Beach Reads Giveaway ~ $10 Amazon Gift Card

The lazy days of summer are upon us, and when it is hot outside I love cooling off with a long drink and a good book. Lately I've finished some great books....know you have too, or wanting to get ahold of one.  My giveaway is to help you get that next read, a $10 Amazon Gift Card.

Just fill out the attached Rafflecopter and good luck!! a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Bee In Her Bonnet (The Honeybee Sisters #2) by Jennifer Beckstrand

Their bees produce the most delectable honey in all of Wisconsin. And the three Christner girls are fondly known as The Honeybee Sisters throughout their peaceful Amish community--where their spirited sweetness is attracting any number of hopeful suitors. . .

Lively, determined, and independent, Poppy Christner isn't about to let some vandal keep making mischief on her family's farm. She's been outrunning boys and standing up for picked-on children ever since she was a girl--no matter how much her prideful, arrogant schoolmate Luke Bontranger insulted her. So Poppy certainly doesn't need his interference now, especially since he's made it plain he prefers demure, ladylike companions. In fact, if Luke doesn't stop helping her find the culprit--and growing humble and remorseful--she'll be forced to notice how handsome his change-of-heart is making him. And that could mean falling in love--maybe for a lifetime… 

Amazon


About The Author

Jennifer Beckstrand grew up with a steady diet of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen. After all that literary immersion, I naturally decided to get a degree in mathematics, which came in handy when one of my six children needed help with homework. After my fourth daughter was born, I started writing. By juggling diaper changes, soccer games, music lessons, laundry, and two more children, I finished my first manuscript—a Western—in just under fourteen years.

I have always been fascinated by the Amish way of life and now write Inspirational Amish Romance. I am drawn to the strong faith of the Plain people and admire the importance they put on enduring family ties. I have visited and studied Amish communities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin where I met with a bishop and a minister as well as several Amish mamms, dats, and children. It has always impressed me at what salt-of-the-earth people they are. My interactions with these kind people have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have a dear Amish friend with whom I correspond in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She helps me keep my facts straight and gives me inspiration for my stories.

My goal is to write uplifting, inspiring stories with happy endings and hopeful messages. If my books make readers want to give themselves a big hug or jump up and down for joy, I’ve done my job. I am a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers and am represented by Mary Sue Seymour of The Seymour Agency.

There are three Amish romances in the Forever After in Apple Lake Series (Summerside/Guideposts). Kate’s Song, Rebecca’s Rose, and Miriam’s Quilt are all now available.

I have six Amish Roamish buggymances in the works with Kensington Books. The first and second books, Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Summer, are now available in stores and online. The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill is set in northern Wisconsin Amish country.

The series, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, is about an elderly Amish couple who try to find suitable mates for their grandchildren. What could be more fun than throwing two young people together to see if sparks ignite? No one would ever suspect two octogenarian Amish folks of mischief.

Romantic Times gave Huckleberry Hill 4 1/2 stars and chose Huckleberry Summer as a TOP PICK.

I have four daughters, two sons, three sons-in-law, and two adorable grandsons. I live in the foothills of the Wasatch Front with my husband and one son still left at home.

Links

Website  http://www.jenniferbeckstrand.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/JenniferBeckst1

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbeckstrandfans?fref=ts

Goodreads  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5362202.Jennifer_Beckstrand


My Review

Still Mine by Amy Stuart

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU VANISH FROM YOUR LIFE AND LEAVE NO STORY BEHIND?

SOMEONE WILL MAKE ONE UP FOR YOU.

Clare is on the run.

From her past, from her ex, and from her own secrets. When she turns up alone in the remote mining town of Blackmore asking about Shayna Fowles, the local girl who disappeared, everyone wants to know who Clare really is and what she's hiding. As it turns out, she's hiding a lot, including what ties her to Shayna in the first place. But everyone in this place is hiding something from Jared, Shayna's golden-haired ex-husband, to Charlie, the charming small-town drug pusher, to Derek, Shayna's overly involved family doctor, to Louise and Wilfred, her distraught parents.

Did Shayna flee? Was she killed? Is it possible she's still alive?


As Clare uncovers the mysteries around Shayna's disappearance, she must confront her own demons, moving us deeper and deeper into the labyrinth of lies and making us question what it is she's really running from. Twisting and electrifying, this is a get-under-your-skin thriller that will make you question what it means to lose yourself and find yourself in the most unlikely places.

Amazon


About The Author

Amy Stuart’s 2016 debut novel, Still Mine, was an instant national bestseller in Canada.  Winner of the 2011 Writers’ Union of Canada Short Fiction Competition, Amy's writing has previously appeared in newspapers and magazines across Canada. In 2012, Amy completed her MFA in Creative Writing through the University of British Columbia. She is currently working on the sequel to Still Mine.
Amy was born in Toronto where she still lives with her husband and their three sons. Aside from writing, she loves hockey. Ice hockey.
Download high resolution images of Amy or the Still Mine cover by clicking here.
Follow Amy on Twitter @amyfstuart.

 My Review

I have mixed feelings about this story, while I felt I was missing something, and not understanding what was going on, I felt compelled to keep turning pages, The words flew off the pages, and the book was read in no time at all.
Clare is running from an abusive husband, how abusive you are about to find out, and I had the feeling that if he finds her he will kill her. The man he hires to find her, Malcolm is good at his job and has her in his sight in no time, but he soon has her working for him?
She ends up in a small, really small mine town, and looks like a missing woman from there, a town that is really broken, from a mine disaster and drugs. What a place for her to end up in with her drug problem, but it appears she has not choice.
We visit with the mother of this girl, a person in the throes of dementia, rational at times, but lost. The mother talks of seeing her daughter yesterday, but did she, or the dementia talking.
Keep reading, you really won’t be able to stop once you start, an explosive end and surprises, and we end on the biggest surprise of all.
I received this book through the Publisher Simon and Schuster and was not required to give a positive review.

Honor Redeemed (Keys of Promise #2) by Christine Johnson

Two Men Vie for Her Affection--Survival Will Depend on Choosing the Right One
Two years ago, Prosperity Jones waved farewell to her beloved David as the army sent him to faraway Key West. Now with her parents gone, she has but one prospect for the future: make the dangerous journey from Nantucket to Key West to reunite with David and secure a happier life. Arriving penniless in the South, Prosperity is dismayed to find David married to someone else. Scrambling to survive and nursing a broken heart, she gains the friendship--and the affection--of a kind doctor. Could he be the answer to her loneliness? Or will her life be upended by circumstance yet again?
With a deft hand, Christine Johnson fills the reader's senses with the sights, sounds, and smells of Key West in this heartwarming story of honor lost, honor redeemed, and a love forged in adversity.




About The Author

Christine Johnson is the author of several books for Steeple Hill and Love Inspired and has been twice named a finalist for Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart® award. When not writing, she loves to hike and explore God's majestic creation. These days, she and her husband, a Great Lakes ship pilot, split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys.


My Review

This books starts on Nantucket Island in 1852 and Prosperity Jones has just lost her mother, and is now on her own, except she is engaged, a rather long one, to David Latham. He was sent by the Army to Key West Florida to rebuild after a hurricane, and now she feels she must join him.
Unbeknownst to Prosperity David did write with his devastating news that he has married, and when penniless she arrives he is not waiting for her. This is where our Elizabeth comes to the rescue, she and Rourke now live here with their little son, and it is great to reunite with these familiar people.
What a journey you are about to begin following our Prosperity around this Island, she is used to Island life, but this is an entirely different area in our country, and she needs to survive. It doesn’t take long and men take notice of her, but will her heart mend and allow her to move on? Circumstances are about to change her young life in the form of a new baby, he needs a mother and she needs the comfort this little one offers.
Now I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
I received this book through Revell Book Blogger Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Changed Agent by Tracey J. Lyons (

When schoolteacher Elsie Mitchell meets rugged William Benton on a train platform in Albany, it appears they have nothing in common. He isn’t the sort of fellow a proper young woman of the 1890s would ever speak to, much less become involved with. But when she arrives at her small town in the Adirondack Mountains, Elsie is offered a job as caregiver for this mysterious out-of-towner’s niece and nephew, who’ve been tragically orphaned. Heartbroken for them, she accepts.

Unknown to her, William is an undercover Pinkerton agent posing as a lumber-company foreman. He’s never wanted family—his work is too dangerous. Yet as Elsie transforms his house into a home and he spends time with the children, he feels drawn to family life—and to Elsie.

As a good Christian, Elsie is troubled by William’s secrets…though she does find him intriguing. And when a sinister figure from her past arrives, Elsie and William will have to trust in faith and newfound love to protect their unlikely family from danger.

Amazon

About The Author

Tracey considers herself a small town gal writing small town books. An Amazon Top Ten bestselling historical romance author, Tracey sold her first book on 9/9/99! Tracey’s books have been translated into several languages. She has appeared on the award winning Cox Cable Television show, Page One and at the famous Lady Jane’s Salon in NYC. She holds membership in Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers and Novelists Inc. Tracey writes small town, sweet and inspirational historical romances. 


My Review

Elise Mitchell is heading home to her small hometown in the Adirondack Mountains, and she is about to board a train out of Albany, and of course it is pouring rain, and then her trunk falls and opens up. What next you ask, well a gentleman comes to her aid and starts handing her panties and stockings, and other unmentionables, embarrassed, yup she couldn’t wait to get on the train and head home.
Once on the train she notices the distress this gentleman, William Benton, is having dealing with two six-year olds, and she does come to his aid, or rather the children.
Once they arrive at their destination, Elise life is about to change forever, she is about to become a mother figure, housekeeper, and chief cook and bottle washer to William and these orphan children. She is also the town schoolteacher, how she accomplishes all she does is amazing, but then??
She does not know what William does for a living, and thus a bone of contention, leaving children waiting on the sidewalk in front of a saloon, no not right. Poor William is trying to do what is right, and in an element and surely was not prepared for. He is excellent at what he does, a Pinkerton Detective, but not use to being bullied by a woman, who wants him home at a certain time an to attend church on Sunday.
This is a sweet quick read, story goes really fast, I had just finished a mind numbing mystery and this was a nice change of pace.
I received this book through Net Galley and Waterfall Press, and was not required to give a positive review.  

A Beau for Katie by Emma Miller

The Housekeeper's Surprise Match 

Agreeing to work for two weeks as a housekeeper to help a family in need seems like a good idea to Katie Byler. But when Katie sees the handsome, young—and single—Freeman Kemp for the first time, she wonders what she's gotten herself into. Freeman may be considered a catch, but the stubborn young man is driving strong-willed Katie to distraction. When the two of them decide to play matchmaker for Freeman's elderly uncle, though, their feud takes a different turn. The spark between them is strong, but can Katie and Freeman reach common ground to find their happily-ever-after?

Amazon


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

As the book opens Katie Byler is heading to Freeman Kemp’s home, actually Sara the Matchmaker is taking her. Now Katie lives with Sara and certainly is not interested in a match with bossy Freeman, and I chuckled as they arrive with Freeman inside as an invalid, with a broken leg, and having the same opinion of Katie, anyone but her!
Oil and vinegar, but maybe not, and Katie goes about her job, and what a job of cleaning up a two bachelor home, but she tackles it and she gets stubborn Freeman cleaned up too.
As her time there seems to go fast and about to end, the two may have made more than a not liking one another connection. I loved reading this and could just picture the happenings, both young and older relationships, yes more than one love connection!
I received this book through Net Galley and Love Inspired Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.


 

The Cantaloupe Thief by Deb Richardson-Moore

Too many people are staying silent about a ten--year--old murder case--it's time for reporter Branigan Powers to investigate Branigan Powers knows a good story when she sees one--and the ten--year--old cold case of wealthy Alberta Grambling Resnick's murder definitely makes the cut. Resnick was stabbed in her home after she let it slip that she was planning to change her will. There are plenty of suspects in the death of the matriarch of the town's founding family, but the killer has never been caught.

Now Branigan must do some serious digging to get her story. She knows the town's homeless community might have seen something; she also knows that the local cops wouldn't have thought of questioning these often--invisible people. There's a big problem, though; as Branigan starts digging, the homeless start dying. When her twin brother, a long--time addict, gets involved, the consequences of her investigation may hit a little too close to home.

Set in the fictional small town of Grambling, Georgia, The Cantaloupe Thief is the first in a new mystery series by Deb Richardson--Moore. The author is herself a former journalist and works extensively with the homeless, lending weight to the portrayal of a believable and engaging whodunit.


About The Author

For 27 years, Deb Richardson-Moore was a reporter for "The Greenville (SC) News," winning three national writing awards and routine recognition from the South Carolina Press Association. She was a wife, mother of three, and that suburban cliche, a minivan-driving soccer mom.

She then took over the religion beat at "The News" and enrolled in a nearby seminary to learn more about it. Her life was never the same. She left the newspaper and earned a master of divinity degree. Because jobs for clergywomen were scarce in her own Baptist denomination, she accepted a job as pastor of the non-denominational Triune Mercy Center, a crumbling, inner-city mission church to the homeless.

"The Weight of Mercy" chronicles her first three turbulent years among her homeless congregants. Here's what novelist Davis Bunn, writer-in-residence at Oxford University, has to say about it:

"This is an amazingly well written work, a genuine testimony of hope in the dark recesses of our times. The words are laid out with an artist's precision, and their smoothness makes this not just a powerful read, but a genuine entry into a world we all need to know better. Perhaps the most important thing I can say about this is, I found Jesus in these pages. Highly recommended."

Deb is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Erskine Theological Seminary. She and her husband, Vince, have three grown children.


My Review

  This story takes place in Grambling Georgia and a hometown reporter is given an assignment of investigating a ten-year-old unsolved murder. Once you turn that first page you are off on a page tuning adventure, that won’t let up until the last page is turned and you know the answers, who did it!
This town has a rather large population of homeless, the unseen, and that I can understand, you do see them, but try not to look, they are there but not really. A lot of them have drug, alcohol, and mental problems, and we see the churches trying to help with meals and some beds, a problem, but are there answers, and does one of these lost souls know the answer to who committed the horrendous crime?
The story focuses on Branigan’s mission to find answers, and she turns to her friend Liam a Pastor and a man with a big heart to help the homeless population. He wants her to help him find justice to one of the mission’s known, who were recently killed; no one is looking into his death. As we journey deeper into these mysteries, my mind kept switching as to who was the culprit in these murders, and kept changing my mind as to who was the suspect.
You are going to be surprised as to who it is, but I never saw it coming, and the ones I chose, were not the suspect, or were they. The author has done a wonder job of bringing us to the end of the book, and I couldn’t wait to get there, but then I didn’t want the story to end.
I received this book through Kregel Publishing Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Loyal Heart (Lone Star Hero #1) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Robert came to Galveston to fulfill his promise to a dying man and look after his widow. He didn’t expect to find love in the unlikeliest of places.


Robert Truax, former Second Lieutenant and Confederate officer in the Civil War, made a promise to his comrade Phillip Markham. If anything happened to Phillip, Robert would look after his beloved wife, Miranda. She was his life, his world, his everything.


After the war, Robert is left to pick up the pieces and fulfill his pact. When he arrives at Miranda's home in Galveston, Texas, things are worse than he imagined. Phillip's name has been dragged through the mud, everyone in town believes him to be a traitor, and his widow is treated as an outcast. Even more disturbing is her emotional well-being. Miranda seems hopeless, lost, and so very alone.


Robert had thought his duty would be simple. He would help Miranda as quickly as possible in order to honor a promise. But the moment Robert laid eyes on her, his plans changed. He's mesmerized by her beauty and yearns to help her in any way he can.


He makes it his duty to protect Miranda, turn her reputation around, and to find some way to help her smile again. But it doesn't prove to be an easy task—Robert knows something about Phillip that could shake Miranda to the core and alter her view of the man she thought she knew so well.

Amazon




 About The Author


I grew up in Houston, Texas, went to Colorado for college, and after living in Arizona, Dallas, and Denver, we moved to southern Ohio about ten years ago.
I’ve always thought of myself as a very hard worker, but not ‘great’ at anything. I’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree…but I never was a gifted student. I took years of ballet and dance, but I never was anywhere near the star of any recital. I love to cook, but I’m certainly not close to being gourmet…and finally I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.
Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.
I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular. likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.
Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed.


http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/  


My Review

Miranda Markham is having a rough time, and has seriously considered taking her life, she can’t take it any more, but who is sending the letters that are pulling her down. She also has to deal with her late husbands, Lieutenant Phillip Markham a Confederate Officer in the Civil War, Mother and Sister. They are angry and nasty women, but do they have a right, the house they want back was built by Phillips father, and has always been their home.
There is some help on the horizon for Miranda when Robert Truax, a Second Lieutenant, and friend of Phillips. Unknown to Miranda the men Phillip served with made a pack to help each other families if the unimaginable happened. So when word reaches the men Robert is sent to look into the situation, and you will not believe how a southern city of Galveston, Texas is treating a war hero’s widow!
Will help come in time to save Miranda and her beloved help that run her boarding house with her? Who is so evil to want to take her home, when she has actually made the ultimate sacrifice? Answers are here and you are going to be surprised why this is happening, or maybe not, but once that first page is turned you will not want to put it down.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Beauty Refined (Sapphire Brides, #2) by Tracie Peterson

Phoebe Von Bergen is excited to accompany her father when he travels from Germany to purchase sapphires in Montana. Little does she know that her father's plans--for the gemstones and his daughter--are not what they seem.
Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie--a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything. Phoebe is determined to stay in America, regardless of her father's plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger as the deception begins to unravel.

http://traciepetersonbooks.com/ 

Amazon

About The Author

Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 100 books. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field.
Tracie received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell, Kimberley Woodhouse and her daughter Jennifer.
Throughout her writing career Tracie has found time to speak at writer’s conferences where she has a special heart for new authors. She is often joined by her husband Jim, whose background in history offers new authors insight into research. Besides teaching at conferences, Tracie also at one time managed Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents book line – overseeing the production of 52 books a year. Tracie teaches at women’s conferences around the country and shares her testimony and insight for Christian living through the eyes of an author passionately in love with her Heavenly Father.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests, including USA “Best Books 2011” Awards, best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love!
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family–especially her three grandchildren–Rainy, Fox and Max..
For information on having Tracie speak at your event – contact Noelle Buss at Bethany Publishers/Baker Books.

My Review

Phoebe Von Bergen, is following her father, the German Count, on a world tour looking for sapphires. They are now in Helena, Montana, and while her father is on a buying trip, she stays at the hotel and while on a walk literally runs into her dead mother.
Obviously all that she knew was a lie perpetrated by her father, and what she learns will change the course of her life. She has always done everything her father asked and he has spoiled her, but she is compliant for him, until…well you need to read this book.
I had the feeling that the Frederick was the personification of pure Evil, and everyone around him had better take care. He really doesn’t have a conscience and only loves one person, himself.
Don’t let this story get away, it reads like your in the room with them, and you want to do something about what is happening, even to unlocking the door.
I received this book through Bethany House Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Presents: A Sunrise in Rio by Rachel Matthews For Hire: Fiancee Book Blast Giveaway

 


A Sunrise in Rio by Rachel Matthews For Hire: Fiancee
Eric Jansen was aware of the reputation he gained as a cold-hearted playboy. As a widower with a mysterious past marriage, work is his only solace...that is until the company investors threaten to pull out of the deal. With a new luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro and a housing development for underprivileged families on the line, he needs a way to prove to the investors he is serious. The beautiful new photographer, Jayla Mitchelson, is perfectly outside of the media's eye. Not only will she help the deal, he just may find himself asking her to stay after the job is done.

   



Excerpt: Jayla couldn't believe what she was hearing. Instead of her photography skills, she was being hired as a glorified fake girlfriend. Rage sluiced through her and she started pacing to help calm her down. “I don't believe this.” “It would help me greatly.” “Oh, it will? Tell me, Eric is that why you hired me? To just be some arm candy for you and for your boss?” “Jayla, that isn't it.” “Then why bring me down here? Why go through this phony interview process, checking out my site and bringing me– ” Her mouth fell open as she stopped to face him. “Is that why you took me out for breakfast and sightseeing? To butter me up?” “Jayla – ” She looked over her shoulder. “If I say no, are you going to, what, chop me up and hide me in the building?” Her hand disappeared into the camera case at her side. “Look, buddy. I got Mace and I will not hesitate to use it. I don't care how many yachts you own.” Eric started toward her and stopped, laughing. His body convulsed as the laughter grew stronger, causing him to bend over. Jayla stared him down, trying to keep her expression straight, but there was something infectious about his laugh. Something she hadn't realized before. He let himself go in it. He wasn't the guarded businessman trying to make an impression or be someone he wasn't. He was just Eric. A man who appeared to have found amusement in her words.

   

Author Rachel Matthews
Rachel Matthews is a wife, daughter, crocheter, artist & dreamer all rolled into one. She's dreamed of writing ever since she was little and now enjoys penning them for readers all around the world. Part mermaid and part stuffed animal wrangler, she currently lives in San Diego where she is fighting an addiction to the beach and enjoying spending time with her loving romantic hero husband.

Website

   


Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 7/30/16 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

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Presents: Not Quite Happiness by Melissa Baldwin

 



Not Quite Sheer Happiness by Melissa Baldwin Sienna Harris is back and appears to be on top of the world! Her company, Sheer Happiness Events, is booming, but personally she’s a mess. She never imagined that with amazing success would come tremendous pressure. Although her professional life seems in disarray at times, her relationship with the dashing Ace Eckelund is finally progressing. Friendships are tested and so is her relationship when—once again—the past collides with the present. Sienna begins to question everything in her life and wonders if she should throw out her desire for constant certainty and live life on the edge for once. But, will she be able to change the person she has always been for who she wants to become? Find out in this captivating third installment of The Event to Remember series.


   


Praise for Not Quite Sheer Happiness I absolutely loved the book from start to finish and I was extremely gutted that it ended because of its sheer brilliance. Melissa Baldwin is a truly talented writer and I regret not finding her books sooner. Not Quite Sheer Happiness is a hug in a book. A feel good, relatable and loving story that will make you want more, because I definitely do. Amazing book, definitely sheer happiness. I laughed, I swooned, I shook my head, and I loved every moment. A great read! The plot moved at a good pace and at times I didn't want to stop reading. It was interesting to have a main character who has insecurities. I thought Melissa Baldwin wrote this in a way that everyone could possibly relate to in some degree.

   


Excerpt “Sienna, are you able to go out for drinks with us?” Lisa asks. Interestingly enough, it appears that Craig and Lisa are becoming good friends now. Just then we hear the door, we all turn to see Ace standing in the doorway. I quickly look at Lisa and her reaction says it all. “Oh, I’m terribly sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt your meeting,” he apologizes. “Ace, is that you?” Lisa exclaims. Oh please, like she doesn’t know that’s him. She stands up and reaches up to give him a hug. Craig’s eyes get big and he looks toward me, probably waiting for me to react. I calmly take a deep breath. “Lisa,” he replies with a warm smile. “It’s very nice seeing you. Sienna told me that you two were working together.” She looks surprised. “It’s nice to see you. How many years has it been?” Ace puts his hand to his chin. “Many years. And congratulations on the job; Welsh and Taylor is a fantastic firm.” Lisa looks surprised. “How do you know them? They just started their practice.” “Oh, Ace knows everyone,” Craig interrupts. “He’s an international man of mystery.” I roll my eyes. “Craig, he’s not Austin Powers.” Everyone laughs. So far so good, it’s not completely awkward. “Oh, and congratulations on your engagement,” she says, pointing at me. His gorgeous smile widens and my heart speeds up a little. “Thank you. I’m very lucky.” He looks at me lovingly, which gives me chills. Lisa nods. Okay, this is going better than I thought it would. I guess I was reading too much into it. Craig motions for me to go to his office. We excuse ourselves, leaving Ace and Lisa talking about her firm. “What?” I ask as soon as we get in his office. “Everything seems to be going good. I told you that you were overreacting,” he says. “I know,” I agree. “I feel a little guilty about not having more trust in Ace. Am I a horrible person?” “I wouldn’t say you’re horrible,” he says unconvincingly. “I do think you acted like a jealous girlfriend, though, and that’s not very attractive. But I get it, a first love can be hard to beat.” What is he talking about? Who said anything about a first love? “Craig, they dated but that doesn’t mean that they were each other’s first loves?” Or were they? I realize I don’t know much about the details other than Lisa was the one to end their relationship. My palms are starting to sweat. “We should probably get back in there,” I say quickly. I head back to our tiny conference room, which is actually just a small office with a table in it. I don’t want Ace to think that I’m bothered even though I am. When I walk back in, my heart sinks. Ace and Lisa are leaning in, looking at her phone, their heads closer together than before. It’s not that they’re doing anything wrong; they just look too . . . comfortable.

  



Author Melissa Baldwin Melissa graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications; she has always had a love for writing. An avid journal keeper, she took her creativity to the next level by fulfilling her dream with her debut novel, An Event to Remember . . . Or Forget. Since then, she has written and published three more novels, Wedding Haters, See You Soon Broadway and Not Quite Sheer Happiness. Melissa resides in Orlando, Florida, with her husband and young daughter. When she isn't writing, this multi-tasking master organizer is busy being a mother, wife, chauffeur, PTA President, and Fitness Trainer. When she has free time, she enjoys traveling, running, fitness, fashion, and taking a Disney Cruise every now and then.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Pinterest

Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 7/29/16 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.

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Like a River from Its Course by Kelli Stuart

An epic novel exposing the ugliness of war and the beauty of hope. The city of Kiev was bombed in Hitler's blitzkrieg across the Soviet Union, but the constant siege was only the beginning for her citizens. In this sweeping historical saga, Kelli Stuart takes the reader on a captivating journey into the little--known history of Ukraine's tragedies through the eyes of four compelling characters who experience the same story from different perspectives.

Maria Ivanovna is only fourteen when the bombing begins and not much older when she is forced into work at a German labor camp. She must fight to survive and to make her way back to her beloved Ukraine.

Ivan Kyrilovich is falsely mistaken for a Jew and lined up with 34,000 other men, women, and children who are to be shot at the edge of Babi Yar, the "killing ditch." He survives, but not without devastating consequences.

Luda is sixteen when German soldiers rape her. Now pregnant with the child of the enemy, she is abandoned by her father, alone, and in pain. She must learn to trust family and friends again and find her own strength in order to discover the redemption that awaits.

Frederick Hermann is sure in his knowledge that the Fuhrer's plans for domination are right and just. He is driven to succeed by a desire to please a demanding father and by his own blind faith in the ideals of Nazism. Based on true stories gathered from fifteen years of research and interviews with Ukrainian World War II survivors, Like a River from Its Course is a story of love, war, heartache, forgiveness, and redemption.

Amazon

About The Author

Kelli Stuart is a writer and a storyteller at heart. A graduate of Baylor University with a degree in English Professional Writing, and a minor in the Russian language, Kelli has honed her skills in the written word through editing, ghostwriting, blogging, and traveling the world. Kelli has a gift for languages that puts her at ease in other cultures, allowing her to view this creative life from the vantage point of mothers worldwide.

Kelli is a noted blogger and the writer behind the wildly popular blog Minivans Are Hot.com. She has traveled extensively, constantly honing her craft at weaving words into tales as she experiences life and the world. Kelli has written for, and represented, such brands as 5 Minutes for Mom, Tonic.com, Disney, American Girl, The MOB Society, Extraordinary Mommy, God Size Dreams, Short Fiction Break, and (in)courage. Kelli has also served as editor-in-chief for the St. Louis Bloggers Guild and as a board member for the St. Louis Women in Media.

In 2004, Kelli co-authored the book Dare 2B Wise: Ten Minute Devotions to Inspire Courageous Living (joint published between Focus on the Family and Simon and Schuster) with best selling author and well known speaker Dr. Joe White, director and owner of Kanakuk Kamps. In addition to editing numerous manuscripts, Kelli has worked steadily as a ghostwriter, helping others share their messages with the world.

In 2012, Kelli traveled to Tanzania with Compassion International as part of their blogging team to raise awareness on how the organization is benefiting children worldwide, and in 2014 she self-published the e-book 30 Days to Becoming a Writer.

In 2016, Kelli will release two new books with Kregel Publications. The first, Like A River From Its Course, is a sweeping historical fiction novel set in World War II Soviet Ukraine. This is a story of tragedy and triumph, of family, friends, forgiveness, and love. It is based on true stories that Kelli gathered after over 100 interviews with veterans of the former Soviet Union.

Her second book, Life Creative: Inspiration for Today's Renaissance Mom, is a non-fiction book written to encourage creative Christian moms as they walk the tenuous balance between motherhood and creativity. This book answers the question that so many mothers have when the art gets lost in the daily grind, "Can I still be creative, and be a mom?"

Kelli is a noted speaker, sharing her encouraging message to never give up on dreams and passions with mothers who often feel lost in their mothering tasks. Kelli currently lives in Tampa, Florida with her perpetually patient husband and her four rambunctious children.


My Review

An eye-opening story told in the first person of several different people, people from different countries, trying to survive the evil sent to persecute in the persona of Adolph Hitler.
These are individuals on both sides, Germans and Ukrainians, and we put names to these people and look into their everyday lives. The main German in this story is Frederick Herrmann, son of an Evil man who is trying to become the man his father wants by becoming even more evil. He is killing men, woman and children, and no regard for human life, all to win his father’s approval?
We all know of the atrocities, or at least heard of some, that were committed during WWII in Europe. This story puts faces and we get to know some of them personally, and your heart will break as we journey with them. This is a story of survival, and love, both parental and personal, and strength from God, but who will be alive in the end.
I loved that there was an epilogue in this book, but was surprised, guess I should have known, about how these slaves were treated by their own country when they survived.
A poignant story that will linger with you for a long time, and it should be remembered so that history will not repeat, but we do no seem to learn our lessons, and turn blind eyes to atrocities.
I received this book through Kregel’s Book Blogger Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.

Murder Mezzo Forte (Preston Barclay Mystery) by Donn E. Taylor

He is a reclusive history professor with musical hallucinations, she a headstrong professor of religion, a converted Wiccan. Earlier, they solved a campus murder, but now police say they formed two-thirds of an illicit love triangle with a newly-murdered female colleague and they're probably guilty of her murder. A leak of the alleged scandal to the college administration threatens their jobs. Their desperate attempt to prove themselves innocent of the triangle and the murder plunges them into a tangle of unsavory corporate relationships among college trustees. And it puts their lives in danger from a mysterious criminal organization that seems to have tentacles everywhere.

Can this ill-matched pair's stumbling efforts succeed against the entrenched forces of the police, the college's incompetent administration, and that powerful but unseen criminal organization? If not, they may end up unemployed, in prison, or suffering a fate much worse .

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About The Author

Donn Taylor led an Infantry rifle platoon in the Korean War, served with Army aviation in Vietnam, and worked with air reconnaissance in Europe and Asia. Afterwards, he earned a PhD in Renaissance literature and taught literature at two liberal arts colleges. His publications include three suspense novels, one historical novel, and a book of poetry. He lives near Houston, TX, where he writes fiction, poetry, and essays on current topics.


My Review

We are back with Professor Preston Barclay and his accomplice Mara Thorn, and they are back in the wrong place at the right time, or something like that, as they do find bodies, and they are not alive.
This time the go to meet another member of the faculty at Overton College, make that University, and discover Professor Mitra Fortier’s body. Now what, and as you probably know these two know to get as far as they can from the deceased and any hint that they are involved. There are shady police around, and one has a particular dislike of Pres dating back to their military service time.
What is going on, and who is following them, and when you can’t trust the police, whom can you turn to. This page-turner will answers your questions, and the reasons why the murder has happened.
If you enjoy mysteries, this one will not disappoint. Enjoy!
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.


 

Write Now Literary Presents: One Sunday At A Time Virtual Book Tour

Book Title: One Sunday At A Time

Genre: Fiction           

ISBN-10: 1622867173

ISBN-13: 978-1622867172

Book Release Date:  March 2016

Author: E. N. Joy

About The Author

Joylynn M. Ross now writing as

BLESSEDselling Author E.N. Joy (Everybody Needs Joy)

BLESSEDselling Author E. N. Joy is the author behind the “New Day Divas,” “Still Divas,” “Always Divas” and “Forever Divas" series, all which have been coined “Soap Operas in Print.” She is an Essence Magazine Bestselling Author who wrote secular books under the names Joylynn M. Jossel and JOY. Her title, If I Ruled the World, earned her a book blurb from Grammy Award Winning Artist, Erykah Badu. An All Night Man, an anthology she penned with New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Jackson, earned the Borders bestselling African American romance award. Her Urban Fiction title, Dollar Bill (Triple Crown Publications), appeared in Newsweek and has been translated to Japanese.

After thirteen years of being a paralegal in the insurance industry, E. N. Joy divorced her career and married her mistress and her passion; writing. In 2000, she formed her own publishing company where she published her books until landing a book deal with St. Martin's Press. This award winning author has been sharing her literary expertise on conference panels in her home town of Columbus, Ohio as well as cities across the country. She also conducts publishing/writing workshops for aspiring writers.

Her children’s book titled The Secret Olivia Told Me, written under the name N. Joy, received a Coretta Scott King Honor from the American Library Association. The book was also acquired by Scholastic Books and has sold almost 100,000 copies. Elementary and middle school children have fallen in love with reading and creative writing as a result of the readings and workshops E. N. Joy instructs in schools nationwide.

In addition, she is the artistic developer for a young girl group named DJHK Gurls. She pens original songs, drama skits and monologues for the group that deal with messages that affect today’s youth, such as bullying.

After being the first content development editor for Triple Crown Publications and ten years as the acquisitions editor for Carl Weber's Urban Christian imprint, E. N. Joy now does freelance editing, ghostwriting, write-behinds and literary consulting. Her clients have included New York Times Bestselling authors, entertainers, aspiring authors, as well as first-time authors. Some notable literary consulting clients include actor Christian Keyes, singer Olivia Longott and Reality Television star Shereé M. Whitfield.

You can visit BLESSEDselling Author E. N. Joy at www.enjoywrites.com or email her at enjoywrites@aol.com.

About The Book

 What does crazy look like? Let Deborah tell it, it's the reflection that looks back at her in the mirror. She has a career she loves, two beautiful children and a handsome and successful husband. Her life seems to be the blueprint almost every woman she knows would kill to live. But working full-time, being a full-time mother, full-time wife and a full-time Sunday only Christian seems to be taking its toll on her. With all the scheming and shenanigans Deborah orchestrated to get this lifestyle, she might have to come up with a whole set of new ones to maintain it.

Lynox is Deborah's husband who she thanks God for putting back into her life after a game of cat and mouse that defies the laws of romance. He feels that all Deborah needs is to let her hair down, maybe make some new friends and live a little. When Deborah agrees and then suspects Lynox of having an affair with the woman that he suggested she form a friendship with, will he live to regret his own advice?

Social links

Website: http://www.enjoywrites.com

Twitter: @enjoywrites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorENJOY?fref=ts

Buy links:

Barnes & Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-sunday-at-a-time-en-joy/1122258914?ean=9781622867172

Amazon paperback link: http://amzn.to/2949UhT

Tour hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours

www.wnlbooktours.com

Follow the tour here: http://wnlbooktours.com/e-n-joy/

Claiming Noah by Amanda Ortlepp

This riveting debut novel of psychological suspense explores the dilemmas that arise when motherhood and science collide.

Catriona Sinclair has always had a well-developed sense of independence--in fact the one sore point in her otherwise happy marriage is her husband James's desire to take care of her. As she's often tried to explain to him, she took care of herself before she met him, and did a good job of it. But James has been especially attentive lately as they struggle to have a baby. They succeed at last through in vitro fertilization, but unwilling to risk the heartbreak of another miscarriage, they decide to make their "spare" frozen embryo available to another family.

Diana and Liam Simmons are desperate for a child. Unable to conceive, they are overjoyed to learn that as the closest genetic match to the Sinclairs they are the recipients of the embryo donation. Diana's only concern is her mother's disapproval of IVF, but any doubts raised are quickly eclipsed by Diana's joy of being pregnant.

As Diana is finding delight in every aspect of motherhood, Catriona keeps waiting for the rush of adoration she knows she is supposed to feel, but instead slips into a deep depression. Just as Catriona begins to find her way back to normalcy, one of the babies is kidnapped. Suddenly, all of their lives begin to unravel and intertwine, and none of them will ever be the same.

Amazon

About Amanda

Amanda Ortlepp is a Sydney-based writer, born in Adelaide in 1981. As a child she was a voracious reader with ambitions of one day becoming an author. Instead she completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree after high school, followed by a Masters of Applied Finance, and spent a decade working in marketing and communication roles. It was only after she turned thirty that she revisited her love of fiction and started writing at nights and on weekends while working full-time.

In 2015 her debut novel, Claiming Noah, was published in Australia and New Zealand and became a bestseller. Its ethical dilemmas and emotionally-charged themes struck a chord with mothers and book clubs in particular. Claiming Noah will be available in the US and Canada from July 2016.

Amanda’s second novel, Running Against the Tide, is a story about long-held prejudices and fractured relationships, set on the remote Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. It was published in Australia and New Zealand in March 2016.

http://amandaortlepp.com/

My Review

Claiming Noah is a story that is going to linger with you for a long time, and it seemed so real. A couple that wanted a baby so badly they try IVF, and then suffer the heartbreak of a miscarriage, not once but twice.
The story has a lot of heartbreak, and some you will never see coming, a gasp, oh no! We have infidelity, attempted infanticide, severe postpartum depression, kidnapping, betrayal, prision, I could go on, you will be page turning, and questioning.
The author has done a wonderful job with this story, I never realize that left over embryos could be adopted, but it really makes sense. Makes a person think, right down to the end and the lawsuit, what would you do? Heartbreak seems to happen to all, and yet there seems to be a lot of love and forgiveness going all the way around.
I loved this story, and wish I could be more like some of the characters here, there are solutions here, and you are going to love the epilogue.
I received this book through Faithworks and was not required to give a positive review.