Heart of the Ocean Blog Tour.

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Heart of the Ocean
by Heather B. Moore

A dark secret . . . a grieving ghost  . . . a handsome stranger  . . .
What more could Eliza Robinson want?
Except for maybe her life.

In Heather B. Moore’s enthralling 1840’s historical romance, Heart of the Ocean, Eliza Robinson has turned down the very pretentious Mr. Thomas Beesley’s marriage proposal. As a business partner of Eliza’s father, Thomas quickly discredits the family and brings disgrace to the Robinson name.

While her father scrambles to restore his good name in New York City, Eliza flees to the remote Puritan town of Maybrook to stay with her Aunt Maeve. Although relieved to be away from all- things-male and unforgiving gossip columns, odd things start to happen to Eliza, and she is plagued by a ghostly voice. Her aunt’s explanation? That Eliza is being haunted by a woman who died of a broken heart twenty years ago.

After Aunt Maeve is tragically killed, Eliza's life is put in danger as she tries to uncover the mystery of her aunt's death. She encounters Jonathan Porter in Maybrook, whose presence in the town seems suspicious, yet she finds herself drawn to him. When she discovers that Jonathan’s dark secrets may be the link between the dead woman who haunts her and her aunt’s murderer, Eliza realizes that Jonathan is the one man she should never trust.

Purchase

Amazon * Smashwords * Barnes & Noble

Author Heather B. Moore
Heather B. Moore is the award-winning author of ten novels, two inspirational non-fiction books, and two anthologies, including The Newport Ladies Book Club Series, A Timeless Romance Anthology, and Christ's Gifts to Women (co-authored by Angela Eschler).

Her historical fiction is published under the pen name H.B. Moore. She is the two-time recipient of Best of State in Literary Fiction, two-time Whitney Award Winner, and two-time Golden Quill Winner for Best Novel. Her most recent historical novel under H.B. Moore is Daughters of Jared (2012 LUW Gold Award of Excellence & 2012 LUW Best Book Trailer).

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/3/12
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Kregel Publications Presents J. R. R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend by Colin Duriez

Perfect for Tolkien enthusiasts of all shapes and sizes, this delightful and accessible biography brings the enigma behind The Lord of the Rings franchise to life

Long before the successful The Lord of the Rings films, J.R.R. Tolkien’s creations, imagination, and characters had already captured the hearts and minds of millions of readers. But who was the man who dreamt up the intricate languages and perfectly crafted world of Middle-earth? Tolkien had a difficult life for many years—orphaned and poor, his guardian forbade him from communicating with the woman he had fallen in love with, and he also suffered through the horrors of World War I. An intensely private and brilliant scholar, he spent more than 50 years working on the languages, history, peoples, and geography of Middle-earth, with a consistent mythology and body of legends inspired by a formidable knowledge of early northern European history and culture. J.R.R. Tolkien became a legend by creating an imaginary world that has enthralled and delighted generations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Colin Duriez writes books, edits and lectures. He has appeared as a commentator on extended version film DVDs of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings, BBC’s The Worlds of Fantasy, the bonus DVD for Focus on the Family Radio Theatre’s audio dramatisation of The Screwtape Letters (which has Andy Serkis as Screwtape), and the Sony DVD Ringers about Tolkien fandom and the impact of Tolkien on popular culture. His books include J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis: The Story of Their Friendship, and Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings. Later this years two new books will appear: a biography, J.R.R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend (Lion), and an addition to David and Charles’ popular series, Amazing and Extraordinary Facts: J.R.R. Tolkien.

My Review:

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, know as J. R. R. was born on 3 January 1892, in Southern Africa. He was the first son of Arthur and Mabel, and was joined by a brother Hilary on 17 February 1894.
Both boys had a had sad beginning, loosing their Dad in 1896, and their Mom to Diabetes, there was no treatment. They became the wards of a priest, and soon lived with a woman who gave them room and board...that is it. How sad, and yet each point of his life shows the rich mind he possessed, and later shows up in bits and pieces in his writings.
Love the reference to Hobbit, that came from his travels to Interlaken in Switzerland. What a mind he had, and was able to share with the World. He had in his lifetime become friends with C. S. Lewis, a former Atheist who came to know the Lord many think because of Tolkien.
He fell in love with Edith as a child, and later pursues her as a young man. I personally enjoyed this story, and bringing this man to life in my mind. He started out with such a harsh life, but the talent of this man is legendary.
Enjoy!

I received this book from Kregel, and was not required to give a positive review.

Revell Publishing Presents: Vanished (Private Justice, #1) by Irene Hannon

Reporter Moira Harrisons is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a confusing detour places her on a rural, wooded road, she's startled by the sudden appearance of a lone figure caught in the beam of her headlights. Though Moira jams on her brakes, the car careens across the wet pavement--and the solid thump against the side of the vehicle tells her she hit the person before she crashes into a tree on the far side of the road. A dazed Moira is relieved when a man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then everything fades to black. When she comes to an hour later, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person lying on the side of the road. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on the person's face in the instant before her headlights swung away. The person she hit had been in trouble. She's sure of it. But she can't get anyone to believe her story--except a handsome former police detective, now a private eye, who agrees to take on the case.
From the very first page, readers will be hooked into this fast-paced story full of shocking secrets from fan-favorite Irene Hannon. "Vanished" is the exciting first book in the Private Justice series: Three justice seekers who got burned playing by the rules now have a second chance to make things right.

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About this author
Irene Hannon, who writes both romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 40 novels. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romantic fiction), a National Readers' Choice Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award, a Retailers Choice Award and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine.

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, long walks, cooking, gardening, traveling and spending time with family. She and her husband make their home in Missouri.


My Review:

Wow a powerful book, keeps you turning the page....need to find the answers! When the title says Vanished...it unfortunately means vanished. The poor soul who is taken away, is not missed by anyone. How very sad.
Can you imagine being on a dark road in the middle of a horrible thunderstorm, one that you really can't see where you are going? Then out of no where you see a frightened woman on the road? You swerve and hit a tree. You remember someone telling you that help is coming? There is some glass on the seat...you feel it?
When help does arrive, there is no woman, and the police think that the concussion makes her believe there was someone there. Unfortunately, Moira Harrisons, was nominated for a Pulitzer, and is no slouch as an investigative reporter. She gets the name of a Private Investigator. Meeting Cal Burke is a changing point for her. He is a with three partners, and runs an upscale PI firm. What both Moira and Cal don't expect is a bit of romance.
This book will keep you on pins and needles all the way to the end. Enjoy!

I received this book Revell Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.

a Colcha de Martha Ann para la Reina Victoria by Kyra E. Hicks

Martha Ann is twelve years old when Papa finally saves enough money to purchase her freedom from slavery. In 1830, the family leaves east Tennessee to begin a new life in Liberia. On market days, Martha Ann watches the British navy patrolling the Liberian coast to stop slave catchers from kidnapping her family and friends and forcing them back into slavery. Martha Ann decides to thank Queen Victoria in person for sending the navy. But first, she must determine how to make the 3,500-mile voyage to England, find a suitable gift for the Queen, and withstand the ridicule of family and friends who learn of her impossible dream. Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria is the true story of Martha Ann Ricks, an ex-slave who spent fifty years saving spare coins to fulfill her dream of meeting the Queen of England.

About The Author

Kyra E. Hicks is a marketing professional and quilter. She was so mesmerized after seeing Eva Ungar Grudin's 1990 exhibition, "Stitching Memories: African-American Story Quilts," that she began to teach herself to create her own quilts. "I found my voice that afternoon in the museum," she remembers. Today, Kyra's quilts have been included in more than forty exhibitions in venues such as the American Craft Museum in New York, the Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C., and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum in Hartford. She hosts the African American quilting news blog, Black Threads.


My Review:

I received this sweet book from LibraryThing, only problem is that it is in Spanish, and I do not speak Spanish. I had my Grandson try and translate this to me. This is the story of Martha Ann Ricks, who's father saved and purchased her freedom from slavery.
The family moved from Tennessee to Liberia. Having the 14 year old read this to me, and him learning about slavery, made the book even more memorable. He was impressed with her desire to meet Queen Victoria, and presenting the beautiful quilt. The illustrations are wonderful, and we enjoyed looking at the quilt. Kyra Hicks has down a wonderful job with this story. We both enjoyed it!!

I received a copy of this book from the author, and was not required to give a positive review.

Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer, Ocieanna Fleiss

Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But Ginny needs advice from the one person who will look out for her best interests—her former fiancé, Brett Miller. She travels to the remote town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, where the town’s colorful characters and stunning scenery provide respite from LA’s pressures.

In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children’s governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover—as Ellie did—that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?

About The Author

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of four, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.

In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched www.NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.


My Review:

Once I picked this book up I wasn't putting it back down. Such an awesome book! We are treated to two love stories in one.
Ginny Marshall has a promising music career, living the good life, or is she? She is now on threshold of making it big, but she wants to talk to her exfinancé Brett Miller before signing. Why? She was the one who chose to leave him, she just drove away! One thing I found throughout this book was the love of the Lord, no matter how far back we went, He was their Rock. As soon as we meet Brett's Grandmother, we see that she walks with Her Lord. She embraces Ginny with her love, and gives her a might gift....Ellie's and Clay's letters and journals. Oh how I never wanted this to end! Made me want to move to Glacier Bay, what a beautiful area that is described in this story, and the people care! No seat belts, the speed limit is 25mph, no stealing, and so much love.
What a warm loving movie this book would make! It was a wonderful read that I recommend!

I received this book from the Author through her Launch Team, and was not required to give a positive review.

Clean Your Shelf Giveaway Hop

I am decluttering my bookshelf and have these books up for grabs!

Time to pass on a few of my books to someone new.
"Clear Your Shelf" Giveaway Hop!
January 4th to 10th

My Giveaway

4 great books
Flight of Fancy, Love Blooms in Winter
Spring Hope & A Place of Abundance

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Here is the code for the linky.

Litfuse The Lesson | Suzanne Woods Fisher iPad Giveaway and Blog Tour

Centered on one of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s most loved characters, this is the story fans have eagerly anticipated. The precocious M.K. is all grown up (well, almost) and ready to take on the world–with surprising results. Fisher’s trademark plot twists and turns are as unexpected and satisfying as ever in this third book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series.

In her wildest dreams, spunky and impulsive nineteen-year-old Mary Kate Lapp never imagined herself behind a schoolteacher’s desk. A run-in (literally) with the schoolteacher compels her to act as a substitute teacher, just as her restless desire to see the world compels her to apply for a passport . . . just in case. The only thing of interest to M.K. in the sleepy Amish community of Stoney Ridge is the unexplained death of a sheep farmer that coincided with the arrival of a mysterious young man into the community. Frustrated that no one takes the crime seriously, she takes matters into her own hands. Unfortunately, as tends to be the case for M.K., she jumps headlong into trouble.

Purchase a copy here.

More About Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has one husband, four children, one son-in-law, a brand new grand-baby, and a couple of dogs. She graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.

Suzanne has contracts with Revell for six more books about the Amish, both fiction and non-fiction. She is also the host of “Amish Wisdom·” on toginet.com, a weekly radio program featuring guests who are connected to Simple Living.

Find out more about Suzanne at http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/.


My Review:

Another great book by Suzanne Woods Fisher. This is Mary Kate Lapps story, a free spirit, as you know if you have read the other books in this series. She loves her brown bees, and her red scooter. Can just picture her riding down hill with her eyes closed on this scooter...when she collides with Chris Yoder. Another collision with the then teacher, ends up making her the teacher!
You have to "love" Fern, she seems to have it all...a Love of God, and family. She seems to be able to see into another person's heart, and loves her step-children as her own.
M K is still a bit flighty, and of course, things happen to this young woman, and she doesn't always use the best judgement. She really does have a big heart, and she cares. When she makes a mistake, she is often devastated and remorseful.
Enjoy a great look into the Amish way of life, you won't be sorry.

I received this book Litfuse Publicity Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

Celebrate the release of The Lesson with Suzanne Woods Fisher by entering to win one of TWO iPads!

Two winners will receive:

• A brand new iPad
• A $15 gift certificate to iTunes

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 20th. Winner will be announced on 1/22/13 at Suzanne's Blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.