Monday, April 30, 2018

The Amish Quilter by Mindy Starnes Clark







Linda Mueller happily devotes most of her time to quilting. When she's not working at an Englisch fabric shop, she's busy working on her own quilts and honing her craft.

Linda's orderly life is suddenly disrupted when the husband of her oldest sister, Sadie, passes away. Linda meets her brother-in-law's nephew, Isaac Mast, a newcomer to Lancaster County and a talented painter. As Linda struggles to support Sadie and still find time for her own pursuits, she finds herself drawn to Isaac.

Linda and Isaac bond over their respective hobbies and Isaac's deep love for his grandmother. Inspired by him, Linda starts to uncover the story of her own grandmother, who died a bitter old woman.

What lessons from the past will Linda learn that might prepare her for a terrible secret, one that threatens her future with Isaac?


Amazon 


About The Author





Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 30 books, both fiction and nonfiction, and has received numerous literary honors, including two Christy Awards and RT Book Reviews 2012 Career Achievement Award. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. 

Website


My Review




I enjoyed this story, and it is actually a few stories in one, and then it circles to include each one.
What does quilting and artistic painting have to do with one another, well that is what the author is about to show us as this story unfolds. There is a bit of sadness, a little romance, and an unfolding family mystery, that comes to light. Our main character Linda, seems to oblivious to a lot that goes on around her, especially concerning her family and community, and secrets that others have shared.
Once a hand painted picture is found, we are in for a treat as unknown family members are found.
A page-turner for sure!
I received this book through Net Galley and Harvest House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.










My Heart Belongs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Millie's Resolve






Journey now to healing spa town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1885
Where the past and present collide and a woman is on the precipice of unexpected love.

Millie Cooper, fisherman’s-daughter-turned-nurse, flees a painful entanglement with the wealthy Drexel family who summered near her childhood home in Nantucket, only to encounter them again six years later in Glenwood Springs. The serenity of Millie Cooper’s mountain hideaway in a town with healing springs is disrupted when she faces caring for the elderly mother and the expectant wife of Stephen Drexel, the man she’d once loved—at the request of John Drexel, the man who’d kept them apart. Will

Millie forgive the wrongs she feels were done to her, or will she come to see them as a blessing in disguise that lead her to greater joys?


Amazon


About The Author






Rebecca Jepson is a homebody who loves a good book, a cup of freshly ground coffee, and all things autumn. She is the author of A Highbrow Hoodwink, a novella included in the ECPA bestseller, The Lassoed by Marriage Romance Collection. In addition to writing, she works as a paralegal and volunteers in various ministries at her church. She lives in Reno, Nevada, with her husband, Mike.

Visit Rebecca at her website, http://www.rebeccajepson.com/.



My Review




I really enjoyed this read, and the pages flew as I was reading, a poor girl, rich boy, back in the late 1880’s, and in beautiful Colorado.
You might want to have the tissues handy for this one, there are some very sad parts, as we meet reality head on, and our girl is there for everyone, including those who seem to really dislike her.
We walk in Millie Cooper’s shoes, and as her we are a strong, smart young woman, and full of compassion for her fellow man. She doesn’t seem to be very lucky in love, but we see where God is leading her, and how he is there for her.
I actually wanted more once the last page was turned, but the story did wrap up like I would have wanted it to.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.







 

A Pirate at Pembroke by Danielle Thorne Blast






A Pirate at Pembroke by Danielle Thorne
Keeping company with a reputed pirate is one thing, but falling in love with him could ruin the eccentric Crestwood family for good…
Sophie Crestwood is never going to catch a husband, and she isn’t even sure she wants one. Her father is a gossip, her mother has her nose in a book, and little Jack has shamefully been dismissed from boarding school. Worst of all, a pirate moves next door into Pembroke Hall.
When Sophie’s sent to a matchmaking party at a neighboring estate, the pirate from Pembroke arrives and distracts everyone from the summer festivities. Unguarded, her feelings about the mysterious Captain Murdock bloom into a trusted friendship that Sophie fears may come to mean more than anyone could ever suspect.





Praise
There have been only a handful of times when a book truly blows me away. This is one of those times. It’s full of emotions from laughter to tears and all in between. There are heroes and villains. There’s mystery, humor, danger, and romance all contained within its pages. As I read, I became fully engaged with the characters. ~D. Pearson
This sweet romance will give you all the feels and keep you turning pages. Romance, mystery and a little humor made this an engaging and satisfying read. ~F. Brown







Excerpt

She imagined the dark silhouette would take the shape of a specter, perhaps with a sickle in its grip; instead, the man appeared to be a gentleman, although not an altogether cheerful looking one. Other than his hat, he was rather too brown and rumpled.
The horse snorted and turned its head to look. The rider studied her, too. Sophie pushed off the wall and stepped forward.
”You are from Leatherbury?” he assumed in a flat tone.
”Miss Crestwood of Leatherbury,” she informed him, trying to maintain her poise. Her attempt was foiled by an examining gaze with eyes so pale she could not tell their color. She couldn’t look at him without glancing away and back again.
”Then, Miss Crestwood of Leatherbury, I recommend you and your family reacquaint yourselves with the boundaries of your estate.”
Her mouth dropped open at the ill-mannered admonition. Sophie stared up at the horseman from beneath the brim of her bonnet, aware she was mussed and the hem of her skirt damp with morning dew. One of her ribbons, frayed at the end, fluttered up in her face, but she did not shoo it away. ”I am looking for my brother,” she said, trying to gather up enough dismay to feel slighted. ”I assure you I am within the boundaries of my home.”
The man gazed off into the distance behind her. ”I beg your pardon,” he said with a slight apologetic cough, ”but your boundaries are the low-lying stream several yards beyond the grove, to where I suspect I’ve just chased your brother from my orchard.”
“Please accept my apologies then.” Sophie kept her tone stiff.
She whirled away toward the stile to escape his censure, wondering why she did not debate with him that the wall had been the boundary for ages. Everyone knew it, even the cows. She was a Crestwood from Leatherbury, and she knew it. Who was he to tell her differently?
She pivoted back on her heel. ”And you are?” She inclined her head and raised her chin, just like Lady Mary did when she questioned some poor, culpable soul.
The man shifted in his saddle like he might slide off the horse, and the animal whinnied and stamped its feet. ”Captain Edward Murdock of St. Kitts, and still you are trespassing on my property.”



  






Author Danielle Thorne
Danielle Thorne is the author of a dozen books, including five-star classic romance and adventure in several genres. A graduate of BYU-Idaho, she has edited for both Solstice and Desert Breeze Publishing and participated in writing organizations and contests over the years picking up awards and recognition for her work. When not researching or writing fiction, Danielle freelances as a historical non-fiction author for young adults from her home in Atlanta, Georgia. She loves to hear from romance readers through her website and appreciates feedback and reviews. Her next adventure, The Story of Queen Victoria 200 Years After Her Birth, is coming 2018 with Atlantic Publishing.





$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway
Ends 5/17/18
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. The giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Saturday, April 28, 2018

Bibliophile Reviews Presents: Be Still My Heart



7 Contemporary Christian Romances.

Second chances at love and the excitement of new romance brought to you from USA Today and bestselling authors. Waiting for you inside...

Sun Kisses - Jackie Castle
A love for history drew Karen and Kelvin together. Just when they're willing to give their hearts to each other, will their own histories threaten to tear them apart?

All in Good Time - Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
She's clinging to the past. He's looking for a future. Can they find happiness together in the present?

The Inn at Cherry Blossom Lane - Jennifer Vander Klipp
Can the summer magic of Lake Michigan bring first loves Claire and Alex back together? Or will the secret they discover inside the old farmhouse jeopardize everything they love?

Since You Went Away - Cindy Flores Martinez
Recently widowed Violet and Tom are struggling with the tragic loss of their long-time spouses. The last thing they want is to fall in love again, but when their paths keep crossing, will their feelings for each other ruin their friendship?

Getting to Yes - Allie Pleiter
Suzann's been waiting-and waiting-and waiting-for Adam to pop the question. She's more than ready, he's trying to get ready, so why would God throw obstacle after obstacle into the mix?

Beauty Within - Rachel Skatvold
A young widow with two children searches for a fresh start in her hometown, and a cop runs from dark shadows in his past. Together, will this unlikely pair be able to heal after tragedy and discover the Beauty Within God's plan?

The Way To A Man's Heart - Suzanne D. Williams
Liberty Unick has turned her weight problem into a successful hometown bakery. But when her friendship with wealthy businessman, Eric Spader, blossoms, will her lingering insecurities threaten their chance at romance?

Fall in love again with some of your favorite stories and discover new ones. Be Still, My Heart is ready to take you on a romantic and heartwarming journey. Buy this Christian romance collection today!

My Review




Your in for a real treat when you pick this collection up. I have so far completed two, and read each in one sitting as I was page turning!


The Inn at Cherry Blossom Lane by Jennifer Vander Klipp
A sweet and quick read of beginning a new life after divorce, and rekindling a part of your childhood to share with your own child.
I was quickly page turning and hoping for a restart of an old romance, and then quickly a bit of mystery got added in, and what more could I want. An enjoyable read.

All in Good Time by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
How your life goals change as we age, what we wanted when we were in high school is no longer the same as we reach the golden years, but can we let go of old hurts and embrace a new future.
Like a lot of girls at the time, the 1960’s, our girl Sandra, wanted to start a family as soon as she left school, but her young man had different goals.
Come along and meet some of Sandra’s family, and get a look at the life she led, and maybe a look at her future.
A really sweet and quick read, that will keep you reading right to the end.

Friday, April 27, 2018

Just Read Presents: Julie Blog Tour by Catherine Marshall






Title: Julie
Author: Catherine Marshall
Publisher: Gilead Publishing
ReIssue Date: April 17, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance Fiction
*A New York Times bestseller*
-------------------------------
Will the dam hold?

Julie Wallace has always wanted to write. Trying to 
escape the Great Depression, Julie’s father buys the
Alderton Sentinel, a small-town newspaper in flood-prone Alderton, Pennsylvania, and moves his family
there. As flash floods ominously increase, Julie’s investigative reporting uncovers secrets that could
endanger the entire community.

Julie, the newspaper, and her family are thrown into a perilous standoff with the owners of the steel mills
as they investigate the conditions of the immigrant laborers. As the Alderton Sentinel and Julie take on a more aggressive role to reform these conditions, seething tensions come to a head.

When a devastating tragedy follows a shocking revelation, Julie’s courage and strength are tested. 
Will truth and justice win, or will Julie lose everything she holds dear?

TO PURCHASE A COPY*

Excerpt:  
Dean's eyes were studying me. "You have a way with words. What kind of writing do you want to do?"
"Articles for Dad's paper, to start."
"What do you want to write about?"
I paused, suddenly uncertain about how much to share. Dean's eyes were reassuring.
"When I know more, I'd like to write about deeper things."



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), “The New York Times” best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel “Christy.” Based on the life of her mother, “Christy” captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in “A Man Called Peter.” A decade after Dr. Marshall’s untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of “Guideposts,” forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine’s enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.



TOUR SCHEDULE 




April 23
Backing Books
Beautifully Broken 
Glamamamas Goodies
Glimpse of Our Life
The Power of Words
Remembrancy
Just Commonly
Book Reviews by Steph  (Guest Post)


April 24
All of a Kind Mom  (Guest Post or Review)
Amanda In PA
Locks, Hooks and Books
Two Points of Interest
This Chattanooga Mommy Saves
Savings in Seconds
Veronica's 'Views
Meagan Davenport
Faery Tales Are Real


April 25
As We Walk Along the Road  (Guest Post or Review)
Texas Book-aholic
Book by Book
Christian Chick's Thoughts
Bibliophile Reviews
Moments
Quilting Along Life's Way
Girls in White Dresses
Mom 2 Mom Connection


April 26
A Baker's Perspective  (Guest Post or Review)
Impressions In Ink
A Room Without Books is Empty 
Christian bookaholic
Mocha with Linda
Lighthouse Academy
Running Through the Storms 
Coffee Addicted Writer
Live. Love. Read.
Thoughts from Mill Street
God's Peculiar Treasure Rae


April 27
For the Love of Books (Guest Post or Review)
I'm Hooked on Books
She Lives to Read
Becky J Miller
Jami's Words
Ponderings of a Poet & Procrastinator
Have A Wonderful Day 
Pause for Tales
Hope for Today's Heart
Neverending Stories
Jen Around the World
Maureen's Musings
Singing Librarian Books
Splashes of Joy 
Katherine Scott Jones
My Full Cup
GIVEAWAY

(1) Winner will win: 
  • $25 Amazon Gift Card
  • Bookmark Swag
  • Necklace (exact or similar & *subject to change)
  • Print Copy of Julie
(Only Gift Card open internationally. Others open to US Mailing Addresses)
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway



 
My Review



Oh, how I loved reading this book and walking in Julie Paige’s shoes, and what a kind, loving young woman the author has given us.
I have long been an admirer of Catherine Marshall, starting back as a teen when I read “A Man Called Peter”.
The author makes you feel for the injustice of big business, and the “I don’t care attitude”, and then then the bullying, all because you have concerns and disagree.
Warning once you start this you won’t be able to put it down, and have the tissues handy, there are some really sad parts, but you won’t regret reading this one.
I received this book through Just Read and the Publisher Evergreen Farm, and was not required to give a positive review.













Thursday, April 26, 2018

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: A Hole In One [A Glass Dolphin Mystery] by Judy Penz Sheluk











A Hole In One: A Glass Dolphin Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Barking Rain Press (March 6, 2018)
Paperback: 178 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1941295731
Digital ASIN: B079VJLVQ4
Hoping to promote the Glass Dolphin antiques shop, co-owners Arabella Carpenter and Emily Garland agree to sponsor a hole in one contest at a charity golf tournament. The publicity turns out to be anything but positive, however, when Arabella’s errant tee shot lands in the woods next to a corpse.
They soon learn that the victim is closely related to Arabella’s ex-husband, who had been acting as the Course Marshal. With means, opportunity, and more than enough motive, he soon becomes the police department’s prime suspect, leaving Arabella and Emily determined to clear his name—even if they’re not entirely convinced of his innocence.
Dogged by incriminating online posts from an anonymous blogger, they track down leads from Emily’s ex-fiancé (and the woman he left Emily for), an Elvis impersonator, and a retired antiques mall vendor with a secret of her own.
All trails lead to a mysterious cult that may have something to do with the murder. Can Arabella and Emily identify the killer before the murderer comes after them?

About the Author




Judy Penz Sheluk is the author of two mystery series: The Glass Dolphin Mysteries (THE HANGED MAN’S NOOSE and A HOLE IN ONE) and The Marketville Mysteries (SKELETONS IN THE ATTIC). Judy’s short crime fiction appears is several collections. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, the Short Mystery Fiction Society, and Crime Writers of Canada, where she currently serves on the Board of Directors as the Regional Representative for Toronto/Southern Ontario. Find Judy on her website/blog at www.judypenzsheluk.com, where she interviews and showcases the works of other authors and blogs about the writing life.

Author Links
Website http://www.judypenzsheluk.com
Facebook https://business.facebook.com/JudyPenzSheluk/?business_id=736294013145101
Twitter https://twitter.com/JudyPenzSheluk
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Judy-Penz-Sheluk/e/B00O74NX04
GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8602696.Judy_Penz_Sheluk
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/judypenzsheluk/
Publisher https://barkingrainpress.org/judy-penz-sheluk/
Purchase Links
Amazon Barking Rain Press  B&N Kobo


My Review





 I really enjoyed reading this who done it, and it kept me guessing right to the end, and then there were more surprises.
While this is the second book in this series and my first read, you won’t be left in the dark, all is caught up for you, and more.
The author gives us a bit of romance, mystery, stalking, and bodies do seem to pile up. We are also collecting some wonderful antiques, and that is the catalyst to pull a lot of the characters together.
If you enjoy a really good mystery this one will keep you page turning right to the end, and then you will want more.

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




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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
April 17 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
April 18 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
April 19 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
April 20 – The Montana Bookaholic – SPOTLIGHT  
April 21 – T’s Stuff – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 22 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
April 23 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 24 – cherylbbookblog – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 24 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 25 – Books Direct – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 26 – Maureen’s Musings – REVIEW
April 27 – A Blue Million Books – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 28 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
April 29 – Laura’s Interests – SPOTLIGHT
April 30 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
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Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Love in Bloom – Becky Monson







Speak Now: or Forever Hold Your Peace by Becky Monson 


Speak Now is the latest hit from the author of the hit Spinster Series, Becky Monson. In this Readers’ Favorite Book Award Winner (Bronze Medal) novel, Bridgette Reynolds needs to stop a wedding, but can she do it?
If there’s one thing that Bridgette Reynolds has learned recently, it’s that the perfect shoes, the perfect hair, and the perfect dress do not make for the perfect proposal. In fact, sometimes they make for the not-so-perfect breakup.
Now, Bridgette must do everything in her power to win Adam back. She knows they are meant to be. And nothing will stand in her way—not her friends, not her grandmother, not even the fact that Adam is now engaged to Serene after a whirlwind romance.
Focused on her plan to win Adam back, Bridgette isn’t expecting Ian—her college best friend, her love, her big regret—to come back into her life. They sink back into their comfortable friendship as if no time has passed at all, making Bridgette start to question her feelings for Adam. But Ian has a few secrets of his own . . . secrets that could shatter their friendship once and for all.
Bridgette has to make some major decisions—should she speak now? Or forever hold her peace?











After some channel surfing, and a vain attempt to catch up with The Young and the Restless (I couldn’t watch the Ian and Heather and Jessica drama—a bit too close to home), I decide to drag myself upstairs to Margie’s place where Gram and the girls are playing bridge. I need something to get my mind off everything. I doubt it will work, but it’s worth a try.
“Is Gram here?” I ask Margie when she answers the door.
“Sure is,” she says, opening the door wide. She ushers me in with a sweep of her hand.
I walk into Margie’s apartment, which is set up a lot like Gram’s. And just as old-fashioned as well. But, like Gram’s place, it has a homey feel to it. I will say that there are doilies. Lots of doilies.
“Look who’s here, ladies,” Margie says as we walk into the living room.
Gram and two other ladies, Evelyn and Barbara, all turn to see who it is. Once they see me they all start talking in unison. Saying hello and asking me question after question. I try to field each query, but they keep talking over each other.
“Well, Bridgette, what brings you here?” Gram asks, after the chatter has settled. She looks slightly concerned. She wasn’t expecting me. Likewise, I was not expecting to come up here, but here I am.
“I thought I would come and see what you ladies are doing.” I knew they were playing cards, so that was kind of a dumb comment. “And also to check up on Gram,” I say, pointing to the wine glass sitting to her left. That was not something I was expecting to find, but I’m glad I did.
She looks down at the glass and then back up at me, a sheepish just-been-caught look on her face.
“Oh, that’s mine,” Evelyn declares, and I roll my eyes. Evelyn isn’t even sitting next to Gram.
“Gram, you’ve got to be kidding. Does she drink every time she’s playing cards with you?” I ask, looking around the room.
“Not all the time,” Barbara pipes in. “Just . . . most of the time.”










“Speak Now grabbed me from the beginning! This is the perfect escape/beach read – light and fun, amusing with some tearful moments.” -Reviewing in Chaos
“By the end of the book I felt like Bridgette was a real life friend of mine and I was actually sad when the book ended.” -Divine Books Blog
“Can I give this book a 10? It was so fantastic!” -Taking Time for Mommy










Author Becky Monson
By day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. An award-winning* author, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last… but it probably won’t.












Giveaway Details
Ends 5/16/18
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrate Lit Presents: A Canine Christmas Author: Jennifer Sienes

  About the Book Book:  A Canine Christmas Author:  Jennifer Sienes Genre:  Christian Contemporary Romance, Christmas Fiction...