First Blush - by Rebeca Seitz

About the book:

From the author of the Sisters, Ink series comes a fun new novella about finding your way…at the beach.  Elizabeth Bakersfield may live in the gorgeous town of Naples, Florida, but she is not the thirty-year-old she envisioned. Her husband left with a Miami Dolphins cheerleader. Her job prospects are nil. The rent is due. Her best friend is living a thousand miles away, building a career in NYC. And her closest companion is the cockatiel Johnny Carson. 
The job front starts looking up when she’s offered the position of caretaker of Ganderley’s – a library, kind of. Elizabeth’s job is to loan out the priceless antiques and cars amassed by the widowed Ganderley sisters. Easy, right? Sign things out, get them back in two weeks. And, if she runs into trouble, there’s the gorgeous Ganderley nephew with the British accent, Nicholas Harrington, waiting in the wings with help.

But Elizabeth is about to learn first-hand that possessions – and gorgeous Brits - bring their own kind of drama. If she doesn’t figure out how to sidestep it, her job (not to mention the start of a new life) might be over before it ever really began.

My review:

I enjoyed this very amusing story about a quirky woman taking on a unique job.  I loved the character of Elizabeth; she was incredibly funny and made me smile or laugh on almost every page.  I felt for her situation of not finding work, but was also annoyed that it was partly because she was so afraid of not pleasing her snooty parents that she wouldn't take any job that they wouldn't approve of.  She seemed to base every decision on whether her mother would be pleased, which got a little annoying since she's almost thirty and divorced and admits that doing what her parents want all of the time hasn't done her very much good.  The other characters were all very interesting; not a boring one in the bunch!  This was a clean read, though there was a scene that got a little heated, but I don't remember anything faith related at all, so I was a little disappointed since that's what I was expecting.  It also didn't seem to really end.  A lot of things were left hanging and at first I thought that was how it was going to be left, but I saw later that there's going to be another book.  I would recommend it if you like humorous stories, but you're probably going to want to read the next one to find out what happens.

I received a free kindle copy of this book from Bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.




About the author:

Rebeca Seitz loves to scrapbook. And read (while eating chocolate). And write (while eating chocolate). And hang out with girlfriends (while eating chocolate). And laugh (not while eating chocolate - that'd be gross!). And tell stories about her crazy husband and crazier toddler (pausing on the chocolate since her momma taught her not to talk with her mouth full). And...well, you get the picture. She's been in the publishing industry for many years as a literary publicist, securing media placement Rebca Seitz in places like The Today Show and USA Today for astounding authors of amazing fiction.

Review of When I Fall in Love & Win a KitchenAid Mixer in Susan May Warren’s Hawaiian Chef Showdown!

About the book: 

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she'd vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled-or maybe yanked-away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace's faith will face its toughest test yet.

My review: 

Susan May Warren has done it again!  I have loved every book in the Christiansen Family series, including this one!  I loved the mix of small town and exotic vacation and oh, the food!  I'm not a cook, but I love to eat and try new things.  I want to go to Hawaii even more now, if that's possible.  I felt I could relate to Grace in being afraid to take risks in some ways, but I had a hard time understanding her fear of any kind of risk, including traveling and trying new food.  She did seem a little pathetic at the beginning, but she definitely grew on me and I really liked her as the story progressed.  I felt very sorry for Max and can somewhat understand where he's coming from in trying not to get involved with anyone.  I liked the message, though, about life being worth living, no matter how much time you have or what you suffer through, especially if the suffering draws you closer to Jesus.  I also liked that Grace realized she can't find her happiness in a guy, but in God.  The secondary story was good, too, about a new girl in Deep Haven and the messy situation she gets into with Grace's brothers.  I definitely hope their story continues in another book.  This book can work as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading the previous books because they are so good and those characters featured prominently in this one.  This well-written story deals with some tough issues and circumstances, but offers hope and a sweet romance!  Don't miss it!

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

More reviews at Litfuse!

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/z5Ijj

About the author: 

Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors.

Find Susan online: website, My Book Therapy, Twitter, 

Susan May Warren's newest book in the Christiansen Family Collection, When I Fall In Love,  has won over readers' and critics' hearts alike. With critical reviews like, ". . . an exquisite romance. Profoundly touching on the topic of facing fears, this book is a true gem," and more than 60 five-star reviews at Amazon, When I Fall in Love is sure to please.

Susan has teamed up with some amazing food bloggers for a fun food challenge and a KitchenAid Mixer giveaway!

  One grand prize winner will receive:

• A KitchenAid Mixer
• The first three books in the Christiansen Family Collection.
• Melissa Ringstaff’s Kitchen Planner
• Jackie Brown's Freezer Inventory sheet

Grab your aprons and wire whisks and buzz on over to the When I Fall in Love website to learn more and enter the Hawaiian Chef Showdown! Susan is challenging you to make a Hawaiian-inspired dish using coconut, mango, or one of the other ingredients mentioned in the book. You’ll get extra points for creating your own recipe—plus she might share it on the When I Fall in Love site! Or if you're not up for an adventure in the kitchen just click one of the icons below for easy entry.

Hurry, the giveaway ends on August 10th. All winners will be announced August 13th at Susan's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Susan's blog on the 13th to see if you won!

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Review of THE BUTTERFLY AND THE VIOLIN, Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party from @KCambronAuthor!

About the book: A mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz---and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl---a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover, the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul, who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together, Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting's subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: in the grim camps of Auschwitz and in the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

My review: This was a beautiful story that I could not put down!  I loved the dual stories of Adele and Sera and how the book goes back and forth between the 1940's and the present day.  The romances were touching, the story well-written, the history intriguing.  It was fascinating to learn the story of Adele and to find out about the orchestras formed at the death camps to perform on command.  I had never heard about this, nor about the art created by prisoners and hidden.  Cambron says in her author's note that more than 1,600 pieces of art were discovered in the rubble of Auschwitz.  Though this book has sadness and grief, it also shows hope and the will to survive, and even see and create beauty in the midst of the horror the prisoners lived through.  It was interesting to see Adele's struggle to play her violin in the death camp and for the SS officers, for her to feel on the one hand that she's using her God-given talent for evil, but also that this was the way she was surviving and that she was given this talent with which to worship God.  I really admired her and how she stood up for what she believed, no matter the cost.  You should definitely read this amazing debut!

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

More Reviews at Litfuse!

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/zhXo3

About the author: Kristy Cambron has been fascinated with the WWII era since hearing her grandfather's stories of the war. She holds an art history degree from Indiana University and received the Outstanding Art History Student Award. Kristy writes WWII and Regency era fiction and has placed first in the 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations and 2012 FCRW Beacon contests, and is a 2013 Laurie finalist. Kristy makes her home in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons.

Find Kristy online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Welcome to the launch campaign for debut novelist Kristy Cambron's The Butterfly and the Violin. Romantic Times had this to say: "Alternating points of view skillfully blend contemporary and historical fiction in this debut novel that is almost impossible to put down. Well-researched yet heartbreaking. . . ."

Kristy is celebrating the release of the first book in her series, A Hidden Masterpiece, with a fun Kindle Fire giveaway and meeting her readers during an August 7th Facebook author chat party.

 One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 7th. Winner will be announced at The Butterfly and the Violin Author Chat Party. Kristy will be connecting with readers and answering questions, sharing some of the fascinating research behind the book, hosting a fun book chat, and giving away some GREAT prizes. She will also be giving an exclusive look at the next book in the series, A Sparrow in Terezin!

So grab your copy of The Butterfly and the Violin and join Kristy on the evening of August 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 7th!

Sealed With a Kiss - Inspy Kisses Collection #2 - by Janet Tronstad, Margaret Daley, Camy Tang & Lacy Williams

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About the book:

A new anthology from some of your favorite inspirational authors--no reprints here!

Enjoy this collection of love stories with a theme of LOVE LETTERS. The Sealed with a Kiss collection includes:

From USA TODAY and Publisher's Weekly Bestselling Author Janet Tronstad comes a new historical romance Mail Order Sunshine Bride When mail-order bride, Eleanor O’Reilly, arrives in the Montana Territory the only one on the railway platform to greet her is a dangerous-looking man who claims to be the sheriff. Where is her intended husband? Janet Tronstad delights readers with another of her popular mail-order bride stories.

From Amazon Bestselling Author Margaret Daley comes a new romantic suspense Deadly Intent
Texas Ranger Sarah Osborn is sent to investigate the kidnapping of a prize stallion from the Shamrock Ranch, owned by Ian O’Leary, an ex-FBI agent and Sarah’s high school sweetheart. Someone from Ian’s past has a grudge against him and intends to make him suffer. Can Sarah help Ian find who wants him dead?

From award-winning author Camy Tang comes a new romantic suspense Unshakeable Pursuit
A mysterious young woman warns Dr. Geoffrey Whelan and nurse Maylin Kinley that they are in mortal danger, and then two Asian hit men attack them at the children’s clinic where they work. Geoffrey and Maylin run for their lives, determined to figure out who is after them and why. When they discover the threat is connected to a young teenager whose life they saved, they must race to stop the person who wants them dead—before everyone they care about is caught in the crossfire.

From fan favorite Lacy Williams comes a new contemporary romance With Love, Cowboy
When the love of his life is injured in combat, Ryan Michaels promises himself he won't let any more time go by without declaring his love. Veteran Ashley Reynolds returns home a changed woman, but is she ready to see the truth about the cowboy she left behind?

My review:

This was an enjoyable collection overall; I liked a couple stories more than the other two.  I appreciated the variety of stories, from historical to suspense to contemporary, but all romance!  The romances were cute, but there wasn't a whole lot to them, which is understandable for a short story.  I liked how some of the characters relate to characters in other books by the authors, but don't have to be read in any particular order.  The stories deal with a few different issues, such as low self-esteem, forgiveness, and trusting again.  One of the stories stood out as having more of a focus on giving up control to God and believing that He loves us and is always with us, whereas the others had faith more in the background.  If you like a variety in your romance, check out this collection!

I received a free kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Death Takes a Ride - The Cate Kinkaid Files 3 - by Lorena McCourtney

About the book:

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. And 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 on wild ride in this clever cozy mystery that will keep you guessing.

My review:

I really enjoyed this amusing who-dun-it that kept me guessing!  I remember liking Cate and her sense of humor from the previous book, and her pet cat, Octavia, who seemed to know more than any animal should.  I also liked her boyfriend, Mitch, who helped out on cases and was always there for her, except their future seemed up in the air with him possibly selling his company.  I liked the added suspense of their relationship and where it was headed.  The dog, Clancy, was a welcome heartwarming addition and I enjoyed seeing Mitch get attached.  The mystery was of the cozy variety and there was definitely an interesting cast of characters!  I guessed at parts of the mystery, but wasn't sure at all;  I like a story I can't figure out.  There were some light spiritual elements, with Cate and Mitch being Christians, going to church, and Cate making occasional comments in conversation.  I liked that she pointed out that God has a better plan than we can make for ourselves.  This works as a stand-alone, although you might want to see how Cate and Mitch's relationship progresses and enjoy the mysteries, too.  I hope this isn't the end of the series!  I would recommend it if you like mysteries or amusing stories.

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

 The Author

1. 

   Lorena McCourtney

   Lorena McCourtney is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of dozens of novels, including Invisible (which won the Daphne du Maurier Award from Romance Writers of America), Dying to Read, and Dolled Up to Die. She...
   

   Continue reading about Lorena McCourtney 

Penny Wise - Windy City Neighbors 3 - by Neta & Dave Jackson

About the book: Penny Wise introduces us to yet another family in "the neighborhood"---the Jaspers, busy with demanding jobs, busy with church, busy volunteering, parents of three active teenagers, juggling sometimes crazy schedules. All good things. Until all those "good things" feed into a series of crises that affects the whole family. Something's gotta change!

The third in the Windy City Neighbors series, Penny Wise is a contemporary peek at an urban family wrestling with the spiritual and practical challenges of real life. The series employs the innovating storytelling technique of "parallel novels," each with its own drama and story arc, but whose characters' lives become intertwined with their neighbors and affect one another. Welcome to Beecham Street---a typical, isolated American neighborhood that is beginning to come out of its shell . . . for better or worse.

My review: This was an interesting story that was a little too stressful for me to really enjoy!  The parents both work stressful jobs full time, have three teenagers, and volunteer at church and Michelle also with a crisis pregnancy center.  It was constant running from one thing to another and Michelle's health starts to decline, but she takes a while to really worry about it.  I need a lot of down-time to recuperate and relax, so I can't imagine keeping up that kind of pace for any length of time, though I know there are plenty of people who do.  I think this really showed that people need to slow down and make wise choices about how they spend their time and that they can delegate or let other people run things.  I also liked that Michelle starts to wonder why she does some of these things.  Is she trying to earn God's favor or is she relying on grace?  The spiritual elements were done very well in the story.  I enjoyed her little experiment with pennies and the tough choice she makes felt realistic.  I got a little frustrated with her husband sometimes with how he didn't seem to do any housework or cooking and with how he treated their oldest son at times.  I liked Michelle and her daughter Tabby a lot, probably because I could relate to them more.  I haven't read any of the Jackson's other books and this worked fine as a stand-alone, but it does tie in with some of their other series, too, as some of the other characters show up for a visit!  I really liked the fact that the main family were African-American and also that there was such a diverse group of people in their neighborhood and that Michelle interacted with.  It made for an interesting perspective that I don't see that often in Christian fiction.  I would recommend this book if you like realistic stories about modern families.

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

More reviews at Litfuse!

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/yLCKz 

About the authors: Dave and Neta Jackson are award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set. As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books.

Find Neta and Dave online: website

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A June Bride - A Year of Weddings Novella - by Marybeth Whalen

About the book:

It takes a reality TV show for Wynne to realize love isn't just a game.
Wynne Hardy never thought she'd get engaged on a reality TV show, but when she met Andy on The Rejection Connection, the two of them hit it off. Now he's asked her to marry him, much to the public's delight and fascination. They're all set to wed on live TV in a seaside ceremony at the height of the wedding season.
But just as Wynne thinks all her dreams are coming true, her ex-boyfriend walks back into her life at the worst possible time. Callum broke her heart a year ago, and she's still sorting through her feelings for him. Her heart isn't as clear as her head that it's past time to move on-even though she's engaged to Andy.

At a local TV talk show appearance, Wynne meets Meredith, who won another reality TV show-Marathon Mom-proving herself nothing short of a superhero. As Wynne's beach wedding plans spin out of control, Meredith offers to help, unknowingly stepping on Wynne's secret feelings . . . and exposing some secrets Meredith has been keeping to herself. Can these two reality stars get real about their feelings? Will Wynne go through with her televised wedding and be the perfect June bride the network is looking for?

My review:

I wasn't that crazy about this story and that's mainly because I thought Wynne was an idiot.  I can't really understand why someone would think they could fall in love for real on a reality show, but I can see how it would be flattering to have that many guys interested.  She gets engaged to a man she hardly knows, not even bothering to really find out if he's a Christian and only starts to wonder if they should talk about it a few weeks before the wedding!  She doesn't really think she loves Andy, yet still plans to marry him, even when she finds out something on the eve of her wedding.  She seems to want to just stick her head in the sand and hope everything turns out okay.  She finally prays for guidance, but does her own thing anyway.  She claims to be sick of the spotlight, but worries about the wedding taking place for the show and then ends up on TV again at the end.  I couldn't see what either guy saw in her.  We didn't get to know either guy well enough to really root for either one.  The dynamic with Meredith was interesting.  I read another book by Whalen a couple weeks ago that I liked, but I'd have to say that this one wasn't worth it for me.  You might like it if you like reality shows and romance.

This is only available as an e-book and an audio.

I received this e-book free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

Check out the book's page here: Christianbook

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Love Comes Home - book 3 - by Ann H. Gabhart

About the book:

When the flush of victory fades, there remains a winding road to an uncertain future.
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.

Award-winning and bestselling author Ann Gabhart invites you back to Rosey Corner for a heartfelt story that closes the distance between the things that were and things that can yet be.

My review:

I enjoyed this well-written story about changes coming to the Merritt family of Rosey Corner.  It's four years after the second book ends and I liked seeing the family evolve, though not all of the changes are happy ones.  The husbands who come back must deal with the aftermath of the war, while Evangeline and Kate take on new roles, and it was interesting to see how much our country was changing then.  I really enjoyed all of the characters in this series, except Evangeline, who is very self-centered.  There's a bit of romance, some sorrow, and the solving of the mystery surrounding Lorena and what happened to her family.  I'd definitely recommend reading the books in order, though they aren't given a series name.  This story had more of a bittersweet feel to it and I would recommend it if you like historical fiction.

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

 The Author

1. 

   © Scott Campbell Photography

   Ann H. Gabhart

   Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--and...
   

   Continue reading about Ann H. Gabhart 

90 Minutes in Heaven, 10th Anniversary Edition - by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey

About the book:

In the ten years since 90 Minutes in Heaven was first published, millions of people worldwide have read the incredible true story of Don Piper's experience with death and life--and in reading have found their own lives changed.

Now you can experience the continuing story of 90 Minutes in Heaven with this special anniversary edition. Along with the story of his accident, death, return to life, and painful recovery, Don offers personal reflections on the impact the book has had on him, his family, and the millions who have heard his story. Also included are true stories from readers about the effect 90 Minutes in Heaven has had on their lives, favorite Scriptures and quotations on heaven from Don, a photo insert, and a publisher's note on the book that started the heaven publishing phenomenon.

Discover for yourself the book that everyone has been talking about--and watch your life change for the better.

My review:

I have been wanting to read this book for so long and I couldn't believe it when I saw it's already been ten years!  This book is incredibly encouraging, to not only read about what Piper experienced in Heaven, but also what he went through when he came back. He explains about the accident, his excruciating recovery and the pain he still lives with to this day, decades later.  I really liked his honesty about the depression he was in and the difficult time he had during his recovery.  He struggled with "why" did this happen and why'd he have to come back, finally realizing God had a purpose for it, which is a good reminder for us as we go through difficult times.  He had a few friends who had to be tough with him and tell him some hard things, but also that they were praying for him.  He shared how he's been able to minister especially to people who are going through the same type of painful recovery he went through.  The stories of people who have been touched by his story were very moving.  It was also interesting to read about how he had to be pushed into sharing his story because he worried people would think he was crazy! This new edition contains an update about what's been happening since the book was published.  I think everyone should read this inspiring book!

I received a free copy of this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

Check out more info on the book at Revell's site: http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/90-minutes-in-heaven-10th-anniversary-edition/2337124

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The Authors

1. 

   Don Piper

   Don Piper has been an ordained minister since 1985. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven and other popular books. He has appeared on Today, The 700 Club, James Robison's Life Today, and other...
   

   Continue reading about Don Piper

2. 

   Cecil Murphey

   Cecil Murphey has written or coauthored more than 135 books, including the bestsellers 90 Minutes in Heaven with Don Piper and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story with Dr. Ben Carson. Murphey is a recipient of the Gold Medallion Award, two-time...
   

   Continue reading about Cecil Murphey 

Child of Mine - by David & Beverly Lewis

About the book:

From Bestselling Authors David & Beverly Lewis
Flight instructor Jack Livingston has been raising his eight-year-old adopted niece, Natalie, since the accident that took her parents' lives. When he travels, Natalie is tenderly cared for by her Amish nanny, Laura Mast, who loves the little girl as her own.

Eight excruciating years ago, Kelly Maines's baby was kidnapped. Determined to find her child, Kelly has tirelessly pursued every lead to its bitter end. And now, with the clock ticking, one last clue from a private investigator ignites a tiny flame of hope: Just a few miles away lives a young girl who matches the profile.

Can this be, at long last, Kelly's beloved daughter?

My review:

I love this book!  It's well-written and really brings the wonderful characters to life.  Jack is such a wonderful father, Kelly makes mistakes but tries to do the right thing and Natalie is so precocious!  It alternates between Jack and Kelly's viewpoints and shows what a loving family Natalie has in her uncle, aunt and nanny.  We're shown the day-to-day family life, but it's never boring.  Instead, you get a sense of how much Jack's life changed when he was named guardian of Natalie.  By contrast, we see how horrible Kelly's life has been for the last eight years, wondering where her daughter is and if she's safe or even alive.  I loved seeing the turnaround her life takes.  I thought I knew how this story was going to go, but it kept me guessing with a couple twists.  I love the faith Kelly has that she will find her child, even though she made some bad choices, which would be hard not to do in her circumstances.  I like the romantic elements and was unsure if Jack would end up with anyone and if so, who.  The Amish element is lighter with the story being centered on the English.  The overall theme seems to be that God is working everything together for our good and it showed this beautifully.  I love how everything wrapped up.  This seems to be a stand-alone novel and one you won't want to miss!  I highly recommend it!

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

 The Authors

1. 

   David Lewis

   David Lewis is the bestselling author of Coming Home, his first solo novel, as well as a keyboard artist and pilot. He is the first editor for his wife, Beverly Lewis, as well as research partner and manager. David was born in Minnesota, grew up in the...
   

   Continue reading about David Lewis

2. 

   Photo courtesy of Gene Photography

   Beverly Lewis

   Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the New York Times bestselling author of more than ninety books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has...
   

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Review of The Revealing by @SuzanneWFisher | Enter to win 1 of 3 iPads and LOTS of books!

About the book: 

Naomi King, soft spoken, loyal, and easily overlooked, has a gift. She sees what others can't see. Intuition, she calls it. Others in Stoney Ridge don't know what to make of it and dismiss her hunches and inklings altogether.

When a young woman arrives at the Inn at Eagle Hill with a shocking secret about Tobe Schrock, Naomi fears the worst. She can't ignore the feeling that something sinister is at work--- something more than a threat to the tenuous love begun between her and Tobe.

As signs mount, they begin to point to Jake Hertzler, the elusive mastermind behind Schrock Investments' downfall. Soon, events spiral hopelessly out of control and Naomi must decide whether to listen to her head or her heart.

In this riveting conclusion to The Inn at Eagle Hill series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher pulls out all the stops with a fast-paced tale of deception, revelation, and just the right dose of romance.

My review: This was an enjoyable book to end the series, though it didn't feel like an ending!  Some things got resolved, but others were left open-ended, which makes me suspect we'll be seeing some of these characters again.  I really liked quite a few of these characters and I especially wanted to find out what would happen with Mim, so I hope her future is shown in a coming book.  I appreciated that there were so many viewpoints in the story; it keeps it interesting and something's always going on!  I also liked that one viewpoint is an Englisher and the rest Amish and a mixture of ages, so there's a variety of life experiences.  I figured out something before it was revealed, though this wasn't a true mystery story.  I enjoyed catching up with characters I'd gotten to know in the first two books and I would suggest definitely reading these in order, since their story lines continue from the previous books.  I liked the focus on how love can change a person and the importance of forgiveness.  This was one of the more enjoyable Amish series I've read and I would definitely recommend it, even for people who don't normally read Amish fiction.

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

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Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/ywEHT 

About the author: 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California.

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In The Revealing, the riveting conclusion to the Inn at Eagle Hill series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher pulls out all the stops with a fast-paced tale of deception, revelation, and just the right dose of romance.

Suzanne is celebrating by giving away THREE iPads!

  THREE grand prize winners will receive:

• An iPad
• PickPocket Tablet Accessory Pouch (A stylish storage pouch designed to hold all your tablet accessories. Info.)
• The Inn at Eagle Hill series (The Letters, The Calling, and The Revealing)

Five second place winners will receive:

• The Inn at Eagle Hill series (The Letters, The Calling, and The Revealing) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 20th. All winners will be announced July 21st at Suzanne's blog. AND ... if you're looking for more in the Inn at Eagle Hill series, be sure to pick up the ebook novella, The Rescue, for just $1.99!

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!
Suzanne is also giving away two 10-book mystery prize packs! 
One of the major themes of The Revealing is learning to trust your intuition and instincts. These are God-given qualities that we sometimes are too timid or unsure of to act on. For a chance to win one of the 10-book prize packs, leave a comment on this blog and share about a time when your intuition or instinct saved the day—or a time you ignored it and missed an opportunity. 

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne'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!)

Review of Quilts of Love | RIVAL HEARTS – Summer Coleman Camping Kit Giveaway Ends July 13th!

About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories.

About the book: 

They both want the promotion. But will they find out that it is worth the cost?

Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver are rival magazine writers for the same publishing group. 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?

My review:

This was an enjoyable story about opposites attracting and what can happen when you're pushed out of your comfort zone.  I liked both characters a lot, though I was rooting for Molly to win!  It was amusing to read about Molly's mishaps, but I wished for more of the scenes where Molly and Ben were out of their comfort zones and I also thought there would be more interaction between them during the challenges themselves.  I liked the focus on volunteerism and how much Molly cared about people and how her childhood had affected that aspect of her.  It was also interesting to see how Ben was trying to find a community after being a loner so long.  There were some cute moments between them, but I did wish for more to their relationship. Molly has a strong faith and Ben is just coming back to his and while there was talk of prayer and asking Ben if he was a believer, there wasn't much else done with it.  I would have liked to see more to his faith journey. I really liked the idea of the quilt Molly was working on, with pieces from many women's lives all telling a story about something emotionally significant to them.  If you like romance and quilting, you should check it out!

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

More Reviews at Litfuse!

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.

About the Author: 

Tara Randel is the author of five romance novels including Lasting Love, Melody of Love, and This Time Love. A member of ACFW, Tara is also the lead author of the new Annie's Mysteries series (see AnniesMysteries.com). Tara lives in New Port Richey, Florida.

Connect with Tara: website, Facebook

Don’t miss this month’s Quilts of Love book, Rival Hearts, by Tara Randel. Who doesn't like a friendly competition, every now and then? You'll be sure to love this fun tale of unexpected competition between two people forced out of their comfort zone.

Celebrate June's release by entering to win a summer camping kit (grill, tent, and camp chairs) from Quilts of Love.

One winner will receive:

• A Coleman grill, tent, and camp chairs
• A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga
• A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva Gibson
• Rival Hearts by Tara Randel

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 13. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog.

Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.