Cristmas Kisses Sale & Giveaway
11/6/2015
Are you on the hunt for that special Christmas book, the one that will get you into the holiday spirit, bring back memories of your own family traditions, and inspire you to revel in this Christmas season like no other? (What about $200 in Christmas cash to go along with it?) Every year, I search for stories that will fill my Christmas reading list--romance is always a fun read, but I want them to be clean and wholesome too. That's why I'm sharing this spectacular book. Christmas Kisses is not just one story, but five romances, all clean, wholesome, and beautifully written in one anthology now on sale for .99 cents!
Let's show the world that there is a demand for clean and wholesome romances by purchasing this book today. For less than a dollar, you get a delightful read and help send a message that we want more of these kinds of books. Purchase your copy here, or your preferred vendor and then, will you please help spread the word about this book? Feel free to share any part of this post or share or like the Facebook or Twitter post. Oh, and don't forget to enter the giveaway for $200 in Christmas cash! 
Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors.
Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols.
***$.99 November 3 - 7***
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The Candy Counter Heiress by Lucy McConnell Amazon bestselling & award-winning author
Someday Reese Gates will own The Candy Counter at Kenworth's; but someday can't come fast enough when the manager threatens to bring in a national candy provider. Reese secretly takes matters into her own hands hoping to save her parents from additional worry and prove herself capable of running the company. Her deception deepens as she ropes computer guru Andy Edwards into helping her expand the business. Reese wanted to shake things up, but she wasn't planning on her heart getting caught in the mix by Andy's stolen kisses. If she can hold it together until after Christmas, then she can reveal her successful online company and her feelings for Andy. Unfortunately for Reese, even the best laid plans can melt like chocolate.
Christmas Makeover by Cami Checketts Amazon bestselling author
Chelsea Jamison has been infatuated with Drew Stirling longer than she's loved playing basketball, high-top sneakers, and the Knicks. Unfortunately, all Drew sees is the kid who kicked his trash in the high school free throw contest and not the girl whose heart breaks into a fast dribble when he's near.
Drew makes an unexpected visit home to Echo Ridge and their friendship picks up where they left off as they scheme to make a teenaged boy's Christmas dreams come true. When Chelsea realizes she's fallen for her best friend, she wonders if there is any hope of a relationship with Drew or if she's stuck in buddy-status for life.
Hope for Christmas by Rachelle J. Christensen Amazon bestselling & award-winning author
Anika Fletcher hates Christmas--its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth's Hope Tree. Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter's faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth's old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn't sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing--especially at Christmas when it's easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.
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Soda Fountain Christmas by Connie E. Sokol Amazon bestselling author
Keira Kenworth has one focus this holiday season: save her father's old-time department store from bankruptcy. She is not focused on Tayton Wells, the tall, dark, and genius marketing guru from downtown New York, hired to make it happen. He is as doubtful that her nostalgic connect-the-town ideas will succeed as she is about his numbers-first plan. However, it's not just their different approaches that cause sparks to fly. Working together on a fast deadline to save the store before Christmas, the unspoken connection between them grows. But will the tough decisions they face drive them back to their separate worlds, or will they lead to the beginning of love?
Jonah Owens thought moving to Echo Ridge to open his art gallery would solve all of his problems. The need to sell his grandma's house adds an unexpected complication. It would be easier if his neighbor didn't have all those farm animals.
Kaya Feidler's family has owned their land for nearly a hundred years--long before the neighbors were there. There's no way she's giving up the animal therapy business she's been struggling to make profitable. She gets a temp job helping Jonah in the gallery. Spending time together is a recipe for romance, but can they overcome their own hangups to be more than friends?
About the Book
What turns the gentle mean and the mean brutal? The thirst for wealth? The demand for respect? Vying for a woman? Birds of Passage recalls the Italian immigration experience at the turn of the twentieth-century when New York’s streets were paved with violence and disappointment.
Leonardo Robustelli leaves Naples in 1905 to seek his fortune. Carlo Mazzi committed murder and escaped. Azzura Medina is an American of Italian parents. She’s ambitious but strictly controlled by her mother. Leonardo and Carlo vie for her affection. Azzura, Leonardo, and Carlo confront con men, Tammany Hall politicians, the longshoreman’s union, Camorra clans, Black Hand extortion, and the Tombs prison.
Available to pourchase on:
About the Author
Joe Giordano was born in Brooklyn. His father and grandparents immigrated to New York from Naples. Joe and his wife, Jane have lived in Greece, Brazil, Belgium and the Netherlands. They now live in Texas with their shih tzu Sophia. Joe's stories have appeared in more than sixty magazines including Bartleby Snopes, The Newfound Journal, and The Summerset Review.
Author Interviw with Joe GiordanoReview
This novel tells the story immigrants from Italy coming to the United States, particularly New York, in the twentieth century. The story shows how the Italians struggle and strive to survive and overcome their circumstances, bringing to light what it was like for Italians during this time period. Life was not always what you would expect it to be. Author Joe Giordano has written an intriguing story that will draw them into the life of Italian immigrants and their new found lives in America. I would recommend this novel to readers interested in Italian history.
Genre: historical; coming of age Publisher: Harvard Square editions Publication date: October 9, 2015 Number of pages: 260 Content Rating: PG (because there is mild profanity, no sex scenes, some violence) Book Rating: 4 stars 
A review copy of this book was provided by Italy Book Tours.
GiveawayNOTE: The Kindle copy of Birds of Passage will be free to download for five days starting the day after the end of this virtual tour (Saturday, November 7th through Wednesday, November 11th).Tour Schedule
Oct 19 - Working Mommy Journal - review / author interview / giveaway
Oct 20 - FLY HIGH! - book spotlight - guest post / giveaway Oct 20 - Room With Books - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway Oct 21 - Jayne's Books - review Oct 21 - Notes from Verona - review Oct 22 - Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine - review / guest post Oct 23 - The Autistic Gamer - review Oct 26 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway Oct 26 - Readers' Muse - review / guest post Oct 26 - Nighttime Reading Center - review / author interview / giveaway Oct 27 - The World As I See It - review / giveaway Oct 28 - 3 Partners in Shopping - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway Oct 29 - The Cubicle Escapee - review / giveaway Oct 29 - Cassidy Salem Reads & Writes - review / giveaway Oct 30 - Deal Sharing Aunt - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway Oct 30 - Puddletown Reviews - book spotlight / author interview Nov 2 - Life as Leels - review Nov 2 - Worth Getting in Bed For - review Nov 3 - Bound 4 Escape - review / giveaway Nov 4 - Studentessa Matta - review Nov 4 - Writer With Wanderlust - review / giveaway Nov 5 - Singing Librarian Books - review / author interview / giveaway Nov 6 - Essentially Italian - review / author interview / giveaway Nov 6 - #redhead.with.book - review TBD - Kimberly's Bookshelf - review / guest post / giveaway TBD - A Bit Bookish - review / giveaway 
A Respectable Actress by Dorothy Love
11/5/2015
About the Book When India Hartley is accused of murder, she must uncover the deceptions of others to save herself. India Hartley, a famous and beautiful actress, is now alone after her father’s death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime. A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge. Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia lowcountry and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her. About the Author A native of west Tennessee, Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. When she isn’t busy writing or researching her next book, Love enjoys hiking, traveling, and hanging out with her husband Ron and their rambunctious golden retriever. The Loves make their home in the Texas hill country. ReviewIn Dorothy Love’s latest release, A Respectable Actress, she has written a captivating historic, gothic-mystery novel that will keep readers on their toes from page one, wondering and anticipating what will happen next. Although I didn’t particularly become attached to the characters and expected more from the love story, this novel’s suspenseful nature and well-researched historical background made the novel enjoyable and exciting. The plotline has several unexpected twists that will also keep readers guessing. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy historical fiction, gothic-suspense novels. Genre: historical; mystery; suspense; romance; Christian Publisher: Thomas Nelsom Publication date: October13, 2015 Number of pages: 384 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 4 stars  A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via LitFuse.  Christmas Kisses Book Blitz
11/3/2015
We are so excited about this wonderful Anthology!
Let’s take a look at the 5 authors that put this together!
Rachelle J. Christensen is a mother of five who writes romance and mystery/suspense and solves the case of the missing shoe on a daily basis. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a minor in music. She enjoys singing and songwriting, playing the piano, running, motivational speaking, and, of course, reading.
Rachelle is the award-winning author of six books, including Wrong Number, Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things, and What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know, as well as the Rone Award-winning novella Silver Cascade Secrets. She and her family live on a farm in Idaho.
Visit www.rachellechristensen.com to learn more about upcoming books.
Social Media Links
Facebook Author Page http://www.facebook.com/rachellechristensenauthor Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/rachellewrites Blog http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/ Author Website http://rachellechristensen.com/
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3327139.Rachelle_J_Christensen
Amazon Author Page for Rachelle: http://www.amazon.com/Rachelle-J.-Christensen/e/B002UO5H48/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1427567936&sr=1-2
Author News signup: http://eepurl.com/eFD3o
Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, and a favorite local and national speaker for over fifteen years. She is a TV core contributor “Studio 5 with Brooke Walker” and a national blogger for www.ksl.com. She is one of seven female hosts of The Living Room, an online value-based radio show where they dish on life, loving, and learning (www.fromthelivingroom.com). Mrs. Sokol is a bestselling author who has written 14 books, including her fiction: Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology, and Caribbean Crossroads; and her nonfiction: What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Simplify & Savor the Season, Create a Powerful Life Plan, and 40 Days with the Savior. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. For her TV segments, blog, podcasts and more, visit www.conniesokol.com.
Social media links:
Lucy McConnell has always been a reader and a writer. Once caught up in a story, she disappears into a cave until the first draft is done. She writes fantasy, clean romance, Christian romance, historical fiction, and cookbooks (under the name Christina Dymock.) Her Christmas romance, Blue Christmas, was a top seller in seven Amazon categories on its own and in thirteen as part of the Christmas in Snow Valley Anthology.
When she’s not writing, you can find her volunteering at the elementary school or church; shuttling kids to baseball, soccer, basketball, or football, depending on the time of year; skiing with her family; wakeboarding; cycling; baking; cooking; or curled up with a good book.
You can sign up for her newsletter and get the latest news here: http://wordpress.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=bdba9ddb2c66cd77463f64638&id=9c679d9a1a
HEATHER TULLIS has been reading romance for as long as she can remember and has been publishing in the genre since 2009. She has published more than twenty books. When she’s not dreaming up new stories to write, or helping out with her community garden, she enjoys playing with her dogs and cat, inventing new ways to eat chocolate, and hanging out with her husband.
Social Media Links:
Cami Checketts is an idealist who dreams of helping children around the world but can't keep up with the four in her own home. Cami lives in a beautiful valley in Northern Utah where she enjoys running, biking, and swimming during the two months of the year it isn't snowing. A portion of the proceeds from Cami's books will be donated to The Child & Family Support Center. For more information on this worthy cause, please go to www.cachecfsc.org
"Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors. Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols."
Pick up your copy today!
Let’s get a sneak peek into one of these great stories!
5 Random Facts about Rachelle and her story
1. Rachelle loves multi-colored Christmas lights on the tree and as a child used to love getting under the tree and looking up through the branches at the lights and ornaments.
2. Her first visit to New York state was when she was seven months pregnant with her fourth child and attending a writing conference in Chautauqua. She also visited Niagara Falls.
3. She met her husband on Halloween at Utah State University.
4. Rachelle loves chickens and cats and they get along well together on her little farm in Idaho.
5. She is brainstorming the next novella for Echo Ridge and is super excited to tell the next love story from New York.
Rachelle’s snippet from Hope for Christmas:
“Stupid Christmas tree,” she muttered. If it weren’t for Megan, she’d skip Christmas altogether. The holiday was a slap in the face to someone like Anika— a divorced, single mom with a deadbeat ex. She hadn’t been able to locate Jimmy after he’d been released from jail the last time, but she was tired of hiding from him. When she moved to Echo Ridge a year ago, she decided a fresh start would be the best solution to her problems. The sleepy little New York town had been full of promises and hope, but after losing her job two months ago when Megan was hospitalized with pneumonia, everything had changed. Although the state had helped pay for Megan’s treatment, Anika had fallen farther and farther behind.
Her chest tightened when she thought about what was around the next corner. This job was temporary, and Anika had run out of options. If she didn’t find something soon, she’d be evicted from her one bedroom apartment.
She pulled the tree trunk upright and began putting together the sections of the tree. It took much longer than it should have with bits of the white flock crumbling and sticking to her clothes. One of the branches refused to straighten, the end was all twisted and it took her nearly ten minutes to smooth out the kinks. Anika grumbled to herself about the fake tree and its apparent mission to annoy her by not snapping together correctly. She fiddled with the pre-lit strands that had to be connected in several places. There were three different cords to test the lights, but she couldn’t get them all to work together. The box said the lights were supposed to twinkle, but Anika couldn’t even get more than one strand to turn on at a time. She grumbled and stepped back— on Megan’s dolls. Anika’s foot turned, she gasped, and fell forward into the tree with a shriek.
Before she could react to the fake evergreen needles poking her in the face, strong hands pulled her back from the mass of lights and cords.
“Are you hurt?”
Anika blinked and looked up at the man who had spoken. Her mouth opened and closed, and she shook her head. If Enrique Iglesias had come to her rescue then she was definitely going to thank the blasted Christmas tree. She rubbed a hand over her face and saw that he wasn’t Enrique, but with the shadow of scruff along his chin and his slightly mussed black hair against caramel skin, he could be Enrique’s younger brother. Anika shook her head. She was gawking, and hadn’t answered his question. “I’m not sure,” she said.
“Let’s get you away from this tree. I don’t think it likes you.” He cupped his hand under her forearm, carefully lifting her off the ground.
Anika winced when she put weight on her foot. “Ouch. I kind of twisted my ankle.”
“Sit down right here and I can take a look at it.” His dark hair matched his chocolate brown eyes and Anika found herself wondering again if Enrique did have a younger brother.
He helped her sit, leaning next to the wood paneling of her checkout station. He crouched down and held out his hand. “I’m Carlos Rodriguez. I’m a volunteer fireman, so I have some medical training. Mind if I take a look?” He had a Spanish accent, not heavy, but alluring, and Anika listened to him appreciatively.
“Oh, it’s just my ankle. I’m sure it’ll be fine in a few minutes.” Anika winced again when she moved her toes. “My name’s Anika Fletcher.” She held out her hand and Carlos shook it, his grip firm, yet gentle at the same time. Anika tore her eyes away from him and reached down to examine her ankle. It didn’t appear to be swelling, but every tendon around the bone ached. Maybe she should have him look at it. “Ugh, this is just what I didn’t need tonight.” She leaned over and massaged the tender side of her ankle. It wouldn’t cost her anything to have him look at it. “Okay, maybe I’d better have you look.” She moved back so that Carlos could see her ankle.
He leaned over and gently pulled her pant leg up. His fingers were warm, and he pressed lightly around her ankle. Anika’s heart sped up— it was hard to ignore the flutter in her stomach as he carefully examined her foot. He looked over at her and smiled. “There might be a little swelling later, but it’s a good sign that it’s not turning colors. You need to ice it and wrap it to stabilize the area.”
Anika let out the breath she’d been holding when he released her foot. “Okay, thanks for your help. I was trying to get that dang tree figured out. It definitely doesn’t like me and the feeling is mutual.”
Carlos walked over to the tree, now standing almost ten feet tall, and shifted a few branches. Then he crouched down by the electrical outlet. “You know, this could be considered a fire hazard.”
Follow along on the Facebook event page to get an inside look at all the stories in this Anthology. https://www.facebook.com/events/1635964546657800/
Watch for my review of this fun book collection coming soon...About the Book Meet Arlene Santana, a vibrant wife and young grandmother whose life suddenly takes a confusing and often laughable turn into a new reality framed by a severe brain injury. As one holiday after another speeds by, Arlene takes comfort in the amusing old people who surround her in the rehabilitation center and one special friend who relates well to Arlene. But when will her husband, whose love is more real to her than anything, come to visit her? Treasure this Christmas novella from bestselling author Lori Copeland that demonstrates the healing power of true love. Available to purchase on: About the Author Lori Copeland is a popular best-selling contemporary and historical Christian author. Her books have been nominated for the prestigious Christy Award and received two Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Awards. Lori makes her home in Missouri with her husband Lance, three sons and ever growing family. Her hobby is knitting prayer and friendship shawls, and baking chocolate chip cookies. ReviewBeautiful Star of Bethlehem is a touching story of a woman, Arlene, and her husband that are headed on a trip to see their new grandbaby when their plane crashes, changing their lives forever. Now, due to a dramatic brain-injury, Arlene is in a rehabilitation center. This novel will make you laugh and cry as it brings to life the truths, pains, and joys of dealing with a family member that has been injured and is in a rehabilitation center. Genre: Christian; holiday; Christmas Publisher: Shiloh Run Press, Imprint of Barbour Publishing Publication date: October 1, 2015 Number of pages: 192 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 4 stars  A review copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing.  
On tour with Prism Book Tours.
TODAY'S FREE SHORT STORY
Snow Day Baby by Amy Vastine
Sheridan Colfax is eight months pregnant and snowed in at the airport on Thanksgiving weekend. With a little help from the former geek turned handsome doctor, Scott Spencer, she finds the perfect heartwarming Thanksgiving moment to share with the world. Read it HERE 
Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, three fun-loving children, and their sweet but mischievous puppy dog.
Guest Post
Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog today! I am so excited to be here to share with you my love for sweet romance. Harlequin Heartwarming celebrates wholesome, heartfelt relationships imbued with the traditional values so important to you: home, family, community and love.
I have been fortunate enough to write four book for Heartwarming and have a new series coming out in 2016. My first book, THE WEATHER GIRL, was a semi-finalist in Harelquin’s So You Think You Can Write contest. Originally written for the Romance line, the editor over there emailed me and asked me to either turn up the heat or consider submitting to a new line called Heartwarming. After deciding that my hero and heroine’s story was more sweet than sexy, I resubmitted to Heartwarming. Getting the call from senior editor Victoria Curran was one of the most memorable moments of my life! The rest is history or so they say. My next three books were set in Chicago and revolved around three sisters. THE BETTER MAN, THE BEST LAID PLANS, and THE HARDEST FIGHT were some of my favorite books to write. I got to be funny, make people cry, and give some characters the happy ending they deserve. I think that’s why I love Heartwarming book so much. You always know you’re going to get an emotional-satisfying read with a guaranteed happy ever after. Another great thing about this line – you can share these books with your friends, your mother, your sister, your daughter and not be embarrassed to say you’ve read them. My teenage daughter read THE WEATHER GIRL and was amazed her mom could actually write “like a real book!” I try to take that as a compliment! We have so many great short stories to share with you this month. If you haven’t heard of us before, I hope you’ll give Heartwarming a try! Tour Schedule
We'll be highlighting 13 FREE short stories by beloved Harlequin Heartwarming authors that will be available from Harlequin during November via their site.
Don't miss any of these FREE novellas! Stop by each of the tour stops each day:
11/2: Snow Day Baby by Amy Vastine Singing Librarian Books, The Power of Words, & Katie's Clean Book Collection 11/4: Wedding at Turkey Run by Liz Flaherty My Love for Reading Keeps Growing, Babs Book Bistro, & Heidi Reads... 11/6: Her Thanksgiving Soldier by Leigh Riker Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima, Mel's Shelves, & Brooke Blogs 11/9: Mr. Right All Along by Jen Snow Katie's Clean Book Collection, Min Reads and Reviews, & Love thy Shelf 11/11: Falling for the Cowboy by Sophia Sasson Kindle and Me, The Power of Words, & Colorimetry 11/13: The Marriage Gift by Tara Taylor Quinn deal sharing aunt, Babs Book Bistro, & Brooke Blogs 11/16: Heart of a Hero by Pamela Tracy Writing Pearls, Wishful Endings, & Waiting For Wentworth 11/18: Thankful for You by Karen Rock Christian Chick's Thoughts, Getting Your Read On, & Love, Laughter, Friendship 11/20: Autumn at Jasper Lake by Carol Ross Reading Is My SuperPower, I Am A Reader, & Colorimetry 11/23: The Firefighter’s Promise by Kate James Canadian Book Addict, Mel's Shelves, & Beck Valley Books 11/24: Wedding of His Dreams by Cari Lynn Webb Bookworm Lisa, Kindle and Me, & Zerina Blossom's Books 11/25: The Sweetheart Tree by Rula Sinara The Written Adventure, Reading Is My SuperPower, & Writing Pearl 11/26: Married by Thanksgiving by Melinda Curtis Heidi Reads..., Love, Laughter, Friendship, & Singing Librarian Books 11/29: Grand Finale 11/30: Facebook Party All Heartwarming print titles are 30% OFF during November from Harlequin as well! Use code HEART1115. GIVEAWAY
Goodreads GiveawayPinterest Giveaway
Pin one or both of these images to spread the word and enter to win this adorably festive Thanksgiving Table Set
Pinterest Prize includes: four reversible, quilted placemats, four matching napkins, hand-painted matching napkin rings, matching table runner, matching quilted hot pad/trivet, floral centerpiece in pot, and hand-crafted pilgrim pair.
- Enter via the Rafflecopter below - Open to US only - Ends December 4th Tour Giveaway
Grand Prize: Harlequin Heartwarming Year Subscription (Provided by Harlequin and to US/CAN only)
$40 VISA card (US only) 13-Book Heartwarming Prize Pack: The Best Laid Plans, Back to McGuffy's, If I Loved You, Love, Lies & Mistletoe, First Comes Marriage, Once Upon A Marriage, Small Town Secrets, Winter Wedding Bells, If Not For A Bee, When The Right One Comes Along, Wedding of His Dreams, After The Silence, and A Memory Away (print copies if US, ebooks if international) 8-Book Prize Pack: The Best Laid Plans, If I Loved You, Love, Lies & Mistletoe, First Comes Marriage, Once Upon A Marriage, Winter Wedding Bells, If Not For A Bee, and After The Silence (print copies if US, ebooks if international) Ends December 4th 
About the Book "Machines beeping, the blur of medical staff running, a crash cart whizzing into an ICU room, was there any hope? A young woman lay, packed in ice, as doctors attempted to somehow stop the swelling in her brain that threatened to take her life… and her family waited. Six days turned into eight weeks. She awoke to discover that she was not the same. She saw two of everything, couldn’t feel half of her face, couldn’t hear from one ear, and could not speak. She couldn’t even tell anyone that she felt hopeless… or could she? Halo Found Hope is the story of a beautiful, busy wife, and mother of three whose life changes instantly with the diagnosis of a rare brain tumor. An exceptional ENT, a brilliant neurosurgeon and a dedicated medical team tackle the tumor, setting off a series of unbelievable miracles. Helo’s story is not one of survival, or of salvaging a life through a broken body. It is not about endurance through pain, but victory because of it. While the family heard her silence, God heard her prayer. Helo’s story is simply this: Wherever you are and whatever you are going through, God is right there. He doesn’t need to be recognized by you, to be there for you. He can replace fear with courage and discouragement with determination, if you let Him. Helo did, and that is how she found hope.” "Christian readers will find in these pages a powerful testament to the power of faith in dark times, and even agnostics will be uplifted by the joie de vivre of this remarkable woman.” — Kirkus Review About the Author Helouise “Halo” Matzelle was born in the city of Delft, Holland on October 19, 1964. Three months after her birth, Helo immigrated to the United States with her parents. Boarding a ship, they traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to Chicago with only two hundred dollars to their name. Her parents experienced discrimination as a result of their mixed marriage, which was illegal in eighteen states at the time. But her mom and dad loved each other, and they knew that Helo needed a sibling. In August 1966, her brother Henk was born. A few months later, she and her family moved to Seattle, Washington, where her father became a physics professor. Seven years later, they moved to Florida so that he could attend medical school; then they moved back home to Seattle. Helo graduated from the University of Washington where she met her best friend and husband. The first time she met him, she thought he was handsome. The second time she met him, she was impressed that he had remembered her name. The third time, she thought he was cute and funny but way too playful and totally “not her type.” She was wrong about that. On April 22, 1989, Rich and Helo got married. He started his career with IBM right after college. Meanwhile, Helo worked multiple part-time jobs for months before landing a position with Bristol-Myers Squibb, a worldwide pharmaceutical company, marketing prescription medications to doctors and their staff. Shortly after Helo had her first precious child, Lauren, she became a stay-at-home mom. Helo and Rich wanted to have more children but conceived and lost several. Later they were blessed with two amazing sons: Jordan and Austin. ReviewHalo Found Hope: A Memoir by Helo Matzelle will touch and inspire the heart of its readers. In this memoir, Helo shares her life changing story as she depicts the process of healing and relying on her faith after a brain tumor removal. Life is not always easy. Sometimes it throws you a curve ball. Halo’s story teaches that above all else don’t give up, have hope, rely on your faith and in God. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy a thoroughly heart-warming and inspiring story that will help bring the meaning of life a bit more to light. Genre: non-fiction; memoir; inspirational Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing Publication date: October 10, 2014 Number of pages: 222 Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 5 stars  A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Celebrate Lit. Giveaway Click the image above to be taken to the giveaway. Tour ScheduleOct 19: Jendi’s Journal Oct 20: SimpleHarvestReads Oct 22: ArtisticNobody Oct 23: Cherylbookblog Oct 24: JustCommonly Oct 26: Bukwurmzzz Oct 27: CassandraM’sPlace Oct 28: Texas Book-aholic Oct 29: Rockin my mommas jean Oct 30: Booksbites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses Oct 31: Agreateryes Nov 1: Debbie's Dusty Deliberations Nov 2: Singing Librarian Books  About the Book Every choice has a consequence in the explosive conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles as Lisbeth returns to third-century Carthage for a thrilling final adventure. Thirteen years ago, Lisbeth made an impossible decision—leave third-century Carthage and her husband Cyprian behind for good. She knew it was to protect her daughter Maggie, so Lisbeth gathered the strength to move on with her life. All these years, Lisbeth has thrown herself into her work and raising her headstrong daughter, all to live up to the promise she made to Cyprian. But Maggie is sick of being protected. In an act of teenage rebellion Maggie decides to do what her mother can’t—secretly returning to the third century on a quest to bring her father back, leaving Lisbeth no choice but to follow. With Maggie’s surprise arrival in Carthage, chaos ensues. She finds her grandmother on trial for murder and attempts to save her, but instead the diversion sparks a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city. Only one thing will appease the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage: the death of the instigator. Will Lisbeth arrive in time to save her daughter from the clutches of Rome? How can God possibly redeem such a slew of unwise decisions and deep regrets? Filled with heart-wrenching twists and riveting action, Valley of Decision brings the romantic adventure epic, The Carthage Chronicles, to an electrifying conclusion. Book TrailerAbout the Author Lynne Gentry has written for numerous publications. She is a professional acting coach, theater director, and playwright. Lynne is an inspirational speaker and dramatic performer who love spending time with her family and medical therapy dog. Author Interview with Lynne GentryReviewIn the third enthralling novel in the Carthage Chronicles series, Valley of Decision, Lynne Gentry has written a story that will captivate readers. Once again Maggie Hastings goes back in time to Roman Carthage, but this time she is all grown up, without her mother, Lisbeth, in tow. But Lisbeth panics and goes after her daughter. Full of adventure, great characters, and an entertaining storyline, readers will thoroughly enjoy this last installment of the Carthage Chronicles. I would recommend this novel to historical fiction and science fiction lovers alike. Series: The Carthage Chronicles Genre: historical; Christian; science fiction; fantasy; romance Publisher: Howard Books Publication date: January 6, 2015 Number of pages: 384 Other books in the series: 1-The Healer of Carthage 2-Return to Exile Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 4 stars  A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher via LitFuse.  About the Book A twenty-first-century doctor travels back in time to third-century Carthage to rescue her husband, but the arrival of a deadly epidemic forces her to make an impossible choice in this fast-paced second novel in The Carthage Chronicles series. Dr. Lisbeth Hastings salvaged two things from her accidental trip to the third century: her mother's stethoscope and her child. Making a life for her daughter Maggie back in the present is difficult, but returning to ancient Carthage is impossible. However, when Lisbeth learns her husband is slated to die a martyr's death, she must find a way around the impossible to save him. Cyprian Thascius returns from political exile a broken man. He's lost his faith, the love of his life, and his purpose. When Ruth, an old friend, proposes he marry her to restore his position and protect his estate, the disgraced nobleman accepts. But when Cyprian's true love suddenly reappears, his heart becomes as imperiled as the fledgling church. As Lisbeth and Cyprian reunite to battle a new epidemic and save the oppressed community of Christians, the chasm between the two of them seems too wide to bridge. But when Maggie contracts typhoid, Lisbeth must choose: stay and save the man she loves, or return home and save her daughter? Filled with gripping action and raw emotion, this incredibly compelling adventure of star-crossed lovers will keep you engrossed with every turn of the page. Book TrailerAbout the Author Lynne gentry has written for numerous publications. She is a professional acting coach, theater director, and playwright. Lynne is an inspirational speaker and dramatic performer who love spending time with her family and medical therapy dog. Author Interview with Lynne GentryReviewLynne Gentry’s book two in the Healer of Carthage series, Return to Exile, is an excellent sequel too book one, Healer of Carthage. This novel continues the story of Dr. Lisbeth Hastings and her young daughter, Maggie. Previously forced to leave the love of her life back in time in Roman Carthage, Lisbeth must return, taking her daughter with her. Once again, Lynne has written a captivating story filled with adventure and complicated romance. I would recommend this novel to readers of historical fiction that enjoy a touch of science fiction added in. Series: The Carthage Chronicles Genre: historical; Christian; science fiction; fantasy; romance Publisher: Howard Books Publication date: January 6, 2015 Number of pages: 384 Other books in the series: 1-The Healer of Carthage 3-Valley of Decision Content Rating: PG Book Rating: 4 stars  A review copy of this novel was provided by the author.
About the Book A twenty-first-century doctor. A third-century plague. A love out of time. First-year resident Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is too busy to take her father’s bizarre summons seriously. But when a tragic mistake puts her career in jeopardy, answering her father’s call seems her only hope of redeeming the devastating failure that her life has become. While exploring the haunting cave at her father’s archaeological dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole, awakening to find herself the object of a slave auction and the ruins of Roman Carthage inexplicably restored to a thriving metropolis. Is it possible that she’s traveled back in time, and, if so, how can she find her way back home? Cyprian Thascius believes God called him to rescue the mysterious woman from the slave trader’s cell. What he doesn’t understand is why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a woman whose peculiar ways could get him killed. But who is he to question God? As their different worlds collide, it sparks an intense attraction that unites Lisbeth and Cyprian in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Even as they confront persecution, uncover buried secrets, and ignite the beginnings of a medical revolution, Roman wrath threatens to separate them forever. Can they find their way to each other through all these obstacles? Or are the eighteen hundred years between them too far of a leap? Book TrailerAbout the Author Lynne Gentry was a finalist in the WestBow Press’s 2010 fiction contest. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and three of her novels have been selected as finalists for the ACFW Genesis contest. Lynne is a pastor’s wife and the mother of two grown children. Author Interview with Lynne GentryReviewHealer of Carthage, book one in the Carthage Chronicles series by Lynne Gentry, begins the adventure of Dr. Lisbeth Hastings. On adventure to find her missing mother, Lisbeth is transported back in time through a portal to the ruins of Roman Carthage. This venture filled novel is fun and compelling, with exciting characters and a delightful story that takes place in present day Texas and Roman Carthage. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy historical fiction with a bit of science fiction mixed in. Series: The Carthage Chronicles Genre: historical; Christian; science fiction; fantasy; romance Publisher: Howard Books Publication date: March 4, 2014 Number of pages: 416 Other books in the series: 2-Return to Exile 3-Valley of Decisoion Content Rating: 4 stars Book Rating: PG  |
