Revell Blog Tour: A Love Forbidden: A Novel by Kathleen Morgan

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About Heart of the Rockies (Book 2)
Moved by the desire for adventure and a yearning to help the Ute Indians, twenty-year-old Shiloh Wainright impulsively accepts a teaching position at the White River Indian Agency in northwestern Colorado. The new job, however, isn't what she imagined it would be, and Shiloh soon finds herself caught in the cross fire between the Utes, their unyielding Indian Agent, and the unrealistic demands of the US government. Her unexpected encounter with Jesse Blackwater, an embittered half-breed Ute and childhood friend, only complicates matters as they battle their growing feelings for each other amidst the spiraling tensions threatening to explode into a catastrophic Indian uprising.

Set amongst the wilds of the Colorado Rockies in 1879, this is a tale of a forbidden love and a faith tested in the cauldron of intolerance and the harsh realities of life on the untamed frontier. Bestselling author Kathleen Morgan deftly explores themes of mercy, fidelity to one's beliefs despite what others think or do, and compassion for those different from oneself as she plumbs the depths of the human heart and the healing power of God's love.

Kathleen the Author
Kathleen began her career writing contemporary romances and soon moved to historical and futuristic romances. She sold her first book, a futuristic romance, in April 1990 while stationed in Korea as an Army nurse. Additional romances soon followed, until she had sold a total of fifteen books in the general market, establishing a loyal readership along the way.
Since that time, she has received numerous awards for her work, including a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice award and Career Achievement award, and The Literary Times award for Literary Excellence in the Field of Romantic Fiction. She was also a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist.
Kathleen now focuses her writing talents in the area of inspirational fiction, offering readers characters who struggle to redefine their growing faith in everyday life.
Here is the backcover copy:
Moved by the desire for adventure and a yearning to help the Ute Indians, twenty-year-old Shiloh Wainright impulsively accepts a teaching position at the White River Indian Agency in northwestern Colorado.
The new job, however, isn’t what she imagined it would be, and Shiloh soon finds herself caught in the cross fire between the Utes, their unyielding Indian Agent, and the unrealistic demands of the US government.
Her unexpected encounter with Jesse Blackwater, an embittered half-breed Ute and childhood friend, only complicates matters as they battle their growing feelings for each other amidst the spiraling tensions threatening to explode into a catastrophic Indian uprising.

My Review:

The cover on this book pulled me in, but it took me awhile to get into the story. The setting of the book is in beautiful Colorado in the late 1870's, and we get to travel through this area with the characters. Jesse Blackwater and Shiloh Wainwright end up in the same Indian Village, when Shiloh tries to take a job there as a teacher. What a hard life poor Jesse has had and he really touched me....things that should never go on in a child's life, happened to him.

You can feel the sparks fly between the two, but Jesse or Nuaru has lost site of the God he accepted in his youth. I can see God's hand in putting Shiloh and Jesse back into ones lives in the Ute's Village. We follow the Goverment plan to move these people off their land and onto a Reservation. Of course, there is resistance...I tried to think how I would feel with someone coming in and taking my land?? You will wonder how all of this is going to come out, and if they will survive to marry?? Also will both come to terms with Forgiveness?

This is a reality read, things that happened mixed in with a different type of Love story. Enjoy!

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

Reckless Heart by Amy Clipston

Reckless Heart by Amy Clipston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I so enjoy visiting with the Kauffman family, I've come to know them. We are visiting with Lydia Bontrager and her struggles. Her baby sister Ruthie is diagnosed with Leukemia and the family is very worried and financially strapped.
Besides the worry about her sister she is at a crossroad as to what she want to do...be a teacher or work in her Grandmother Elizabeth's bakery? She is also facing some challenges from some decisions she made, and really regrets. At 16 she takes on the role of an adult, filling in her Mom who has to go to the hospital and stay with Ruthie. So Besides working full time, she has a full time job being a Mother to her two other younger siblings.
The Amish Community rallies around the family, and the prayer chains are active...including the new "English" neighbors. With the new neighbors comes a boy Lydia's age...Tristan. You will be wondering who she is going to end up with?? Tristan, life long friend Joshua, or trouble Mahlon?
Another great read by Amy Clipston...Enjoy!

I received this book from Netgalley and the Publisher Zondervan.

The Water Cycle by Mayra Calvani

The Water Cycle by Mayra Calvani
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My 7 year old Grandson and I read this book together, and we greatly enjoyed it.
He was able to read parts to me, and loved answering the questions...like what was Ginger the cat feeling when she was hiding under the porch, during the hail storm? There are several questions like that, and and he had a delightful time thinking up answers.
We followed the journey of the rain droplets that got to heavy for the clouds to hold. We read about rain, floods....he felt sorry for the poor kids and Mom in the back of the truck! Also hail and snow...and then how the water got back up to the clouds.
This is a really great learning experience, and he did the word search at the end.
I received a copy of this book from the author Mayra Calvani and was not required to give a positive review.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mayra-Calvanis-Fan-Page/162383023775888?created

Litfuse Blog Tour: Beyond Hope's Valley (The Big Sky Series, #3) by Tricia Goyer Review and Giveaway

After an extended stay in Montana, where Amish traditions are different than in her home state, Marianna Sommer returns to Indiana for two reasons, first to help her brother and his girlfriend prepare for a baby and their wedding. Second, to plan her own wedding to Aaron Zook -- a marriage she’s been dreaming about ever since childhood. And yet, although she had missed the idyllic farms and families of her upbringing, Marianna is surprised that Indiana is somehow making her long now for Montana. As months pass, secrets that were hidden in winter’s frozen grasp thaw and take on a life of their own. The truths about a child, about a past relationship, and about God’s plans are being revealed. Walking through a valley of questions, Marianna must hold on to hope as she decides where and with whom her heart truly belongs.

Tricia Goyer is the author of thirty books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Win a Custom Amish Prize Pack from @TriciaGoyer in her Beyond Hope's Valley Giveaway! RSVP for All Things Amish Party {5/21}! Celebrate with Tricia and enter to win a custom-made Amish Wall hanging in the colors of your choice ... and much more!

One fortunate winner will receive: 

•  Custom Amish Wall Hanging {You choose the colors!} 
• An Amish Doll {Sweet.} 
• Amish-made basket {It’s picnic season!} 
• Doilies, potholder and an Amish cookbook {All items form Bird-in-Hand, PA!} 
• Three book Big Sky Amish series {Be swept away by this captivating series.} 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 20th. Winner will be announced at "All Things Amish" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/21. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and more! 

So grab your copy of Beyond Hope's Valley and join Tricia on the evening of the May 21st for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Amish?) and lots of giveaways. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!

My Review:

I have so enjoyed my visit with Sommer family and have loved Marianne, and her sweet giving personality. We begin this book on our way back to where we started in Indiana. You will wonder if Marianne is about to finally wed Aaron Zook, a wedding she has planned in her mind forever. We also wonder about her feelings for Ben...if we all could look ahead down the future road. I love the reliance on God! We have been following these beloved characters through three books and this one being the final. I hate to say goodbye, you will have to read through a lot of heartache, and love. Although you can read this book alone, I wouldn't miss reading Beside Still Waters and Along Wooded Paths you will "Love" them. Be ready for a great conclusion to this wonderful series, and wish I could have more visits. Enjoy!!
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Litfuse Blog Tours: Forever Hilltop by Judy Baer

Romantic Times says of Forever Hilltop, "These two stories in one volume feature amazing characters - some are witting and some are quirky, but all of them are loveable and memorable. The small town comes to life and will remain with readers for a long time. Baer knows what her fans look for in a feel-good book and does not disappoint in either story."

Meet Alex Armstrong, former city dweller who has just accepted his first parish assignment to a small community in the wilds of North Dakota. In Hilltop Township, Alex becomes familiar with the colorful residents and their odd traditions, from rommegrot to lutefisk. And then there’s the excitement the single pastor creates among the unmarried women in the community! Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he has to teach them, providing all with An Unlikely Blessing.

Surprising Grace

Alex Armstrong is settling into his new role as pastor of Hilltop Church, and he’s even starting to understand the strange ways of the people who populate this barren stretch of North Dakota prairie. But he also finds that his flock needs help and counsel like he never imagined. In this cozy and entertaining read, Alex must choose between the woman he once planned to marry—and the home he’s come to love.

Judy K Baer

Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, experiencing many of the same things as her Hilltop characters. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head.
Baer graduated from Concordia College with majors in English and education and a minor in religion. While at the time, she was simply studying what interested her, Baer later realized that she was educating herself for her future career as a Christian writer. She certainly put her education to use as she is the author of more than 75 books.
A certified professional life coach now certified in three coaching disciplines, Baer coaches primarily professional and aspiring writers. She is also a faculty advisor in the Department of Human Development at St. Mary's University in Minneapolis, MN. Baer has two daughters and three step children. She and her husband live in Minnesota.
She invites you to visit her at her web site www.judykbaer.com for more information on her and her books.

Kindle Giveaway

One grand prize winner will receive:

A brand new Kindle Touch for you AND one to giveaway to the friend of your choice Forever Hilltop by Judy K Baer for you and a one for a friend

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/22/12. The winner will be announced 5/24/12 on Judy’s blog!

Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Judy's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

My Reviews:

Part One: Forever Hilltop An Unlikely Blessing

I so enjoyed the characters in this book, made me wish I lived there! A perfect Rural Town America, and most everyone was looking out for another. When Alex Armstrong arrived in North Dakota, the people of Hilltop Township, did not expect the new Minister to stay. Love all the food arriving, and it warmed my Heart with the arrival of Tripod! You can see God's Hand in his calling Alex here, and he warms up to Country life real fast. From the beginning you wonder if the two churches involved in sharing this Minister will ever be brought back together. There are hurts that have lasted decades, and some hands that held out are left hanging. You will adore the Character Will, and his Hoomain Society. He sounds so cute, and full of mischief...I for one cannot wait to read the next book to find out how things come along, and renew old friendships!

Part Two: Forever Hilltop Surprising Grace

Just finished the second book in the two book Book!! Surprising Grace....we continued on with Pastor Alex, and the lives of these great folks in Hilltop ND Township. I hope there is to be more, these are for the most part wonderful God loving people. This is a continuation of An Unlikely Blessing...we will find some romance, some answers to questions, and some heartbreaks, and a loving community there to help. Alex contacts Natalie, who broke his heart, and now we will wonder if he will leave where God had led him? Or will he find someone else? What about darling Will, and his Hoomaine Society? Will something be done about Bucky Chadwick...who is really frightening everyone. Also Dixon's sister Emmy returns for a visit. I also loved what Lydia Olson does to her brothers, who have learned to depend on her for all there meals and taking care of the home. Enjoy this two book wonder of Love and Family...all who live here watch out for all like family.

Arms Of Love (An Amish Beginnings Novel) by Kelly Long

Arms Of Love by Kelly Long
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very different type of Amish Story, with a lot of Historical reference. It takes place in Lancaster PA, but not the current Amish population. The Bishop doesn't come around all that often, and the district sounds huge, but a small number of Amish. Weddings can only happen when he comes, and it could be many months in between.
There are a lot of sad happenings in this story, death in childbirth, loss of a spouse in war, and home burning down, murder, imprisonment, and horrible child abuse. Not really happy topics.
The story did keep me turning the page, and kept my interest. It takes awhile for all of this to work out, and some of the happenings are so different that what we are used to with Amish stories.

I received this book from the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and Netgalley, and was not required to give a positive review.

Pump Your Book Virtual Tours: The Unhappy Little Dragon: Lessons Learned by Carolyn Wolfe

This is the tale of a little Dragon who has a big problem, he cannot control his fire! After a major mishap, he runs away into the forest and has a wonderful adventure where he meets new friends, learns that every creature has a unique gift, and also finds out the special way in which he can use his own remarkable gift of fire.

Little Dragon Excerpt Shelley asked, looking at Happy expectantly.
Shelley The Turtle said,”Let me ask you something son, when you practice your fire burning skills-what do you tell yourself?”
“Tell myself? What do you mean?” asked Happy not understanding what his new friend was getting at.
Shelley answered, “Well, maybe I should ask instead, how do you feel when you practice holding in your flame?
“Oh that! I feel scared, so scared that I will fail and burn everything up!” Happy answered sadly.
“Well now, I have a suggestion for you. Try feeling like you will not burn everything up. Instead tell yourself you will succeed in keeping your fire to yourself!” Shelley told him.
“But I am so scared. I really don’t think I can tell myself that I won’t burn everything up when I know I will!”
Happy argued in a worried little voice.
Shelley looked at Happy’s very unhappy face and said,”I have news for you Happy, and I want you to listen to me now!”
Then Shelley continued to explain.
“Dragons aren’t the only ones who have special gifts, Happy, no, no! All of the animals were given a special gift of one kind or another. All of us had to learn how to use it wisely, just like you. You sort of have to grow into your gift, like growing up! That’s why the animals need a teacher.
Can you guess what my special gift is?” Shelley asked, expectantly.
Happy didn’t know the answer so he shook his head and just kept quiet.
“Why Happy, I am a teacher!” Shelley said proudly.

Carolyn Wolfe’s Bio
Carolyn Wolfe is a free lance writer, poet, and author of six books including her collections of poetry, short stories and her first children’s book of bedtime stories in verse, titled: The Bedtime Of The Sky and Other Sleepy Bye Stories. In this, her sixth book, The Unhappy Little Dragon, Lessons Learned, she reveals the journey of Happy the dragon, who, while trying to understand how to master his uncontrollable gift of fire, has an exciting adventure in the woods. His forest friends help him understand his gift and that he really is a very special dragon indeed! Ms. Wolfe lives in the Shenandoah Valley with her Photographer, husband Scott, and her houseful of animal companions. For more information about Ms. Wolfe and her books please visit her website at: www.whenthemoonspeaks.com.
Purchase this book at Amazon.

My Review:

Our boys loved this delightful book. The story revolves around a young [8 season old] dragon, who has a major problem...he can't control his fire. No matter how hard he tries Happy has accidents! The kids thought it was quite funny when he burned up the teacher's ruler! They also felt bad when he had a major accident at a big family party. The boys loved learning about the other animals in the forest and understanding what gifts God had given to them. A very thought provoking read, and it helped them to think about what gifts they have. I think this will be a book we will be reading again and again, and exploring it a bit deeper.