The Devoted (The Bishop's Family #2) by Suzanne Woods Fisher -- Book Tour Review + Giveaway
10/20/2016
 About the Book Restless and adventurous, Ruthie Stoltzfus is right on the cusp of leaving her Amish home. Secretly, she’s earned her GED, saved her money—but she can’t quite set her journey into motion. Just as everything falls into place, along comes Patrick Kelly. Patrick is a young man on a journey of his own. He’s come to Stoney Ridge to convert to the Amish and has given himself thirty days to learn the language, drive a buggy, and adapt to “everything Plain.” Time is of the essence and every moment is to be cherished—especially the hours he spends with Ruthie, his Penn Dutch tutor. Ruthie’s next-door neighbor and cunning ex-boyfriend, Luke Schrock, is drawn to trouble like a moth to a flame. Rebellious, headstrong, defiant, Luke will do anything to win Ruthie back—and Patrick Kelly is in his way. Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Stoney Ridge for a story of dreams deferred—and the promise of hopes fulfilled. About the Author Suzanne 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. ReviewThe Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the third and final novel in The Bishop’s Family series. Fisher has a wonderful way of creating and sharing a story from multiple character’s view points and his novel is no different. The story focuses on Ruthie Stoltzfus and her discontentment of living the Amish life and Patrick Kelly a man that comes to Stoney Ridge to immerse himself into the Amish life and become Amish. With a bit of suspense, adventure, and of course romance, readers will fall in love with this story. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy Amish fiction, as well as books written by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Series: The Bishop’s Family Genre: Amish, romance, Christian Publisher: Revell Publication date: October 4, 2016 Number of pages: 336 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 4 stars  Other books in the series: 1-The Imposter 2-The Quieting A print review copy of this book was provided by CelebrateLit and the author's influencer team via the publisher. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Giveaway To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a copy of The Devoted and an iPad Mini 2 16GB! Click HERE to enter. Tour ScheduleOctober 18: cherylbbookblog October 18: Blogging With Carol October 18: Mary Hake October 19: Reading Is My SuperPower October 19: Books,Dreams,Life October 20: Singing Librarian Books October 20: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS October 21: Seasons of Opportunities October 21: Daysong Reflections October 22: Back Porch Reads October 22: Southern Gal Loves to Read October 23: Lighthouse Academy October 23: The Power of Words October 24: Bigreadersite October 24: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner October 24: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations October 25: Artistic Nobody October 25: Donna’s BookShelf October 26: Pause for Tales October 26: Christian Chick’s Thoughts October 26: Bukwurmzzz October 27: Splashes of Joy October 27: Bibliophile Reviews October 28: ASC Book Reviews October 28: Vic’s Media Room October 28: inklings and notions October 29: Jeanette’s Thoughts October 29: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses October 30: A Baker’s Perspective October 30: Book by Book October 30: Quiet Quilter October 31: Two Girls and a Book October 31: Blossoms and Blessings   Please join author Paulette Harper as she tours the blogosphere with Write Now Literary Book Tours and her new release Secret Places Revealed, October 17-21, 2016. About the Book A broken man, a woman on the run, a love that won’t be denied. Single—and very content—real estate developer Aaron Blackman is determined not to become involved in another relationship. He’s experienced enough drama to last a lifetime. The only thing garnering his attention now is his growing business. And he plans to keep it that way. Then Simone Herron waltzes into his life, beautiful and confident. Fighting to keep his promise to himself—to remain single—he soon discovers that when it comes to love, some promises must be broken. After losing her fiancé in an untimely death, Simone Herron relocates. She desperately needs to put the past behind her and start a new chapter in her life. While love is the farthest thing from her mind, she experiences an attraction to the handsome Aaron Blackman that frightens her. She's built a wall around her heart, but can she find the strength and courage she needs to welcome love again? To do so, she must conquer her fears and allow God to put all of her broken pieces back together. About the Author In addition to being an award winning author of Completely Whole, Paulette is an inspirational speaker, as well as a writing workshop instructor. She has a passion to coach aspiring authors and speaks into the lives of women from every walk of life. Her literary works have been spotlighted in a growing number of publications, including CBN, Real Life Real Faith Magazine, and Black Pearls Magazine. She has also appeared on numerous local and online radio shows. Paulette resides in Northern California. Ten Things About the Main Characters in the Novel1. Aaron Blackman is a real estate attorney. 2. Aaron has a toned body. 3. Aaron loves jazz. 4. His favorite musician is Kim Waters. 5. Aaron has a tattoo of an eagle on his shoulder. 6. Aaron wears studs in his ears. 7. He is meticulous. 8. He is attentive. 9. Aaron is a giving person. 10. Aaron has dimples.   About the Book Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found… Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father—until the night he hears Polly Catlett’s enchanting voice, caroling. He’s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection. An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John’s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves? Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe. About the Author Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves history and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five children. When she's not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading. Interivew with the AuthorCheck out the interview with the author HERE. Jody discusses her novel Newton and Polly and her life in general...  ReviewFrom the very beginning when I first discovered that Jody Hedlund was writing a story about John Newton and his love interest Polly Catlett, I was enchanted and intrigued. I have always love the hymn Amazing Grace and was simply delighted at the opportunity to read a historical, romance novel about the author of the text of Amazing Grace. John Newton was not a very honorable man, he gambled, and drank, didn’t show up to jobs his father kindly arranged for him, and even participated in the slave trade. Through the influence of Polly Catlett and a moment of “coming to God” John Newton repented and became a better man. Hedlund has written a beautiful, inspiring, and captivating story that illustrates the struggle of Newton’s life and how he wanted to be better so he would be worthy of Polly even though time and time again he fell short. This is a exquisite and inspiring story that readers will thoroughly love from page one all the way until the end of the boo, as they fall into story life of John Newton and Polly Catlett. I would highly recommend this book to readers that enjoy historical, romance novels based on strong characters in history. Genre: historical, romance, Christian Publisher: WaterBrook Publication date: September 20, 2016 Number of pages: 400 Content Rating: PG, some violence, smuggling, slave trade Book Rating: 5 stars  A review copy of this book was provided by the author's influencer group via the publisher. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.  About the Book Proper English governess Eleanor Morgan flees to the colonies to escape the wrath of a an angry duke. When the Charles Town family she’s to work for never arrives to collect her from the dock, she is forced to settle for the only reputable choice remaining to her—marriage to a man she’s never met. Trapper and tracker Samuel Heath is a hardened survivor used to getting his own way by brain or by brawn, and he’s determined to find a mother for his young daughter. But finding a wife proves to be impossible. No upstanding woman wants to marry a murderer. About the Author A Pen and Ink Fanatic Dare I be so bold as to call myself an author? Being that I’m one of those freaks who attended poetry workshops instead of summer camp during my formative years, yes, I will. While other teens busied themselves throwing parties when their parents weren’t home, I was the nerd holed up in my room with pen and paper. A Relative Relatives. Can’t shoot ’em. It’s against the law, although I bet my husband and four children have been tempted now and again to put me in their crosshairs. I’m a wife of twenty-something years and mother of two sons and two daughters. And yes, it’s true…boys are way easier than girls, unless drama is something you crave. An Anti-Establishment Rabblerouser I am one of those library-card wielding, mini-van driving, let’s-take-a-jaunt-to-the-grocery-store and call it a field trip kind of homeschoolers. But allow me this disclaimer: I don’t wear denim jumpers, and I farm out anything related to science or math. Bonus disclaimer: The last of my nestlings has flown the homeschooling nest, but I continue to tutor writing and history at a local high school homeschool co-op. You can read some of my views on homeschooling at: http://www.crosswalk.com/homeschool/1349201/ A Princess No, I’m not currently on medication for delusions of grandeur. I am a daughter of a King. Seriously. I take the Bible as inspired truth and that’s what it says (Romans 8:16, 17). If you’d like to find out more about this, click here. A Boxer Lover I’m not talking Fruit of the Loom vs. Hanes. I’m talking stubby-tailed, fuzzy muzzled, bundles of face-licking love. As the great philosopher Groucho Marx once said, “Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.” Click here to see photos of my current canine companion. An Anglophile What’s the deal with me and Great Britain? Beats me. I’m as passionate about anything English as I am about chocolate and java. Oddly enough, I prefer Bronte over Austen, and if you’d like to debate the qualities of Typhoo versus PG Tips, feel free to e-mail me. A Sci-Fi Geek As a matter of fact, that was me squirreled away in the backseat of the school bus with my nose plastered in a Bradbury book. Throughout junior high, I escaped classmate alien abductions by reading Asimov, Vonnegut and Wells. And I’m doggone pleased to be living in the same metro area as Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore. A Chef Sorry, I did not graduate from the Cordon Bleu. I didn’t even cough up the cash to attend. I am, however, a veteran of once-a-month cooking, and you can be, too. Check out Once A Month Cooking. Also, if you’d like to email me, I’ll send you my favorite brownie recipe. Just go to my contact page and gimme a holler. ReviewMichelle Griep has written a stunning and richly historical, romance novel that readers will thoroughly enjoy. As a big historical fiction fan, The Captive Heart caught my attention from page one. Readers will immediately love the characters in this story, a proper English governess and a trapper, as well as, enjoy following them on their journey of struggle to survive, hardship, and eventually love in the harsh life in the west. Griep has a way of pulling her readers in to the deep emotion of her characters and make it feel like you are in the story and following along and living in this severe time of war between the whites and the Indians. This novel is not only a historical romance, but has a bit of action and adventure in it as well that will hook readers. And as Michelle Griep says, “What’s not to love about the last of the Mohicans meets The Patriot?” I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy reading historical, romance, adventure stories. Genre: historical, romance, adventure, Christian Publisher: Barbour Publication date: October 1, 2016 Number of pages: 320 Content Rating: PG, for some violence Book Rating: 5 stars  A print review copy of this book was provided by Barbour. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own  
About the Book
Unexpectedly reunited after six years, high school sweethearts Devin Shanahan and Grace Harrington cross paths and have a whirlwind wedding. A lot can change in six years, however, and they must figure out how to make their two independent lives mesh.
Unable to disclose his CIA job to his new wife, when Devin is assigned a top-secret mission to Hong Kong, he tells Grace part of the truth: that he is going to work abroad for six months in finance. But when the mission turns deadly and Devin doesn't know whom to trust, he must make the most difficult decision of his life in an effort to keep Grace safe. Will the seeds of deception prove destructive to their newly formed marriage? And will the love that brought them together be the very thing their enemies use to tear them apart? About the Author
Originally form Arizona, Traci Hunter Abramson has spent most of her adult life in Virginia. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University and a former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency. Since leaving the CIA, Traci has written several novels, including the Undercurrent trilogy, the Royal series, the Saint Squad Series, Obsession,Deep Cover, Failsafe, and Chances Are, as well as a novella in Twisted Fate.
When she’s not writing, Traci enjoys spending time with her family and coaching the local high school swim teams. Review
Review coming soon...
A print review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
GiveawayTour Schedule
Oct. 17th:
http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/ http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/ http://www.wishfulendings.com/ http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/ Oct. 18th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/ http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/ Oct. 19th: http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/ https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/ http://rockinbookreviews.com/ http://empowermoms.net/ Oct. 20th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/ http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/ http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/ Oct. 21st: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/ http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/ 
 Love in an Elevator: A Romantic Comedy Anthology Laugh, swoon, and escape with this romantic comedy anthology! Will an elevator ride change her life? In HOLD THE LIFT by Aven Ellis, Sierra Crawford ends up meeting sexy British hockey player Jude Parker after their elevator sticks. Sierra finds herself getting to know Jude—and she likes what she sees. But he wouldn’t be interested in a food-obsessed assistant editor right? Sierra knows she’s quirky—her fondness of Magic 8 Balls is proof of that—so there’s no way he could look her way. Or can he? In DOWN, THEN UP by Beth Labonte, Lauren Oswald never expected to see her college love, Jamie, again. Not after the way things ended. She certainly doesn’t expect to see him ten years later at a bachelorette party in Vegas, waiting inside a hotel elevator. Slightly older. Different haircut. No wedding ring. Same eyes. As the pair embark on a late night errand, Lauren is flooded with memories of how Jamie became the one that got away—and she realizes that this one night could be their last chance to make things right. In GOING UP? by Whitney Dineen, Fiona Kitchen had a dream when she moved to New York and it wasn’t taking a job as an elevator operator in a posh, West Side, apartment building. She also didn’t expect to meet a hot handyman, a Columbian drug lord and a notorious mob boss and then fall for one of them in a big way. Life in the Big Apple isn’t quite turning out the way she planned, but who said that was a bad thing? In Becky Monson’s TAKING A CHANCE, Liza Parker has a fear of heights, crowds and small spaces. So what’s a girl like her doing on a crowded elevator going to the top of the Empire State Building? Freaking out, that’s what she’s doing. Enter Jay Sanders, a tourist who thinks he might be able to help Liza face her fears, but she has to be willing to spend the day with a complete stranger. Maybe taking a chance on Jay is just what Liza needs. In HAPPY TO BE STUCK WITH YOU by Rich Amooi, Becca has had an office crush on Daniel—Mr. Delicious—for over a year. Getting stuck in an elevator with him was the last thing she expected. If only she can control her claustrophobia. To make matters worse, they're also stuck with an eighty-year-old man who has a weak bladder, and a penchant for playing cupid. But life is unpredictable. Sometimes, getting stuck is the best thing that can happen. Computer genius Maisy Potter crosses an ocean to take her dream vacation at an English country estate … where the winsome Mark Prebys works below stairs. With him, Maisy discovers a carefree happiness she's never known. But will the troubles dogging her from back home, a secret or two whispered behind the parlour curtains, and misunderstandings to beat the band extinguish the magic they think they've found in each other? And if not, what happens when Maisy's enchanting holiday ends? Find out in UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS … AND THE LIFT IN BETWEEN by Geralyn Corcillo. In THE ONLY WAY IS UP by Lindy Dale, Meet Bailey Burns: hottest thing on the literary circuit. And the most reluctant. After fainting in a lift and regaining consciousness to find herself kissing a stranger, Bailey thinks her week can’t get much worse. But it can. Much worse. Bailey is about to be proposed to by a crazed fan wearing a vampire costume. She’s about to discover she’s in relationship with the guy she kissed. Not only that, but said guy happens to be her new PR manager. Oh dear! In OUT OF ORDER, by Dee Ernst, Grace has sworn off good-looking men. As soon as she starts dating one of them, she transforms from a mature, confident woman to a needy teen-aged girl. So when she meets Seth, the best-looking man she’s ever seen, she makes the right choice — forget all about him. But a neurotic golden retriever and a broken elevator keep bringing them together. Is the world working against her… or maybe the gods are finally smiling? 
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes
Grab a copy of Love in an Elevator for just 99 cents this week only!  $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 11/2/16 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
 About the Book Maggie’s job as a heavenly curator of unspoken thoughts is pretty straightforward—for the most part. When Eric, her beholden, shows interest in the new girl at work, Maggie can’t help ignoring the rules to understand the wonders of mortality and love. But meddling in mortal affairs has consequences that Maggie couldn’t have ever imagined. About the Author Author of “The Land of Look Behind.” Born and raised in Arizona, Aaron is proud to call the desert home. He came of age in the suburbs of Sacramento, California, and as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Jamaica, where he fell in love with the people and their culture, but he has always been drawn back to the Valley of the Sun. Aaron worked as a freelance sports reporter for The Arizona Republic for nearly 10 years, combining his love of writing and sports. When not working, writing, or serving at church, Aaron volunteers as a soccer and baseball coach for his children and enjoys chasing a small white ball around a golf course. ReviewThis is an interesting story that takes place both from an earthly or human perspective and from a heavenly perspective. The story goes back and forth between characters that have already been sent to earth and the angelic people that take care of them from above or in other words from heaven. The people in heaven keep track of the words and actions of a certain person on earth, but are not supposed to get involved or interact with them. This book is not quite what I expected and took me a little bit to get into, especially after reading The Land of Look Behind. But after I did get into it, I found it intriguing and made me think about my own life, specifically what I say and do every day. This book will definitely make readers think about life. Genre: romance Publisher: Cedar Fort Publication date: October 1, 2016 Number of pages: 208 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 4 stars  A print review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.  First Line Fridays -- 10.14.16
10/14/2016
It is Friday and I am joining these lovely ladies in First Line Fridays:
Carrie from Reading is My SuperPower Rachel from Bookworm Mama Beth from Faithfully Bookish Andi from Radiant Light Click the links above to be taken to their posts and... If you would like to join us, send Carrie a meassage and let her know! Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line! Today I am going to post a line from Newton and Polly: a Novel of Amazing Grace by Jody Hedlund This book is based on the story of Amazing Grace. Below is one of my favorite versions of Amazing Grace. What is one of your favorite versions of this song? (Feel free to share in the comments along with your first line.) 
"I fear that our wassailing has become a nuisance." Polly Catlett slowed her steps, her toes aching in the stiff leather of her boots, the damp chill of December finally taking its toll.
What are you reading? What is your first line? Open the book nearest you and post the first line... (And don't forget to share you favorite version of Amazing Grace in the comments too!!)  About the Book From master storyteller Carla Kelly comes this collection of frontier tales that take you behind typical army lines and into the hearts of ordinary men and women who perform extraordinary acts of bravery. From handsome hospital stewards and dashing soldiers to courageous children and wives who will pull at your heartstrings, there’s something for everyone’s fancy. About the Author Carla Kelly is a veteran of the New York and international publishing world. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas for Donald I. Fine Co., Signet, and Harlequin, Carla is the recipient of two Rita Awards (think Oscars for romance writing) from Romance Writers of America and two Spur Awards (think Oscars for western fiction) from Western Writers of America. She is also a recipient of a Whitney Award for “Borrowed Light,” “My Loving Vigil Keeping,” and “Softly Falling.” ReviewReview coming soon... A print review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Tour ScheduleOctober 11: Writing Worm October 12: Heidi Reads October 13: Live to Read October 14: Singing Librarian Books | Literary Time Out October 15: I Am a Reader October 16: I Love to Read and Review Books October 17: Bookworm Nation October 18: Emmy Mom October 19: Robyn Echols Books October 20: Getting Your Read On | Wishful Endings October 21: LDS and Lovin’ It October 22: Bookworm Lisa October 23: Books and Benches October 24: Blooming with Books | Julie Coulter Bellon October 25: Bookworm2Bookworm October 26: Katie’s Clean Book Collection October 27: My Book a Day | Rockin’ Book Reviews October 28: Fire and Ice  The Cautious Maiden (Everstone Chronicles #4) by Dawn Crandall -- Endorsement + Review + 2 Giveaways
10/13/2016
About the Book
Violet Hawthorne is beyond mortified when her brother Ezra turns their deceased parents' New England country inn into a brothel to accommodate the nearby lumberjacks; but when Violet's own reputation is compromised, the inn becomes the least of her worries. In an effort to salvage her good name, Violet is forced into an engagement with a taciturn acquaintance; Vance Everstone. As she prepares for a society wedding, Violet learns that her brother had staked her hand in marriage in a heated poker game with the unsavory Rowen Steele, and Ezra had lost. Now Rowen is determined to cash in on his IOU. With danger stalking her and a new fiance who hides both his emotion and his past, Violet must decide who to trust and who to leave behind.
The Books inthe SeriesAbout the Author
Dawn Crandall is an ACFW Carol Award-nominated author of the award winning series The Everstone Chronicles, which consists of four books: The Hesitant Heiress, The Bound Heart, The Captive Imposter and The Cautious Maiden which released October 4th, 2016.
Apart from writing, Dawn is also a mom of two little ones and serves with her husband in a premarital mentorship program at their local church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn't begin writing until 2010 when her husband found out about her long-buried dream. It didn't take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the secretary for the Indiana ACFW Chapter (Hoosier Ink), and an associate member of the Great Lakes ACFW Chapter. She is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary Agency. 
My Endorsement
Review
Can I just say I absolutely LOVE this novel. I don’t know how else to say it. Dawn Crandall has an amazing talent in capturing her readers from page one and keeping their undivided attention until the end of the story. This is one of those books that readers will not be able to put down. Enter the enchanting world of Violet Hawthorne in Crandall’s The Cautious Maiden. Filled with delightful characters, a charming story, and of course the exquisite romance, readers will not want to miss this last installment in the Everstone Chronicles. I would highly recommend this book to readers that enjoy historical, romance, and Christian fiction.
Series: Everstone Chronicles Genre: historical, romance, Christian Publisher: Whitaker House Publication date: October 4, 2015 Number of pages: 304 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 
Other books in the series:
1-The Hesitant Heiress 2-The Bound Heart 3-The Captive Imposter A digital review copy of this book was provided by the author's influencer team via the publisher. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. GiveawayAnother Giveaway
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