Thursday, November 29, 2018

Release Day $50 Giveaway – My Brother’s Bride by Rachael Anderson





My Brother’s Bride by Rachael Anderson
Abigail Nash leads a lonely existence. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father’s business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. So when her dear friends offered to launch her into London society, it appeared Abby’s life was taking a turn for the better, with suitors and social engagements aplenty. When she marries a proclaimed darling of the ton, it seems she will at last settle into the life of her dreams.
But appearances aren’t always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments.
Just months into her marriage, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, increasing, and determined to never hope again. But when her late husband’s brother, the Earl of Brigston, attempts to thaw the numbness surrounding her heart, Abby must decide if she has it in her to risk another chance at happiness, knowing the odds are not in her favor.


Excerpt
When Brigston entered the kitchen, Abby’s back was partially to him, so she didn’t immediately see him. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she whipped something in a bowl. She paused to lift the spoon, only to frown at the white liquid dripping from it.
“Are you certain this will thicken into a cream?” she asked.
A flash of irritation crossed Monsieur Roch’s face until he spotted Morgan and seemed to think better of it. He managed a patient tone in his accented French. “It takes time, my lady.”
Morgan stifled a chuckle as Abby examined another spoonful of the liquid. “I’ve been whipping it for several minutes, but it doesn’t seem even a little thicker to me. Have I forgotten to add something?”
“No,” said the cook in clipped tones.
Morgan stepped forward and leaned in close. “If your arm is tired—”
Abby jumped, and what liquid remained on the spoon splattered across Morgan’s face. She spun around, her eyes growing wide with horror when she saw what she’d done.
He wiped a dab from his nose and tasted it. “A little more sugar, perhaps?”
“Brigston! I’m so dreadfully sorry.” She dropped the spoon into the bowl and grabbed a rag from a nearby wash basin, dabbing it across his face.
“Not that rag!” cried the cook. “It was only just used to mop the floors.”
Abby dropped it as though it had burned her, and Morgan tried not to cringe at the thought of filthy water coating his face.
Monsieur Roch retrieved a clean rag and held it out to him, appearing apologetic. He flicked another irritated glance at Abby before returning to his work.
As Morgan wiped the cream from his face, he wondered what Abby would do or say next. Offer another fumbled apology? Make her excuses and flee? Pretend the incident never happened and return to her labors? He never knew what to expect from her.
Her face scarlet, she cleared her throat and lifted her adorably determined chin. “You are most welcome, my lord.”
He raised a brow. “For what, my lady?”
“I have heard that cream does wonders for one’s complexion, and it seems the rumors are correct. Your skin appears much . . . creamier.”





Praise for My Brother’s Bride
I found this book to be completely unexpected. I have read all the historical novels by this author and they have all been fun and delightful reads and even though this book had those elements as well, it was definitely more emotional than I was expecting… I loved Abby’s quiet strength and Morgan’s protectiveness. These two were great together. ~Melanie

My to-read list is long but Rachael is one author I always bump to the top and put all other books on hold for. She never disappoints so it’s no surprise that this is another top-notch offering from Rachael. I loved these characters and cheered for them as they overcame obstacles and circumstances that tried to keep them apart. My Brother’s Bride is an awesome and needed addition to the clean romance genre. So many authors pump out books so fast that often I find the quality of their work is lacking. Since I read for entertainment I’m able to forgive a lot and typically just overlook the shortcomings that are prevalent with so many books in this genre. Thankfully that is not the case with Rachael’s books. I’m grateful for the time she takes to ensure she offers her readers quality books with original storylines that won’t disappoint. ~ Kathy






Giveaway Details
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/16/18
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. Giveaway was organized by Kathy a Rafflecopter giveaway from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author.
VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

12 Days of Clean Romance – $100 Kick Off Giveaway


12 Days of Clean Romance

December 2018

During the month of December, we will be featuring 12 Authors who write clean romance!
There will be $400 worth of Giveaways plus great deals on books!
You are invited to come join the fun, learn about these great authors & find your next favorite book!
There will be FREE ebooks, awesome sales & great giveaways!

Check out this great list of featured authors who are sponsoring this event!

Never miss a giveaway, freebie or sale by signing up for Clean Wholesome Romance’s Reader Newsletter!
Are you a blogger or reader who would be willing to post about this event on your blog or social media? Sign up here.
Are you an author who writes clean romance? Learn more about CWR upcoming events here, or Sign up for my Author Newsletter.

To start things off we have a $100 Giveaway!


Giveaway Details
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/1/19
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 may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, 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 & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Clean Wholesome Romance: The Midnight Groom by Taylor Hart & Giveaway

   





The Midnight Groom by Taylor Hart How much would you bet on true love this Christmas season? After the worst year of his life, Cameron Cruz, owner of the Denver Storm, agrees to a family Christmas cruise with his twin sister and her family. Sure, maybe part of the reason he agreed to go was because it got him out of court-mandated therapy for a week. Still, he was trying to focus on relaxing. He was trying to focus on having fun. He was trying not to look at the reports that came every day from the private investigator's he'd been hiring and firing for the past year to bring justice to the man who killed his wife. Isabel Kind was only on this Christmas cruise for one reason--to heal. After tragically losing her husband and son five years ago, she'd been stuck. And she and her therapist thought doing the list of excursions they'd planned to do as a family--might help her move on. When she sprains her ankle and Cameron Cruz offers to help her, she finds herself accepting. After reluctantly getting piggybacked around by the amazingly strong and handsome man, swimming with the stingrays, and zip lining through the Honduran jungles, she is more and more mystified by this troubled man. Even more mystified that he's not only helping her physically but he's also trying to help her emotionally--even if, as he says, he can't heal himself. When bad news comes to light and Cameron has to face the past, they are left with a choice--walk away or let the power of grace make them whole.
Grab your copy for just 99 cents today!
  Praise for The Midnight Groom Grief is real and hard. Taylor Heart does a beautiful job of honoring that pain while showing us Cameron's way through it. Their story is beautiful with just the right amount of laughter and hope and, as always, grace. A perfect read when you want to cuddle up with a story that will fill you with peace. The Midnight Groom is a wonderfully entertaining love story that will inspire you to be a better person! I thought the struggle and the healing felt real. This book was a roller coaster ride for my emotions.


 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0a0096832079/?  

Just Plain Murder (An Amish Mystery, #6) by Laura Bradford







Claire Weatherly loves her charming adopted hometown but is shocked when the murder of a former town dignitary proves that evil can hide in plain sight in this all new Amish mystery in the national bestselling series.

Jakob and Claire have been enjoying spending more time together in lovely Heavenly, PA. With Claire's help, the detective is making slow progress reconnecting with members of his Amish family who shunned him when he left to pursue a career in law enforcement. Jakob's mentor, Russ Granger, the long retired police chief who inspired him to become a cop is back in town. Claire's always wanted to meet the man who changed the course of Jakob's life. But not long after he arrives in Heavenly, Russ is murdered.

Jakob is shocked and can only imagine that his old friend must have been killed by someone outside of the Amish community. Claire and Jakob soon find that things are not as they seem and Jakob's old boss may have stumbled into something sinister before he was killed. The answers they uncover are closer to home and more shocking than they ever expected.


Amazon


About The Author







ka Elizabeth Lynn Casey.

While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.

Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree).

Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.

While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake.

Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO).

It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family.

Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.


Website


My Review






Now as you see the title of this book it is the sixth in a series, but the first that I have read, and it didn’t take much to be caught up and involved in the lives of these English and Amish in Heavenly.
The author offers us a story with a bit of romance, family love and comradery, with a glimpse into Amish life, and unfortunately a murder.
Right to the end of the book you really don’t know how things are going to turn out, and I never saw the ending coming.
Now I want more, I want to move on with Claire and Jakob, and more of Diane and Bill, and now I am looking forward to another read in this series!

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

Celebrate Lit Presents: Stratagen by Robin Caroll

Stratagem FB Banner copy

About the Book


9781683227304



Book: Stratagem
Author: Robin Caroll
Genre: Christian Suspense
Release Date: November, 2018
A High-Stakes Simulation Adventure Leaves Grayson Thibodeaux the Prime Suspect. . .for Murder
Deep in the gritty underbelly of New Orleans, psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux loses everything when his wife leaves him to climb her company’s corporate ladder. He buries himself in his job of creating mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wife’s company hires Grayson’s to create an elaborate game, he doesn’t see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created…making him the prime suspect for murder.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author




RobinCaroll



“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I’ve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better. Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her twenty-five-plus published novels. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of nearly three decades, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home. Robin gives back to the writing community by serving as executive director/conference director for ACFW. Her books have been recognized in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.
You can find out more about Robin by visiting www.robincaroll.com.

Guest post from Robin

Behind the Scenes: Robin Caroll Shares Her Inspiration for Writing Stratagem
Dear Reader,
Thank you for journeying to New Orleans in a web of deceit and confusion with me. Sharing a place that has such connection for me was a pure joy. South Louisiana offers such a laid-back attitude that I often miss “home.” I hope you’ll enjoy sampling a taste of the flavor of Louisiana.
Years ago I watched the movie The Game with Michael Douglas and Sean Penn and was enthralled. There’s just something grabbing about messing with a person’s mind and life by using their own feelings and instincts against them. When this story of Stratagem first began forming, I wanted to use all that intrigue to mess up the game master’s life. The end result is quite the ride!
As the characters came alive to me, I found the theme of forgiveness and acceptance coming out in the story. Some of the emotions within this story are very personal to me, and I’m honored I was able to share them with you. It is my wish that you may be touched by Grayson’s faith journey as well.
Until next time. . .
-Robin

Blog Stops

Midnight Bookaholic, November 17
Back Porch Reads, November 18
Rebekah’s Quill, November 18
By The Book, November 19
Genesis 5020, November 19
All-of-a-kind Mom, November 19
Lighthouse Academy, November 20
Inklings and notions, November 20
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 21
Splashes of Joy, November 21
Moments, November 21
Just the Write Escape, November 22
Mary Hake, November 22
Simple Harvest Reads, November 22 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Bigreadersite, November 22
Aryn The Libraryan , November 23
Multifarious, November 23
Bibliophile Reviews, November 24
Remembrancy, November 24
amandainpa, November 24
Margaret Kazmierczak, November 25
Pause for Tales, November 25
Book by Book, November 25
Livin Lit, November 26
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 26
Baker kella, November 26
Daysong Reflections, November 27
Texas Book-aholic, November 27
Painting with Words, November 28
Maureen’s Musings, November 28
Janices book reviews, November 29
Carpe Diem, November 29
Godly Book Reviews, November 30

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Stratagem!!


My Review


A book that will keep your attention from beginning to end, and when the answers start to come you will be shaking your head and wondering how you didn’t come to this conclusion.
I was quickly page turning to find the answers here, and find out who committed the murder and why. The author was great a keeping me guessing and it wasn’t until about three fourths of the book was finished that I thought I had the answer, but did I?
I recommend this book for a clean, interesting murder mystery that will keep you guessing, shaking your head and changing your mind.

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

Monday, November 26, 2018

New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Youth Book Giveaway


Last week, I shared about books from New Growth Press for the youngest members of the family. Maybe your kids have outgrown that stage and are now preteens or teens.

Books are a great gift for those members of the family who need a break from all the electronics in the house. Actually, that may apply to everyone in the house! Books are a great gift for everyone in the family, by the way!

Even if there aren’t kids in your own house, I’m sure you know some young people who would enjoy these books. Maybe you are a youth leader or teacher with young people on your Christmas list.

This week, New Growth Press is giving away THREE gift boxes of books for tweens and teens. From November 26-December 2, you can enter to win one of three gift boxes of books (retail value of $114).



Each gift box includes the following titles for youth: 
Written by J. A. Myhre, a doctor living and working in East Africa, this adventure series teaches readers of all ages important truths about justice, overcoming evil, and the courage to make a difference. The latest release is A Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World, a compelling African adventure story that will enthrall eight- to fourteen-year-old youth who love adventure and learning about faraway places. In the exciting fourth and final book in the Rwendigo Tales Series, readers will be inspired by ordinary people who make the extraordinary choice to stand against great evil. 
An angry teen, a desperate mother, a missing father, and a shadow lurking in the background. Things were going from bad to worse for Nick and his family. Tempted to run away after yet another argument with his mom, Nick receives a handwritten, leather-bound copy of an old book—a family legend passed down to him from his great grandfather. The book, called Dragon Seed, leads Nick deep into his family’s history and introduces him to another angry young man who lived in the shadows (the shadows of the tombs). Like Nick, you’ll be shocked to discover where he fits in this story of epic proportions!  
The Biggest Win gives athletes and sports fans of all ages a unique, insider's look into the lives and faith of six Christian NFL players from the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl team. Through the ups and downs of their experiences, author Joshua Cooley shows how these high-profile athletes remain committed to God's Word, genuine Christian discipleship, and sharing their faith. Using their voices and stories, The Biggest Win gives sports-minded readers hope and direction for living out their faith while competing.  See your youth athletes' faith grow as they hear and learn from the amazing stories of these Super Bowl Champions. 
Between Us Girls was written for mothers with daughters between the ages of seven and fourteen. These twenty-six gospel-driven talks are a fun and easy guide for mothers who want to disciple their daughters but don’t know where to start. In each short chapter, moms and daughters read God’s Word, ask one another questions about their thoughts and experiences, get honest about their struggles with sin, brainstorm ways to live out their faith, and build genuine fellowship into their relationship.

(Between Us Guys for dads and sons will be available in May 2019!)

In case you don’t win the prize pack, sign-up for New Growth Press’ e-news at https://newgrowthpress.com/ to receive information about their Countdown to Christmas discounts so that you can order copies. Be sure to follow them on social media as well where they will be sharing daily deals throughout the Christmas season:
facebook.com/ngpbooks
twitter.com/newgrowthpress
instagram.com/newgrowthpress

Friday, November 23, 2018

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Mrs Odboddy and Then There Was a Tigerby Elaine Farber


Mrs. Odboddy: And Then There Was a Tiger: (Mrs. Odboddy Mysteries)
by Elaine Faber

A WWII tale of conflict and carnivals, turmoil and tigers.

About the Book


Mrs. Odboddy: And Then There Was a Tiger (Mrs. Odboddy Mysteries)
WWII tale of conflict and carnivals, turmoil and tigers.
Cozy Mystery/Humorous/Historical
3rd in Series
Elk Grove Publications (July 25, 2018)
Print Length: 349 pages
Digital ASIN: B07FXDV1C6
While the ‘tiger of war’ rages across the Pacific during WWII, eccentric, elderly Agnes Odboddy, ‘fights the war from the home front’. Her patriotic duties are interrupted when she is accused of the Wilkey’s Market burglary.
A traveling carnival with a live tiger joins the parishioner’s harvest fair at The First Church of the Evening Star and Everlasting Light. Accused again when counterfeit bills are discovered at the carnival, and when the war bond money goes missing, Agnes sets out to restore her reputation and locate the money. Her attempts lead her into harm’s way when she discovers a friend’s betrayal and even more about carnival life than she bargained for.
Granddaughter Katherine’s turbulent love triangle with a doctor and an FBI agent rivals Agnes’s own on-again, off-again relationship with Godfrey.
In Faber’s latest novel, your favorite quirky character, Mrs. Odboddy, prevails against injustice and faces unexpected challenges . . . and then There Was a Tiger!

About the Author
elaine-4.-touchup

Elaine Faber lives in Northern California with her husband and two feline companions. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, California Cat Writers, and Northern California Publishers and Authors. She volunteers with the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop. She enjoys speaking on author panels, sharing highlights of her novels. Her short stories have appeared in national magazines and multiple anthologies. She has published seven books. In addition to the Mrs. Odboddy Mysteries Elaine writes the Black Cat Mysteries.
Purchase Link – Amazon
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
November 19 – Here’s How It Happened – GUEST POST
November 19 – The Book Diva’s Reads – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
November 20 – Mythical Books – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
November 20 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT, RECIPE
November 21 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 22 – Thanksgiving U.S. – Off
November 23 – Maureen’s Musings – REVIEW
November 23 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
November 24 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
November 24 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 25 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST
November 26 – Books Direct – GUEST POST, EXCERPT
November 27 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 27 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
November 28 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – REVIEW
November 29 – Ruff Drafts – GUEST POST
November 30 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – REVIEW
December 1 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT
December 1 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review





This is the second book in this series that I have read, and it sure won’t be the last, I loved them.
The author keeps me chuckling, especially with the characters names. Just a few, chicken named Mrs. Whistlemeyer, or Dr. Dew-Right, or Chief Waddlemucker, or Sarg. Dimwiddle, and more, like Homer Blenkinsop, and with Blendinsop being a very common name, tongue in cheek, and smiles!
The story does keep you on your toes, and you never see what is about to happen, and the setting is WWII, and even Mrs. Roosevelt is back. A don’t miss read that make you want more once that last page is turned!

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

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

he Haunted Groom by Karly Stratford

 







The Haunted Groom by Karly Stratford How much would you bet on first love this Christmas? The generous and good-looking, Evan Cook, outside tackle for the Denver Storm, grew up in a bad part of Milwaukee where he did things he'd rather forget. His Christmas plans include starting a foundation to help kids get out of his old neighborhood. However, quarterback Will Kent throws a wrench in Evan's plans with a bet. A bet for Evan to contact his first love, Anna Jordan, and try to win her back. To his surprise, Anna--now the hottest actress in Hollywood--agrees to help him with his foundation. Anna brings her feisty, ninja-like bodyguard along, and suddenly Evan has a problem. The beautiful and tough, Henley Keaton only wants a drama-free Christmas. When Evan Cook calls Henley's employer, to Milwaukee to help with some foundation, she's overjoyed. She can avoid the yearly family fight and eat deep-fried-cheese-curds and relax for Christmas. But when Anna gets sick and forces Henley to go on a date with Evan Cook in her place, Henley's plan begins to crumble. When Henley and Evan engage in a spirited duel of Shakespeare quotes, things get...complicated. After tragedy strikes, and it looks like Evan's haunted past is going to catch up with him, he must decide if he's willing to walk away or let Christmas miracles come true.

 Praise for The Haunted Groom This was a great read! I loved the characters and I loved the story. This wasn't just a strong boy saves helpless girl story. The boy is strong but the girl isn't helpless. A great story of redemption and giving back! I loved it! ~Mariah S.


Get your copy for just 99¢
 

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols






The sounds of Christmases past echo through a silent house . . .  

Everyone in town knows Emerald Crest, the green granite mansion atop the highest hill: the legendary, lavish Christmas festivities that used to light up the nights— and the silence that followed when the parties abruptly stopped many years ago. And everyone has heard whispers about the reclusive, mysterious master of the manor, Henry Lafferty the Second . . .

When eleven-year-old Julia Russell steps into the great house for the first time and meets Mr. Lafferty, the entire course of her life is altered. She meets a man who is nothing at all like the rumors she’s heard from neighbors and classmates. He’s kind and extraordinarily talented—he also happens to be deaf and uses a wheelchair. And when she overhears a secret about him, Julia decides it’s time for the town to bring Christmas back to Emerald Crest—an act that will change them all forever.


Amazon


About The Author




Phyllis Clark Nichols’s character-driven Southern fiction explores profound human questions using the imagined residents of small town communities you just know you’ve visited before. With a strong faith and a love for nature, art, music, and ordinary people, she tells redemptive tales of loss and recovery, estrangement and connection, longing and fulfillment . . . often through surprisingly serendipitous events.

Phyllis grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in South Georgia. Born during a hurricane, she is no stranger to the winds of change: In addition to her life as a novelist, Phyllis is a seminary graduate, concert pianist, and cofounder of a national cable network with health- and disability-related programming. Regardless of the role she’s playing, Phyllis brings creativity and compelling storytelling.

She frequently appears at conventions, conferences, civic groups, and churches, performing half-hour musical monologues that express her faith, joy, and thoughts about life—all with the homespun humor and gentility of a true Southern woman.

Phyllis currently serves on several nonprofit boards. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her portrait-artist husband.

Website: PhyllisClarkNichols.com
Facebook: facebook.com/PhyllisCNichols
Twitter: twitter.com/PhyllisCNichols



My Review




Oh, how I loved this story, it renews your faith in humanity, and make sure you read to the end for the epilogue, it will bring tears to your eyes.
What a treat this story is, I enjoyed it from beginning to end, and wish it could have continued! This book brings a true meaning of Christmas, and the author places you right in the middle, as we walk with the main character, a precocious eleven-year-old Julia and a reclusive deaf man who has a gift of carving.
This book would make a wonderful movie, and I would be sure to watch!

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

Gone Too Soon by Melody Carlson






An icy road. A car crash.
A family changed forever.

Hannah Josephson had always been the “perfect” daughter. Kiera couldn’t live up to her before, and she certainly can’t now that her older sister has died in a car accident. But the image she carried resentfully of Hannah is challenged when she finds her dead sister’s diary and begins to read. Apparently Hannah’s final year wasn’t as perfect as everyone thought.

Caught in a pattern of blaming each other, the Josephson family is falling apart. Their father has left, their mother is mixing opiates and alcohol, little sister Maddie has been shipped off to spend the whole summer with their grandmother, and Kiera feels utterly alone with her grief and anger. A summer job helping at a park in a poor section of town provides a friend and a purpose.

But it’s Hannah’s diary that fills her thoughts. For the first time in years, she feels close to the sister she’s lost. But can the knowledge she gleans about her possibly help her patch back together the family that seems determined to implode?


Amazon


About The Author






Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.



Website


My Review




As I began this book I soon realized this is a story about a parent’s worst nightmare, the loss of a child. The author gives us an in-depth look into the lives of the survivors, and it is apparent that there might not be a whole family unit by the end of this read.
The family consists of parents, and three children, and when the oldest is killed, the aftermath of guilt and loss becomes overpowering for those left behind, and we journey with the survivors, not knowing how this is going to end up.
This story felt so real, and the journey through these pages is not always easy, but it was a compelling read.
You might want to keep the tissues handy, but I recommend this book!

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

Monday, November 19, 2018

$50 Blast Sign Ups: Violin Words by Taylor Dean







Violin Words by Taylor Dean
WHO IS THE AUTHOR?
When Jade Lockwood begins to receive anonymous love letters, she becomes a woman on a mission. She’s determined to figure out who wrote the flowery, over-the-top letters filled with the sweetest violin words she’s ever heard.
She’s neglected her love life, concentrating on Lockwood Cabins, the business her father built from the ground up. But her sweet letters have awakened something inside of her, something that can’t be ignored.
Facing Christmas alone this year, her emotions are already fragile. Add in a mysterious burglary, a handsome stranger, and a little deceit, and it just might be the most eventful Christmas she’s ever endured.
Will Jade find her happy ending? Or will her love letters prove to be nothing more than a sinister ploy?
Find out in this charming Christmas novel.






Praise:
Don’t miss this fun, perfect holiday read by a master storyteller!
-Mylissa Demeyere, Author of The Songs of You and Me and The Songs that Brought Me Back
A sweet, heartwarming romance with a twist of mystery and suspense, all wrapped up in Christmas magic that makes this one hard to put down.
-Charissa Stastny, Author of The Ruled Out Romance Series






Excerpt:
I have no clue whatsoever as to The Author of the one and only love letter I’ve ever received. I’ve neglected my love life, giving all of my attention to Lockwood Cabins. Now I realize what a mistake that has been. When I read the letter, I’m filled with sensations I didn’t know existed.
It’s as if I can physically feel the depth behind his words. I’m taken away to another world and I just want to float away, wrapped in his love.
The Author’s words are flowery and eloquent, stirring and moving. They’re as lyrical and achingly sweet as a few strokes from a violin.
Violin words.
Yes.
My letter is filled with violin words. All meant for me. And I love them.
A few simple chords from a violin inspires soul soaring emotion within me and leaves me breathless. Somehow the sound speaks to me and I have to close my eyes and thank God that I’m alive, if only to hear such a precious sound.
But when I read my love letter, my reaction is the same. Words alone have never had this effect on me. Plain and simple words—twenty-six letters all strung together in thousands of combinations—and together they form the most beautiful thoughts. I hold the letter to my chest and absorb the love.
It’s the sweetest torture, the most exquisite agony. I welcome it. To feel is to live, I know that now.
Wow. Just wow. Are those violin words really directed toward me? I always figured I’d meet someone and get married one day. But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a man would speak to me like that. It sends a thrill through my body. Every time.











Author Taylor Dean
Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.






Blast Giveaway Details
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/12/18
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. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Children’s Book Giveaway




New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Children’s Book Giveaway Who doesn’t love giving and getting books for Christmas? (If you don’t, we may need to have a talk!) Books are a great gift, especially for children. Not only do we want to encourage the love of reading and give them stories they will enjoy, we want to provide teaching moments. Plus giving little ones new books is really a gift to the parents as well. They need a break from the same old bedtime stories. You don’t have to be a parent to buy for kids, you know! Maybe you have grandkids, nieces, nephews, neighbors, or want to bless some children from church. New Growth Press is jumping into the gift giving season by giving away THREE children’s book gift boxes (retail value of $125 each). All of their children’s books are beautifully illustrated, entertaining, teach a lesson, and most importantly, are biblically based! From November 19-25, you can enter to win one of three children’s gift boxes.






Each gift box includes five of New Growth Press’ new children’s releases and two of their best sellers:
This playful children’s book serves as a beginner’s theology book for young readers who love numbers and patterns. By discovering numbers in God’s world and in his Word, parents help their children foster a deeper love and knowledge of who God is and how he counts them as his. With countable illustrations and an easy-to-learn structure, children who are always seeking, finding, tracing, and counting numbers will be captivated by God Counts.
These three books are a part of the Good News for Little Hearts series. This is a new series of hardback, illustrated children’s books for three-to eight-year-olds—each centered on an animal family. The animal characters, colorful illustrations, and the real-life issues each animal family face will captivate children. The first three books address anxiety, anger, and failure, bringing biblical counsel and hope to issues every child faces. Together children and parents will be guided by the stories into meaningful conversations about living by faith in everyday life.
God Made Me and You invites kids to explore God’s design for ethnic diversity. Because Scripture teaches that ethnic diversity is not something that should be tolerated but rather enthusiastically embraced, Christian hip hop artist Shai Linne helps children, parents, and caregivers to celebrate this biblical truth through a lyrical, rhyming style and colorful illustrations.
God Made All of Me is an invaluable resource and beautifully illustrated story to help families talk about sensitive issues with two- to eight-year-old children. This helpful guide starts from the fundamental truth that God created everything and applies that truth to kids and their bodies. With the help of God Made All of Me, parents and caregivers can begin conversations with boys and girls about their bodies, navigating a discussion that can so easily be warped into confusion, embarrassment, and secrecy.
The Radical Book for Kids is a fun-filled explorer’s guide to the Bible, church history, and life for boys and girls ages eight and up. Vibrantly illustrated and chock-full of fun facts and ideas, this interactive book competes with screen time by stimulating children’s natural curiosity and sense of adventure! Along with the many fun and exciting stories of historical figures, young and old readers alike will learn about the roots of our faith and the importance of the gospel in our lives.

In case you don’t win the prize pack, sign-up for New Growth Press’ e-news at https://newgrowthpress.com/ to receive information about their Countdown to Christmas discounts so that you can order copies. Be sure to follow them on social media as well where they will be sharing daily deals throughout the Christmas season: (facebook.com/ngpbooks | twitter.com/newgrowthpress | instagram.com/newgrowthpress).


The Pencildancers Reviewers Presents: When The Heart Sings by Liz Tolsma














The Nazis have forced Natia and Teodor from their Polish farm to a labor camp. When the couple is separated, Natia is chosen to be the housekeeper for the camp’s overseer, and Teodor is sent to work in the factory. Despite the strict camp rules—and the consequences for disobeying them—Natia finds a way to communicate with Teodor by sending messages through song as she passes Teodor’s dormitory.

The stakes get higher when Natia finds a Jewish orphan on the overseer’s doorstep. She is determined to protect the boy and raise him as the child she and her husband were unable to bear— but if her German captors discover how much she’s hiding, both she and Teodor may pay the ultimate price. 


Amazon


About The Author







Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. All of their children have been adopted internationally and one has special needs. Her novella, Under His Wings, appeared in the New York Times bestselling collection, A Log Cabin Christmas. Her debut novel, Snow on the Tulips, released in August of 2013. Daisies Are Forever released in May 2014. When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family. Please visit her blog at www.liztolsma.blogspot.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter (@LizTolsma). She is also a regular contributor to the Barn Door blog.

Link To Giveaway


My Review




A book that made me feel like I was there in real life, or watching a movie, and knowing all the way that it is based on actual history, yes, it really happened.
What a wonderful job the author did telling this story, that should never be forgotten, and as she said at the end of the book Poland is not telling students of the history of what happened to them.
With all the atrocities that happen the characters have a great faith in God and country, and a lot is displayed through song.
This is a riveting page-turner, and right from the beginning you won’t know whom will survive to the end.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Gilead, 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 ...