Saturday, March 29, 2014

First Kisses - Inspy Kisses Collection #1 - by Linda Goodnight, Janet Tronstad, Debra Clopton, Margaret Daley, Camy Tang & Lacy Williams

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About the book:

A new anthology from some of your favorite inspirational authors.
Enjoy this collection of love stories with a theme of FIRST KISSES. The First Kisses collection includes:

The Rambler’s Bride by Linda Goodnight
In 1870’s Kansas, Widow Esther North will do most anything to save her land from her powerful cousin and the coming railroad-even kiss a stranger! The kissing cowboy, Jericho North is bent on revenge from his brother’s widow, and the will hidden in his pocket is all he needs to make it happen. But he hadn’t reckoned on a baby...and neither he nor Esther had reckoned on love.

Lovebirds at the Heartbreak Cafe by Janet Tronstad
USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author, Janet Tronstad, pens a brand-new Retro Café Sweet Romance starring a 1950’s truck driver (Buddy) and a waitress (Penny) who both have enough trouble without everyone in Webster’s Crossing thinking they are falling in love.

Her Mule Hollow Cowboy by Debra Clopton
Rescuing a beautiful cowgirl from being trampled has professional bull rider, Cliff Masterson, dreaming of romance, home, hearth and that first kiss...but Maddie Rose has had enough people in her life leave and she’s not willing to risk her heart on a rambling cowboy—Sparks fly when these two are near. Can the Matchmakin’ Posse of Mule Hollow help this couple find their happily ever after?

Deadly Hunt by Margaret Daley
All bodyguard Tess Miller wants is a vacation. But when a wounded stranger stumbles into her isolated cabin in the Arizona mountains, Tess becomes his lifeline. When Shane Burkhart opens his eyes, all he can focus on is his guardian angel leaning over him. And in the days to come he will need a guardian angel while being hunted by someone who wants him dead.

Necessary Proof by Camy Tang
Alex Villa became a Christian in prison, and because of his efforts to help stop a gang producing meth in Sonoma, he has been set up for the death of a cop. Can computer expert Jane Lawton find the evidence that will prove his innocence before the gang eliminates them both?

Kissed by a Cowboy by Lacy Williams
Former shy-girl Haley Carston is back in Redbud Trails, Oklahoma, to care for her dying aunt. She didn’t count on cowboy Maddox Michaels, her high school crush and the man who might just bring her dreams of marriage and family back to life…


My review: 

This is a wonderful collection of sweet romances with a little bit of everything, from the old west to modern day, ranching to computers, small towns to edge-of-your-seat suspense!  Some of the stories have a little bit of a faith element while others have a strong one.  For being short stories, they were well-written and fleshed out nicely.  I loved the romantic elements and some stories were also more romantic than others, but all clean.  The Tronstad story was unique in that it's completely from the male perspective, which I haven't seen very often in romantic fiction.  I've read almost all of one author's books and had heard of a few others and I will definitely be looking for more of all of their books in the future.  Don't miss out on this great collection!

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

Friday, March 28, 2014

Summer of Joy - The Heart of Hollyhill 3 - by Ann H. Gabhart

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About the book:

As summer draws to a close Jocie's world seems serene--but is it just the calm before a storm?
Unbeknownst to Jocie Brooke and her family, two people are making their way to the small town of Hollyhill, Kentucky. One everyone thought was gone for good and the other no one's ever heard of. Still, one thing is sure--they promise trouble. The past is coming to call, threatening to destroy strong relationships that everyone has simply taken for granted.

The summer of 1964 may be winding down, but the controversy in this little community where nothing ever seems to change is just heating up.

Bestselling author Ann Gabhart invites you to Hollyhill for a story both exciting and enduring that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.

My review: 


This is a wonderful end to an enjoyable trilogy!  It was great catching up with Jocie and her family after having read book one, which I loved. Unfortunately, I haven't read book two yet, but I'm looking forward to it as it sounded like Jocie had another huge adventure.  One thing I thought was weird was the title.  Most of the book takes place from November to June and only the very end is in the summer.  I loved all of the quirky characters in this series and it was especially great to see Jocie's father's relationship progress with Leigh.  If anyone deserves to be happy, it's him.  I love his wise advice and how he tries to follow God in everything.  I loved that we got to see different characters' perspectives, but I loved Jocie's the best.  I really wish I could see Jocie as a grown-up because she'd be even more of a force to be reckoned with than she is at fourteen.  The story's well-written and kept my attention and I'm glad we got some closure.  I highly recommend this series!

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

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, Scent of Lilacs, and Orchard of Hope. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

A Heart's Rebellion - London Encounters 2 - by Ruth Axtell

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About the book:

In a world governed by unspoken rules, one young woman is about to break them all . . .
Dutiful Jessamine Barry is tired of waiting patiently for a man to decide her future. So even though Lancelot Marfleet, second son of an aristocrat, is taking an interest in her during the London season, she refuses to consider him as a suitor. Instead, she's ready to take fashionable society by storm--and finds a rakish young man all too willing to help her do it.

Can Jessamine trust her heart to lead her to a love that proves true through thick and thin? Or will her rash actions close the door on the life she really desires?

Lose yourself in Ruth Axtell's sumptuous story of discovering one's true self and finding true love.


My review:

I loved this well-written romance!  The characters were wonderful.  It was frustrating to see Jessamine make some bad choices, but understandable as she was dealing with a broken heart.  I loved that we got both Jessamine's and Lancelot's perspectives.  I also loved that they both wore spectacles!  The plot was great and it was fun to see them drawn to each other and yet fighting it.  Lancelot was a very strong Christian and had been a missionary to India and the portrayal of his faith was wonderful.  Jessamine chose the wrong guy as so many women do in order to feel love and acceptance, but also needed to accept grace and forgiveness from God, man, and herself.  The romance was very sweet and I have to say that while I really liked the first book in this series, I loved this one a lot more! It worked well as a stand-alone, but we saw a lot of the characters from book one and I think that story really contributed to understanding Jessamine better.  I really hope there are more books to come!

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

Saturday, March 22, 2014

A Bride for Noah -Seattle Brides 1 - by Lori Copeland & Virginia Smith

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About the book: 

Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith, beloved authors of the Amish of Apple Grove series, team up again in an exciting new series for devoted fans and new readers.

It’s 1851, and Evie Lawrence is penniless and heartbroken after a failed romance. When a kind elderly man announces his plan to move west and make his fortune, Evie jumps at the chance to go with him and start a new life. She says goodbye to the only home she’s ever known and sets out for the Northwest.

There she meets Noah Hughes, a handsome young man who has gambled everything he owns on the chance to make a fresh start. Living the rugged life of a lumberjack, he too is determined to one day make his fortune. The last thing he’s looking for is a bride…so why can’t he get Evie out of his mind?


In this first book of the Seattle Brides series, two people learn what it means to move beyond their expectations and embrace the very best God has for them.

My review: 

I really enjoyed this interesting historical romance!  I liked the characters, though Evie wanted her own way a little too much and was a bit too pushy, to my way of thinking.  I admired her determination and perseverance, though.  It was interesting learning about the beginnings of Seattle, from the logging business to Chief Seattle's dealings with the new settlers.  I was amused by Evie and the other three ladies that came with her to start a restaurant and wondered what new escapade they would get into next.  There were a few romantic moments, but the focus seemed to be more on the historical aspect of the story.  I was somewhat disappointed that there wasn't a stronger Christian message in the story, though both main characters seemed to be Christians.  I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series!

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

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Quilts of Love | Review of A SKY WITHOUT STARS by Linda S. Clare – Kindle HDX Giveaway & “Spring Fling” Facebook Party!

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: In 1951, Frankie Chasing Bear is a Lakota caught between cultures. She wants to raise her son Harold to revere his Lakota heritage, but she knows he will need to become as a white man to succeed. After his father's killed in a barroom brawl, Harold and Frankie move to Arizona, where she begins a Lakota Star pattern quilt for Harold with tribal wisdom sung, sewn and prayed into it.

She distrusts Christians, as her own parents were forced to convert at an Indian School, until she meets BIA agent Nick Vandergriff, a half-Lakota who's also caught between cultures. Nick must convince Frankie that white men and Christians aren't all bad as he tries to win her heart in order to put the stars back into her sky.

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

My review: I found parts of this story interesting, but felt like the story fizzled out about halfway through. I liked learning more about what was happening during the 1950's with the Lakota and Navajo being forced to go to Indian schools and being made to act more white.  I had heard about this, but this story really brought the whole horrible situation to life.  I also felt really sorry for Nick, who couldn't seem to make anyone happy. There's some romance, which I liked.  It felt like the story focused on her son running off all the time, though, and it didn't feel like much was happening in the story overall, so I found myself losing interest.  If you like quilts or historical fiction, especially about Native American history, you might want to check it out.

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

More reviews here!

About the Author: Linda S. Clare is an award-winning coauthor of three books, including Lost Boys and the Moms Who Love Them (with Melody Carlson and Heather Kopp), Revealed: Spiritual Reality in a Makeover World, and Making Peace with a Dangerous God (with Kristen Johnson Ingram). She is also the author of The Fence My Father Built. She has taught college-level creative writing classes for seven years, and edits and mentors writers. She also is a frequent writing conference presenter and church retreat leader. She and her husband of thirty-one years have four grown children, including a set of twins. They live in Eugene, Oregon, with their five wayward cats: Oliver, Xena the Warrior Kitty, Paladine, Melchior, and Mamma Mia!

Learn more about Linda at: http://www.lindasclare.com


Don't miss this month's Quilts of Love book, A Star Without Stars, by Linda S. Clare. Linda is celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway and joining her fellow Quilts of Love authors, Barbara Cameron and Joyce Magnin, for a Facebook "Spring Fling" party on April 1st.
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  One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HDX
  • Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron
  • A Sky Without Stars by Linda S. Clare
  • Maybelle in Stitches by Joyce Magnin
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 1st. Winner will be announced at the "Spring Fling" Facebook Party on April 1st. RSVP today and connect with the authors from the Quilts of Love series, Barbara Cameron, Linda S. Clare, and Joyce Magnin, for an evening of book chat, quilt trivia, prizes, and an exclusive look at the next Quilts of Love book!

So grab your copies of Scraps of EvidenceA Sky Without Stars, and Maybelle in Stitches and join Barbara, Linda, and Joyce on the evening of April 1st for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on April 1st!



Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Free and Sale E-books!

Free for kindle!

Amazon

Free for kindle!  I enjoyed this one!
Amazon

Free for kindle!
Amazon

Only .99 for kindle and nook!
Barnes & Noble
Amazon


Sunday, March 16, 2014

In the Shadow of Jezebel - by Mesu Andrews

Cover Art

About the book:

In a kingdom controlled by cruel and manipulative women, one princess will discover the power of truth and love.
Trained as a priestess in the temple of Baal, Princess Jehosheba strives to please the demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach far beyond the realm of earthly governments.

Forced to marry Yahweh's high priest in order to further Athaliah and Jezebel's power plays, Jehosheba enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh's Temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family--and the nation--she loves?

With deft skill, Mesu Andrews brings the Old Testament to life, revealing a fascinating story of the power of unconditional love.


My review:

This was an interesting story about the palace intrigues and betrayals during the time of Jezebel.  I can't imagine how horrible it would have been to not know who to trust and to constantly be on your guard.  I felt sorry for Jehosheba as she felt torn between years of worshiping Baal and learning more of Yahweh, but also not wanting to anger her adoptive mother, the daughter of Jezebel, because of who she would hurt.  I liked that we see Jehosheba grow as she learns to trust and love, not only her husband and Yahweh, but also two women she befriends.  I really liked that each chapter had a Bible verse about what was going on in the story, so you could compare the true story with the fictionalized account.  It was fascinating to see the role she played in Israel's history.  I did find the story stressful because of the court politics and Jehosheba's wildly varying emotions, but it was interesting to learn more about this time period.  I have read two other of Mesu's books and I didn't like this one quite as well as those, but she is a talented writer.  If you like historical, especially Biblical fiction, you should check her out.

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

Mesu Andrews is the award-winning author of Love Amid the Ashes, Love's Sacred Song, and Love in a Broken Vessel. Winner of the 2012 ECPA Christian Book Award for New Author, she has devoted herself to passionate and intense study of Scripture, bringing the biblical world vividly alive for her readers. She lives in Washington. Learn more at www.mesuandrews.com.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

A December Bride - A Year of Weddings Novella - by Denise Hunter



About the book:

What started as a whim turned into an accidental---and very public---engagement. Can Layla and Seth keep up the façade in Chapel Springs this holiday season---for the sake of her career . . . and his heart?
Under normal circumstances, Seth Murphy - the best friend of Layla O’Reilly’s ex-fiancé - would be the last person she’d marry. But the news of their upcoming (and phony) nuptials convinces a big client that Layla may be high-society enough to work for his agency - a coup that would put her fledgling home-staging business on the map. Seth has secretly loved Layla for years, even when she was dating his best friend. Maybe she’ll never forgive him for the way he hurt her back then, but he has to try. And Layla is willing to keep up their engagement farce until she’s landed her client.

For Layla, it's the chance to save her career. But for Seth, it's his last chance to win her heart.

My review:

I absolutely loved this book!  The romance was wonderful!  I loved the plot and enjoyed watching Seth try to win over Layla while she tried to keep him at arm's length.  It was amusing to see the predicaments they got themselves into.  The characters were great, the writing wonderful, and the story didn't feel rushed even though this is a novella.  I loved that Seth reminded Layla how special she is to God, even though she felt rejected by her ex-fiance and others.  This is a very fun, lighthearted story that I will read again and again. Denise Hunter is one of my favorite authors and this story is a great example why.  This is only available as an e-book.  Do not miss it!

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

Minding Molly - The Courtships of Lancaster County 3 - Leslie Gould

Cover Art

About the book:

Molly Zook Has Everything Planned Just Right.
Or So She Thinks!

Molly Zook's always liked being in control, so she's struggling with her mother's wish that, to save the family farm, she marry Mervin Mosier. Especially after Molly meets Leon Fisher. He's from Montana but is now training horses at a nearby ranch. He's tall and muscular and confident--Molly has never met anyone like him and she's sure he feels the same about her.

Determined to let nothing get between them, Molly tries to coax Mervin into falling back in love with Molly's best friend, Hannah. A weekend camping trip in the Poconos could be just the place...but things quickly go awry, and it seems Leon and Hannah might be falling for each other instead! Will Molly keep struggling to control everyone and everything around her? Or will she learn to let God handle the twists and turns of her life?


My review: 

I had a hard time getting into this story.  I liked Molly fine, along with the other characters, but there didn't seem to be a lot happening in the story.  It felt like a lot of description about day-to-day work and a ton of misunderstandings and miscommunication.  This is based on A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare, which is a chaotic story, but I still felt frustrated with the plot.  There was also hardly anything to the romance.  I did like the theme of realizing you can't control everything and that you need to let God be God and follow where He leads.  Overall, I was quite disappointed in the story, especially since I loved Courting Cate, the first book in the series, so much.  I still plan to read Adoring Addie, book two, and future books in the series if there are more.  If you like Amish stories, you might want to check it out.

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

Saturday, March 8, 2014

The Thief - The Living Water Series 2 - by Stephanie Landsem


About the book:


A Roman centurion longing for peace and a Jewish woman hiding a deadly secret witness a miracle that transforms their lives and leads them to the foot of the cross.

Longinus is a Roman centurion haunted by death and failure. Desperate to escape the accursed Judean province, he accepts a wager. If he can catch the thieves harassing the marketplace before Passover, he'll earn a transfer away from the troublemaking Jews.
Nissa is a Jewish woman with a sharp tongue and no hope of marriage. Only with the help of Mouse, the best thief in Jerusalem, can she keep her blind brother, Cedron, fed and a roof over their heads.
When a controversial teacher miraculously heals Cedron, Longinus longs to learn more about the mysterious healer. Instead, his journey leads him to Nissa, whose secret will determine the course of both their futures.
Unexpectedly caught up in the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus, they wonder who this teacher is who heals others but does nothing to save himself. Is the mercy he offers in his teachings real, or just another false promise? Can Nissa and Longinus overcome their pasts to find a future free of their shackles?
The Thief is an evocative story of two people trapped in their circumstances and the life-changing power of forgiveness and love.

My review: I loved this well-written book!  It was fascinating to experience this time period from both a woman's and a Roman centurion's perspective.  I loved the character of Nissa!  I really admired her courage and determination to survive and take care of her brother.  The love story was wonderful.  It had that enemies falling in love story line, with misunderstandings thrown in.  As they got to know each other, they saw who the other really was.   It was fascinating to see how Longinus moved toward faith in Jesus from a pagan perspective while Nissa did from a Jewish perspective, especially since she had turned her back on her faith because of her circumstances.  This works great as a stand-alone, but I definitely want to read the first one and can't wait for the next.  I highly recommend it!

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

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/tB6wJ

About the Author: 

Stephanie Landsem loves adventure in far-off times and places. In real life, she's explored ancient ruins, medieval castles, and majestic cathedrals around the world. Stephanie is equally happy at home in Minnesota with her husband, four children, and three fat cats. When she's not writing, she's feeding the ravenous horde, avoiding housework, and dreaming about her next adventure---whether it be in person or on the page.



Learn more about Stephanie at: http://www.stephanielandsem.com

Don't miss Stephanie Landsem's outstanding sophomore effort, The Thief.

Best-selling author Tosca Lee had this to say of the book: Filled with memorable characters, The Thief is a tale of hopelessness turned to hope, of high stakes made higher, and ultimate love. What happens when a character at the lowest rung of society crosses paths with the most well-known figure in history? The story of The Thief. I couldn't stop reading.

Find out what readers are saying HERE. (Click the REVIEWS bar.)


Pre-order Distortion by Terri Blackstock for $4.99. Review, Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party!

About the book: Juliet Cole's life has been dismantled by the murder of her husband. She doesn't know who---or what---to trust when everything she has believed to be true about her marriage has been a lie.
A husband's lies can have deadly consequences.
When Juliet Cole's husband of fifteen years is murdered before her eyes, she thinks it was a random shooting. Devastated and traumatized, she answers hours of questioning, then returns home to break the tragic news to her boys. But a threatening voicemail takes this from a random shooting to a planned, deliberate attack.
Juliet realizes that she and her children are in danger too, unless she meets the killers' demands. But as she and her sisters untangle the clues, her husband's dark secrets come to light. The more she learns, the more of her life is dismantled. Was her husband an innocent victim or a hardened criminal?

My review: I really enjoyed this suspenseful story and can't imagine how shocking it would be to discover your husband has so many deadly secrets.  Sometimes her responses bothered me, but were mostly understandable under the circumstances.  The same goes for her older son.  I liked the different perspectives we got to see and it was fun to see the whole family involved in trying to figure out the situation.  I haven't read book one and felt like I did miss out on something, but the story line wasn't confusing because of it.  I liked that Juliet had a deep faith, but still questioned why, and that her family had varying levels of faith due to a very hurtful incident in their childhood.  There was one point at the end that I didn't think made logistical sense, but mostly it was believable.  I definitely plan on reading the first book and can't wait for the next in the series!

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

More reviews here!

Pre-order a copy for just $4.99 on Kindle, Nook, iTunes, or the eBook version on CBD until March 10th.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/tPPB8 

About the Author: Terri Blackstock has sold over six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, Restoration, and Moonlighters.

Learn more about Terri at: http://terriblackstockbooks.com








Don't miss Terri Blackstock's latest release in the Moonlighters series, Distortion.

The book releases March 11th, and Terri will be kicking off the release with a fun Facebook Distortion party and giving away a Kindle Fire HDX. PLUS readers can pre-order the ebook for just $4.99 between now and 3/11 everywhere ebooks are sold.

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One winner will receive:
  • A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
  • Distortion and Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 11th. Winner will be announced at the Distortion Facebook Party on March 11th. Connect with Terri for a "suspenseful" book launch party with prizes, a book chat, and more.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!



Thursday, March 6, 2014

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Free and Sale E-Books!

Fresh Air  Free through 3/6 from multiple vendors!Her Mother’s Hope .99 through 3/6!

http://www.tyndale.com/ebookextra/

Understanding Your Bible in 15 Minutes a Day by Daryl Aaron Free through 3/7 from multiple vendors!Once Upon a Summer by Janette Oke Free until 4/30! Loved                                                                                                                                                   this series!
http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse/ebook-specials-from-bethany-house

How Sweet the Soundhttp://www.dccebooks.com/   Free through 3/9 from multiple vendors!

  Free for kindle!  I really enjoyed this one!
Amazon

Free for kindle!
Amazon

Free for kindle!
Amazon

Free for kindle!
Amazon


$.01 for kindle through 3/10!
Amazon

$.01 for kindle through 3/10!
Amazon

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Review of PRINCESS EVER AFTER, $200 “Princess” Giveaway and Facebook Party with @RachelHauck on 3/6!


About the book: A Royal Wedding Book

Regina Beswick was born to be a princess.
But she's content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother's hand-painted book of fairytales.
Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation's future---and his own.

Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever. Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she's destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together---with a little divine intervention---Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love.

My review: This was such a fun story!  I loved Regina; she was such a character and it was such fun to see the effect she had on Tanner.  I can't imagine how strange it would be to find out you're really a princess and that you need to restore the kingdom.  I admired her courage to go into the unknown and to try to discover God's will concerning the whole thing.  Tanner was a fascinating guy, too, with the sense of shame he couldn't get away from and his resistance to falling in love or even being happy.  I wished his spiritual transformation would have been a little more obvious instead of so many subtle moments.  I also wished for a little more to the romance because it happened so fast, but there are a lot of cute moments!  This works well as a stand-alone, though it is book two.  If you like romance or fairy tales, check out this book!

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

More reviews here!

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/tk6Wt

Meet the author: Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as RITA nominated The Wedding Dress and RITA nominated Love Starts with Elle, part of the Lowcountry series, the Nashvegas series and the Songbird Novels penned with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Their novel Softly and Tenderly, was one of Booklists 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, she worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full time in 2004. Rachel serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

Learn more about Rachel at: http://rachelhauck.com
Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of her latest "swoon"-worthy romance,  Princess Ever After, with a fun $200 "Princess" prize package giveaway and a Facebook "Princess" party on March 6th. Grab your tiaras and RSVP today!

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  One winner will receive:
  • A $200 Visa cash card (buy your very own "princess ever after" gown or tanks of gas for your "royal" ride)
  • Princess Ever After, Once Upon a Prince, and The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 6th. Winner will be announced at Rachel's "Princess" Facebook Party on March 6th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of "royal" book chat, princess-themed trivia, laughter, prizes, and an exclusive look at the next book in the Royal Wedding series!

So grab your copy of Princess Ever After and join Rachel and friends on the evening of March 6th 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 todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!



Sunday, March 2, 2014

The Dream Dress - Weddings by Design 3 - by Janice Thompson

Cover Art

About the book: 

Big dreams take big leaps of faith . . . but what if you trip on the way?
A lowly seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own original dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. But when Jordan Singer, reporter for Texas Bride magazine, visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is humbled in his influential--and unnervingly handsome--presence.

Convinced she'll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement--especially from her friend Bella Neeley--to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well.


My review:

What an enjoyable story that left me with a smile on my face!  I loved Gabi and this whole plot, that she was like Cinderella being overworked and under-appreciated.  It was great to see her stand up for herself and gain the courage to go for her dreams.  The whole Rossi clan was fun as always, along with seeing Hannah and Scarlett from the first two books, and it was fun to get to know Gabi's quirky grandma.  I loved the spiritual theme of forgiveness as Gabi struggled to forgive both her difficult boss and her father who had walked out on them.  It was great to see her journey to faith as she realized God is the ultimate Father and also the ultimate Prince Charming, inviting her (and every one of us) to an eternal ball (heaven) and all we have to do is accept the invitation.  The romance was sweet, especially an amazing date near the end.  I loved the references to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, who I love, and the great quotes at the beginning of each chapter.  Be forewarned, you'll probably be craving Mexican food after you read this!  If you like fun romance, you should check out this book!

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

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke & Laurel Oke Logan; Chat with Janette Oke and enter to win an iPad Mini!

About the book: Her courage and her heart will be tested in ways she never expected . . .

Beth Thatcher has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her family, her friends, and the social outings her father's wealth provides. But Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father, Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes her way.

But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she'd feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. There isn't even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth's heart is torn between two young men---both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man who comes to her aid more than once.

Despite the many challenges, Beth is determined to make a difference in the rustic frontier town. But when her sister visits from the East, reminding her of all the luxuries she's had to give up, will Beth decide to return to her privileged life as soon as the school year is over?

My review: I love so many of Janette Oke's books and was so excited to see she finally had a new one out!  I enjoyed this story and really admired Beth's determination and willingness to go somewhere so out of her comfort zone.  Beth was a wonderful character and I also loved the wise Molly, a woman she befriends in Coal Valley.  The book and TV show on Hallmark aren't quite the same and I was disappointed that the book didn't really have any romance.  I really liked the focus on Beth's strong faith and how she had to learn to depend on God to give her strength when she was at the end of hers. I also admired her commitment to really seek God in prayer, both reminders I really needed.  I would recommend this book if you like historical fiction!

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

More reviews here!

Purchase a copy and read an excerpt: http://ow.ly/tyWJH

About the Authors: 


Janette Oke Celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry, Janette Oke is the recipient of numerous awards. Her novels have sold more than 30 million copies and are beloved by readers around the world. Janette lives with her husband, Edward, in Alberta, Canada.

Laurel Oke Logan is the daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of "Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie," as well as the novel "Dana's Valley," which she co-wrote with her mom. Laurel and her husband have six children and two sons-in-law and live near Indianapolis, Indiana.


Janette Oke's newest book, Where Courage Calls (co-written with her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan), is receiving rave reviews. It is the companion story to Hallmark Channel's TV series When Calls the Heart, set in the Canadian west.

Janette and Laurel are celebrating with an iPad Mini giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on March 4th.
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One winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 4th. Winner will be announced at the Where Courage Calls Facebook Party on March 4th. Connect with Janette and Laurel for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more!

So grab your copy of Where Courage Calls and join Janette and Laurel on the evening of March 4th 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 by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!