challenge me and inspire me to be a better person.

This time all three of us desperately needed to get away. Our situations are all different, but we were stressed and felt totally wrung out. Sort of like dry sponges -- not very useful for accomplishing the purpose for which we were made and a bit scratchy to anyone we rubbed up against. We are all writers of a sort, and none of us felt we had anything to say that others would care to read.

The more we discussed this, the more I began to wonder how many others feel the same? How many women have spent 20+ years working outside the home and raising a family? Have volunteered so many places that they don't feel they have anything left to give? Have been working outside their 'expected' or desired career path for so long they feel they've wasted all their training? Are depressed, ill, or just exhausted?

I bet there are a lot!

I was reminded that even Apostle Paul felt totally wrung out:

24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. (2 Cor 11:24 - 28 NIV)

But the story doesn't end there. After more discussion of his hardships, Paul tells us:

But (God) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12:9-10 NIV)

While our troubles are miniscule compared to Paul's, God's grace is still sufficient -- more than sufficient. When we are exhausted, He will refresh us with springs of living water. Not always at the moment we want it most, but at the moment when we need it most. We just need to trust and keep on plodding forward.

God is good, and he provides opportunities like our crazy weekend to provide enough Godly companionship and laughter to get us through until then. That splash of life giving water is just enough to dampen that sponge and take off the rough edges until next time!

Monday, September 15, 2014

Nowhere To Turn

Nowhere To Turnby
Lynette Eason

MY THOUGHTS:
 Lynette Eason's tag line is "Welcome to the Edge of Your Seat," and it is an apt discussion of the time spent reading one of her books! Nowhere To Turn is the second book in the HIdden Identity series, and it's fabulous! I did not have a chance to read the first book, and I really didn't feel that I missed anything that was key to this story (however I definitely want to read it now!). From the first page I was hooked by a story that is both compelling and suspenseful. I loved the character of Danielle Harding and especially her son, Simon. There are twists and turns enough to imitate a roller coaster ride.

Because I live in a world full of 'normal' people, I had a bit of trouble with the extreme personalities of Kurt and Stuart Harding, I'm sure that, unfortunately, they were pretty realistic to folks who have the type of controlling personalities that they portray.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes suspense.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The day Danielle Harding takes her 11-year-old son, Simon, and flees from her abusive husband, is the same day Kurt Harding dies. A relieved Dani believes she and her son are finally safe–but in reality, the danger has just begun. When Kurt was alive, he took something important to a mysterious person. That person wants the item back and believes Dani now has it. As she and her son run for their lives, they have nowhere to turn, until she hires Adam Buchanan of Operation Refuge and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, she won’t be able to hide for long . . .

 From the first breathless scene, this tension-laced story will hold readers in its iron grip. Bestselling author Lynette Eason propels readers along at a breakneck pace in a race to discover the truth and a better future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette EasonLynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. Even as a young girl, she knew she wanted her life to reflect the love of Jesus Christ.After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Business Degree she used for a very short time (sorry Mom and Dad), she moved to Spartanburg, SC to attend Converse College where she obtained her Masters degree in Education. During this time, she met the man she would marry—the boy next door! 
She is married to Jack Eason, who speaks, leads worship, and consults ministries around the country. They have two children.

Lynette’s books have appeared on the ECPA and CBA bestseller lists and have won several awards.


Monday, September 08, 2014

What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days

What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days
by
Holley Gerth

MY THOUGHTS:
Holley Gerth has taken her loving, down-to-earth style and created a devotional. It includes "52 Encouraging Truths to Hold On To".

This is a lovely little hard cover book that has just a few short pages in each devotion and a space to write what the reader is feeling and what she is hearing from God. There is no pretense in this book -- life gets hard. Some of the titles include:

God Wants to Know - How are You Really?
God Notices When You Cry
God Knows Your Calendar
God Isn't Done With Your Story Yet
God Has Words for Your heart to Hold On To

This book can be read in order or can be approached on an 'as needed' basis. The stories may make you laugh or cry, and they will all leave you feeling loved and cared for by your Heavenly Father, no matter what is going on in your life at the moment.

This is a wonderful way for me to take my new friend Holley with me wherever I go! I love sharing a cup of coffee with her every morning as she lifts my spirits and turns my heart evermore toward God.

If you would like to join her Facebook readers group, you can join her 'book club of the heart' as we discuss these devotions a few times per week! Check it out here. https://www.facebook.com/HolleyGerthPage

ABOUT THE BOOK (from the back cover):
What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days - Holley GerthWe all have days that make us want to pull the covers back over our heads and eat a dozen cupcakes.

Thankfully, Jesus said we don't "live on bread alone" -- that includes cupcakes--"but on every word that comes form the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). What we really need is truth.

If you're tired, discouraged, or feel a little empty inside, my prayer is that by the end of our time together, you'll be refreshed and nourished in a way that will sustain you through whatever the future may hold.

Remember, you're not alone, my friend.

In this uplifting book, Holley Gerth invites you to be filled with the strength, peace, and joy that come from God's promises. Each of the 52 devotions based on the Psalms will help you remember that God is good and we're all in this together.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Holley Gerth is a bestselling writer, certified life coach, and speaker. She loves connecting with the hearts of women through her popular blog and boos like You're Already Amazing, You're Made for a God-Sized Dream, Opening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream, and You're Going to Be Okay. She's also cofounder of (in)courage and a partner with DaySpring. Holley lives with her husband, Mark, in the South,. Learn more at www.holleygerth.com.

Thief of Glory

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Thief of Glory
WaterBrook Press (August 19, 2014)
by
Sigmund Brouwer


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sigmund Brouwer is the best-selling author of nearly thirty novels, with close to 4 million books in print. Based on his inspiration for Thief of Glory, which Sigmund wrote as a way to learn and honor the his parent’s stories, especially of his father’s boyhood in a Japanese concentration camp, Sigmund leads The Chapters of Our Lives memoir seminars across the United States and Canada. Sigmund is married to recording artist Cindy Morgan and has two daughters.



ABOUT THE BOOK

A boy coming of age in a time of war…
the love that inspires him to survive.


For ten year-old Jeremiah Prins, the life of privilege as the son of a school headmaster in the Dutch East Indies comes crashing to a halt in 1942 after the Japanese Imperialist invasion of the Southeast Pacific. Jeremiah takes on the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings when his father and older stepbrothers are separated from the rest of the family, and he is surprised by what life in the camp reveals about a woman he barely knows—his frail, troubled mother.

Amidst starvation, brutality, sacrifice and generosity, Jeremiah draws on all of his courage and cunning to fill in the gap for his mother. Life in the camps is made more tolerable as Jeremiah’s boyhood infatuation with his close friend Laura deepens into a friendship from which they both draw strength.

When the darkest sides of humanity threaten to overwhelm Jeremiah and Laura, they reach for God’s light and grace, shining through his people. Time and war will test their fortitude and the only thing that will bring them safely to the other side is the most enduring bond of all.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Thief of Glory, go HERE.

Friday, September 05, 2014

Driftwood Tides

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Driftwood Tides
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (September 1, 2014)
by
Gina Holmes


MY THOUGHTS:
Another winner from Gina Holmes! This contemporary fiction book is an intriguing story of pain, loss, and forgiveness that clearly demonstrates how raw unforgiveness can be. There are so many elements of relationship going on in this story, in a clear and cohesive way, and Holmes presents them all in a manner that feels pretty realistic. There are elements of each character that resonated with me.

Loved this book and I'm pretty sure it will impact me for quite a while!



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gina Holmes is the founder of Novel Rocket, regularly named as one of Writers Digest’s best websites for writers. Her debut, Crossing Oceans, was a Christy and Gold Medallion finalist and winner of the Carol Award, INSPY, and RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice, as well as being a CBA, ECPA, Amazon and PW bestseller. Her sophomore novel, Dry as Rain was a Christy Award finalist. Her latest novel, Wings of Glass has been named as one of the best books of the year by Library Journal and was a SIBA Okra pick and a finalist for Romantic Times’ Reviewers Choice Award. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her family in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose.

ABOUT THE BOOK

He made himself an island until something unexpected washed ashore. When Holton lost his wife, Adele, in a freak accident, he shut himself off from the world, living a life of seclusion, making drifwood sculptures and drowning his pain in gin. Until twenty-three-year-old Libby knocks on his door, asking for a job and claiming to be a friend of his late wife. When he discovers Libby is actually his late wife’s illegitimate daughter, given up for adoption without his knowledge, his life is turned upside down as he struggles to accept that the wife he’d given saint status to was not the woman he thought he knew.

Together Holton and Libby form an unlikely bond as the two struggle to learn the identity of Libby’s father and the truth about Adele, themselves, and each other.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Driftwood Tides, go HERE.

Monday, September 01, 2014

A Light in the Wilderness

A Light in the Wilderness
by
Jane Kirkpatrick


My Thoughts:
Oh.MY.goodness! This is one of the most fabulous books I have ever read. I loved the story, the characters, the writing style, and the subject matter -- it doesn't get much better than that!

I didn't realize it as I was reading, but this book is based on the life of an amazing woman who really lived and traveled the Oregon Trail. Be sure to read the Authors Note AFTER you have finished the book. Jane Kirkpatrick has brought life to history. Letitia Carson was an amazing freed slave who accomplished incredible things in her life. I am in awe of her strength and courage, and hope that you will feel the same after you read this.

Of course the book is fiction, but it is so based on facts that it very well could have been truth. I love the way Kirkpatrick adds soul and meaning to the lives of the participants -- because they are much more than just characters.

I don't want to say much about the story because I don't want to give anything away, but I found this book very hard to put down. If you are at all interested in history, this will be a fascinating read.And if you aren't interested in history, this book might change your perspective. Brilliant!

Honestly I'd never heard of the author before, but I've added her name to my list of top ten favorites, and I've added all of her books to my Must Read list!

You can view a trailer for the book here


And you can buy a copy here.

About the Book (from the back cover):
Three very different women. One dangerous journey. And a future that seems just out of reach.

Letitia holds nothing more dear than the papers that prove she is no longer a slave. They may not cause most white folks to treat her like a human being, but at least they show she is free. She trusts in those words she cannot read -- as she is beginning to trust in Davey Carson, an Irish immigrant cattleman who wants her to come west with him.

Nancy Hawkins is loathe to leave her steeled life for the treacherous journey by wagon train, but she is so deeply in love with her husband and she knows she will follow him anywhere -- even when the trek exacts a terrible cost.

Betsy is a Kalapuya Indian, the last remnant of a once proud tribe in the Willamette Valley in Oregon territory She spends her tine trying to impart the wisdom and ways of her people to her grandson. But she will soon have another person to care for.

As season turns to season, suspicion turns to friendship, and fear turns to courage, three spirited women will discover what it means to be truly free in a land that makes promises it cannot fulfill. This multilayered story from bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick will grip your heart and mind as you travel on the dusty and dangerous Oregon Trail into the boundless American West. Based on a true story.

About the Author:
Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling author of more than twenty-five books, including A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the coveted Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center. Her works have been finalist for the Christy Award, Spur Award, Oregon Book Award, and Reader's Choice award, and have won the WILLA Literary Award and Carol Award for Historical Fiction. Many of her titles have been Book of the Month and Literary Guild selections. Jane lies in Central Oregon with her husband, Jerry. Learn more at www.jkbooks.com.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

A Grand Design

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Grand Design
Abingdon Press (August 19, 2014)
by
Amber Stockton


MY THOUGHTS:
Another in the Quilts of Love series. Unfortunately I was disappointed in this one. The story didn't seem very realistic, and there were parts that just didn't hang together. I enjoyed the characters, though, and the description of the island and the hotel were amazing!
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Words from the author:

Hi, I'm Amber, but my friends call me Tiff, short for Tiffany, my first name. I am in my mid-30's, married to the love of my life since July 2007, have a daughter and a son, and live in Colorado. Here, I am content to do what I love—write, speak, and offer virtual assistance.

Thanks to the gentle nudging of a fellow author -- Tracie Peterson -- in 2002, I joined the American Christian Fiction Writers and wouldn't be published today without them. For those of you who are also fiction writers looking for a wonderful support group, check them out! My very first book, Promises, Promises, sold in December 2006 and released in February 2008. I've been going steady ever since.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Alyssa Denham, a single career woman, wins a fun getaway for two on Mackinac Island where her grandmother lives, she gives her carefree best friend a call. Together, they tour the old shops and hidden treasures of the quaint island while helping Alyssa’s grandmother piece together an heirloom quilt. Their quest gains them entrance into the homes of many longtime residents of the island, parts of the city that are otherwise off limits to tourists. As the quilt’s story takes shape, Alyssa gains amazing insight into her grandmother’s life . . . and attracts the attention of the handsome Scott Whitman, an island resident in charge of hotel transportation. Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will the quest to piece together the heirloom quilt restore Alyssa’s fractured heart—and bring healing to her entire family?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Grand Design, go HERE.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Sky Zone

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sky Zone
David C. Cook (June 1, 2014)
by
Creston Mapes


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Creston has fond memories of his boyhood in Bath, Ohio, where he became enchanted with his future wife, way back in the fourth grade. His father, Bernie, owned and operated The Weathervane Furniture Shop in town. The whole family lived right upstairs in the century-old house known as "The Shop."

Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University, then began his writing career. During the past 30 years, he has worked as a reporter, corporate copywriter, creative director, freelance writer, and author.


ABOUT THE BOOK

A rally for a controversial presidential candidate.
A terrorist threat.
A nightmare of cataclysmic proportions.


Jack and Pamela Crittendon have hit the breaking point. After months out of work as a reporter, Jack is playing Mr. Mom and working part-time at Festival Arena with his survivalist friend Brian Shakespeare. Meanwhile, Pamela has gone back to work full-time while eight months pregnant. Having her recently widowed mother on hand isn't making matters any easier. With financial pressures boiling, Jack reports for duty at a rally for controversial presidential candidate Martin Sterling where he expects a mindless night on the job. But when Homeland Security picks up intel about a potential terrorist threat, Jack and Shakespeare are thrust into a life-or-death battle to save their own lives--and the lives of thousands of innocent people.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Sky Zone, go HERE.


Friday, August 08, 2014

In Perfect Time

In Perfect Time
by
Sarah Sundin


MY THOUGHTS:
This is a fascinating book! I realized as I was reading that it was probably part of a series (it is the third book in the Wings of the Nightingale series), and I can guess what might have gone on in previous books, but I was never confused or felt like I missed anything.

Sarah Sundin takes you right inside the cockpit of a WWII transport plane with the pilot and the flight nurses. Her descriptions are so clear that I felt I could see the racks on which the cots were hung and the injured soldiers who were lying there.

In addition, she cuts right through to the hearts of her two main characters, Kay and Roger. These aren't perfect people by any means -- they have deep issues and concerns that are handled graciously by Sundin.

This is a story about love, loss, courage, and strength. It is a book that will allow the reader to grow in his/her faith as the amazing love of Christ shines through.

ABOUT THE BOOK (from the back cover):
Bold, sophisticated, and coy, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.

Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer. Can they overcome the fears and misunderstandings of the past in order to take hold of the future?

Sarah Sundin seamlessly weaves together emotion, action, and sweet romance into a tale that transcends time and calls us to believe in the power of love.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, and the Wings of Glory series. In 2011, A Memory Between Us was the finalist in the Inspirational Readers' Choice Awards, and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children., Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.








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."  




Monday, July 28, 2014

In the Field of Grace

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
In The Field of Grace
River North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2014)
by
Tessa Afshar


MY THOUGHTS: Loved, loved, loved this book! It's one of my new favorites. Tessa Afshar has taken a well-known favorite story from the Bible and given it life. Of course I knew how it ended, but I couldn't put this book down! I loved the way Tessa developed the characters and side stories to make one of the most beloved stories truly come to life. 

This is historical fiction at its best!


 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


TESSA AFSHAR was voted "New Author of the Year" by the Family Fiction sponsored Reader's Choice Award 2011 for her novel Pearl in the Sand. She was born in Iran, and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She moved to England where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She has spent the last thirteen years in full-time Christian work.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Destitute, grief-stricken, and unwanted by the people of God, Ruth arrives in Israel with nothing to recommend her but Naomi's, love. Her loftiest hope is to provide enough food to save Naomi and herself from starvation.

But God has other plans for her life. While everyone considers Ruth an outcast, she is astounded to find one of the most honored men of Judah showing her favor. Long since a widower and determined to stay that way, Boaz is irresistibly drawn to the foreign woman with the haunted eyes. He tells himself he is only being kind to his Cousin Naomi's chosen daughter when he goes out of his way to protect her from harm, but his heart knows better.

Based on the biblical account of Ruth, In the Field of Grace is the story of a love that ultimately changes the course of Israel's destiny and the future of the whole world.


If you would like to read the first chapter of In The Field of Grace, go HERE.

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." 

Monday, July 21, 2014

Firewall

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Firewall
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (July 1, 2014)
by
DiAnn Mills


MY THOUGHTS:
LOVED this book! DiAnn Mills is a fabulous suspense writer, and this is her best book yet. The depth of the plot, the speed of the action, and the commitment of the characters to resolve the multiple crises are unsurpassed.

This is a book that is almost impossible to put down -- don't plan to read it if you have other commitments!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops.

DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills


ABOUT THE BOOK

After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive, she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they’re both considered prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn’t who he appears to be.

Agent Grayson Hall’s number-one priority is to catch those responsible for the day’s act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband. But his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naiveté just for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly linked to the software she recently developed for her company?

With both their lives and reputations on the line, and the media outcry for justice increasing with each passing minute, Taryn and Grayson have no choice but to trust one another . . . and pray they can uncover the truth before they become two more casualties.

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

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Love Comes Home

Love Comes Home
by
Ann H. Gabhart

MY THOUGHTS:
This is a story of love and redemption set post World War II. It is the third and last book in a series. I did not get to read the first two books, Angel Sister and Small Town Girl, and that had a big impact on my perspectives of the book. While you wouldn't necessarily have to read the first two books, I'd highly recommend it. There are apparently important back stories that significantly impact this last book.

I loved the cast of characters in the book! It is set in a small town, and the town of Rosey Corner has interesting folk. Each is well developed and lovable in his or her own way. Ann Gabhart takes you beyond initial perception into the heart of each in a fascinating way.

This is more of a romance story than a historical novel, and it is a fun read.

ABOUT THE BOOK (from the back cover):
World War II is finally over and the people of Rosey Corner are joyfully welcoming the boys home. The Merritt sisters in particular are looking toward the future. Kate is eager to start a family and live out her dream of happily ever after with Jay. Evangeline craves a beautiful house and encourages Mike to pastor a big-town church. Victoria wants what can never be. And Lorena is growing up and wondering more and more about her birth family.

Each sister must learn to hold her plans with a loose hand, trusting that God will guide and strengthen them as they share the joys and sorrows of life in their little corner of the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Words Spoken True, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Atlas Girl

Atlas Girl
by
Emily T. Wierenga


MY THOUGHTS:
This is a heartfelt memoir of Emily Wierenga's search for God and self. She bares her faults, longings, failures, and dreams, and leads the reader to a deeper sense of God.

That said, I had a difficult time with this book. Emily weaves past and present together in a way that seemed somewhat confusing to me. I had to continually go back and forth to figure out where in the world she was, who some people were, and what the time frame was of the chapter.

I appreciated her authenticity and transparency in her search for God. She gives a perspective that one doesn't often see -- how a missionary's daughter and Bible college graduate, too, can question her faith and lose sight of the end goal.

ABOUT THE BOOK (from the back cover):
Emily Wierenga left home at age eighteen with no intention of ever returning. Broken down by organized religion, a childhood battle with anorexia, and her parents' rigidity, she set out to find God somewhere else -- anywhere else. Her travels took her across three continents in buses cars, and planes, across mountains and over deep blue seas.

What she hadn't realized was that her faith was waiting for her the whole time -- in the place she least expected it.

Poignant and passionate, Atlas Girl is a deeply personal story of the yearning we all share to be truly known, entirely forgiven, and utterly loved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
 Emily T. Wierenga is an award-winning journalist, columnist, artist, author, and blogger at www.emilywierenga.com. She speaks regularly about her journey with anorexia and lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, Trenton, and their two sons.

Death Takes a Ride

Death Takes A Ride
by
Lorena McCourtney


MY THOUGHTS:
Another winner by Lorena McCourtney! I'm not sure you can legally call this a cozy mystery anymore since the main character is now a Private Eye, but it has that feel. This is the third book in the series The Cate Kinkaid Files, but honestly you wouldn't have to read the first two books to enjoy it.

I love how Cate gets herself into crazy scenarios, through no fault of her own, and how she uses her intelligence, gut feel, and tenacity to get through some really tough situations. The story is very well written and Lorena always surprises me with the ending.

I hope this series goes on for a LONG time!

You can buy the book here.

ABOUT THE BOOK (from the back cover):
It's official. This case is above her pay grade -- and Cate's in over her head.  Cate Kinkaid arrives at H&B Vintage Auto Restorations to give a friend a ride. But, as usual, trouble finds Cate even there -- this time in the form of one dead man, one wounded man, and what appears to be a pretty obvious case of self-defense.

Despite having been merely an unfortunate bystander, Cate finds herself sucked into the case. Ad the deeper she gets, the more she begins to suspect that the shooting in the H&B office may not have been as cut-and-dried as it appeared.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lorena McCourtney takes you o a wild ride in this clever cozy mystery that will keep you guessing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorena McCourtney is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of dozens of novels, including Invisible (which won a Daphne du Maurier Award from Romance Writers of America), Dying to Read, and Dolled Up to Die. She resides in Oregon. Learn more at www.lorenamccourtney.com

Tuesday, July 01, 2014

Plain Faith

Plain Faith
by
Irene & Ora Jay Eash
with Tricia Goyer



MY THOUGHTS:
This is the true story of an Amish family that survives a terrible tragedy, seeking God in a deeper way as a result. They are strong in the Amish faith, but start to realize that maybe there is more. More grace, more freedom, more relationship.

I was fascinated with this book. I enjoy the genre of Amish fiction, but loved the honest peek into their world. This book caused me to evaluate my own level of faith and understanding of God, resulting in a deeper commitment to my relationship with Him.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys learning about other cultures or is examining his or her own faith.

See the trailer and meet the Eash's here


ABOUT THE BOOK:
This is the true story of Ora-Jay and Irene Eash, Amish farmers from northwest Montana whose lives changed in an instant when a semi-truck struck the family buggy, killing their two young daughters. After the accident, the couple turned to their Amish community for comfort, but they remained haunted by the thought that they might not see their girls again in heaven. Would their deeds be good enough?
Eventually Ora-Jay and Irene learned that grace—not works—was enough to ensure their place in eternity. But with that knowledge came the realization that they could no longer live in an Amish community that didn’t share this precious belief. Could they sever their connection to the Amish family they loved? This is the story of their journey to the hope that is heaven, a hope stronger than the loss of children, family, and a way of life.
“Fans of Amish fiction will appreciate such a real-life look into the Amish community, co-written by bestselling author Tricia Goyer, and readers of all kinds will resonate with this tale of courage, resilience, and the redemption found in the grace of Jesus.”


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Ora Jay ad Irene Eash live in Northwest Montana where they have a small horse farm, offering sleigh and wagon rides. Six of their nine children are married and they have six grandchildren,. You can find out more at www.cripplecreekhorseranch.com

USA Today bestselling author Tricia Goyer is the author of 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Series. She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high-traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com

Monday, June 23, 2014

Rival Hearts

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Rival Hearts
Abingdon Press (June 17, 2014)
by
Tara Randel


MY THOUGHTS:
 I enjoy the Quilter's Heart series of books. Each is written by a different author and uses a unique quilt style as a focal point of the story. 

Rival Hearts is a fun story based on a contest established by the head of a magazine enterprise. There is a new magazine starting, and he is pitting two of his best editors against each other for the coveted role of editor. Each is given a challenge to accomplish a specific task related to the OTHER'S field of expertise and then write about it. The editor of the quilting magazine must compete in a kayak race, and the editor of the outdoor adventure magazine must create a quilt.

The story is full of fun competition, funny experiences, and budding romance. I love the concept of the story, but I was a bit disappointed in its execution. At times it felt rote and stereotypical, and I was disappointed that I'd figured out the ending by page 104.

But I'd recommend it as a good beach read!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. After finding Romantic Times magazine in a bookstore many years ago, she found information about writing organizations. Soon after, she joined Romance Writers of America. She located the local RWA chapter and immediately attended her first meeting. There was no stopping her after that!

Through Tampa Area Romance Authors, Tara learned all about the business of publishing, starting with the craft of writing to behind the scenes of publishing. She served as contest coordinator for four years and served as President for one year, enjoying the organization and the lasting friendships made there.

When not writing, Tara owns a business with her husband and stays busy with her two daughters. She lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver have been rival magazine writers for the same publishing group for years. When both come up for the same promotion, they find themselves in an unexpected competition to win the spot. Molly, editor of Quilter’s Heart, and Ben, editor of Outdoor Adventures, must switch roles, each working for the other for one month, then submit an article at the end of their quests.

Can girly-girl Molly survive the outdoor adventures that Ben has planned? Can Ben navigate the perils of the social dynamics of quilting events without destroying a valuable quilt in one short month? More importantly, in this he-said, she-said situation, will Molly and Ben give in to their attraction and fall in love, no matter who wins?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Rival Hearts, go HERE.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Finding Spiritual Whitespace

Finding Spiritual Whitespace -- Awakening Your Soul to Rest
by
Bonnie Gray



MY THOUGHTS:
I enjoy the way Bonnie Gray writes from her heart and connects with the reader as if they are in the same room sharing a cup of coffee. She has some great ideas at the end of the book for finding a piece of quiet and rest for your soul.

That said, I found it difficult to connect with the majority of this book. Gray had a tragic childhood and she uses her healing process as a foundation for the book. The basic elements of the book and many of the activity prompts at the end of each chapter seem best fit for someone who has been through their own life trauma. I found myself feeling guilty that I had a great childhood and pretty happy life!

This book would be a wonderful gift to a friend who needs to heal from difficult events in her life.

ABOUT THE BOOK (From the back cover):
Move beyond surviving to a rejuvenation place of soul rest.
How many of us find ourselves running on empty with no time for rest, no time for ourselves, no time for God?

Bonie Gray knows what that's like. On the brink of fulfillig a liofelong dream, she saw her plans shatter into a journey through painful memories and anxiety. In her search for answers, she made an important discovery: we all need spiritual whitespace.

Whitespace. Its the space left on a page left unmarked. Untouched. Whitespace makes art beautiful. It gives the eye a place to rest. Just like beautiful art, our souls need balance and beauty.

With heartbreaking honesty, Bonnie guedes you to discover a better story for yourself, one that feeds your soul and makes room for rest. Infused wiht biblical enouragement and thought-provoking prompts, this book shows us how to create space i teh everyday for God, refreshment, and faith -- right in the midst of our stress-frayed lives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bonnie Gray is the soulful writer behind FaithBarista.com, serving up shots of faith for the daily grind. Her work is featured on DaySpring (in)courage and nationally syndicated on Crosswalk.com.After graduating from UCLA, Bonnie served as a missionary, ministry entrepreneur, and Silicon Valley high-tech professional. She lives in Northern California with her husband, Eric, and their two sons.

You can check out her website HERE.http://www.faithbarista.com/

Yankee in Atlanta

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Yankee in Atlanta
River North(June 1, 2014)
by
Jocelyn Green


MY THOUGHTS:
I am fascinated by this series. Jocelyn Green does an amazing job of researching history, using actual events from journals, and turns snippets about life into fabulous stories that make the reader feel like she is there.

A Yankee in Atlanta provides a shocking look into the life of those left behind during the Civil War. We hear bits and pieces of the horrors of war, but seldom get a look at the specific things wives and children had to deal with when their men were off fighting. 

This book shows the realities of the strength and resourcefulness women on both sides of the war found within themselves when things got tough.

I would like to read more about Caitlin's year BEFORE this story takes place!

This book is a must read for history buffs.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed...Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When soldier Caitlin McKae woke up in Atlanta after being wounded in battle, the Georgian doctor who treated her believed Caitlin's only secret was that she had been fighting for the Confederacy disguised as a man. In order to avoid arrest or worse, Caitlin hides her true identity and makes a new life for herself in Atlanta. Trained as a teacher, she accepts a job as a governess to the daughter of Noah Becker, a German immigrant lawyer, who is about to enlist with the Rebel army. Then in the spring of 1864, Sherman's troops edge closer to Atlanta. Caitlin tries to escape north with the girl, but is arrested on charges of being a spy. Will honor dictate that Caitlin follow the rules, or love demand that she break them?

Id you would like to read the first chapter of Yankee in Atlanta, go HERE.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart
Love Inspired (June 3, 2014)
by
Allie Pleiter


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter, harp player and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The "dare from a friend" to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; Becoming a Chief Home Officer and Facing Every Mom's Fears and now novels for Steeple Hill Books. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.


ABOUT THE BOOK


When Katrine Brinkerhoff's cabin is attacked, only sheriff Clint Thornton's heroism saves her. She owes Clint her life—and her help catching the men responsible. All she has to do is trust in Clint's plan to protect her family. But she can't let herself care too deeply, not when her past carries secrets that would drive him away.

Infiltrating the murderous gang is a dirty job, yet Clint is determined to see it through. The brigands will face justice—and they will never harm Katrine again. Clint would give his life to keep the beautiful settler safe…but will he be willing to risk his heart?

Bridegroom Brothers: True love awaits three siblings in the Oklahoma Land Rush

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart, go HERE.

Friday, May 23, 2014

One More Last Chance

One More Last Chance
by
Cathleen Armstrong

MY THOUGHTS:
This is the second book in Armstrong's A Place to Call Home series, and it is every bit as good as the first! If you haven't read Welcome to Last Chance, you wouldn't know this is a second in the series. I was thrilled to see Lainie and some of my other friends from the first book make appearances, but the were reintroduced appropriately.

Armstrong must have an innate sense about people, because she is able to instill honest angst and happiness into multiple characters in a way that feels totally natural. I really enjoy how each character has depth and believability, not stereotypical behavior. I'm definitely looking forward to the third book.

I recommend this book as a great read for a front porch swing and some lemonade or a day on the beach!

ABOUT THE BOOK (from the back cover):
Some things never change. . . and some things change you forever.
Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason -- because it doesn't change. After a relationship gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip 'n' Dine, he's shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.

As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance --just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.

With the same evocative writing and charming characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites you back to Last Chance for a heartwarming, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of life in a small town.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathleen Armstrong is the award-winning author of Welcome to Last Chance. Though she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. Learn more at http://www.cathleenarmstrong.com