Book Review - "Gunpowder Tea" | Enter to win a Kindle Fire & RSVP for “Tea with Margaret” on 11/7

Enter Today - 10/21 - 11/7!
Margaret Brownley's latest release, Gunpowder Tea, is receiving high praise, and she's celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway and a "Tea with Margaret" Facebook party!

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at the "Tea with Margaret" Facebook Author Chat Party on the 7th. Connect with Margaret and friends for an evening of book chat, prizes, and get an exclusive look at Margaret's next book!

So grab your copy of Gunpowder Tea and join Margaret on the evening of November 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (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 by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 11/7!

Book Info

About the book: In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life. When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom---an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch. But she isn't the only one at the ranch with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggart is working undercover as well. Their true identities may be a secret, but it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the sparks flaring between them. Neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn't removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they get to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets---and no one on the ranch is safe. The longer Miranda and Jeremy spend working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers-and their lives-depend on solving this case. Love will just have to wait. "In the exquisitely intriguing finale to her Brides of Last Chance Ranch trilogy, Brownley blends faith and romance with a dash of mystery to serve up a cozy, fulfilling story set in the Arizona Territory of the 1890s . . . .This enchanting account of the hardships and wonders of the Old West features many delightful characters. The story stands on its own merits, independent of the first two in the series, drawing readers into a world that is difficult to leave."  ---Publishers Weekly Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pS1iy Meet the author: Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this---except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter at the time. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction." So that's what Margaret did. She's now a New York Times bestselling author and a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist with more than 25 novels to her credit. Her first non-fiction book Grieving God's Way: the Lasting Path to Hope and Healing has won much critical acclaim. She is currently working on the third book in her Brides of Last Chance Ranch series. Not bad for someone who flunked 8th grade English. Just don't ask her to diagram a sentence. Learn more at Margaret's website: http://margaretbrownley.com

My Review:

I loved Margaret Brownley's historical romance novel, "Gunpowder Tea!"  This book is the third in Margaret's The Brides of Last Chance Ranch series and you will want to not only read this one, but the first two books in the series as well!  I was intrigued immediately with this novel as soon as I read the book blurb and saw the cover, both are well-done and excellent teasers for the book!  Once I began reading, I was not disappointed at all as my expectations for this novel were met.  Miranda and Jeremy are both great main characters, and are both spunky and not willing to let the other one get in the way of solving the case and yet they are working their way into the other's heart although they are hiding whom they really are and what they are really doing.  This is a excellent and fun read; I highly recommend this book and this whole series!

 

To read other reviews included on this book blog tour, go here!

 

*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book*

 

 

Book Review - "Perfectly Matched"

"Perfectly Matched" is the third book in Maggie Brendan's The Blue Willow Brides series and tells the story of the third Olsen sister whom becomes a mail-order bride.
Anna is the youngest of the Olsen sisters and being a mail-order bride has worked out for her two older sisters and Anna is hoping she has the same luck!  Anna and Edward both adore each other seemingly from the very first time they meet; however they very quickly learn that they are complete opposites of each other.  Edward wants his home to be perfect and run just so, just as he has been running it.  Anna really does not care if the house is spotless or if the bed is made perfectly and she has such a soft heart for pets, and you know how they can make messes, so that is not a good fit with Edward either.  As Edward and Anna stumble through the early days of marriage, they hope that the differences will not overwhelm the love that is developing between them.
Edward and Anna are perfect main characters and perfect for each other as they are both so perfectly imperfect!  I also love the roles that the other characters play, especially Callie and Daniel, as they help Edward and Anna realize things about themselves and each other.  I have loved this entire series, but I really think this book is my favorite as it really delves into the characters' lives and what has happened to mold them into the individuals that they are.  Of course, it was fun and sweet to see these two fall in love and have their differences over the little things in their daily lives. 

“Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Nancy Moser’s The Journey of Josephine Cain 5 book giveaway! & Book Review

The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser follows the adventures of a D.C. socialite as she gets involved with the building of the Transcontinental Railroad right after the Civil War. Be sure to check out Nancy's fun Pinterest board for the book!

Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!

  Five winners will receive:

• The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 26th. All winners will be announced October 28th at the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 28th to see if you won one of the books!

Book Info

About the book: When a socialite from the nation's capital embarks on a journey to the Wild West, her life is changed forever. A setting populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians is hardly the place for a wealthy general's daughter. But Josephine Cain is determined to visit her father, who supervises the day-to-day work involved in the grandest ambition of post-Civil War America: the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Life with the railroad is far from the proper life Josephine is used to, and she faces deadly gunfights, harsh weather, and vigilante uprisings. She is torn between the West and the East; between her privileged upbringing and the challenges of a new frontier; between the pull of the suitable beau her parents approve of and an attraction to a rough but charming Irish railroad worker. But if Josephine is willing, she just might find a new life, a unique purpose . . . and true love. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pq47s Meet Nancy: Nancy Moser is the best-selling author of more than twenty novels. She is a winner and two-time nominee of the Christy Award, and her latest novel was named to Booklist's "Top 10 Romance Novels of 2011." Nancy and her husband have three grown children and three grandchildren, and they live in the Midwest. Learn more at Nancy at: http://nancymoser.com/.

My Review:

 

Nancy Moser's historical fiction novel, "The Journey of Josephine Cain," is An American Tapestry novel and Nancy does an excellent job of bringing history to life.  Josephine is the cherished daughter of General Cain, former lawyer, whom a year following the assignation of President Lincoln, is offered the position of overseeing the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Josephine has endured life through the years of war and also following the war with mourning for her brother and cousin; however she is ready to move forward with her life and finally have the life she has dreamed of - a life with a husband, her own home and children.  As Josephine determines to find adventure and hopefully her dream, she sets off for the West and faces a life much different from the comfortable life she has been used to. However, Josephine is being drawn  to this area and her new life and finds herself with many choices that will determine her future and may change her dreams.  I really enjoyed this book!  It started right out with a major historical event with Josephine right there to witness and right there I was hooked on the story, and felt myself drawn into Josephine's world.  The descriptions are so vivid that I could picture the theater, the Cain home, and the wild frontier.  This is such an exciting time period as it was a time of healing, and growth for the United States and Nancy does an excellent job of portraying this in her book and story of Josephine. 

 

To read other review included on this blog tour go here!

 

*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book!*

 

Book Review - "A Reluctant Courtship"

L

Book 3 in Laurie Alice Eakes' The Daughters of Bainbridge House series is here!  The must-anticipated "A Reluctant Courtship" has been released and shares Honore Bainbridge's love and her journey toward true love.
Due to Honore's reputation and the men whom she has been courted by, she is sent away by her family to hopefully let the talk die down and for her to find a respectable gentlemen.  However, that does not seem to be in the cards for Honore.  Lord Ashmoor is looking for a respectable lady and yet he is drawn to Honore, although she is obviously not the one he needs in his life.  As their lives intersect and their hearts become involved, they search for truth and love and try to discover if their hearts really do belong together. 

"A Reluctant Courtship" is well-written and brings this time period to life!  Honore is a likable and fascinating main character and she is one whom you will easily be drawn to right away in the beginning of the book.  While reading it is so easy to get sucked into this world and escape back to a time and lifestyle from so long ago.  This is a book that Jane Austen fans will devour!

“Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Win a ‘Bargain Bundle’ from Stephanie Reed! And Book Review - "The Bargain"

Enter Today | 10/7 - 10/27! Stephanie L. Reed is celebrating the release of The Bargain, the first book in her new series, Plain City Peace, with a Kindle Fire 'Bargain Bundle' giveaway!

 
  One winner will receive a 'Bargain Bundle':

• A Kindle Fire
• The Bargain by Stephanie Reed

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 27th. Winner will be announced at the Litfuse blog on October 28th.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by the Litfuse blog on the 28th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to their blog {enter your email in the blog sidebar} and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox)!

Book Info

About the book: Book one in the Plain City Peace series. It's 1971, and Betsie Troyer's peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but. When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth-a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie's marriage to Charley Yoder. Purchase a copy here: http://ow.ly/ptivJ About the Author: Stephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as she did for her previous books, "Across the Wide River" and "The Light Across the River." Learn more at Stephanie's website: http://www.stephanielreed.com/

 

My Review:

 

"The Bargain" is book 1 in Stephanie Reed's Plain City Peace series and it is unlike any Amish fiction I have read.  Set in the 1970's and in the midst of so much turmoil, politics and war; this is not just merely the setting or backdrop, it is all so much a part of the story and characters' lives.  Betsie and Sadie are shocked at the changes in their lives and the secret they are guarding.  As their lives completely change, they learn more about themselves and grow and really try to find their place in their community and the world. I really enjoyed this book and it is an excellent start to this new series!  I am eager to read book 2 and find out what is in store next for all of the characters, all of the characters who's lives I became engrossed in and a part of.  This is a must-read for all fans of fiction! 

 

To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here!

 

*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and the complimentary copy of this book!*

Fall Recipes and Cookbook Review!

I love fall, it is my favorite season and part of what I enjoy about fall is baking with apples and pumpkins!  A little while ago I was given a copy of Taste of Home Recipes Across America cookbook and wow is this book full of delicious recipes, including recipes that are in season right now!  This cookbook is so unique as it features recipes based upon what part of the United States they originate from or areas that are known for that type of food/recipe.  There are also little tidbits included throughout about different towns and states and what they are known for, little morsels of information about food in various areas of the United States.  Of course, just looking through the cookbook will make you so hungry just seeing all of the pictures of each dish!  I am including two fall recipes for you to try and enjoy, but really there are 733 more recipes in this cookbook that you are going to want to try as well!
It's apple picking time!  So try out this recipe with some of those delicious apples from the local orchard:  

Golden Apple Bundles
Excerpted from Taste of Home Recipes Across America: 735 of the Best Recipes from Across the Nation
By Taste of Home

This recipe is an interesting way to use apples. I usually make them on Fridays, so when family and friends drop in on the weekend, I have a nice dessert to serve. They bake up flaky and golden brown outside and moist inside.
-- Lila Eller, Everett, Washington

Prep: 20 Min.
Bake: 25 Min.
Makes: 10-12 Servings

2 cups chopped peeled apples⅓ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup raisins
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon lemon peel
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pastry for double-crust pie
Milk
Sugar

1. In a large bowl, combine apples, walnuts, brown sugar, raisins, flour, lemon peel and cinnamon; set aside.
2. Roll pastry to ⅛-in. thickness. Cut into 5-in. circles. Spoon about ¼ cup apple mixture into center of each circle. Moisten edges of the pastry with water. Fold over and seal edges with a fork.
3. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 450° for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 400°; bake10 minutes longer. Brush each with milk and sprinkle with the sugar. Return to oven; bake 5 minutes longer.

Pumpkin is delicious in anything - muffins, cookies, pies, bread, and yes even chili!  And this recipe is a crockpot one, so that is another bonus to just have dinner ready from you come back inside from enjoying this beautiful fall weather!: 

Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili

 

My family relishes this chili, especially on cold days.  It's a wonderful variation on standard chili and it also freezes well and tastes even better as leftovers! - Deborah Vliet , Holland, Michigan

 

Prep: 20 Min. Cook: 4 HoursMakes: 10 servings (2 - 1/2 quarts) 1 onion, chopped1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped2 tablespoons olive oil3 garlic cloves, minced3 cups chicken broth2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained2 1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes2 teaspoons chili powder1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin1/2 teaspoon salt In a large skillet, sauté the onion and yellow pepper in oil under tender.  Add the garlic; cook 1 minute longer.  Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker, stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chili is heated through.      

 

Taste of Home Recipes Across America
735 of the Best Recipes from Across the Nation
By Taste of Home
Published by Reader's Digest
Hardcover: 512 pages
September 12, 2013; $24.99 US/$27.99 CAN; 9781617651526

Description
Enjoy the flavors of the USA

One of the greatest pleasures of traveling is sampling the mouthwatering local foods. Do you recall an item that you would love to enjoy again, such as Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza, Southern Fried Chicken or Mississippi Mud Cake? You'll find those classic regional recipes right here in Taste of Home Recipes Across America.

Divided into five regions (Northeast, South, Midwest, Southwest, and West), Recipes Across America offers 735 delectable specialties enjoyed by locals, including unforgettable dishes using regional produce. You'll even discover ethnic specialties passed down through generations that became hometown favorites. Best of all, these dishes are shared by real family cooks just like you!

Here are just some of the highlights from each region.

Northeast: Philly Cheese Steak, Yankee Pot Roast, New Haven Clam Pizza, Authentic Boston Brown Bread, Buffalo Chicken Wings, Amish Sugar Cookies and Brooklyn Blackout Cake

South: Shrimp Po-Boys, South Carolina-Style Ribs, Bacon Collard Green, Cheese 'n' Grits Casserole, Georgia Peanut Salsa, Sweet Potato Fries, Banana Pudding and Hummingbird Cake

Midwest: Church Supper Hot Dish, Onion Loose Meat Sandwiches, Cherry Wild Rice Salad, German Potato Salad, Chocolate-Covered Buckeyes, Golden Apple Snack Cake and State Fair Cream Puffs

Southwest: Arizona Chicken, Barbecued Beef Brisket, Chicken-Fried Steaks, Sizzling Tex-Mex Fajitas, Armadillo Eggs, Texas Caviar, Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce, Classic Fruit Kolaches, German Chocolate Cake and Tres Leches Cake

West: Buffalo Steak Salad, Chicken Long Rice, Pacific Rim Salmon, California Sushi Rolls, Green Goddess Salad Dressing, Romaine Caesar Salad, Utah Buttermilk Scones, Caramel-Frosted Potato Cake, Oregon's Best Marionberry Pie and Lemon Tart with Almond Crust

In addition, hundreds of snapshots of food festivals and landmarks are scattered among the pages.

And as a bonus, you'll also find food folklore, recipe histories and fun food facts.

For example, did you know that though Coney Island evokes images of amusement parks, the beach and New York, Chili Coney Dogs are not from New York. These hot dogs are actually natives of Detroit. The dogs are topped with beanless chili, some onions and yellow mustard. Cincinnatians top theirs with shredded cheese and call them cheesy Coneys.

You can plan a Southern summertime barbecue, feed hungry hands with Tex-Mex, enjoy the silky smoothness of maple syrup pie, have a German celebration for Okoberfest, or dine as the Hollywood stars do with a Classic Cobb Salad. With Recipes Across America, the country is yours from coast to coast.

About Catherine Cassidy, Taste of Home Editor-in-Chief.
Catherine M. Cassidy is Editor-in-Chief of Taste of Home. She is responsible for driving editorial direction and product strategy across the brand's media platforms. They include Taste of Home, the number one food and entertaining magazine in the world; TasteofHome.com; social media; special interest publications; and cookbooks. She also is responsible for editorial direction for the magazines Simple & Delicious and Healthy Cooking and Enthusiast Brands Birds and Blooms, Country, Country Woman, Farm and Ranch Living, and Reminisce.

Cassidy has toured the country as the face of Taste of Home for national and local TV, radio, and newspaper interviews in support of the best-selling Taste of Home products, including its cookbooks.

Prior to joining Taste of Home, Cassidy served as Editor-in-Chief of Prevention magazine, the nation's largest health publication, at Rodale, Inc. Cassidy joined Rodale in 1986 as an associate editor in the book division, and was later named Executive Editor of Rodale's Custom Publishing division. She started her career at Runner's World and Fit magazines in Mountain View, California. Cassidy lives in Mequon, Wisconsin, with her husband and two daughters.

About Taste of Home
Taste of Home is a go-to resource for the holidays and any time of the year for information on food, cooking and entertaining. Each year, thousands of great home cooks from across the United States and Canada submit more than 40,000 recipes, of which 3,000 are published in Taste of Home magazines and online, making Taste of Home one of the largest and most successful practitioners of user generated content. Before being published, every recipe is tested in the Taste of Home Test Kitchen to ensure that it can be prepared with affordable, everyday ingredients from regular grocery stores. Taste of Home content is available in print; online at Tasteofhome.com; in books; via digital download on iPad, mobile apps and Kindle; and Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

For more information please visit http://www.recipesacrossamerica.com, and follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

 

 

Book Review - "Under a Blackberry Moon"

I was so excited to receive Serena B. Miller's latest historical romance novel, "Under a Blackberry Moon," to read and review. Serena has become one of my favorite historical fiction authors and her latest novel did not disappoint at all!
Moon Song is not truly accepted in town and although her friends hate to see her go, they also fear for her safety. When Skypilot offers to escort her and her young son back to her tribe, Robert and Katie are thrilled, thinking this is for the best, although Moon Song would just rather walk there herself.  As they set off on their journey things do not go as planned and they are forced to depend on each other and in the midst of all these they realize that there is more to their relationship than just mere friendship.  However, Moon Song and Skypilot are both from different worlds and cultures and each have their own baggage as well. 

I really enjoyed "Under a Blackberry Moon!"  I have loved these books that started out with Katie joining Robert's camp as a cook and later as his wife and continuing on with other individuals from the camp as the main characters. This is an unusual setting for books (at least to me based on the ones I have read!) and I find the setting and time period fascinating and I become so immersed in the characters' lives.  I am looking forward to future novels from this author!

“Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review - "Return To Me" by Lynn Austin | Kindle Fire Giveaway & Facebook Party

Enter Today | 10/3 - 10/22!
Lynn Austin is celebrating the release of Return to Me, the first book in her new Biblical fiction series, The Restoration Chronicles, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat party.

 
  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Return to Me by Lynn Austin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "Return To Me" Facebook Author Chat Party on October 22nd. Connect with Lynn and friends for an evening of book chat, biblical trivia, prizes, and get an exclusive look at the next book in Lynn's Restoration Chronicles series!

So grab your copy of Return to Me and join Lynn on the evening of October 22nd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (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 by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 22nd!

Book Info

About the book: From the Acclaimed Author of Chronicles of the Kings After decades of exile, the prophesies are coming true---King Cyrus has declared the Jews may return to Jerusalem. Iddo, a priest, is sure this is a sign of God's renewed favor. For too long they've remained in Babylon, and many, including Iddo's sons, are losing the faith that sets them apart. And so only a few choose to leave everything to return---return to their home and their God. Nothing about their journey to the Promised Land is easy. As hardships mount, even the faithful, like Iddo's beloved wife, Dinah, question the sacrifice of following God's leading. Zechariah, Iddo's oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather's ancient beliefs and the family they left behind. But one life-changing encounter with the Holy One gives him insight that will change Zechariah---and history---forever. Bringing the Old Testament to vibrant life, Return to Me tells the compelling story of two men living by faith in the midst of doubt, the women who love them, and the faithful remnant struggling to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pfkmh About Lynn: Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago. You can find out more about Lynn at http://www.lynnaustin.org/.

My Review:

Lynn Austin does an excellent job of bringing to life the Old Testament in her newest book, "Return to Me," which is book 1 of her new series - The Restoration Chronicles. At times it is hard to really imagine life during Biblical times and even harder to understand and read through some of the books of the Old Testament. "Return to Me" is such an excellent piece of Biblical fiction as it stays true to the Biblical truths and really makes the reader interested in the story as well as wanting to go pick up the Bible and reread these passages. This is a time period of such turmoil and changes for the Jews and it comes so alive and real thanks to Lynn Austin's writing.  I also have to say that I love the cover for this book, I know to not judge a book by its cover, but this one is truly perfect for the book!

 

To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here!

 

*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book.*

Book Review - "He Wins, She Wins"

"He Wins, She Wins: Learning the Art of Marital Negotiation," written by Willard F. Harley Jr., is a book that has a win-win concept and will help a couple grow more in love with each other.

This book is divided into three main sections:
1. The Art of Marital Negotiation
2. Resolving Common Marital Conflicts with Negotiation
3. Common Problems with Marital Conflict Resolution

It is explained that conflicts are a part of any marriage.  However, some conflicts are never resolved in a way that both sides are content and therefore, it will continue to be a conflict or it will resurface from time to time. By learning how to negotiate in a way that both sides win, then the conflicts will be resolved.
This book is filled with real-life examples, written in a straight-forward, easy to read and understand language.  Obstacles to resolving conflicts are included as well and how to work through them and ultimately overcome them.  There are worksheets and questionnaires included at the end of the book which further help make this book an excellent resource.
 This is a book that will have you analyzing your own relationship and thinking about the areas in which it can be improved upon. Also, it will also help you to feel as if you are not alone and reassured that "real-life" couples also struggle with similar issues.  This is a great book that will help strengthen a marriage with practical steps and tips.

“Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review - "A Christmas Gift for Rose" | Win a KINDLE HDX for you AND a friend!

Enter Today - 10/1 - 10/19!
Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her first Christmas novella, A Christmas Gift for Rose, with a Christmas Gift giveaway! 

Enter to win a NEW Kindle Fire HDX for you AND one for a friend!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire HDX and one to give away to a friend!
• A Christmas Gift for Rose, by Tricia Goyer for you and your friend!

Four second place winners will receive:

• A Christmas Gift for Rose Christmas pack (includes a recipe card, bookmark, a signed book plate, discussion questions, and a Gathering & Giving handout!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. All winners will be announced October 21st at Tricia's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Tricia's blog on the 21st to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

Book Info

About the book: Rose turned her back on the man she loves after he assisted the Englisch during World War II---only to discover she's an Englischer herself. Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns that she was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind---Englischers? When the man she loves leaves her behind, Rose is certain he left for good. Yet Rose discovers sometimes our greatest gifts are the ones we fear. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pfhBl About Tricia: USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and "Lead Your Family Like Jesus," (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com.

 

My Review:

I really enjoyed reading Tricia Goyer's Christmas novella, "A Christmas Gift for Rose!" Rose was planning to be married by now, but her fiancée joined the military, which is not the Amish way. However, Rose becomes even more conflicted and unsure of what to feel and her place in her family and the Amish community when Rose is told that her family is not her birth family, she was really born to English parents. As Rose tries to sort through her feelings, Jonathan is doing everything he can to help Rose, the woman he still loves, to find her place in the world and discover who she is. This book is filled with struggles, relationships between family members, and the magic of Christmas. Rose is given a wonderful gift at Christmas and she learns that families are not always just the members whom share blood. This is a book that can be related to and the characters empathized with no matter the reader's background.

 

 To read other reviews included on this tour go here!

 

*Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour and also a copy of this book!*

Melanie Dobson book giveaway! And Book Review - "The Courier of Caswell Hall"

Melanie Dobson's latest release, The Courier of Caswell Hall, is a riveting story you won't want to miss. The newest offering in the American Tapestries™ series, it follows an unlikely spy who discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.

Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!

  Five winners will receive:

• The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th at the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won one of the books!

Book Info

About the book: An unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution. As the British and Continental armies wage war in 1781, the daughter of a wealthy Virginia plantation owner feels conflict raging in her own heart. Lydia Caswell comes from a family of staunch Loyalists, but she cares only about peace. Her friend Sarah Hammond, however, longs to join the fight. Both women's families have already been divided by a costly war that sets father against son and neighbor against neighbor; a war that makes it impossible to guess who can be trusted. One snowy night Lydia discovers a wounded man on the riverbank near Caswell Hall, and her decision to save him will change her life. Nathan introduces her to a secret network of spies, couriers, disguises, and coded messages---a network that may be the Patriots' only hope for winning the war. When British officers take over Caswell Hall and wreak havoc on neighboring plantations, Lydia will have to choose between loyalty and freedom; between her family's protection and her own heart's desires. As both armies gather near Williamsburg for a pivotal battle, both Lydia and Sarah must decide how high a price they are willing to pay to help the men they love. Part of the American Tapestries™ series: Each standalone novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. This is the fifth book in the series. Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1aLxC9s  About the author: Melanie Dobson is the author of twelve novels; her writing has received numerous accolades including two Carol Awards. Melanie worked in public relations for fifteen years before she began writing fiction full-time. Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides with her husband and two daughters in Oregon. Connect with Melanie at: http://melaniedobson.com My Review: Melanie Dobson's historical romance novel, "The Courier of Caswell Hall," is An American Tapestry and will transport the reader back in time and into the lives of the characters. Lydia and Sarah are living in the midst of war in 1781 and they find themselves caught in the middle of remaining loyal to their families and trying to find themselves.  This story is timeless and it is easy to empathize with the characters and become lost in their lives and dilemmas.  Melanie writes with such vivid details that the time period comes alive and history becomes real.  I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it to anyone whom enjoys historical fiction filled with historical details. To read other reviews included on this blog tour go here! *Thanks for Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this tour and for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review*

Book Review - "Heart Failure"

 

Richard L. Mabry, M.D. takes the reader on an exciting ride in his latest novel, "Heart Failure!"  Carrie and Adam are shot at, and secrets come out.  However, they do not know if one of them or both of them are being targeted and by whom.

 

Book Description from the publisher:

When her fiancé’s dangerous secrets turn her work upside down, a beautiful doctor must choose between her own safety and the man she loves—and thought she knew.

Dr. Carrie Markham’s heart was broken by the death of her husband two years ago. Now, just as her medical practice is taking off, her fresh engagement to paralegal Adam Davidson seems almost too good to be true . . . until a drive-by shooting leaves Carrie on the floor of his car with glass falling around her.

When he confesses that Adam isn’t his real name and that he fled the witness protection program, Carrie is left with an impossible choice: should she abandon the fiancé she isn’t sure she really knows, or accept his claim of innocence and help him fight back against this faceless menace?

While Carrie struggles to decide whether to follow her heart or her head, the threats against them continue to escalate. Her life—as well as Adam’s—depends on making the right choice . . . and the clock is ticking.

My Review: 
I loved this book just as I loved his first novel!  Not only is "Heart Failure" filled with suspense, it is also filled with romance and also has a medical aspect to the story.  The characters come to live in the pages and I found my heart racing right along with Carrie and Adam's and completely caught up in the drama!  Richard L. Mabry, M.D. is not an author to miss if you enjoy suspenseful romance.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*