Finding Father Christmas/Engaging Father Christmas

I am so delighted when an exceptional novel gets to be made into a movie, and that is just what is happening to Robin Jones Gunn's novels Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas. In fact since the movie is due out in December on the Hallmark Channel, the novels have been combined to allow the reader to discover how it all turns out in one spectacular seamless story line just as the movie will do. So if you are looking for a wonderful contemporary Christmas romance, trust me and pick this one up.

In Finding Father Christmas, Miranda Carson's been searching for her biological father based only on a handful of clues her mother left behind as an actress. She apparently had a brief love affair with a man who she refused to divulged to Miranda and only upon her death did she uncover a faded old black and white photo of a child in the lap of Father Christmas and an old playbill of her mother's with an apparent reference to who might be her father in it. Since Father Christmas is only recognized in London, England as well as the photography studio's name on the back of the photo, she believes that is the first place she should begin her search. After she learns that the photo studio has long been sold, she struggles for help with those in a small town of Carlton Heath, who may just know where her legacy lies. She only wishes to know who her father is, not try to upset those who may not be happy with what she uncovers and what that may mean to the family who has never heard of Miranda.

In the sequel to Finding Father Christmas, Engaging Father Christmas has led Miranda to the discovery of who her father was and the family she now has the chance to meet. However, happily ever afters seem to be only in the fairy tales, as rumors swirl of Miranda's birth and how that affects the family name of one of London's most influential families. It could spell disaster or it could bring about the only thing Miranda has ever dreamed of and that is knowing that she isn't alone in the world anymore and that she has a family who could love her if only given the chance. Is there more than the love of her family waiting or does Father Christmas have more than she could have ever wished for?

I received Finding Father Christmas/Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased and personal opinion. I absolutely LOVED this book and it reminds me of what I always envisioned for a small town of Carlton Heath set in London, England. Some quirky but lovable characters, heart-warming small town charm, and lots of romance to be found that isn't over the top obvious, even though you know how it might all play out. You want a bit of tension that it might not work out so easily and that you fall in love not only with the main characters but all the secondary supporting ones as well. My favorite was Ellie. You just never know what she will be dressed up as, and she truly loves what she does. It does make me want to watch A Christmas Carol all over again, but more than that, to appreciate the present more than ever before! I'd easily give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Don't forget to pick up the 3rd novel, Kissing Father Christmas due out in October!

For more information about Finding Father Christmas/Engaging Father Christmas, Robin Jones Gunn, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Finding Father Christmas/Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn

You can find Robin Jones Gunn on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Finding Father Christmas/Engaging Father Christmas, please visit Faith Word's website.

Close To Home

When you lose the love of your life, how long will it take before you feel comfortable about dating again, or do you ever? What about the relationships you have built with the family after the death, do you maintain it or simply realize at some point that too will change? These are the questions running through Bree Whitman faces when it has been five years since she lost her Marine husband Tim in Afghanistan. She just can't even begin to imagine what that must be like, even though she is still young enough to begin again. Where does one even start? How will she ever be able to explain that to the Whitman family who feels more like her own family, than her real ones?

Since she has been on the receiving end of the attentions of her co-worker Aaron, who has expressed more than a passing interest in dating her, Bree just isn't sure what to do, but believes it may be time to see how it might work out with Aaron. While her job permits interoffice dating, she knows if it doesn't work out, it will be very uncomfortable to continue to work together and it may affect her working relationship with clients in the event planning business if her and Aaron can't work together. Still it is a risk she is willing to begin, but when Aaron gets too pushy on what he believes Bree should be willing to do at this point in her grieving process, she begins to wonder if she made a mistake, especially when he wants her to give up her Tuesday night dinners with the Whitman family at the Chicory Inn.

Drew Brooks find himself laid off from his job and with no prospects within town including with his brother Dallas' company that is at a hiring freeze, he opts to look outside for work in St. Louis. He just didn't expect it would mean giving up being a part of the family with the Whitmans. But since Grant and Audrey's mother, Cee-Cee is dealing with health issues including forgetting things and running the risk of getting injured living alone in her old age, they believe now is the time to begin building her a small cottage in the meadow on the land in which they run the Chicory Inn, a bed and breakfast so they can keep her close but still allow her to live independently. Now that Drew is looking for work, Grant offers him a job working on the cottage with him until he can find a more permanent job. That works out perfectly until he begins to spend Tuesday nights with the Whitmans and finds a friendship with Bree building into something much more more!

I received Close to Home by Deborah Raney compliments of Net Galley and Abingdon Press for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free eBook of Close To Home in exchange for my unbiased and personal opinion. Since I have read the previous novels, this one was missing and was so glad I got the chance to see how Bree would deal with the loss of her husband Tim. I can only imagine how difficult the situation would be and dealing not only with your own feelings but that of your former spouses as well. This played out so well and I was rooting for Bree and Drew the whole time. I really didn't think she would work out with Aaron since their first interactions. A man who thinks Bree is ready but isn't willing to consider all the aspects of beginning again, certainly isn't worth anyone's time. I would easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and reader's even get a sneak peek at the 5th novel coming soon, Home at Last! Even though these are part of a series, you can read this one just fine, but the back stories of each of them are in subsequent novels including the first one that establishes why Grant and Audrey decided to start a Bed and Breakfast in their home.

The Chicory Inn Series
1 - Home to Chicory Lane
2 - Two Roads Home
3 - Another Way Home
4 - Close to Home
5 - Home at Last (Coming Soon)

For more information about Close to Home, Deborah Raney or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Close to Home by Deborah Raney 

You can find Deborah Raney on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

You can read more reviews on Close to Home at Abingdon Press' website.

Her One and Only

Can you imagine a young, beautiful woman serving as a body guard to a NFL wide receiver? Doesn't this sound like some kind of prank football players might play on one another? Yet this is exactly the premise behind Becky Wade's latest novel, Her One and Only. Gray Fowler is that wide receiver for the Mustangs, and while he has been used to dealing with obsessive fans before, his team manager is taking it a bit more seriously. The threats seem to be getting more bold and while they remain short and simple the point is clear. Someone wants to see Gray Fowler dead.

That is where Dru Porter comes into play. While she might not seem much of a threat when you look at her, she has served in the Marines, is a national expert sharpshooter champion and is a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, besides being raised among three older brothers. She make not look like much, but looks can be intimidating and they may in fact work on her behalf. When Gray suggests she pose as his girlfriend instead of a mere secretary or personal assistant for him, Dru is less than pleased by the idea. However it may just work out in the end. It allows her to stay close to him during her hours of protection and their cover story of her working as a preschool teacher during the day, sounds perfect. The only thing she hates it the idea that she might fall for this guy no matter how hard she tries not to and how insistent her brothers are that she keeps her mind on work and nothing else.

Gray has different ideas, despite his threats. Everyone knows most girls fall for the quarterbacks, and Gray's buddy Colin suggests a bet between the two. While it is easy enough to kiss Dru on their end, they both place a wager that they believe they can get her to kiss them first. For Gray his bet is his Rolex watch which Colin would just love to win, while Colin has placed his big flat screen TV up for grabs for Gray. Just imagine the bragging rights these guys would have over the other in the club locker rooms. Things are about to get interesting between the three of them, especially when Dru is the one stuck in the middle. What will she think when she discovers these guys are only interested in her to win a bet?

I received Her One and Only by Becky Wade compliments of LitfusePublicity and Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my personal and honest opinions. I absolutely love the Becky took the opportunity to share this novel's conclusion in the Porter Family novels with Dru's story. I can't imagine the competition to measure up to three very masculine older brothers who have their own stories we have shared in the previous novels. Now each of them is settled and married beginning families of their own and while they have the best intentions on protecting Dru, she is one determined and strong willed woman with a mind of her own. I love this bit of a role reversal regarding a body guard scenario and love how it plays out throughout the entire novel. All of your favorite Porter brothers are back as this novel unfolds as well as a Reader Guide Discussion Questions at the conclusion that is perfect for book clubs. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Her One and Only, Becky Wade or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Her One and Only by Becky Wade

You can find Becky Wade on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Her One and Only, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour page. 


Meet Dru Porter, former Marine, expert markswoman, and black belt—who also happens to be assigned as a bodyguard to star NFL tight end Gray Fowler. Don't miss the final Porter family novel by Becky Wade, Her One and Only. Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, and Dru is determined to find his stalker. Every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.

Join Becky in celebrating the release of Her One and Only by entering to win her Porter prize pack and $100 cash card giveaway!

Meet Dru Porter, former Marine, expert markswoman, and black belt—who also happens to be assigned as a bodyguard to star NFL tight end Gray Fowler. Don't miss the final Porter family novel by Becky Wade, Her One and Only. Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, and Dru is determined to find his stalker. Every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.

Join Becky in celebrating the release of Her One and Only by entering to win her Porter prize pack and $100 cash card giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Her One and Only
• A $100 cash card
• Follow Your Heart tote bag
• 24 oz Tervis Wonder Woman Tumbler
• The Blind Side DVD
• Necklace with star charm
• Porter Family navy jersey

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 31st. The winner will be announced June 1st on the Litfuse blog.

Fading Starlight

Lauren Summer's career is on the pinnacle of success as she awaits to hear what the fashion experts have to say about her first dress making its red carpet appearance. She is the first intern to have her dress on public display and it will be a make it or break it opportunity depending on this one event. When the dress malfunctions and leaves the rising starlet in a less than compromising position, suddenly her entire future vanishes before her very eyes and with it comes a text message from her employer to not bother to show up for work on Monday.

In fact, they have decided to do what they can to black ball Lauren from ever hoping to work in the fashion industry again. Her only hope is to take a low paying job creating costumes for a theater group and she hopes she can remain out of the limelight and paparazzi. The biggest asset comes when the theater group offers her a chance to stay at a home in a secluded community along the coast with the promise she will be available for the contractors who are coming to restore the dilapidated home according to the Home Owner's association.

She has to promise to keep visitors at a minimum and never disturb the residents who are seeking privacy for their own reasons, especially Charlotte Montgomery, an elderly woman who sits in a huge Victorian home as a bit of a recluse. Lauren is given the opportunity to be restored to her former glory by a reporter seeking information about Ms. Montgomery and a murder mystery that has gone unsolved. She promises to investigate Lauren's mishap to see if it was all a publicity stunt. But will Lauren compromise her faith and integrity to get her former future in fashion back? What is Ms. Montgomery hiding and why is she always seen wearing beautiful ball gowns?

I received Fading Starlight by Kathryn Cushman compliments of TLC Book Tours and Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my personal and honest evaluation. I absolutely adored this novel and read it in one sitting. I love the premise behind this one as both renovating old homes and uncovering the mysteriousness about Charlotte Montgomery and her former glory days as a starlet in Hollywood. I've been a huge fan of all the older Hollywood films and believe they hold a sense of awe in the wonderful decades that they came from in regards to fashion and the rumors circulating behind those starlets. In my opinion this one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars and has found a permanent home in my personal library.

For more information about Fading Starlight, Kathryn Cushman or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Fading Starlight by Kathryn Cushman

You can find Kathryn Cushman on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Fading Starlight, please visit TLC's Book Tour page. 

Fading Starlight is available in paperback and ebook formats from your favorite retailer. 304 pages ISBN: 9780764212628

Close To You

Some novels when you turn the last page, you give a collective sigh! Not because you're glad you finished it but because it was simply that good, you don't want it to end. Kara Isaac is about to become one of my must have authors, because in her debut novel Close To You, she takes a wonderful idea for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit and spins a contemporary romance that is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and hopefully have that wonderful sigh when you finish it as well.

Close to You involves Allison Shire, who is spending her time as a tour guide working for Southern Luxury Tours, a high end tour company that spares no expense when it comes to taking Tolkien fans of both movies to all the locations in New Zealand where they filmed the movies. She even manages to don Hobbit attire right down to the feet in an effort to make her clients feel like they have gotten their monies worth on the tour. She is dealing with a 2 year long court battle with her supposed husband Derek to have their marriage annulled, not because they don't love each other, but because Derek married her knowing he was already married to someone else in an effort to gain a passport to New Zealand and escape his gambling debt with ones who break legs over demanding payment. She just hopes the answer comes soon so her financial assets can be unfrozen and she can move forward in her life. The last thing she would expect is to fall in love with someone else.

Jackson Gregory is at the end of his proverbial rope. Without his Uncle Louis' financial support, he won't be able to pay back his investors some 5 million dollars for an investment that went bad, when his girlfriend Nicole, decided to sell all his investment secrets to his competitor and leave him with nothing. The only reason he has been invited on this tour to New Zealand is because his Uncle is a long-time Tolkien fan and he is filling in for the assistant that quit on him last minute. Even though he knows nothing about Tolkien, he will do whatever it takes to convince his Uncle to take a financial risk on him even if it means dressing up in Lord of the Rings attire. I mean how hard can it really be?

I received Close to You by Kara Isaac compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest personal evaluation. This blends comedy when the two meet and it's not the right kind of sparks that begin to fly. It is a hate-hate relationship that begins as Allie realizes that Jackson is a Tolkien fraud and attempts to expose him to his employer the first change she gets, but when she winds up to her neck in mud, she will have to make a desperate call to the one person who can free her from her unpredictable situation. This novel will have you wanting to re-watch all of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films and who knows perhaps book your own tour of New Zealand to find a love that lasts! This one easily garners a 5 out of 5 rings/or stars in my book and I can't wait for more from this talented and amazing author.

For more information about Close to You, Kara Isaac or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Close to You by Kara Isaac

You can find Kara Isaac on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Close to You, please visit Howard Book's website. 

Sit, Stay, Love

Pet lovers know that our animals are sensitive to our emotions and seem to understand exactly what we need, when we need it. When an owner dies, the pet grieves in their own way just as we do, but it is hard to watch when they are trying to process what has happened. That is exactly what is going on with Tippy, a thirteen-year-old mixed breed dachshund who has lost her owner, Cal's mom. Cal wasn't looking to adopt or care for Tippy since he is so busy with his pro baseball career and he is the last suitable person for any kind of pet. The only thing he can manage to do right now at least, is hire someone who can do that for him and that is where Gina comes into play.

Taking the place of her cousin, she takes on the task of working not only with Tippy, but with Cal in resolving the relationship the two share in the unlikeliest of situations. Tippy seems to sense that a part of his missing owner can be found in Cal and it will take all the tricks she can muster to find a way into his heart if only he will give her the chance. Unfortunately it turns out to be a comedy of errors when the only way Tippy will eat is when Cal sits next to her. Yet when he has to leave for work, Gina believes he can take a short break to help Tippy manage lunch at least, she just didn't expect to distract him from catching the pitch from the catcher and hit him in the face instead.

Now Gina has time to work with both of them while Cal is recovering. He still needs to sort through his mother's belongings at the family ranch and get that ready for sell. The last thing he has time for is trying to find a way to keep and maintain it, and a trip home is just what he needs. He just isn't prepared for all the emotions waiting for him when he walks in the door of his childhood home.

I received Sit, Stay, Love by Dana Mentink compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the book, in exchange for my honest and personal opinions. This is a book for dog lover's especially but all pet lovers will find something in common in the unbreakable bonds we share with our pets. There is a great chemistry that forms between Gina, Cal and Tippy as they each work through their own issues and eventually find that unconditional love forms the tightest bond of all. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Part of the proceeds from the book will be donated to the Muttville Senior Dog Rescue which finds homes for older dogs instead of a life in the shelters.

For more information on Sit, Stay, Love, Dana Mentink or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Sit, Stay, Love by Dana Mentink

You can find Dana Mentink on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Sit, Stay, Love, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

  What do you get when you add one abrasive professional athlete, a quirky out-of-work schoolteacher, and an overweight geriatric dog? A lesson in love—Tippy style—in Dana Mentink's new book, Sit, Stay, Love. As Gina travels through Cal’s world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too. . . .

Join Dana in celebrating the release of Sit, Stay, Love with a blog tour and a Travels with Tippy prize pack giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Sit, Stay, Love
• A basket filled with Tippy-themed goodies
  • Travel-themed decorator box
  • Reading dog statue
  • Dog journal
  • Poems for Dog Lovers
  • Snuggle Paws fleece blanket from Animal Rescue Site
  • Pawprint scarf
  • Doxie desk pen
  • Pupmobile auto magnet

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on April 25th. The winner will be announced April 26th on Dana's blog.

Counting on a Cowboy

Thankfully, I have never to this date, experienced the loss of a spouse, but I know many who have, and it is not an easy place to be. Often times, well meaning people, will believe that enough time has passed in their books, for that person to be willing to move forward, but what we fail to realize is that it is different for everyone. What we need to do, is to be there for them, as often as they need us and never underplay what they are feeling or dealing with from one day to another. That is the premise behind Debra Clopton's novel, Counting on a Cowboy, the second novel in the Four of Hearts Ranch Romance Series.

I quite literally read this in a couple of hours, it was simply that good. I mean who wouldn't want a handsome cowboy like Bo Monahan to be interested in helping you out. For Abby Knightly, she isn't. The only reason she sold her home and moved to Wishing Springs, Texas was to start over and based on the advice columns she read from Maggie, this was a ladies paradise for all the right reasons beginning with the eligible men that lived there. This wasn't the reason she moved here, she simply had to get away from all those well meaning friends and family that felt after two years, the loss of her husband Landon, should be old news by now. She should be willing to look for love again. For Abby, she was just ready to leave that all behind, but the problem was that no matter how far away she moved, unless she was ready to deal with things, it would follow her for the rest of her life.

Bo Monahan wasn't looking for love until it hit him, well almost anyway. Trying to corral a wayward steer, put himself in the middle of the road at night and cause Abby to swerve her car and put her into a ditch. Knowing he was partially to blame, he offers to be her escort around town until her car can be fixed. He just doesn't know that the more time he spends with Abby, and the more she tries to push him away, the more deeper he gets in his feelings for her. Thankfully, he has to put his mind on other things like a baby that is dumped on his porch that claims he is the father and that if this has happened, then the mother has passed away from cancer. Life certainly just got interesting in Wishing Springs and for some it will be quite life changing in more ways than one.

I received Counting On A Cowboy by Debra Clopton compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside from a free copy of the book. and the opinions contained here are my own personal and honest opinions. This is such a wonderful heartwarming story because it deals with loss on a different level. It shows us that no matter what we are all facing in our life we can make it through it when we rely on God's promises found in the Bible. We just need to learn to lean on Him and one day before we know it, will we arrive on the other side in our own timing and with His! This one is worth 4.5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait for the final novel in this series Kissed By A Cowboy which is slated for release in February of 2016. I will be sad to see it end for the Monahan family!

For more information about Counting on a Cowboy, Debra Clopton or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Counting on a Cowboy by Debra Clopton

You can find Debra Clopton on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Counting on a Cowboy, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page. 


A new tale of romance, family, and taking risks—don't miss Debra Clopton's Counting on a Cowboy! After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.

Saddle up with Debra and her new book and enter to win her Love at the Reins prize pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Counting on a Cowboy
• A $25 gift card to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Starbucks
• A western-inspired bracelet
• A horseshoe heart

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 8th. The winner will be announced September 9th on Debra's blog.

Hope Harbor

The one thing about our pasts is that no matter how far we try and run from them, they still remain. Such is the case for Michael Hunter, a man searching for answers in a world that seems to have spiraled out of control. He heads to Hope Harbor along the Oregon coast hoping to find a fresh start for his busy charitable work in Chicago. After losing his wife, he is hoping that Hope Harbor lives up to its name. However when he arrives, he finds that his lodging accommodations have been changed due to an unexpected fire and just when he thinks he will have to move on further up the coast, things change. Call it a coincidence, luck or just simply God's way of remaining anonymous, when long time recluse Anna Williams offers Michael a room to rent. Seems she doesn't talk to anyone and Michael has provoked a long seated emotion that has been locked away for decades.

Just when things are beginning to look up, Michael quite literally knocks Tracy Campbell off her feet or off her bike, when he steps out on the street in front of her causing her to crash and lose some of her groceries and sustain minor injuries. Giving Michael a bit of well placed advice to watch where he is going, she rushes away before she has to speak with him any longer than necessary. The news she has for her Uncle Bud about their family business Harbor Point Cranberries. It seems unless they can find a way to infuse more money into the business they might have to sell to companies that are more efficient and can turn a bigger profit than what her and her family have been struggling to do for years now. If only there was a way to find the answer to keeping the family business quite literally afloat.

I received Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon compliments of Revell Publishing and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside of a complimentary copy of the novel and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. I think my favorite quote from this novel is simply this, "You know what they say about coincidence - it's God's way of remaining anonymous." This is so true for each of the characters that are joined together from Charlie, the lunch truck driver who doles out Scriptures along with his world famous fish tacos, to Anna Williams who rescues animals she meets along her walks in town, to the unlikely couple found in Michael and Tracy, who are both grieving from their past relationships and looking for a future that God seems to be masterfully orchestrating. Come home to Hope Harbor, where hearts heal and love blooms! This is the first novel in the Hope Harbor series and I can't wait for more, this one deserves a 4.5 of out 5 stars in my opinion and will be checking out Irene Hannon's other novels as well.

For more information about Hope Harbor, Irene Hannon, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon 

You can find Irene Hannon on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Hope Harbor, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliances book tour page. 

London Tides

Life can take some unexpected turns. The thing we think we want most in the world, can be the one thing we simply walk away from. Grace Brennan had what some might call a picture perfect life as a photojournalist that found herself more and more in the midst of conflict. Her love life with Ian MacDonald was everything she had hoped for and more - until the day she walked away without a word, simply leaving behind her engagement ring and move forward to get lost in her career.

Now years later she comes back to find that Ian is still living in London. He hasn't moved on and never remarried. She is pulled by the notion that there might still be something there, but she can't find a way to connect with him again. Just how do you explain walking away from the man you loved to follow a career you loved perhaps even more? They had agreed to marry and give up their careers for love, but Grace had a change of heart.

With the loss of a colleague, she is still trying to find a way to absolve her guilt with not being able to save him as they found themselves in the midst of a war when they took fire. Now the tattoo she has on her arm will be a reminder than some choices in life carry consequences that go far beyond what we could ever imagine and there simply is no way of going back. If only she could find her way back into Ian's heart again, but is that something he is willing to take another chance on? Only time will tell.

I received London Tides by Carla Laureano compliments of David C. Cook Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside of my complimentary copy of this novel. This is the second novel in the MacDonald Family Trilogy, and I am sorry I did not read the first novel in this series. Yet I was able to perfectly understand the conflict that happens between Grace and Ian as they author took her time, establishing their backstory over the first few chapters. I love the parallel storylines of their careers and how each of them felt at some point their careers defined who they were until they really understood that that was just an illusion. The theme of home and safety are what motivates Grace and Ian in different ways and that comes to fulfillment by the close of this novel. There are some discussion questions at the conclusion of this novel that are perfect for book clubs. Overall I'd rate this one a 4 out 5.

For more information about London Tides, Carla Laureano, or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

London Tides by Carla Laureano 

You can find Carla Laureano on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on London Tides, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's Book Tour page.

Devotion

In a marriage there are a lot of issues for a husband and wife to deal with. Having their faith in God is a great foundation to have. However with all the challenges the world has to offer, even our faith can be tested in ways we would never consider crossing the line for. We often think we are strong enough in our faith to handle anything the world would throw out there, confident we would pass the test with flying colors. But that is our weakness, thinking we can remain unscathed from temptations even in the strongest marriages who seem to be completely ground in their faith in God.

In the novel Devotion by Marianne Evans, a marriage between Kellen and Juliet Rossiter will be tested by fire. It was Kellen's job that drew Juliet to fall in love with him. As a music agent for Associated Talent, Kellen's goal in life is to get to the point where he can manage Christian artists. So it isn't unusual to find him in the latest hot spots and clubs trying to find the next top performer for his company. At times Juliet has accompanied him, but knowing after nine years how these meetings generally go, Juliet has developed her own interests working with the homeless at the local shelter as part of an outreach for her church.

Juliet and Kellen know that after nine years they wouldn't always spend their free time with one another, after all the time trying to have a family of their own, nothing seems to have for them. Tests after tests show that both of them are able to conceive but for whatever reasons it just hasn't happened despite all the questions from family at every event wondering just when they planned on having a child. No one really knew the struggle that they both faced when posed with that question. But when Kellen is asked to seek out the next big thing at a club called Iridescence, he wasn't planned for the detour his life would take when Juliet opted out this time. But it only takes an act of infidelity to result in a lifetime of forgiveness and their marriage will be tested in the worst way possible.

I received Devotion from Marianne Evans compliments of Pelican Book Group and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. Aside from a complementary copy of the novel to review I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. The opinions contained here are my own. This is such a brilliant novel because of its transparency in dealing with the subject of infidelity in a marriage. It rates right up there with Karen Kingsbury, as it takes an indepth approach at the foundation that the Rossiters build their marriage on and just how subtle temptation can be. It doesn't start with something big, but those little nuances that happen when we think we can handle ourselves instead of listening to God. You can feel for each of them in this situation from the anger that Juliet feels to the heart-wrenching pain Kellen has to contend with when Juliet insists on moving out.

For me the biggest take away is one I shared with my husband. Is that temptations are subtle and there are so many opportunities for us to leave the situation but we don't. In marriage there will come times when we are all tested and undoubtedly mistakes will be made that will inflict pain into each other's heart. The point is not trying to get back what you had before, it's building on what you have moving forward. What an "A-ha!" moment that was. Too often we try to fix things wondering why we can't go back to before those hurts, and it results in frustration on both spouses wondering where they are going wrong. They aren't. As long as they are moving forward building on what they have, that is the success in moving past those situations and hopefully have the outcome that Kellen and Juliet Rossiter have. The best part is seeing it from a third parties eyes and realizing how quickly something like that happens when we least expect it. No one is immune. This one is not only a must read but a must keep on your bookshelf and thus the reason why I give this one a 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Devotion, Marianne Evans, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Devotion by Marianne Evans

You can also find Marianne Evans on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Devotion, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's book tour page. 

To strengthen your marriage, check out some tips and resources at imdevoted.com

The Wedding Planners of Butternut Creek

I have been in love with the Butternut Creek series from author Jane Myers Perrine since the first novel. The cast of characters she has so lovingly created that live in the small town are rich in humor, love and purpose. If you haven't read any of them, please start at the beginning with The Welcoming Committee of Butternut Creek, then The Matchmakers of Butternut Creek before picking up The Wedding Planners of Butternut Creek.

In this small town, are a group of older women simply known as the Widows. Most of them are just that, widowed elderly women who have taken it upon themselves to help the town out wherever needs prevail. The leader, a woman known as Birdie or Miss Birdie is Birdie Macdowell. She is the voice of the entire group and is often strong willed and blunt but she means well in what she does. Her goal since the series began was to find their new minister, Adam Jordan, a wife. In a town this small, where the elderly greatly outnumber the younger, this poses a problem. Especially when Adam digs his feet in and kindly thanks the Widows for their well meaning intention, but he isn't interested.

When he met Gussie Milton, he wasn't interested in love, but over time, he found the perfect wife to be in her. But in the time he has taken to get to know her, the Widows feel he is dragging his feet and they firmly resolve to get them engaged, married and procreating to fill up the house the pastor is residing in. Now they simply need to make sure he understands just how committed they will need to be. Armed with more than good intentions the Widows of Butternut Creek are about to move their plans into the next phase and understand there is a wedding in the future. They just need to convince Adam it's time to propose and they intend on helping him do just that.

Now that Adam's sister Hannah has returned to Butternut Creek to heal from malaria while working as a doctor in Africa, the Widows have another plan in mind. With the high school basketball coach, Gabe Borden on the available list, they have just added another single woman to their list of eligible possibilities for Gabe. Only they don't realize that Hannah is no match for their "helpfulness" in finding her an eligible husband even if she is more than attracted to him. Oh but the Widows of Butternut Creek are about to have their work truly cut out for them in this novel and hopefully the right love arrows will be placed in the right hearts.

I received The Wedding Planners of Butternut Creek by Jane Myers Perrine compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I love the entire town and the people like Miss Birdie and the Widows are ones I can relate to. They are struggling to find purpose in life after raising their own families, dealing with the loss of their husbands, and trying to find something to help pass the time. They are filled with love for each of the people who live in town and even Miss Birdie will find out just how much all of her efforts to help people out will come back when she needs help the most. All in all, I hope this isn't the last novel for the Butternut Creek series and hope to see what the Widows are up to next. I easily give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about The Wedding Planners of Butternut Creek, Jane Myers Perrine, or where to pick up this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Wedding Planners of Butternut Creek by Jane Myers Perrine

You can find Jane Myers Perrine on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Wedding Planners of Butternut Creek, please visit Faith Word's website. 

The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek

There are only two Widows left in the group that used to be six in the town of Butternut Creek, Miss Birdie and Mercedes. They have been with the town of Butternut Creek since what seems like its creation and things don't happen here that either of them are not aware of. So when Adam Joseph Jordan comes to town as their new pastor, Miss Birdie knows she is going to have more than her hands full trying to train this one as young as he is. Miss Birdie and the town of Butternut Creek like things the way they have always been and to say that they are more than resistant to change would be a drastic understatement. When Adam takes up residence in the parsonage, he wasn't expecting a large 5 bedroom Victorian home and he certainly doesn't have even enough to fill one closet. Armed with a small TV, a sleeping bag and a couple bags of clothes, Miss Birdie realizes she has her work cut out for her.

Adam soon understands that by offering him such a large home, they had expected him to fill it with a wife and children. They certainly didn't expect a young single man who has no desire to find a wife and start a family. But that was before he met the Widows. The very next morning they arranged for furniture to be delivered and set up in the parsonage. Miss Birdie makes it a habit to set aside time to meet with Adam to ensure the hymns he selects go hand in hand with what the town likes, not new songs that no one knows. As gracious as he can be Adam understands that Miss Birdies "suggestions" are meant to help, not as a means of training up a new pastor in the way the town expects him to act.

Now all they have to do is find just the right person for Adam to marry and things will begin to fall in order. But with single women in short supply that are young enough presents a problem in the town of Butternut Creek and soon Adam will be dodging more than just miscellaneous notes from Miss Birdie. While the matchmaking continues, the Widows have another issue, long time resident Sam Peterson has returned as an amputee from the war and is struggling to find purpose living in his aunt's old home now that he has inherited it. He certainly doesn't consider himself a hero leaving his fellow Marines behind that couldn't make it home and he doesn't want any pity from anyone. He simply wants to be left alone. But when he notice his physical therapist isn't persuaded by his good looks, there might just be a spark left in Sam's heart after all. Now the Widow's really have their work cut out for them.

I received The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek by Jane Myers Perrine compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are strictly my own. This is the first novel in the Butternut Creek series, and I have read The Matchmakers of Butternut Creek before I got this one. I was so honored to be invited back to the town of Butternut Creek because I believe we all know someone who is like Miss Birdie in our own towns. They are well-meaning but determined and set in their ways to help make things right even if they haven't been asked. They don't like to be told they're wrong even though the have the very best of intentions, they simply want to feel like they are still a contribution and not someone who simply needs to relax and grow old. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and now can't wait to read the third novel in this series, The Wedding Planners of Butternut Creek!

For more information about The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek, Jane Myers Perrine or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek by Jane Myers Perrine

You can find Jane Myers Perrine on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek, please visit Faith Word's website. 

Rival Hearts

Two successful magazine publishers, one male, one female both with very different magazine profiles, suddenly find themselves competing for the same promotions as Editor-in-Chief for the launch of a new magazine, American Legend. For Molly Henderson, writer for Quilter's Heart, this promotion would be a validation for all the years she has worked for Master's Publishing. She took a novel idea and launched a successful magazine that has highlighted the friendship that women encounter whenever they read it. It not only showcases beautiful quilt designs but also the stories behind the women that create them. However she is not the outdoor type in any sense of the word.

For Ben Weaver, writer for Outdoor Adventures, the true manly man who loves the thrill of adventure in any sport, the more extreme the better. Bouncing back from his television series Extreme Survialist, he has taken Outdoor Adventures to new heights with his reader base. After just being with Master's Publishing for six months, he is running a competitive edge along side Molly's magazine. He knows with his popularity, taking on the challenge of American Legend, will create a permanent place for him instead of constantly being on the road traveling. However the last thing he understands is what fabric types to use and how do you put a quilt together anyway.

But Blake Masterson is always on the look out for a way to drive in more publicity so he decides the only way he can make the right decision on who should get the position is to create a competition between Molly and Ben. They will have thirty days to change places, and Molly will need to lead a kayak expedition and then write about it, while Ben will need to create a quilt all by himself and then write the article about his experience. At the end of the thirty days, whoever has done the most with their task will get the new position. So now instead of being rival colleagues, they are now rival competitors and may the best man or woman win! But it's not going to be an easy task for either of them working outside of their comfort zones. Who will win?

I received Rival Hearts by Tara Randel 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 here are my own. I absolutely love the premise behind this novel. It is a first for me being introduced to the writing of Tara Randel but it definitely won't be the last by a long shot. I love the competitive nature that both Molly and Ben possess with each of them having the drive to do whatever it takes to gain the promotion they both desire. I can't imagine how difficult it would be for a manly man to take on quilting! That is where the humor comes into play and soon the entire office chooses sides between man versus woman and the laughter ensues. What comes out of the novel at the end showcases that the best choice may not always be the best one for the winner. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. This is the nineteenth novel in the Quilts of Love Series and each can be read in any order.

For more information about Rival Hearts, Tara Randel or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Rival Hearts by Tara Randel

You can also find Tara Randel on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

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


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.

Wake The Dawn

When a hurricane unleashes its deadly force upon the small town of Pineville, Minnesota, the small medical clinic run by Physician's Assistant Esther Hansen. Without adequate medical supplies or personnel necessary to handle the number of patients arriving as the rains and winds grow in intensity and in the back of her mind she can only hope she can keep it together long enough to treat those that need medical care. Thankfully she isn't going to be battling this alone. When U.S. Border Patrol officer Ben James brings an abandoned infant into the clinic for help, his own medical training will be called upon to help the growing number of patients that are growing by the hour.

Knowing how quickly things can get out of hand, Ben utilizes those in the clinic to help one another out until they can all be seen. He has one disable woman in a wheelchair with a broken leg, Hannah, help care for the infant who needs to be held and cared for. He utilizes a teenage boy, Gary, to clean up the three rooms so more patients can be attended to. It truly seems like everything is running smoothly despite the numbers of people that Esther can treat along with the growing number of wounded and dying that the local ambulance has to bring to her since the bridge is out. Now if she only keep calm despite the growing tremors of PTSD that seem to be lurking just on the edge of her sanity.

Ben understands how difficult dealing with PTSD can be as he himself has been going through it as well. When he lost his wife and unborn child due to an accident late one night, the only way he's been able to sleep is finishing off a bottle of his favorite drink. The one thing he has going for him is that he has never drank on the job but unless he gets a handle on the after hours binging, he might not have a job to go back to. Lucky for him, his patrol dog, Bo, gets him up in time for work. Now if he can only find something to live for once again, he might be able to make a new start for himself. 

I received Wake The Dawn by Lauraine Snelling compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. Lately I've been blessed to have read so many of Lauraine's novels and she never fails to hook me right in the heart so I can't give up on her characters. You feel the struggle that Esther is facing trying to hide her PTSD while trying to care for the small town clinic as best as she can. Even her counseling sessions haven't been helping much and dealing with her perfectionist mother who can never see that she does anything right is enough to keep her from wanting to spend time with her family. Dealing with their issues in spite of the hurricane that is wrecking havoc on Pineville, shows the love of a small town that can come together to help one another out when the chips are really down. This comes across in every way through the supporting characters that Esther manages to help even though she can't save them all. I easily give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Wake the Dawn, Lauraine Snelling, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Wake the Dawn by Lauraine Snelling 

You can also find Lauraine Snelling on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Wake The Dawn, please visit Faith Word's website. 

Breaking Free

One of the first favorite genre's I remember loving to read when I was a child were horse stories. Anything that evoked the love between the horse and his owner was enough to make me wish for a horse of my own. I don't think there were many young girls who didn't wish for a horse when they were younger. Now that same feeling came back when I read Lauraine Snelling's novel, Breaking Free. Breaking Free is a retired ex-racehorse who has been abused and is in need of healing and restoration if that is even possible. Thankfully for Maggie Roberts, who has been serving ten years in prison, this new outreach program of working with horses will be just the thing she needs to find her own personal healing from her past.

As she begins to work with Breaking Free to find a way into his broken spirit, Maggie realizes just how much this horse can sense her own insecurities. As she begins to earn his trust, she realizes that she has formed her own walls to keep others out from hurting her. She never imagined that one moment of coming to the aid of her husband would lead her to be involved in a car accident that would take the life of their own son. Feeling that serving time in prison is the least amount of punishment she deserves, it will take time and the love of a disabled boy and his father to help her come to terms with the mistakes of her past.

Knowing if she can rehabilitate Breaking Free, she will give him a new chance at life. If she can't convince the warden he doesn't present a danger to himself and others, he will be put down. But Maggie soon uncovers the source for the battle raging within Breaking Free's heart and the more time she spends with him the more she grows to love him. Will she ever be able to part with Breaking Free if he is able to be adopted or will she be forced to watch yet another thing that she has come to love break free from her heart?

I received Breaking Free by Lauraine Snelling compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest opinion. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is the perfect novel for horse lovers and for those fighting to come to terms with their own ability not to forgive themselves of the mistakes that they have made in the past. It goes to show that second chances are available to all of us, and that coming to terms with the loss and grief is simply part of moving on. God can use even that for His good and His glory. What an exceptional novel that will outlast the time it took me to read this. It is part of my permanent library and one I will highly recommend to anyone who loves an exceptional novel of horses, basset hounds and love! Easily a well earned 5 out of 5 stars!!!

For more information about Breaking Free, Lauraine Snelling, or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Breaking Free by Lauraine Snelling

You can also find Lauraine Snelling on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Breaking Free, please visit Faith Words website.

Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits

I've been a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice and was delighted to finally get to share the experience with my youngest daughter, who I can now proudly say is a fan also! So when I had the opportunity to review Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits, the first novel in the Jane Austen Takes the South Series from author Mary Jane Hathaway, I knew this sounded tempting. Taking the premise of a contemporary version of the classic, we meet a struggling college teacher Shelby Roswell who is hoping to gain at least thirty students in her Civil War History class while trying for tenure this year. What she doesn't expect to see is her rival, famous historian Ramson Fielding, who gave her a scathing review on the book she attempted to have published. His classes are so packed with students they have to rent out a lecture hall to accommodate the need.

When she peeks in on his lecture, she finds Mr. Fielding calling out one of his students for disregarding the no food policy in his classroom. He brings the student to the front of the class and insists that the entire class will wait until he has finished with his chips and sports drink. Unable to keep herself from getting involved, she realizes the car keys she needs have been conveniently located on the podium where Mr. Fielding is standing. Excusing herself she kindly apologizes for the intrusion and picks up her forgotten keys but not before she stops at the student with the chips and helps herself to a handful, claiming she is famished. Now that she has eaten the chips she feels parched and downs the sports drink in front of his whole class. While this was supposed to be a way to retaliate in a way to his behavior of the poor student, she didn't expect her boss and the department chair to also be sitting in on the lecture. Great, now the possibility of tenure is really on the line and once again, Ramsom Fielding is to blame.

The story is comedic, heartwarming and inspiring as the chapters open with classic dialogue from the classic novel of Pride and Prejudice from Jane Austen. You can't help but feel you have fallen right into the middle of something fantastic that will keep you glued to the novel until you see how it all plays out. It truly rates up there with some of the best romantic comedies I watched and read and can only hope that some movie company will pick this up and bring it to the big screen. The adventures continue as readers get a sneak peek at the next novel, Emma, Mr. Knightly and Chili Slaw Dogs at the conclusion to this one.

I received Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. There is so much to love about this novel and the way it teaches the reader not to jump to conclusions and not judging books by their cover. The best part is the sarcasm that comes whenever Shelby is provoked into a difference of opinion. When she should learn from all her disastrous arguments, she ends up putting her foot right in the middle of it once again. You will laugh, cry and add this to your personal favorites of all time. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to pick up Emma, Mr. Knightly and Chili Slaw Dogs, the second novel in the Jane Austen Takes the South series.

For more information about Pride Prejudice and Cheese Grits, Mary Jane Hathaway, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway

You can also find Mary Jane Hathaway on her Facebook page to make sure you don't miss out on any of her novels.

To read more reviews on Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits, please visit Howard Book's website. 

 

Meant to Be Mine

No matter where we try to hide, love can always find us if it was meant to be. For Celia Park, she has always dreamed of falling in love with Ty Porter since she first laid eyes on him in high school. Only no matter how nice Ty was to her, she would never be anything more than a friend in his eyes. But that was so long ago and now that Ty is a famous professional bull rider, and while she is trying to find a way to make her dream of owning a bakery a reality, she never dreamed fate would intervene.

While Ty was in Las Vegas for a bull riding show, Celia also happened to be there with her friend Lacey, that insisted that they get together with Ty and one of his friends. Call it double dating or simply life as it was meant to be, but for the next four days, Celia was living her dream. Ty took her out on dates and acted just like the man she dreamed he could be if only God would give them a chance. On their last night in town, sitting at a craps table in Las Vegas, Ty made her a promise. It was all or nothing. If she rolled a 7, he would marry her. Not about to pass up a sure thing and believing Ty was just kidding, she rolled a 3 and 4. Ty did more than double his money. He was going to make sure he was a man of his word.

When they got married in the cheesiest wedding chapel in Las Vegas, Celia wondered when she would wake up from this dream. She didn't realize it would happen the very next morning when Ty confessed that he was in love with another woman and he regretted making the decision to marry her. It would be the last time, she would ever believe anything Ty Porter would ever tell her again. In fact, she would make sure that their paths would never cross again. But five years and one night in a Las Vegas hotel room on their honeymoon would change things in both of their lives. Ty continued to make it rich riding bulls in the rodeo circuit attempting to pursue the one girl he had hoped to marry someday. For Celia, she gave up those fanciful dreams of falling in love and living happily ever after, even though those were the very fairy tales stories she insisted on reading to her daughter, Addie. But her version of those fairy tales wove a different story of princesses that could take care of themselves and didn't need a handsome prince to rescue them, even if her heart did.

I received Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I can honestly say since my first novel from Becky Wade, she is one of my most coveted authors. She takes a romance lovers heart for a wild ride in each of her novels. You can't help but want true love to be the end of her novels, but she gives you something much more than that. She provides a way for you to truly care about each of her characters so much, that you simply can't lay your book down and attempt to finish anything else until you are done. Meant to Be Mine spoke to the cowboy lover in my own heart who captured mine almost 20 years ago and never let go. I can't wait for more novels from Becky Wade in the near future and easily give this one a 5 out of 5 rodeo stars!!! This is the second novel in the Porter Family Series with Undeniably Yours, conveying the love story of Meg and Bo's marriage as the first.

For more information about Meant to Be Mine, Becky Wade or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade

You can also find Becky Wade on Facebook so you don't miss out on any of her amazing novels.

To read more reviews on Meant to Be Mine, please visit the Litfuse Publicity Book Tour Page.


Becky Wade's latest novel, Meant to Be Mine, is a keeper! 

Celebrate with Becky by entering her "Dream Come True" $200 Visa cash card prize pack giveaway and RSVP for her June 10th Facebook party!

   

   
One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa cash card
• Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 10th. Winner will be announced at the Meant to Be Mine Facebook author chat party on June 10th. Connect with Becky for a fun evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Becky will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Meant to Be Mine and join Becky on the evening of June 10th 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 10th!

Until I Found You

It felt like deja vu when I picked up the latest novel Until I Found You, from author Victoria Bylin. When I first began writing in high school I had written a story that began much in the same aspect as this one did but that is all the similarities between the two. It took me back almost 35 years but with a fondness for great romance that Victoria shares in this one. Kate Derby is heading to help her grandmother who is recovering from a stroke in California. On a rain slicked highway, Kate loses control of her car when she steers clear of a giant condor on the road in front of her. Unfortunately this particular stretch of highway doesn't have guard rails in place to keep the drivers from going over the cliff. Kate is lucky when her car is stopping from a two hundred foot plunge by a set of trees but it doesn't seem like it will hold the weight much longer.

When Nick Sheridan it out for a drive on his Harley, he notices that a car has gone over the side on the road. Calling for help, Nick knows that the precarious situation with Kate will not last long enough for help to arrive. He proceeds to climb down the embankment and manages to free her from the car at just the moment the branches break lose and send the car plummeting below. Thinking she might have an opportunity to salvage the effects of her personal items from the car later, the car suddenly explodes. It shakes Kate up more than she realizes what her fate could have been had Nick not rescued her in time.

Nick has made a vow to God that for the next year, he will refrain from dating in order to keep his life in check and provide him a much needed break from bad decisions from his past. Only he didn't expect to fall for Kate. Now he will need more than prayers to God to help him keep his commitment. He needs time to ensure himself that Kate even follows the same standards he has set in his walk of faith. She is driven in her career in advertising but has taken a leave of absence to help care for her grandmother and run the local paper until she can figure out what to do. But it seems no matter what she believes is the right choice, she struggles with coming to terms with a faith she sees in Nick and her grandmother that has her longing for more than what this life has to offer.

I received Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I love how true to life Kate's struggle is. To wonder what she should do as opposed to what feels right on the inside, wanting to care for her ailing grandmother and resolving her feelings for Nick. It seems to Kate she must choose one or the other. She can't afford the care her grandmother needs running the local paper, and while her advertising job will pay the bills, it won't be close to her grandmother or Nick. The choice won't be easy but it will lead her to the home, God has always planned for her. I easily rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait for more from Victoria Bylin in the near future. She is on my must watch list!

For more information about Until I Found You, Victoria Bylin, or where you pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin

You can find Victoria Bylin on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Until I Found You, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's book tour page.

Rise and Shine

I couldn't imagine waiting a lifetime to get married to the perfect man that I had fallen head over heels in love with even as he put his wealthy upbringing behind him to marry me. Spending a blissful honeymoon in Fiji, getting prepared for diving and then waking up 10 years later and not remembering a thing but fragmented bits and pieces of your life. That is just what has happened to Shannon Malone. For the last 10 years, she has been faithfully cared for by her husband Edmund in the Draper Long Term Care facility until cancer took over his life and left her a widow in her comatose state. Now as she tries to make sense of what happens she learns that her attending physician Dr. Daniel Petros has been waiting for just this moment to happen. Not every one wakes up, but Shannon is that exception and miracle that her entire family has been waiting for.

Now as she tries to understand the implications of what happened and how she can pick up and attempt to move forward in her life, Daniel attempts to fill in the blanks for her. Being Edmund's best friend until he passed away, he shows her just how much Edmund believed that Shannon would one day wake up. Being a huge lover of fairy tales, she is Sleeping Beauty in real life, only there was no kiss to wake her from her slumber. If there was, surely Edmond would have made sure to try that. But when everyone else seemed to lose faith and hope that one day she would wake, Edmond's dedication and Daniel's belief she would one day wake up, has proved to be 100% true.

But how do you simply wake up from one life and begin another? How do you stop loving the man you love now that that life is over and he isn't around? How do you stop the implications of Edmond's sister Millicent who believes their family is entitled to everything that belonged to Edmond including her home and wedding ring? Is is possible to find a happily ever after in the wake of a living nightmare?

I received Rise and Shine from author Sandra D. Bricker compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and River North Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. I love the introduction to a modern day fairy tale that introduces each new section of the novel that is a reference to Shannon's new life. She finds solace in being a different person that when she went into her coma when it comes to remembering her lost love in Edmond and how deeply he went to such great lengths to see to her care, even when he was facing his own death without her. Daniel's dedication to her medical care comes through when he realizes just how wonderful Shannon's life was with Edmond and how easily it can be to fall in love with her. This is such a wonderful novel that I can easily give a full 5 out of 5 stars to and love all the creativity that went into creating this modern day fairy tale! It reminded me of While You Were Sleeping with actress Sandra Bullock.

For more information about Rise and Shine, Sandra D. Bricker, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Rise and Shine by Sandra D. Bricker

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To read more reviews on Rise and Shine, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's book tour page. 

Somebody Like You

"Sometimes we let others tell us who we are. We forget who we really are. Love, unconditional love - the kind of love that there is, day in and day out - heals our wounds and allow us to be our true selves again. So it is possible for a young widow to find love again with her husband's reflection?" Beth Vogt.

Haley Ames is still trying to come to terms with the death of her husband Sam who was killed in Afghanistan. She faces so many things she regrets not saying to him, but especially the one where she never got the chance to tell him she was pregnant. After being married for three years, it seemed that their marriage was more goodbyes than I love yous! Was it possible that Sam ever truly loved her or was it just the idea of being married to a woman who was strong enough to face his constant deployments with strength, and never needing anything more from him? She wished she might know that answer but there is no way she can ask him now.

Stephen Ames faces his own set of regrets when not only his best friend but mirror twin was killed before he ever had a chance at reconciling their relationship. Having always been the best of friends, Stephen had hoped that after high school they would both head off to college together, but when Sam broke the news that he was enlisting, he broke that bond between them forever. No more would they have to face answering questions of just who was whom and being constantly compared to one another. No they finally have the unique identities they always dreamed of but not in the way they had hoped it would work out. After years Stephen now has to face a life he didn't know existed, that his brother was married and he had never known.

When Stephen shows up at Haley's doorstep, neither of them are prepared to deal with the secret Sam kept from them, the knowledge that either of them existed. For Haley, it was like looking into the mirror of the past and seeing the husband she longed believed died, and for Stephen it was an opportunity to put some of the missing pieces of his life hopefully back together through talking with Haley. If she would simply put down the gun she was holding on him. How can he convince her that he is who he says he is, since Sam never said one word and neither did their parents to Haley? How can you keep that kind of thing a secret?

I received Somebody Like You from best selling author Beth K. Vogt compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own opinion except where otherwise noted. This is such an exceptional novel that truly tugs at the heart strings of regret and acceptance with often times things we can't change. It's an effort to move forward in the direction of God's leading and placing the opinions of what others think where they belong, behind our own heart's desires. Such a beautiful and touching story of love, widowhood and estrangement with a wonderfully happy ending. The book ends with a reading discussion guide and a heart to heart conversation with Beth over the details behind this novel. Without a doubt, in my opinion, her best novel to date and well deserving of 5 out of 5 stars. @bethvogt @ Howard_Books

For more information about Somebody Like You, Beth K. Vogt or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Somebody Like You by Beth K. Vogt

You can also find Beth K. Vogt on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Somebody Like You, please visit Howard Book's website.