Twice a Bride: A Novel by Mona Hodgson

Love lost doesn’t mean love lost forever.
Can unexpected romance deliver a second chance for two deserving widows?

Full of resolve, young widow Willow Peterson decides to pursue her dreams to be an artist as she settles into a new life in the growing mountain town of Cripple Creek. When she lands a job working as a portrait painter with handsome entrepreneur and photographer Trenton Van Der Veer, the road before Willow seems to be taking a better-than-anticipated turn.

With questions tugging at several hearts in town, including the Sinclair Sisters’ beloved Miss Hattie, change is traveling down the tracks as several unexpected visitors make their way out West. Will the new arrivals threaten the deep family bonds of the Sinclair sisters and the roots of love that are just taking hold for Willow?

Filled with the resonating questions that all women face, this romance awakens hope against grief, love against loss, and dreams against life’s unexpected turns.

About this author
MONA HODGSON writes western, historical fiction for WaterBrtook Press. She is the author of TWO BRIDES TOO MANY, TOO RICH FOR A BRIDE, THE BRIDE WORE BLUE, TWICE A BRIDE, and THE QUILTED HEART novellas (early 2013 releases). Her writing credits also include nearly thirty children’s books, contributions to eleven books for adults, and hundreds of short stories, articles, and poems in newspapers and magazines. One of Mona’s favorite things to do (besides writing or eating dark chocolate) is to speak at women's retreats and schools, and for women’s groups, librarians, and at writers’ conferences throughout the United States and Canada. Mona lives in Arizona with her husband, Bob. Check out www.monahodgson.com to learn more. You can also follow Mona on her blog http://monahodgson.wordpress.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/author.mona.



My Review:

Just finished another great visit with the Sinclair family. Of course with Aunt Hattie also! Tucker Raine's sister Willow Peterson is now in residence in the boarding house. After recovering from her breakdown and hospitalization after loosing her husband, Willow is now on the road to recovery. When Harlan Sinclair, the girls father, calls and reserves two rooms, everyone is in for a surprise!!
Will Boney finally come to his senses and ask Miss Hattie to marry him? Will the new photographer in town be reunited with his past love of Susanna? The answers to these and many more questions are in this heartwarming book. This is our fourth visit with the Sinclair sisters and friends, and I hope it won't be the last. Although I would recommend you read the first three books in this series, you really don't want to miss them, you can read this one alone.

I received this book through the Blogging for Books Program at Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

Pump Virtual Tours Presents: Dream Lover (Paperback) by Suzanne Jenkins

The third book in the Pam of Babylon series, Dream Lover is a compilation of character studies of the women and one man who Jack Smith left behind. Slowly, they make their way to the Long Island village of Babylon for an audience with his widow. No longer in denial and stronger than she thought possible, Pam Smith is able to confront the horror of her marriage in its totality as she draws a new picture of the man she was married to. The new discoveries she makes empowers her and she is able to maintain her strength and the grace and compassion she’s known for. Truly a formidable woman, Pam conquers her worst demons in Dream Lover.

ABOUT SUZANNE JENKINS

Suzanne Jenkins lives at the west Michigan lakeshore with her husband, two dogs and two sheep. Her latest books are Pam of Babylon, Don’t You Forget About Me and Dream Lover.

To get your copy of PAM OF BABYLON by Suzanne Jenkins at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pam-Babylon-Suzanne-Jenkins/dp/1461135923/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310645577&sr=1-1

To get your copy of DON’T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME by Suzanne Jenkins at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Forget-About-Book-Babylon/dp/1466219009/ref=pd_sim_b_2

To get your copy of DREAM LOVER by Suzanne Jenkins at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Lover-Book-Three-Babylon/dp/1468126237/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Pick up your copy of PAM OF BABYLON by Suzanne Jenkins at Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pam-of-babylon-suzanne-jenkins/1104205831?ean=294001363305

Pick up your copy of DON’T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME by Suzanne Jenkins at Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dont-you-forget-about-me-suzanne-jenkins/1108113721?ean=2940014047722

To learn more about Suzanne Jenkins, visit her website: http://suzannejenkins.net/

Drop in at Suzanne Jenkins’ blog: http://2sheepinthecity.com

Visit Suzanne Jenkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/suzannejenkins3

Like Suzanne Jenkins on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzannejenkinswriter

My Review:

This is the third book in this series, and don't think I would have as favorable opinion of this book if this was the only one I had read. When we finished Don't You Forget Me, Marie was aware that there was a long list of woman's names in a file...and that is where it is starting in this book.
Dream Lover, I don't think he was a figment of their imagination! They appear to be coming out of the woodwork now, and when this book is finished, there maybe more. Pam does seem to be adjusting to becoming a widow...and what Jack has done. We get more of a glimpse into what kind of a man Jack was. The person who would make most people's heads turn when he came into a room. He tried to make people feel at ease with him, and got to know something about him. We get different looks about the same man, and it seems like he is a different person depending on who he is with.
I would recommend you read the other two books in this series, you won't be disappointed.

I received this book through Pump Your Book Virtual Tours, and the Author Suzanne Jenkins.
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Litfuse Publicity Tours Presents: Taming the Wind (Land of the Lone Star, #3) by Tracie Peterson

A young widow nursing the wounds of her past…

A cowboy with demons of his own…

Though grateful for the blessing of her daughter, Carissa Lowe has accepted that widowhood is her lot in life. Bound by fear and mistrust, she feels incapable of opening her heart again.

Tyler Atherton has never forgotten Carissa. When he discovers she’s living with her sister on a nearby ranch, his life becomes intertwined with the lovely widow’s. And Carissa’s daughter, Gloria, seems determined to wrap herself around his little finger. But while Tyler longs to provide a home and future for Carissa, he is haunted by an obligation he feels unable to fulfill.

Challenged by mounting hardships, can Carissa and Tyler preserve their fledgling love in a land as unforgiving and vibrant as the people who call it home?

Meet Tracie:

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie's Web site at www.traciepeterson.com and her blog at www.writespassage.blogspot.com

Link to buy the book:

http://ow.ly/dsGj5

My Review:

Things have changed so much since these characters were introduced in the first two books. You can read this one alone, there are enough facts presented to follow.
William and Hannah Barnett are ranching her families land, and Tyler Atherton is working there. He has been unable to get his land back. They want to drive cattle from Texas to Kansas and have asked Brandon to help.
Carissa Lowe and her precocious two year old Gloria are now living with her Sister Laura, Brandon and baby Daniel. Laura is expecting their second child. Life is relatively good now for Carissa, and she is enjoying her daughter.
When Tyler reappears Carissa finds herself falling for him. He is so good with Gloria, and out of the blue calls him Papa Papa Tyer.
Will Tyler return her feeling, or is he interested in Ava? They have a long trip ahead on the trail. Tyler has to deal with his hate of Indians, and forgive the one who murdered his father.
I love how most of the characters in this story rely on the Lord. What all need to do is find the forgiveness that is freely given, and allow forgiveness.

I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

When Hope Blossoms by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Sweet Contemporary Story Set in an Old Order Mennonite Community

Amy Knackstedt moves with her children to Weaverly, Kansas, to escape the speculation surrounding her husband's untimely death. She hopes the new location will provide a fresh start for them all. But her neighbor, Tim Roper, is not pleased to have a Mennonite family living next to his apple orchard. When the children try to befriend him, he resists. Tim left the Mennonite faith years ago and doesn't want any reminders of his former life. Yet Amy and Tim find their paths colliding far more than either could have foreseen. Will this tentative relationship blossom into something more?

About The Author

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information."


My Review:

What a great read, took less than a day and I couldn't put it down. Such a warm, sweet read, filled with faith.
When Amy Knackstedt moves with her children to Weaverly, Kansas to find a new beginning. Three years ago her husband had had an accident at a Grain Mill, and the pain of loosing him, and living with the memories in her small town. She purchased a new, well older home, with some land that other Mennonites who also moved from Ohio...are going to farm.
What she doesn't know is that next door is a man fighting his demons. His wife and son had died in a motor vehicle accident 5 years ago. He is still healing, and being a former Mennonite does not relish the idea of having a family living next door. Love how the children worm their way...without realizing it into Tim Roper's life. Will he begin to heal, or are the memories of his lost family going to be his demise? Will Amy find the peace she has wanted, and be able to begin a new life for her children.
God has his hand in all of their lives, and I could just feel him there. Be ready for some sweet and loving times, and some heartbreak. Kim Vogel Sawyer has gifted us again with her magic with words...Thank You!

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers and was not required to give a positive review.

First Wild Card Tours Presents: To Write a Wrong (A Justice Seekers Novel) by Robin Caroll

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Robin Caroll

and the book:

To Write a Wrong

B&H Books (September 15, 2012)

***Special thanks to Shannon Kozee of B&H Fiction for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robin Caroll has authored twelve previous books including the Holt Medallion Award of Merit winner, Deliver Us From Evil. She gives back to the writing community by serving as Conference Director for American Christian Fiction Writers. A proud southerner, Robin lives with her husband, three daughters, and two precious grandsons in Arkansas.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

In Angola State Penitentiary, a man is serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. Riley Baxter is an eager reporter desperate for a story to make a name for herself. When she stumbles upon the daughter of the incarcerated man, Riley sees a little too much of herself in the teen, and vows to help prove her father’s innocence.

At the same time, Hayden Simpson has his hands full with keeping his little sister in line, worrying about his job as Police Commissioner, and dealing with his past emotional baggage. The last thing he needs is someone blowing the lid off his emotional bucket. But when Riley Baxter storms into his life, struggling to understand why God would let bad things happen to good people, Hayden has no choice but to follow his heart.

Now, Riley and Hayden must work together to uncover the truth of the past . . . before someone shuts Riley up for good.

Product Details:
List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: B&H Books
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1433672138
ISBN-13: 9781433672132

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Search inside this book

My Review:

We meet up with Riley Baxter as she is about to attend the parole hearing of Simon Lancaster...the man who driving drunk killer her Mom and Dad. She is so upset....and really hasn't forgiven.
A chance encounter on the way out of the prison put Riley on a new course in her life. She meets the family of Armand Wilson...they had gone to the prison to see him, and were denied a visit, because of some food found in Armand's locker. Hayden Simpson is the police commissioner, and the brother of Remington. Remington is now in a relationship with Riley's brother Rafe. Most everyone is staying at Hayden's Mom's Ardy...the woman who's cooking skills lures them all!
Your about to start a great adventure, and most of what happens seems to be interwoven...even to Emily, another sister of Hayden's. Be ready to want to scream at the injustices that happen, and some of the heartwarming things. Love that these people have a great relationship with the Lord!

TLC Book Tours Presents: Millie Fierce by Jane Manning

If Fancy Nancy got angry. Really, really angry.

Millie is quiet. Millie is sweet. Millie is mild. But the kids at school don't listen to her. And she never gets a piece of birthday cake with a flower on it. And some girls from her class walk right on top of her chalk drawing and smudge it. And they don't even say they're sorry!

So that's when Millie decides she wants to be fierce! She frizzes out her hair, sharpens her nails and runs around like a wild thing. But she soon realizes that being fierce isn't the best way to get noticed either, especially when it makes you turn mean. So Millie decides to be nice--but to keep a little of that fierce backbone hidden inside her. In case she ever needs it again.

With bright art and an adorable character, it's easy to empathize with Millie. Because everyone has a bad day, once in a while.

About The Author

Jane Manning is the illustrator of many books, including Cindy Ellen by Susan Lowell as well as the New York Times bestselling I Can Read Chapter Book The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches by Alice Low and the I Can Read Books Baa-Choo!, Pip Squeak, and Drip, Drop by Sarah Weeks. She lives in Deep River, Connecticut.

My Review:

First I loved the graphics ....most of the colors are vibrant and draw the children's eyes in. My little 5 year old seemed to really enjoy this book. He sat and was so attentive, and watched the pictures. When we finished he said he didn't like Millie. She was mean. He got the point! Found it was a good teaching lesson on Bullying, sharing, and kindness.
When I asked him if he liked the book, he replied "yes". Did he want it read to him again? "Yes, yes, yes!"

T

Revell Book Tours Presents: Love's Reckoning (The Ballantyne Legacy, #1) by Laura Frantz

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in York. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other's jealousy destroy their love?

In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. Love's Reckoning is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

About The Author

Laura Frantz is a lover of history, is the author of The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel's Lady, and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.

My Review:

A book that I could not put down! Amazing look into our country just after the Revolutionary War.
The story begins at the home of Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Young Silas Ballantyne has just arrived to finish out his apprenticeship and become a Master Blacksmith. He will be done in a few months, and then he wants to head West. Right here I think West, but West is Pittsburgh...the smaller world.
When Liege sees what a talent Silas posses, he will do just about anything to make him stay and takeover his business.
Liege Lee has two daughters, one Elspeth a spoiled and rather lazy girl of loose morals, the other Eden, a Godly girl who loves her family and does most of the work to help her Mother. Enter Silas and immediately Elspeth wants him, and Eden will let her, but she secretly likes him.
Liege seems to be one angry and unlikeable man, he does seem to favor Elspeth, and with her approval is set to make Silas marry her using an old tradition saying the apprentice must marry into the family. Silas isn't interested. He sees through Elspeth, but in time seems to be taken with Eden.
There seems to be one tragedy after another, some so heart wrenching. You begin to wonder what is going on and if they will survive. A lot of questions will be answered, but you will need to get to the end of this great book to find out. Some are not answered, but maybe in the next book which I can not wait to read.
You will not be disappointed in this one, Laura Frantz has offered us a feast to become lost in!

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