• Home
  • Blogs
    • Adults
    • Young Adult
    • Youth
    • Interviews
  • About
  • Contact Me
  • Disclosures & Policies
  • Other
    • Book Challenges >
      • Yearly Reading Challenges
      • Bout of Books
      • LDS Fiction Reading Challenges
    • Resources
    • About the Logo
Singing Librarian Books
  • Home
  • Blogs
    • Adults
    • Young Adult
    • Youth
    • Interviews
  • About
  • Contact Me
  • Disclosures & Policies
  • Other
    • Book Challenges >
      • Yearly Reading Challenges
      • Bout of Books
      • LDS Fiction Reading Challenges
    • Resources
    • About the Logo
Singing Librarian Books

Adult Blog

Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin -- Book Tour Review + 5 Book Giveaway

5/31/2016

About the Book

Picture
Single mom Julia Dare has a lot on her plate.
A brand new Christian, Julia is busy trying to run her own business, spend time with her widowed mother, and raise her young son, Max, despite his father’s less-than-ideal influence on him. When a big account from her event-planning business sends her to the Caliente Springs resort, she’s shocked to come face-to-face with Zeke Monroe, the resort’s general manager and her college sweetheart.
With his faith in tatters, Zeke Monroe is determined to keep the historic Caliente Springs resort running despite financial difficulties. But when Julia walks back into his life, he can’t ignore the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client’s dream wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. When Zeke and Julia are pushed to their limits both personally and professionally, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?
GOODREADS | AMAZON -- KINDLE & PRINT

About the Author

Picture
Victoria Bylin writes contemporary and historical romances known for their realistic, relatable characters. Her work has finaled in contests such as the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky.
GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTERST | AMAZON | WEBSITE

Review

Victoria Bylin’s novel Someone Like You is an absolute delight. From page one readers will fall in love with this beautiful story of old lovers and friends.  These characters realistic display of deep and raw emotions will leave readers reflecting on their own life and emotions.  From page one Victoria hooks her readers so that they will not want to put this wonderful and emotional journey of a book down.  I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy contemporary, romance, and Christian reads.
 
Genre: romance, contemporary, Christian
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: May 3, 2016
Number of pages: 352
 
Content Rating: PG, some adult relationship discussion—some regarding the past, but nothing graphic
Book Rating: 5 stars
Picture
A review copy of this book was provided by LitFuse.

Giveaway

Picture
Enter to win a copy of Someone Like You—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced June 1 on the Litfuse blog!
Picture
0 Comments

Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories by Alexis A. Goring -- Book Tour Review + Giveaway

5/27/2016
Picture
Picture
Picture
Genre: Romance
Publisher: WestBow Press
Publication date: November 25, 2015
Number of pages: 148

Hope in My Heart is a collection of short, heartwarming stories with characters in need of hope.

In Love Unexpected,a car crash brings commitment-wary Sebastian and career woman Chandra together. Neither is looking for romance, but those around them see the potential, and Sebastian and Chandra discover that sometimes love shows up unexpectedly.

​Christmastime is the setting for the middle story, The Best Gift. Christina desires to lose ten pounds so she can fit into her dress for her sister's wedding. Jordan
wishes her mom would stop trying to marry her off. And Joshua hopes to be reunited with his ex-girlfriend but eventually learns that the best gift this Christmas will be the restoration of his relationship with God.

In Peace and Love, three characters living in a metropolitan area are desperately searching. Elle, a starving artist, aspires to become a paid professional. Eric, a divorce attorney, wants to resolve his issues concerning his parents' divorce. Kristine anticipates finding her birth mom before she marries Derek. All characters pray their searches will conclude this holiday season and fill their hearts with peace and love.
​GOODREADS | AMAZON -- KINDLE & PRINT | B&N
Picture
Picture
Alexis A. Goring is a writer at heart and a journalist by profession. 

She loves the art of storytelling! She was delighted when her first book, an inspirational romance novella called Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories, released in Sept. 2013. 

When Alexis is not working on her next book or chasing down the next big story for the newspaper where she works as a freelance reporter, she can be found listening to songs by her most admired musicians, enjoying the food in cafes/restaurants, shopping at her favorite malls and spending quality time with loved ones (family and friends).
GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | AMAZON | BLOG
Picture
Check out the interview HERE.
Picture
Chandra was driving down the highway with a heavy foot on the accelerator. The music in her Mazda Miata coupe was blaring and she was happy. She planned to return to work before lunch break was over, and it looked like she was going to meet her goal in exactly ten minutes. As Chandra prepared to change lanes for her exit, a car slammed into the passenger’s side of her vehicle.
 
Chandra screamed but managed to maintain enough control to steer the car to the side of the road. The car that hit Chandra spun around and ended on the side of the road, not too far from her car. A panicked Chandra immediately hopped out of her car and inspected it for damages. The entire passenger side of her car was dented.
 
“Oh no!” Chandra crumpled to the bare cement beside her car and buried her head in her hands.
 
Meanwhile, the driver who had caused the accident emerged from his Jeep and checked the damages. The entire driver’s side of his car was scratched and mildly dented. He was inspecting the damage when he heard crying. He turned around and went to see the lady he had run into. He should have known not to text while driving.
 
“Hey, lady, I’m so sorry!” he apologized. “Are you okay?”
 
“No!” Chandra screamed as she struggled to rise to her feet. “Why weren’t you looking where you were going?”
 
“Listen, lady,” the man replied as he retrieved his phone from his jean pocket. “Let’s not get upset. I’m going to call the cops, and we’ll be out of here in an hour.”
 
“An hour?” Chandra cried. “I’ve got be at work in ten minutes!”
 
The man looked at her. “Well, what do you propose we do?”
 
Chandra scrambled, pulling out her purse out of her car then running back to the man who had caused the accident. “Give me your name and number and we’ll settle this later.”
 
“Fine.” The man embodied tall, dark, and handsome. “But I’m going to take your license plate number in case you forget.”
 
“Fine,” Chandra replied before pulling out a notepad from her purse and looking over at the man’s license plate. She quickly penned his tag numbers and then looked up at his broad six foot frame. “Here.” She scribbled her name, tag number, insurance information, and cell number on a separate piece of paper and handed it to him. “That’s all the information you’ll need for your insurance agent.”
 
“And you’re sure that you don’t want to call the cops?” the man asked.
“Yes!” a somewhat annoyed Chandra answered. “Now write your contact information on this paper so I can call my insurance company from work.”
 
Wow, this woman was bossy—just like his sister. But he obeyed her order.
 
After exchanging information, Chandra read the stranger’s name out loud. “Sebastian Carter. Why does that sound familiar?”
 
“I’m a personal trainer for some celebrities,” he replied.
 
“Like who?” Chandra asked before remembering that she had limited time to return to the office. “Oh, never mind! I have to go.” She hurried to her car.
 
“Drive safely, lady!” Sebastian called. He glanced at the paper she gave him. “I mean drive safely, Chandra!”
 
“I was driving safely,” Chandra called back. “You need to look where you’re going!” 
Picture
​Alexis A Goring has written a short and sweet three novella collection.  Although the chapters in each of the stories are quite short, and the relationship of the characters seem a bit rushed, at the heart of the collection, these stories are meant to touch your heart with their sweetness.  I would recommend this novella collection to readers that enjoy contemporary fiction.
 
Genre: contemporary, romance
Publisher: WestBow Press
Publication date: November 25, 2015
Number of pages: 148
 
Content Rating: G
Book Rating: 3 stars
Picture
A review copy of this book was provided by SLB Tours.
Picture
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Picture
May 16--Reading Is My SuperPower
May 17--Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance
May 18--cherylbbookblog
May 19--Smiling Book Reviews
May 20--Puddletown Reviews
May 23--Katie's Clean Book Collection
May 24--Just Commonly 
May 25--Mel's Shelves
May 26--Heidi Reads...
May 27--Singing Librarian Book
Picture
0 Comments

Born to Treason by E.B. Wheeler -- Book Tour Review

5/27/2016
Picture

About the Book

Picture
Joan Pryce is not only a Catholic during the English Reformation but also Welsh, and comes from a family of proud revolutionaries. But when a small act of defiance entangles her in a deadly conspiracy, a single misstep could lead her straight to the gallows! Joan must decide between fighting for freedom and finding love.
GOODREADS | AMAZON -- KINDLE & PRINT

About the Author

Picture
E.B. Wheeler grew up in Georgia and California. She earned her BA in history from BYU and has graduate degrees in history and landscape architecture from Utah State University. With Welsh ancestors on one side of her family and crypto-Catholics on the other, she’s been fascinated by the story of Welsh Catholics since writing about them in her master’s thesis. She’s the award-winning author of “The Haunting of Springett Hall” and lives in northern Utah with her family.
GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | AMAZON | WEBSITE

Review

​I have heard many great things about E.B. Wheeler’s books and I finally got my hands on a copy of one of her books, Born to Treason, and I was not one bit disappointed.  I was captivated with the story from page one.  Filled with adventure, mystery, intrigue, and romance, this historical fiction novel focus on the time during the English Reformation of the Welsh/Catholic people.  Well-written and with delightful characters, readers will not want to put down this excellent story!
 
Genre: historical, romance, fiction, Christian
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Publication date: May 10, 2016
Number of pages: 240
 
Content Rating: PG, smuggling, persecutions
Book Rating: 5 stars
Picture
A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media.

Tour Schedule

May 10: Rockin’ Book Reviews
May 11: My Love for Reading Keeps Growing
May 12: Once Upon a Time | Bookworm Lisa
May 13: My Book a Day
May 14: Inklings and Notions
May 15:
May 16: Katie’s Clean Book Collection
May 17: Getting Your Read On
May 18: The Dragon’s Nook | Reading for Sanity
May 19: Robyn Echols Books | Reading Lark
May 20: Why Not? Because I Said So
May 21:
May 22:
May 23: Wishful Endings
May 24: Mel’s Shelves
May 25: Blooming With Books
May 26: Making Life a Bliss Complete
May 27: Singing Librarian Books
May 28: Crossroad Reviews
May 29:
May 30: Fire and Ice
May 31: The Morrell Tale
Picture
0 Comments

Her One and Only (Porter Family #4) by Becky Wade -- Book Tour Review + $100 Cash Card & Porter Prize Pack

5/27/2016

About the Book

Picture
After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans.
But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?
Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.
Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.
GOODREADS | AMAZON -- KINDLE & PRINT

Books in the Series

Picture
Find the purchase links for all the books HERE.

About the Author

Picture
Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and now lives in Dallas. A favorite among readers of Christian contemporary romance, Becky has won a Carol Award, an Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and an INSPY Award.
GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON | WEBSITE

Fun Interview with the Cover Models of Her One and Only

Review

​As my first book by Becky Wade, I have to say I definitely want to go back and read the other three books in the Porter Family Series.  Becky has written a fantastic contemporary romance that readers will love.  With the leads in the story being an NFL player and a bodyguard, this story is filled with a bit of suspense, as well as some fun and sweet romance.  This story touches base on all the Porter siblings and seems to bring this series to a loving close.  I would recommend this story to readers that enjoy contemporary romance novels with enough suspense to keep you on your toes.
 
Genre: contemporary, Christian, romance, suspense
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: May 3, 2016
Number of pages: 368
 
Content Rating: PG, violence (nothing graphic), language related to pregnancy and birth
Book Rating: 5 stars
Picture
A review copy of this book was provided by LitFuse.

Giveaway

Join Becky in celebrating the release of Her One and Only by entering to win her Porter prize pack and $100 cash card giveaway!
Picture
​One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A copy of Her One and Only
  • A $100 cash card
  • Follow Your Heart tote bag
  • 24 oz Tervis Wonder Woman Tumbler
  • The Blind Side DVD
  • Necklace with star charm
  • Porter Family navy jersey
Picture
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 31st. The winner will be announced June 1st on the Litfuse blog.
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Heart of the Billionaire Book Blast

5/25/2016
Heart of the Billionaire The scrumptiously romantic series continues with the second book in the Almost an Angel Series by Bestselling Authors Jenifer Youngblood and Sandra Poole Gracie, an angel-in-training, has completed her first assignment, reuniting Alex and Dawson after their tumultuous breakup. Her elation is cut short when she receives her next assignment: Brooke Matthews—the snotty, entitled, princess, who did everything in her power to snatch Dawson away from Alex. Where in the world will Gracie find a man to put up with this beauty of a beast? Nash Rigby is a bull rider. Used to taking life by the horns, he’s willing to enter into an arrangement—a dubious arrangement—to save his father’s ranch. He’s trained to hang on for all he’s worth for eight seconds, but can this cowboy hang on to Brooke long enough to win the prize? Or, will he be able to see Brooke’s inner beauty and find the love of a lifetime? Maybe … with a little help from an almost angel. Faced with the insurmountable task of helping the cowboy and the billionaire’s daughter fall in love, Gracie digs in, determined to do things her way. When Sheldon, a dark angel with killer looks, floats back into her life, err … afterlife, Gracie must fight against her growing attraction to heaven’s bad boy. Heart of the Billionaire is a stand-alone novel. But to get the full effect of how things work in the realm of angels, check out Candlelight Kisses (Book 1 in the Almost an Angel Series) amazon Praise for the Series: "I did not see that ending coming! Gracie is not what I expected either...she doesn't fit the mold of what you think an "angel-in-training" is supposed to be like, and it will be fun to see her continue to learn and change. I love her mentor, Gertrude! It is a fun, clean romance that keeps you interested and entertained. Eagerly anticipating the next one in the series!” by Verified Amazon Customer "Love this series! Nash's desire to save his father's ranch touched me. And it helped he's hot and swoon worthy! And Gracie's love story with the 'bad boy' makes it even more interesting! Love this! Don't miss it!” Always Reading add to goodreads   Excerpt From Heart of the Billionaire (Book 2 in The Almost an Angel Series) Stewart Matthews sat poised on the edge of his seat, his body taut—his face wearing the laser-beam focus of a General preparing for battle. In many ways, he was fighting the greatest battle of his life, for it involved the heart of the one he loved the most. He could only see one way to help Brooke, but she wouldn’t like it. In fact, she would be so angry that she might never speak to him again. That was the price he would have to pay for attempting to save her. Better to be a parent than a friend. Even though he dreaded what was to come, he knew there was no other option. His money had been the thing that sent Brooke down her path of self-destruction. He could only hope that it would also be the catalyst that would save her A feeling of resignation settled over him as he looked down at the blank page. Then he picked up the pen and began to write … My Darling Brooke, From the moment you were born and I held you in my arms, I knew that my life would never again be the same. Never before had I experienced such pure and complete love. And that love has only grown and multiplied over the years. You are my heart, my primary responsibility, and I will take any measures necessary to protect you, even if that means protecting you from yourself. Sweetheart, my only desire is that you find joy and contentment—the kind that can only come from within. You need to learn to love unconditionally and to love someone so completely that you are willing to put his needs before your own. Please know that I have spent many a night, walking the floors, trying to determine the best course of action to set you back on the right path. A way has been opened up, and I intend to take full advantage of it. My only hope is that you will one day find it in your heart to forgive me, for what I’m about to do. A knock sounded. He looked up as his assistant stuck her head in the door. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but the attorney is here and waiting in the conference room. It’s time.” The moment of truth was here. Once he signed the documents, there would be no going back. He blew out a breath, a rigid look of determination on his lined face. “Tell them I’ll be there in five minutes.”     Youngblood PooleJennifer Youngblood & Sandra Poole Jennifer and Sandra—daughter and mother writing duo—have been writing together for many years and have over a dozen published novels, a collection of short stories, and a children’s book (released under the pen name of Periwinkle Blue). They feel it’s a great privilege to be able to collaborate with each other as it adds a depth and spice to their work that neither of them could get independently. For them, writing is a continual journey of discovery. They have so many ideas for books that it’s hard to focus on one at a time. Both of them have a penchant for chocolate, seafood, and movies. Jennifer has a B.A. in English and Social Sciences from BYU Hawaii, and Sandra has a Masters in Business Administration. Jennifer and Sandra now live in the Rocky Mountains with their families.

Website * Facebook * Newsletter * Twitter

  Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/13/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway
0 Comments

Get the Mended Hearts eBook series for Less Than $10!

5/24/2016
Picture
Media credit goes to Annie JC over at http://www.justcommonly.blogspot.com for the beautiful picture of the Mended Hearts series. 

On June 1, the Mended Heart series
will finally be complete. 
 

Get the entire eBook series for less than $10.00!
Here's how:

Jilted eBook is HALF PRICE if you pre-order before June 1st.
Jaded and Justified eBooks will be $.99 from May 30 thru June 7.
Order Jilted now, then order Jaded & Justified later, then
Let your friends know about this great deal!

Where to Buy?

Picture
Pick up a copy at your  local bookstore, or order from your favorite online distributor including:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Christian Book Distributor
Family Christian
Lifeway
​
Books-A-Million
​
Powell’s Books
​
Go Hastings
​
Indie Bound
​
Kobo
Picture
Happy reading!


If you've enjoyed the Mended Hearts series, Varina would love to hear what you have to say, so please consider leaving a review at Amazon, GoodReads, or Barnes & Noble.
Connect with Varina on:
​GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST
​INSTAGRAM | AMAZON | WEBSITE
Picture
1 Comment

No Neutral Ground (Promise for Tomorrow #2) by Terri Wangard

5/24/2016

About the Book

Picture
After his father divorces his mother because of her Jewish ancestry, Rafe and the rest of his family flee Germany. As a B-17 navigator, he returns to Europe. On the ocean voyage, he meets Jennie, an artist journeying to Sweden to work with the OSS.
Flying missions against his former homeland arouses emotions that surprise Rafe. Despite being rejected, he is troubled by the destruction of Germany and his heart still cries for his father’s love.
Sweden may be neutral, but it’s full of intrigue. Jennie assists the OSS at the American legation in Sweden. She thought she’d be doing passive, behind-the-scenes work. Instead, she’s pushed into an active role to gain intelligence and frustrate the Germans.
How can Rafe and Jennie succeed in their dangerous roles when they are so conflicted?
​GOODREADS | AMAZON -- KINDLE & PRINT

About the Author

Picture
Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.
​FACEBOOK |PINTEREST | WEBSITE

Review

Terri Wangard has once again written a captivating historical WWII novel.  No Neutral Ground will captivate readers from page one with its loveable and relatable characters and emotionally attaching story of war and romance.  Rafe and his mother left Germany when he was young and now he is a soldier fighting a war with his home country.  Along the way he meets fun and cute Jennie and they become friends, spy partners, and get entangled in a sweet romance.  As a big fan of historical fiction and WWII novels, I would highly recommend this novel to readers.
 
Series: Promise for Tomorrow
Genre: historical, romance, WWII
Publisher: HopeSprings Books
Publication date: May 3, 2016
Number of pages: 424
 
Content Rating: PG, war scenes, etc.
Book Rating: 5 stars
Picture
Other books in the series:
1-Friends and Enemies

A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher via CelebrateLit.
Picture
0 Comments

On the Edge: How My Crappy Job Changed My Life by Stuart Edge -- Book Tour Review

5/24/2016
Picture

About the Book

Picture
Everyone has had that one awful job, but Stuart Edge really had an awful job–cleaning porta-potties. As he cleaned, he dreamed of creating videos that not only made people laugh but also changed their lives. Now a YouTube sensation, Stuart shares his secrets to his YouTube success and reveals his conversion from self-conscious to confident and how being true to his beliefs made all the difference.
GOODREADS | AMAZON -- KINDLE & PRINT

About the Author

Picture
Stuart Edge was earning money for college tuition by cleaning portable toilets when inspiration hit: “Make YouTube Videos That Make People Happy.” Only months later, he called his mother in a panic. “Please pray for me. I think one of my videos just went viral.” The Mistletoe Kissing Prank did indeed go viral, netting more than 27 million views to date. Several viral videos later, Stuart Edge has found fame, and possibly fortune, making people laugh. Not bad for a boy with social anxiety.
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

Review

On the Edge is written by and on the life of Stuart Edge.  It shares pieces from his life where he made mistakes, learned, grew, and eventually found success.  I love how down to earth and “normal” if you will, Stuart is.  He is just like any of us trying to find his way and life, making mistakes, and learning along the way.  I also love how Stuart brings up his religion and how that impacts his life as well.  Great read for anyone that is struggling in life and wants to find purpose.
 
Genre: non-fiction, autobiography
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Publication date: May 10, 2016
Number of pages: 224
 
Content Rating: G
Book Rating: 5 stars
Picture
A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media.

Tour Schedule

May 10: Reidhead Random-ness
May 11:
May 12: The Power of One Girl
May 13: Alec Marie
May 14:
May 15:
May 16: Laura Walker
May 17:
May 18: Mel’s Shelves
May 19: According to Brent
May 20:
May 21: A Little Too Jolley
May 22:
May 23: Keep Moving Forward with Me
May 24: Singing Librarian Books
May 25: Holly’s Book Corner
May 26: My Book a Day
May 27: Rockin’ Book Reviews
May 28: My Experience in Truth
May 29: Mormonrabilia
May 30: Brooklyn Berry Designs
May 31: Figuring Things
Picture
1 Comment

Through the Shadows (Golden Gat Chronicles #3) by Karen Barnett -- Book Tour Review + 5 Book Giveaway

5/23/2016

About the Book

Picture
As San Francisco rises from the ashes, an age-old battle looms between corruption and the promise of new beginnings.

The devastating earthquake is just two years past, but the city of San Francisco is still trying to recover. Destruction of this magnitude is not so easy to overcome---and neither are the past regrets shadowing Elizabeth King's hopeful future.

Hoping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth dedicates herself to helping girls rescued from slavery in Chinatown brothels, even if it means putting her own life at risk to sneak through the gloomy alleys and rooftops where dangers lurk.

Putting her life on the line for a worthy cause is admirable. But opening her heart is even more terrifying. So when Elizabeth meets attorney Charles McKinley---a man who dreams of reforming San Francisco's crooked politics---Elizabeth begins to doubt: Can she maintain her pretense and hide her past? Or will her secret jeopardize both their futures?
GOODREADS | AMAZON -- KINDLE & PRINT

Books in the Series

Picture
KINDLE & PRINT
Picture
KINDLE & PRINT
Picture
KINDLE & PRINT

About the Author

Picture
Karen Barnett is the author of “Beyond the Ashes,” “Out of the Ruins,” and “Mistaken.” Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs..
GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | AMAZON | WEBSITE

Review

As my first book from Karen Barnet, I was thoroughly impressed with Through the Shadows.  Karen has a way of drawing her readers into her stories and falling in love with her characters from page one.  I was drawn in and loved how Elizabeth King throws herself into the work of the mission of saving young girls from brothels in Chinatown.  I also enjoyed how Elizabeth and Charles McKinley keep bumping into each other and how a romance forms.  Although the third book in a series, this can be read as a standalone.  I would recommend this book to readers that enjoy historical, romance novels.
 
Series: Golden Gate Chronicles
Genre: historical, romance, Christian
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Publication date: May 1, 2016
Number of pages: 320
 
Content Rating: PG, reference to prostitution
Book Rating: 5 stars
Picture
Other books in the series:
1-Out of the Ruins
2-Beyond the Ashes

A review copy of this book was provided by LitFuse.

Giveaway

Picture
Enter to win a copy of Through the Shadows—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced June 7th on Karen’s blog!
Picture
1 Comment

Hunting Hope: Dig Throgh the Darkness to Find the Light by Nika Maples -- Book Tour Review + Giveaway

5/23/2016

About the Book

Picture
Hope is not an accident. Sometimes it has to be hunted, and hunting it takes courage.
Hope hunters know how to excavate hope from hardship. There is dirt underneath their fingernails and sweat on their shirts. They rake through the rubble of an unwanted situation, digging into difficult circumstances because they have come to expect that adversity will produce good. They believe that light always triumphs over darkness. They have learned to walk through winter with their eyes on spring.
Nika Maples became a hope hunter after suffering a massive brainstem stroke that left her quadriplegic in her twenties. Doctors warned that she had as little as 48 hours to live, and-if she lived at all-she would never walk or talk again. There was no hope on the horizon. So Nika started to hunt for it. Today, she not only walks, but she speaks to audiences everywhere about the power of hunting hope when a situation appears hopeless. She says hope remains camouflaged in the daily mundane. If we are not looking for it, we will miss it, though it is right before our eyes.
Whether you or someone you know is going through a situation that feels hopeless, you will find encouragement in Hunting Hope. Whether you are experiencing a medical trauma, a financial hardship, or a relational crisis, you will find empowerment in Hunting Hope. As you read, you will cling to 20 truths about God’s character and practice 5 daily disciplines that will develop your own character in crisis.
You will become a hope hunter.
Maybe it doesn’t matter what causes suffering in our lives as much as it matters what suffering causes in our lives. Maybe we were allmeant to be hope hunters.
GOODREADS | AMAZON--KINDLE & PRINT

About the Author

Picture
Nika Maples is the author of Twelve Clean Pages, the memoir of her survival of lupus and a stroke that left her quadriplegic at age 20. After learning to walk and talk again, she became a public school teacher, winning 2007 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. She holds an MA in English Education from Columbia University and currently is pursuing an MDIV from The King’s University. When she is not traveling to speak, she lives, writes, and laughs as much as possible in Fort Worth, Texas.
GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON | WEBSITE

Review

What a truly inspiring read!  Nika Maples shares scriptural incites that will touch your heart.  Nika also shares personal experiences or events from the life of her friends and compares them to the life of Jesus and his followers showing that through the good times and the bad times, from the dark to the light, God and Jesus are always there for us.  I would recommend this book to readers that want to be uplifted and learn how to be happy and overcome life’s challenges.
 
Genre: non-fiction, Christian
Publisher: Worthy Inspired
Publication date: April 19, 2016
Number of pages: 240
 
Content Rating: G
Book Rating: 5 stars
Picture
A review copy of this book was provided by LitFuse.

Giveaway

Celebrate the release of Hunting Hope with a $200 Getaway Giveaway (details below) and a live webcast with Nika on May 26!
Picture
One grand prize winner will receive:
  • One copy of Hunting Hope
  • A $200 Hilton gift card to give a hope hunter the chance to rest
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/24. The winner will be announced at the Hunting Hope live author webcast on 5/26. RSVP for a chance to connect with Nika and other hope hunters, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!
Picture
​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 26TH!###
Picture
0 Comments
Previous

    ​Bringing you your next favorite clean read...

    Need a good book to read?  Check here...  Anything from regency, romance, historical fiction, contemporary...

    How to comment on the blog due to weird theme issues: 
    -Name
    -Email
    -Website
    -Comments
    -Notify me of new comments to this post by email
    Need to search the site?  Use the search engine below...

    Categories

    All
    Book Hangover Wednesdays
    First Line Fridays
    LDS Fiction Reading Challenges
    Month In Review
    Read-a-thon
    Slb Author Book Spotlight
    The-sabbath-is-a-delght
    Top Ten Tuesday
    Waiting-on-wednesdays


    ​Learn more about how I rate the books I read HERE.

    Follow the adult reader blog via email.

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015

Follow the blogs via email here:

adult reader blog
teen reader blog
youth reader blog

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner


Author interviews
slb tours landing page
CFSRS

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner


Search the site here:

follow or connect with me on:
​
​AMAZON | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB