New from Quilts of Love | A Stitch in Crime Kindle Fire Giveaway!

Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Elliott. Thea's first quilt show begins to fall apart at the seams. Will she be able to piece the mystery together and save the town’s investment in the quilt show before another attack happens . . . with far worse results.
Enter to win a Kindle HDX!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Elliott
• Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn
• Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven

Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 8th. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog February 9th.

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Enter today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Book Info

About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories. About the book:  Thea's first quilt show is coming apart at the seams! Thea James has accepted an assignment as co-chairperson for Larkindale's first quilt show extravaganza. Juggling the new assignment with running her antique business, she's already feeling frayed when things start to unravel. Mary-Alice Wentworth, a much-loved town matriarch, respected quilt judge, and Thea's dear friend, is covertly conked on the head during the kick-off Quilt Show Soiree, throwing suspicion on her guests. It also appears that a valuable diamond brooch has been stolen during the attack. The family is furious. But is it because of their mugged mother or the missing diamonds? When a renowned textile expert goes MIA and the famous Wentworth heritage quilt disappears, Larkindale's reputation as a tourist haven is at risk. Thea attempts to piece the mystery together and save the town's investment in the quilt show before Mary-Alice is attacked again . . . with far worse results. Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website. About the Author:  Author and speaker Cathy Elliot nourishes her night-owl habit by creating cozy mysteries and more on her trusty laptop in Anderson, California. Like the protagonist in her new mystery, Cathy is an avid quilter. Besides collecting (too much) cool fabric, she also enjoys hunting for antique treasures. Connect with Cathy online: website, Facebook My Review: I enjoyed Cathy's Quilts of Love novel, "A Stitch in Crime."  This story is filled with mishap after mishap and keeps the reader guessing to the end as to who is behind the attacks and incidents that cause Thea's events to not turn out as planned.  Thea is an interesting main character, she has a fascinating job and has also taken on the task of co-chairing  this first quilt show extravaganza for her town, which has many smaller events leading up to the big ones.  However, to Thea it feels as if she is doing it all on her own as her co-chair seems to be MIA a lot of the time and also to add to this stress she has to deal with old "friends" and their not so helpful advice and assistance as well.  At times I felt distracted from the story and sidetracked by Thea's thoughts and there seemed to be this additional storyline going on that did not always flow too well with the main storyline.  However, this did allow for me to really feel like I knew Thea and made her so much more real as well.  I recommend this book and the others in this series as well for anyone who quilts or has interest in them; you will most definitely enjoy this series! 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 in exchange for a honest review.*

New from Elizabeth Camden | ‘Beyond All Dreams’ Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat Party

Travel back in time to the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress in Elizabeth Camden's newest release, Beyond All Dreams. From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?

Elizabeth is celebrating the release of Beyond All Dreams with a Kindle giveaway and Facebook party on February 17.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• One copy of Beyond All Dreams

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/17. Winner will be announced at Elizabeth's 2/17 Beyond All Dreams Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Elizabeth and historical fiction fans, as well as for the opportunity to win some great prizes!
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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 17th!

About the book:
Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?

Anna O'Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.

Luke Callahan was one of the nation's most powerful congressmen before his promising career was shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglements with members of Congress.

From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1BbxWeR

About the author: Elizabeth Camden is the author of six books and a RITA and Christy Award winner. With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. Elizabeth lives with her husband in Florida.

Find Elizabeth online: website, Facebook

My Review:

I absolutely love this latest book from Elizabeth Camden, "Beyond All Dreams" is my favorite novel by her!  First of all, the cover is gorgeous; now I know you should never judge a book by it's cover, but I also love great covers and they definitely draw me to the book.  However, the back cover of this book also drew me to it as well as it is a great description and teaser for the story that I had to start reading as soon as I received this book in the mail!  Anna works as a librarian in the Library of Congress (seriously how awesome is that!), and that paired with the time period and a handsome congressman, who wouldn't be drawn to this book?!  This was such an enjoyable read to me as the storyline was so fascinating with the mystery woven throughout the romance against a great backdrop.  Elizabeth writes with such detail that I felt as if I were a part of the story.  If you enjoy historical fiction, then this is a book to read and also Elizabeth Camden is an author that cannot be missed as she is one of the top five historical fiction authors in my opinion. 

To read other reviews that are 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 in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "At Home In Last Chance"

I have so enjoyed Cathleen Armstrong's A Place to Call Home series!  If you have not read the first two in this series, read them before starting her latest "At Home In Last Chance!"  This one can be read as a stand-alone novel, but really you will appreciate it and love it even more if you have read the previous novels in the series.  I was so happy that Kaitlyn got her own book.  Kaitlyn was a frustrating character for me in the last novel as she made some choices that I hated, but yet I also felt bad for her and wanted her to hopefully realize what she was doing and be given the chance to "redeem herself."  I love how easy it is to get back into this series even though it has been months since I was last in Last Chance; Cathleen does an amazing job with drawing the reader right back into this town and into the characters' lives once again.  The diner has been such an important place in each of the three novels and helping the characters to really find their footing and their home and I love this!  I highly recommend this book and series if you enjoy a feel-good read and honestly who doesn't?! 

*Thanks to the Revell Reads Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

"A Good Food Day"

"A Good Food Day" by Marco Canora with Tammy Walker, with a Foreword by Tim Ferriss is an excellent choice for a cookbook to buy if you are looking for one on good, clean eating.  What I love about this book is that it shares tips and recipes for those just starting out.  For example, quinoa has been becoming increasingly popular; however this is not something that everyone is familiar with so there is information included on the basics of this and cooking it in general.  There is also a section that has 10 principles for a good food day and also another on pantry staples; I found these two sections to be great additions to this cookbook as they are so useful.  Then of course the recipes - there is a nice variety of recipes included in this book and the illustrations going along with them just make me want to cook!  I highly recommend this cookbook to help you get on track with healthy eating and to have a good food day everyday!


For more information on this book, go HERE!


*"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Book Review - "Romancing Your Better Half"

The latest book from Rick Johnson focuses on strengthening marriage and keeping intimacy alive at all levels within a couple.  Rick begins with a section on marriage in general, then moves into specific areas, such as love, intimacy, sexuality and his and her needs.  This book is very straight-forward and easy to get into and read.  I love the use of bulleted lists and charts throughout the chapters as well as the tips that Rick ends the chapters with. 


This book has received advance praise from others in the field:


"I loved this book. It's practical, insightful, and most importantly, motivating to draw closer to our spouses. Rick is a wonderful writer who inspires."--Jim Burns, PhD, president, HomeWord, author of Creating an Intimate Marriage, Closer, and Getting Ready for Marriage

"Full of not just wise advice but ultra-practical steps for how to ensure your marriage continues to be something that you will enjoy and treasure for a lifetime."--Shaunti Feldhahn, social researcher and bestselling author of For Women Only, For Men Only, and The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages

"Romancing Your Better Half is going to reignite and, very likely, rescue thousands of marriages. It's brilliant! Suddenly the secrets to romance and intimacy aren't secret anymore."--Jay Payleitner, producer, speaker, and bestselling author of 52 Things Husbands Need from Their Wives


*Thanks to the Revell Reads Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "Hidden Agenda"

"Hidden Agenda" is book 3 in Lisa Harris' Southern Crimes series and this is such an exciting continuation of the series!  Michael has been presumed dead; however he has been working undercover and now his cover has been blown. Michael finds himself running from more than one person and threat.  Corruption and evil and secrets abound in this story and people and relationships weave together creating a tangled web.  This is a fast-paced read that is full of suspense and also sweet romance as well.  I enjoyed this story and getting to spend time with some of these characters once again.  This is a story that you will not want to stop reading once you start as it is THAT good!


*Thanks to the Revell Reads Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "Emissary"

About the book from the publisher:


With his twenty-first birthday, Hyam begins a journey that will lead him to his destiny--or his doom.
Hyam has always shown a remarkable ability to master languages, even those left unspoken for a thousand years. But now the shadow of suspicion that was cast upon him as a child prodigy at Long Hall is lengthening, and he must keep his identity hidden--or face annihilation.

As Hyam's mother slips toward death, she implores him to return to Long Hall before he settles down to farm his land. This journey born from duty becomes an impassioned quest for the truth. War is coming swiftly, and Hyam must rely upon his newfound powers and the friends he meets along the way in order to unravel the puzzling past and ensure that he--and the realm--will have a future.


In a world where magic has been outlawed for centuries, one young man discovers that he possesses powers beyond his wildest dreams.

But he does not realize how pivotal this gift will be in the days to come.

Except for the healing arts, magicking is a punishable offense in the realm. The only places it is still practiced are the Long Halls scattered throughout the land--isolated haunts of wizards called mages and their long-suffering students.

But hidden rivers of power course deep beneath the earth, and not everyone has obeyed the edict banning magic. Vixens lie in wait on the Galwyn road. A mysterious race of telepaths comes and goes invisibly. It is even rumored that Elves still hide among the wizened trees. And somewhere beyond the badlands, a growing menace threatens the hard-won peace of the realm.

This young man could stem the ominous tide . . . but only by turning away from everyone and everything he has ever known. And facing dangers he cannot fathom.


Thomas Locke is a pseudonym for Davis Bunn, the award-winning novelist with total worldwide sales of seven million copies. His work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction. He divides his time between Oxford and Florida and holds a lifelong passion for speculative stories. Davis's screenplay adaptation of Emissary is currently under development as a feature film with a British production company. Learn more at www.tlocke.com.


My Review:
I enjoyed "Emissary," and it transported me to another world, a fantasy world filled with kings, elves, magic and good vs. evil.  I found this to be an exciting story and journey to join Hyam on.  I only recently have gotten into this genre and I have to say this may very well be my favorite book of this kind so far!  It is written in a style that is so easy to read and follow although it is not my typical genre.  I highly encourage readers to step out of their comfort zone as far as what they read and try this, I doubt you will be disappointed.  I am looking forward to book 2 in the series!


*Thanks to the Revell Reads Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "The Song"

"The Song," written by Chris Fabry, is a story that is based on the Song of Solomon and one that will captivate the reader.  Jed has always lived in the shadow of his father, and has wanted to do his own thing.  Jed finds his inspiration and is able to do that, but as happens to some people they find themselves at the top to only fall and this happens to Jed.  I love the parallel with this story and the Biblical account; I think Chris did an excellent job with the connections with his characters, emotions and the series of events that occur.  In life there are ups and downs, temptations and successes and things along the way that may be derailing, and this is shown in Jed's life as well.  I highly recommend this book to be on your to read pile for this year!

*Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers Blog Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Clean eating? Then "Dashing Dish" is a must!

Book Description from the publisher:

The Dashing Dish is an inspirational cookbook chock-full of healthy, innovative yet simple recipes, most of which are gluten-free, sugar-free, and abundant in whole grains.

Like many of us, twenty-four-year-old author Katie Farrell has struggled with her weight and healthy eating. As a teen she went through yo-yo dieting and was prone to eating disorders. But through God and a passion for food and cooking, she hit upon the formula that would transform her from unhealthy girl to confident woman.

In warm, accessible language and beautiful photographs, Katie shares 100 recipes for clean eating. Every recipe is simple to make and delicious to eat. Katie uses gluten-free oat flour in place of wheat flour, cottage cheese and yogurt in place of fat, and Stevia in place of sugar. Her tips are practical, her tone inspirational. Anyone looking to eat better for the rest of their life will want to own this book.

About the Author

Katie Farrell is the author of Dashing Dish, a healthy recipe website and ministry to women. Katie is a registered nurse from Michigan, where she lives in Brighton with her husband of five years. Dashing Dish is a combination of Katie's passions-helping women find their identity in God and ending misconceptions about healthy eating. Katie wants to inspire women to find the balance between spiritual and physical health, all while enjoying the journey!


My Review:
"Dashing Dish: 100 Simple & Delicious Recipes For Clean Eating," by Katie Farrell is a cookbook that I will be using frequently!  Katie begins the book with tips for clean eating, a staple shopping list for clean eating, and tips for healthy eating while eating out and sticking to a better eating plan.  The recipes that are included sound and look delicious with ingredients that are easy to find and cook with.  I love that Katie shares a little snippet about each recipe and also a picture of each dish.  There is a huge variety of dishes included in book for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, side dishes and dessert.  The recipes for deep-dish spaghetti pizza pie, cookie dough overnight oatmeal, skinny layered pizza dip, and giant chocolate chip peanut butter cookie all sound amazing (just to name a few of the 100 delicious sounding ones included in here!).


*Thanks to the BookLook Bloggers Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "The Financially Confident Woman"

I always feel like I am being careful with my money; however it is not enough as I feel as if I am not saving any money and instead just spending, spending, spending.  Therefore, I was so thrilled with the chance to read and review Mary Hunt's latest book, "The Financially Confident Woman: what you need to know to take charge of your money."  Just the title alone told me that this was a must-read for me, especially when I saw that Mary was the author as I have read a few other books by her and I feel as if I learn so much.  This book begins with a self-examination section which immediately caught my interest and drew me into this book.  Next, Mary shares roles and myths that are commonly associated with money and finances.  The next section goes into detail about 9 habits that confident women practice, these are wonderful and habits that I am aspiring to create.  Lastly, a 6-week plan of action is included which is practical and hands-on.  This is a straight-forward book that is filled with tips and practical advice.  I highly recommend anyone whom is hoping to make changes in her life financially to get this book as it is an extremely useful resource and one that I will be referring to many times in this coming year!


*Thanks to the Revell Reads Program for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.* 

ready to change your life this year?

"The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up: the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing," written by Marie Kondo, is a must-read for anyone and everyone who wants to maintain a neat, organized home.  Marie shares so many good ideas and thoughts throughout this book in order for people to once and for all have a home that is organizes and easy to maintain as well as live a meaningful life.  I found myself highlighting so many parts of this book while reading as there are so many points that really spoke to me.  Near the beginning of the book, Marie states that organizing is not something that is really taught and passed down such as cooking skills and recipes are and yet this is something that does need to be taught.  Marie shares her tips including the order of organizing things, for example, starting with clothing.  Also, another point that makes so much sense to me, but one that I have not really practiced before is to organize by type not by location, meaning gather all of the same thing together and sort through them, deciding what to toss and what to keep.  Also, I loved that Marie reminds the reader that this is an intense process and usually takes about 6 months.  This is something I have to remind myself as I am a person who gets into a cleaning mode and just wants to finish and have everything done.  I feel not only motivated, but also prepared to really focus on decluttering and organizing now thanks to this useful book!


***"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Quilts of Love | MASTERPIECE MARRIAGE – Kindle Giveaway!

Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn. December’s QOL release celebrates the ebb and flow of marriage. Enter to win a Kindle HDX!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn
• Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven
• Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey

Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 18th. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog January 19th.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Enter today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Book Info

About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories. About the book:  He wants to save his business. She wants to be a professor. But are they asking for more than they can really have? After a flood damages the looms at Zenus Dane's Philadelphia textile mill and the bank demands loan payment, Zenus turns to his aunt for help repurposing his textiles. Trouble is . . . his aunt has already been hired by the lovely yet secretive Englishwoman Mary Varrs. Eager to acquire his aunt's quilt patterns, Zenus attends the summer Quilting Bee, a social event his aunt has uniquely designed with the secret purpose of finding Zenus a wife. However Zenus only has eyes for Mary, but Mary has no such desire for him. Though his aunt is determined to design a masterpiece marriage, both Zenus and Mary will have to overcome their stubborn ways. Can he realize that love requires stepping out of his routine? And will she recognize that following her heart doesn't mean sacrificing her ambition? Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website. About the Author:  Gina Welborn is the author of several novels and novellas, including The Heiress's Courtship. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers; the president of Faith, Hope and Love; and a founding member of InkwellInspirations.com. She lives in Cache, Oklahoma, with her pastor husband and their five children. Visit her online at GinaWelborn.com. My Review: I really enjoyed the latest Quilts of Love story, "Masterpiece Marriage."  Gina tells a sweet love story that has so many elements and aspects woven in together.  Zenus and Mary are both seeking for help and guidance and go to Priscilla as she seems to be the key to the answers they are seeking and the way for them to reach their goals.  However, things do not go exactly how they wish.  Each person has his or her own opinion and his or her own agenda and wishes and mix in the history that is between the characters and their current relationships and all of this ties together creating a great story.  The cover to this book is excellent as well as it is gorgeous and ties in the various pieces of the story nicely with the tomatoes and the looms.  This is a historical fiction story that will transport the reader back into a different time period and yet the characters still struggle with similar issues as today, such as being faced with decisions to make in regards to work, dealing with insurance, jealousy among family members and lost love. 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 in exchange for a honest review.*

Rachel Hauck Fires Up the Romance with “A Brush with Love” Kindle Giveaway!

"Fire" up the romance in the new year with Rachel Hauck's newest book, A Brush with Love, by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway! And be sure to catch a sneak peek of the soon-to-be-released How to Catch a Prince!

 One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway only runs for a week, 12/30 – 1/5. Winner will be announced January 6th on Rachel's blog.
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About the book from the publisher: Ginger Winters is a gifted hairstylist with scars no one can see. The last thing she expects from the New Year is a new chance at love.

Overcoming a childhood tragedy, Ginger emerges from the pain and trauma with a gift for bringing out the beauty in others. From the top big city salons to traveling the world as personal stylist to a country music sensation, success was almost enough to make Ginger forget her she would never be one of the beautiful people.

Almost. Now that she's back home in Rosebud, Alabama and running her own salon, the truth remains: Ginger is still that girl, forever on the outside looking in. But she needs her confidence this weekend. She's the acclaimed "beauty-maker" for the Alabama society wedding of the decade.

When high-school crush Tom Wells Jr. also returns to town and shows up at her shop looking for a haircut, Ginger's thinly veiled insecurities threaten to keep her locked away from love, Despite Tom's best efforts, Ginger can't forget how he disappeared on her twelve years ago and broke her heart. Can she ever trust him again?

When Tom challenges her to see her own beauty, Ginger must decide if she will remained chained to the past or move freely into a new, exciting future.

Endorsements

"Hauck writes with an authenticity that is hard to find."

---Celebrity Cafe

"This is classic romance at its very best."

---Debbie Macomber - #1 NYT bestselling author  

"I have become the biggest Rachel Hauck fan! Not only from working with her in writing my books, but just reading her stand-alone novels! She is truly so smart, witty and seems to have a direct insight to human nature and our emotions. She knows the right things to say that always confirm what I'm feeling, and I'm sure many many others too!"

---Award-winning, multiplatium recording artist Sara Evans

Books are available ebook everywhere 

Meet the Author

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as The Wedding Dress, Love Starts with Elle, and Once Upon A Prince. She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, Softly and Tenderly, one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full-time in 2004. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets, and writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan. Find Rachel online: website, Facebook, Twitter  My Review: I really enjoyed Rachel Hauck's novella, "A Brush With Love," and this was such a sweet love story that was filled with healing.  Ginger has lived with scars for so many years and has hidden them and also held herself back from truly living her life.  Ginger is forced to face past hurts and she learns the truth; this results in healing for Ginger and her relationships.  This is an excellent read to start the year off with as this time of year is usually a time for do-overs, a fresh start and a thorough cleansing and time for healing and moving on.  *Good luck to you all with the Giveaway!*