Debra Clopton’s New Book and Love at the Reins Giveaway

A new tale of romance, family, and taking risks—don't miss Debra Clopton's Counting on a Cowboy! After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.

Saddle up with Debra and her new book and enter to win her Love at the Reins prize pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Counting on a Cowboy
• A $25 gift card to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Starbucks
• A western-inspired bracelet
• A horseshoe heart

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 8th. The winner will be announced September 9th on Debra's blog.

Book info

About the book: Counting on a Cowboy (Thomas Nelson, August 2015) After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk. Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she's brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins. Bo Monahan isn't interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become---or the women who might be looking at him like he's their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn't looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down. This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs help. Even Abby can see that, and despite her best efforts to keep her distance, she can't help but be drawn to this new father-son duo. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1fniSV6 About the author: Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra's goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words. Find Debra online: website, Facebook, Twitter My Review: "Counting on a Cowboy" is such a fun and sweet read; Debra has done an excellent job with this book of hers!   I loved the storyline, the setting and the characters and thrown all together creates an irresistible book!  Abby is trying to start her life over and she thinks that the best way to do this is with a move.  What I love about this book is the realness of the characters as Abby was faced with choices and she was not 100% sold on her choices and not positive that they were the right thing for her to be doing.  How often each of us are faced with choices and waffle back and forth not really sure.  When Bo is faced with having to make a choice and feeling lost, and Abby helps him out, it seemed clear that she was where God wanted her to be.  I love seeing God in moments like this in life and being reminded that He is in control of His plans for us.  I highly recommend this book and series and am eager for book #3! 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.*

Travel back in time to 2450 B.C. Egypt in @ContrerasSonya's new book! Can you trust a God Who destroyed a nation?

Book info

About the book: Until My Name is Known (Bull Head Press, July 2015) The Exodus of the Jews from Egypt is a love story between God and His people. God woos His people to Himself as He prepares them to leave. Before leaving, God must fight Pharaoh for possession of His people. See how God changes all people: some for the better, others not. None stay the same. How will He change you? Can you trust a God Who destroyed a nation before your eyes? Would you want Him as your Friend? See God free His people from Egypt's bonds before a watching world. Trace His Finger in the lives He touches. The time: 2450 BC. The Place: Old Kingdom of Egypt where Pharaoh is god. His people worship him. Israel's God arrives. He challenges Pharaoh. His power touches all people. They must change. Some do not concede. They suffer. Others yield. They find freedom. Until My Name Is Known brings all to see the one true God. Read it to see Him. Today's historians and archaeologists puzzle over the fall of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, But the world at that time heard of God. The world knew that He is the Lord. His Name was proclaimed in all the earth. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1MFE5Iz About the author: Growing up with five sisters, Sonya Contreras asked God many questions, even when she did not like His answers. Graduating from Cedarville University and Institute for Creation Research with a Masters Degree in Science Education did not stop her questions. Marrying her best friend and homeschooling their eight sons, she found that dreams do come true, in spite of unanswered questions. Find Sonya online: website, Twitter My Review: Sonya Contreras' book, "Until My Name Is Known" is book #1 in her Tell of My Kingdom's Glory series.  This book is a detailed account of Moses and Pharaoh and their interactions when Moses comes to free God's people.  I love how this book gives a more detailed account of this portion of the Bible.  What I especially loved about this book is told from multiple points of view so it gives a more thorough telling of the story.  This time period along with the events, such as the plagues and just the hardships everyday that were suffered, but then also the moments of rejoicing and hope.  The amount of details that are included create such a complete picture and really brought these people and this Biblical account to life.  I am eager to read more in 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.*

Book Review - "Trial Run"

"Somewhere between spectacular and astonishingly compelling. After I finished, I could not let it go."--Phyllis Tickle, former senior editor, Publishers Weekly

Cutting-edge research requiring controversial experiments. Startling dreams delivering cryptic communication from the dreamer's future self. Ruthless rivals determined to control mind-bending new technology. When you're balancing on the edge of what's possible, trouble awaits, ready to push you into the abyss.

This daring psychological journey into the very nature of causation and consciousness will leave you turning the pages and grasping for solid ground--especially when it becomes clear just how much fact lies within the fiction.

"Truly remarkable. Extremely vivid and very well crafted. A wonderful read."--Keith Hazard, Acting Deputy Director (ret), Central Intelligence Agency


Dr. Gabriella Speciale has assembled an international team of elite scientists with one goal in mind--to create and control out-of-body experiences that transcend the limits of time and space. Reese Clawson's mind-bending experiments aim to explode the boundaries of human consciousness--and annihilate the opposition in the process.

When a terrifying discovery and a string of failed tests threaten to dismantle both programs, the key to survival may reside in the mind of a gifted grad student whose unsettling dreams have thrust him into the center of a dangerous battle for control.

As the threads of perception and reality become tangled and time itself twists in unexpected directions, one warning remains clear: what you don't know can kill you.


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. Davis divides his time between Oxford and Florida and holds a lifelong passion for speculative stories. As Thomas Locke, Davis is also the author of Emissary. Learn more at www.tlocke.com.


My Review:
"Trial Run" is a thrilling read that will consume your thoughts and keep you trying to figure things out until the end.  This book is a mix of suspense and science fiction and I have to admit I felt a little lost at first while reading it.  There were so many things going on and so many players in the story that I had trouble keeping everything and everyone straight, but once I got further into it, things became to make more sense and become clearer.  This book is a mix of real life and also psychological and out of the body experiences, which added a fascinating aspect to the book.  I am interested to read the second book as now I am into the story and curious as to what will happen next.


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

Susan Anne Mason’s ‘Irish Meadows’ Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat

Will Brianna and Colleen have the courage to stand up to their father's schemes to save their horse farm and instead pursue true love? Don't miss Irish Meadows, the newest book by Susan Anne Mason! As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, their father grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

Join Susan in celebrating the release of Irish Meadows by entering to win her Kindle Fire giveaway and RSVPing to her September 1st author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD 6
• One copy of Irish Meadows

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/1. The winner will be announced at the Irish Meadows Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Susan and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

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 1st!

Book info

About the book: Irish Meadows (Bethany House, July 2015) Faced with an uncertain future, sometimes all you have left is the courage to dream. Brianna and Colleen O'Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he's put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures. Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry---as long as her father's choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone's plans. As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O'Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father's machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach? Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Mi7dDS About the author: Susan Anne Mason's debut historical novel, Irish Meadows, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. A member of ACFW, as well, she lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children. Find Susan online: website, Facebook, Twitter My Review: I was excited to read Susan Anne Mason's debut novel, "Irish Meadows" and I enjoyed the novel and am eager for novel #2 as I am curious to see which characters will play prominent roles and if the story will continue.  James has expectations for his daughters' futures; however, the girls, Brianna and Colleen, do not have quite the same ideas.  Set in 1911, things were much different than now as far as marriage, arrangements that go along with that and the family's role in this whole thing.  I thought that the author did a great job with setting the scene and bringing the time period to life.  I enjoyed all of the historical details in this book and the relationships and the development of the characters.  The sisters are alike, yet so very different as is the journey they are both on.  I loved the additions of Rylan and Gilbert to the story and to their lives and the twists and turns throughout.  I recommend this book to historical fiction fans and Susan Anne Mason is an author I am going to follow.  To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here! *Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour.*

Pre-Order ‘Glory Days,’ Max Lucado’s New Book, and Receive Free Gifts

Are you stuck in the wilderness known as midlife misery? Can you name the day you became a Christian but can’t remember the last time you defeated a temptation or experienced an answered prayer? Find encouragement in Max Lucado's new book, Glory Days. With God’s help you can close the gap between the person you are and the person you want to be. Like Joshua and the Israelites, you can move from a wilderness existence into a promised inheritance.

Now through August 31, 2015, pre-order Glory Days and receive free gifts!

 

There are two pre-order options:

Option 1:

Pre-order one copy of Glory Days (any format), and receive a free digital download of the abridged audio version of In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado.

After you've pre-ordered, please claim your free gift by submitting your email and proof of purchase at GloryDaysBook.com.

Option 2:

Pre-order one copy of Glory Days (any format) AND one copy of God is With You Every Day (Max's brand-new, 365-day devotional—any format), and receive both the abridged audio version of In the Grip of Grace and a paperback copy of Traveling Light by Max Lucado (U.S. addresses only). 

After you’ve preordered, please claim your free gift by submitting your email and proof of purchase at GloryDaysBook.com.

Pre-order today and get your free gift by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the offer ends on August 31, 2015.

Book info

About the book: Glory Days (Thomas Nelson, September 2015) The wilderness. Maybe you know it well. The Israelites sure did. After all, they spent forty years wandering the desert. Victories were scarce. Progress was slow. They were free from Pharaoh but not free from fear. Saved but stuck. Sounds a lot like midlife misery. Caught in a rut. Stalled out. Running on empty. Are you mired in the same? You can name the day you became a Christian and escaped Egypt. But you can't remember the last time you defeated a temptation or experienced an answered prayer. You're fighting the same battles you fought the day you came to Christ. You're out of Egypt, but Egypt's not out of you. Isn't the Christian life supposed to be better than this? Jesus offers abundant joy. Yet you live with oppressive grief. The epistles speak of grace. You shoulder guilt. You are more than a conqueror yet are commonly conquered by temptation or weaknesses. But there's good news. With God's help you can close the gap between the person you are and the person you want to be. Like Joshua and the Israelites, you can move from a wilderness existence into a promised inheritance. This is God's vision for your life. You, at full throttle. You, as you were intended. You, as victor over the Jerichos and giants. You, minus the stumbles, hurts, and hate. You and your Promised Land life. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1DH3Tku  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, Facebook, Twitter My Review: I always find Max Lucado's books easy to read and applicable to life; his latest does not disappoint.  "Glory Days" is a study of Joshua and is a guide and an encouragement to helping the reader live the promised land life.  There are Biblical accounts shared along with personal stories throughout the book and the book flowed so nicely and it was so easy to pick it up and read when I had a few minutes.  I really enjoyed this book overall, but there were a few sections that stood out to me.  One section is the chapter that focuses on Joshua 6 and the story of Jericho.  In here, Max shares, "Keep walking.  For all you know this may be the day the walls come down.  You may be only steps from a moment like this."  The other chapter that really stood out to me was the Don't Trust Stuff chapter.  It is so easy to get caught up in things of the world and everything that is deemed important today, right this very moment; however ultimately that is not what is most important and God is the one who will be the one to always be there and catch us each and every time.  To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here! *Thanks to the Litfuse Publicity Group for including me on this blog tour.*

‘A Heart’s Home’ and Conversations with Colleen Coble Giveaway

A hidden pregnancy, a promise sure to break hearts, and a tragic loss at Fort Phil Kearny: Don't miss the gripping conclusion in book six, A Heart's Home, of Colleen Coble's A Journey of the Heart series. With the Sioux Wars threatening outside the fort, Emmie’s solemn vow threatens her happiness from within. Will she honor a promise sure to break her heart—and Isaac’s? Or is there another way to find a home for her heart?

Colleen is celebrating the final book release of her A Journey of the Heart series by giving away the entire series and the chance to host Colleen virtually at your book club, local library, or women's group to talk about the series.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• Books 1–6 of A Journey of the Heart series
• A chat with Colleen via Skype or Google Hangout
• A custom book-club kit PDF, featuring Colleen's favorite recipes and group discussion questions

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 31st. Winner will be announced September 1st on Colleen's website.

Book info

About the book: A Heart's Home (Thomas Nelson, August 2015)Emmie's hope for a life with Isaac is overshadowed by a tragic loss at Fort Phil Kearny. Isaac Liddle is keen to marry Emmie, and she knows she shouldn't hide her pregnancy from him any longer. But before she can tell him her secret, a widower friend asks the impossible of Emmie: Will she honor her promise to his dead wife by marrying him to care for the orphaned baby? With the Sioux Wars threatening outside the fort, Emmie's solemn vow threatens her happiness from within. Will she honor a promise sure to break her heart---and Isaac's? Or is there another way to find a home for her heart? Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Iyr7Im About the author: Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble's addictive brand of romantic suspense. Find Colleen online: website, Facebook, Twitter My Review: I have really enjoyed Colleen Coble's A Journey of the Heart series and was a little sad to have it end as I loved this series and all of the characters.  I really liked the ending though and the character development throughout the six novellas.  Sarah and Rand faced so many trials in their lives and I loved the characters that were introduced and brought into their lives throughout the series as well especially Emmie who became a favorite of mine in the last two novellas.  Emmie has faced many trials in her life from her childhood to her late husband and now to heartbreak and loss of a close friend whom she made a promise to.  I felt like Colleen did an excellent job with setting the scene and bringing the time period to life.  The uneasiness and tension that was a part of every day life.   The characters were also so real and I felt as if I was experiencing the whole range of emotions along with them as they experienced love, new friendships, hope and welcome along with sorrow and loss.  I highly recommend this novella series for historical 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.*

"Falling Like Snowflakes"

Book Description from the publisher:

When the Christmas season finds Eden in Summer Harbor, Maine, she's on the run from trouble. Romance is the last thing on her mind.
Riding in a bus in the thickly falling snow, Eden Davis wonders how it ever came to this-fleeing under cover of night with young Micah sleeping fitfully in the seat beside her. When a winter storm strands them in Summer Harbor, Maine, Eden wonders if what might have been the end could be a new beginning.
Beau Callahan is a habitual problem-solver. He's recently left his job with the sheriff's department to take over the family Christmas tree farm to save it from insolvency. But he's flummoxed. During the busiest season of the year, he's shorthanded. Then Eden shows up looking for work, and Beau believes he's been rescued. Competent, smart, and beautiful, Eden's also guarded and quiet. He soon figures out she comes with a boatload of secrets. But Beau can't seem to help himself from falling for her.
As Christmas Eve approaches, Beau discovers he'll do anything to keep Eden safe. But who's going to protect his heart from a woman who can't seem to trust again?
About the Author
Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 20 books, including Dancing with Fireflies and The Convenient Groom. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are raising three boys. You can learn more about Denise through her website DeniseHunterBooks.com or by visiting her FaceBook page at facebook.com/authordenisehunter




My Review:
I was able to read "Falling Like Snowflakes" weeks ago as I received an electronic copy via Netgalley and when I saw the paperback version available through BookLook Bloggers, I just had to request it so that it is a part of my collection on my bookshelves, but also so I can share it with others to read.  As seems to be the case with Denise Hunter's books, I read this book in one sitting, it was impossible to put down!  First of all, I loved that this series' setting was introduced in her previous novel ("Married 'Til Monday"), which was the conclusion of her most recent series.  I felt like I already knew the town and a few of the characters and it was great to be back there in Maine.  I absolutely love Christmas and this book is set around Christmas time so I was loving that as well.  The Callahan brothers whom were introduced in "Married 'Til Monday" are main characters in this book along with Eden, a woman who finds herself in their town with nowhere to go and a son to protect.  As Eden helps out the Callahan family, she finds herself slowly relaxing and settling into life, but still finds herself on high alert, although her heart is being involved. 
I loved the storyline, and the small town feel and family business part of the story and how easy it was to relate to the characters as the brothers are trying to work together and run the business, but yet deal with personal issues in each of their lives as well (and when their personal lives intersect as well).  The suspense that is woven throughout the book adds to the story as well and keeps you turning the pages until you reach the very end.  I am looking forward to book #2!


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

"Waiting for Morning"

"Waiting for Morning" is a Karen Kingsbury novel, that just like all of her others, is impossible to put down once you start reading. 
Hannah is living the perfect life with her husband and their two teenage daughters.  In an instant her world is completely turned around when they are in an accident involving a drunk driver.  Hannah becomes consumed with making sure the drunk driver is served justice. 
Karen does a great job with addressing this difficult issue.  A man chooses to drink and drive and he is survives while others are killed, where is God in this?  This is a question that Hannah struggles with and so many others do as well.  Karen does not sugarcoat the situation or Hannah's feelings and her struggle with dealing with the tragedy.  This story is so real and the characters just became a part of me while I was reading this and I shed tears along with Hannah. Continuing to have faith in God and not becoming consumed with hatred so that forgiveness is not an option is so difficult but so important. 
This is heart-wrenching and emotional read, and one not to be missed.


For more info about this book, go here!


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

"The Sea Keeper's Daughters"

"The Sea Keeper's Daughters" is the latest Lisa Wingate novel in her Carolina series and it is amazing!  Whitney and her cousin Denise own and run two restaurants, this is Whitney's dream.  However, the opposition that they are facing and the ongoing battle with one man who just wants to put them out of business is making them face and consider desperate measures.  When Whitney receives a message that her step-father is in the hospital and should not be living on his own, she reluctantly returns to the home where her mother and step-father lived and where Whitney spent summers with her mother and paternal grandmother.  Whitney is forced to face her feelings toward her deceased father whom committed suicide when she was young and her feelings of not being good enough.  Whitney's original plan is to sort through the belongings and make some quick money in order to save the restaurants, but sorting through these items bring back memories and Whitney is drawn into her family's history and finds herself immersed in trying to unravel secrets that have been hidden for years. 
One of the things I love about Lisa's books are the many tidbits of wisdom tucked in among the story and in this book, there were many!  Whitney is a wonderful main character as she was so likeable and easy to relate with and cheer for.  She also is a character who grew so much throughout this book.  Whitney has so many hurts and insecurities from her past and her interactions with others now are a reflection of that as well as how she feels about herself and how she is living her life, guarded.  I loved the interactions that Whitney has with Clyde, Mark, Joel and even Casey as she slowly lets down her guard and is constantly reevaluating her life based on things she is discovering about her past and her family and also how her heart is changing due to these individuals whom have become a part of her life. 
Although, Whitney is the main character in this book, so many of the other characters play prominent roles and their stories are shared throughout this book as well which I loved.  I was not expecting some of the secrets that were revealed and some of the events, but I loved them all!  There were several times that I was in tears while reading as this story just really tugged at my emotions and there were moments that I was cheering aloud.  I am also wondering if there will be another book in this series that will share the stories of a few of the characters' whom stories were not completely shared yet. 
I highly recommend that the other Carolina novels and novellas are read before this one as the stories continue to build upon each other and there is overlap of characters.  Also, they are all such incredible stories that you do no want to miss out on any of them!


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

Book Review - "The Plans I Have for You"

Book Description from the publisher:

Bestselling author Amy Parker inspires children to dream about their future and trust that God has great plans for their life.
The Plans I Have for You combines playful rhyming text written by bestselling children's book author Amy Parker with whimsical illustrations by award-winning artist Vanessa Brantley-Newton to create a book that inspires readers of all ages to dream about their future.
God has great plans for each and every one of us and this book encourages children to think about the talents that make them special and will help them imagine how God may use our unique traits to make the world a better place.


My Review:
"The Plans I Have for You" is an excellent book for children and adults alike!  First, of all the cover is so cute and well created as it is diverse and will be appealing to children of various ethnicities.  This is just the beginning of adorable illustrations as well as the entire book is full of them!  The text is so catchy and just flows so nicely that children will be quoting lines and wanting to read over and over again.  The reader (of any and every age) is encouraged to dream about the future and what is in store and a part of God's plan for each of us.  I highly recommend this book and this would be a wonderful book and keepsake for children's graduations. 


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

Sarah Sundin’s ‘Through Waters Deep’ and Anchors Aweigh Giveaway

Dive into Sarah Sundin's explosive new series, Waves of Freedom, with book one, Through Waters Deep. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them in the midst of their budding romance.

Join Sarah in celebrating the release of Through Waters Deep by entering to win an Anchors Aweigh prize pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Through Waters Deep
• A nautical tote bag
• A set of compass rose notecards
• A "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
• A Boston Tea Party earl grey tea set
• A Through Waters Deep apron
• A set of nautical tea towels

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. The winner will be announced August 25th on Sarah's blog.

Book info

About the book: Through Waters Deep (Revell, August 2015) It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges---and dangers---await them. Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and romantic story. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1DkJmlO About the author: Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, In Perfect Time, and the Wings of Glory series. In 2014, On Distant Shores was a finalist for the Golden Scroll Awards from both AWSA and the Christian Authors Network. In 2011, Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter

My Review:
I was so excited that Sarah had a new series coming out, I have enjoyed her previous series and reading about the World War II era.  "Through Waters Deep" is such a great start to this new series and now I cannot wait for book #2 to be released!  Mary and Jim are both wonderful main characters as they became so real and they were easy to connect and empathize with.  They are both struggling with some things in their lives and they are forced to work together to discover what is really going on and whom is behind it.  I love the suspense that is tied in with this story and the romance that is throughout.  I also enjoyed the minor characters and I love how Sarah introduces them in the first book and then continues on their stories in later books in the series.  This is a well-written book that was easy to get lost in as I did not want to set it down once I started.  The time period is brought to life and the characters are so well-developed; this is a perfect summer read!

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

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

Book Review - "Hope Harbor"

I am a huge fan of Irene Hannon's books, both her romantic suspense and her contemporary romances and I absolutely loved her latest, "Hope Harbor." 
This book is set in a sweet little town called Hope Harbor, which is home to a family run cranberry farm, and also nice, well-meaning individuals, but also hurting individuals as well. Tracy has had to deal with heartache and now she is trying to keep the cranberry farm afloat and also trying to lead an organization through the church, but she may be in over her head.  Michael is struggling to find peace following heartache in his own life and has come to Hope Harbor to find that, but things do not go according to his plan, but it seems that God has placed a few individuals in his path to help him find this, but Michael will be helping others as well. 
I really enjoyed this storyline, the setting, the characters, everything.  Irene does an amazing job with creating the town and introducing the characters, uncovering bits and pieces of their pasts and personalities a little at a time while intertwining their lives.  This is a great story of hope and healing and also sweet romance.  I highly recommend this book and her other books as well!

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

"Wild in the Hollow"

Amber Haines is a woman haunted by God. Like Eve in the Garden, she craved the fruit that she thought would lead her to freedom. But the whispers of temptation led her instead down a devastating path toward isolation, dissatisfaction, and life-altering choices. In her most broken moment, Amber met God waiting for her in the fallout, freely offering her grace and life.

This is a story of the God who makes himself known in broken places. In prose that is at once lyrical and utterly honest, a brave new voice takes readers on a windswept journey down the path of brokenness to healing, satisfaction, and true intimacy with God. Amber calls readers to dispense with the pretty bows we use to dress up our stories and instead trust God to take our untidy, unfinished lives and make them free, authentic, and whole. Anyone who struggles with doubt or holds secrets, anyone who feels marginalized or like she is missing something, will find in Amber a sister and an inviting voice back home, into the heart of God.

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Endorsements

"No one, no one, has God given the gift of words like he has to [Amber]."
Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author of One Thousand Gifts

"Wild in the Hollow captivated me from the first page. Amber's brave story invites us to explore our own broken places as she beckons us to wholeness and healing. This honesty inspires freedom in the church."
Rebekah Lyons, author of Freefall to Fly and co-founder of Q Ideas

"I want people to read this anointed book for dozens of reasons: Amber's voice, her writing, is incomparable to anything you've read before. But even beyond that gift, she writes about desire, our longing for home, with a deeply orthodox and yet mystical and sensual soul. This book made me feel homesick and at home all at the same time. Only Amber could so beautifully and rightly write into the parts of our human experience that usually defy words. I loved Wild in the Hollow."
Sarah Bessey, author of Jesus Feminist and Out of Sorts

"How can a woman with a story so different from my own be telling my story too? Amber Haines has found a way, and I am deeply grateful for her artistry, her honesty, and her courage. Her story splays out like a pathway, her voice leading us forward like a mother, a prophet, and a child, each word a stone marking the way to the kingdom of God. This captivating book has stunned me speechless."
Emily P. Freeman, author of Simply Tuesday and A Million Little Ways

"Amber Haines is a once-in-a-generation voice, and her lyrical, poetic writing is truly high art. Through her own story in Wild in the Hollow, she moves us back to the place we all long to be--deeply intimate with and known by God. It's a journey that doesn't overlook brokenness but rather illuminates a God who is ever-present in the midst. This book is a true gift, and I have more hope because of it."
Nish Weiseth, author of Speak: How Your Story Can Change the World

Amber C. Haines is a soulful writer and a blogger at TheRunaMuck.com. She is curator, with her husband, Seth, of Mother Letters and is a contributor with many acclaimed writers and bloggers at DaySpring's (in)courage. She has been involved as a coordinator with both BlissDom and !dea Camp Orphan Care and continues to build meaningful relationships with church leaders, lifestyle bloggers, authors, advocates, and poets. She lives in Arkansas.

My Review:
"Wild in the Hollow" is such a honest, heart-wrenching account that Amber shares of her life, the highs and the lows.  Amber begins with how her childhood, beliefs she was taught and way she was raised and then how she strayed from those as she got older.  This is an awesome story that shares how one can move on and overcome being at such a low point and God's grace and healing power in one's life. This is a quick read and completely engrossing as it is written in such a way that you cannot put it down and Amber shares her heart, holding nothing back.  Such an inspiring book that will encourage each and every reader. 

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

"Refining Fire"

"Refining Fire" is such a well-written historical fiction novel that I highly recommend it; however, I would recommend that "Steadfast Heart" be read first as that is book #1 in the series and the story really begins there. 

Militine and Thane are both adults trying to be free from their traumatic childhoods; however one's childhood plays such a huge role in shaping who a person is and determining their future.  I so enjoyed spending time with these two as well as their friends, the rest of the main foursome, Abrianna and Wade.  Set in Seattle in the late 1800's the time period is brought to life and is such a great backdrop to these characters' stories as they are trying to start fresh, find peace, make something of themselves and also find love.  The characters are so real as they are dealing with circumstances that are relatable and I loved seeing the bond develop and grow among them. 

I love the time period details interspersed throughout the book and the vivid descriptions as everything was brought to life and I am looking forward to book #3!

 

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

 

‘Among the Fair Magnolias’ Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway

Four best-selling novelists bring tales of four Southern women who face near impossible choices on their journeys in life and in love during the most turbulent decade of our nation’s history in Among the Fair Magnolias. Don't miss this collection of stories from Tamera Alexander, Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love, and Elizabeth Musser.

Join the authors in celebrating the release of Among the Fair Magnolias by entering to win their Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to their August 13th author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD 6
• One copy of Among the Fair Magnolias

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/13. The winner will be announced at the Among the Fair Magnolias Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tamera, Dorothy, Shelley, and Elizabeth, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

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 13th!

Book info

About the book: Among the Fair Magnolias (Thomas Nelson, July 2015) In the most turbulent decade of our nation's history, four Southern women---destinies forged by birth, hearts steeled by war---face near impossible choices on their journeys in life . . . and in love. To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front. This time, one of the heart. An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he's determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother's homestead, he discovers she's very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past. A Heart So True by Dorothy Love Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty. Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser Emily has a secret: She's in love with one of the freedmen on her family's plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Igkc7H About the authors: Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of numerous books including A Lasting Impression and The Inheritance. Tamera is a two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. A native of west Tennessee. website, Twitter, Facebook  Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. website, Twitter, Facebook Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. website, Twitter, Facebook Elizabeth Musser, a native of Atlanta, Georgia now living in France, is a novelist who writes what she calls 'entertainment with a soul.' For over 25 years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in mission work with International Teams. website, Twitter, Facebook   My Review: "Among the Fair Magnolias" is an excellent novella collection that is set in the time period of the Civil War, which is a time period I enjoy reading about.  Each of the four main characters are seeking to find their right place in life, in general and with their hearts, as family expectations and societal expectations play a role in determining life's direction; however their hearts do as well.  I loved how the collection began with Abigail's story and the family setting up their summer home and hosting a get together as it was a perfect read for this time of the year.  There are secrets, and romance throughout which will keep you turning the pages.    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.*