Litfuse Publicity Book Tours Presents: The Journey of Josephine Cain (American Tapestries) by Nancy Moser

 
When a socialite from the nation’s capital embarks on a journey to the Wild West, her life is changed forever.
A setting populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians is hardly the place for a wealthy general’s daughter. But Josephine Cain is determined to visit her father, who supervises the day-to-day work involved in the grandest ambition of post-Civil War America: the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Life with the railroad is far from the proper life Josephine is used to, and she faces deadly gunfights, harsh weather, and vigilante uprisings. She is torn between the West and the East; between her privileged upbringing and the challenges of a new frontier; between the pull of the suitable beau her parents approve of and an attraction to a rough but charming Irish railroad worker. But if Josephine is willing, she just might find a new life, a unique purpose . . . and true love.
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Nancy’s website.

About The Author



NANCY MOSER is the best-selling author of more than twenty novels. She is a winner and two-time nominee of the Christy Award, and her latest novel was named to Booklist’s “Top 10 Romance Novels of 2011.” Nancy and her husband have three grown children and three grandchildren, and they live in the Midwest.

My Review:

I enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end. It had a lot of twists and turns, and a lot of true facts.
Josephine Cain's life, and a lot of others, was interrupted by the Civil War. Her Father was a General, and is now heading a major portion of building the new Transcontinental Railroad. She has grown up a product of a wealthy class family. All is about to change. She is now being pursued by Lewis Simmons, and all that she sees, is what she wants to see.
Follow her and her Lewis as they head for a visit West...she also meets Hudson. Wow two, one she is now engaged to, and the other has a woman he is promised to. We visit with the General, and rescue a child, before heading back once more to Washington.
This book does not disappoint, we are there when Lincoln is shot, and again when history is made with the last rail put into place. We are also part of the taming of the West. You never know what is around the next corner, there are a lot of surprises, and some famous names that are dropped.

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

Pump Your Book Virtual Book Tours Presents: Mary Elizabeth the Spotless Cow by Salvatore Barbera

The story of “Mary Elizabeth The Spotless Cow” takes us on the journey she travels to figure out how to get the cows at a new farm to like and accept her.
While she hopes to find friendship at her new home, instead she learns what it means to be different from everyone else. (Spotless!) Mary Elizabeth uses clever ideas and a sense of humor to help her on her quest for friends at the new farm.
This inspiring tale shows how perseverance in spite of obstacles, using a sound thought process to arrive at solutions and the importance of having fun, using humor and enjoying playtime can build friendships.
When you buy this book, 50% of net proceeds go to Phoenix Children’s Hospital Child Life Program to make a difference in the lives of children with critical and life threatening illnesses.

About The Author

Sal is the author and illustrator of “A Sweetles Dream”® book series. As the Creative Director for Hartman-Barbera llc, a family media & entertainment company, he is also an animator, sculptor, painter and all around fun guy. Sal lives the phrase: “A day without laughter is a wasted day”. To that end, he uses his writing, illustrating and animation skills to create endearing characters and comedic stories.
Sal’s sense of humor and empathy for his characters explore personal and social situations in ways that makes it enjoyable for both adults and children to experience together. Born in New York City, Sal moved to North Bergen, NJ where he grew up on a steep hillside neighborhood with his four older sisters. He currently lives in sunny Arizona with his wife and artistic partner, Sheri, who he defines as his inspiration. On any given day Sal might be painting, sculpting, drawing, animating, writing or enjoying one of his favorite pastimes: cooking, television, movies and golf.


Visit Sal Barbera’s website at http://www.salbarbera.com.

Watch the trailer: http://youtu.be/72fOn1tEbDM

Purchasing information: During the month of October, purchase Mary Elizabeth The Spotless Cow from the Sweetles website for only $12.00 (List price: $17.99). When you buy this book, 50% of net proceeds go to Phoenix Children’s Hospital Child Life Program. Visit http://www.sweetles.com/product/books/mary-elizabeth-the-spotless-cow-book/ for more information.

My Review:






The boys and I read this really cute book together. The 8 year old was able to do a lot of the reading, and his brother the 6 year old also enjoyed it.
We happen to live on a farm and the boys have been around cows all their lives. We joked about the cows carrying around Mary Elizabeth, and some of the other impossible antics.
There is a deeper message here, and the boys and I discussed it. They have heard a lot about Bullying, and this rather reinforces the idea of some people being different. Also the acceptance and friendship all children want.
We spoke of the cute delivery truck and the web site cows2us.com. They got a real chuckle out of that! Your in for a sweet, wonderfully illustrated, and humorous story. What a great message!

I received this book from Pump Your Book Virtual Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

Heavenly Haven (Kathi Macias' 12 Days of Christmas, #4) by Christine Lindsay

Avalanches happen to other people, not us. Marital problems happen to other people, not us, especially nine days before Christmas. At least that’s what Jack and Avery Burke thought. Married for ten years, avalanche control expert Jack, and ski pro Avery, only wanted to celebrate their December anniversary in a romantic way, until the shifting snows on the mountain bring havoc tumbling down upon them. Can they find renewed love in a heavenly haven of snow?

Irish-born Christine Lindsay writes multi-award-winning inspirational historical novels. Her great-grandfather and grandfather both worked as riveters on the Titanic. Several more of her ancestors served in the British Cavalry in India, seeding Christine’s long-time fascination with Colonial India, and became the stimulus for her series Twilight of the British Raj. In her novels, SHADOWED IN SILK and CAPTURED BY MOONLIGHT, Christine delights in weaving the endless theme of God’s redemptive love throughout stories of danger, suspense, adventure, and romance.
The Pacific coast of Canada, about 200 miles north of Seattle, is Christine’s home. Like a lot of authors, Christine’s chief editor is her cat.



 
About The Author 

Christine Lindsay writes historical inspirational novels with strong love stories, and she takes pride in her Irish roots. Her great grandfather and grandfather worked as riveters in the Belfast shipyard, one of those ships her ancestors helped build was the Titanic.

On her mother’s side, it was stories of ancestors who served in the British Cavalry in India that seeded Christine’s long-time fascination with the British Raj and became the stimulus for her series Twilight of the British Raj.

The Pacific coast of Canada, about 200 miles north of Seattle, is Christine’s home where she lives with her husband, David, and they enjoy the visits from their adult children and grandchildren. Like a lot of authors, Christine’s chief editor is her cat.

My Review: 

Christine Lindsay has written a sweet, real meaning of Christmas story. When Shania Burke's ten anniversary arrives, and her husband informs her that he has to work. She is one unhappy lady. We are reminded that she was the rich girl that married the poor boy, for "love". Now with two children, and Jack working all the time, is she regretting her decision?
She makes a determination, and is heading her own way. Jack is at work! She is also at this point reminded of Job. What consequences our decisions can take us, instead of leaving it in God's hands, we strike out on our own.
This is a very short story, packed with a lot of human action. You will feel like these are your decisions, and you are in an avalanche of snow. The story is a great reminder of some bad choices, we all make, and then have to live with. Don't miss this great, quick read!

I received this story from the Author, and was not required to give a positive review. 

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Presents: $50 BookBlast – arbitrate by Megan Thomason

arbitrate:

It's one year later. And everything has changed.

Remember The Second Chance Institute (SCI). Earth’s benevolent non-profit by day, Thera’s totalitarian regime by night. They’ve stepped up their game on Earth and on Thera—infiltrating political parties, preying on the downtrodden, and planning offensive maneuvers. The SCI’s abuse of their charter leads to Arbiter oversight and bitter consequences.

Remember Kira Donovan. Broken, burdened, and evading those who wish her harm, Kira enlists the Arbiters’ help when forced to return to the clutches of the SCI and her angry, estranged love.

Remember Blake Sundry. Exiled, determined, and packing an agenda, Blake seeks assistance on Earth and Thera to use his newfound knowledge to bring down the SCI.

Remember Ethan Darcton. Overworked, emotional, and holding a grudge, Ethan hunts down his stolen property, but finds himself in awkward territory, stuck between the Arbiters and the SCI.

Full of action, competing agendas, romantic entanglements, humor, twists and turns, arbitrate is Megan Thomason’s third installment in the award-winningdaynight series after daynight and clean slate complex (a daynight story).

 

Amazon

Praise for arbitrate: "There are a lot of books I finish and feel happy, this one I finished and my head is swirling, in a totally awesome way! Not only does it have a great story with characters that you like (and some you just hate as they are the enemy) but the book also gets you thinking, thinking about the implication of effects of different actions and courses in life. This story has action, fighting, plots and plans, romance, love triangles, family, betrayal - has it all." --Emily Barton, Emmy Mom One Day at a Time blog, 5 stars "You have hit this one out of the park." --ARC Reviewer "For the record, I LOVED Kira's choice!! And the whole thing just blew me away! Very, very well done!! Now when can I get my hands on generate?! Can't wait " --ARC Reviewer "Read my ARC of Arbitrate and consider my mind blown! I started it the minute it was sent and couldn't put it down." --ARC Reviewer

  daynight Meet The Second Chance Institute (SCI): Earth's benevolent non-profit by day, Thera's totalitarian regime by night. Their motto: Because Everyone Deserves a Second Chance at Life(TM). Reality: the SCI subjects Second Chancers to strict controls and politically motivated science experiments like Cleaving--forced lifetime union between two people who have sex. Punishment for disobeying SCI edicts? Immediate Exile or death. Meet Kira Donovan. Fiercely loyal, overly optimistic, and ensnared by the promise of a full-ride college scholarship, Kira signs the SCI Recruit contract to escape memories of a tragedy that left her boyfriend and friends dead. Meet Blake Sundry. Bitter about being raised in Exile and his mother's death, Blake's been trained to infiltrate and destroy the SCI. Current barrier to success? His Recruit partner--Miss Goody Two Shoes Kira Donovan. Meet Ethan Darcton. Born with a defective heart and resulting inferiority complex, Ethan's forced to do his SCI elite family's bidding. Cleave-worthy Kira Donovan catches his eye, but the presiding powers give defect-free Blake Sundry first dibs. Full of competing agendas, romantic entanglements, humor, twists and turns, daynight is an award-winning, bestselling novel and first in thedaynight series.  

Download a FREE copy of daynight

Available for FREE on Amazon

October 29th, 30th & 31st

  Praise for daynight: 2012 Book of the Year Award Finalist-Young Adult Fiction, ForeWord Reviews "Sure to win over YA readers looking for a dangerous, dystopian adventure story" —Kirkus Reviews "Gripping young adult dystopian novel; compelling conflicts; high stakes; powerful narrative; surprises keep coming; strong writing; page-turner; engaging characters; Readers will be hungry for the sequels.”—BlueInk Review (starred review) "Thomason's description of Thera's totalitarianism will make fans of Brave New World shiver... SCI, her fantasy corporation, has disturbing parallels to actual companies and regimes that claim to do good while harming people... The author deftly appeals to both romance-loving teens as well as those intrigued by young adults fighting the establishment.”—ForeWord Clarion Review, 4 stars     arbitrate Excerpt: “I’m angry at all of them. Every SCI leader. In fact Joshua gave me a list of those who are Earth-side. It makes for a great to-do list.” They all deserve to pay. I’m done talking. It’s time for some action. One thousand one. One thousand two. One thousand three. That’s all it takes to even out my breathing and steady my hand. I shift the crosshairs on my target ever so slightly—from his heart to his hand—and pull the trigger. My father would be proud that all his training paid off. Oh, who am I kidding? He’d find something to criticize about my work here. Sad that even though he’s gone I can hear him saying, “If you’d hit a little to the left you’d have taken out a higher concentration of nerves.”

Tour Schedule

  Author Megan Thomason Bestselling, award-winning author Megan Thomason lives in paradise aka San Diego, CA with her husband and five children. A former software manager, Megan vastly prefers writing twisted tales to business, product, and marketing plans. When she isn't typing away on her laptop, she's reading books on her phone--over 600 in the last year--or attending to the needs of her family. Megan's fluent in sarcasm, could potentially benefit from a 12-step program for road rage, struggles with a Hot Tamales addiction, loves world travel & fast cars and hates paperwork & being an insomniac.  

Website * Facebook * Goodreads * Twitter

  BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/18/13 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://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Cat in the Window And Other Stories of the Cats We Love by: Callie Smith Grant

 
A playful bat of a string. A bored yawn. A tender purr at the touch of your hand.
Cats are one of God's most enigmatic creatures. They're as crafty as they are cuddly, as rambunctious as they are reserved. We never quite know just what our cats are thinking--but it's perfectly obvious that they always are.

The Cat in the Window is a delightful collection of true stories that celebrate the cats in our lives. Inside you'll meet an orange tiger-striped cat who softened the hard edges of life for a young family, a skinny black-and-white stray who braved a blizzard to find a home, a fat cat who saved his owner's life one night, cats who offered comfort in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and many more. These warm stories will touch your heart and renew your spirit.

So curl up on the couch with the special cat in your life . . . and enjoy!


About The Author
 Callie Smith Grant is the editor of A Prince among Dogs and A Dickens of a Cat. She is also the author of several nonfiction books for young readers and adults as well as many animal-themed stories and poems which can be seen in Guideposts anthologies and in magazines such as Small Farmers Journal.

Resources

• Excerpt Download PDF 

My Review:

This is a fun book to read, and it does go fast. The stories are short, so if you have just a few minutes at a time, you can finish one quickly.
The book is a collection of true stories, and they of course, revolve around cats. Some of them are quite funny, and others very touching.
There are many types of cats as we all know, some are very aloof, and others won't leave you alone...all they want is attention.
No matter how they came into their lives, these cats leave their imprint on their owners, or feeders! Famous last words..."No he, she, can't stay".
This book will have you curling up with your cat, and having a comfy read.
You won't be disappointed!

I received this book through the Revell Book Reviewers Program, and was not required to give a positive review. 

Pump Up Your Book Presents Trudy Book Blast – Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

 The author was born and raised in the hills of Pennsylvania. Graduated High School and moved to Ohio. Married, two children. Taught Ballroom dance and gymnastics. Moved to Michigan, graduated from Eastern Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications. Worked for a cable television station before turning to writing novels. About the Book: This is a story of a washed – up detective who can’t resist trying to solve a mystery. In spite of trying to stay out of other people’s business, this character always manages to get tangled up anyway. Without trying the detective gets involved in the life of a little girl who just happens to be the sole hair to her family fortune. And, where there’s a lot of money involved, there’s always some sleazy characters trying to get their hands on it. The story takes some unexpected twists and turns as our hero tries to remain unnoticed by the press and his former associates. Follow our hero through unexpected events and unwanted danger. Sometimes you’ll laugh, sometimes you’ll cry but you won’t have time to get bored. In this story, each day’s a chapter and each chapter’s another mess out hero manages to fall into.

Purchase your copy:

  This is a story of a washed – up detective who can’t resist trying to solve a mystery. In spite of trying to stay out of other people’s business, this character always manages to get tangled up anyway. Without trying the detective gets involved in the life of a little girl who just happens to be the sole hair to her family fortune. And, where there’s a lot of money involved, there’s always some sleazy characters trying to get their hands on it. The story takes some unexpected twists and turns as our hero tries to remain unnoticed by the press and his former associates. Follow our hero through unexpected events and unwanted danger. Sometimes you’ll laugh, sometimes you’ll cry but you won’t have time to get bored. In this story, each day’s a chapter and each chapter’s another mess out hero manages to fall into.

ABOUT C.S. ROSS

The author was born and raised in the hills of Pennsylvania. Graduated High School and moved to Ohio. Married, two children. Taught Ballroom dance and gymnastics. Moved to Michigan, graduated from Eastern Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications. Worked for a cable television station before turning to writing novels.

Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
• This giveaway begins October 21 – November 1.
• Winners will be contacted via email on Saturday November 2, 2013.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

 RAFFLECOPTER CODE: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides #3) by Maggie Brendan

 
Anna Olsen knows it's time to leave her sister's increasingly crowded house and start a life of her own. Following her sisters' examples, she becomes a mail-order bride, and after a short correspondence with clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker, she moves to Denver to become his wife. Almost immediately it's painfully apparent that Anna and Edward are very different. Anna is a free spirit who would rather be painting and enjoying the company of friends than cleaning house. Edward is a consummate perfectionist who, on their wedding day, hands Anna a list of chores that need to be done around the house daily.
Can this mismatched couple see past their differences to a harmonious future? Or will their disparate passions create obstacles neither is willing to surmount?
Maggie Brendan closes her Blue Willow Brides series with a heartwarming tale of true love despite misunderstanding, showing readers that God's timing is always perfect.


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

 

About this author

 

Brenda Lott aka Maggie Brendan
Hello, dah-lin. My name is Brenda Lott, and I'm from Gah-gah (Georgia) which makes me a Southern belle. Think Scarlett O'Hara. No, make that Margaret Mitchell since I, too, write historical romance novels. My pen name is Maggie Brendan, and I host a writers' critique group in my home. I'm a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and American Christian Writers, and I won the 2004 Atlanta Persistence Award from the American Christian Writers. When I'm not writing, in my spare time, I like to paint and scrapbook, and be with my four grandchildren. I'm also a member of a large sancturary choir.
 


Website:

http://www.maggiebrendan.com/

 

 

 

 

 

My Review:  

 

The title is a bit misleading. Perfectly Matched...Anna Olson is now a mail-order bride. Edward Parker, the groom, is a bit, well maybe more than a bit, OCD. Whereas, Anna, is a bit scatter brained, in a good way.
Will these two different people, newly met, be able to forge a marriage? Edward needs organization in his life, everything in its place. A day for each chore, and meals right on time. Enter Anna, and she arrives with a dog. Now being a dog lover I know that fur, and playing and just being in the house leaves things a bit disorganized! Poor Edward!
Now Anna does not stop with just one dog, oh no. Pretty soon a menagerie of different animals begins to appear, you can just picture what happens.
The story is not just about Anna and Edwards different personalities, but it is about the sweet romance that blooms. Of course, there is a rocky start to even that.
This is the third and final book in this wonderful series, and each book can stand on its own. I highly recommend that you read each of these fantastic stories, you will not be disappointed!!

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

The Bargain by Stephanie Reed

 
Book one in the Plain City Peace series.
It’s 1971, and Betsie Troyer’s peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but.
When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth—a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie’s marriage to Charley Yoder.
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Stephanie’s website.







About The Author:

Stephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as she did for her previous books, "Across the Wide River" and "The Light Across the River."

My Review:


The Bargain, it is between Betsie and her cousin Nelson. He is acquiring a harness shop, but with the Vietnam War on is drafted and is station at a Chicago hospital for two years. They are both Amish, and now she is stepping outside the box and learning a male trade to help her cousin. He bought the business from Mr Sullivan, and she will be living with some English during the week.
Yes, this is a very unusual story, but according to the Author, it is loosely based on a real person. We are in the midst of the civil unrest that hit this country during this war. We meet Charley who was at Kent State the day the world changed for a lot of young people.
Charley is now a changed young man, and we deal with the dysfunction that is going on in the Sullivan home. We also see God trying to work on Betsie, to make her come to him and accept her salvation. Her parents have found their way to God and want so much for their children to come.
I am so glad that this book is continued....I want to spend more time with Betsie and her family, and hopefully the Sullivan. Enjoy a totally different Amish story.

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

Yankee Doodle Dandy by Callista Gingrich, Susan Arciero

Ellis the Elephant dives back into history! In Yankee Doodle Dandy, the third installment of this New York Times bestselling series, America's favorite time traveling pachyderm is back, teaching kids (and parents!) about the American Revolution.

In Sweet Land of Liberty and Land of the Pilgrims' Pride, Ellis the Elephant explored pivotal moments that shaped American history. Now Ellis is back, and eager to learn about America’s most beloved patriots and their courageous fight for independence. Traveling through time, Ellis the Elephant encounters the Sons of Liberty, Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, the Founding Fathers, Betsy Ross, and more.

Authored by Callista Gingrich and illustrated by Susan Arciero, Yankee Doodle Dandy educates and entertains as Ellis the Elephant experiences the American Revolution. With beautiful illustrations and charming rhymes, Yankee Doodle Dandy is a must read for young and old alike who want to know how America became a free and independent nation.

About The Author
  

 Callista Gingrich, author of Land of the Pilgrim’s Pride and Sweet Land of Liberty, is President of Gingrich Productions. She and her husband, Newt, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include, A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, and Nine Days that Changed the World. Mrs. Gingrich’s photography is featured in the New York Times bestseller, Rediscovering God in America, as well as in Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, which she co-authored. Callista is the voice for several audio books, including, A Nation Like No Other and To Save America. Mrs. Gingrich is also the President of the Gingrich Foundation. She resides in McLean, Virginia, with her husband, Newt Gingrich.

My Review:

My boys loved this book. They are 6 and 8, and in first and third grades. First they chuckled over the illustrations, which really drew them in. They loved the prose of the story, each of the boys enjoy poetry.
The book really touched home when they heard the Revolutionary War part. They have an ancestor who fought in that War, and have been to visit the monument in Oriskany, NY.
It is so important that they don't take this country for granted and lose it's history. We talked about the different things that led to the War. They know they have relatives who came on the Mayflower...yes John Alden. This book brought home a lot of things we had talked about in the past. They asked if the tea was drinkable once it was in the ocean...don't think they will forget that point. I can't wait until we can share more of the Ellis books...so important to share how we got our freedoms.

I received this book through the Publisher Regnery Kids, and was not required to give a positive review.

Revell Publishing Presents: A Reluctant Courtship (The Daughters of Bainbridge House #3) by Laurie Alice Eakes

A woman without a prospect. A man without a homeland. Can love give them a future?
Honore Bainbridge has been courted by two men, one of whom turned out to be a traitor, the other a murderer. Banished to her family's country estate, where she will hopefully stay out of trouble, she finally meets the man she is sure is exactly right for her: Lord Ashmoor. Tall, dark, and handsome--what more could a girl ask for?

But he too is under suspicion because of his American upbringing and accusations that he has helped French prisoners escape from Dartmoor Prison. If he's to keep out of a British prison himself and secure his place in British society, Lord Ashmoor needs a wife beyond reproach--something the vexingly beautiful Honore certainly is not. Though they find themselves drawn to each other, family obligations may conspire to keep them apart forever.

For the sake of her heart, Honore determines to prove Ashmoor's innocence--even if doing so risks her own life.

From the first sentence, award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes thrusts you into high drama amid the rocky cliffs of Devonshire, England, and keeps you suspended there until the final page.

About The Author

Laurie Alice Eakes is the author of Lady in the Mist, Heart's Safe Passage, Choices of the Heart, A Necessary Deception, and A Flight of Fancy, which won the October 2012 Clash of the Titles Award, voted on by readers. She won a National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency in 2007 for Family Guardian. Laurie Alice writes full-time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband and sundry dogs and cats.

Visit www.lauriealiceeakes.com for more.








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

My Review: 

 Honore Bainbridge has loved and really lost in the past. She is part of English Society, and because of her choices is now snubbed. She is being banished to the families country estate, and ends up almost losing her life. She is rescued by Lord "Meric" Ashmore.
Lord Ashmore has come back to England from the States, and wants to clear his father's name. He was getting some help from Honore's father, before he passed away. He was also making a deal to marry Honore, and shows her the paper, which is not signed, and not applicable. He has to much at steak to marry a snubbed member of society....or does he?
Something is going on a this Country Estate, and things are not as they appear. When Honore's brother decides to bring his Fiancé to the estate, he banishes his sister to the Dowagers cottage. Things go from bad to worse there.
Will Lord Ashmore ever clear is name? Will Honore ever be accepted by Society? The answers and more in this sweet story. Travel back to Revolutionary time with the enemy.

I received this book through the Revell Book Bloggers Tour and was not required to give a positive review.

 

Simon & Schuster Howard Books Presents: Promise to Return by Elizabeth Byler Younts

When World War II breaks out, Miriam’s fiancé, Henry, is drafted and sent to a conscientious objector camp. But when Henry feels called to fight on the front lines, he goes against the Amish church to follow God’s will—forcing Miriam to choose between the rules of her religion and the leading of her heart.

It’s 1943 and Miriam Coblentz and Henry Mast are nearing their wedding day when the unthinkable happens—Henry is drafted. However, since he is a part of the pacifist Amish tradition, Henry is sent to a conscientious objector Civilian Public Service camp. When he leaves for the work camp, his gaping absence turns Miriam’s life upside down. Little does she know that it’s only the beginning…

When Henry returns home, he brings news that shakes Miriam and their Amish community to the core. He tells Miriam he believes God has called him to enlist in the Army and fight for his country, leaving her to make an important decision. She soon must choose between loyalty to the peaceful life she’s always known and her love for Henry and her faith in their shared destiny.

Two worlds collide in this unforgettable debut novel, providing a fascinating and rare look into Amish culture during World War II. While Henry is battling enemies across the ocean, Miriam struggles between devotion to Henry and her love of the Amish way of life. One question is at the bottom of it all: will she follow her religion or her heart?

Elizabeth Byler Younts

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.

- See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Elizabeth-Byler-Younts/411018307#sthash.o9pPq4my.dpuf

Elizabeth Byler Younts

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.

- See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Elizabeth-Byler-Younts/411018307#sthash.o9pPq4my.dpuf

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch. - See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Elizabeth-Byler-Younts/411018307#sthash.o9pPq4my.dpuf

 About The Author

Elizabeth Byler Younts

I'm Elizabeth, a blessed child of The King. I'm a middle-born daughter, military officer's wife, homeschooling mama, writer, closet DIYer, and, dare I say it, Downton Abbey addict. May I also mention that I love both my history and my coffee rich.
I am formerly Amish and my heritage is very dear to me and thankful to be so accepted among my still Amish family. I can still speak PA Dutch, too! You can learn more about my Amish family in my first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl.
Seasons is the story of my grandmother "Mammie" Lydia Lee Coblentz who grew up in an impoverished Amish family through the Great Depression. Seasons was released in August 2011 and became an Amazon #1 bestseller in 2 categories.
My three book series with Howard Books (a division of Simon & Schuster) is a dream come true. The series is titled The Promise of Sunrise. In this series you will live through World War 2 from an Amish perspective and experience their unique struggles as conscientious objectors during wartime. What happened if one of their members enlisted? What was it like to serve at the Civilian Public Service Camps for years with almost no compensation? How did Amish women and families cope when a son or father was drafted? I look forward to taking you back into the richness of these years of Amish history through fiction.
I'm a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and currently live in Pennsylvania with my husband, two daughters, a dog, and 2 cats.


My Review:

This was a different kind of Amish book whereas it took place during WW II. Written by a new author who happened to have grown up Amish, this story gave more insight into areas of Amish rules and culture than I had ever read before. In fact, I wonder if my father, who served in WW II, had even heard of Amish back then. Anyway, the characters, Henry and Miriam, were about to visit the bishop to begin planning their wedding when Henry got drafted. Being Amish and a conscientious objector, he went to a work camp to serve out his time. But even though that was all that was required of him, he told Miriam that God had spoken to him and led him to enlist. Miriam now struggled, for most of the rest of the book, with a decision to follow her Amish faith and culture, or to choose to love and follow Henry. I really enjoyed this book at first. Then it started to drag with what felt like unnecessary information. But soon it picked up again and I wanted to read all night. It is such a different Amish book, but so historically and culturally interesting. I do recommend this book.

I received this book through Howard Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch. - See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Elizabeth-Byler-Younts/411018307#sthash.o9pPq4my.dpuf

Elizabeth Byler Younts

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.

- See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Elizabeth-Byler-Younts/411018307#sthash.o9pPq4my.dpuf

4th Annual Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

IT IS TIME FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL SPOOKTACULAR GIVEAWAY HOP!!

My Giveaway is a $10 Amazon Gift Card, and all you need to do is fill out the Rafflecopter!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



These are some other participants!

 

Revell Publishing Presents: Under a Blackberry Moon by Serena B. Miller

Just a few days after she gives birth alone in the Northwoods, a recently widowed young Chippewa woman stumbles into a nearby lumber camp in search of refuge and sustenance. Come summer, the camp owner sends Skypilot, his most trusted friend, to accompany Moon Song and her baby on the long and treacherous journey back to her people. But when tragedy strikes off the shore of Michigan's Upper Peninsula wilderness, Moon Song and Skypilot must depend on each other for survival. With every step they take into the forbidding woods, they are drawn closer together, until the tough questions must be asked. Will she leave her culture to enter his? Will he leave his world to enter hers? Or will they walk away from a love that seems too complicated to last?

With evocative descriptions of a breathtaking landscape, Under a Blackberry Moon will sweep readers into a wild realm where beauty masks danger and only the truly courageous survive, even as the sweet love story along the way tightly grips their hearts.




About The Author

Serena B. Miller is the RITA Award-winning author of The Measure of Katie Calloway and A Promise to Love, as well as numerous articles for periodicals such as Woman's World, Guideposts, Reader's Digest, Focus on the Family, Christian Woman, and more. She lives on a farm in southern Ohio. Please visit www.serenabmiller.com for more..



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

My Review:

I loved this story, and felt I was walking with them. The descriptions of the tundra was so wonderful, and breath taking.
After recovering her health Moon Song is now strong enough to begin her trip home to her people the Chippewas, and Skypilot has chosen to take her back safely. For Skypilot, his feelings for Moon Song become deeper as they travel.
This is one action packed story, it seems there is a disaster around each corner, and when things start to calm down, it is not to be. Loved how God has his hand placed on them. Also who couldn't love that baby...so good, never cries. There is also a lot of heartache and some unnecessary loss of life.
The luck of being stranded with a smart Indian woman, her survival skills amazed me. She sure had a lot of energy. This is a story not to be missed, we learn that some of the Indian beliefs are the same as Christian, but will Moon Song accept Jesus? Skypilot needs a wife, but cannot be unequally yoked.
Come along on this great adventure, you sure won't be disappointed!

I received this book through The Revell Blogger's Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.

Litfuse Publicity Book Tours Presents: Return to Me (The Restoration Chronicles #1) by Lynn Austin

From the Acclaimed Author of Chronicles of the Kings
After decades of exile, the prophesies are coming true–King Cyrus has declared the Jews may return to Jerusalem. Iddo, a priest, is sure this is a sign of God’s renewed favor. For too long they’ve remained in Babylon, and many, including Iddo’s sons, are losing the faith that sets them apart. And so only a few choose to leave everything to return–return to their home and their God.
Nothing about their journey to the Promised Land is easy. As hardships mount, even the faithful, like Iddo’s beloved wife, Dinah, question the sacrifice of following God’s leading. Zechariah, Iddo’s oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather’s ancient beliefs and the family they left behind. But one life-changing encounter with the Holy One gives him insight that will change Zechariah–and history–forever.
Purchase a copy of the book here.
Learn more at Lynn’s website.

 About The Author

Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.

My Review:

Return to me is just what it says. God had punished his chosen people, they had strayed to far from him. This story begins in Babylon, when the Jewish people are held in slavery. Some have prospered despite the life.
When God has decided that they must return to Jerusalem, doors open, but not all of his people want to leave this pagan culture. We are following the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Iddo wants more than anything to return and rebuild the temple, but his sons really don't want to leave. When his grandson Zechariah has a life changing dream, he also leave his parents and returns with his Grandparents.
I loved how this story was brought to life by Lynn Austin, you will follow Iddo and Zaki through the streets and walls of Jerusalem. Will this family survive, and will the young Yael who is reading the stars and accepting the pagan beliefs end up stoned?
Don't miss this first book in the Restoration series, I can't wait for the next one.

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

Litfuse Publicity Blog Tours Presents: Home to Heather Creek by Kathleen Bauer

When the world around you falls apart, could it be that God is giving you a second chance? This is just one of the questions on Charlotte Stevenson's mind as she brings her three grandchildren to live on the family farm in Guidepost Books' Home to Heather Creek series.

Before the Dawn begins just one week after the funeral of Charlotte's daughter, Denise. Denise's three children barely have time to process the death of their mother before they must move to the Heather Creek Farm they have never visited with grandparents they barely know. At age 16, Sam is fiercely protective of his younger siblings. Emily is 14 and desperately misses her friends. Young Christopher is only 8 and just wants to fit in. While Charlotte tries to help her grandchildren adjust to their new life, she also wrestles with her own grief and the enormous task of bringing her family together. Bob believes the fastest path to adjustment is a firm routine, with structure and chores, the same way they raised their own kids. However, that route led to Denise running away from home as a teenager and an estranged relationship with her family. Charlotte is worried about making the same mistakes she made with Denise. Is this her chance to make things right?

It is spring when the children arrive, and as Charlotte looks around the farm, she hopes the new life around them will signify hope and healing. The miracle of new life, along with God's healing touch, reminds all of them that it's always darkest just before the dawn.

Sweet September picks up at harvest time, as the children are settling into a new school year. While the harvest should be an exciting time, the children don't seem to be getting into the spirit. Emily is struggling with farm life, Christopher spends most of his time alone, and Sam is failing school. Trying to learn from what did and didn't work with her own kids, Charlotte is determined to get her grandchildren back on track.

As tenuous family bonds threaten to break apart, a mystery on the farm might be the one thing that can bond the family together. Charlotte sets out to uncover the truth, and as the kids unite to find answers, this cobbled-together family learns more about one another and the love that binds them together.

The lives of the Stevensons and their grandchildren unfold in this captivating story of the remarkable change that comes from the love of family, the kindness of others, sheer persistence and unshakable faith. As readers follow the Stevensons' inspiring stories, it's almost impossible not feel a part of this friendly, loving community, where God's grace can be seen in every circumstance.

Purchase the books here: http://ow.ly/oQGxr

Landing page and tour schedule:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/kbauer

About the Author: Kathleen Bauer is the pen name for a team of writers who have come together to create the Home to Heather Creek series.

Guideposts Books is thrilled to announce their brand new series, Home to Heather Creek, by Kathleen Bauer. The first two books, Before the Dawn and Sweet September, launch this month and Guideposts Books is celebrating with a Paperwhite Kindle Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A Paperwhite Kindle
• Before the Dawn and Sweet September by Kathleen Bauer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th HERE.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to their blog [enter your email in the blog sidebar] and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

 

My Reviews: 

Before The Dawn

Talk about changing your life. Charlotte Stevenson and her husband Bob received the devastating news that their estranged daughter Denise has been killed in an auto accident. She left behind three children, and in her will has her parents listed as guardians.
So begins the new life on the farm in Nebraska, a real change from San Diego. The children Sam, Emily and Christopher are trying to deal with the death of their Mother, loss of their world as they knew it, and all their friends. Charlotte and Bob are dealing with the death of their daughter, and now becoming parents to three children.
There are some tough and hard times ahead for all, one thing they have to lean on is their faith. When God closes some doors he does open others, and learning to lean on him is sometimes hard.
Dropping from the city to a farm is a big awakening for anyone, now instead of texting on their phones, they are gathering eggs. Come along with this new way of life for this family, I really enjoyed this quick read, and am glad their is another book in this series.

 Sweet September

 I loved the second book in this series. Charlotte and Ben Stevenson are adjusting to having their Golden Years now filled with children again. Big change in all of their lives.
School has now begun again and the children, Sam, Emily and Christopher are beginning to fit it, although with some problems. They miss their Mom, and don't want to forget her. Love the faith based life God has placed them in. When they think things are going bad, or they are in trouble, I see Grace being show to these sweet kids.
In this book someone or something is stealing from the family, when they need all the food, they have with the extra mouths. You will be surprised at what is taking eggs and veggie! Also how more Grace is shown.
Enjoy this second book in this series, I really would love some more of this story.

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