Review: Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett

Book Two in the Shadows of the Wilderness series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Stunning Yosemite National Park sets the stage for this late 1920s historical romance with mystery, adventure, heart, and a sense of the place John Muir described as "pervaded with divine light."

Watercolorist Olivia Rutherford fashioned her image as an avant-garde artist to appeal to the region's wealthy art-collectors. When she lands a lucrative contract painting illustrations of Yosemite National Park for a travel magazine including its nightly one-of-a-kind Firefall event, she hopes the money will lift Olivia and her sisters out of poverty.

After false accusations cost him everything, former minister Clark Johnson has found purpose as a backcountry guide in this natural cathedral of granite and trees. Now he's faced with the choice of becoming a National Parks Ranger, but is it his true calling?

As Clark helps open Olivia's eyes to the wonders of Yosemite, she discovers the people are as vital to the park's story as its vistas-- a revelation that may bring her charade to an end.

My Review

There are two things I especially appreciated about this book- that it's set in Yosemite, a place I've visited several times, and that the main character Olivia is an artist. The author really made the time period come to life, and though it's not my favorite era for fiction, once Olivia got to Yosemite and began to shed her flapper girl facade, I was a happy camper ;) She really undergoes quite a transition,  from fearful and desperate to courageous and confident. Clark's frank demeanor influences her to make the effort to get in touch with the spirit of the landscape, enabling her paintings to evoke more emotion and touch the viewer. Clark is on his own spiritual journey, seeking for guidance with his purpose and future. These two lost and hurting souls have a bit of a rocky start, but in time form a friendship as they learn to trust and reveal their hidden secrets. There is plenty of intrigue and angst while Olivia faces pressure from various sources, all of which is balanced nicely with the beauty and grandeur of the location. I loved all the little nuggets of history of Yosemite's early days as a National Park sprinkled into the story, and it made me look forward to camping and backpacking there again.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the first book in the Shadows of the Wilderness series . . .

Book One

Read my 4 star review

Synopsis

In 1927, Margie Lane, an avid naturalist, convinces her Senator father to procure her a position at the fledgling Mount Rainier National Park. Since Ranger Ford Brannon lost his father in a climbing accident, he doubts his ability to protect the park and its many visitors. He certainly doesn't relish the job of watching over an idealistic and privileged young woman with no practical survival skills.
 

When Margie's former fiance sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, Margie and Ford will have to work together to preserve the beauty and simplicity of this mountain hideaway, but the developer's plans might put more than just the park in danger.

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Loving Grace by April Smith

Welcome to the Loving Grace by April Smith blog & review tour plus giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Loving Grace  
Author: April Smith  
Publisher: Ambassador International  
Release Date: March 20, 2018  
Genre: Christian Fiction, Young Adult Romance

Grace Summer lands herself in a melon load of trouble when she becomes torn between the boy of her dreams and the boy almost next door.

As the newly crowned Watermelon Queen, she is thrust into the spotlight, meets the dreamy Warren Hartley, and continues trying to get over an accident that rocked her world. Mix in working with Beau Baron who Grace happens to fight with just about as much as breathing and the metaphorical sparks fly.

Like most things in life, Grace must learn to take the good with the bad. While the good is the handsome and fun Warren Hartley, the bad is Beau Baron—or at least being around his annoying and rude self way more than she would like. For Beau, Grace is nothing more than aggravating and an irritating reminder from the night of the accident.

Tensions soar as Grace and Beau fight to love themselves and maybe, just maybe, each other.  

PURCHASE A COPY: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | CBD

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EXCERPT

“Just remember to make the connections with everyone I told you about.” 

“Mom, you’re making her nervous,” Bennett says, thankfully interrupting anything else she was going to say. 

“We’ll see you in the conference room for your speech,” Mrs. Baron says. 

I give them a thumb’s up and head into what is supposed to be finger foods and light conversation. What I find is each girl working the room and chatting with each judge individually. It’s like that trash TV speed dating show, where everyone gets five minutes with their possible date, and then they have to switch. People on the show are aggressive and pushy—only it’s worse than that in here. I fight the urge to become a wallflower and head over to the first available judge I see. 

“Hi. I’m Grace Summer.” I grin before offering my hand for a handshake.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

April Smith grew up spending summers working on her best friend’s family watermelon farm and she was one of those watermelon queens she writes about. She has her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in the Art of Teaching.  

CONNECT WITH APRIL: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

Ambassador International is giving away:

(1) JustRead Summer Fun Book Box, which features Loving Grace as well as at least 4 quality items which complement the story. Find out more here.

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 16, 2018 and last through 11:59pm July 23, 2018. US only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

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Check out the tour landing page at JustRead for the full schedule!

Book Blitz & Giveaway: CHAOS IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE series by Patrick Higgins

Welcome to the CHAOS IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE series blitz and GIVEAWAY, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the blink of an eye, life as humanity had known it was forever changed when the Great Disappearing Act came to pass. More than one billion people either vanished or were killed in the aftermath of the Rapture. Suddenly banks and businesses were closed. ATM machines were no longer spitting out cash. Credit cards were no longer being accepted. With humanity separated from their assets, world leaders had to find a way to bring the world back online, so to speak, to prevent a global recession from swallowing them whole. An emergency summit was called for at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. With NATO and UN embargoes temporarily lifted from all insurgent countries, leaders from every nation were expected to attend. Little did most know who would rise up to lead the way, or how quickly he would do it...

PURCHASE: GOODREADS | AMAZON

 

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

Series Purchase Links: Goodreads | Amazon

CHAOS IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE: PART SIX – THE SEALING releases Autumn 2018!

Each day of the blitz spotlights a different book from the series - follow along with the tour to learn about each of the first five books individually! 
 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Patrick Higgins is the author of "The Pelican Trees", "Coffee In Manila", the award-winning "The Unannounced Christmas Visitor", and the award-winning prophetic end times series, "Chaos In The Blink Of An Eye." While the stories he writes all have different themes and take place in different settings, the one thread that links them all together is his heart for Jesus and his yearning for the lost. With that in mind, it is his wish that the message his stories convey will greatly impact each reader, by challenging you not only to contemplate life on this side of the grave, but on the other side as well. After all, each of us will spend eternity at one of two places, based solely upon a single decision which must be made this side of the grave. That decision will be made crystal clear to each reader of his books.  

CONNECT WITH PATRICK: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

Patrick Higgins is giving away to one (1) winner:

• $50 Amazon gift card &
• the first five books in the Chaos series

Open Internationally as long as recipient can accept a gift card from US Amazon. Books available in winner's choice of ebook or print, although ebook only for international winner.  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 16, 2018 and last through 11:59pm July 23, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

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Check out the full schedule at the tour landing page!

New Release & SALE: The Irresistable Groom by Cami Checketts

 

Have you read Cami Checketts? Her books are recommended by many of my trusted Goodreads friends. Can't beat the sale price!

The Irresistible Groom is on sale for just 99 cents today! 

 

The Irresistible Groom by Cami Checketts 

A vivacious sports agent loses her memory and her safe, perfectly-planned life. The only hope is a tough security specialist who for some reason she’s never allowed herself to fall for. Claire Tucker is a feisty and successful sports agent. When she wakes up with amnesia she has to rely on a handsome security specialist, which doesn't seem too bad ... until she learns she's known him for years and has repeatedly turned him down. When Brig proves irresistible to her, she realizes she needs to guard her heart until she gets some answers or her past will catch up to her. Brig Hunsaker has everything he needs, except the sassy lady he’s had a crush on for years. When Claire is injured, and the hospital staff believe he’s her fiancé, he finally gets the chance to protect her and prove he’s worth taking a chance on. 

Get it now on AMAZON

Add to GOODREADS

Spotlight, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Celery Patch by Samantha Bayarr

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the Book Blitz for

The Celery Patch

By Samantha Bayarr

Learn more about the start of this new Amish romance series with
a touch of mystery, read an excerpt, and enter the giveaway below...

The Celery Patch

(Amish Acres #1)
By Samantha Bayarr
Amish, Christian Romance

Paperback & ebook, 265 Pages
June 21st 2018

When a celery patch mysteriously crops up overnight in the Yoder's field, it attracts some unwanted suitors competing for Naomi's hand.

Someone has grown an oversized patch of celery in Naomi's family field and now she's being accused of trying to "catch" a husband. Will rumors spread by a jealous friend damage her reputation and threaten her chances of marrying the man she loves?

Goodreads│Amazon

Excerpt

“I’m getting married this wedding season, too!” Naomi Yoder blurted out before she could stop the words from pouring from her lips.

Her sister, Ruthie, sucked in her breath and covered her mouth, then quickly recovered from the shock.

Her best friend, Katie Troyer, squealed and pulled Naomi into a hug. “So he asked you, then?” Katie gushed, a giggle exploding from deep within her.

Not exactly!

Ruthie sat across from them. “Who asked you? Jeremiah?”

Naomi nodded, enjoying the attention she was getting over her fake announcement.

Annie Lapp, who’d walked over to their house to discuss a community quilt project, sank into the wicker chair nearest the swing where Naomi and Katie sat. “I don’t believe you, Naomi; you’re a liar!”

Naomi felt her blood run cold despite the heat of the morning sun beaming across the covered porch; her heart drummed against her ribs like a team of horses galloping at full speed. Of course, it was a lie, but she didn’t have much experience with lying the way Annie did; was it possible the girl’s bad habits were rubbing off on her? She hadn’t meant to say it, especially in front of Annie, who was the biggest gossip in the community. If only Katie hadn’t made her jealous with her own wedding news to Benjamin Mast. Not only had it made her worry that she was the last to make such an announcement from her age group, but Naomi just couldn’t take another minute of Annie’s or her sister’s teasing.

Hearing the word spinster coming from her own sister’s mouth had caused her to overreact, and now it was too late to take it back. Not only would Annie tell the entire community about her lie, but she would also add her own lies to make the situation worse. Annie annoyed her with her constant invasive prying, just so she’d have something to gossip about. Well, this time, Naomi had gone and given her plenty to wag her tongue about.

About the Author

Samantha Bayarr, a former Paralegal, became the first Independent Author of Amish Fiction when she published Little Wild Flower in paperback in 2005. Since then, she has written over 130 Christian Fiction Books in Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Western & Cowboy Romance, Amish Romance, and Amish Suspense.

She lives in an historic home in a small town in Florida with her husband, John Foster, who writes children's books. Samantha illustrates her husband's books, the first in the series entitled: Walla Walla and the Great Pirate Adventure. Check out these wonderful stories with a Christian message and over 50 full-color illustrations in each book.

Samantha Bayarr founded Livingston Hall Publishers in 2002. Named after her great, great grandfather, Edward Livingston Hall, who owned a publishing house in the late 1800's, until his passing; Samantha resurrected this legacy as a way of honoring him for passing onto her his love for the written word.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram│Pinterest│Newsletter

Blitz Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally

Ends July 20th

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Review: Timeless Western Collection: Calico Ball by Sarah M. Eden, Carla Kelly, Kristin Holt

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes CALICO BALL.

Three brand new Historical Western Romance novellas by Carla Kelly, Sarah M. Eden, and Kristin Holt.

THE KEEPER OF THE WESTERN DOOR by Carla Kelly
When Mary Blue Eye travels to Wyoming Territory with her friend to help her settle into her new married life at Fort Laramie, Mary is treated more like a servant than the friend she thought she was. Thankfully, she finds a new friend in Sergeant Blade, though Mary fears that her Seneca Indian heritage will keep a man like Blade from truly caring for her. Soon Mary is tasked with making fourteen calico dresses in two weeks, and Blade turns out to be the best ally she could ever ask for.

A CONVENIENT ARRANGEMENT by Sarah M. Eden
Patrick Quinn needs a wife. Hiring maids who leave within weeks to marry another fellow in a female-scarce Wyoming town hasn’t been helpful. Quinn needs a woman who will stay. When he writes to a mail-order bride service, and four-foot-eleven Mirabelle Smith shows up, they agree to each attend to their own duties and tasks. Their marriage will be a convenient arrangement for them both. But sometimes the heart has other ideas.

ISABELLA’S CALICO GROOM by Kristin Holt
Dr. Henry Merritt is desperate for dental patients, especially since Dr. Isabella Pattison arrived in the growing town of Evanston in the Wyoming Territory. It seems the female patients want a woman’s touch, and the male patients are quite fond of a pretty dentist. But if Henry doesn’t find a way to put Isabella out of business, his own practice will go under. When Isabella proposes that they team up together, and Henry gets to know her, he discovers the last thing he wants is for Isabella to leave.

My Review

I knew that calico was a popular fabric to use in the Old West for work dresses and such, but I had never heard of a Calico Ball, where the ladies sew a dress from calico to wear to the dance, then donate it afterwards to a group in need. These three stories are so different from each other even with the common theme, and I enjoyed each one. The western setting is a favorite of mine, and I loved the historical details and sweet romance. Carla Kelly's story has a dry humor and wit that enhanced the relationship that blossomed between Mary and Blade. Mary's point of view was interesting as an descendant of an esteemed Eastern Native American, yet endured prejudice and bigotry outside the protection of her family and community. I loved Blade and his frank candor, compassion, and support. Sarah M. Eden's story also has a subtle humor that made me smile, and I always love a good marriage of convenience story! Kristin Holt's story was unique with her two dentists that seem to be at odds, until they realize that they can accomplish so much more working together. A great collection of novellas and I can't wait for more!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Songs of You and Me by Mylissa Demeyere

 

Happy Release Day to The Songs of You and Me by Mylissa Demeyere! 

To celebrate the release of this great book we're giving away $50!!

   

The Songs of You and Me by Mylissa Demeyere 

Jane Hartford fell head over heels for Jackson at the tender age of fifteen. She spent most of high school pining for him, until she realized he wasn’t going to see her as anything more than his baby sister’s best friend. Now she finds herself single with a daughter, a broken heart, and songs that remind her of a long lost love. 

 Jackson Wright is a man living with regret. His biggest one, never acting on his feelings for Jane. When he returns to Bellebrook, the town they grew up in, he literally runs into her and his world gets tossed upside down and sideways. This time, Jackson isn’t willing to give up. With a meddling sister eager to push both of them together, he believes things might actually work out. That is, if they can overcome the heavy baggage they both carry. 

Follow Jackson and Jane as they revisit their past, figuring out what went wrong so long ago. Will they learn they have the power to make things right in the present?  

Order on AMAZON

Also available on Kindle Unlimited

Add to your Goodreads Shelf

 

   

 

What Readers are saying: 

A tender debut novel that will leave you remembering the sweet angst of first love. The Songs of You and Me is a charmer. - Taylor Dean, author of I’m With You and Chasing Fireflies. 

In this romantic debut about first love, second chances, Ms. DeMeyere weaves the past and present together in a way that brings the characters' hearts to life as they heal from tragedies and struggle to move on in life. Sweet and heartwarming. – Charissa Stastny, author of Between Hope and the Highway and the Rules out Romances Series. 

A fun and enticing love story that combines the bitter with the sweet and keeps you laughing amidst the tears. You won't want to miss this touching story that explores true love in all its depth and beauty. – Aubrey, Amazon Reviewer 

The Songs of You and Me pulled me in from page one. The characters came to life and I felt as if I was part of their story. I stayed up night after night fascinated with their personal and individual challenges. Their obstacles were relatable and tugged at my heart. I couldn’t wait to finish and yet I didn’t want it to end. As I read the last page, I was ecstatic to see what would come next from Mylissa Demeyere. – Jamie, Amazon Reviewer 

 

Excerpt (Jackson) 

“Here, have a cupcake.” She almost shoved one in my mouth, putting an end to my complaining. She took the other one and bit a big chunk out of it. A small moan escaped her lips, causing me to inhale the cupcake instead of swallowing it. I sputtered and coughed the crumbs that went down the wrong pipe. Her closed eyelids and that sweet little sound of enjoyment made me lose my train of thought. 

“You okay?” Jane tapped my back, unaware of the effect she had on me. 

“Fine,” I gasped. 

“Take it easy on the treasure there. That stuff isn’t for the faint-hearted.” Her eyes twinkled, but her words sunk deeper. I better be careful with her. 

“Apart from almost killing you, did you like it?” she asked.

“It was good.” 

“Just good? Mine was divine. Here, have a taste.” She held out her cupcake, and my hand folded around hers. My gaze dipped down to the sweet in her hand and moved up to her face. She urged me on by moving it closer to my mouth. 

“Mhmm, that is good.” Her fingers brushed my lips as I tasted her offered treat. 

“Now it’s only fair you let me taste your caramel one.” She leaned in and indicated for me to offer a taste of mine. Her teeth bit into it, and her lips closed around her bite as her eyelids shut in pleasure. 

“Mhmm.” She pulled away slightly, and I noticed a small trace of frosting on her upper lip. 

“Here.” I held her face with my free hand and rubbed the smudge away. Her eyes widened, but she didn’t pull back. “All gone,” I whispered. 

“We better get back,” she replied, her voice thick. 

“Sure, let’s go.” 

  

Blog Tour July 30th to August 10th

   

Author Mylissa Demeyere 

Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn’t working, she’s writing, running, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast. The Songs of You and Me is her debut novel, with a sequel already in the works.  

Connect with Mylissa:

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Instagram * Pinterest * Amazon Author Page

 

 

Giveaway Details $50 Amazon Gift Card or $50 in PayPal Cash Ends 7/29/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   

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Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Building a Life by Lauraine Henderson

Genre:  Inspirational, LDS, Romance
Publisher: Books You Can Trust
Publication date: May 8, 2018

Sara Castleton resolved to make better choices now that there was a new life growing inside her. When her husband, Peter, plowed through that stop sign and left this world, he left a mess behind. Picking up the pieces of her shattered life and finishing the house Peter started could be the answer to her future, but she needed help.

When Nicholas Bradford was asked to step into Sara’s unfinished house project, he reluctantly agreed. He didn’t always see eye-to-eye with Peter’s friends and business associates, but one look at his pregnant widow and Nick couldn’t say no.
Before they know it, they aren’t just building a house, they’re Building a Life.

About the Author

Lauraine lives with her husband, dog and cat on 68 acres of woodland 40 miles north of Portland, Oregon. After growing up in Oregon, they moved their family of three children to Utah. From there they moved to Hawaii and Arizona, finally coming back to Oregon in 2015. Their three children, two girls and a boy, are all grown and live across the United States. After being a professional bookkeeper for over twenty years, she turned her hobby of writing into her first published novel in 2016. She loves to write inspirational romance and hopes her readers will be both entertained and uplifted by her stories. When she’s not writing, she loves to paint (watercolors, oils, and acrylics), sew, knit, crochet, and read (of course!).

​ FACEBOOK | BLOG | AMAZON

Snippet

She thought of Brenda. No, she couldn’t. Brenda drove her crazy. She still wasn’t sure her in-laws realized she wasn’t moving in with them. Her mind automatically landed on Nick. She could call him. He would take her to the hospital. She wasn’t sure she should be driving anyway. If she had a contraction on the way to the hospital, she could get in an accident. She shivered. She tapped Nick’s speed dial number.

He picked up on the first ring.

“Sara,” he started. “I’m sorry. I mean, I’m not sorry I kissed you. I’ve wanted to kiss you for a long time, but I’m sorry I didn’t give you more warning or whatever, so you were prepared and didn’t think I was kissing you to prove a point. I know you were upset, and I was trying to be supportive, and I heard what Mitch said and it worried me, and I was trying to comfort you, and I just got carried away when you were talking about Peter, and I just don’t want you to think I was trying to take advantage of you because I wouldn’t do that. I really do care about you.”

Finally, he took a breath.

“Good,” she said with a glimmer of a smile after his rambling, “because I need your help, again.”

“Sure, anything. What can I do for you?”

“I need a ride.”

“Did your car break down? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I’m at home, but I can’t drive. I’m in labor.”

“Oh,” He paused. “Oh! I’ll be right there!” The line went dead and Sara smiled, knowing she had called the right person. Regardless of where things stood at the moment, she knew Nick would take care of her.

Facebook Party

Join the party fun HERE.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Giveaway includes the winner’s choice of an e-copy (International) or autographed signed print copy (US only) of the book.  Giveaway ends 11:59pm MT on July 21st.

Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

Tour Schedule

July 16-Heidi Reads…
July 17-Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic
July 18-Singing Librarian Books
July 19-Wishful Endings
July 20-Jorie Loves A Story
July 21-Reading is My SuperPower