Monday, June 5, 2017

Review & Giveaway: Romancing Daphne by Sarah M. Eden


Heidi Reads... Romancing Daphne by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/romancing-daphne?autocomplete=true&variant_id=151796-paperbackhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

As her first London Season looms before her, the thought of the impending social whirl fills Daphne Lancaster's timid heart with dread. She hasn't her sisters beauty nor their talent for conversing easily. Even her family's enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster.

But Daphne's misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her Season brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose tender kindness stole her heart in her youth. When the handsome young gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to Daphne s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.

Yet nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, leaving James and Daphne to determine whether they are willing to risk everything for true love.


My Review

Oh, what a sweet and heartrending story! I loved Daphne from the first page, and while her story began a bit slowly, the foundation of building the characters served the later part of the story well since I felt able to connect to their emotions when the plot steadily picked up speed. The dynamics of both James and Daphne's families play a huge role in the plot, from James' meddling upward-climbing father to Daphne's overprotective brother-in-law, the Duke of Kielder (who also brings much of the humor). Trust and forgiveness are important themes that are explored as the relationship that Daphne and James built is threatened by secrets. I loved their friendship and innate goodness that made them a perfect match, and although James could be a bit frustrating, it was nice to see him utilize his backbone in the end and fight for his true desires. A wonderful romance and addition to the Lancaster Family series!

Friday, June 2, 2017

Beach Reads Giveaway Hop!


Beach Reads Giveaway Hop

Happy summer! As much as I love the cool weather of spring, it's always nice to get away to the beach and soak in the sun. We live 20 minutes from the beach and bay in Southern CA so I'm planning an extensive list of beach reads! I enjoy contemporary romance the most when I'm relaxing at the beach, so I'm giving away a print copy of one I recently read, Wrong For You by Jenny Proctor. (Check out my review here)


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Synopsis

Lane Bishop is a hardworking, intelligent, young woman. With her recent move to Chapel Hill, she is determined to leave behind the drama and effort of keeping up with the dating scene. Even so, Lane somehow manages to get dragged out by a gaggle of girls to go watch boys play soccer. Just watching is not Lane’s forte, so she joins in the fun and leads her team to victory.

Rather than feeling intimidated by the vivacious beauty on the opposing team, Jamie Hamilton is intrigued. Risking his “untouchable” dating status, he decides to pursue Lane—with a little help from his older brother Simon. With Simon’s behind-the- scenes assistance, Jamie proves irresistible, even to a disillusioned dater like Lane. But as she gets to know both brothers, Lane can’t help but wonder—beneath the grand gestures and romantic words, is she falling for the wrong guy?




Thursday, June 1, 2017

Guest Post & Giveaways: Carrie Fancett Pagels





Genre: Christian, Historical
Publisher: Barbour
Publication date: June 1, 2017
Number of pages: 448

Dime Novel Suitor by Carrie Fancett Pagels
When a British dime novel enthusiast finds himself flat broke in Kansas, he discovers what western life and true love are all about. Barden Granville IV grew up at Cheatham Hall, Kent, England, devouring cowboy stories and dreaming of the day he, with no prospects of inheriting estate nor title, could escape to the American frontier. Educated and ordained an Anglican priest, his trip to America is his “last hurrah” before accepting a vicarage in a small town far from his aristocratic family’s estate. When a series of misadventures leaves him without money and stranded, he must take up employment immediately.


​After her father dies, widow Caroline Kane becomes the owner and proprietor of a restaurant and inn. She also assumes responsibility for her five teenaged siblings. Caroline’s busybody married sister insists that an Englishman who purports to answer an ad for help, is the perfect candidate for Caroline’s next husband. While she’s relieved to have help, Caroline finds Barden’s primary asset to be his silver tongue. When his efforts finally bring fruit, Barden receives word from England that could leave Caroline worse off than before, for her heart will leave with him. Will Barden answer his heart and God’s call in Kansas, or will his family responsibilities compel him to leave his dreams behind?

Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is an ECPA bestselling and award-winning author. With a dozen Christian historical romances published, this former “Yooper” writes Christian historical romances about overcoming. She grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where many of her stories are set. Possessed with an overactive imagination, that wasn’t “cured” by twenty-five years as a psychologist, she loves bringing characters to life. Carrie and her family reside in Virginia’s Historic Triangle, which is perfect for her fascination with history. Carrie enjoys reading, traveling, baking, and beading-but not all at the same time!

Her short story, The Quilting Contest, was Historical Fiction Winner of Family Fiction’s “The Story” national contest. Her novella, The Substitute Bride was a 2016 Maggie Award published finalist for Romance Novellas. Grand Exposé was a 2014 Maggie Award honorable mention for a novel set on Mackinac Island (now entitled My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring, Barbour, July 2017). All three of her Christy Lumber Camp books were long list finalists for Family Fiction’s Book of the Year and The Fruitcake Challenge was a Selah Award finalist. Her novel, Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter (White Rose/Pelican, June, 2016) received a Starred Review by RT Book Reviews.


The Story Behind the Names 

Dime Novel Suitor by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Caroline Kane, my heroine, had her name borrowed from Pagels’ Pals member Caryl Kane. Caryl is a sweetheart who supports and promotes many Christian fiction writers’ work. Caryl brings (virtual of course!) food and flowers to our online Facebook parties. Her last name has a nice strong-sounding quality to it, don’t you think? Her maiden name was borrowed from a business in Charleston, South Carolina, where I used to live. Tumbleston was used because I wanted the inn, that Caroline’s family owned, to be named after the Tumble Inn, a hotel near where I grew up. My mom always loved to tease that you would “Tumble Inn and roll out.”  So I had fun using that.

My hero, Barden Granville IV, is got his moniker from two of my friends. Libbie (Barden) Cornett is one of my best friends and is the one who got me interested in Christian fiction almost three decades ago. Chris Granville is one of my Pagels’ Pals group members and has been such a support, doing Beta reading and advance reading of my books. Doesn’t Chris’s married name sound posh? And no, I didn’t “borrow” from Lord Granville on Downton Abbey!

I like to use friends’ names in my story. So my readers Deanna, Lorraine, and Virginia had their names used for my heroine’s sisters. And I use family names. My husband’s uncle Alvin passed away the previous year as had my cousin Leonard. I used their names as Carolyn’s brothers, in a nod to their memories. Henry was my father’s middle name and I really like that name. He’s Caroline’s third brother.

I sometimes use the names of real life people from an era. When I came upon research showing that the soldiers at Mackinac Island, in this era, had been injured Army veterans of the Civil War, and that they’d come from out west to the fort in Michigan (no evidence they went through Kansas so I took fictional liberties), I decided to use some of their real names, documented in a book.

Giveaway: An autographed paperback copy of Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Brides. There must be ten unique comments on this blog post from different readers for the giveaway, so please share with your friends and on social media!


Grand Prize Giveaway: Kindle Fire + Postcards of Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order, bookmarks from upcoming release My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring, print copy of Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands, cowboy-themed earrings, and an e-book copy of Holt Medallion finalist “The Steeplechase.”

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May 29
 
 

Book Blast & Giveaway: After the Miracle: The Cody Parmer Story by Brenda & Kreg Parmer

  http://amzn.to/2spBon1  

After the Miracle: The Cody Parmer Story

In the summer of 1999, doctors raced against the clock to save Cody Parmer's life after a terrible car accident on a rural Idaho road. His parents, Brenda and Kreg Parmer, prayed that God would save him, and received their miracle. Months after his recovery a mysterious new discovery threatened to take Cody's life once more, but this time the doctors couldn't fix it. As Cody fought for his life, his mother searched for answers. Why would God let this happen? Would God save her son, just to let him die a short time later? Even if Cody lived, could the family handle his injuries and limitations? Even after receiving a miracle, the strength to accept God's will would be the greatest blessing they could ever ask for.

Praise for the Book  

"Such an amazing story! I read this book cover to cover all in one day. I could not put it down! It is very well-written, and you feel as if you are right there with the family experiencing every part of their incredible journey first hand. I cried through a lot of it but found parts that made me laugh too. When a book can make you do both of those things, you know you've found a good one." Shannon Dooley, Amazon Review

"This is a book about amazing resiliency in the face of the kind of trauma every parent dreads. It's told with incredible honesty and transparency. But, it's also a story about struggling faith that grows into a deep belief in the goodness of God even in the face of adversity..." MarSue, Amazon Review

"This book was an inspiring read. Very well written, and a page turner. Cody's family made it through some impossible odds. You really feel the struggles that they go through as they try everything to get the best results for their son." Nora, Goodreads Review


Excerpt

Chapter 20 - I started walking out the door but I stopped and turned back, giving it one more try. “Hey Cody, if someone called, what would you say?” Cody’s eyes were staring at the ceiling, and he was breathing deeply. My son was inside there, somewhere, and it was exciting and excruciating at the same time, knowing that he was so close, yet so far. I turned to leave and was halfway through the doorway when I heard it. “Hello.” The sound was labored and barely resembled a word, but I could tell what he was trying to do. “What did you say?” I tried to coax it out of him once more as I ran to his side. “Hello.” The same sounds, the same word, a little bit clearer than before. I could barely contain myself, Cody was speaking! I picked up the phone and quickly dialed Kreg’s number at work. “Kreg! Kreg! You’ve got to hear this!” I held the phone up to Cody’s mouth. “Tell Dad what you told me.” “Hello, hello.” Cody was getting excited about his newly-found ability and his voice was getting stronger each time he spoke. Kreg was crying on the other end of the line, trying unsuccessfully to maintain his composure.

 

 


 
About the Authors 

Brenda and Kreg Parmer met in high school in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and fell in love on the night of graduation. Brenda graduated from cosmetology school and Kreg went to work for a farm equipment company, and soon married. They had one son, Cody, and three beautiful daughters. Since the accident in 1999, a major part of Brenda and Kreg's lives have been devoted to caring for Cody, who still suffers from major limitations. They love being with family, enjoying the beautiful Idaho scenery, and visiting their grandchildren. Along with their family, their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the most important thing in their lives.
 $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway



Ends 6/25/17 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.

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