Enter Cara Putman’s SHADOWED BY GRACE “Past & Present” Camera Prize Pack Giveaway!

Enter Today | 1/21 - 2/8!
Cara Putman is celebrating her latest historical suspense novel, Shadowed by Grace with a fun "Past & Present" giveaway! 

One winner will receive:

• A Polaroid Instant Camera
• A beautiful antique AFGRA camera (learn more here)
• Movie passes to see The Monuments Men movie (with George Clooney and Matt Damon)
• Shadowed By Grace by Cara Putman

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 8th. Winner will be announced February 10th on Cara's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Cara's blog on the 10th to see if you won.

 

Book Info

About the book: She found peace in a time of war. Desperate to save her dying mother, an American woman accepts her newspaper's assignment to travel to Italy where she takes photographs dangerously close to the front lines during World War II. But Rachel's real motive in this journey is to find the father she never knew, an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive at such a desperate time. In her quest, Rachel becomes involved with what will become the Monuments Men effort to save great monuments and works of art from the Third Reich. Soon enough she will find more than she ever imagined---in war, in love, and in God. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/sCIbG About the author: Cara C. Putman graduated high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. The best-selling author of more than a dozen books, Cara is active in women's ministry at her church, teaches graduate courses at Purdue University, practices law, and is a homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and 4 children in Indiana. Learn more about Cara at: http://caraputman.com My Review: I love novels filled with historical details and Cara C. Putman's novel, "Shadowed by Grace," is just that and also filled with romance and suspense!  Rachel has a few motives for taking the assignment of traveling to Italy to take photographs during World War II and she will put her life in danger as this is a means for survival. I was immediately drawn into this story in the very first paragraph of Rachel being told it took a lot of pulling of strings to send her and Rachel's determination and strength just shines through and I was hooked! Rachel's involvement with the Monuments Men adds so much historical detail to this story and is also a part of history that I know little about, so I was very eager to find out about this part of history.  Cara's writing style makes it so easy to get into the story and become transported back in time and a part of a different world.  I highly recommend this novel to anyone whom enjoys historical 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 for the complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for a honest review.*

THE CALLING | Six Chances to win an iPad, Kindle, or Nook from Suzanne Woods Fisher!

Enter Today | 1/20 - 2/8!
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher is celebrating her newest book, The Calling, by giving away TWO iPads, TWO Kindles, and TWO Nooks!
 

Two grand prize winners will receive:

• An iPad
• The Letters and The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Four second place winners will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX or a Nook HD—winner's choice!
• The Letters and The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 8th. All winners will be announced February 10th at Suzanne's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne's blog on the 10th 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: Book Two in the Inn at Eagle Hill series. Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers her trademark twists, turns, and tender romance in this delightful and exciting visit to the deceptively quiet community of Stoney Ridge. Twenty-year-old Bethany Schrock is restless. Her love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending the incredibly hot summer days wading through a lifetime's accumulation of junk at the home of five ancient Amish sisters. About the only thing that holds her interest is the spirited and dangerously handsome Jimmy Fisher---and he seems bent on irritating her to no end. When the sly old sisters and a guest at the Inn get Bethany involved in running the local soup kitchen and starting a community garden, she suddenly finds herself wondering, Shootfire! How did that happen? Despite her newfound purposefulness, a gnawing emptiness about a childhood mystery continues to plague her. Encouraged by Jimmy Fisher, she will seek out the answers she craves---and uncover a shocking secret that will break her heart, heal it, and point her to love. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/stlG8 Read an excerpt: http://ow.ly/stlIM Meet the author: Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your mobile device! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/10Tygyi Learn more about Suzanne at: http://suzannewoodsfisher.com My Review: I have really enjoyed Suzanne Woods Fisher's series, and The Inn At Eagle Inn is a winning series as well!  "The Calling" is book 2 in this series and Bethany Schrock is the main character in this book although characters from book 1 are still a part of the story and we learn more about characters and situations from the first book. Bethany is spending the incredibly hot summer cleaning out the home of five sisters, five sisters who are hoarders and do not want to throw out anything!  However, Bethany quickly realizes that they are also hiding many secrets as well. Not only must Bethany struggle with knowing secrets and hiding them, but she is also trying to decide and figure out her feelings for two men in her life. I am really looking forward to the third book in this series!  Suzanne has such a great way of building on each book into the next and I cannot wait to get more answers and see how things are tied up nicely.  Many issues are addressed in this book and I love how they are addressed and handled.  I highly recommend Suzanne's books to those who enjoy Amish fiction and for those whom want more than just a "fluff" read.  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.*

Book Review - "Dare to Love Again"

"Dare to Love Again," book 2 in Julie Lessman's The Heart of San Francisco series, and it is a fun read and great addition to the series! Allison is an independent woman whom has had her heart broken and is afraid to open her heart up to a man again. Nick has been hired to teach Allison to take care of herself and self-defense. Although these two clash, they find a friendship developing between them and their hearts opening to love, but is Nick really whom he seems to be and can Allison take the risk to love again?
I loved book one in this series and was so excited to revisit the McClare family again!  Allison is such a great character and I was so excited that she was the heroine of this book!  Nick is one whom I loved as well; he is grumpy, but one who you cannot help love and cheer for.  I am looking forward to book three, this is another winner from Julie!


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

Book Review - "The B ig Book of Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids"

"The Big Book of Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids: a 3-in 1 collection" by Rob Elliott is a book that children and parents alike will enjoy!  There are three types of jokes included in this book - question and answer type, animal jokes and knock-knock jokes.  This is an excellent collection of funny, clean jokes.  I love that it is an entire book of appropriate jokes for anyone of any and every age, it is not one that has to be looked over and through before letting children read it.  This is one that can be handed over to children and let them enjoy it! 


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

The Headmistress of Rosemere “School” Your Desk Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party!

Enter Today - 1/17 - 1/28!
Don't miss Sarah Ladd's latest Regency novel, The Headmistress of Rosemere. She is celebrating the release of book two in her Whispers on the Moors series with a fun "School" Your Desk Kindle Fire Giveaway and an Author Chat Facebook Party!

Between January 17–28, visit Sarah Ladd's Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day and be entered to win a Kindle Fire grand prize. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on January 28th! (Don't have a Facebook account? Enter here.)

RSVP today for Sarah's The Headmistress of Rosemere Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Sarah will be hosting a book chat, testing your Regency trivia skills, announcing the winner of the "School" Your Desk Giveaway, and giving away books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving partygoers an exclusive look at the next book in the Whispers on the Moors series!

So grab your copy of The Headmistress of Rosemere and hope to see you on the evening of January 28th! (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. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 28th!

Book Info

About the book: Patience Creighton has dedicated herself to the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. But the return of the enigmatic master of the estate puts everything she loves at risk. Bright, sensible Patience knows what is expected of her. At twenty-five, her opportunity for a family of her own has passed, so she invests herself in teaching at her father's school for girls. When her father dies suddenly and her brother moves away to London, she is determined to make the school successful. Confirmed bachelor William Sterling also knows what is expected of him, but mistake after mistake has left him teetering on ruin's edge. As master of Eastmore Hall he owns a great deal of property --- including the land where Rosemere School is located --- but possesses little money to manage its upkeep. When debtors start calling, he is desperate to find a new source of income, even if it means sacrificing Rosemere. When a fire threatens the school grounds, William must decide to what lengths he is willing to go to protect his birthright. And when Patience's brother returns with a new wife to take over management of the school, Patience suddenly finds herself unsure of her calling. After a surprising truth about William's past is brought to light, both William and Patience will have to seek God's plans for their lives-and their hearts. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/sgVC4 About the author: Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever. Learn more about Sarah at: http://sarahladd.com My Review: I loved book 1, "The Heiress of Winterwood," in Sarah E. Ladd's Whispers on the Moors series and I had been looking forward to book 2!  "The Headmistress of Rosemere" was worth waiting for and I think I liked it even better than the first book in the series!  Patience and William are both excellent main characters whom are determined to live their lives as they know they should and are determined to fulfill their callings. Patience is dealing with trying to run the school after her father passes and then when her brother and his wife return, her life's goal is not so clear anymore.  How many times do each of us encounter barriers while working toward a goal to only have to make some chances and begin again?  It was easy to relate to the characters and I found myself quickly drawn into their lives and into the story.  This is a wonderful historical fiction story that historical fiction and romance fans will not want to miss out on! 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.*

Escape to the tropics! Book Review - "Sisterchicks Do the Hula"

"Sisterchicks Do the Hula," by Robin Jones Gunn, is just what is needed for an escape to a warmer climate this time of the year.  Hope and Laurie had plans to go to Hawaii years earlier, but it never happened.  Now they are about to turn forty and the trip finally happens.  As they set off for Hawaii they are on a journey of fun but also realizing the blessings they have received in life and what God has in store for them in the future.


This is fun, light-hearted read that will have you laughing and enjoying the adventures with these two best friends.  Robin's style of writing is so easy to get into and follow and the storyline is fun and exciting and a nice escape. 


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

Julie Klassen’s “The Dancing Master” giveaway and “All Things Jane” webcast 1/23!

Enter Today - 1/6 - 1/23!
Best-selling author Julie Klassen will be hosting a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a live webcast event (1/23) to celebrate the release of her latest novel, The Dancing Master. Enter and RSVP today!

 
  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 23rd. Winner will be announced at the "All Things Jane (from Austen to Eyre)" Live Webcast Event on January 23rd. Connect with Julie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Julie will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, Jane Austen DVDs, fun "Jane" merchandise, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Dancing Master and join Julie and friends on the evening of January 23rd 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 signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

Book Info

About the book: Finding himself the man of the family, London dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire, hoping to start over. But he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing, for reasons buried deep in her past. Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch's daughter. Though he's initially wary of Julia Midwinter's reckless flirtation, he comes to realize her bold exterior disguises a vulnerable soul---and hidden sorrows of her own. Julia is quickly attracted to the handsome dancing master---a man her mother would never approve of---but she cannot imagine why Mr. Valcourt would leave London, or why he evades questions about his past. With Alec's help, can Julia uncover old secrets and restore life to her somber village . . . and to her mother's tattered heart? Filled with mystery and romance, The Dancing Master brings to life the intriguing profession of those who taught essential social graces for ladies and gentlemen hoping to make a "good match" in Regency England. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/s7Yl1 About the author: Julie Klassen loves all things Jane---Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She is a three-time Christy Award winner and a 2010 Midwest Book Award winner for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. Learn more about Julie at: http://julieklassen.com My Review: Julie Klassen's latest novel, "The Dancing Master," is beautifully written and filled with characters you cannot help but fall in love with.  Alec is the man of the home now and is forced to make some decisions that change his family's life, including moving.  However, he learns that dancing is prohibited in his new town and that is Alec's profession.  Julia's family has had their share of sorrow and she is trying to get out from under her mother's control and wants her own freedom.  When Alec arrives in town, Julia of course tries to befriend him. There are secrets and issues in the past of these two; will they cause a barrier or will love prevail? This story is so well written, it flows nicely and the friendship is developed well between Alec and Julia. The romance in this book is sweet and the mystery adds a nice touch as well as it will keep you reading and completely engrossed in the story and in the characters' lives.  I have enjoyed all of Julie's books and she brings this time period to life and I love the escape while reading! 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.*

Book Review - "No One To Trust"

I was looking forward to Lynette Eason's newest novel and I was not disappointed! "No One To Trust" is the first book in Lynette's newest series, Hidden Identity, and it is one that will keep you turning the pages late into the night! 
Summer's life is turned upside down when she awakes to find a gun being pointed at her and her husband missing; this is the start of a nightmare and a web that Summer is tangled in and must find the truth and her way out. Who really is Kyle?  What is true and what has all been a lie?
"No One To Trust" is filled with twists and turns, lies, deception, secrets, romance and excellent story telling!  I have loved all of Lynette's previous novels and this one is added to the list as well. 
Kyle and Summer's lives are not only in danger, but their marriage as well, and as Kyle strives to save both, I had to keep on turning the pages to find out what was going to happen. I cannot say much else to give anything away, just that this is not one to miss and I am looking forward to the next novel in this series!


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

Dorothy Love’s “Carolina Gold” Southern Essentials $100 Visa Cash Card Giveaway and 1/14 Facebook Party!

Enter Today - 1/4 - 1/14!
Don't miss Dorothy Love's latest historical novel, Carolina Gold. Fun news: The release of Carolina Gold coincides with Dorothy's birthday. Celebrate with her by entering the Southern Essentials Giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook party on January 14th!

 
Between January 3–14, visit Dorothy Love's Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day and be entered to win the $100 Visa Cash Card grand prize. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on January 14th! (Don't have a Facebook account? Enter here.) RSVP today for Dorothy's Carolina Gold Author Chat Party on Facebook.

During the party Dorothy will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, announcing the winner of the Southern Essentials Giveaway, and giving away books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving partygoers an exclusive look at her next book!

So grab your copy of Carolina Gold and help Dorothy celebrate her birthday on the evening of January 14th! (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. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 14th!

Book Info

About the book: The war is over, but her struggle is just beginning. Charlotte Fraser returns to her late father's once-flourishing rice plantation on the Waccamaw River, determined to continue growing the special kind of rice known as Carolina Gold. But Fairhaven Plantation is in ruins, the bondsmen are free, and money is scarce. To make ends meet, Charlotte reluctantly accepts a position as tutor to the young daughters of Nicholas Betancourt, heir to the neighboring Willowood Plantation. Then Nick's quest to prove his ownership of Willowood sends Charlotte on a dangerous journey that reveals an old family mystery---and threatens all that she holds dear. Inspired by the life of a 19th century woman rice planter, Carolina Gold continues Dorothy Love's winning tradition of weaving together mystery, romance, and rich historical detail, bringing to life the story of one young woman's struggle to restore her ruined world. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/s2Q5l About the author: A former journalist, free-lance writer and college professor, Dorothy Love explores the intersection of history and human relationships to create novels that speak to the hearts of women everywhere. She is the author of the acclaimed Hickory Ridge novels set in her native state of Tennessee. After earning a masters degree and Ph.D, she authored dozens of magazine articles before breaking into book publishing with a number of award-winning novels for preteens and young adults. The Hickory Ridge series marked her adult fiction debut. Currently she is working on several stand-alone historical novels set in the South. When she isn't busy writing or researching her next book, Love enjoys hiking, traveling, and hanging out with her husband Ron and their rambunctious golden retriever. The Loves make their home in the Texas hill country. To keep up with Dorothy Love, visit www.dorothylovebooks.com, become a fan on Facebook (Dorothy Love Books) or follow her on Twitter (@writerDorothy).  My Review: Dorothy Love does an incredible job with transporting the reader back to the post-Civil War time period in her latest novel, "Carolina Gold."  Charlotte has returned home to reclaim her home and fulfill a promise to her late father. However, trying to find help, run the plantation and take care of the home are only a few of her worries as Charlotte has not proof that the land is hers.  As Charlotte's life intertwines with her new neighbor's Nick, life becomes even more complicated. Charlotte is such a strong main character and I immediately liked her as I started to read, she is determined, loyal and genuine.  I really enjoyed how Dorothy brought Charlotte's character to life and also this time period.  The rebuilding and hardships in the South during this time period are so well detailed and written that I felt as if I was transported to Charlotte's plantation. I highly recommend this book for historical fiction fans as Dorothy will draw you in with the details of the time period, the characters, the mystery and the romance. To read other reviews included on this book blog tour, go here! *Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "Everyday Confetti"

Karen Ehman & Glynnis Whitwer have done a fabulous job with their "Everyday Confetti: your year-round guide to celebrating holidays and special occasions" book!  It is filled with a wonderful collection of recipes and ideas for celebrating holidays throughout the year, both major, widely celebrated holidays and those that may not be as lavishly celebrated.

"Everyday Confetti" has an excellent layout as it is well organized and easy to use as go to resource when planning a celebration or needing a quick, last-minute idea or recipe for a special event.  There are chapters devoted to everyday celebrations including spiritual milestones. Then there are sections for each season which include the holidays and celebrations that occur during those months.

This book is a great resource as it includes so much!  There are recipes, party tips and ideas and historical dates and tidbits along with the authors' memories and ways of celebrating.  This is such a great collection and I was pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of holidays that are celebrated as days such as Book Lover's Day, Tell A Story Day and Mystery Day (just to name a few!) are included. This book takes you way beyond the typical holidays and celebrations and introduced you to lesser known days and really will help you make everyday a holiday! I cannot wait to start celebrating all these fun days and making memories with my children!

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

Book Review - "Snapshot"

Book Description from the publisher:

Two little girls, frozen in black and white. One picture worth killing for.

Federal prosecutor Lisa Waldren’s estranged father wants her to investigate a cold case from his FBI days. Lisa nearly refuses, even though a wrongly convicted man faces execution for murder. Then her father reveals a photograph: a little white girl playing alongside a little black girl at a rally in 1965 where the shooting of a civil rights leader took place. She recognizes herself in the photo.

She was there.

Lisa agrees to help, resolved to boldly seek answers she’s skirted for decades. What she discovers are layers of deception, both personal and professional, reaching as high as the head of the FBI. Possibly even the president.

And though Lisa and the other girl may have escaped the 1965 shooting physically unharmed, her little friend, now grown, bears the scars of it. All because of the color of her skin. As Lisa and her father get closer to the truth, the real killer turns the hunt around.


My Review:


I have been looking forward to a new book from Lis Wiehl as I have enjoyed her previous novels so much!  "Snapshot" was an exciting and touching read to start out this new year with!  This novel is filled with so much historical detail and also personal details as the author is a little girl in the photograph this story is based on. The legal system plays such a large role in Lis' story and I find this fascinating and also with all the twists and turns, Lis takes the reader on quite an unforgettable journey.  Any fan of Lis' previous novels will not want to miss out on this one!


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