My Father's House

Sometimes when you read a novel, you are taken back by some similarities you may have seen in a movie or read in another novel. My Father's House by Rose Chandler Johnson is much like that in the sense as you read through it, I was taken back to such movies like Sleeping with the Enemy or Enough with Jennifer Lopez. Both deal with domestic abuse and so does this one from a Christian perspective. While the Bible clearly reminds us not to be unequally yoked, Lily Rose Cates has dealt with enough loss in her life, that when a man comes around that looks and acts like the part, she falls for him without really knowing who he is.

She is desperate for someone to come along and take care of her, despite the fact that she has been doing it for herself all along. Even her wise Annie Ruth gets a sense of evil from the man, Manuel Valenti, whom is brought to her home to meet Lily's family. While he appears one way to Lily outside of the eyes of others, he is withdrawn and sullen around others. Claiming he is busy with his job as an attorney in Detroit, he is often too busy to attend to other things like establishing a relationship with Lily and her family. Despite all the warnings Annie Ruth gives Lily, she still decides to get married to Manuel without telling her or inviting her to the wedding.

Now the piper has come to call when that fairy tale like romance Manuel puts on for Lily is suddenly unveiled for the true person he is. He has her move in with him in Detroit and sell off all her belongings because they would just not fit in his modern home. He also advises her to sell her car, since he will provide one when they move to Detroit, something he never does. Now he has complete control over where she is, what she can do, and how far she can go. But when Annie Ruth's dog comes up killed after their recent visit, Lily can't help but wonder, who has she really married and even worse, how can she ever leave?

I received My Father's House by Rose Chandler Johnson compliments of Create Space Independent Publishing and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my unbiased and personal evaluation. Even though the story line is familiar, I was captivated once things started down the dangerous path with Manuel. You would have thought that Lily would have learned a thing or two, but I can understand how desperate some become in search for love. This is truly a story of looking for love in all the wrong places. Even though her conscience tells her to run, she refuses to believe all the signs laid out in front of her from the beginning, especially advice from those she trusts the most until it is too late. I would rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars and while it is a Christian based novel, it isn't too over the top that readers might be turned off by the religious undertones. It's a lesson for all of us to be wise as serpents in the choice we make.

For more information about My Father's House, Rose Chandler Johnson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

My Father's House by Rose Chandler Johnson 

You can find Rose Chandler Johnson on Facebook to keep up with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on My Father's House, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

Someone Like You

Who hasn't stopped and wondered about someone we loved a long time ago, but due to issues we simply parted ways. Perhaps it was a high school sweetheart or a college romance that lost its luster, but deep in the heart, you always wonder what if?

Zeke Monroe is the general manager at Caliente Springs resort that is trying hard to stay afloat among the drought ravishing the property in California among other things. Co-owned by the Travers twins Ginger and George, if something doesn't turn around soon, Ginger wants to sell the property and get out from the debt she senses maybe coming. For Zeke this isn't about simply selling and hoping that the new owners might keep the 200 employees on board, but this may in fact be 200 people whose livelihoods he has taken personal interest in. It is what has made him such a success and well loved and respected by those who work for him. Zeke knows that if Ginger gives him half a chance, he can bring this resort back to life. His one big hope is that Carter Home Goods might decide to use his resort as their vacation and training headquarters which will be a huge start. But it all rides on the meeting scheduled with Julia Dare.

Julia Dare is working with Carter Home Goods while trying to get her own company Dare to Dream off the ground as an event coordinator. Carter Home Goods has hired her to spend a few days checking out resorts that they offer as vacation perks to their employees and families throughout the year. If Julia loves them, Mr. and Mrs. Carter will spend a few days checking out her final pick. Julia had arranged to meet Ashley Tate for the final tour. She just didn't expect to meet Zeke Monroe, her old flame from Berkeley instead. They kind of parted ways in college and while Julia failed to give Zeke any details, she knew one thing for certain, the faith he shared with her back in college was the reason she walked away. But since finding it on her own, is there an opportunity for a second chance? Now the only thing standing in her way in her son, Max and his father Hunter, Zeke's old college rival.

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I received Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the novel for my honest and personal evaluation. I really loved the premise behind this novel. Old college sweethearts who find themselves working to pull off the wedding of a century with only 30 days to make it happen. You know things are going to get interesting when you add in a college rival bad boy and of course Julia's precocious son Max. There are bound to be sparks flying in all kinds of directions and the best part of all is love is the reward in the end, but it might just surprise you with whom! I'd rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars because to sit down and inhale it all in one sitting is a sign of a great novel in my opinion.

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

Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin

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

To read more reviews on Someone Like You, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

Guarded - Giveaway and Review

Sometimes the best kept secrets lay buried where no one can hopefully find them. However this is not the case. When a fire burns through one room of the stone home in Kentucky, Annie Taylor along with her grandmother Beulah discovered a metal box containing letters from Beulah's parents as they received word from her brother Ephraim who was serving overseas during WWII. It isn't so much what is discovered in the stack of letters her parents kept, but why would they keep them buried beneath the floorboards of the bedroom?

Annie struggles with trying to find a job as she helps her grandmother decide if the family home is worth salvaging from the fire or whether she should just accept the paltry insurance check they they have offered along with a local estimate to salvage from the home what is left. It would mean the possibility to rebuilding a new home, but is it possible this old stone home is worth more than what the insurance company and others believe it is? Is there a possibility it might just be a historical landmark of some sort and thus gain some money to restore it rather than level it and begin again?

As Annie tries to find ways through research on the old family home she uncovers a bit about herself in the process. Just as her boyfriend Jake moves home, they are beginning to slowly learn more about one another. Why is it so easy for Jake to fit into this small town and find a job whereas everywhere Annie looks no one seems to be hiring, or it is that no one simply wants to hire her? Will she be able to come to terms with her own past before she can begin to discover a potential future with Jake or are some secrets simply better off not being known at all? 

I received Guarded by Angela Correll compliments of Koehler Books for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review of the book. This is the sequel to Grounded, Angela's previous novel even though it's not formerly in a series per say and you gain quite a bit more of Annie and Jake's background as well as Beulah's if you start there first before reading Guarded. I love the tie in with WWII because I am a huge fan of history and love the elements that she incorporated to learn what happened to Beulah's brother during the war through real letters that the author read from people who had written home. It just keeps that element more believable as you read through them and understood how they might have wanted to keep those at home from worry while gaining a bit of home in the process by asking questions about what was going on at home. A wonderful story that is sure to resound in the hearts of romance fans everywhere and for me, once again another splendid edition to my home library, for that reason it garners a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

Now for an exciting treat for one lucky person, thanks to the generosity of Angela Correll, not only is she giving away a copy of Guarded for someone but she is also extending that to include the winner's choice of a Plainview Basket, which includes a goat's milk luxury bar, goat milk cream, goat milk hand soap and sugar scrub from her store. Here is all you need to do to enter:

1. "Like" Angela Correll's Facebook page.

2. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. 

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US mailing address. No P.O. Boxes please.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win this giveaway package. Don't forget to include your email address so I can have a way of notifying you if you are the lucky winner of this giveaway package.

The giveaway will end on December 4, 2015 so be sure to make sure you are entered to win. You can enter as many times as you like.

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

Guarded by Angela Correll

You can find Angela Correll on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books and products.

Another Way Home

I have to say, Deborah Raney, you had me! By the time I reached the end of this novel I could not see the way you guided the reader through what God's plans had been all along for the Brooks family. By the time I reached the end, it all made perfect sense and that is the way life is. It may not make sense for us while we are struggling with trials and adversity in our life, until we get much further down the road and can look back and clearly see the fingerprints of God unmistakably on what we just went through without knowing why.

Another Way Home from Deborah Raney is the third book in the Chicory Inn series, involving Grant and Audrey, who have decided in their golden years to turn their much beloved home of raising 5 children who have now grown and moved on, into an inn for guests. The family still lives in close proximity to their parents and every Tuesday night boasts family night at the Inn for the family to get together and simply enjoy being a family over a well planned and prepared pot luck meal. Now that fall is approaching along with the holidays, Dallas and Danae have been attempting to start their family for quite some time. While the older sisters are well on their way, it makes each month difficult with they remain childless.

The couple have now resolved to look at more options such as infertility and even that seems to be working against their best laid prayers to God from both them and their family and friends. It has also placed a huge strain on the couple marriage as each new treatment offers initial hope, but ultimately another month of still no child in their future. Dallas is opposed to adoption being the by-product of such an adoption and he doesn't want the same thing he dealt with to happen to their future child. His own mother rejected him as unwanted when he attempted to contact her at 18. As that appears to be the only option left for them to start a family, the Brooks decided to take some time off from trying and instead pursue other passions. Dallas returns to work and Danae takes up volunteering at a nearby domestic shelter for mothers and women in abusive relationships looking for an out. What neither of them say coming would tragically change their lives forever.

I received Another Way Home by Deborah Raney compliments of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of the book to review, for my honest opinion. This is such a perfect title to sum up the entire scenario that Dallas and Danae have to walk through in their married life, and it was one that captivated this reader's attention from the time I picked up the novel until the very end. I am happy that this is not the conclusion of this amazing series and family and readers get a sneak peek at the upcoming novel, Close to Home, at the conclusion of this one along with a reader's discussion guide that is just perfect for book clubs. I had never considered how difficult it would be for a couple to try for a child only to not be able to get pregnant while everyone else in their family is able to do so without really trying. I love the way this one turned out in the end, not the happy ever after ending you would expect, but than again real life never goes according to our plans. I easily give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Another Way Home, Deborah Raney or where you can pick up this novel today, please click on the links below:

Another Way Home by Deborah Raney

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

To read more reviews on Another Way Home, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

Imperfectly Perfect Love

Some would say that Maggie Grace Veck has the "perfect" life. She is married to a handsome upcoming attorney who hopes to make partner, who supports her decision to leave the working world once they begin to start to family. They live in an elite subdivision known as Bridgeport Cove, in the heart of Bluffport, Florida. She has always known that she carries a threat for ovarian cancer in her side of the family but suspects the reason she is feeling worn out might be a indicator that it has found a new home in Maggie. Fortunately for her, she has the all clear for now, but her family planning has started a bit early. After the initial shock has worn off her husband, Travis, they are eager to trust God with whatever plans He has in store. In the next few years, that will mean an additional two children in their home.

Now that Travis has made partner and with two busy kids to raise, Maggie has taken Travis up on the notion of being a stay at home mother. He ensures her that once things settle down a bit, he'll be able to stay home more. But soon late nights and working weekends, make Maggie feel that she has lost the husband she once knew and has become a bit of a single mother at times. When she struggles to come to terms with it, she knows her best place for advice is with her long time childhood friend, Peter McKnight, who is both friends with Travis and Maggie and even uncle to their children. She wishes for a return to a more simple life and has urges to return to the home her grandmother had left her. Something seems to be beckoning her back to Sunnyville, Alabama and she soon realizes that Peter has made Sunnyville his new hometown as well. As she sits as the crossroads of her life, which path will Maggie choose?

I received Imperfectly Perfect Love from debut author Shauna Williams for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are strictly my own. I don't doubt that anyone who has been married for quite some time, would wonder what their life might have been life if they had chosen a different path. I could relate to Maggie's character quite a bit when I found my own husband called away on business trips and wondered if that was God's plan for my married life. It truly calls into play your faith in God and your commitment to marriage when absence creates a divide in your relationship. There are often insurmountable odds working against you at every turn, and I love how that struggle comes across for Maggie. This is what I believe really works for this novel and shows us that relationships aren't perfect but they are worth working hard for. The author employs the techniques of fast forwarding through chapters of the children's subsequent births to move the story into the meat of what you'd want to find instead of sorting through all the fluff that doesn't need to be there. I can't wait to see what's next from Shauna Williams in the sequel to her Surrendered Hearts series and for that reason give this one a 4 out of 5 stars. This is the first novel in the Surrendered Hearts series.

For more information about Imperfectly Perfect Love, Shauna Williams or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Imperfectly Perfect Love by Shauna Williams

You can find Shauna Williams on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

You can also enjoy Shauna's Blog "Recreating Ever After" by clicking here to visit. 

Remember Me

For some of us, we wish we could forget the past, especially when we've made some mistakes we regret. I guess the same thing could be said for Ben Russo, but he wasn't planning on getting that prayer answered in the most unusual way. Just a week before he was suppose to get married, Ben left that fateful Dear John note for Tess. Said he needed time to figure somethings out and was heading to Europe to go backpacking. He took the pieces of her broken heart with her.

Now the last person Tess ever expected to see would be an unidentified John Doe who was involved in a car accident in the ER where she worked. She walked in on the man who had left her broken hearted but didn't remember who he was. How could life hand her something so unexpected and cruel? Is she just suppose to forget this man was the only love of her life, the man she intended to wait for until she was married? Was she simply supposed to hold all her emotions in check while she checked his vitals?

After all this time, he still looked amazing and that was what made it hard to deal with this situation. Knowing she should be honest and tell him who he is and how she knows it, the doctors disagree. They feel like he will gain his memory back in time and that telling him might just set him back further. In fact, if she tells him everything she knows, he may not still remember and then where will he go. It's best to just give it time and thankfully one of her doctor friends has offered to let Ben stay with him until he knows who he is and where he lives. More importantly what was he doing just miles from where Tess lives when he had the accident? Will Tess' heart be able to wait for the love she believes has come back to her for a second chance?

I received Remember Me by Lara Van Hulzen compliments of CreateSpace Publishers for my honest review and aside from receiving a complimentary copy of the book, I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. I absolutely LOVED this one and reminds me of a similar story I wrote in my late 20's. Something about the beach, a lost love and danger places these as favorites in my book lover's heart. This one truly hit it out of the park on the romance and suspense scale. What woman wouldn't want the man of her dreams to realize what a fool he had been and come rushing back into her life for a second chance? This is the first novel in The Men of Honor Series and I, for one, can't wait for the sequel. Pins and needles time!!! This one is a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and only hope I might be lucky enough to garner a review copy of the sequel!!!

For more information about Remember Me, Lara Van Hulzen or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Remember Me by Lara Van Hulzen

You can find Lara Van Hulzen on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

You can pick up a copy of Remember Me in paperback or eBook format at Amazon.com. 

The Dandelion Field

Oh how Max hated dandelions. He believed that they ruined the look of the yard. He battled those dandelions constantly. His young son Cody, however saw the dandelions as an endless supply just steps from his front door to gather into bouquets perfect for his mom, Evie. It was no wonder that Cody would be upset when he can home from preschool to find his field of dandelions had been mowed down. When Max went to pick Cody up the next day, he didn't come inside right away. Instead Max and Cody were in the yard, blowing dandelion seeds everywhere. Max said that they were planting a dandelion field.

Why would a man who constantly waged war against dandelions plant them on purpose?

Max replied, "You do whatever you have to do so they know you love them."

This would be the lasting memory that Evie Bennett would reflect on whenever she twisted the gold band she still wore after all these years, like a combination lock to those precious times she would remember the love Max so unconditionally gave them both before dying as a firefighter. It was also the reason Evie didn't want her son, Cody now on the verge of graduating to make that his career.

Thankfully though she had Dan Moretti, her friend and Max's friend from childhood to help become like a mentor and father figure to Cody all these years. He was on the verge of unlimited possibilities for his future when they are both rocked by the news that Cody is going to be a father. Something any of them didn't see coming, especially with Cody's faith being as strong as they could have hoped.

But life is like that, instead of it working out as you have planned, perhaps God has other things in mind. But that is not what Ginevieve Lightly believes when her daughter Raine drops the news in her lap. She was hoping her illness was the result of an eating disorder not morning sickness. She didn't even realize that Raine was dating or seeing anyone. She had hoped that the one year she promised Raine they would stay in Banister Falls, Wisconsin as the result of her car breaking down, would give them time for a fresh start, just not the start either of them were looking to find. All Gin can think of is her own past experiences and how just when you need men the most is when they are no where to be found. What would they do now?

I received The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer compliments of Zondervan Publishing 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. This is such a moving novel because the characters have to deal with a difficult situation and keep the relationships of both Cody and Raine from falling apart. They offer a look at what supportive parents and friend do when facing with insurmountable issues of an unexpected pregnancy from the perspectives of believers and non believers alike. The emotions are well thought out and expressed like you would find in a situation like this, but the side of relying on your faith is what gets you through. I think the theme of this novel is the simple statement of what Max exemplified to his son Cody, "You do whatever you have to do so they know you love them." I loved this novel and give it 5 out 5 stars in my opinion. There is a reader's discussion guide at the conclusion that is perfect for book clubs!

For more information about The Dandelion Field, Kathryn Springer or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

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

To read more reviews on The Dandelion Field, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page. 


Get ready for Valentine's Day with a new story of romance and falling in love in Kathryn Springer's The Dandelion Field. The handsome firefighter makes a living “coming to the rescue,” but Gin is used to fighting her own battles. Can a woman who doesn't believe in happy endings take a chance on a new beginning? 

Celebrate a second chance at love and family with Kathryn by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Dandelion Field

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 15th. Winner will be announced February 16th on the Litfuse blog.

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Heaven Help Heidi

Sometimes as a book reader/reviewer you come across a novel that is written so well, it doesn't feel like you're reading a story, it feels like you're a part of it. Sally John is one such writer. This is a first for me reading any of her books and now I know, I have quite a few to add to my to-be-read pile from her. In Heaven Help Heidi, we see life not only through the eyes of the main character Heidi Hathaway, but from the secondary characters as well that intersect her life in profound ways.

Heidi was living an ordinary life until the accident changed everything. Once strong willed, athletic, determined and successful, completely independent from anyone, she would now how to re-evaluate her life. This was a divine calling in her life, one she won't see played out in greater detail until more time passes, but now she will have to give up some of her independence and learn to rely on the family she has as well as the people God so graciously brings into her life. Knowing she can't live in her high rise condo any longer while she is recovering from a car accident that should have claimed her life, she meets Piper Keyes who takes her to Casa de Vida where a small 1927 cottage is available completely furnished just waiting for her. It's perfect and there seems to be an unexplained peace coming from just being inside the 12 foot high walls that keeps this sanctuary a secret from the outside world.

It is here that everything will change for Heidi. She will learn what is means to have friends that will go above and beyond for you. She'll experience that the childhood friends she once had are changing now that Heidi is living at Casa de Vida. The business she helped create is about to undergo a transformation that will change everyone who is part of it. Like a carefully orchestrated complex piece of music, by the time you get to the end of the novel, you can see how God masterfully created great things to come from the trials everyone had to face. It will show you that while you may not see what is going on, just knowing God is in control of it all is something worth being a part of. I love the relationships Heidi develops not only with Piper, but with her childhood friend Adam, her twin brother Hudson, and the motherly wise angel Olivia who dispenses love as freely as she does prayer to those who need it the most.

I received Heaven Help Heidi by Sally John compliments of Harvest House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is such a beautiful novel that illustrates the importance of faith, family and friends in our life and makes me wish I lived at Casa de Vida. This is such a wonderful and heartwarming novel about adversity, second chances and making the most of what you have in life and for that I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars. This is second novel in the Family of the Heart Series and includes a Reader Discussion Guide at the conclusion of this novel.

For more information about Heaven Help Heidi, Sally John or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Heaven Help Heidi by Sally John

You can find Sally John on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Heaven Help Heidi, please visit Harvest House Publisher's website. 

Love Gently Falling

Just when Rita Jansen thinks she finally has the perfect life all figured out, tragedy strikes with one phone call from her dad. Her mother has had a stroke and they aren't sure if she will recover but it doesn't look good. Now she will leave her life as a hair stylist in Beverly Hills to face the cold winter of Chicago to help her mother for the next two weeks. Her passion for hair began working with her mother at her salon Hair and Now, and it was her mother who funded the money to send her to school to get her license even though it was in California. Her mother had always been there to support her, now it was Rita's turn to help in any way she could.

When she arrived at the airport intending on finding her own transportation to get to the hospital, she is more than surprised when an old friend from school, Johnny Hollister, is there to pick her up. This way her family can stay at the hospital and not have to worry about Rita. They share a great reunion in the drive there and she learns that Johnny has added her mother's salon to his growing number of clients for his janitorial company. She also learns that her childhood best friend has opened her own shop in the same mall as the salon.

When Rita arrives, she learns that her mother's recovery and stroke was worse than she imagined and it will take about six months to get her back on her feet again. Until then, it's long hours of physical therapy to get her speech and movement back. Rita vows to spend those two weeks renovating her mother's outdated salon to something she would be proud of. But how will she be able to manage it with only two weeks and a very limited budget. All she knows is she has to try because by the looks of things if she doesn't her mother may be out of business before she can return to the salon again.

I received Love Gently Falling by Melody Carlson compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is such a beautiful contemporary romance perfect for Valentine's Day! The love that abounds not only for Rita's family and friends but even for her own childhood skating rink comes full circle by the conclusion of this book and teaches us that it's never to let to find love in the places we might least expect it. This one is worthy of 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Love Gently Falling, Melody Carlson, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Love Gently Falling by Melody Carlson

You can find Melody Carlson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To find more reviews on Love Gently Falling, please visit Center Street Publishers website. 

Swept Away

To say that Sara Jane Morgan's grandmother has lost her mind is an understatement.She just doesn't want to be the one to admit that the diagnosis she received from her doctor reveals that she is in the early stages of Alzheimer's. The fact that she can't remember the most basic things like where she parked the car, to what she wanted on her to do list, or even what she had for dinner, isn't something she is ready to admit.

All she knows is that time is running out to find a suitable man for her grand daughter Sara and while she is at it, she is hoping to finish what is known as a Ballad Quilt. Quilt blocks designed around the lyrics of a song that impart the memories from her own past, the one where she fell in love. She can know hope she can figure out a way to get the handy man she hired at the local crafter's fair to see a future in Sara.

Sara knows that her grandmother is up to something, she just didn't figure it would come out so bold in her words to a man she can hardly find attractive. Looking more like Grizzly Adams, Andrew Stevenson, an artisan who makes handmade brooms, isn't like to sweep her off her feet or anything else for that matter. She just has to figure out a way to let her grandmother know she isn't interested. She can't imagine how her grandmother can hire a man she doesn't know to spend time fixing up her cabin. For all she knows he could be a serial killer. But once grandmother Sari has it in her mind, there is no changing it. She can only hope she simply forget him like she has been forgetting everything else lately. She just isn't ready to deal with losing her grandmother and all the wonderful memories she has of the parents she feels responsible for their deaths.

But Sara isn't the only one hiding things in their past memories. It appears that Andrew or Drew does as well. But like everyone else he has ever met, so many people judge based on appearances and with the way Sara deals with him, just goes to prove his point. If only he didn't feel attracted to her. However he knows once his work with her grandmother as a hired hand is finished, he would be out of their lives forever. But will her grandmother's to do list ever be finished?

I received Swept Away from Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven compliments of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. In exchange for my free complimentary copy of the book, I am not asked to provide a favorable but honest review and have not received any monetary compensation. This is the 23rd novel in the Quilts of Love Series and each is a stand alone novel that centers around a quilt. These can be read in any order and are written by various authors. Swept Away engages readers to examine their internal feelings and how we often times feel that to hid our pasts is the best way to move forward in life hoping to leave our pain behind us. Too often however, that fails to work well and will rise to the surface when we least expect it. Sometimes when things go wrong in our lives the first person we often blame is God. We wonder why He didn't alter the event the way we like and fail to understand the reasons behind it until much later if we understand it at all this side of heaven. Sometimes the only way we can deal with that pain is to let it go and hand it over to God. In the end, healing can be found. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars. It includes a sneak peek at Masterpiece Marriage and a Reader's Discussion Guide at the conclusion.

For more information about Swept Away, Laura V. Hilton, Cindy Loven or where you can pick up a copy of this novel, please click on the links below:

Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven

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

You can find Laura V. Hilton on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To stay up to date with all the latest novels from Cindy Loven, please visit her on Facebook. 

Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven. November’s QOL release is a spark of romance and fun just in time for the holidays.

Enter to win a Kindle HDX, and RSVP for the “Merry Quilted” Quilts of Love Facebook party on December 9th. 

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven
• Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
• Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey

Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 9th. Winner will be announced during the "Merry Quilted" Christmas Facebook party on December 9th. RSVP today and connect with some of the Quilts of Love authors (Jodie Bailey, Laura V. Hilton, Cindy Loven, Cathy Elliott, and Gina Welborn) for a "merry" evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, prizes, and more!

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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on December 9th!

A Life Intercepted

Well all hope that when we walk this path called life, that adversity will somehow overlook us, that it will happen to the "other" guy and not us. We'd prefer it that way but so often it does happen to us and begs us to ask the question, now that this has happened, how will we manage? Will it change the course of our lives so much that we don't move forward, that we forget how to live without that title, that salary, that marriage, that family any longer. What truly defines who we are inside? Certainly not our circumstances as one man is about to find out.

In the latest novel from Charles Martin, A Life Intercepted, takes us through the struggle and adversity of what happens to the rising football star Matthew "the Rocket" Rising. He was the greatest thing to ever happen to Gardi, Georgia. From his high school career as quarterback it was as perfectly scripted as you would hope a life as a quarterback would be. The back to back wins throughout his years in high school, back to back wins subsequently in college, and the hope of a future with his wife and high school sweetheart Audrey. He was much different than all the other football heroes because he refused to take any personal credit for the teams wins, instead emphasizing that it takes an entire team and not just one man.

That was what set him apart from everyone else. He had his heart and mind in the right places and not just on his skills as a football player. Even his wife supported his game from the humble beginnings to the cusp of success. But just before he got to the top of his future game, just when it looks like all his dreams would come true, the lights would be turned out and his life would take a turn he never saw coming and all those who truly believed in Matt's character would begin to doubt they ever knew him at all. Now the only thing facing him would be 12 years behind bars at prison for a crime he didn't remember committing and one that would change how the world would forever label him including his wife Audrey. This is Matthew's story of what happened and how he would attempt the come back of his life.

I received A Life Intercepted by Charles Martin compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest opinion. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions in this review are strictly my own. I've been a huge fan of Charles Martin's novels because they truly cut to the core of who we are as humans and this is no exception as he begins to strip away Matthew Rising from his humble beginnings to his pinnacle of success. What dedication he has to encourage and motivate his fellow teammates and to showcase the true unconditional love he has for his wife Audrey. I couldn't imagine how painful this was for her and even his close friends. This is a fictional novel but based on the Author's Notes at the end, shows the true inspiration of this idea for the novel. It truly shows the power of forgiveness and creates an inspiration for those areas in our own life where we might need to exercise forgiveness and just what it really means for us. For fans of football fiction with a side of romance thrown in for good measure or if you are just a fan of Charles Martins' novels, definitely pick this one up. I would rate it a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Charles Martin, A Life Intercepted, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Life Intercepted by Charles Martin

You can find Charles Martin on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

For more reviews on A Life Intercepted, please visit Center Street Publishing's website. 

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes

She had to win this competition.

Kat really had to lose this competition!

When you are looking for an exceptional contemporary romance between two best friends, who believe they have what it takes to make the perfect romance aside from actually telling the other how they really feel, you have the recipe for an incredibly delicious summer romance in All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes from Betsy St. Amant. Kat Varland has always dreamed of something more, something beyond the reach of simply baking strawberry, vanilla and chocolate cupcakes for her Aunt Maggie at Sweetie Pies, the local cupcake shoppe in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. But Aunt Maggie isn't ready for what she considers Kat's "weird" creations and insist she knows what's best. So Kat is sidelined until she can whip up a way to leave this small town life behind.

But she is her own worst enemy. Perhaps that is due in part, to her parents who simply believe she is wasting her talents baking cupcakes for a living. Or the love she lost when her boyfriend Chase decided her sister might be the sweeter of the two sisters to possibly settle down with, leaving Kat in more doubt than ever before. Good thing, she has a real life coach in her best friend Lucas Brannen, who coaches high school football and dreams of the day when he can finally let his true feelings for Kat come to the surface and actually act on them. But what she needs now more than love, is a true confidence boost and lucky for her, he has just the thing in mind. He has secretly signed her up for Cupcake Combat, a reality cupcake bake off show from Food Network. He hopes that once they contact Kat, she'll finally realize that those delightful creations she has been making in her own kitchen are worthy of so much more.

"You did what?"

Perhaps that wasn't the answer he was expecting from Kat when her email announced that she had made it to the show which begins in just two weeks in Los Angeles. But he does manage to convince her that his intentions were more than honorable. A way to show her that he truly believes that she has the talent to follow her dreams anywhere. He just is half hoping that she won't win. Kat has told him that the grand prize for the winner is a year's internship at Bloom, one of the largest bakeries in New York, just what she needs to finally get out of this small town. And she has just the right person in mind for the assistant she is allowed to bring. Won't Lucas look amazing in an apron on national T.V.?

I received All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Zondervan Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own unless otherwise notated. I couldn't wait for this novel when I got the invitation to review it. Being an avid cupcake baker myself and a die hard romantic, this was the perfect creation for me. I love the premise and how well the writer establishes the chemistry brewing between Lucas and Kat! Funny thing is that is my name as well and I simply LOVED this one from cover to cover, inhaling it like peanut butter chocolate cupcakes!!! Hands down well worth every 5 out of 5 stars. There is even a recipe for Raspberry Lemonade Torte Cupcakes and a Reader's Group Guide at the conclusion of this novel. One I simply can't wait to try.

For more information about All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes, Betsy St.Amant or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant 

You can also find Betsy St. Amant on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page.


Don't miss Betsy St. Amant's latest fiction release, All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes. A "sweet" tale of two best friends and the choices they make between dreams and a possible "sure thing," St. Amant's novel is sure to satisfy your romantic-fiction craving.

Betsy is celebrating with a fun Kindle giveaway and a Love & Cupcakes Facebook party! One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle
• All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Love & Cupcakes" Author Chat Party on 9/18. Betsy will be hosting a "sweet" book chat, giving away prizes, and answering questions from readers. She will also share an exclusive sneak peek at her next book project!

So grab your copy of All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes and join Betsy on the evening of September 18th 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 18th!