Tyndale Blog Tours Presents: Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren

Darek Christiansen is almost a dream bachelor—oldest son in the large Christiansen clan, heir to their historic Evergreen Lake Resort, and doting father. But he’s also wounded and angry since the tragic death of his wife, Felicity. No woman in Deep Haven dares come near.

New assistant county attorney Ivy Madison simply doesn’t know any better when she bids on Darek at the charity auction. Nor does she know that when she crafted a plea bargain three years ago to keep Jensen Atwood out of jail and in Deep Haven fulfilling community service, she was releasing the man responsible for Felicity’s death. All Ivy knows is that the Christiansens feel like the family she’s always longed for. And once she gets past Darek’s tough exterior, she finds a man she could spend the rest of her life with. Which scares her almost as much as Darek learning of her involvement in his wife’s case.

Caught between new love and old grudges, Darek must decide if he can set aside the past for a future with Ivy—a future more and more at risk as an approaching wildfire threatens to wipe out the Christiansen resort and Deep Haven itself.

About The Author

Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church.

Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives.

For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.


   

My Review:
 This is the first book in the Christiansen Family Novel series. It was such a good read, and I am thrilled to know there is another book coming!
The Author shows how most of the characters in this story need to find forgiveness. They blame God for their circumstances, and won't take his gift of redemption.
Darek Christiansen is mad at the world, feels he has been handed a rotten deal, and the only good thing in his life is his 5 year old son Tiger. He was a willing player, but now feels life has not been fair to him. Then his wife was killed by his best friend....it was an accident and he knows it, but would rather blame his friend.
Enter Ivy Madison, a sweet young woman, she has taken a job as Assistant DA in Deep Haven, MN. She has had a scarred upbringing, having lived in fourteen foster homes. For someone who had such a horrible start in life, she has a lot of compassion.
The Lord does put people in their lives to help them find what they need...HIM, but will the accept? Or will they go on blaming God for their problems?
I did love being back in Deep Haven, MN, the area sounds so beautiful, and Susan May Warren brings it to life. Be set for a bit of romance, mystery, grief, and some great family love. A wonderful book to get lost in.

I received this book from the Tyndale Blog Network, and was not required to give a positive review.

Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy Book Blast $50 Giveaway

Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy (Book 2)

After barely surviving the onslaught of monsters that tried to kill him the day before his fourteenth birthday, Jack Templar leaves his hometown on a quest to rescue his father and discover the truth about his past. Joined by his friends Will and T-Rex, and led by Eva, the mysterious one-handed monster hunter, Jack sets out for the Monster Hunter Academy where he hopes to find answers to his questions. Little does he suspect that the Academy is filled with dangers of its own, many of them more terrifying than anything he’s faced so far.

Amazon

Jack Templar: Monster Hunter

Orphan Jack Templar has no memory of his parents and only the smallest details from his Aunt Sophie about how they died. The day before Jack's fourteenth birthday, things start to change for him. At first it's great: A sudden new strength helps him defend his nose-picking friend "T-Rex" from the school bully, and even his crush, Cindy Adams, takes notice. But then a mysterious girl named Eva arrives and tells him two facts that will change his life forever. First, that he's the descendent of a long line of monster hunters and he's destined to be in the family business. Second, that there's a truce between man and monster that children are off-limits...until their fourteenth birthday! Jack has only one day before hundreds of monsters will descend on his little town of Sunnyvale and try to kill him.

As if that weren't enough, things get even more complicated when Jack discovers that the Lord of the Creach (as the monsters are collectively known) holds a personal grudge against him and will do anything to see that Jack has a slow and painful death. To stay alive and save his friends, Jack will have to battle werewolves, vampires, harpies, trolls, zombies and more. But perhaps the most dangerous thing he must face is the truth about his past. Why do the other hunters call him the last Templar? Why do they whisper that he may be the "One?" Why do the monsters want him dead so badly? Even as these questions plague him, he quickly discovers survival is his new full-time job and that in the world of monster hunters, nothing is really what it seems.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Jack Templar Monster Hunter was chosen as a Book of the Year Finalist by Foreword Reviews.

Praise for Book One: Jack Templar Monster Hunter
"Gunhus brings young readers a monster-filled romp to read at their own risk. In the first few pages, Jack, the storyteller and main character, warns readers not to read about these real-world monsters that would seem to only exist in fiction. The tone is set--sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek and likable; rooting for Jack is easy...Gunhus masterfully introduces fully realized characters with whom readers can connect almost instantly. The pacing is quick but not rushed, and events seamlessly progress, complete with action, cliff-hangers and surprise reveals. " - Kirkus Reviews "The action starts right from the first chapter and doesn't let up until the book ends. This is the first book in a series, and I look forward to reading the rest of them." -The DMS 

"Jeff Gunhus has made a terrific fast paced fantasy. I even wanted to bolt my doors and lock my windows! Five stars for the best book of the year." -Elizabeth A. Bolt

"Everything in this book was something a reader could love - action, adventure, mythical creatures, mystery and even a touch of romance. Not bad for fourteen-year-old Jack Templar. There were so many messages to take from this book - messages of love, self-sacrifice, faith and and having the belief that you can be so much more than you are if you just believed. The words poured from the page and I just couldn't help lapping them up." -Sandy @ Magical Manuscripts

"This was fun read with non-stop adventure. Reminiscent of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, Gunhus creates an interesting world and characters that are easy to root for. Very good pace, lots of fun and a solid start. Already anticipating the next story!" -M. Profant

Purchase

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Book Trailer

Author Jeff Gunhus

Jeff Gunhus grew up in Cyprus, Greece, and Saudi Arabia where there was a distinct lack of television. He quickly found books were the gateway to incredible adventures, fascinating characters and unbelievable discoveries. Now, with five children of his own (all who watch too much television, in his opinion), he has enjoyed revisiting his old books and reliving those adventures all over again.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Website

WARNING

Yeah, you read it right. I’m a monster hunter. Back before I actually became one, I would have thought that sounded totally awesome. And don’t get me wrong, in a lot of ways it is. But most of the time, I’m either running for my life or hiding in the shadows, praying the monster chasing me doesn’t pick up my scent. And I’m almost always scared to death. In a few pages, I think you’ll see why.
     But there are a few things I need to warn you about before I tell you my story.
     First, this isn’t a cartoon. These are bloodthirsty creatures who will stop at nothing to kill. They are scary. Very scary. Second, the only way to stop them is to kill them first…and that gets gross and messy. Third, this is all real.
     You think I’m kidding, don’t you? I can almost see you smirking as you read this. But this isn’t a joke. Monsters are real and the story I’m about to tell you really happened. If you’d rather walk through life believing that monsters are only found in books or on the movie screen, then you should shut this book right now and go do something else.
     I give you these warnings because the story I’m about to tell you isn’t for everyone. Not everyone can handle it. The blood. The gore. The monsters.
     This life was thrust onto me. I had no choice but to take up a sword and fight. But you can still walk away and pretend this dark world doesn’t exist. Or you can walk through the door that I’m about to open and find out the truth about the world around you.
     But I warn you (and this is a big warning), if you read this book, if you learn about the monsters that roam among us and the hunters who fight them, if you decide to learn the truth, then you will become fair game for the monsters to chase.
     Make sure you understand what I’m saying.
     If you read this book, you will be part of this world and the monsters will come after you too. You will start to see things that no other humans can see. The shadows will move when you walk near them. The creatures of the night will seek you out, testing the doors and windows of your house, looking for a way in.
     And, at some point, they will find you, just like they found me, and you will be forced to defend yourself.
     So, think carefully before you turn the page, because once you do, there’s no turning back.
     Ever.
     Once a monster hunter, always a monster hunter.
     See you on the other side.
     If you’re brave enough.






Book Blast $50 Giveaway
Ends 4/19/13
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, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Litfuse Publicity Tours Presents: Unbreakable (Road to Kingdom, #2) by Nancy Mehl

This is the second book in this series that I have read, and another really great read. It will keep you guessing who is behind the fires and even the murder?
We renew our time with Lizzie, Cassie and Noah, and Hope Kauffman. Love being able to get caught up in their lives. As the story opens Hope in engaged to Ebbie Miller, and even though she loves him, she is feeling sparks from new comer Jonathon Wiese.
We find Hope being run off the road, her buggy tipping, and along comes Jonathon in his truck. He give comfort to Hope and helps her. When Ebbie breaks their engagement, Jonathon moves in. He loves Hope!
All of a sudden this peaceful Mennonite Community is under attack. Ebbie wants them to follow under Gods Protection, not violence. Where as, Jonathon thinks they should at least carry guns, even unloaded.
It is hard to imagine this peaceful Community of Kingdom living in so much fear! Who would do this?
You will have to read right to the end for answers. Even when I was sure I knew who was to blame, I was wrong. Also who will Hope end up with? Jonathon, who gives her her first kiss....or Ebbie who will step aside for Hopes happiness. Oh my, both these guys sound wonderful. Prayer.... for the Community and for the right choices.

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


About The Author

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband Norman and her very active puggle, Watson. She’s authored fourteen books and is currently at work on a new series for Bethany House Publishing. All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.” Readers can learn more about Nancy through her Web site: www.nancymehl.com or her blog. She is also active on Facebook.
Find out more about Nancy at http://www.nancymehl.com/Welcome.html.

My Review:

 This is the second book in this series that I have read, and another really great read. It will keep you guessing who is behind the fires and even the murder?
We renew our time with Lizzie, Cassie and Noah, and Hope Kauffman. Love being able to get caught up in their lives. As the story opens Hope in engaged to Ebbie Miller, and even though she loves him, she is feeling sparks from new comer Jonathon Wiese.
We find Hope being run off the road, her buggy tipping, and along comes Jonathon in his truck. He give comfort to Hope and helps her. When Ebbie breaks their engagement, Jonathon moves in. He loves Hope!
All of a sudden this peaceful Mennonite Community is under attack. Ebbie wants them to follow under Gods Protection, not violence. Where as, Jonathon thinks they should at least carry guns, even unloaded.
It is hard to imagine this peaceful Community of Kingdom living in so much fear! Who would do this?
You will have to read right to the end for answers. Even when I was sure I knew who was to blame, I was wrong. Also who will Hope end up with? Jonathon, who gives her her first kiss....or Ebbie who will step aside for Hopes happiness. Oh my, both these guys sound wonderful. Prayer.... for the Community and for the right choices.

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

The Winnowing Season (Amish Vines and Orchards, #2) by Cindy Woodsmall

The tornado that devastated Kings’ Orchard pushed Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob to make a new start in Maine. Are they strong enough to withstand the challenges of establishing an Amish community—and brave enough to face the secrets that move with them?

On the eve of their departure to begin a new Old Order Amish community outside of Unity, Maine, Rhoda Byler is shocked to discover that choices made by her business partner and friend, Samuel King, have placed her and her unusual gifts directly into the path of her district’s bishop and preachers. She is furious with Samuel and is fearful that the Kings will be influenced by the way her leaders see her, and not what they know to be true—that Rhoda’s intuition is a gift from God.

Jacob King won’t be swayed by community speculation. He loves Rhoda, believes in her, and wants to build a future with her in Maine. But when the ghosts of his past come calling and require him to fulfill a great debt, can he shake their hold before it destroys what he has with Rhoda? Samuel has a secret of his own—one he’ll go to great lengths to keep hidden, even if it means alienating those closest to him. Throwing himself into rehabilitating the once-abandoned orchard, Samuel turns to a surprising new ally.

Book 2 of the Amish Vines and Orchards series asks: can the three faithfully follow God’s leading and build a new home and orchard in Maine? Or will this new beginning lead to more ruin and heartbreak?

About The Author

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written six novels, three novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. She’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.

She is also a veteran homeschool mom who no longer holds that position. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.
She’s won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings’ Best Books of the Year. She’s been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.
Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn’t realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn’t allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy’s house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them—afraid that if they didn’t, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann’s because her family didn’t own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults’ disapproval and the obstacles in each other’s lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy’s family moved to another region of the US.
As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities—from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.
Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband, three sons, two daughters-in-law, and a new granddaughter.

My Review:

This is book two in this series, and again it leaves me wanting more. You do not need to read the first book to read this one. The Author gives you a good preview in the beginning of The Winnowing Season, but you would be denying yourself a great read.
This story does pick up basically where the last one left off. Rhoda Byler is still having a hard time with her God gift. Hopefully, things will get better in the new Community they hope to establish in Maine.
Jacob King is really smitten with Rhoda, but still fighting his demons. Samuel King, has recognized what he wants, but is it to late? Leah King, loves her family, but will she leave her faith.
Just a few of the questions for this book, but there are more. We end again heading down hill, with more questions! Life in Maine really is going to have its ups and downs for them, will they be able to survive? Will Rhoda's Gift become a nightmare? The answers are here, but there is more to come. Can't wait for the next book in this amazing series.

I received this book through The Library Thing, and the Publisher Waterbrook Press, and was not required to give a positive review. 

I Am A Reader, Not a Writer Presents: Hunted Book Blast.

Hunted by Ednah Walters


Bran and Lil may have escaped an attempt to lure Lil to the dark side, and recovered the contracts damned people signed with Bran when he was a soul collector, but someone forgot to tell them that no one switches sides or cancels contracts without consequences.

Hunted by an unknown but powerful enemy, Lil, Bran and the Guardians must seek help from unlikely sources to avert total annihilation of the Guardians. When they finally face their enemy, one of them may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Purchase a Print copy for just $5.85!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble 

Praise
All in all, Hunted is a very enjoyable read, especially for those who enjoy angel/demon books. This one has everything you want in an angel book while still maintaining its own distinct feel.
~TeresaMaryRose

This series is addictive.
~Author Kate Kaynak

AMAZING! There is not enough words to describe how much I loved Hunted. Ednah Walters has outdid herself if that is even possible.
~Megan McDade

Author Ednah Walters

I grew up reading Nancy Drew and Hardy boys mysteries, hence Stratemeyer influence, before I graduated to Mills & Boons (starting with Janet Daily's Shutter the Sky) and the rest is history.

I enjoy good love stories, tingly mysteries and wondrous adventures. When I finished my college and decided to be a stay-at-home mother, I devoured books like they were going out of production, until reading just wasn't enough. So I started to write.

I've written picture books, contemporary and romantic suspense, biracial/multicultural books, and finally YA fantasy. Awakened is the first book in The Guardian Legacy series. I'm working on book 2, tentatively named Betrayed. When I'm not writing, I do things with my family, five children or my darling husband of 18 years. I live in a picturesque valley in Utah, the setting for my series.

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 4/25/13


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Pump Your Book Virtual Tours Presents: Angel Falls by Connie Mann

ABOUT ANGEL FALLS

Her best friend’s been murdered and Brazilian orphanage director Regina da Silva will do whatever it takes to protect her friend’s baby. Even if it means dealing with an intimidating man she’s not sure she can trust.
Former Army Ranger Brooks Anderson refuses to protect anyone ever again. The last time he did, the woman and child both died. He’s just here to transport an orphan for adoption, as promised, and then he’s outta there.

But when bullets fly, Brooks and Regina risk everything and dive headlong into danger to protect one defenseless child.

As the killer closes in and long-buried secrets come to light, they’ll have to trust each other to stay alive.

Will that be enough to save their little angel–and themselves—from plunging to their deaths over the Falls?

PURCHASE:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

 

 

 

ABOUT CONNIE MANN

Connie Mann loves stories that combine suspense, adventure and second chances. She offers encouragement to busy women on her blog:  www.BusyWomenBigDreams.com and is an active member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She’s also a USCG-licensed boat captain, so when she’s not writing, she’s usually on Central Florida’s waterways with local school children or her fabulous family.
Her latest book is the Christian fiction, Angel Falls.
Please visit her online at: www.conniemann.com.

CONNECT WITH CONNIE:

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

My Review:

What a riveting, page turning read. Once I started, I could not put this book down, it turned out to be a quick read, maybe because I couldn't leave it alone?
The action starts very quickly. We are at a home, in Brazil, for street children, that Regina and her friend Irene take care of. Unfortunately their paths cross with a killer, and Regina is left with the care of Irene's son Eduardo.
When Brooks Anderson receives a call from his Mother to help, he doesn't want to. You never know how connected each are.
The danger is ever present, and you won't know who or whom to trust. One or another is always in trouble. In the end you really have to wonder if anyone will survive? Through it all, you will wonder who would have so much evil in them that they would want to kill a baby??
Regina's life has been very hard, she grew up herself as a street child, but Brook's Father let her to Christ. She is such a giving person, but with very low opinion of herself. Brook has a secret, he knows, but it eats at him, and he needs to forgive and find God's forgiveness.
A very heartwarming book, and one that you will remember long after the last page is turned.

I received this book through Pump Your Book Virtual Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

Pump Up Your Book Presents Lowell Christensen’s The One-Minute Zillionaire Book Blast – Win $25 Amazon GC/Paypal Cash!

Pump Up Your Book and Lowell T. Christensen will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card during his The One-Minute Zillionaire Book Blast today! This promotion ends at midnight. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below and good luck! ————————————————–

ABOUT THE ONE-MINUTE ZILLIONAIRE

Like any good success book, The One-Minute Zillionaire will get you so crazed with principles, keys, goals, affirmations, and profound and poetic platitudes that you’ll want to dash to Alaska to search for gold and taunt grizzly bears. Christensen delivers a very funny yet sensible message with help from a wide cast of characters, including Shakespeare, Freud, Pamela Anderson, Dante, Greek goddesses, Chewbacca, Charles Manson, Saint Peter, and Pancho Villa. He pondered the powerful achievement techniques and heat-resistant feet of Anthony Robbins, the paradigms of Stephen R. Covey, the excellence of Thomas Peters, the mind power of Napoleon Hill, the brazen squint of Donald Trump, and the fudge-making ability of Martha Stewart. He consequently discovered the number one key to success, “The best way to achieve success is to write a success book.” Christensen covers financial success but adds advice on wooing, weight loss, time management, travel, and other topics with the goal in mind of making the book thicker. Go to TheOneMinuteZillionaire.com for national and international reviews, excerpts, free bonus offers, and articles. Praise for The One-Minute Zillionaire: "The author has a light touch and the ability to laugh at himself and his own ideas. Without a doubt, Christensen is funny." -- Foreword Reviews "Lowell Christensen is the author of “The One-Minute Zillionaire,” a new humor book about success. In a press release, Christensen writes that he hopes his advice about “how success requires quite a bit of formal and practical education, hard work, and falling on your face a few times” will resonate with readers." -- Albuquerque Journal

Purchase your copy:

AMAZON| BARNES & NOBLE

————————————————–

ABOUT LOWELL CHRISTENSEN

Lowell T. Christensen has kept himself busily occupied as a writer, engineer, rocket scientist, Coping with Texas and Other Staggering Feets and Beginning Farming and What Makes a Sheep Tick, and he has written magazine articles that feature presidential elections through the theme of Shakespearean plays. Christensen also writes articles for his local newspaper about public education, cheesy television shows, Scout camp misadventures, and the county library’s resemblance to a dead rhinoceros. With a degree in chemical engineering, he has worked for DuPont and the University of California. His latest book is The One-Minute Zillionaire: Achieve Wealth, Fame, and Success in an Instant, Give or Take a Hundred Years.
musician, backhoe operator, outdoorsman, chef, rancher, and international traveler. His previous books include

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK

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~ ~ ~ $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway The One-Minute Zillionaire Tour Page: http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2013/02/25/pump-up-your-book-presents-lowell-christensens-the-one-minute-zillionaire-book-blast-%E2%80%93-win-25-amazon-gcpaypal-cash/