Vow Unbroken - Review and Giveaway

Susanna Baylor has been a committed woman of God. She learned her lesson once before when she married Andrew and failed to gain her earthly father's blessing. Shortly after that she lost him and his brother in a wagon accident. With her young daughter, Rebecca, to raise along with her nephew Levi unless she can find a buyer for her cotton, she will have to sell off some of her land to get them through the next year. But when she loads up her wagon to head to town to sell it for four cents a pound, Mr. Littlejohn changes his mind and offers her two cents instead. Unfortunately for Susanna, she can't afford to take such a loss. Her only option is to drive the wagon load to the town of Jefferson where she has been promised four cents from the cotton buyers there. But how will she be able to do it with just Levi and Rebecca?

Under the counsel of her wise friend, she hires Henry Buckmeyer, who rumor has it has been born lazy his whole life. Susanna believes it will be a waste visiting Henry to hire him since he is likely to decline. But when her friends refuse to let her go alone unless she asks him, she has no other choice. Without the sale of the cotton, she will be forced to sell the land Andrew left to her and Levi. Lucky for her that Henry agrees with the exception that he can also bring along his tobacco and furs to sell when they arrive as well as his trusty dog, Blue for protection.

Knowing she doesn't have any other options, Sue grants Henry the permission to come along as hired help as long as he is willing to listen to her advice on what they should do and how soon they need to arrive in Jefferson. But what Henry doesn't count on is how determined Sue will be to have her way despite all the risks she is willing to take to get to Jefferson in hurry. What Sue doesn't consider is what it means to plan out the journey and realize that despite the odds that will challenge them at every turn, and that she may have to concede to Henry's knowledge of just how to get them all there safe and in one piece. It may be the hardest pill she has to learn to swallow in learning to agree to let Henry take care of her and her children and in the process realize that trusting God to know what is best in the end.

I received Vow Unbroken by Caryl McAdoo compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I love how determined and strong willed Susanna is, always looking out for what is best for her family and keeping her faith in God. She has made a vow to never marry a man again unless her earthly father has given his blessing as well as that man must be a believer in God satisfying her spiritual Father as well. But will a man be willing to do whatever Sue wants to get her to marry him and become the father to Levi and Rebecca in the process even if it means traveling to Tennessee to see her father? You'll have to see just how hard this journey is and what they all learn along the way by picking up this novel. This is the first in The Lone Star Series and one I rate a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Now for the best part, thanks to the generosity of Howard Books, they are providing a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines to enter:

1. "Like" Howard Books Facebook page so you don't miss out on any of their amazing books!

2. "Like" Caryl McAdoo' Facebook Page! Trust me you will LOVE her novels!

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. If you have a Twitter account, make sure you follow Howard Books and "Tweet about this giveaway using @Howard_Books @CarylMcAdoo in your tweet!

5. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of Vow Unbroken along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. But if I don't have your email address, I can't notify you if you're the lucky winner. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one!

I will notify the winner by email once the giveaway ends on March 20th to give you plenty of time to enter. .Remember you gain an entry for every one of the guidelines you complete and you can enter as many times as you'd like. Simply leave comments on Howard Books and Caryl McAdoo's Facebook if you have already "Liked" them.

For more information about Vow Unbroken, Caryl McAdoo or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Vow Unbroken by Caryl McAdoo

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

To read more reviews on Vow Unbroken, please visit Howard Book's website. 

Northbound

Sheriff Will Jacobs never dreamed that his life would take him on the path he recently found himself on. After returning from a potential job interview as a Marshall out of town, he learns that his wife has been kidnapped from their home. Thankfully their daughter Libby, was playing with friends and wasn't home when she was taken. No clues really remain except that the people who kidnapped his wife, Emma were searching for something.

Not knowing the reasons why, Will sets out with nothing but a prayer for her safety and God's hands to point the way they are headed. He finds two unlikely companions who attempt to aid him in his search, Yann Chang, a Chinese man who is running from men who are hunting him down and want him returned to China, and Tanger, a tracker and his dog, Max. The three vow to search for Emma and attempt to save her only they aren't sure where they are headed and why she was taken.

In the novel, Northbound by Stuart F. Griffin, it seems an unlikely set of circumstances will bring about some change in the lives of the characters involved. Some for good. Some for evil, but no one will remain the same after this journey. Will's faith in God is a true testament and I love how he will be very honest in his conversations with Him. He isn't afraid to admit what he wants and what he knows God wants him to do and often finds himself asking for God's help to keep him on the right path. While waiting for answered prayer can be difficult, Will's blessed by the time he is willing to take while continuing his search. He knows that tracking someone takes much longer than simply running from someone.

I received this novel compliments of Aspect Books and Book Crash for my honest review and being such a huge fan of Christian Westerns, I just knew I would enjoy the story based on the books premise. I was not disappointed. There is room for some editing errors that I can across that could be corrected but those do not take away from the story at all. This story is a true testament that no matter how difficult the storms in our lives may be, God will NEVER leave us to navigate them alone. I rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information on Northbound, Stuart F. Griffin, or where to purchase a copy of this book today, please click on the link below:

Northbound by Stuart F. Griffin

A River To Cross

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A River to Cross Bethany House; Original edition (August 1, 2011)

by Yvonne Harris
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Yvonne Harris earned a BS in Education from the University of Hartford and has taught throughout New England and the mid-Atlantic. Unofficially retired from teaching, she teaches writing at Burlington County College in southern New Jersey, where she resides. She is a winner and three-time finalist for the Golden Heart, once for The Vigilante's Bride, which was her debut novel.






ABOUT THE BOOK

Texas Ranger Jake Nelson patrols the U.S.-Mexico border, protecting the settlers from cattle rustlers, outlaws, and bandits. Sparks fly when Manuel Diego stirs up a revolt against the government, which leads to the murder of a newspaperman, who is the son of a U.S. senator, and the kidnapping of his sister, Elizabeth Madison, a journalist in the making.

With Elizabeth's photograph in hand--a dark-haired beauty with smiling eyes--Jake rides over the border to find her. After the Rangers defeat the marauders and rescue Elizabeth, Jake is surprised to learn she's not the spoiled daughter of a senator that he was expecting. In fact, he finds himself taken by her. And she by him.

But the Mexicans won't give up that easily, as Elizabeth becomes the target of an all-out hunt. Leaving Elizabeth back at Fort Williams, Jake and his men set off again, this time to go after Diego himself--to apprehend him and his renegades and bring them all to justice.

Meanwhile, Jake knows what's begun between him and Elizabeth is undeniable. Amid all the turmoil, Jake finally admits how much he loves her. She tells him the same. Until now, they've lived in different worlds, yet it is those differences that drew them together.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A River to Cross, go HERE.

My Review:

Trust is something that both Jake and Elizabeth will need to do, especially the way they meet. Elizabeth is captured by Major Chavez, a man working for Manuel Diego, whose sole purpose is to stir up a war between the US and Mexico.

Knowing what will happen to her if they don't attempt a daring rescue, late in the evening Jake and his Texas Rangers silently take care of Chavez's men one by one. Not hearing anything Elizabeth awakes to a blackened figure standing above her welding a knife. When she attempts to scream a hand covers her mom. Sensing her life my be in danger, she bites the man holding her, only to discover he is her rescuer. Now they must stay one step ahead of Diego who will stop at nothing to gain back his prized treasure that was taken from him, that being Elizabeth. Seeing an opportunity in kidnapping the US Senator's daughter, Jake must find a way to keep Elizabeth safe until Manuel Diego is finally captured.

Along the way the appearances that Jake and Elizabeth keep up on the outside are merely shells of who they really are on the inside. Both see a way to find healing from the past where the hurt in their lives has allowed them to create these outward appearances to keep from being wounded again. Will God find a way to heal them and restore their hearts or will Manuel Diego succeed in his efforts to provoke a war between the two countries?

I received the book, A River To Cross by Yvonne Harris, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. This is my second book from Yvonne, A Vigilante's Bride being the first and I love a good western romance involving a little rescuing and protection from the man in her life. This one does not disappoint and Elizabeth's character is a well written strong, determined and open minded woman who remembers how to care and love for those in her life and will fiercely protect them no matter what happens. I would rate this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars and for those of you that love a great historical western romance, then this is perfect for you.

Undaunted Faith

Sometimes we question certain events in our life and begin to wonder where God was in all of it? Why did He allow things to happen that would scar us for life? Why doesn't He intervene and stop evil men who will never change.

In 1867, the story continues with the McCabe family, now heading to the Arizona territory to begin their news lives as preachers in the town of Silverstone. Along for the journey is Bethany Stafford who is going to be the new teacher. This is still a time of fears of Indians, cattle rustling, and old prejudices pertaining to the house of ill repute and the soiled doves that come and go, servicing the people of the town in the saloon.

Luke and Jake McCabe hope to change lives. They want the people of Silverstone to turn their hearts back to God, and avoid judging the Indian tribes that surround the outskirts of town. Many in the town believe the Indians should be killed since they are responsible for the loss of cattle and the constant battles that claim the lives of some of the towns farmers. Jake and Luke believe that people's heart are hardened but that God can change it, if they are only willing to listen. This is their ministry in town.

Bethany Stafford is one of three of the town's single women, but she carries around a burden from her past that has affected her self esteem so much, she fears she will live out her years as the town spinster at 18. Between the sheriff's flirtatious ways, Old Ralph Jonas who searches for a wife just to care for the six children his wife left behind when she died, and the gentle affections from Luke McCabe, she's about to give herself a second chance at happiness. But what about true love?

Dr. Cavanaugh was hired on assumed pretenses believing she was a man, until she showed up as the town's doctor. The town is set on having a male doctor and believes it's only a matter of time before they can run her out. Having a strong determination to prove people wrong, she has no intention on leaving. She has to make it here because there is no going back to her former life that she is still running from.

I received Undaunted Faith by Andrea Boeshaar, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. This is the fourth book in the Seasons of Redemption series and is wonderful as a stand alone itself. We learn through this book through the characters of Bethany Stafford and Annetta Cavanaugh that even though each is hiding from their past, God can redeem them and make them whole again. There is nothing too great that God won't forgive. It's through the actions of the McCabe brothers, that some people can see God and begin to see the love that lies within their reach.

This book is another 5 out of 5 stars that will once more leave you wanting even more from Andrea Boeshaar! It's a wonderful portrayal of just how difficult it was for women to remain strong on the frontier in the face of any adversity they faced. This book is available in paperback and eReader formats from your local book retailer.

Here is even more great information about the book, the author and even a first chapter sneak peek. This is one you won't want to miss if you love Historical Western Romances with a twist!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Undaunted Faith Realms (May 3, 2011) by Andrea Boeshaar



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar has been married for more than 30 years. She and her husband, Daniel, have three adult sons, daughters-in-law, and two precious grandchildren. Andrea's educational background includes the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where she studied in English, and Alverno College where she studied in Professional Communications and Business Management.



Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn't until 1984 that she started submitting her work for publication. Eight years after that, she was convicted about writing for the Christian market. She read books in her genre (Inspirational Romance & Women's Fiction), studied the market, and worked hard to hone her craft.



Finally her first novel was published in 1994. Since then she's written numerous articles and devotionals. Andrea has also published inspiration romance novels, women's fiction, and novellas.



In 2003, Andrea joined the Hartline Literary Agency and worked for Joyce Hart as a literary agent. She saw much success. But then in 2007, Andrea realized she was more of a teacher/encourager than a sales person. She left the agency and became a certified Christian life coach. Now, in addition to her writing, Andrea enjoys encouraging others to use their God-given talents and gifts to their fullest.



Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar is a certified Christian life coach and speaks at writers’ conferences and for women’s groups. She has taught workshops at such conferences as Write-To-Publish, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Oregon Christian Writers Conference, Mount Hermon Writers Conference, and many local writers conferences. Another of Andrea’s accomplishments is cofounder of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization. For many years she served on both its Advisory Board and as its CEO.



ABOUT THE BOOK

When Pastor Luke McCabe begins paying extra attention to her, Bethany takes his fine-sounding words with a grain of salt. She's heard sweet talk before. This time she is going to keep her mind on the Lord and on her new teaching job in the Arizona Territory.



But when her reputation is accidentally soiled by the rakish town sheriff, Luke steps in with a marriage proposal to save Bethany's good name. Luke is certain their marriage is God's will...but Bethany is just as certain God must have someone else in mind to be Luke's wife.



Someone sweet and spiritual, who knows the Scriptures better than Bethany does. Someone like Luke's old friend from home.



If you would like to read the first chapter of , go HERE.





Watch the video trailer:

Within My Heart

Losing the most important person in your life can make you wonder if there is anything reason for you to go on with your life, but when Rachel Boyd loses her husband Thomas, leaving her behind with her two young sons, Mitch and Kurt and a ranch that is barely making ends meet, she questions whether she has the strength to make it.

Rachel Boyd has grown up in the shadow of her father, a great physician whom never seemed to have time for her or her mother growing up yet the skills she learned while watching him has helped her become a bit of an expert in being a mid-wife in the small town of Timber Ridge.

When the new town doctor, Rand Brookston, sets up shop, he soon discovers he needs more than Rachel's trained medical skills to help him. In the latest book from Tamera Alexander in the Timber Ridge Reflections series, we have an opportunity to travel back in time to the Colorado Rockies in the late 1800's in Within My Heart.

Both characters of Rand and Rachel have fears that only love and their faith in God can conquer and they soon will come to realize that they both need one another to face them.

I received this novel, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and literally read all 378 pages on a cold rainy day. What a perfect way to escape and I would rate this one a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait to pick up the first books in this series, From A Distance and Beyond This Moment. Tamera Alexander has such a profound way with words that she makes you feel like you are a part of this characters lives.

For more information on the book, the author and even a first chapter glimpse, read on:

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Within My Heart Bethany House; Original edition (September 1, 2010)
by Tamera Alexander
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of Rekindled, Revealed and Remembered, the critically acclaimed Fountain Creek Chronicles historical series with Bethany House Publishers. Her second historical series, Timber Ridge Reflections (From a Distance, Beyond This Moment, and Within My Heart), penned in her style with deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose have earned her devoted readers—and multiple industry awards.

These awards include the 2009 and 2008 Christy Award, the 2007 RITA for Best Inspirational Romance, the 2009 and 2007 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, 2007 Bookseller’s Best Award, and Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction for 2006, among others.

After living in Colorado for seventeen years, Tamera has returned to her Southern roots. She and her husband now make their home in Nashville with Tamera's father, Doug. They enjoy life there with Joe and Tamera's two adult children, and Jack, a precious—and precocious—silky terrier.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Widow Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her ranch afloat and provide for her two young sons, though some days it feels as though her efforts are sabotaged at every turn. When her cattle come down with disease and her sons' lives are endangered, she must turn to Rand Brookston, Timber Ridge's physician and reluctant veterinarian. While Rachel appreciates his help, she squelches any feelings she might have for Rand--her own father was a doctor and his patients always took priority over his family. Rachel refuses to repeat the mistakes her mother made. But when she's courted by a wealthy client of the local resort, she faces a choice: self-sufficiency and security or the risk inherent in the deepest of loves.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Within My Heart, go HERE.