About the Book
Kathy Andrews is good at goodbyes. Her mother is sent to a sanatorium, her sister, left behind in Chicago, and her father, forced to roam looking for work. So she holds close to the only one she has left, her brother Danny. When the two go to live with the Marshalls in the sleepy town of Brighton, she doesn't let anyone past hello. Elliott Russell frowns at his aunt and uncle's generosity--even though he and his sister are on the receiving end. He frowns, too, at the uppity city girl with a chip on her shoulder whom he can't get out of his head. When a tragedy rips apart what tenuous existence they manage to forge, will they find the sweetest place to be is in God's will--or will they turn their backs on faith that fails to protect against pain?
About the Author
Meghan M. Gorecki is an author of inspirational fiction, a blogger, book reviewer and voracious reader. Taking her life a day at a time as God leads, she is pursuing a career in the publishing industry as an editor in training and as a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. A hopeless romantic, history and Marvel nut, she's also a redhead (thanks to a box), who knows way too much trivia about movie musicals and the Civil War. Find her on social media and at her blog, A Northern Belle (www.northernbellemeg.com)
Giveaway--Ends 5/21
Giveaway contents: One autographed paperback copy of God’s Will, Ghirardelli dark sea salt caramel chocolate bar, assorted teas, leather string journal, and a handmade vintage charm-locket necklace.
GoodReads Giveaway--May 21-May 28
Link to the GIVEAWAY.
Kindle count Down Deal!
-May 29th: $0.99
-May 30th: $1.99 -May 31st: $2.99 -June 1st: $3.99 About the Book
As the daughter of a well-known senator, Summer Knight is all too familiar with the nasty side of politics. She’s always stayed out of the drama, until an incident involving her fellow Mormons drives her out of her hometown—and out of the Church. What she needs is a change of scene, and sunny California seems like just the place. Enter Benson Hardy. He’s just her type—until she finds out who he is. Not only is Benson a nephew to her father’s political rival, he’s also a devout member of the Church. The last thing Summer wants is to be mixed up in politics—or religion. But Benson challenges her like no one else, asking the tough questions about her inactivity. Though their incompatibility is clear, their connection is undeniable, and soon Summer finds the embers of her faith reigniting. Just as it seems that the pair might be on the road to romance, a series of embarrassing misunderstandings—and the appearance of a handsome charmer determined to sweep Summer off her feet—knock the couple completely off course. As Summer finds herself at a crossroads, she must decide if she’s willing to set her pride aside for a shot at true love.
About the Author
Brittany Larsen may have been raised in the most Republican state in the nation, but she’s too politically fickle to commit to one party, much to the dismay of her firmly Democratic husband, Shawn. Generally, she avoids talking politics with him because she hates to lose. When not writing or avoiding politics, Brittany loves yoga—especially the hot kind—chocolate, tacos, and her three daughters. Not necessarily in that order. She tolerates her dog and running, though at time she loves them both. She lives in Orange County, California.
Review
I absolutely LOVE Pride and Prejudice retellings and this fun new story from author Brittany Larsen is an absolute delight. Fun characters and of course the fantastic twist on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, this is a well-written and fun story that readers are not going to want to miss! From page one readers will fall in love with the characters and Brittany’s rendition of the story. The story is funny and cute and the perfect book get away into another world. The tie in with politics is entertaining and I also love the tie in with the LDS faith. This story shows how a woman can discover her faith and true love! I would recommend this novel to fans of Jane Austen and retellings of her stories.
Genre: contemporary, romance, retelling, LDS, Christian Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: May 1, 2016 Number of pages: 265 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications.
GiveawayTour Schedule
May 16th:
http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/ http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/ http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/ May 17th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/ http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/ http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/ May 18th: http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ May 19th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/ http://empowermoms.net/ http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/ May 20th: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/ http://fireandicereads.com/ http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/
Aqua by Katherine Armstrong Walters Eighteen-year-old Marin has few clues about where she came from, outside of a recurring nightmare of a horrific boating accident. Determined to prove to the world and to herself that she can overcome her water phobia and lead a normal life, she enrolls in a summer internship at a marine research facility in California. When a cataclysmic accident suddenly brings her drowning nightmares into reality, she learns a secret about herself that begins to unlock the mystery lurking in her hidden memories. What she discovers could be the key to her past, but opening that door forces her to choose between two worlds and two hearts, and starts a chain of events that could destroy everything and everyone she loves. Praise for Aqua: “This book grabbed me right away and never let me go! The characters were fresh and believable and immediately took you into their world. Not sure who the intended audience would be but I am 68 and enjoyed it immensely but my 16 year old granddaughter would love it too! Kathy Walters allows us to enter into the world of her imagination and escape our own for a while. I am looking forward to more from her!” ~Gerri Stephy “Heart-stopping adventure and swoon-worthy romance that will take your breath away.” ~Heather Hepler, author of Frosted Kisses and The Cupcake Queen. Excerpt 1 If she walked away, she would always know she had a limit. If she gave her fears that kind of power, would she one day be so ruled by them that she couldn’t take a bath again? Drink a glass of water? She had heard about hydrophobics that would go hysterical even if someone sprayed them with mist. She didn’t want to spend the rest of her life like that. The wind whipped her hair around her face, blinding her for a moment. She absently gathered it up and tied it in a knot above her head, sighing. Author Katherine Armstrong Walters Katherine Armstrong Walters has been making up stories since she was old enough to talk. She was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, but moved to Texas where she and her husband, Kelly, have enjoyed living in the country and raising their five fabulous sons, two cats, one snake and a small herd of chickens. When she’s not writing she loves sketching, editing, painting, reading, being outdoors, remodeling, and travelling with her family. Her favorite hobbies include boating and Star Wars.
Blast Giveaway – $100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 in Paypal Cash Ends 6/1/16 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 participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sun and Sizzle: Grills to Greens and Everything In Between by Allison Miller -- Book Tour Review
5/18/2016
About the BookGather fresh ingredients and fire up the grill! Prepare in-season, summer-perfect recipes like sweet Aloha Burgers, tangy Garlic Shrimp Skewers, and zesty Barbecue Chicken Sliders, Zucchini Lasagna Rolls, and Chicken and Veggie Pasta. Plus, go beyond with light and savory appetizers, refreshing drinks, and fruity desserts. Excellent for parties or just a day out in the sun, these recipes will have you grilling year round! About the AuthorAllison is the blogger and food photographer at Cupcake Diaries, a site all about easy, family-friendly recipes that don’t take a lot of time. She received a degree in Communication from BYU-Idaho, and lives with her husband and sons. ReviewSun and Sizzle is a fun new cook book put out by Allison Miller. It is filled with a variety of recipes, including entrées, side dishes/appetizers, drinks, desserts, and breakfast/sweet breads. At the front of the book there are also several cooking tips. I love how these recipes seem fairly easy and strait forward to put together. I would recommend this book to beginning cooks, as well as those looking for an easy dish to put together. Genre: cook book, food Publisher: Cedar Fort Publication date: May 10, 2016 Number of pages: 158 Content Rating: G Book Rating: 5 stars A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media.
The Quieting (The Bishop's Family #2) by Suzanne Woods Fisher -- Book Tour Review + Giveaway
5/17/2016
About the BookThe Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things--fast. But David doesn't work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting. When David's mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters--and especially for David's niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem--but will it create another? Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher takes fans back to Stoney Ridge, delivering the twists, turns, and romance they adore. About the AuthorSuzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author whose most recent novels include Anna’s Crossing and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Guest Post from Suzanne Woods FisherTwenty years ago, my husband and I attended a large church with a dynamic senior pastor. Each Sunday, we would sit spellbound during 40 minute sermons—he was that good a preacher. And then a terrible thing came to light—this very man had been taking advantage of vulnerable women during counseling sessions. Fourteen women, it turned out, and the pastor remained unrepentant. As issues were dealt with, our entire church suffered. We were a hurting community. The sins of one affected all. As I plotted out ‘The Bishop’s Family,’ I wanted to borrow the theme of how a leader’s sins hurts the church community. (Now, I need to clarify that this is not a novel that addresses sexual sin. However, it does address unrepentant sin in an ordained leader.) First, I spoke to some Amish friends to see if my story idea had any merit. Was I was on the right track? To my amazement, a similar situation to my novels had occurred in one Amish friend’s church, and it resulted in a “quieting.” That’s an Amish phrase that means revoking the responsibilities of an unrepentant ordained leader. Just like it sounds–he is, essentially, “quieted.” In this novel, you’ll see the behind-the-scenes of Amish church leadership, and get a sense of how a community is hurting. And how it begins to heal, too. This series began in the Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania community with The Imposter. More twists and turns are coming to Stoney Ridge after The Quieting--so stay tuned for The Devoted to hit bookshelves in early October. Just in time for autumn reading by a warm fireplace! Warmly, Suzanne ReviewThe Quieting, book two in The Bishop’s Family Series by Suzanne Woods Fisher, is an excellent edition to this fun series. Suzanne has once again created characters that readers will fall in love with from page one. Readers will also enjoy the romance story that includes a meddling, matchmaking grandmother. Another fantastic read from Suzanne that readers are not going to want to miss. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy Amish Fiction, as well as previous books written by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Series: The Bishop’s Family Genre: Amish, romance, Christian Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company Publication date: May 3, 2016 Number of pages: 352 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 Stars A review copy of this book was provided by CelebrateLit. GiveawayTo celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grab bag of Amish-made gifts worth over $100! Click the image above to enter. Tour ScheduleMay 17: Singing Librarian Books
May 18: Just Commonly May 18: D'S QUILTS & BOOKS May 19: ASC Book Reviews May 19: A Holland Reads May 20: Inklings and Notions May 20: Quiet Quilter May 21: Daysong Reflections May 21: cherylbbookblog May 21: Marilyn Ridgway (Reviewer) May 22: The Power of Words May 22: Giveaway Lady May 23: Texas Book-aholic May 23: Splashes of Joy May 24: Lane Hill House May 24: Book by Book May 25: Jeanette's Thoughts May 25: Seasons of Opportunities May 26: Simple Harvest Reads May 26: For the Love of Books May 27: Southern May 27: Debbie's Dusty Deliberations May 28: Reading Is My SuperPower May 28: Cassandra M's Place May 29: Bukwurmzzz May 29: Bigreadersite May 30: Blossoms and Blessing About the BookDuring pregnancy, mothers are breathtakingly close to the veil, and childbirth is a sacred moment in every mother's life. This tender book celebrates the divine calling of motherhood and prepares mothers for the moment when their child enters the world. Backed by scriptures, quotes from General Authorities, and reputable medical sources, mothers can feel confident in their own personal choices for childbirth and prepared to welcome their baby into this life. About the AuthorMarie Ange Bigelow, MT, CD(DONA) graduated magna cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in Music Therapy. After becoming a board-certified music therapist, Marie spent two years specializing in Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth. She has been a certified birth-doula and childbirth educator since 2004, and has supported hundreds of births in hospitals, birth centers, and homes. Marie learned early on that she had a passion and gift for public speaking when she was named Idaho’s Junior Miss in 1999, and spent a year traveling the state giving motivational presentations. She continues to enjoy the opportunity to educate others while connecting with them on a personal level through her Music Birth childbirth education classes, and consistently receives positive reviews and high praise from her students. As a pioneer in her field in Boise, Idaho, Marie founded Treasure Valley Doulas where she served as director of the group for seven years. Along with her own child-birth centered blog, Marie’s work has been featured in International Doula and popular websites such as SheKnows.com. To learn more about Marie and her unique services, visit www.mariebigelow.com. ReviewWow! Can I just say this book is beautiful! It has wonderful insights for women and the sacred and marvelous experience of childbirth. Coming from and LDS perspective, Marie Bigelow shares and provides an inspiring message, both from her own experience and from the messages of our prophets. This book is a wonderful tool for not only the pregnant or potentially pregnant woman, but her husband as well. I would recommend this to any woman that is pregnant or looking forward to the future of becoming pregnant some day. Genre: childbirth, LDS Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing & Media Publication date: May 10, 2016 Number of pages: 176 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort. Tour ScheduleMay 10:
May 11: The Gift of Giving Life May 12: May 13: May 14: All About Baby’s World May 15: May 16: Singing Librarian Books May 17: May 18: Cranberry Fries May 19: Brooklyn Jolley May 20: Keep Moving Forward With Me May 21: May 22: May 23: The Moments We Stand May 24: Dream Big | Pregnant and Praying | A Bliss Complete | Blue Bird’s Nest May 25: Vitamin C May 26: Laura Walker May 27: Jessica Poe | Libby Boss | Liz Johnson May 28: The Mommy Method May 29: She Teaches Fearlessly May 30: All About Baby | The Stoker Kitchen May 31: The Doula Girls | The Morrell Tale The Earl of Dentin returns. Eight stories ranging from short story to novelette in length give us greater understanding into why Dentin is the complex and enigmatic man he is. It also includes new adventures that happen between Honor and the next Rhynan novel. Passing the Mantle – An ill-fated hunting trip Forging Friendships – Recruiting able-bodied men ineligible for knighthood The Sword of Korma Monroe – A sword made for trouble Turning Point – A duke and an earl plot treason The Bittersweet Pear – A marital misunderstanding Isbeth’s Redemption – Dentin doesn’t make a good first impression A Squire’s Love – Reginald’s quest Restoration – A trip to Braulyn produces unexpected company Rachel Rossano specializes in clean romantic fiction set in historical-feeling fantasy worlds. She also dabbles in straightforward historical romance and not-so-strict speculative fiction. A happily married mother of three small children, she divides her time between mothering, teaching, and writing. She endeavors to enchant, thrill, entertain, and amuse through her work. A constant student, she seeks to improve her skills and loves to hear from readers. 10 Random Facts about Rachel RossanoRachel…
A great companion novel to go along with Rachel Rosano's other Rhynan novels--Duty and Honor. A review copy of this book was provided by Loving the Book. Link to the giveaway in the graphic above.
A cast of three very different heroes come together in this suspenseful series—Austan Sandoval (a master of disguise and deception), James Hinton (a naïve missionary out to save the world), and Suvi Goldstein (a desperate girl running from her past)—showing how the transforming power of God holds out hope to all, from those who have lived a charmed life to the vilest of sinners.
Charissa Stastny hails from Las Vegas, Nevada, but has never pulled the handle of a slot machine and can’t shuffle cards to save her life. After writing the creative tale of The Creature from McGool in 4th grade, she has envisioned herself an author, and continued in shame to pen some cheesy romance scenes as a teenager. Thankfully, she has matured somewhat and tries hard not to spread too much cheese around in her writing now. She graduated from Brigham Young University in Elementary Education and enjoys writing, reading, hiking and biking. She resides in Idaho’s Treasure Valley with her husband and children, where card shuffling isn’t required. Whew!
Click the image above to be take to the author interview.
From Book 2:
Lime green goop bubbled up…up…up before cooling and drifting downward, undulating and mingling to form sinuous shapes on its descent to the slime pile. Suvi sulked as she watched the green glob from her lava lamp transform into eerie contours that mimicked the walking dead from those awful movies she’d watched as a teen. Reaching over to switch off her lamp, she wished she could turn off memories as easily. Despite the joyous events that had occurred this month, the horrid past still bound her. Today had proved that. Squeezing her eyes shut, she forced back tears as scenes clawed out of her mind’s grave and opened raw wounds to ooze in her heart. Watch for my reviews coming soon...
May 9--Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance
May 10--Katie's Clean Book Collection May 11--Wishful Endings May 12--deal sharing aunt May 13--Mel's Shelves May 14--Singing Librarian Book Available Now for FREE
Six authors, six genres, six bite-sized stories of women living out their faith in ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. When the heart is willing to follow, where does the light lead?
Sample Old West justice. Watch a romance unfold over light years. Laugh as an introvert finagles her way out of a bridal shower. Agonize with an FBI agent as she negotiates for a child’s life. Imagine a shape-shifting cat who tracks down a kidnapper. And peek behind the scenes as a guardian angel argues with a double-talking auto mechanic. Learn again that the light of faith can lead you anywhere.
That’s How She Rolls by C.L. Wells
Tessa, a self-conscious introvert, attempts to avoid a party and everything goes wrong. When a handsome stranger offers to lend a helping hand, she isn’t sure things will ever be right again.
Leopard’s Find by Kimberly A. Rogers
Ever wonder what your favorite characters were doing before you read about them for the first time? Sparks fly whenever Raina and Baran from The Therian Way are together. But what exactly was she doing before she met him?
Whatever Raina’s up to, it’s never boring.
Upsie-Daisy by Jane Lebak
Did you know guardian angels have a sharp sense of humor? It’s a requirement for the job, otherwise they’d run screaming instead of dealing with us. If you’re new to the Lee and Bucky stories, welcome to the world of sarcastic mechanics and pun-slinging angels. This story takes place about four months before any of the full-length novels, that way you can dive right in.
Circular Horizon by Bokerah Brumley
As a speculative fiction writer, I’m forever intrigued with the ‘what if.’ For instance, what if there was real-world science fiction featuring a God-fearing astronaut? This brain-wandering led to a story, and I briefly explore this idea with Mae McNair and Abel Onizuka in Circular Horizon.
‘Tis So Sweet by Faith Blum
Eleanor Miller has always loved her younger brother, even through all the bad things he has done. But when he almost kills a man, she needs to let him go and trust God to draw him to Himself. Will she find out how sweet it is to trust Jesus in everything, no matter what happens?
The Quinn Case by Julie C. Gilbert
Law enforcement’s a tough career to make it in both physically and emotionally. The Quinn Case takes place several years before the events in Heartfelt Cases Book 1: The Collins Case. Herein, you’ll meet a young FBI Special Agent named Ann Davidson who must find a missing child even as she struggles to put another case behind her.
Immerse yourself in six clean, sweet, Christian novelettes in this awesome multi-author anthology fiction box set….and maybe encounter your next favorite author!
You're invited to our Facebook party! The Light Leads to Peace (and Prizes) 6:30 - 8:30 PM CST on Saturday, May 14, 2016.
About Our Authors
C.L. Wells
C.L. Wells is a JANE-OF-ALL-TRADES, with a passion for writing and animals. She lives in Kansas with her family, which includes a fat doggie who is not named Toto and a cat who moonlights as an escape artist. Feel free to ask her about the ‘escape artist.’ She plans to write about it someday. She would love hearing from you.
Kimberly A. Rogers
Kimberly A. Rogers writes urban fantasy with a Christian twist. She lives in Virginia where the Blue Ridge Mountains add inspiration to an overactive imagination originally fueled by fantasy classics such as the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Jane Lebak
Jane Lebak has been publishing since 1994, with several novels in print as well as over seventy-five shorter pieces in magazines, newspapers, and journals. She is one of the bloggers for QueryTracker.net, a resource for writers seeking agents. She lives in The Swamp, reading books and knitting socks with her husband, children, cats, and fishtanks.
Bokerah Brumley
Bokerah Brumley is a speculative fiction writer making stuff up on a trampoline in West Texas. She lives on ten acres with five home-educated children, four peacocks, three dogs, two cats, and one husband. In her imaginary spare time, she also serves as the blue-haired Publicity Officer for the Cisco Writers Club.
Faith Blum
Faith Blum is a historical fiction author who also loves to do pretty much any right-brained activity, especially if it involves crafting. She lives with her family on a small family farm in Wisconsin.
Julie C. Gilbert
Julie C. Gilbert writes in several genres including Christian Mystery, YA Science Fiction, and Mystery/Thriller. Regardless of category, she writes about people who face hardship and right wrongs because they have an innate need to do so. In other news, she is obsessed with Star WArs and has a day job teaching high school Chemistry in New Jersey.
Bout of Books 16 -- Day 2 and 3 Update
5/12/2016
Books Read on 5/10-5/11/2016
I was sick this week so I am behind in my reading. Posts for Spark, The War of Words, and No Neutral Ground went live, but will need to be updated or a new post made for the review. Bout of Books 16 Day 2 Challenge: |
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:
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