Monday, May 30, 2016

Melanie Dickerson’s Kindle Prize Pack Giveaway

What happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?




About Melanie:

Melanie Dickerson is a two-time Christy Award finalist, two-time Maggie Award winner, Carol Award winner, two-time winner of the Christian Retailing's Best award, and her book, The Healer's Apprentice, won the National Readers Choice Award for Best First Book. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Melanie earned a bachelors degree in special education of the hearing impaired from The University of Alabama and has worked as a teacher in Georgia, Tennessee, and Ukraine. She lives with her husband and two children in Huntsville, Alabama.

 
Inheriting the new title of margrave means Reinhart has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise? Find out in the new medieval fairy tale, The Beautiful Pretender, by Melanie Dickerson. Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?




Join Melanie in celebrating the release of The Beautiful Pretender by entering to win her Once Upon a Kindle giveaway!





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One grand prize winner will receive:



  • A copy of The Beautiful Pretender

  • A Kindle Fire tablet

  • A $25 Amazon gift card

  • The choice between a Funko POP Disney Beauty or Beast doll



beautiful pretender - prize collage 



Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 7th. The winner will be announced June 8th on Melanie's blog.





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My Take~
 
Melanie is a master at re-telling fairy-tales and she continues that with her new one, The Beautiful Pretender. Melanie says this is a cross between the Princess and the Pea, and Beauty and the Beast. I loved the story from beginning to end and Avelina was a heroine you wanted to cheer for. The theme that I noticed throughout the book was being worth loving. Avelina didn't think she was worth loving especially by a Margrave because she was just a servant, yet we see through the book that no matter what your status you are worth loving. It's the same with Christ we are worthy of love from Him who gave His life for us.
This is a great book, I absolutely love Melanie's re-tellings and highly recommend it!

 
 


 

Friday, May 27, 2016

The Progeny; Descendants of the House of Bathory by Tosca Lee

New York Times bestselling author Tosca Lee brings a modern twist to an ancient mystery surrounding the most notorious female serial killer of all time. A fast-paced thriller for fans of Ted Dekker’s The Books of Mortals, Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, and BBC America’s hit series Orphan Black.

Emily Jacobs is the descendant of a serial killer. Now, she’s become the hunted.

She’s on a quest that will take her to the secret underground of Europe and the inner circles of three ancient orders—one determined to kill her, one devoted to keeping her alive, and one she must ultimately save.

Filled with adrenaline, romance, and reversals, The Progeny is the present-day saga of a 400-year-old war between the uncanny descendants of “Blood Countess” Elizabeth Bathory, the most prolific female serial killer of all time, and a secret society dedicated to erasing every one of her descendants. A story about the search for self filled with centuries-old intrigues against the backdrop of atrocity and hope.





Tosca Lee is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of ISCARIOT; THE LEGEND OF SHEBA; DEMON: A MEMOIR; HAVAH: THE STORY OF EVE; and the Books of Mortals series with New York Times bestseller Ted Dekker (FORBIDDEN, MORTAL, SOVEREIGN). A notorious night-owl, she loves watching TV, eating bacon, playing video games with her kids, and sending cheesy texts to her husband.

You can find Tosca at ToscaLee.com, on social media, or hanging around the snack table.





My Take~
A captivating, adrenaline ride from page one. I couldn't and didn't want to put this book down, I was reaching for it and reading whenever I had a chance. There are so many twists and turns, I was scratching my head not sure who or what to believe. Tosca creates layers, upon layers with this story, the characters are believable and real. This book is my favorite book that I have read so far this year, I am anxiously awaiting book two!
Highly recommended!!!


 

Friday, May 20, 2016

Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

About the book:

Anchor in the Storm (Revell, May 2016)

One plucky female pharmacist + one high-society naval officer = romance-and danger

For plucky Lillian Avery, America's entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy---even if he is her brother's best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves---and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won't soon forget.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1YFAtJ9
 
 
Sarah Sundin is the author of Through Waters Deep, as well as Wings of the Nightingale and the Wings of Glory series. 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. Sarah lives in California.










In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin's new book, Anchor in the Storm. During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?




Celebrate the release of Sarah's Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!





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One grand prize winner will receive:



  • A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm

  • Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric

  • Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration

  • 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting

  • Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book

  • "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal

  • Set of two nautical tea towels



LF AIS full group 2 



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





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My Thoughts~

Mystery, and romance on the high seas is what you will find when you read Sarah's new book, Anchor in the Storm. Arch and Lillian are the stars of this book, Lillian who is determined to stand on her own two feet and not be a burden to anyone, and Arch who wants to make his own way and not rely on his family's money to get him where he wants to be. Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Is the theme throughout the book, allowing God to be the anchor for our souls. 
I was hooked from the first page and enjoyed every page until the end. This is book two in the Waves of Freedom series. What I love about Sarah's writing is her ability to weave scriptural truths into the story without it being preachy. She uses real life scenarios that are believable and able to relate to. This book has everything and I guarantee you will enjoy this book!
Highly recommended!!


 
 

Friday, May 13, 2016

There Will Be Stars by Billy Coffey

About the book:


No one in Mattingly ever believed Bobby Barnes would live to see old age. Drink would either rot Bobby from the inside out or dull his senses just enough to send his truck off the mountain on one of his nightly rides. Although Bobby believes such an end possible—and even likely—it doesn’t stop him from taking his twin sons Matthew and Mark into the mountains one Saturday night. A sharp curve, blinding headlights, metal on metal, his sons’ screams. Bobby’s final thought as he sinks into blackness is a curious one—there will be stars.


Yet it is not death that greets him beyond the veil. Instead, he returns to the day he has just lived and finds he is not alone in this strange new world. Six others are trapped there with him.


Bobby soon discovers that rather than the place of peace he had been led to believe he was in, it’s actually a place of secrets and hidden dangers. Along with three others, he seeks to escape, even as the world around him begins to crumble. The escape will lead some to greater life, others to endless death . . . and Bobby Barnes to understand the deepest nature of love.
 
Paperback, 416 pages
Published May 3rd 2016 by Thomas Nelson 
 
 
About Billy:
Billy and his wife, Joanne, live with their two children in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. A product of his small-town locale, Billy counts as assets his rural authenticity, unwavering sense of purpose, and insatiable curiosity--all of which tend to make his front porch a comfortably crowded place.
 
 
 
 
 
My Take~
 
As I read this book I felt as if I was following a trail of bread crumbs, with each one containing a nugget of the story. Each of these characters tugged at my heart strings, Laura-Beth's story brought tears to my eyes as I could relate to her, and I just wanted to reach through the pages and give her a hug. I was also reminded of something I was taught in a communications class, if a video camera was focused on you would your behavior be different than if you weren't being taped. It made me think about my behavior and how I am seen by not only my family and friends, but strangers. Do they see the reflection of Christ in me? I sure hope so because that is my desire.

Don't miss this book! It will be one of my faves for the year, and I am going to go back and read all of the books in Billy's Mattingly series.













I received this book free from Billy Coffey/Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review, I did not receive any monetary compensation.

Monday, May 9, 2016

The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter

Following a concussion, Lucy Lovett can’t remember the last seven months of her life. She doesn’t remember leaving her fiancé Zac Callahan weeks before their wedding or moving to Portland, Maine. And she sure doesn’t remember getting engaged to another man. All she remembers is loving Zac more than life itself.

It’s taken Zac months to move on after Lucy left him with no explanation. He’s thrown himself into his family’s farm and his restaurant business in Summer Harbor. Now Lucy’s back, vulnerable, homeless, and still in love with him. She needs his help putting the pieces together, but letting her back into his life is a risk—and the stakes are high. If he follows his heart he’ll win back the love of his life. But if her memory returns he’ll lose her all over again.



Denise Hunter is the award-winning author of 20 novels, including Dancing with Fireflies and Convenient Groom.

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!






My Take~

Lucy could be any one of us, someone who is afraid of being left so she leaves first saving herself the pain. I felt for Lucy and Zac two people who loved each other deeply, yet pain had been caused on both sides and fear of pain kept them apart. Denise creates a story that makes you care for both Zac and Lucy, each page urges you on to find out why Lucy can't remember anything but being with Zac and why Zac is reluctant to have any relationship with Lucy. This book is about forgiveness not only of yourself but those who had hurt you. 
Highly recommended!!!


 

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Music-Themed Giveaway with Cynthia Ruchti

{More about Song of Silence}

Song of Silence (Abingdon, April 2016)
Music taught Lucy love and beauty. Could silence teach her hope?
Lucy and Charlie Tuttle agree on one thing: they’re committed to each other for life. Trouble is, neither of them expected life to look like this. Charlie retired early, but Lucy is devoted to a long-term career . . . until the day she has no choice.
Forced to retire from her position as music educator in a small Midwestern K-8 school, Lucy can only watch helplessly as the program her father started years ago disintegrates before her eyes. As the music fades and a chasm separates her form the passion of her heart, Lucy wonders if her faith’s song has gone silent, too. The musical score of her life seems to be missing all the notes.
When a simple misstep threatens to silence Lucy forever, a young boy and his soundless mother change the way she sees—and hears—everything.
Learn more and purchase a copy.


{More About Cynthia Ruchti}

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope. She’s the award-winning author of 17 books and a frequent speaker for women’s ministry events. She serves as the Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, where she helps retailers, libraries, and book clubs connect with the authors and books they love. She lives with her husband in Central Wisconsin.
Find out more about Cynthia at http://www.cynthiaruchti.com.





As the music fades and a chasm separates her from the passion of her heart, will Lucy's faith song go silent, too? Find out in Cynthia Ruchti's new book, Song of Silence. The musical score of her life seems to be missing all the notes. When a simple misstep threatens to silence Lucy forever, a young boy and his soundless mother change the way she sees—and hears—everything.




Celebrate the release of Song of Silence with a blog tour and giveaway. Two winners will be chosen!





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One grand prize winner will receive:



  • A copy of Song of Silence

  • A $150 Visa cash card


One second place winner will receive:



  • A copy of Song of Silence

  • A music-themed prize pack filled with goodies hand-picked by Cynthia


Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 9th. The winners will be announced May 10th on Cynthia's blog.





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My Thoughts~

I definitely related with Lucy. I know what it is like to have quiet and enjoy every minute of it, to have it interrupted with returning children back to the nest. Families are messy and noisy, that doesn't mean it's bad it's just what it is, and Lucy is experiencing noisy in spades. After loosing her job as a music teacher to cut backs she is home with time on her hands. 
The book flows from chapter to chapter with ease, I laughed out loud, and was brought to tears. This book will remain with me and I will be thinking about the characters for days to come. I know it's a good book when I start praying for the characters.
Highly recommended!!!

 

Monday, May 2, 2016

Trial and Tribulations by Rachel Dylan

A Windy Ridge Legal Thriller #1

High-powered attorney Olivia Murray faces the biggest test of her career when she is assigned to represent Astral Tech, a New Age tech company, in a lawsuit filed by its biggest competitor. While Olivia is accustomed to hard fights in the courtroom, she arrives in Windy Ridge and discovers there is much more to this case than the legal claims—forces of darkness are at work.

Windy Ridge quickly turns from quiet Chicago suburb to spiritual battleground, and Olivia must rely on her faith to defend against legal and spiritual attacks. Although they are enemies in the courtroom, Olivia finds a friend and unlikely ally in opposing counsel, Grant Baxter. Once a skeptic about faith, he ultimately comes to her aid when she needs it most.

The battle between evil forces heats up in and out of the courtroom, pushing Olivia to the breaking point. Will she be able to help good triumph over evil, or will the town of Windy Ridge be torn apart?




Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including inspirational romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense and the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. Rachel has practiced law for almost a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids--two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.








My Take~

I love legal thrillers and spiritual warfare novels, and Rachel Dylan combines both in this fast paced fight between good and evil. I could not turn the pages fast enough and I stayed up way past my bedtime reading. There are a lot of people who don't believe in the spiritual world, I do and Rachel does a fantastic job of showing the battle between the two.   
The Bible tells us . . . "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." ~ Ephesians 6:12
We see Olivia's internal struggle as a lawyer to do the job she is hired to do, and also honor God. 
This is the first book I have read by Rachel and it won't be my last!













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...