Summer's List

I can't imagine the pain of losing someone you love. Fortunately for me, I haven't had to deal with it, but watched many go through it. It's not easy, especially when they are your last connection to family, no more exist outside of them and when their gone, you're left all alone. That is what Summer Snow is facing after learning that her Granny is dying of congestive heart failure and only has about six months to live. She makes Summer to promise to take some time off from running her grandmother's bookstore and follow a small list of what she believes Summer gave up to take care of those she has loved in her life from her parents to her grandmother.

She knows it won't take long and has promised to do what she can to be around for Summer when she is finished, but is making no promises as God can call her home at anytime, but she promises to do whatever she can to help. The first item on her list is also one her grandmother requires she must involve in completing the remainder of the items on the list with, her childhood friend, Martin Langtree. She just isn't sure what his status will be like after being apart for twenty years, but after her grandmother tracks down his address she agrees to go and at least ask for his help. What could it hurt?

Yet she finds Martin, dealing with his own issues. His parents have gotten a divorce and departed ways separately leaving Martin and his two brothers Desmond and Ivan to live in their sprawling home with their inheritance but also never to contact them again. While Martin has attempted to live within his means, his two spoiled younger brothers felt the need to never change the lifestyle they were accustomed to, like country club memberships, servants, extravagant spending sprees on unnecessary items for the home and clothing, they come to a realization that all of Desmonds investments have gone horribly wrong and they now need Martin's help and his money or they risk selling their family home. What will they do now?

I received Summer's List by Anita Higman compliments of Litfuse Publicity and River North Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are my own. I love the idea that one of our childhood friends might just be the love of our life, we might have missed growing up simply because we weren't focused on finding love over friendship. Who hasn't had a person in their past that they wonder, what might have happened if things had worked out differently, where would they be now if they had! It's a way to live vicariously through the characters of Martin and Summer who tackle a wonderful list of things I myself might have to do before this life ends as well. Definitely one you want to make sure winds up on this summer's reading list. I would give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Summer's List, Anita Higman or where you can find out where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Summer's List by Anita Higman

You can find Anita Higman on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Summer's List, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

A Marriage in Middlebury

To a live a life of regrets isn't living a life at all. For Charlotte Rose Hill, she has found that being the owner and operator of Rose Hill Tea Cottage has allowed her to pour her heart and soul into serving others. Not only in the specialty blends of tea she makes for each of her customers but also in providing them with an outlet to share the warmth and love of friendship just by listening to whatever is on their hearts. Nothing soothes a soul like a warm cup of tea and open heart willing to help. Now if only someone can do the same for Charlotte.

The last thing she expected to walk in her door was the man who she had given the key to her heart many years ago, but the man who when he proposed to her, she had said no. Not because she didn't love him but because of family secrets his father had threatened to expose if her answer was anything but no. Now that Sam Wilder has returned she wonders if there is a second chance at love for them. But when he introduces his fiancèe Audrey, her hopes are dashed once again. She can only wish that Sam and Audrey leave once they have settled his father's estate.

Yet it seems that God has other plans in mind, when Audrey suggests that Charlotte cater their wedding reception and have agreed to host a garden wedding on the Wilder's property. How can Charlotte possibly keep her feelings on the back burner when it seems at every turn she is once more asked to be a part of Sam and Audrey's wedding plans. How can she say no to them when she has made appearances to everyone in town that she has moved on. If only she can find a way to begin dating again. Perhaps if she gave someone else a chance she might find the happiness that keeps eluding her at every time she turns around.

I received A Marriage in Middlebury by Anita Higman compliments of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own. I absolutely LOVE this heart warming story. I can picture the quaint Rose Hill Tea Cottage where the town's residents gather for more than just a cup of tea. It's a place where people can find comfort in the out pouring of their hearts and souls and Charlotte is the perfect person to help them in any way she can. This one hands down wins a 5 out of 5 stars in my book and is one to be enjoyed over some butter cookies, a cup of your favorite blend of hot tea and a cozy place to cuddle up for a great novel. I can't wait to see if Anita expands this into a whole series, since the people you come to love and know in the book have their own stories to share.

For more information about A Marriage in Middlebury, Anita Higman or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Marriage in Middlebury by Anita Higman

You can find Anita Higman on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Marriage in Middlebury from the Litfuse Publicity Book Tour, please click here.

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (November 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426733879
• ISBN-13: 978-1426733871
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches

Anita Higman is celebrating the release of her latest book, A Marriage in Middlebury, with a double Kindle Fire giveaway (one for you & one to give away!) and a "Tea for Two" Facebook Author Chat Party on December 12th.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire for you AND a friend
• A Marriage in Middlebury by Anita Higman (one to keep and one to give away!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 12th. Winner will be announced at the "Tea for Two" Facebook Author Chat Party on December 12th. Invite your friends and connect with Anita for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Anita's next book!

So grab your copy of A Marriage in Middlebury and join Anita on the evening of December 12th 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 at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 12/12!

A Merry Little Christmas

The Martin farm, Oklahoma, 1961

Franny's mother always said that if humans ever landed on the moon, the first thing they'd need was music. It was the one essential that made a place inhabitable - you know, to get through all those dark and lonely - not to mention unmarried and dateless - nights.

Franny sighed and turned up the dial on her transistor radio. Frank Sinatra's version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" wooed its way over the airwaves like a slow kiss under the mistletoe. She swayed and sange along as she dumped the last of the slop into the troughs of her forty rambunctious hogs. Then she climbed up on the fence for a little swine soiree.

"You know, I can't wait to see who Dick Clark features next on American Bandstand, but now that I'm thirty-three, I guess I should be watching The Lawrence Welk Show. Right?" The hogs grunted their replies, but it wasn't anything worth repeating. "Honestly, you guys can be such boars." She chuckled to herself at her bad pun.

As the last musical ribbons of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" tied up like a bow, Franny hopped down on the other side of the pig fence, picked up her radio and slop bucket, and heaved a sigh. Christmas was coming, and it looked like she was going to spend the holidays alone. Again.

With that piteous little thought bobby-pinned to her mind, she turned around and came face-to-face with a man. A stranger! She let out a yelp loud enough to startle the man and arouse the poor hogs into a frothing frenzy. The bucket and radio went flying as Franny went slip-sliding onto the muddy ground." (pg 9-10).

In the latest Christmas novel from Anita Higman, A Merry Little Christmas takes us back to the 1960's, on Franny's farm where she runs into quite literally a man who wishes to purchase the family farm she has had up for sale for the last 12 years. Funny how things like that just fall into place. Now that Charlie Landau and her have meet quite informally, she can finally find time to pursue the life long dream of a career in music in the big city. All she needed was a way out and Charlie fell right on in. It seems as if Charlie has been looking for a way to prove himself worthy to take part in his father's business, but after many unsuccessful attempts thus far, Charlie is hoping that taking over a farm and making a profit might be just the thing his father needs to see he is more than capable.

Set in the midst of the civil unrest with racial tensions running high, the book overlaps between a transition of ownership and jobs between Fanny and Charlie and thrusts them both into dealing with the unfair treatment of Noma Jefferson, an eldery women with the face as richly hued coffee who had shown Franny the kindness worthy of the Good Samaritan, when she finds herself having one of the worst days ever. Will Franny and Charlie be able to see past their own difference of money and be able to see the simpler side of life that money can never buy, perhaps Noma Jefferson really is an angel in disguise set upon the world to restore the hearts of the good people in Charlie and Franny, but of course, you'll never know unless you read this Christmas novel yourself.

I received A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Summerside Press for my honest review and love a great story like this one. It brings to light so many different emotions and how each of the characters interacts with one another makes this one memorable long after you finish reading it. It's almost like you witnessed these events yourself. Anita does an exceptional job at transporting the reader right back into the heart of Oklahoma in the 1960's through the music and references to items like record players, transistor radios, and even the old time diner experience is rich and vividly described. It's things like these that truly enhance the experience for the reader and make them all the more real. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and think it's a must read for your Christmas season.

For more information about A Merry Little Christmas, Anita Higman and where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman

You can also find Anita Higman on Facebook. 

To read more reviews from the Litfuse Book Tour, please click here. 

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Summerside (October 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1609366883
• ISBN-13: 978-1609366889
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches

Love Finds You Under The Mistletoe

I am a huge fan of the Love Finds You series of books, published by Summerside Press through different authors and was more than thrilled to review this Christmas favorite, Love Finds You Under The Mistletoe, by Irene Brand and Anita Higman. In this wonderful novel, you get two holiday romance stories in one book.

An Appalachian Christmas by Irene Brand

Julia Mayfield made a promise to her dying sister Margaret, that she would reunite her son, Bobby with his grandparents in Mistletoe, Kentucky. Since serving in WW2, Julia feels responsible for finding the time to fulfill this wish of her sister and reunite her nephew Bobby with his paternal grandparents the Warrens. What she finds upon stepping off the bus in Kentucky with two year old Bobby, is a very small town of Booneville, 18 miles outside of Mistletoe and no way to get there. Thankfully Julia gets a ride from a mail carrier headed just that way. However when his truck gets stuck while crossing a heavy creek, Julia sends up prayers for God to rescue her.

Enter, David Armstrong on horseback who rescues Julia, Bobby and Tom, the mailcarrier and helps to free their stuck vehicle from the creek. When Julia explains her situation to David, the look of concern on his face in helping her locate the Waldens isn't good. Since the Walden's received news of Bobby's fathers death, they have become recluses in their home and never venture out. David isn't so sure that even with Bobby being their grandson that the Walden's will believe her.

When they arrive at the deserted, rundown home of the Warrens, Julia is threatened with being killed if she doesn't leave, but where does one go in the town of Mistletoe with only a school and a post office in town. Lucky for her, David has the answer.

This story took me right to the small, isolated town of Mistletoe, Kentucky, lost in the deep, dark forests to see if things will work out for Julia and Bobby. Seems small town charm does bring out the best in some people.

Once Upon A Christmas Eve by Anita Higman

Holly Goodnight was left on the doorstep of the Little Bethlehem Shoppe as an infant by her mother one night and since then it's all Holly can think about as she has grown is where her mother is and why she left her behind. Working at the store, which has now been voted the best Christmas shop in America, Holly realizes that her "father" has done the very best he could even though he himself never married in taking care of her in the small town of Noel, Missouri.

Owen Quigley is Holly's best friend throughout her childhood in Noel, and has for quite some time seen himself as more to her than just a friend, but not to Holly. When an unexpected stranger shows up in town, Van Keaton, a writer who wants to capture Holly's story in a book, Owen realizes that it's time to finally be honest to Holly about what his true feelings are for her. Yet for Holly having someone who is willing to help her search for her mother, causes her to feel something more for Van Keaton, but is it love?

What I loved about these two heartwarming romance stories is that even though they are both different, they are connected by one seemingly small act in each book. I just know that if you're like me, reading a great Christmas romance is just what you need to put you in the holiday spirit.

I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and present it with a 5 out of 5 stars. This is truly a great Christmas classic for me and it's found a permanent home in my library. Thanks Irene for signing my copy too!

For more information on this book, the authors and where to purchase a copy, please read on:

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe Summerside Press (September 1, 2010)
by Irene Brand & Anita Higman

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Irene Brand has written Sunday School curriculum, edited a two-year series of mission curriculum, and her works have appeared in five program-material anthologies. Her publishers include Zondervan, Standard Publishing, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Fleming-Revell, Barbour Publishing, Kregel Publications, Steeple Hill (inspirational imprint of Silhouette), and Summerside Press. She has had 4 non-fiction books published, and 43 fiction works. Her first inspirational romance was published in 1984.

Award-winning author, Anita Higman, has twenty-six books published (several coauthored) for adults and children, and she has been honored as a Barnes & Noble Author of the Month for Houston. Anita has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Her favorite things include exotic teas, movies, and all things Jane Austen.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Two Christmas stories - one historical, one contemporary - under one cover!

Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: An Appalachian Christmas

A promise to her dying sister compels Julia Mayfield to take her young nephew to Mistletoe, Kentucky, a tiny town tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains. Sparks fly when she meets David Armstrong, a World War II veteran like herself. Even as shadows from the past weave a dangerous web around Julia and David, will their love flourish like the mistletoe that blankets the nearby hills?

Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: Once Upon a Christmas Eve

Hollie Goodnight's store has just been voted best Christmas shop in America. All the new publicity draws flamboyant novelist Van Keaton to the cozy town of Noel, Missouri, demanding to write Hollie's story - a dramatic tale of misfortune and triumph. She is swept up in his world of beautiful words and fanciful interludes. . .until Owen Quigly, her lifelong best friend, launches a plan to win her back.

If you would like to read an excerpt of Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe, go HERE.