Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Aloha Rose - Lisa Carter

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Aloha Rose
Abingdon Press (November 19, 2013)
by
Lisa Carter


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from the author:

I am a wife and mother. My husband and I have two daughters and make our home in the beautiful state of North Carolina.

I am a teacher. With a Master’s degree in history, I have taught at the university, high school and middle school levels. After years of church involvement as a soloist, choir member and worship leader, I also teach music.

I am a writer. Delighted by the rhythm and musicality of words, I have been writing since childhood. In 2001, I won the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Story Writing Contest that re-ignited a lifelong love of writing.

I am on a journey of faith. My ultimate desire through my life and my writing is to proclaim the truth of God’s Word, His redeeming love as seen in the life of Jesus Christ and to help others know for themselves this great, awesome God of all comfort and wisdom. He is enough for every need.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Laney Carrigan sets out to find her birth family, her only clue is the Hawaiian quilt—a red rose snowflake appliquéd on a white background—in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island and battling fears of rejection, Laney begins a painstaking journey toward her true heritage. Kai Barnes, however, is determined to protect the people he’s come to regard as family. He thinks Laney is nothing more than a gold digger and blocks every move she makes toward her Hawaiian family. As their conflict escalates, it puts at risk the one thing that Kai and Laney both want most—a family.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Aloha Rose, go HERE.





A Marriage in Middlebury. - Anita Higman

About the book: One decision changed both their lives . . . but will love win in the end? Charlotte Rose Hill enjoys a comfortable life serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky, devoted customers. The only thing lacking is someone to share it with. At eighteen she denied Sam Wilder's marriage proposal after his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. They both moved on . . . or so she thought. When Sam walks back into her life more than a decade later, Charlotte is surprised that her heart still quickens. But is it because of his presence? Or because of the presence of Sam's new fiancée? A second chance at love doesn't happen often, but their past may keep them apart. Is it too late for Sam and Charlotte?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qPbkU





Meet the author: Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She's been a Barnes & Noble "Author of the Month" for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.


Connect with Anita at: http://anitahigman.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Anita Higman is celebrating the release of her latest book, A Marriage in Middlebury, with a double Kindle Fire giveaway (one for you & one to give away!) and a "Tea for Two" Facebook Author Chat Party on December 12th.







middlebury-400



One winner will receive:


  • A Kindle Fire for you AND a friend

  • A Marriage in Middlebury by Anita Higman (one to keep and one to give away!)


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 12th. Winner will be announced at the "Tea for Two" Facebook Author Chat Party on December 12th. Invite your friends and connect with Anita for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Anita's next book!





So grab your copy of A Marriage in Middlebury and join Anita on the evening of December 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)




Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 12/12!


My Thoughts:

I fell in love with the town of Middlebury and the characters. This was a quick and easy read. I am not a tea drinker, however this book made me want to join the residents of Middlebury at Charlotte's tea shop with the rest of the residence.

I highly recommend this book! Grab your favorite hot beverage and enjoy!


 
 

Monday, November 25, 2013

Let It Snow : Starring Candace Cameron Bure and Jessie Hutch . . . Hallmark Premier movie to air on November 30th


When a family owned ski lodge is sold to a hotel conglomerate, a driven hotel executive must decide if she should follow the company orders to transform the lodge into a modern winter hot spot, or embrace her newfound holiday spirit and keep its Christmas traditions alive.

Starring: Candace Cameron Bure, Jesse Hutch, Alan Thicke, Gabrielle Rose, Dan Willmott Can a driven Arizona executive summon the Christmas spirit after traveling to frosty Maine? “Let It Snow,” a Hallmark Channel Original Movie World Premiere, November 30th, Hallmark Channel's count down to Christmas.

 


CANDACE CAMERON BURE (Stephanie)


Actress, producer, New York Times’ bestselling author and inspirational speaker, Candace Cameron Bure is both outspoken and passionate about her family and faith. Known to millions worldwide from her role as “D.J. Tanner” on the iconic family sitcom “Full House,” Candace continues to flourish in the entertainment industry as role model to women of all ages.
With an acting career that started at the age of five, Candace appeared in several national television commercials and prime-time hits such as “St. Elsewhere,” “Growing Pains” and “Who’s the Boss”. Candace also earned a string of lead roles in television movies including the critically acclaimed portrayal of an abused teenager in “No One Would Tell” and a college date-rape victim in “She Cried No.”
Her feature film credits stand up to the light of her television success with appearances in such films as “Punchline” with Tom Hanks and Sally Field and John Hughes’ pop culture hit “Some Kind of Wonderful.” After Candace married NHL star Val Bure, she put her career on ice for a while in order to stay home and raise a full house of her own. She has been happily married since 1996 and is the proud mother of Natasha, Lev and Maks.
After taking a ten-year hiatus, Candace has reemerged onto the Hollywood scene appearing in Disney’s “That’s So Raven,” as well as fulfilled the duties as guest host on top rated daytime hit shows “The View” and “The Talk.”
Candace starred in the made for television Hallmark Original Movie, “Moonlight & Mistletoe” which rated as the #3 all time most viewed original release for the Hallmark Network. She most notably and currently has finished a three year run as her character “Summer Van Horn” on ABC Family Network’s “Make It Or Break It”.
In 2011, Candace became a part of Walmart and P&G’s Family Movie Night starring in TV movie “Truth Be Told,” co-starring David James Elliot and hit a home run for GMC in Emmy nominated “The Heart Of Christmas.” Candace also added NY Times bestselling author to her many titles with her book “Reshaping It All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness” that inspires women to embrace a healthier lifestyle by moving faith to the forefront of their relationship with food.
Candace recently launched an online magazine for women www.roomag.com that focuses on motherhood, relationships, homemaking, fitness, fashion and everything in between. You can watch Candace in her most recent Hallmark Original Movie, “Puppy Love,” part of Hallmark Channel’s Pet Project which serves to save the lives of millions of shelter pets.
Her philanthropic spirit has given support to Compassion International, Skip1.org as well as several other charitable organizations. Candace serves as the National Ambassador for National House of Hope and all the while continues to travel the country speaking at women’s conferences and churches sharing her Christian faith.

 Jesse James Hutch (Brady)

Jesse James Hutch was born on February 12,1981 in Alberta Canada. At the age of ten he watched his first film: the animated 1977 movie "The Hobbit" and was instantly hooked on the mystery of story telling. An Avid collector of Movie Posters, some would say Hutch was an "Actor" even as a young boy, It was in 2001 that the title of "Thespian" became a professional one.

His first official audition, which he booked, was for DARK ANGEL(FOX) in which he played the role of a Mutant, his second audition for WOLF LAKE(CBS), which he also booked, had to be passed on due to a filming conflict with Dark Angel. Many Lead roles include that of a Navy Seal: TRUE JUSTICE(Reelz), College Hunk: ABOUT A GIRL(N Network) and a Hard Working Mans Man on the soon to be released Hallmark Romantic Comedy LET IT SNOW, starring alongside Candace Cameron Bure(Full House). Roles on TV Series such as ONCE UPON A TIME, AMERICAN DREAMS, SMALLVILLE, KYLE XY & HEARTLAND are but a few of Hutch's recognizable credits alongside Feature films such as: THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT, FREDDY VS JASON, and SCARY MOVIE 3.

Performing many of his own stunts, Hutch has always had an attraction to Action and Adrenaline. Kick Boxing, Muay Thai, White water rafting, kayaking, and Rock Climbing are a few of Hutch's hobbies and past jobs.

Having a unique humor and calmness is perhaps a major part of what keeps Jesse successful in one of the most competitive industries in the world. Being in the running for Lead roles in Films and Television such as Superman, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, X-Men, Jumper & Revenge while being compared to other actors such as Tom Cruise, Ben Affleck, and Patrick Dempsey has become a regular part of the Hutch Career.

Jesse Hutch's most important Lead roles are: Husband,Father, Son & Brother.



I can so relate to Candace's character. I have lived in more warm places than cold. I was born in California, and lived there off and on for 22 years, I lived in Florida, and Hawaii. So, moving to Idaho and staying has been out of my comfort zone. Each year I look forward to the changing seasons.

Mark your calendar for November 30th, set your DVR to record Let It Snow, HallMark's kick off to the countdown to Christmas.


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Parent Guilt??? I think So!!!

This was posted on Facebook and I so disagree it isn't even funny.

http://purvistribe.blogspot.com/2013/04/why-letting-your-baby-cry-it-out-is-not.html

This blog post says that letting our small children cry is not God's way. I have read the Bible from cover to cover more than once and I don't remember any scripture that says to or not to allow your child to cry it out. This is clearly a parental issue for each family.






This is her ridiculous diagram regarding the needs of a baby. I do believe that a baby has needs and we as their parent are to care for. . . so what do we do when their NEEDS are met??? Continue to rock a wiggly baby because they want to get down and explore their world, or try and feed them when their really not hungry, or change a clean diaper. That is crazy, that is why God gave us a brain to use, and I exercise mine quite well.
Stefani my oldest, was a great nurser, wouldn't take a bottle, and I could pump an entire 8 oz bottle after she was nursed. She on her own slept twelve hours straight when she was six weeks old and scared me to death.
Kassi my middle daughter got sick at nine weeks and for nine weeks I was back and forth to the hospital because she had asthma that they wouldn't diagnose, and she was loosing weight. She didn't like to rock, she wanted to be in her car seat set on the dryer with it on. So, was I neglectful because I did that when she was really fussy?? NOPE! I took care of her need, in the way she wanted.
Kristian was like her oldest sister, a great nurser, she walked early because she wanted to catch up with her sisters . . . so I was suppose to hold her back??? I think not!!!

So the mom who wrote this blog post has looked back on her parenting of her babies, done some research and has come up with HER opinion, and her GUILT!!! I don't think Dr. Dobson would agree. He re-wrote his Dare to Discipline after having raised his two children, and changed his opinion on things after parenting his children to adulthood.

Her comment When we do not respond to our children's cry the only thing we teach them is that their voice does not matter to us.  She is saying that because I allowed my girls to cry when everything was fine in their world, meant that their voice didn't matter . . . WRONG!!! Do we just HEAR them as a baby or all through their growing up years, especially those rough teen years?? I heard my kids in every stage and now that they are adults, who do they call??? ME! So, I think I heard them quite well!!!

Anyone can post anything on the net, that doesn't mean it is correct. Don't allow anyone to GUILT you as a parent because they believe their way is best! We can GUILT ourselves enough.


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

A Simple Christmas Wish - Melody Carlson

Rachel Milligan is caring for her seven-year-old niece, Holly, at her home in Chicago when she receives devastating news: Holly's parents have been killed in a plane crash. Because Rachel is Holly's only known relative, she assumes that she will be her beloved niece's guardian. However, custody is awarded to Lydia, a distant aunt who happens to be Amish. Just a week before Christmas, Rachel takes Holly to the Amish community in the hopes of persuading Aunt Lydia to relinquish custody. Instead, Lydia sets out to teach Holly to live according to the Amish way. As family secrets emerge and old wounds are healed, Rachel realizes that she will do whatever it takes to ensure that Holly has the loving family she needs.
Combining an Amish family saga with the anticipation of Christmas cheer and the promise of a budding romance, this newest Christmas story from beloved author Melody Carlson is sure to please.




Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

You can learn more about Anita at her website: http://anitahigman.com/







My Thoughts:

This was a sweet novella. Only 168 pages, it is a quick read. 

Rachel is a flight attendant and caring for her 7 year old niece, Holly while her brother and wife gone. 
Rachel and Holly get a Christmas tree, make some decorations because they can't find them, and decorate the tree. Rachel is worried her brother and sister - in - law are going to be upset that she jumped the gun and put up a Christmas tree. Holly informs her that her parents decorate the tree when she is asleep. That comment breaks Rachel's heart, and it broke mine. I couldn't believe a child not decorating a Christmas tree.
Their fun soon turns to sadness when Rachel receives a phone call that her brother and sister-in-law were in a crash and they died.

Since Rachel was Holly's only living relative she naturally figured she would be Holly's guardian. She soon found out that Holly had another Aunt and Holly would be living with Lydia, an Amish woman. A week before Christmas Rachel has no choice but to take Holly to the Amish community.

We watch Holly and Rachel adapt to the Amish lifestyle. While Rachel is not only learning the Amish ways, she is finding out about family secrets, Holly is enamored with all the animals.


I highly recommend this book! A great English and Amish combination.





Critical Reaction

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Critical Reaction
Bethany House Publishers (November 19, 2013)
by
Todd M. Johnson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Todd M. Johnson has practiced as an attorney for over 30 years, specializing as a trial lawyer. Todd's career experience blends with his passion for writing in his novels published through Bethany House.

A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he also taught for two years as an adjunct professor of International Law, and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong.

The Deposit Slip, Mr. Johnson's first novel, debuted in 2012. Todd's second novel, Critical Reaction, will be released in November 2013.

Todd lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife Cathy and children Ian and Libby.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After decades of turning out plutonium for the arms race, the Hanford Nuclear Facility has long been shuttered, though its deadly legacy cannot be fully contained. The men who guard the facility from sabotage or monitor its buildings for radiation leaks are told the risks are under control. They believe it, until the worst happens: a thunderous explosion in the dead of night.

Two workers, lifer Poppy Martin and new hire Kieran Mullaney, believe themselves lucky to survive the blast. But as the debris is cleared, they discover their safety is not assured. Dead ends and closed doors halt their efforts to discover what really happened--and what radiation may have poisoned them. When stalling and threats force them into the hands of experienced trial lawyer Ryan Hart, they learn that theirs is no ordinary lawsuit. There is something still hidden in the desert of eastern Washington, and someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to make sure it never sees the light of day.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Critical Reaction, go HERE.

Our God Comes - CD




















Antioch Live's second all-original release, Our God Comes, carries the heart of the church and movement that is Antioch. Recorded live in Texas, the music is seasoned with flavors of progressive rock and pop with strains of folk. Specializing in anthems of the solid character of God ("Wonderful Counselor," "God and King," "One Hundred Three" and the title track, "Our God Comes") as well as vulnerable admissions of personal humanity ("I Will Raise," "How Much More" and "Savior Forever"), Antioch Live delivers a breathtaking follow-up to their first all-original release, Forever Sound. Other songs of note are "Come" and "God Who Saves."

My Thoughts:

This was the worst praise and worship CD I have ever listened to. I didn't find it uplifting at all.
Not recommended!!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Stones for Bread KitchenAid Mixer Giveaway from Christa Parrish! Pin It & Win It!

About the book: A solitary artisan. A legacy of bread-baking. And one secret that could collapse her entire identity.

Liesl McNamara's life can be described in one word: bread. From her earliest memory, her mother and grandmother passed down the mystery of baking and the importance of this deceptively simple food. And now, as the owner of Wild Rise bake house, Liesl spends every day up to her elbows in dough, nourishing and perfecting her craft.

But the simple life she has cultivated is becoming quite complicated. Her head baker brings his troubled grandson into the bakeshop as an apprentice. Her waitress submits her recipes to a popular cable cooking show. And the man who delivers her flour --- a single father with strange culinary 
habits --- seems determined to win Liesl's affection.

When Wild Rise is featured on television, her quiet existence appears a thing of the past. And then a phone call from a woman claiming to be her half-sister forces Liesl to confront long-hidden secrets in her family's past. With her precious heritage crumbling around her, the baker must make a choice: allow herself to be buried in detachment and remorse, or take a leap of faith into a new life.

Purchase your copy: http://ow.ly/qPvoG
Tour schedule: 
Landing page: 
 Meet the author: Christa Parrish is the award-winning author of three novels, including the 2009 ECPA Fiction Book of the Year Watch Over Me. When she's not writing, she's a homeschool mother of three wonderful children. Married to author and pastor Chris Coppernoll, Christa serves with him as co-leader of their church's youth ministry as well as serving as a facilitator for a divorce recovery ministry. She is now also slightly obsessed with the art of baking bread.

Learn more about Christa at: http://christaparrish.com
Christa Parrish is celebrating her fourth novel, Stones for Breadwith a KitchenAid Mixer giveaway.



#StonesforBread KitchenAid Mixer 
Contest #ChristaParrish http://bit.ly/1aBTNz9




Easy steps to enter:


1. Follow Christa Parrish and TNZ Fiction on Pinterest.



2. Then Pin the Stones for Bread book cover (below), the contest graphic (above), or both, and link to this post (using this URL: #StonesforBread KitchenAid Mixer Contest #ChristaParrish http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/stones-for-bread-by-christa-parrish).



3. Then fill out THIS SHORT FORM to let us know. (There are also some additional ways to earn extra entries, as well as an option for non-Pinterest users. It's true—people like that do exist!)



Questions? Email info @ litfusegroup dot com.



Winner will be announced on 12/9 on Christa's Facebook Page.








My Thoughts:
This book was not an easy one to get into. It took time to fully enjoy the lyrical prose that Christa created.
Lisel's life is all about bread. The art of making bread has been passed down from generations in Lisel's family. She has a quiet life, but it is getting disturbed in ways she really isn't ready for. 
Cecelia comes into her bakery the Wild Rise, with her class for a field trip, and she is taken with the little girl. She soon finds out that Cecelia's father, Seamus is the man who delivers flour to her bakery. 
When her bakery is featured on T.V. she is contacted by a half-sister she never knew she had, and we watch her go back through her childhood and deal with her past, as the relationship between her and Seamus develops.
A delicious book from beginning to end, pun intended, be careful, you may get the urge to make bread, or eat it as you read.

Highly recommended!!!


 

Monday, November 18, 2013

Late ROW 80 Checkin





I have been fighting a cold and my arthritis is giving me fits, so writing was out of the question. I downloaded Schriver and imported my current WIP into it. Much to my surprise I was able to write a little and create a character sketch in this program. All was not lost.

To Know You

About the book: Julia Whittaker's rocky past yielded two daughters, both given up for adoption as infants. Now she must find them to try to save her son.

Julia and Matt Whittaker's son has beaten the odds for thirteen years only to have the odds---and his liver---crash precipitously. The only hope for his survival is a "living liver" transplant, but the transplant list is long and Dillon's time is short. His two older half-sisters, born eighteen months apart to two different fathers, offer his only hope for survival.

But can Julia ask a young woman---someone she surrendered to strangers long ago and has never spoken with---to make such a sacrifice to save a brother she's never known? Can she muster the courage to journey back into a shame-filled season of her life, face her choices and their consequences, and find any hope of healing?


And what if she discovers in her own daughters' lives that a history of foolish choices threatens to repeat itself? Julia knows she's probably embarking on a fool's errand---searching for the daughters she abandoned only now that she needs something from them. But love compels Julia to take this journey. Can grace and forgiveness compel her daughters to join her?

In To Know You, Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel explore how the past creates the present . . . and how even the most shattered lives can be redeemed.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qbiOA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 About the authors: Shannon Ethridge is a best-selling author, speaker, and certified life coach with a master's degree in counseling/human relations from Liberty University. She has spoken to college students and adults since 1989 and is the author of 21 books, including the million-copy best-selling Every Woman's Battle series. She is a frequent guest on TV and radio programs and mentors aspiring writers and speakers through her BLAST Program (Building Leaders, Authors, Speakers & Teachers.)

Learn more about Shannon: http://www.shannonethridge.com

Kathryn Mackel is a best-selling author and acclaimed screenwriter for Disney and Fox. She was on the screenwriting team for Left Behind: The Movie, and Frank Peretti's Hangman's Curse. She is the acclaimed author of "The Surrogate", "The Departed", and "The Hidden" and resides in Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband.

Learn more about Kathryn: http://www.kathrynmackel.com
 
Landing page: 
 
 
Shannon Ethridge is celebrating the release of  To Know You (co-written by Kathryn Mackel), by giving away a $100 gift certificate to Lisa Leonard Designs and a personal coaching session, as well as throwing a Facebook Author Chat Party!


toknowyou-rafflecopter



One winner will receive:



Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 19th. Winner will be announced at the "To Know You" Facebook Author Chat Party on the 19th. Connect with Shannon and friends for an encouraging evening of fun chat, book club discussion, giveaways, and a chance to win a PERSONAL COACHING SESSION WITH SHANNON!






So grab your copy of To Know You and join Shannon on the evening of November 19th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)




Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER or Pinterest and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on 11/19!
 
My Thoughts:
 
Julia's son Dillon is dying and his only chance of survival is a liver transplant. Several family members and friends have been tested to be able to be a donor and no luck. So, Julia searches for and finds her two daughters that she gave birth to by different fathers, Destiny and Chloe. When Julia poses the question about why she found them, they get together and say they will consider her request, but only after they have met their fathers.With a private jet at her disposal they begin the journey, however, the journey for Julia is an emotional roller-coaster, and what will the girls do, will they agree to be tested to see if they are a match for their brother?
 
I am adopted, and I FOUND my birth mother in 92', and for me this book was completely unrealistic. I can't count on my hand how many birth mother's go hunting for their children, and especially to save another one, that just doesn't happen. However, the number is too numerous to count regarding adopted children looking for their birth parents.  Sure, this book will evoke emotions, that doesn't make it realistic, and if I am going to read a book about adoption, I want it to be realistic, and this one misses the mark by a long shot!
 
 
 
 
 

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Beloved - Robin Lee Hatcher


















Diana is ready to begin a new chapter in her life—until the husband she believed dead reappears at her engagement party.
Diana Brennan came west on the orphan train and was given a home with a loving couple who cherished and spoiled her. At 17, she fell hard for Tyson Applegate, the son of a wealthy mine owner. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Tyson took off for adventures around the world, including fighting with the Rough Riders in Cuba. Receiving no word from him in years, Diana’s infatuation with her dashing husband died an ugly death, and she is ready to move past the old pain and marry again, just as soon as Tyson is declared legally dead.
But when Tyson returns, claiming to be a changed man, he wants to reunite with his wife and run for the senate. While Diana suspects the election is his real reason for wanting her by his side, she agrees to maintain his home and to campaign with him, but when it is over, win or lose, she wants her freedom.
He agrees with one condition—she must give him a chance to change her mind about him.

Robin is the author of 65+ novels and novellas. Her home is in Idaho, where she spends her time writing stories of faith, courage, and love; pondering the things of God; and loving her family and friends.
Find out more about Robin Lee at http://robinleehatcher.com.









Robin Lee Hatcher is celebrating the release of her latest novel, Belovedwith an iPad Mini giveaway! 


beloved-rafflecopter




One winner will receive:



  • An iPad Mini

  • Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 15th. Winner will be announced November 16th at Robin's blog.








Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Robin's blog on the 16th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)!



My Thoughts:

Robin begins this book with a BANG! Diana and Brook are getting ready to announce their engagement and in walks Diana's DEAD husband, Tyson Applegate. This halts the engagement, and Tyson wants a chance to win her heart back. 
He has traveled the world, and has come to know Christ and he wants to prove to Diana that he is a changed man. 

Since I live in Idaho, where Robin staged this book, it was fun to read about Boise in that time period. 

This book is so good. For me, it was like a modern Prodigal Son retelling. Diana falls for Tyson when she is 17, they marry and then he takes off. He comes back wanting to prove that he can be the man she needs him to be, a man that he himself will be proud of.

While this is third in Where The Heart Lives Series, you can read it without reading the others. Robin gives a lot of back story to those books. 

Highly Recommended!









Friday, November 15, 2013

Dear Mr. Knightley


















About the book: Samantha Moore has always hidden behind the words of others-namely her favorite characters in literature. Now, she will learn to write her own story-by giving that story to a complete stranger.
Growing up orphaned and alone, Sam found her best friends in the works of Austen, Dickens, and the Brontë sisters. The problem is that she now relates to others more comfortably as Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Eyre than as herself.

Sometimes we lose ourselves in the things we care about most.
But life for this twenty-three-year-old is about to get stranger than fiction, when an anonymous benefactor (calling himself "Mr. Knightley") offers to put Sam through the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress.

As Sam's program and peers force her to confront her past, she finds safety in her increasingly personal letters to Mr. Knightley. And when Sam meets eligible, best-selling novelist Alex Powell, those letters unfold a story of love and literature that feels as if it's pulled from her favorite books. But when secrets come to light, Sam is --- once again --- made painfully aware of how easily trust can be broken.

Reay's debut novel follows one young woman's journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qDEkp
Meet the author: Katherine Reay has enjoyed a life-long affair with the works of Jane Austen and her contemporaries. After earning degrees in history and marketing from Northwestern University, she worked as a marketer for Proctor & Gamble and Sears before returning to school to earn her MTS. Her works have been published in "Focus on the Family" and the "Upper Room." Katherine currently lives with her husband and three children in Seattle. "Dear Mr. Knightley" is her first novel.

Learn more about Katherine at: http://katherinereay.com/ 
Blog Tour Schedule: 
Landing page: 
http://litfusegroup.com/author/kreay
 Debut author Katherine Reay is celebrating the release of her delightful novel, Dear Mr. Knightley with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway, a fun Favorite Austen Moments Pinterest contest, and an Austen-themed Facebook Party.



dearmrknightley-400




One winner will receive:



  • A Kindle Fire HDX

  • Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

  • Handmade Austen-themed items (scarf, mug, bracelet, and necklace) 




Two ways to win! Enter today by clicking one of the icons below or participating in the Pinterest contest (see banner below)—or BOTH! 




But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Dear Mr. Knightley" Austen-themed Facebook Author Chat Party on the 3rd. Join Katherine (and Austen fans) for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Katherine's next book.





So grab your copy of  Dear Mr. Knightley and join Katherine on the evening of December 3rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)




Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST. Hope to see you on the 3rd!



 






My Thoughts: Have you ever received a gift that was such a blessing you were overwhelmed? That's what happened to Sam. After living in the foster care system she receives a gift of going to journalism school. All this anonymous benefactor requires is that she writes him telling him her progress.

I enjoyed the letter writing between Sam and Mr. Knightley, the banter between them was fun. I loved Mr. Knightley. This was a great book by a debut author and I don't think this will be the last we hear of Katherine Reay.

Highly recommended!



 








First Line Friday Featuring Riot (A Breed Apart: Legacy #3) by Ronie Kendig and JJ Samie Myles

  Happy Friday!! Welcome to the weekend!!! Today I am featuring one of my favorite authors, Ronie Kendig. I loved A Breed Apart series and I...