Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Rival Hearts by Tara Randel (Quilts Of Love #19)

I know I have stated my happy "addiction" to this book series before. This book is not an exception to that! 
One man and one woman both working for the same company, in different areas, are about to have their lives changed. 

Meet Molly. She has been at this company working on articles and writing for this magazine for ages. She writes all kinds of quilting articles, and she's really senor staff. Molly runs the Quilter's Heart. Molly has a passion for connecting with people through quilting and some outreach. Her "old maid" look shouldn't fool you, this gal is feisty and backbone. 

Meet Ben. He is the guru of all things outdoor and nature that is masculine. He edits and runs Outdoor Adventures. Ben is thought of by his fans like we might thing of Indian Jones meets Marty Stouffer. Well, at least that is the impression I got. 

To via for an upgrade in position, Ben and Molly have to change rolls. Molly has to kayak! She is so not an outdoor woman! Ben, well he has to quilt! The rivalry for the job position is on, but no one was bargaining for possible love in the process. Who is going to win the job, or the heart of someone else?

Carol :) 

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Rival Hearts
Abingdon Press (June 17, 2014)
by
Tara Randel


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. After finding Romantic Times magazine in a bookstore many years ago, she found information about writing organizations. Soon after, she joined Romance Writers of America. She located the local RWA chapter and immediately attended her first meeting. There was no stopping her after that!

Through Tampa Area Romance Authors, Tara learned all about the business of publishing, starting with the craft of writing to behind the scenes of publishing. She served as contest coordinator for four years and served as President for one year, enjoying the organization and the lasting friendships made there.

When not writing, Tara owns a business with her husband and stays busy with her two daughters. She lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver have been rival magazine writers for the same publishing group for years. When both come up for the same promotion, they find themselves in an unexpected competition to win the spot. Molly, editor of Quilter’s Heart, and Ben, editor of Outdoor Adventures, must switch roles, each working for the other for one month, then submit an article at the end of their quests.

Can girly-girl Molly survive the outdoor adventures that Ben has planned? Can Ben navigate the perils of the social dynamics of quilting events without destroying a valuable quilt in one short month? More importantly, in this he-said, she-said situation, will Molly and Ben give in to their attraction and fall in love, no matter who wins?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Rival Hearts, go HERE.

Tara can be reached through the Contact link on her Website 

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard (Port Aster Secrets book 2)

The first book in this series is Deadly Devotion. You can see my review HERE

I really didn't want to put this book down, I was quite interested in what was going on. Kate has gotten herself into more hot water than she did just dealing with who killed Daisy. Now that she lives in Daisy's house, her job has taken some odd turns, that keep getting more and more odd and distressing each day! While this book stands along, it is more fun to have read the first book, as this series just keeps getting better!  

She was at the store for her sweet elderly neighbor when she gets accused of passing counterfeit money! Detective Tom shows up, and makes sure she isn't put in jail, but even so Kate is very puzzled. Something not status-quo is happening with sweet Verna's son, and it is really effecting Verna. It sure seems like they are the ones creating the counterfeit money, but nothing turns up when the police search. Even so, some major things are being hidden by this folks it would seem.  Things don't EVEN start to stop there! Kate's being followed, by a very strange man, but then Tom says it isn't an issue. How is being stalked not an issue? Virus's on PC, fake e-mails and letters that Kate didn't send to the Mayor and other major players complicated matters! There are some strange plants that need protecting, and it could tie into her job, but the answers are so deeply buried. As they start to come to light, the answers could separate her and Tom. It could also rock her family, her job, and the entire town. For Kate, figuring out who to trust has never been so complicated, or so filled with prayer and danger. 

I can't wait for book three! 
Carol :) 




Kate's not sure how deep this deception goes--but she'll do whatever it takes to find out.

Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money and can't believe that it came from her sweet elderly neighbor. Or that it has landed her in the middle of another of Detective Tom Parker's investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor's innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation--and one that strikes too close to home for comfort.

As family secrets come to light, her world--and her budding romance with Tom--begin to crumble. To Kate, it's clear that she won't be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster's secrets. But then will it be too late for her and Tom?

"A fun, sometimes quirky whodunit, full of everything a mystery lover is looking for, including a dash of romance."--Lisa Harris, Christy Award finalist and author of Dangerous Passage

"Sandra Orchard weaves a clever web of suspense in this story of secrets, betrayal, and small-town intrigue.Blind Trust will keep readers on the edge of their seats--and impatient for book three!"--Susan May Warren, award-winning, bestselling author of It Had to Be You.

Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several novels, including Deadly Devotion, book 1 in the Port Aster Secrets series. She is a two-time winner of the Canadian Christian Writing Award for romance, winner of the 2012 Reviewer's Choice Award from Romantic Times, and winner of a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. Her debut novel, Deep Cover, was recognized as one of the top five novels of the year by Family Fiction magazine. She lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband. Learn more at www.sandraorchard.com.

http://www.amazon.com/Blind-Trust-Novel-Aster-Secrets/dp/080072223X

I received my copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review and nothing else. 


Saturday, June 7, 2014

A Woman of Fortune by Kellie Coates Gilbert (Texas Gold Collection)

Claire Massey is beyond rich. Her husband, Tuck, is into cattle and has made it so lucrative that they lack nothing that money can buy. Think past millions, into the billions and beyond. Huge party extravaganzas are just another fun party for these people and their circle. Her daughter, Lainie, is about to marry the up and coming new Senator from Texas. Both Lainie and Claire are secretly dreaming of Lainie being in the White House one day. She has one son doing great, and is his Dad's "favorite. That is Garrett. Then Max is the son that that needs some help. He is more prone to feel like a failure and drink too much, and cause embarrassments to the family.

When in the middle of their posh party, the police arrive, make accusations haul Tuck off in handcuffs,it leaves the perfect life that Claire has always know in total upheaval! Claire refuses to think that Tuck is guilty of what he is accused of, but if their mass fortune is stripped away, what does she really have left?

So is this wealthy beyond words woman going to pick her self up and follow her dreams, or just shrivel up in a pile when her life is stripped bare and the tides of fortune are turned against her? Claire has a "fortune" in her best friend, Jana Rae, but is that and God going to be enough for her to work through this?  Enough to heal her broken life, and help her children who's lives are now broken also from this horrible scandal and turn of events?

Written by an author who is a former legal investigator, and a paralegal, the legal aspects of this real life based story are not neglected at all, and only add to the depth of the situation these folks are going through.
I thought this book was very interesting, and it was my first book by Kellie Coates Gilbert.

Carol :)



Texas socialite Claire Massey is living the dream. Her world is filled with designer clothes, luxury cars, and stunning homes. But her Neiman-Marcus lifestyle comes crashing down when her charming cattle broker husband is arrested for fraud. Suddenly, she finds herself facing attorneys, a media frenzy, and a trail of broken hearts. Betrayed and humiliated, Claire must start over against incredible odds to save her family--and discover a life worth living.

Poignant and emotionally gripping, A Woman of Fortune reveals the many ways we deceive ourselves and how resilience of the heart is essential to authentic living. Drawing on her experiences as a legal investigator, author Kellie Coates Gilbert delivers emotionally gripping plots and authentic characters. Readers will love Claire's unbending determination as she strives to keep her family from falling apart and learns to embrace the kind of fortune that lasts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4KfPyw-FwE&feature=youtu.be



Biography

Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal who writes with a sympathetic, intimate knowledge of how people react under pressure. Kellie's books tell emotionally poignant stories about women in life-changing circumstances. She writes about messy lives . . . and eternal hope.

Kellie currently makes her home in Dallas, Texas with her husband and a very spoiled 2.7 lb. Yorkie named Emmie Sweetpea.

Please visit her online at www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com

Thursday, June 5, 2014

A Place In His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

Give-Away info first! :D
Rebecca’s link to her blog with the giveaway information:
http://www.rebeccademarino.com/a-place-in-his-heart-giveaway

Now, onto A Place In His Heart. First, the book title is pretty interesting, as is the cover. Mary is our leading lady. Her heart, dreams and hoped have been crushed. She was stood up at the alter. Not a good thing no matter the time frame you are in, but worse in her case. Her Father needs her wed so she will have support. Her sister is married, with babies. If something doesn't change quickly, she will be forced to wed Robert and she simply isn't incline or interested.

Barnabas AKA Barney is a Puritan. Oh gasp! Her father will not like that! He reads his bible and the poor man is just drowning in greif being alone. His Amy died, and left him running the bakery and raising two little boys all alone. It is too much to take, and he has told God he needs help, and quickly!

So there it is, a great match, right? A man who needs a mother to his children, and someone to take the edge of being alone, and a woman who needs a quick escape from a potential miserable marriage. Where do you go when your married and from two different religious backgrounds? Head to the New World! Thus here comes a real-to-life onslaught of things. Trials, tests, bumps, in short, issues to be dealt with. Most of all, Barney isn't loving his new wife like he should, like Christ loved us. Will he turn around or will their new relationship and marriage disintegrate? If this man's heart doesn't change, Mary will never have a place in his heart. I like it when book titles have something to do with the book!

Now that is just the *start* of things because for a first novel, this is quite good!

Carol :)



This week, the


is introducing


Revell (June 3, 2014)

by



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Rebecca DeMarino was born in Pensacola, Florida, the daughter of a Navy pilot. Her mother made a home for the family of six all over the map, including Virginia, Nevada, California, Washington, and Guam, before her parents put down anchor on a ranch in Oregon.

As the wife of a young Air Force officer, married life brought more travel. She relied on her mother’s example of how to make a home anywhere. Her three beautiful daughters were born in Florida, Alaska and Nebraska.

Retired after sixteen years with a major airline, she manages to fulfill her love of wanderlust with frequent family or research trips.

Rebecca grew up listening to her mother’s family lore of a great-grandfather from generations ago. Barnabas Horton sailed from England in the 1600’s, to Long Island, N.Y., on a ship called The Swallow. In 1999, after she found Horton Point, L.I., on a map, Rebecca and her mother made the journey to see the lighthouse named after their ancestor.

The legend goes that Barnabas brought a slab of blue slate with him from England, and had the epitaph he wrote himself engraved on it. The blue slate still exists in the Old Cemetery in Southold, L.I., with the Bible verse, “He being dead, still speaketh.” Much information was found about Barnabas, but none of his wife, save a mention in his will.

Her mother passed away in 2005, but Rebecca returned to Southold many times, drawn by her Puritan roots and English heritage. Each time she wondered about her ninth great-grandmother, a young woman who married a widower with two young boys and then followed them for the wilds of Long Island, leaving behind her home and family. What were her dreams? Her motivations? Her fears?

Rebecca’s historical romance novel, A PLACE IN HIS HEART, debuts with Revell, a division of Baker Publishing House, in June of 2014.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Puritan Barnabas Horton is still in love with his deceased wife and needs only a mother for his two young sons. And yet these two very different people with very different expectations will take a leap of faith, wed, and then embark on a life-changing journey across the ocean to the Colonies. Along the way, each must learn to live in harmony, to wait on God, and to recognize true love where they least expect to find it.

This heartfelt tale of love and devotion is based on debut author Rebecca DeMarino's own ancestors, who came to Long Island in the mid-1600s to establish a life--and a legacy--in the New World.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of A Place in His Heart, go HERE.

Rebecca is hosting a Giveaway worth over $300.00 in prizes.  There will be 8 winners! Scroll to the bottom of the post
HERE to enter!!!!!

Rebecca can be reached through the Contact link on her Website 


Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Dreamtreaders by Wayne Thomas Batson

Dreams are always a topic I like. In Dreamtreaders, Archer is a young man who is able to fight forces of evil in his dreams. By day Archer is a normal kid, well for the most part. At night, he fights the Nightmare Lord and seals up breaches in the realities between the Temporal World, and the Dream World. While embarking on a mission in his sleep, Archer has something horrible happen. He gets hurt in the dream world and manifests an injury in the "real" world. Worse yet, objects from his dream realm have come with him into the physical realm.

There are only 3 Dreamtreaders at anytime, which is interesting because two of them seem to be off on a mission. They should have been back, and you have to be careful. To stay at the wrong time in the Dream World means death or coma in the Temporal one.

Training is in snatches, from Master Gabriel, who, I think could be an angel, and a book. A book that glows blue and holds the teaching for Dreamtreaders. It is called the "Book of Creeds" and the first rule for a Dreamtreader is "Anchor First. Anchor Deep."

It is a very complex book that goes back and forth between the Temporal and Dream worlds. I wouldn't read this with an 8 year old though, I think the 12 year old mark or even 14 would be better. It has the allegory in it deep enough that I am not sure younger minds will catch it all.

I hope we get to review the rest of this series, because this left us in a cliff hanger!
Carol :0



Book #1 in a trilogy from fantasy author Wayne Thomas Batson explores the concept of dreams and their effects on us.
People are fascinated by dreams, and the Bible has a great deal to say about them. From Jacob’s dream of the heavenly stairway in Genesis 28 to angels visiting Joseph during dreams in Matthew 1 to the Apostle John’s “waking dream” from which he obtained the book of Revelation—dreams have been powerful ingredients of God’s plan as revealed through Scripture.
Fourteen-year-old Archer Keaton discovers he has the ability to enter and explore his dreams. He is a dreamtreader, one of three selected from each generation. Their mission: to protect the waking world from the Nightmare Lord, who wreaks chaos in the Dream World. But as Archer’s dreams become more dangerous and threatening, so too does his waking life.
Rigby Thames, the new kid from England, builds a suspicious rock star-like following at Dresden High School a little too quickly. Even Archer’s best friend and confidant, Kara Windchil, seems taken in by the cool guy with the wild blond hair, which definitely rubs Archer the wrong way. Archer must face two foes in two worlds, but he cannot succeed alone. Archer sets off to find other dreamtreaders in a desperate attempt to defeat the enemy terrorizing his friends and family.
Features & Benefits:
  • New fantasy trilogy from bestselling author Wayne Thomas Batson
  • Batson’s previous epic fantasy trilogy, The Door Within, has sold more than 250,000 copies
  • Brings epic fantasy with a biblical base to middle grade readers
  • Epic fantasy is popular in movies and TV shows, and this is a spiritual epic fantasy

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. 

Dream Treaders -  http://www.amazon.com/Dreamtreaders-Wayne-Thomas-Batson/dp/1400323665/

Author Website http://www.enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/

Author's Bio Page: http://www.amazon.com/Wayne-ThomasBatson/e/B001JRVV9C/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Participants’ links:

Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
Pauline Creeden
Vicky DealSharingAunt
Carol Gehringer
Victor Gentile
Rebekah Gyger
Christopher Hopper
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Jennette Mbewe
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
Writer Rani
Nathan Reimer
Chawna Schroeder
Jojo Sutis
Steve Trower
Shane Werlinger
Phyllis Wheeler