Sunday, January 31, 2016

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Presents Falcon Song Book Blast

Falcon Song  




Falcon Song by Kristin Cross Kate can handle that Jason Falcon is gorgeous. And she can handle that he is fantastically talented, and competent, and funny, and sweet, and . . . . well, all of the things he is. What she isn’t sure she can handle is that he and his country band have suddenly become wildly famous. Even though she has always known that he near worships her, with millions of girls now throwing themselves at him, Kate is afraid that Jason will find he no longer loves Kate best. Then, when she discovers something completely earth shattering, it only makes her more unsure. Realizing that she can never settle for less than absolute devotion, as she is struggling to find what her place will be in Jason’s new top of the charts world, Kate wonders how you can ever truly know that things will work out.  


Does True Love Always Lead To Happily Ever After?


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Praise for Falcon Song “So much emotion came through the words of this story. I felt it all—regret, forgiveness, redemption, and a powerful love that wrapped it all together. I had a hard time putting it down. This story really touched me!” DL “I loved this story! Jason is one of my favorite heroes ever. I felt like I was right there with them through it all.” JM





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Excerpt Kate found Jason asleep on the porch swing again. Her drive had left her drained, without answers and somewhat resigned. As she looked down at him sleeping, still, the only thing she really knew was that she loved him. Loved him dearly. In spite of everything. When it came right down to it, that was what made her happy. She wished there was a way to separate this crushing heartache from the sweet peace she felt when she was with him. Who knows, maybe she could get really good at ignoring the parts of his life she didn’t understand. She sat down on the edge of the swing and touched his beautiful hair. His eyes opened slowly and this time there wasn’t a smile, but there was a sweet, sincere tenderness as he quietly watched her for a few seconds. She stroked his cheek and then ran a finger over his sensuous bottom lip. Even if he wasn’t perfectly trustworthy, he was definitely beautiful. She kissed the tip of her finger and put it back there on his lip and said softly, “Wake up, sleepy head. You’re gonna get a million ‘squito bites out here.” He sat up and reached out to touch her cheek. “I’ll live. How was Texas?” She sat down beside him. “Still big.” He smiled sadly, “I told Cody you’d driven to Texas to talk to God. He said he didn’t even realize God lived there. He’s decided that’s why Texans are egotistical.” She laughed. “That’s exactly what I needed just now. Laughing feels good. I thought I didn’t get to see you until tomorrow? What brings you tonight?” He groaned and made a sound of disgust. “Ah, I Googled myself. It was awful.” She pushed the porch swing with her foot. “I know.” “I’m not really as bad as it looks. I swear.” “I know.”    


Kristin Cross




Author Kristin Cross

Kristin Cross was a mostly obedient child—unless her mom wanted her to put her book down. She grew up in the Rockies and traveled with her family enough to want to travel more and have adventures in all those exotic looking places on the map that she hasn’t been to—yet. Now, as an adult, she also loves relaxing at home in the mountains and coming up with stories about those places. Motherhood has been her best time yet, and she wishes she’d had more than just four marvelous children. She loves a good storm, a beautiful sunset, the wind in her face, puppies, and fresh mangos with her shrimp. And her husband, DJ. She truly adores DJ.



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 Book Blast Giveaway – $100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 in Paypal Cash Ends 2/12/16 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 and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Friday, January 29, 2016

If I Run by Terri Blackstock


If I Run PK


Casey knows the truth. But it won’t set her free.
Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.
But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up. Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?
Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.
Learn more and purchase a copy.


Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer . . . but her DNA is all over the crime scene, and she’s now a fugitive. Don’t miss Terri Blackstock’s next page-turner, If I Run. Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than Dylan has, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. But as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

Join Terri in celebrating her new book with a Fitbit giveaway and a special $4.99 digital pre-order deal!
if i run - 400-1

One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on February 16th. The winner will be announced February 17th on the Litfuse blog.
Plus don’t miss out on the special $4.99 digital pre-order pricing, now through February 15. Pre-order the book through your favorite e-book retailer; details here.
if i run - enterbanner



 About The Author


Terri Blackstock

Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of “Intervention,” “Vicious Cycle,” and “Downfall,” as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series.
Find out more about Terri at http://www.terriblackstock.com.
 






My Review





I love Terri Blackstock’s books, and If I Run is no exception, although the ending did leave me with hope of another book.
What would you do if you entered your friend’s home and saw him covered in blood? A knife protruding from him? Probably the same as Casey did, she tried to give him CPR, checked his pulse, pulled out the knife, and tracked her shoe prints all over the crime scene. Of course, she left her DNA there, and took the knife with her.
When her car is later found with the weapon in it, whom do you think the police and public think committed the murder? Now we follow Casey on the run, and was it a mistake to run? As we go deeper and deeper into this story you begin to understand her reasoning.
What a smart girl Casey is and seems to always be two steps ahead of those who are following her. Can she get safely away and make a new life for herself? She loves her mother and her sister, how do you give up family. My heart cried for her and the injustice that is happening, and what compassion she shows her fellow humans, not the heart of a murderer.
Once you pick this book up you won’t want to put it down until the last page is turned, and then you will be looking and hoping soon for another book, don’t miss this, you won’t regret it!
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson, Kimberley Woodhouse

Beyond the Silence
Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother's dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. There are rumors in town that her new employer, Woodward Colton, caused the death of his wife. This accusation doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know--and Mrs. Goodman, Woody's long-time housekeeper, is decisively on Woody's side--but many in town stay far away from Lillian because of her association with the Colton family.

Lillian's six-year-old charge, Jimmy, was there when his mother died, and he hasn't spoken a word since. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he'll one day feel safe enough to tell her the truth about what happened. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. Will Mrs. Goodman and Jimmy be able to speak what they know in time to save Lillian from tragedy?



beyond silence-400

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • One copy of Beyond the Silence
  • A Kindle Fire 7
  • A $50 Amazon gift card to load your Fire with books
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/11. The winner will be announced at the Beyond the Silence Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie, Kimberley, and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!
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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!



Learn more and purchase a copy.


 
Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

About The Authors

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. **||** Kimberley Woodhouse is a multipublished author of fiction and nonfiction. A popular speaker/teacher, she’s shared her theme of Joy Through Trials with over 150,000 people at more than a thousand venues across the country. She lives, writes, and homeschools with her husband of twenty-plus years and their two awesome teens live in Colorado.

Find out more about Tracie Peterson at http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse.




My Review
This story opens on such a sad note with a heinous crime of murder in front of a six year old, who becomes so traumatized that he never talks again. Who would do such an evil thing, and then to make things worse, if possible, Jimmy’s dad Woody is accused of killing his wife.
Enter Lillian Porter whom as the book opens has made a decision that is about to affect every ones life, she is going to go west and take a job as a nanny. Now Lillian has grown up sheltered and with a silver spoon type of life, and now she is defying her Grandfather, who in the end disowns her. She was orphaned as a baby and raised by her wealthy grandparents, but now wants to follow in her mother’s footsteps.
We are about to experience life in Angels Camp California, and are surprised how the man they know and loved is now treated. There is some violence and tears, and chuckles and laughs, a bit of romance, and as we follow this story we move in with these characters and live with them.
I enjoyed this book, and see how we can make rash decisions, and how they effect everyone, not just us. I loved particularly the character of Henry, simple-minded gentle giant; he was a joy in this book. Enjoy this captivating story about a real town in the old west.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Oh Ship!: Tales of a Cruising Chick and Other Travel Adventures by Lori A Moore






Ship happens. Cruises can be quite the adventure within an adventure if you keep your eyes open and watch the little dramas that are going on among the several thousand passengers and crew members aboard the ship. Reading author Lori A. Moore’s true tales of things that happen on the high seas will have you saying, “Oh Ship!” From stories of passengers pepper-spraying other passengers to grown men fighting over glass figurines of penguins, you’ll laugh until your ribs hurt.


About The Author


Lori A. Moore
Lori A. Moore is an award-winning author and professor who doesn’t take herself too seriously and believes her greatest gift to be silliness. A public speaker and consultant, Lori has four graduate degrees in business. Lori, her husband, and their four-legged child live in Louisville, KY. An avid traveler, she has explored much of the globe, finding and bringing silliness to all places.
For More Information
• Visit Lori Moore’s website.
• Connect with Lori on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about Lori at Goodreads.




https://youtu.be/FuhsJgWk3ng

My Review





Be ready for quite a few chuckles, and some serious information that is provided, like about the morgue on ship. Guess I never thought about there being one, but guess they could be necessary, you sure wouldn’t want a body in with the food!
If a book can make you want to take a cruise, this one sure can, the author has sure been on a lot of them. I never knew about decorating your door, and although I’ve only been on two and it has been a few years.
She gives some really valuable hints at the end on each chapter, things you don’t think of and can be very beneficial to heed.
This book is only 134 pages long, but filled with experiences that will keep you page turning and wanting more, my main complaint is that I wanted a bit more.
Come along and travel with Lori and her friends, you will feel like you are on these marvelous trips with them, want to dance?
I received this book through Pump Up Your Book Blogger Tours, and was not required to give a positive review

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Grace's Forgiveness (A Keepsake Pocket Quilt Novel) by Molly Jebber

Grace's Forgiveness (A Keepsake Pocket Quilt Novel)
A handsome newcomer with secrets shows a yearning Amish woman a chance at happiness—but their love will need all their courage to keep . . .
 
Grace Blauch is skilled at midwifery—and crafting quilts that help others pass on messages of enduring family love. But a disfiguring birthmark keeps the young Amish woman from a husband and home of her own—until Mark King arrives from another community. His helpfulness and independent nature earn Grace’s respect. And he finds her outspoken ways and determination to do right irresistibly appealing. Soon Grace is planning a wedding quilt of her very own . . . until her father discovers that Mark’s shunned brother is hiding somewhere in town . . .

Grace can well understand why Mark took such a risk once she hears his wrenching reasons. But she fears even prayer will not convince her father to restore his blessing on their union. She wills herself to face the end of her dreams, but sudden danger and an impossible act of generosity will show her that abiding hope can inspire the most precious of miracles.


Amazon


About The Author


Molly Jebber pictureI said to my loving husband, Ed, “I’ve always wanted to write a book. A story that readers would get lost in for a while.” He said, “Do it!” My daughter, Misty, brother, Mitch, and Mom, Sue said, “Take Ed’s advice, do it!” So I did. The road wasn’t easy, but the education, Amish research, and ride along the way to getting published taught me to take my favorite verse to heart.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 KJV
Why Amish Inspirational Romance?
I love their dedication to serve God. I visited Amish Country in Ohio many times. They work hard and have such a close knit friendship with each other. It’s heartwarming and uplifting. At the same time, they face hardships and difficult problems just like we do.
God answered my prayers and gave me the best mentor, author, and friend, Patricia Campbell, to hone my skills. I’m blessed to have Dawn Dowdle as my agent, and John S. from Kensington as my editor.
I’m thank for you, the reader, for being interested in my book! I’d love to hear from you.


My Review





Grace’s Forgiveness brings home what people that are different have dealt with all of their lives. For Grace it was being born with a mark on her face, and we meet with people who won’t even look at her, never mind letting her wait on them in her store.
The setting for this book is Berlin Ohio, and living in a conservative Amish community. This is a very strict way of life, and it appeared that you could be shunned for something we would find very innocent, but the setting is 1900, and things were very different.
From the minute we meet Mark King, we find a connection sparking between Grace and Mark, and he doesn’t seem to even notice her birthmark. Can these two overcome the actions of others, and it surprised me what can cause you to be shunned.
I enjoyed the kindness of this community, and how they all come together and help one another. We are even with Ruth, when as a midwife; she helps deliver a few babies.
There is some danger in this community and it has landed at Mark’s doorstep, and we hope that all will survive in the end.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Cats in Paris: A Coloring Book of the Felines of Paris by Won-Sun Jang








About Cats in Paris

This gorgeously illustrated adult coloring book draws readers into the secret world of cats in Paris as they explore the city’s most famous (and feline-friendly) spots.

Say bonjour to the cats of Paris as they slink through its fabled streets and alleyways, from Montmartre to the Shakespeare and Company bookshop and into a feline-filled land of playful imagination. Featuring intricate pen-and-ink drawings of tabbies, Persians, Siamese, and more, this evocative coloring book’s frisky kitties lie in wait for your colorful stylings.

Amazon

Chapters 




Photo of Won-Sun Jang
Photo: © Ten Speed Press

About the Author

Won-Sun Jang is an award-winning Korean illustrator whose work has appeared in Vogue Korea, Elle Korea, Bazaar Korea, and InStyle Korea, and clients include MAC Cosmetics and Clinique. Winner of the Children’s Books Illustration Award from Kemongsa Publishers, she currently works as a package designer in Seoul, Korea. Since meeting Eva the Norwegian Forest Cat fourteen years ago, she has fallen in love with cats and the inspiration they bring to her art.


My Review

If you looking for a new adult coloring book, a rage that seems to be going on at this time, then this one might just be the one you are looking for!
The cover will draw you in, especially if you like cats, and books, and I can just picture a feline lying in amongst the books on a shelf. We have darling quotes and really sweet pictures, to color of course, but also to make you smile.
Once I got out my coloring tools, the only question I had was where to start, I saw many pages that my fingers itched to start coloring on, there are so many choices with 80 pages to choose from. Let your imagination go as you pick up your pencil, or crayon, and have fun.
You will not be disappointed here, such a magical coloring book!
I received this book through Blogging For Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Peacock Throne by Lisa Karon Richardson








The Peacock Throne
 When Miss Lydia Garrett's guardian is murdered, and the authorities refuse to investigate the odd circumstances, she vows to catch the culprit. The same night the Earl of Danbury is murdered in his bed. Against all odds it appears that the murders are related - and Anthony Douglas, the new Lord Danbury, is bent on revenge. The clues point to the former Earl's first naval command. In 1758 the Earl spirited away and hid the magnificent Peacock Throne at the behest of the Indian royal family. To draw out the murderer, Anthony and Lydia agree that they must locate the throne. However, they are not the only ones interested in the Peacock Throne. Marcus Wiltshire, agent of His Majesty's intelligence services, has received hints that Bonaparte intends to return the throne to India and leverage its mystical significance to foment rebellion and cut England off from her most important trading partner. When the amateur sleuths join forces with the professional agent, the quest for the throne leads them around the globe on an adventure steeped in danger, treachery, and romance.
About The Author



Influenced by books like The Secret Garden and The Little Princess, Lisa Karon Richardson’s early stories were heavy on boarding schools and creepy houses. Now, even though she’s (mostly) grown-up she still loves a healthy dash of adventure in any story she creates, even her real-life story. She’s been a missionary to the Seychelles and Gabon and now that she and her husband are back in America, they are tackling a new adventure, starting a daughter-work church in a new city while raising a family. She has published several novels and novellas. The most recent, Curtain Call, which was co-authored with Jennifer AlLee, released in March, 2014. 
My Review
Murders that happened on different sides of London end up connecting two people whom are unknown to one another at the time, end up forming a team to find the murderer.
This is how Lydia Garrett and The Earl of Danbury end up meeting; the third to join the team is Marcus Harting, an agent of His Majesty’s intelligence services. Marcus does not trust Anthony, The Earl of Danbury, and enlists Lydia to bring him information. Now while I didn’t like that he was making her spy on someone whom was kind to her, I did love how he treated her. I could just imagine the gown that he had made for her, for the party that they went to in India.
Yes we do a bit of traveling in this book, and there are more murders, and we find ourselves on a ship under cannon fire. Now this story takes place in the early 1800’s and Napoleon is leading the French, and we meet this head on. We also get a glimpse of a throne of incredible worth and beauty, and it is described so wonderfully, you feel like you can tough it.
There is so much action in this book, and Ms. Lydia is one awesome young woman, never a dull moment in this ladies life, whether she is climbing through windows, or cutting the lines of grappling hooks, or writing notes with clues hidden in them.
Don’t miss this intriguing read; you won’t want to put it down.
I received this book through Kregel Publishing Book Bloggers, and was not required to give a positive review. 



 


Thursday, January 21, 2016

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Presents: Crossroads Book Blast

crossroads
 



Crossroads by Mary Ting Can two worlds collide in dreams? Protecting her from the fallen was his duty. Falling in love was never part of his plan. Loving her was forbidden. Being with her was all that mattered, even if it meant he would be exiled for all eternity. Claudia Emerson's life is about to change when her good friend, who coincidentally shares the same first and last name, dies in a tragic accident. Distraught at the loss of her friend, Claudia's dreams become tumultuous, and through them she mysteriously travels to another world called Crossroads. There, she unexpectedly meets Michael, a nephilim--half angel, half human. Now that she's been there, fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special, and it is up to Michael and the other nephilim to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.  


 Praise for Crossroads “Crossroads by Mary Ting has it all: danger, romance, suspense, incredible characters and an original plot that is sure to thrill. The action never stops as good and evil battle to the death. This well written and fascinating love story will keep readers entranced.” ~ReadersFavorite.com “Love is in question. Trust is debatable. No one is safe. Between by Mary Ting is an enchanting, nail-biter that will leave you breathless from the exquisite cover to the thrilling end.” ~Gabby, Nashville Young Adult Fiction Examiner/What’s Beyond Forks “Crossroads is an exciting debut book with a rich paranormal mythology, unique angel-lore, forbidden romance, action, suspense and plot twists. With her detailed writing and a plot that flow wells, Mary created a world I enjoyed visiting, and a story that was hard to put down.” ~Katie with Mundie Moms “Beyond is an extraordinary story with unforgettable characters, passionately written by an author who clearly understands the true identity of love. Compelling and exciting; this is a must-read for all hardcore fans of the paranormal romance genre.” ~Angie Edwards @ Books4Tomorrow “Reading the Crossroads Saga has always put me in a very ethereal place while turning its pages. In BEYOND, Mary Ting takes it to another level and I embrace the new darkness with open wings just like Michael would with his heart-shaped wings” ~Yara, Once Upon A Twilight Free Ebook
Crossroads will be FREE from on Amazon from January 21st to 25th




add to goodreads    


Author Mary Ting
mary ting




Bestselling/award-winning author Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children's chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.



  
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 BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 1/31/16 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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

A Husband for Mari (The Amish Matchmaker #2) by Emma Miller






Back to Amish Country 

Struggling single mother Mari Troyer decides to move—temporarily—to the Amish community of Seven Poplars. With a place to stay and a good job, Mari soon fits right in with the warm, welcoming Delaware residents. But when her son asks a matchmaker to find Mari a husband, Mari worries that the handsome builder who's become the boy's father figure can never be her intended. James Hostetler requires a wife as committed to the Amish life as he is. Need brought Mari to Seven Poplars, but maybe love and renewed faith will make her stay forever.


About The Author




Emma Miller is a wife, mother and a grandmother who lives a quiet life in Delaware. She's the author of the Hannah's Daughter's series and is at work on her next Amish romance novel.















My Review





Mari has had a rather rough life so far, and she is destitute with nothing left, except the joy of her life her nine-year-old son Zachary, she has no job, shelter, food, etc. and help arrives from her friend Sara Yoder.
Sara is a friend she met while she was in Wisconsin, and Mari know she is a matchmaker, but she also helps people, which she does as she opens her home to Mari and Zachary.
Your going to love the reaction Zachary has to leaving the English world and entering the Amish. He gives his Mom a hard time, but guidance and patience comes in the form of Amish carpenter James Hostetler, whom just happens to be working on Sara’s home.
This is a very fast read, and you won’t want to put it down once you open the cover, I had to keep reading, and only life got in the way. I can’t wait for the next book in this series; so far I have read two winners!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.



Hannah's Choice (Journey to Pleasant Prairie, #1)






Hannah Yoder loves her quiet life on the banks of the Conestoga Creek. In 1842, this corner of Lancaster County is settled and peaceful--yet problems lurk beneath the placid faade. Hannah's father worries about the spread of liberal ideas from their Mennonite and Brethren neighbors. And Hannah blames herself for a tragedy that struck their home nine years ago. She strives to be the one person who can bind the threads of her family together in spite of her mother's ongoing depression and her sister's rejection of their family. But her world is threatening to unravel.

When two young men seek her hand in marriage--one offering the home she craves and the other promising the adventure of following God's call west--Hannah must make a choice. Faithfully perform her duties to her family? Or defy her father and abandon her community?


Amazon


About The Author





Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s. Their experiences are the basis for her stories. Jan lives in South Dakota with her husband, their four adult children, two active dogs, and a cat. When she isn't writing, she enjoys hiking the Black Hills and the Badlands. She is the author of the Love Inspired novels The Prodigal Son Returns, A Mother for His Children, and A Home for His Family.

My Review



The title of the book Hannah’s Choice complements the theme of this story, and who will win her hand and heart.
This book takes place in the Lancaster PA area before the Civil War, and with slave hunters coming through the area looking for escaped slaves. We find at the end of this book that the author is related to former Amish, or Brethren who left the area and went to Indiana.
Hannah lives with her family on a farm that has been in her family for generations. It is situated on the banks of the Conestoga River, and we get to journey around on this beautiful land. How wonderful to live with so much family history surrounding them. Some is heart breaking especially with the death of three of her siblings.
When a couple of fellow Amish stop at the farm and offer up an opportunity to move to new land at low prices, Christian, Hannah’s Dad, thinks this will be a good solution to go to where there are more Amish, and to get away from the grief that has surrounded his wife and family. He is also worried about his children going worldly and marrying outside of their religion.
I was quickly consumed by this book and was turning the pages to find the answers, and I struggled, as did Hannah, as to whom she should choose to marry. If she chooses her neighbor and childhood friend Adam, she risks looking her family to the bann, but she can continue to live where she loves, and if she chooses the Josef will she be marrying for love, but she follows her religion.
This is a wonderful read about the Amish in Pennsylvania before it was a major settlement, and life in the 1840’s in America.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell and was not required to give a positive review. 

Monday, January 18, 2016

I Hope You Dance by Beth Moran

I Hope You Dance
Ruth Henderson has moved back in with her parents--something she swore she would never do, especially not at the age of thirty-three. But in the face of the mountain of debt left by her late partner, and the fact that her teenage daughter, Maggie, is expressing her grief through acts of delinquency, there was really only one option.

Returning to a house Ruth swore never to set foot in again is bad enough. Add to this an estranged father, whirlwind mother, and David--the boy next door who broke her heart--and it is little wonder Ruth can barely make it out of bed.

But then, reunited with her old friend Lois, Ruth is persuaded to go along to a monthly girls' night. Here she meets a bunch of incredible women and for the first time since leaving home at eighteen, Ruth begins to make some genuine friends.

She also has her first ever date--with the charming Dr. Carl Barker. However, after a disastrous dinner, and an upset Maggie still struggling with her father's death, Ruth promises her daughter she won't go out with any other men. A promise she quickly regrets when David, the boy next door, asks her to dance.


Amazon

http://www.bethmoran.org/

About The Author






Beth Moran has a background as a research scientist and adult educator. She now concentrates on church work and is part of the national leadership team of the UK women's network Free Range Chicks. She is married with three children and lives in Nottingham, England.


My Review



We open this book with Ruth Henderson returning back home, hat in hand, with her daughter Maggie, her fourteen year old. She is basically out in the street and not very many options but to swallow her pride and return back to her parents.
This story has so many examples of how we tend to judge people especially in our youth, and meeting again as an adult they are entirely different. A lot of surprises abound in returning to her roots for Ruth, some chuckles and some heart breaking news that you didn’t know at the time.
Come and enjoy Ruth wallowing in her pain, yes enjoy as her parents have her laying in bed or in her jamies all day long, and as she goes about getting a job or jobs to help get herself out of debt. I also enjoyed the spunk her daughter Maggie showed, and how some elderly woman put them both in their place.
There is also some violence in this story in the form of a person you would never expect, especially when we first meet. This person becomes a stalker, and makes some very scary moves and actions.
Through out it all you hope for relationships to hold steady and find love in them. You will also cheer on the sweet neighbor, and Ruth’s first love, David.
I received this book through the Publisher Lion, and was not required to give a positive review.


Friday, January 15, 2016

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop -$10 Amazon Gift Card






I'm always dreaming of my next book to get lost in, and I'll bet you are too. I am giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to help you choose yours. Just be sure to fill out the Raffflecopter form, and make sure I have away to contact you.


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A Timeless Romance Anthology: Sarah M. Eden British Isles Collection by Sarah M. Eden


Sarah Eden British




The SARAH M. EDEN BRITISH ISLES COLLECTION contains two brand new historical romance novellas A FRIEND INDEED and A HAPPY BEGINNING, as well as four hand-picked readers’ and reviewers’ favorites of Sarah’s popular Timeless Romance Anthology novellas. Readers will love this selection of six historical romance novellas set in the British Isles.

I love Sarah Eden’s stories and writing style, so I was very excited to read this book. And since it is a collections of novellas, it fit well into my busy schedule. These stories took place in various parts of the British Isles—England (of course), Scotland, and Ireland. I had kind of hoped for a story set in Wales as well, but am okay that there was not, since she has a tale set in Wales in the All Hallows Eve Collection. I also liked that the stories had stories about commoners as well as nobles and rich folk. Some of the stories in this book I had read before, but others were new—and all were excellent.

Amazon


About The Author


Sarah M. Eden is an award-winning author of multiple historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review's 2013 "IndieFab Book of the Year" gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award's "2014 Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.


My Review 
Six novellas that you can quickly read in one setting and enjoy, but it will be hard not to keep going right on to the next one, they are that good. Which of course I did, and then I went to the next, they kept me page turning with the enjoyment.
I loved some of the chuckles here, and surprise with some of the answers. Then ending of one is surprising just Old Tom, and we enjoy a lot to get to that point. As with all of these stories they are set in the British Isles, and we get to enjoy the scenery as well as these stories.
I found myself wanting more with each of these stories, and they all seem to have life lessons attached. You will agree though you can’t read just one and will end up reading another really quick.
I received this book through I Am A Reader Not A Writer Blog Tours and was not required to give a positive review. 

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Present: Mrs. Odboddy and the Conniving Candidate: A WWII Tale of Political Shenanigans and Snookery (Mrs. Odboddy Mysteries) by Elaine Faber

  Mrs. Odboddy and the Conniving Candidate: A WWII Tale of Political Shenanigans and Snookery (Mrs. Odboddy Mysteries) by ...