Buried Beneath the Words by Betel Arnold | Kindle Giveaway

Welcome to the blog tour and giveaway for Betel Arnold's debut book, Buried Beneath the Words.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Buried Beneath the Words by Betel Arnold

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 12th. Winner will be announced October 13th at Betel's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Betel's blog on the 13th to see if you won!

About the book: 

Words! Words! Words!

Words all over the place. Accusing, blaming, and degrading words are the worst of all. After hearing those words over and over again, we begin to feel the weight of them threatening to crush the very life out of us.

Buried Beneath the Words cleverly shares a true life story about the different ways someone can end up buried beneath the weight of negative words. Then it shares a Christian course for how God's word can revive us. By putting the advice given within these pages into practice, you will experience an awakening of the real you---the you that has been buried way too long.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/BCxmQ 

About the author: Betel Arnold is a Certified Christian Life Coach, her passion is to reach out to women with compassion, empathy and encouragement. She is the creator, co-producer, and co-host of Simply Talking, a local public television show addressing issues drawn from our daily lives to deeper questions that come from our personal tragedies. Betel has learned to integrate her roles as wife, mother, inspirational speaker and family advocate. It is Betel's personal life experiences of overcoming adversity where she was able to find the inspiration and inner strength to do the impossible. She inspires others to overcome the challenges that keep us from moving forward in our lives and achieving our goals. Betel Arnold has embraced her life's conviction to help women become all that God has called them to be.

Find Betel online: website, Facebook, Twitter

My Review:

Betel Arnold's inspiring book, "Buried Beneath the Words," is a book that will really lead the reader to search her own life and really think about how words have impacted her life.  Words are so powerful and can impact everyone, no matter how old he or she is.  Hurtful words can tear down a person's self-esteem so quickly and so much.  Betel shares how the Bible and having faith can help increase one's self-esteem and help recover from the negative impact of these words.  I love the style of this book as it is a workbook type book which ample space to reflect and work through how situations, our perceptions, other peoples' opinions and words impact us.   This is a very valuable resource and one that will be life-changing as it can help you personally, but also impact how you interact with children and others in your life.

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

Book Review - "The Stress Cure"

"The Stress Cure: praying your way to personal peace," written by Linda Evans Shepherd, is a great book that will draw the reader into the pages and on the path to finding peace. 
Life is filled with stress and it seems that advice and tips are all around, but life is still overwhelming at moments, many moments. Linda addressed a different aspect of stress in each chapter and offers suggestions on how prayer can help us to let go and relieve us of that type of stress.  There are personal antidotes shared, Biblical passages, verses and ample space for personal reflection in each chapter. 
I enjoyed this book as it was straight-forward, but written in a style that is calm and soothing and not judging.  This is a book that should be read through and savored as it is filled with useful information that can truly help reduce stress and utilize prayer to find an inner peace. 


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

Quilts of Love | HIDDEN IN THE STARS – $200 Giveaway & “Fall into Fall” Facebook Party!

Don't miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll. September's QOL release is a wonderful combination of mystery, romance, and family love bound together by a quilt and the story it tells.

Enter to win a "Night on the Town" (a $200 Visa cash card!) and RSVP for the "Fall into Fall" Quilts of Love Facebook party on 10/7.
One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa cash card (The perfect accessory for a "night on the town"!)
• A Grand Design by Amber Stockton
• Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 7. Winner will be announced at the October 7th author chat party with Amber Stockton and Robin Caroll! RSVP for an evening of book chat, quilting tips and tricks, prizes, and more!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on October 7th!

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:  A quilt holds the secret to a killer still at large---and who his next victim will be. Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, 21-year-old Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept her estranged grandmother's offer to return to their family home. Although detective Julian Frazier is working hard on the case, Sophia unknowingly frustrates him because her inability to speak thwarts her eyewitness evidence. The fact that Julian is undeniably attracted to Sophia doesn't help either, so Julian hides his feelings as concern for a trauma victim and focuses instead on finding the killer. Little do they know, the clues to solving the case may be right in front of them, displayed in Sophia's mother's "special" quilt design. Who will realize the secret Sophia's unwittingly been hiding in plain sight? When the truth comes to light, will Sophia find her voice again? Or will the murderer---still at large---silence her forever? Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website. About the Author:  Robin Caroll is the author of 22 published novels. When she isn't writing, Robin spends time with her husband of 20-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home in Little Rock, Arkansas. She gives back to the writing community by serving as conference director for ACFW. Her books have been named finalists in such contests as the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer's Choice Award, Bookseller's Best, and Book of the Year. Connect with Robin: website, Facebook, Twitter My Review: I loved Robin Caroll's Quilts of Love novel, "Hidden in the Stars," as the storyline was so engrossing and the characters were so loveable and real.  Right from the start I was thinking what could have been the cause for this attack on Sophia and her mother and I was kept guessing until the very end! There are so many pieces to this story and so many relationships as Sophia discovers that her mother had hidden things from her and lied to her throughout the year, which is first discovered when Sophia's grandmother shows up at the hospital.  Charlie is an amazing character as well and I loved her story being woven into this as she has a history with Julian and becomes an instant friend to Sophia offering not only help through lip reading, but spiritual and emotional help as well. Julian is struggling with things from his past as well and is struggling with his feelings toward God and Sophia.  This is such a wonderful story of healing on so many levels and one that will hold your attention from the very first page to the last. 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.*

Shelley Shepard Gray is heading back to Sugarcreek in JOYFUL! {Book giveaway.}

Don't miss Shelley Shepard Gray's newest book in the Return to Sugarcreek series, Joyful. USA Today raved: "A sweet, straightforward story about how love can be tested by family, faith, and personal insecurity. Enjoyable and heartwarming."

Click the banner for a chance to win books 1-3 in Shelley's Return to Sugarcreek series! 
Winner announced on Shelley's blog on 9/30.

About the book: A young Amish couple gets a second chance at love in New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray's final book in her Return to Sugarcreek series.

Randall Beiler is doing his best to put his family and the farm's needs first, even forsaking love. But though he tries, Randall knows he needs help caring for his younger siblings and keeping the house together.

When his brother offers pretty Elizabeth Nolt a job taking care of the house and cooking for the family, Randall is furious---and guilty about the way he once broke Elizabeth's heart. But when he learns that Elizabeth and her grandmother are struggling to make ends meet, he knows the offer, no matter how painful, is the right thing for everyone.

Elizabeth wants to refuse---to stay far away from the man who hurt her---but she needs the money. Though she vows to protect her heart, spending time in the Beiler household makes Elizabeth realize that, while she's older and wiser, her love for Randall still burns strong.

Randal, too, seems to want something more. But does he want Elizabeth because he truly loves her---or because he needs a housekeeper? If Randall sincerely wants something more, he must find a way to show Elizabeth---or risk losing his chance at love forever.

Purchase a copy:  http://ow.ly/BeIYd 

About the author: Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Find Shelley online: website, Facebook

My Review:

Shelley Shepard Gray returns to Sugarcreek with such a sweet love story for book number 3, "Joyful." Elizabeth has been hired to be a housekeeper as much as she does not want to take this job because of the history between herself and Randall.  However awkward it is going to be, she needs the work.  As Elizabeth takes this job, Randall and Elizabeth both realize feelings within themselves for each other and allow a second chance., I really enjoyed this story; it may be my favorite in the series.  Elizabeth is such a sweet girl and an excellent main character.  I found myself empathizing with her from the very start.  However, I really liked Randall as well as a main character and love the interactions between these two and watching their relationship shift and grow.  Shelley writes in such a way that the reader is completely drawn into the story and into the characters' lives and I found myself not wanting to leave this story and the characters at the end. This is an excellent choice for Amish fiction fans!

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.*

"Before Amen" - the power of a simple prayer

About the book: 

We all pray . . . some.

We pray to stay sober, centered, or solvent. When the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is falling apart. We pray.

But wouldn't we like to pray more? Better? Stronger? With more fire, faith, and fervency?

Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet. The calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit. And what about our checkered history with prayer? Uncertain words. Unmet expectations. Unanswered requests.

We aren't the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance too. In fact, prayer is the only tutorial they ever requested.

And Jesus gave them a prayer. Not a lecture on prayer. Not the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer. Couldn't we use the same?

In Before Amen best-selling author Max Lucado joins readers on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer, offering hope for doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the conversation begin.

Pre-order a copy of Before Amen by 9/29 and receive a FREE ebook copy of Max's best-selling Second Chances: More Stories of Grace.

Purchase a copy:  http://ow.ly/BbwcL

About the author: More than 120 million readers have found comfort in the writings of Max Lucado. He ministers at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt, Andy.

Find Max online: website, Twitter, Facebook

 

My Review:

Max Lucado is an author whom has written so many books that I have enjoyed over the years and his latest, "Before Amen"  does not disappoint in the least! Prayer, it seems so easy and straightforward, yet it is something that is so easily overlooked, forgotten about until one is in desperate need and the beauty and significance is so underappreciated. Max shares the power of prayer and a basic guideline or model for each of use to use to help us really understand, use and appreciate to power of prayer and the One whom we are praying to.  I really enjoyed this book and it will be one that I will reread several times I am sure.  Not only is it so straightforward and easy to read, but the message is short, sweet and easy to read. I love the format of the book as it is divided into well-defined chapters and within the chapters that are bulleted lists, and quotes that are highlighted and grab your attention.  This book has opened my eyes to prayer and has provided a fresh approach to it for me. 

To read other reviews included on this 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.*

Celebrate the Treasury of Bible Stories by entering the Rhythmical Rhymes Kindle Giveaway!

Part of the Magnificent Tales series, Treasury of Bible Stories: Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times will delight children ages 4–8 with rhyming Bible stories pairing spiritual truths with playful illustrations.

Enter the Rhythmical Rhymes Kindle Giveaway 9/15 – 10/12.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• Treasury of Bible Stories by Kelly Pulley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 12th. Winner will be announced October 13th at Kelly's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Kelly's blog on the 13th to see if you won!

About the book: Children ages 4-8 will be delighted by these rhyming Bible stories pairing spiritual truths with playful illustrations.

Featuring lyrical stories full of lighthearted moments, this colorful collection of Magnificent Tales is perfect for reading out loud. As families read these stories night after night, they will make memories together while learning about the Bible.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/BotGV

About the author: Kelly Pulley works from his middle Tennessee home writing and illustrating children's picture books, most recently Ten Unusual Features of Lulu McDunn and The Cycling Wangdoos. He is best known for illustrating dozens of books in the Beginner's Bible series, including The Beginner's Bible (over 1.25 million copies sold).

Find Kelly online: website, Facebook

My Review:

Kelly Pulley's children's book, "Treasury of Bible Stories: Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times" is an excellent collection of Bible stories for families to enjoy together.  This is a hardcover edition filled with vibrant illustrations that is so appealing to children (and adults too!). I love how each story that is shared has plenty of illustrations to go with it and also the Biblical passage is shared as well, so that children are able to see what the story is based on and that it is truth from the Bible.  There is also a nice variety of stories included in here and a few that are included are not as well-known as others which is nice to see as well.  This book would make an excellent gift for a child and it is one that I know will be read and looked through over and over again in my house!

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 - "Love's Fortune"

"Love's Fortune" is book #3 in Laura Frantz's Ballantyne Legacy series and it is a great addition to the series.  Wren has loved her life in Kentucky; however her life is turned upside down when she travels to Pennsylvania with her father and meets some other family members. Wren does not feel as if she fits in and does not fit the society mold that is expected of her.  As Wren struggles to find her place in the family and in this new home she seeks help from James, but this may not be enough.
This is a story that is so richly written as it is filled with realistic characters and historical details.  I found myself captivated by the story and I loved reading this continuation of the family and their legacy.  I highly recommend this book and series to historical fiction fans.


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

"The Story Keeper" - a story within a story

Lisa Wingate's latest novel, "The Story Keeper," is a masterpiece that should not be missed out on! Jen is a successful editor and she is thrilled to be beginning this new job; however she is unsure of what to do when an unfinished manuscript from the slush pile lands on her desk.  Jen cannot stay away from the manuscript and as she begins to read she is transported back to her childhood home and life. As Jen tries to uncover the mystery and story that is being shared with her, she faces her own past as well.
This book is so rich is detail throughout the entire book that the Blue Ridge Mountains came alive to me and the various struggles that the characters face. However many of this issues are not different from ones that so many people deal with in the county that I live in; this made the book even more real to me and a gentle reminder of the everyday needs and struggles that so many face. 
Lisa has a true talent for storytelling as this is a book that completely drew me into the story and in the characters' lives and it is a story that will forever stick with me.  I was thrilled to have been a part of the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Book" and I was able to read this book in June.  I was the second sister in my group and therefore I was able to read the comments that my "big sister" had written throughout the book which added another layer to the book.  I am getting ready to reread my own copy of this book which I am sure I will be blessed once again. 

Book Review - "Magnolia Market"

Book Description from the publisher:

The self-help books lied: fresh starts aren’t nearly as glamorous as they appear. And love isn’t any easier the second time around.
Avery Broussard was savoring her long-dormant optimism. It was the first anniversary of her husband’s death, and she was finally going to buy the dress boutique from her former mother-in-law. After a year of saving, the deal was nearly done. Avery was about to get her life back.
But every deal in Samford, Louisiana, can change at the whim of a Broussard.
After being unceremoniously ejected from the very boutique she planned to buy—the boutique she herself had rescued from ruin—she becomes a woman without a future . . . suddenly at war with her late husband’s family.
When carpenter T. J. Aillet begins working for the Broussards doing manual labor, he overhears enough to know that Avery is being victimized. Soon enough, T. J. is lassoed into the squabble by his family connections, his good heart . . . and the undeniable attraction he feels toward Avery.
But the Aillets are no strangers to Samford society—and T. J. knows what happens when you cross the Broussards. Could these two misfits ever make a start together? Or will the pressures of Samford society pull them apart before they even get a chance to try?
About the Author
Judy Christie writes fiction with a Louisiana flavor. She is the author of the Green series of novels including Gone to Green. A fan of primitive antiques and porch swings, she blogs from her green kitchen couch at www.judychristie.com. She and her husband live in northern Louisiana.


My Review:
"Magnolia Market" is the second Trumpet and Vine novel and it is an excellent romance story.  Samford, Louisiana is controlled by the Broussard family and Avery is unable to get break free of her former in-laws hold. As her plans and her boutique is yanked away from her, she is not giving up without a fight. When T.J. finds out the truth, he is drawn into the disagreements as well and finds himself losing his heart in the process.  This is a sweet story that focuses on fresh starts, giving and having a second chance at true love, forgiveness and moving on.  The characters became so real in the story and I felt such a connection with them as they were so easy to connect with as I was immediately drawn into the storyline and into this town.


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

CHRISTMAS AT ROSE HILL FARM iPad Bunthe dle Giveaway & sign up to host a Book Club Brunch!

Join best-selling, award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher for an Amish Christmas to remember. Filled with heart-twisting moments amid the sweet anticipation of love, Christmas at Rose Hill Farm will charm readers into the holiday spirit.

Suzanne is hosting a "Christmas Rose" iPad bundle giveaway and a nation-wide Christmas at Rose Hill Farm Book Club Brunch in November. Enter the giveaway below and sign up to host a brunch HERE.

 

TWO grand prize winners will receive:

• An iPad
• A Rose-patterned iPad case
• A Rose-patterned phone case (for any model phone)
• A Christmas wreath
• A set of Christmas hand-towels
• Christmas at Rose Hill Farm by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Five second place winners will receive:

• Christmas at Rose Hill Farm by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 28th. All winners will be announced September 29th at Suzanne's blog.

Host a Christmas at Rose Hill Farm Book Club Brunch! This fall Suzanne is inviting book clubs across the nation to throw a Christmas at Rose Hill Farm Book Club Brunch. Sign up here between now and September 29. If you’re selected as one of the 50 hosts, you’ll receive a copy of the book plus two other Revell titles (give them away as party prizes or door prizes or keep them for yourself), a complete party kit, and a discount code to purchase copies of Christmas at Rose Hill Farm for your book club at a discount. Suzanne is also encouraging each book club brunch to collect non-perishable items for their local community shelter. She will be making a donation to her favorite charity (helping abused women and children) for every brunch that meets their goal. Click here for more details and to SIGN UP!

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne's blog on the 29th 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!)

About the book: 

Bess Riehl is preparing Rose Hill Farm for her Christmas wedding, but her groom isn't who she thought it would be. Billy Lapp is far away from his Amish roots working as a rose rustler for Penn State and wants nothing to do with Stoney Ridge, his family, or Bess. And that suits Bess just fine. Why should she think twice about a man who left without a word, without any explanation? It's time she moved on with her life, and that meant saying yes to Amos Lapp, Billy's cousin and best friend. But as Bess and Amos's wedding day draws near, her emotions tangle into a tight knot. She loves Amos. Yet she can't forget Billy.

When a "lost" rose is discovered at Rose Hill Farm, Billy is sent to track down its origins. Get in, identify the rose, and get out. That's his plan. The only catch is that he's having a hard time narrowing down the identity of the lost rose, and he can't get those tropical blue eyes of Bess Riehl out of his mind.

As the history of the lost rose is pieced together, it reminds Bess and Billy---and Amos, too---that Christmas truly is the season of miracles.

"Filled with heart-twisting moments amid the sweet anticipation of love, this story will charm readers into the holiday spirit."

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/ARPVX 

About 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.

Download Suzanne's free app! http://bit.ly/10Tygyi

Find Suzanne online: website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

My Review:

I love all things Christmas, and I was so excited to receive a Christmas book written by one of my favorite Amish fiction writers, Suzanne Woods Fisher!  "Christmas at Rose Hill Farm" is a sweet love story that has the Christmas season as a backdrop and the snowy landscape and the frigid weather set the scene nicely and drew me into the story. It was nice to revisit a few characters from previous novels; I love when authors do that as it's like a nice family reunion when you can get caught up on the lives of characters whom you have enjoyed spending time with. Bess was told that she was in the midst of a love triangle before and now she is once again as her wedding is approaching and the one whom her heart still loves, but she is not marrying, returns home. I really enjoyed spending this time with Bess, Billy and Amos and I will be rereading this once again nearer to Christmas I'm sure!

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 the book.*

Kindle HDX Giveaway and Live Webcast Event with @MaryConnealy!

Don't miss the first book in Mary Connealy's Wild at Heart series. In Tried & True, Mary is back with her signature humor and heartfelt story-telling.

Mary's celebrating by connecting with readers during a live webcast event and giving away a Kindle HDX.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• Tried & True by Mary Connealy

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 23rd. Winner will be announced at the Tried & True LIVE webcast event on September 23rd. Connect with Mary for an evening of swoon-worthy book chat, fun trivia, laughter, a sneak peek at the next book in the Wild at Heart series, and more! Mary will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Tried & True and join Mary and friends on the evening of September 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!

About the book: Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!

Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister---and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It's a risk---they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as "boys"---but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.

Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?

Purchase a copy:  http://ow.ly/AS8Js

About the author: Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Find Mary online: website, Facebook, Twitter

My Review:

Mary Connealy's brand-new series, Wild at Heart, begins with "Tried & True," a perfect book to begin this series about the Wilde sisters. Kylie, Shannon and Bailey have all staked a claim and are masquerading as men; part of their father's plan, whom has been running their lives.  Land agent Aaron sees through the girl's masquerade; however he is not able to separate himself from them, especially Kyle when she is suddenly in danger. As Aaron tries to help Kylie, he faces issues from his past as well.  I really loved this book! Mary does an excellent job with setting the scene and really bringing the time period to life. The story is fast-moving and I found myself laughing, holding my breath during the times of danger and rooting for the characters.   I loved Kylie's story and cannot wait to read Shannon's and Bailey's and see how life turns out for these two.  I loved the Wilde sisters, but also Tucker, Sunrise, and Gage and am looking forward to spending more time with them in the rest of the series.  The preview for book 2 included at the end has me looking forward to that one coming out!

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.*

“Love & Cupcakes” Kindle Giveaway and Facebook Party from Betsy St. Amant!

Don't miss Betsy St. Amant's latest fiction release, All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes. A "sweet" tale of two best friends and the choices they make between dreams and a possible "sure thing," St. Amant's novel is sure to satisfy your romantic-fiction craving.

Betsy is celebrating with a fun Kindle giveaway and a Love & Cupcakes Facebook party! One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle
• All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Love & Cupcakes" Author Chat Party on 9/18. Betsy will be hosting a "sweet" book chat, giving away prizes, and answering questions from readers. She will also share an exclusive sneak peek at her next book project!

So grab your copy of All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes and join Betsy on the evening of September 18th 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

About the book: 

Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie's bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat's best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself---her---is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat's senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/AZIVZ

 About the author: 

Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana with her young daughter and has a heart for sharing the amazing news of God's grace through her novels. A freelance journalist, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she's not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing.

Find Betsy online: website, Facebook


My Review:
I really enjoyed reading Betsy St. Amant's sweet novel, "All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes." This was such a sweet love story that had a bakery and a cooking competition at the center of the story along with a nice love story.  Kat and Lucas are best friends and they each have dreams, but they both are struggling to find their own paths and where life is going to take them and if their paths will take them in separate directions or alongside each other. Betsy's style of writing makes it so easy to get into the story and into the characters' lives.  Kat and Lucas are both main characters whom I loved spending time with and really came alive on the pages; I found myself rooting for them both throughout the book. This is such a fun storyline with great characters; I highly recommend it!


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 - "A Light in the Wilderness"

"A Light In The Wilderness," a historical novel by Jane Kirkpatick, takes the reader back on a journey out West with three women.  This novel draws the reader into the lives of these women and into the setting that everything becomes so real.

Letitia, Nancy and Betsy are all three very different women, from three very different backgrounds, yet they have similarities as each one is trying to live her life.  Hardships and trials that are faced in this the American wilderness tie these women together and help forge friendships where they may not have naturally occurred.  I believe Jane did an excellent job with this book as it is filled with historical details and the setting and time period came to life for me while I was reading.  This is a treasure for historical fiction fans that will not want to missed out on!

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

Book Review - "The Desire"

"The Desire," book 3 in The Restoration Series written by Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley, is a story that focuses on Michelle and Allen whom have been introduced in the previous two novels in the series.  Michelle has longed to be a mother her own life and after marrying her best friend and love Allen she is ready to become one; however they have been unable to conceive a child.  Michelle struggles with this and questions why some women are given babies that they do not even want while other mothers who so desperately want a baby are not given the chance to be a mother.  While Michelle is obsessing with their infertility issue, Allen's mind is still back in Africa on the horrific area that he went to while there on a missions trip and also on a sweet little girl whom he met.  As Michelle and Allen face these challenges and seek guidance from their family, they feel and hear the Lord's leading and even they are surprised themselves. 
I loved spending time with the Anderson family once again.  I loved to be "updated" on Jim and Marilyn as well as Jean and Tom.  Doug (whom is the focus of the next book) played a more dominant role as well as a friend to Christina and I loved the side of him that was seen in this book.  I also loved that Audrey Windsor still is so close with this family as she was such a vital character in book 1.  This is an excellent series that really addresses real-life issues that families face and they are a nice refreshing read knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. 
I highly recommend this book and the series, but encourage you to read the book in order as they build upon one another and continue on from where the previous book ended. 




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