Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Just the Way You Are by Pepper Basham


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About the Book


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Book: Just the Way You Are
Author: Pepper Basham
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Single mom, Eisley Barrett, prefers to keep romance safely housed within a centuries-old mystery, but when she travels to England to unearth the secret, an actor with a sordid past offers her reluctant heart a very different type of discovery.
                
Wes Harrison has a past he’s ashamed to confess. Suspicious and cynical, he’s managed to avoid romantic entanglements since a tragedy upended his career and life, that is until American Eisley Barrett comes along. Her authenticity and kindness upend his bitter assumptions and send his heart into unscripted territory.
When his past threatens to ruin a second chance at love, can some Appalachian matchmaking and letters from the grace salvage their unexpected romance?

My Review

With the first chapter I was happily carried away with this book. I think it started for me when Eisley physically fell over Mr. H. after arriving in England. That was so realistic and her reactions to the famous Wes sits really close to home. This book is fun, cute, romantic, and a pleasure to read. I love the mystery parts. Wes and Eisley are a fun pair, but all the characters are strong ones in this book. The contrast with North Carolina was lots of fun as well. I had a wonderful time reading this book, and I highly recommend it for a fun, happy, heart-felt read. 


About the Author  

PepperquiltPepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes novels inspired by her love for history and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Her Penned in Time series has garnered recognition in the Inspys, Grace Awards, and the ACFW Carol Awards. Her contemporary romance novel, A Twist of Faith, received 4-stars from Romantic Times, and most recently, her newest release, The Thorn Healer, received a Top Pick from RT with 4 ½ stars. Her newest contemporary romance, Just the Way You Are, releases in April 2016. You can get to know Pepper on Facebook, or over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley, or Instagram. 

Guest post from Pepper Basham

Thank you so much for featuring my newest novel,  Just the Way You Are, on CelebrateLit. I am THRILLED to be a part of this and to share a story that is very dear to my heart.
Just the Way You Are is my first ‘true’ Britallachian romantic comedy. Even though I’ve written comedy in some of my other novels and included elements of both Appalachia and Britain, this one embodies the tag #britallachian to the core. For those of you who’ve read some of my previous books, you know I’m a big fan of my native Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian culture. You may also know that I’m a proud Anglophile.
Those two loves met in Just the Way You Are – and I tossed lots of other things I love best into the mix. What are those ingredients, you might ask?
Well, let me just tell ya! Just the Way You Are is a blend of Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian culture, big (hilarious) family dynamics, matchmaking, Britain, a swoony English hero, a quirky, magnanimous heroine, a bunch of adorable kids, Scooby Doo and Indiana Jones references, lots of humor, a historical mystery, a devious villainess, stately manor houses, secret rooms, love letters, and matchmaking all rolled into one…oh, and did I mention brain-numbing romance?
(Did anyone else feel the need to add “fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, miracles, true love….” From the Princess Bride?) J I don’t think I included torture, giants, or monsters in Just the Way You Are…but I may have the other elements in this novel J
Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating about the brain-numbing, but I do have a tendency to err on the side of overly dramatic J
Within the pages of Just the Way You Are, you’ll meet people from my own family, people from my imagination, and some people who stepped into the story without one ounce of my planning to ever meet them. This story came out of my desire to write something I love reading – spicy romance, clean humor, culture clashes, the big love of family, and redemption.
How did my heroine Eisley Barrett evolve? Out of thin air. I was washing dishes one afternoon and staring out the window into our small backyard with the Blue Ridge Mountains painting a purplish-blue frame on the horizon when I closed my eyes. Into my imagination came this ginger-headed woman walking through Heathrow International Airport pulling a hot pink bag behind her…and then, she tripped and fell. That was it. That’s how I was introduced to my insecure, hilarious, romance-loving, single-mom heroine.
And the dashing hero? Okay, this may sound ridiculous, but I was watching an interview about Richard Armitage (Thoron Oakenshield, Guy of Gisborne, etc) regarding his lovely costume drama North and South where he plays a very dashing British hero. Anyway, he was SUCH a gentleman to watch during the interview. So polite. Kind. Funny, in a sweet way, and then, out of the blue, he said the word ‘gosh’. I know, that may not be a big deal to anyone but me, but after watching celebrity interviews where every other word needed a censor, the very fact that this elegant man used the word ‘gosh’, sent my writing brain into motion. My first internal question? What if a movie star with a tender heart had been burned by the pretension and expectation of celebrity status? What kind of woman could touch a heart who’d lost his faith in love’s authenticity?
Enter my red-head single-mom toting her pink bag through Heathrow and you have the very beginning of Just the Way You Are – a story of forgiveness, second chances…and a little bit of movie magic.

Blog Stops

April 6: cherylbbookblog
April 8: Bookworm Mama
April 9: Quiet Quilter
April 10: Faithfully Bookish
April 10: Back Porch Reads 
April 11: Robin’s Nest
April 13: Cordially Barbara
April 14: A Greater Yes
April 15: Just Commonly
April 15: 100 Pages per Hour
April 16: Book by Book
April 17: Splashes of Joy
April 18: Karen Sue Hadley
April 19: Henry Happens
April 19: Baker Kella

Giveaway

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Thursday, April 6, 2017

Baggage Claim by Cathe Swanson



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About the Book



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Book: Baggage Claim
Author: Cathe Swanson
Genre: Christian Suspense/Romance
Release Date: February 14, 2017

There had to be at least one healthy branch on his family tree…
Who can he trust?
Ben Taylor, widower and father of four lively children, enjoys his easy, uncomplicated life. He likes his work and has a competent nanny to manage his household. Everything is good until he decides to seek out his biological parents and discovers a family tree with tangled roots and broken branches.
His comfortable life crumbles when he gets caught up in a criminal network of fraud and conspiracy at his new job. When Ben is forced into a dangerous alliance, he scrambles to find a safe situation and protection for his children before setting out to clear his name—all without getting himself killed in the process.
A nanny with a past…
Becoming a nanny was the perfect solution when Teresa Cooper needed a place to hide ten years ago, but now that she’s no longer in danger, she’s ready to move on and make a new life for herself. When Ben asks her to take the children to an unknown relative in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, she finds herself in hiding again, this time with four children in tow.
As the children explore the wilderness of the Upper Peninsula, Teresa begins to wonder about God’s plan for her future. Who is this stranger Ben trusts with his children? Why here? Can a city-bred nanny find joy in this wild corner of God’s creation?

My Review:

The write up for this book drew me in enough to read it. I thought it would be a light read, but it isn't. It's a different read, but my problem is that it frequently feels disjoined. I was lost for a long time on the fact that Ben had four children and not three. We don't really get to know the kids, they just zoom about doing crazy kid things. The romance aspect is almost not present, but that is ok. I can deal with that. Jarring that takes place from wait, what, we just were dealing with one thing over here, to boom, where am I now? What just happened? How did we get here? That was hard for me. I reread several chapter endings and new chapter beginnings because I was getting lost. After a bit it would clear up, but the transition threw me each time. Ben sure is naive to be working in the field he is in, and as disconnected as he was, but then, he was trying to raise his children alone. Finding his birth father was interesting, but then that took a back-seat to other things. 

 The secondary plot was interesting and explained in exhaustive detail. For me that wasn't necessary, but it might be for others. The who-done-it was reasonably good, but some of it felt like I missed something. I did like the book over all, I just wish I knew why I feel like I lost things in several places. 

 My copy came from Celebrate Lit. My thoughts and opinions are my own, and I wasn't required to leave a favorable review. 

About the Author 

catheimageCathe Swanson lives in Wisconsin with her husband of 32 years. They enjoy spending time with their family and being outdoors, kayaking, hiking, birdwatching and fishing, but summer is short in Wisconsin, so it’s important to have indoor hobbies, too. Cathe has been a quilter and teacher of quiltmaking for over 25 years, and she enjoys just about any kind of creative work, especially those involving fiber or paper. She enjoys writing stories with eccentric characters of all ages. Her books will make you laugh and make you cry – and then make you laugh again.

 Guest Post from Cathe Swanson
When I was in high school, I thought I might like to become an occupational therapist. Instead, I got married, had babies, raised the children and launched them into the world. I took a few years to regroup, and then I started thinking about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.
Shortly after that, my dad had a stroke, and when he came home from the hospital, I was fascinated by the work of the visiting therapists. I did some research and learned that physical and occupational therapy assistants make pretty good money and are able to do the best part of the job – the therapy. Therapists are often bogged down in paperwork and periodic assessments. The assistant has all the fun, and it’s just a 5-semester program.
So I trotted on down to the local community college and asked what I had to do to get signed up. The counsellor talked for a while about prerequisites, petitions, waiting lists, internships, and other such things. Eventually I realized she was trying to tell me that I was too old to embark on this career. Too taken-aback to be offended, I went home and wrote a book about it instead. After all, I’d invested a lot of time in research.
I’d been writing stories for years, and already had the bones of Baggage Claim. Once I gave my young hero a job as a physical therapy assistant, the story took on life. My mother’s interest in genealogy had sparked a question: What if a nice, normal person wanted to track down their biological family and it blew up in their face? So that’s where I sent my hero, and as one of my reviewers said, “It was not a Hallmark moment.”
I’m very happy as an author and have no real interest in becoming an occupational therapist. Indeed, that rejection was a turning point for me. I could have pushed forward and got that degree, but instead I went home and wrote. I have no regrets.

Blog Stops

March 29: A Greater Yes
March 30: Genesis 5020
April 1: Quiet Quilter
April 2: autism mom
April 7: Carpe Diem
April 8: Karen Sue Hadley
April 9: Bigreadersite 

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Cathe is giving away Grand prize themed gift box that will include:
A decorative suitcase box
Earl Grey Tea
A handmade mug rug
A pretty mug
14 handmade all-occasion cards
And a paperback copy of Baggage Claim!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b2c8

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Wednesday, April 5, 2017

A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander


I have become a fan of this author's work. The more of it I read, the more I love it. However, this book maybe her most captivating book yet. I don't know if it was because I grew up with music being taught, and I'm musical myself. What I can tell you is I connected deeply with the story told in it's pages. I love the ties to Belmont Mansion. When someone now says to list a favorite series, this series will be one of them, and A Note Yet Unsung is my favorite of the series. 

 This book will resinate in my spirit for sometime to come. 

 My copy came from Net Galley and Bethany house. My thought and opinions in this review are my own. I leave my review of my own free choosing. 



About

A master violinist trained in Vienna, Rebekah Carrington manages to wheedle her way into an audition with the maestro at the newly formed Nashville Philharmonic. But women are "far too fragile and frail" for the rigors of an orchestra, and Rebekah's hopes are swiftly dashed because the conductor--determined to leave his mark on the world of classical music--bows to public opinion. To make matters worse, Adelicia Acklen Cheatham, mistress of Belmont Mansion and Rebekah's new employer, agrees with him.

Nationally acclaimed conductor Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb is Nashville's new orchestra leader. And despite a reluctant muse--and a strange buzzing and recurring pain in his head--he must finish composing his symphony before the grand opening of the city's new opera hall. But far more pressing, he must finish it for the one who first inspired his love of music--his father, who is dying. As Tate's ailment worsens, he believes Rebekah can help him finish his symphony. But how do you win back a woman's trust when you've robbed her of her dream?

As music moves us to tears yet makes our hearts soar, A Note Yet Unsung captures the splendor of classical music at a time when women's hard-won strides in cultural issues changed not only world history--but the hearts of men.

Praise for the Belmont Mansion Novels
"... a novel rich in storytelling and history, peopled with living, breathing characters who made me laugh, and cry."--Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love
"Alexander's exquisitely written historical tale is filled with unforgettable characters..."--Booklist 
"Pure reading pleasure!"--Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author of Mine Is the Night
"Bestseller Alexander will delight fans of gently inspirational historical romance"--Publishers Weekly

Tamera Alexander


Tamera Alexander is a bestselling novelist whose works have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the Christy Award, the RITA Award, and the Carol Award. After seventeen years in Colorado, Tamera and her husband have returned to their native South and live in Tennessee, where they enjoy spending time with their two grown children.

Tamera invites you visit her website, her blog, on Twitter, or Facebook.
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King's Blood by Jill Williamson

It's really good and I'm glad I read it. I'm also glad it's in ebook format that combines three books that make up the second half of this saga. I have a print copy of the first book and it's hard to read. The plot continues in this book, picks and doesn't slow down. Through the ups, and downs, the highs and lows I never got tired of reading this book. 

 Something that happened at the end was harder to deal with, but I can see why the author did that. I can't give this set of books, in one second volume anything other than 5 stars. 

 My copy came from Net Galley and Bethany House. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition, and in this case, I'm glad to do so!


About

They Flee for Their Lives, But Will a New Home Be Found?
The Five Realms have been destroyed. The remnants of the population who escaped now find themselves confined only to several hundred ships adrift at sea. Guided by hope, rumor, and a promise, they sail north into the unknown, desperate to find land that might become their new home.

As the king's illness worsens, Sâr Wilek takes authority over the expedition and struggles to rule the disjointed people, while assassination attempts, vicious serpents, dangerous storms, and dark magic endanger his life and the survival of his people.

One prophecy has come to pass, but another looms dauntingly in the future. Who is this promised Deliverer? And if the Magonians have him, what might that mean for the realm of Armania?

This second volume collects parts four through six of The Kinsman Chronicles originally released as ebooks.
Part 4--Kingdom at Sea
Part 5--MaelstromPart 6--Voices of Blood

Jill Williamson


Jill Williamson writes fantasy and science fiction for teens and adults. Jill grew up in Alaska, staying up and reading by the summer daylight that wouldn't go away. This led to a love of books and writing, and her debut novel, By Darkness Hid, won several awards and was named a Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novel of 2009 by VOYA magazine. She loves giving writing workshops and blogs for teen writers at www.GoTeenWriters.com. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two children, and a whole lot of deer. Visit her online at www.jillwilliamson.com.

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Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Let Love Spring by Jodie Wolfe, Sandy Faye Mauck, & Linda Shenton Matchett



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About the Book



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Book: Let Love Spring
Author: Jodie Wolfe, Sandy Faye Mauck, & Linda Shenton Matchett
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: March 30, 2017

An Angel for the Cowboy 

When the bank threatens foreclosure on Essie Love’s home, it’s up to her to provide for her sisters. She’ll do whatever it takes to save them, even if it means marrying a stranger.
Jud Steele is wanted for a crime he didn’t commit. Wounded and left for dead, he lands on Essie’s doorstep. While she nurses him back to health, he finds himself longing for a home and family.
Can two desperate people find a path that leads to what they both need?

Spring Recaptured

The seed that falls in the dead of winter sometimes becomes the seed of life that rises in spring. 
Late winter’s chill heats up quickly when Ren Klinghoffer sees the only girl he’s ever loved coming back into town after disappearing one dark night six years ago. The rumors of her being widowed and having a child appear to be true.
Andrea Vandermere Radcliff nervously returns to Springdale to stay with her aunt, afraid of only two things—keeping the secret that could harm her family and facing the beloved man she was stolen from.
Anger and unforgiveness plague the once betrothed couple. Will their broken hearts mend enough to bring them to the place of God’s peace and hope? Or will the sins of others permanently destroy the love that once bloomed in the spring of their lives?

A Love Not Forgotten

Allison White should be thrilled about her upcoming wedding. The problem? She’s still in love with her fiancé, Chaz, who was declared dead after being shot down over Germany in 1944. Can she put the past behind her and settle down to married life with the kindhearted man who loves her?
It’s been two years since Charles “Chaz” Powell was shot down over enemy territory. The war is officially over, but not for him. He has amnesia as a result of injuries sustained in the crash, and the only clue to his identity is a love letter with no return address. Will he ever regain his memories and discover who he is, or will he have to forge a new life with no connections to the past?

My Review:

What fun this book was to read three very different stories in one book. An Angel for the Cowboy reads like the feeling of an old Western movie. It's involved enough that I was surprised I finished it so fast. 

Spring Recaptured was captivating. This was a super strong read, and the first I have read of this author's work. The characters were so real I could have lived in town with them, and the plot was both attention grabbing and aggravating at the same time. I just wanted Andi to spill to Ren or someone so I could know what all was going on with the situation. I loved "little bird", who couldn't! 

A Love Not Forgotten is set after the US is trying to recover from fighting with Hitler. I'm not a big fan of war stories, but this read focuses so much on the hearts and God's plans for the main charters that I was soon quite happily reading it as well. 

In all, a lovely compilation that is sure to be a great book to read for many. 

About the Authors 

Social Media 2015 (1)Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of ACFW. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

0035ASM_5299 (1)Sandy Faye Mauck writes character driven historical fiction with a romantic heart and a sprinkle of humor. God’s truth is woven throughout her stories bringing hope and new life. She and her writer husband live in their own happily ever after on the Pacific Coast that holds their hearts.


linda-e (2)Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda Shenton Matchett has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed light bulb inventor) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). A freelance writer for over ten years, her articles and devotionals have appeared in numerous print and online publications. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. She lives in NH with her husband, Wes and her fur-baby, Ben. Visit her at http://www.lindashentonmatchett.com./

Blog Stops

March 30: Lighthouse Academy
April 2: Back Porch Reads
April 5: A Greater Yes
April 7: Carpe Diem
April 11: Karen Sue Hadley

Giveaway

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To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away:
A Grand prize of a Historical themed Gift bag valued at $50
1st – 5th places: An eBook copy of “Let Love Spring”
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b55e

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