Monday, November 12, 2018

#TFBRC Nonfiction



I'm still working my way through this one a little a a time, but I'm loving this deeper look into the life and journey of Laura Ingalls Wilder. It's a big hardback, like a coffee table book, so there's lots of space for large images and a side column for the notations.

https://amzn.to/2B1ObmQ

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Pioneer Girl follows the Ingalls family's journey through Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, back to Minnesota, and on to Dakota Territory sixteen years of travels, unforgettable experiences, and the everyday people who became immortal through Wilder's fiction. Using additional manuscripts, letters, photographs, newspapers, and other sources, award-winning Wilder biographer Pamela Smith Hill adds valuable context and leads readers through Wilder's growth as a writer. Do you think you know Laura? Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography will re-introduce you to the woman who defined the pioneer experience for millions.

Spotlight & Giveaway: An Unlikely Courtship by Heidi Kimball



https://amzn.to/2JZn7r8

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

One can only be careless with so many hearts before he ends up breaking his own.

Lord Anthony is an outrageous flirt with a devil-may-care attitude. The last thing on his mind is settling down. When the Countess Du’Breven invites him to her house party, promising to see him married, Anthony finds the prospect diverting and accepts. But when he meets a damsel in distress unwilling to accept his help, Anthony realizes his attraction to her may be his downfall.

Isabel Townshend is at her breaking point, caring for her ailing father and her innocent younger sister. She has a family secret to protect and no time for handsome young men, even at a house party with so many eligible bachelors. When Lord Anthony disturbs her well-laid plans, Isabel realizes her determination to protect her family may cost her future happiness.

With hearts at odds and defenses drawn, will Isabel and Anthony be able to put aside their differences and find love at last?

An Unlikely Courtship is one of five books set in the Regency House Party Series. While each is a stand alone story, watch our characters mingle together with others from the books in the series. The stories can be read in any order.


About the Author


At a young age Heidi perfected the art of hiding out so she could read instead of doing chores. One husband and four children later, not much has changed. She has an abiding love for peanut butter M&Ms, all things fall, and any book that can make her forget she is supposed to be keeping her children alive.

Heidi currently lives just north of Boston, in a charming old town in southern New Hampshire.





Giveaway

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Tour Schedule



Saturday, November 10, 2018

Book Tour Grand Finale: Rescued by the Firefighter by Catherine Lanigan

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Rescued by the Firefighter
By Catherine Lanigan

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Welcome back to Shores of Indian Lake series! For those of you who haven’t visited my series yet or known my characters, I think you’ll love this story of Beatrice Wilcox and Rand Nelson equally as all the other Heartwarming people of Indian Lake...


Indian Lake, Indiana

July

THE SUMMER NIGHT sounds of chirping tree frogs and cicadas drifted through the open screen window of Beatrice Wilcox’s sixty-year-old log cabin. Loving the wildlife melodies, she closed her eyes, her weary body spent from a long day with ten rowdy, sometimes frustratingly taciturn children and preteens.

But running this camp was her dream. She wanted to create a summer idyll for kids who faced challenges in their young lives, as she had when she’d been a camper herself as a child.


When I think of forest fires, I remember living in Los Angeles, California for over a decade and how so many of our decisions were based on the constant of fires.

We lived on the world’s tiniest houseboat in Marina Del Rey ON the water and far from anything resembling a forest. Yet,my husband’s elderly aunt and uncle lived in Novato, on top of a mountain surrounded by nothing but forest...

Book by Book - Review

"Don’t worry if you have not yet read Lanigan’s other Shores of Indian Lake books. Rescued by the Firefighter can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone. So, if you are in need of a sweet contemporary romance, make sure to check this one out—I recommend it."

E-Romance News - Excerpt

Cindy came rushing up with five-year-old Ricky Sanders, the youngest child at the camp that week. He was a foster child, hoping to be legally adopted by his new foster parents, and was Cindy’s personal favorite. “Did one of you get the Dunning boys?”

“Eli and Chris are in the last cabin,” Beatrice replied. “I thought you were getting them.”

“I was…” Cindy hesitated, looking at Ricky. She put Ricky in his child’s seat and belted him in. She turned away from the boy so that only Beatrice could hear her. Nearly in a whisper Cindy said, “They weren’t there. That’s why I thought one of you might have gotten to them already.”


RAND NELSON PULLED his fire engine to a stop in front of the camp and stared over the steering wheel in disbelief at what he was seeing: a woman running toward the fire.

“No way in…”

He jumped out the driver’s door, his heavy leather-booted feet hitting the ground with a thud. He grabbed his thermoplastic helmet off the console, then his goggles and pigskin gloves.


Rand had fought fires from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Idaho to California. He knew exactly the kind of conditions that it took for Mother Nature to burn. But there had been no thunderstorms here in Indian Lake. No lightning bolts. And not quite enough heat to spark spontaneous combustion. No, this was a fire started by human hands. Rand would bet his reputation on it.

And if he was right, Chris had all the more reason to stay clear.

Rand had one shot at bringing out Chris. He had to take it.

“Chris! I know you can hear me. It’s safe now. Eli is safe.”

Rand kept going, toward the most burned section of forest. It was his guess that it had been near here where the fire started.


"Such a touching story! With a return visit to Shores of Indian Lake, we see lots of the old regulars and meet some news ones as we embark on a heartwarming story of hope. . . . overall a really sweet story of love when you least expect it and reaching for it even when it’s outside of your comfort zone. Sweet kids, a sexy fireman and a story about reaching for the stars and achieving them!"


"From the start I knew that I was going to enjoy these two characters. A caregiver and a firefighter, two people you want to live happily ever after. . . . The ending definitely made me teary eyed, and I can not wait to read more from this author. I would love to read up and see how these characters are doing. Especially the kids and the camp. I am giving this book a 5/5."


"Author, Catherine Lanigan, successfully weaves enticing romance into her otherwise, suspense gram stories. . . . it has enough intrigue and writing which keeps it interesting, that the reader still will not want to put it down. The research she did on the subject matters covered in this tale was remarkable."


Seriously, when you see all this gear these guys and gals have strapped to their backs and that they carry INTO a fire, all I can think is how strong they have to be to perform their job.

In RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER, Rand Nelson saves Beatrice Wilcox and little Eli Dunning from the raging forest fire. He carries Beatrice and Eli at the same time out of the fire...


"A sweet story that fits in perfectly with the Indian Lake universe, Rescued by the Firefighter reminds us of the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. Layered characters that are genuinely likable, a charming setting, and great romantic tension – all of these elements make this a great choice for a cozy weekend read!"


Wincing, she glanced up and saw him.

He was leaning against the doorjamb. Gone were the Nomex suit, goggles and gloves. The helmet. She noticed his thick, dark, nearly black hair first. A hunk of shining, slightly damp hair hung over his strong forehead. His jawline looked like it had been carved from granite. In fact, everything about him was strong. He didn’t need a firefighter’s suit to make his shoulders wide; his presence filled the doorway, the room, the expanse between them. He wore a black short-sleeved T-shirt that stretched over biceps that could only have been built by hours in a gym. His black jeans fitted close to his narrow hips and muscular thighs. He wore no jewelry. No watch, no wedding ring, no tats. There was nothing extraneous or ornamental about this man. It wasn’t necessary—his whole being shouted, “I’m a man.”

He pushed himself off the door and took a short step inside. “You okay?”


"This novel is full of a cast of characters that readers are sure to enjoy, from the adults and their sweet romance to the children and their fun inclusion in the book. This is a touching and heart-warming sweet contemporary romance that lovers of the Harlequin Heartwarming line are sure to enjoy!"

Kimber Li - Spotlight

Jorie Loves A Story - Review & Guest Post

"I liked how the layers were set early-on, how Lanigan gives you a glimpse of where she wants this story to go direction wise but holds back some of the key bits as well. She wants you to wait it out and see how it unfolds - taking it gently and allowing you to understand her characters without prejudgement."

Although it's romantic and fun to conjure visions of me interviewing a crew of firefighters about their emotions and dealings in relationships, that was not quite the case. I did talk to both husbands and wives who deal with the stress of one or both being employed in high risk fields but to be honest, their attitude was "everything in life is high risk"...

Among the Reads - Review

"This is a fun, sweet story. Though there is a dramatic rescue at the onset, it is not a suspenseful or action-filled story, it is more about the relationship between the main characters."

Harlie's Books - Review

"Do yourself a favor and read this series and particularly this book. It has heart, some serious issues that need to be dealt with but overall, I sniffled, sighed and I’m thinking about Rand and Bea. That’s great storytelling."

Remembrancy - Review

"For readers who have been following Catherine Lanigan’s Shores of Indian Lake series, there are plenty of familiar faces (names?) within the pages of Rescued by the Firefighter. And for those who have missed the previous books, this may just be the best time to jump into them because Beatrice and Rand are brand new characters who (at least to my knowledge. But full disclosure: I have read most but not every book in the series) haven’t been introduced before."


“I’ll walk you to your truck,” she said and turned to grab her crutches from the porch railing.

“No need. I can see the way.”

“Good night vision, too, huh?”

He decided he didn’t want their time together to end, so he stood at the bottom step as she followed him down. “You’re getting pretty good with those things.”

“I’m trying,” she said and walked alongside him to his truck.


"Rescued by the Firefighter by Catherine Lanigan is a great read. This book is a welcoming visit back to Shores of Indian Lake. . . . I enjoyed this exciting heartwarming romance."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

https://amzn.to/2FgGai2Rescued by the Firefighter
(Shores of Indian Lake #10)
By Catherine Lanigan
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He saved her life…

But will he destroy her dreams?

Firefighter Rand Nelson is tall and handsome and has literally walked through an inferno for Beatrice Wilcox. He’s a hero…and that’s exactly the problem. Beatrice knows all too well the risks of loving a man with a dangerous career. But when Rand’s report threatens her beloved children’s camp, Beatrice can’t refuse his offer of help…even though she knows they’re both playing with fire.


Other Books in the Series


About the Author

Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of over forty-five published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into over twenty-four languages. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid foundation to pen a collection of compelling and informative true stories of teen addicts. Ms. Lanigan’s SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE series for HARLEQUIN HEARTWARMING includes LOVE SHADOWS, HEART’S DESIRE , A FINE YEAR FOR LOVE, KATIA’S PROMISE, FEAR OF FALLING, SOPHIE’S PATH, PROTECTING THE SINGLE MOM, FAMILY OF HIS OWN, HIS BABY DILEMMA, RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER and MY RACING HEART (2019).

Ms. Lanigan is a frequent speaker at literary functions and book conventions as well as inspiring audiences with her real stories of angelic intervention from her Angel Tales series of books. She is an outspoken advocate for domestic violence and abuse and was honored by The National Domestic Violence Hotline in Washington, D.C. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs including “Coast to Coast” and on television interview and talk show programs as well as blogs, podcasts and online radio interview programs. She writes a monthly blog for Heartwarmingauthors.blogspot.com.

Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
1 winner will receive a print copy of RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER (US only)
Ends November 14th

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Friday, November 9, 2018

#TFBRC Life Changer



Staying within the clean romance genre, the book that changed my life the most is Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson! The hero and heroine are my ideals and the romantic tension and emotion the author so skillfully implements in the writing is something I'm always on the look for in other books since reading it. It's my favorite to re-read and fantasize about when I have a hard time falling asleep. So sweet, so lovely, and so fun. Highly recommend!!!

https://amzn.to/2yWelG7

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she'll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.


Blog Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Swimming In The Deep End by Christina Suzann Nelson


Swimming the Deep End Blog Blitz

Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Swimming In The Deep End by Christina Suzann Nelson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

swimming in the deep end Title: Swimming In The Deep End  
Author: Christina Suzann Nelson  
Publisher: Kregel Publications  
Release Date: September 25, 2018  
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction  

A moving novel entwining the many faces of motherly love

Jillian Connors has the perfect daughter: loving and smart, she's an Olympic hopeful with a bright future. But when Gabby becomes pregnant, Jillian fears that future is lost. Worse, she must confront her own secret past and hope the decisions she's made don't drown their whole family.

Gabby can't believe God let this happen to her. She knew the risks, but who thinks about that when they're in love? Now she has to face the consequences--and the disappointed stares from everyone who thought she was the perfect Christian girl. At least she has the baby's father, Travis. Nothing can tear them apart, right?

Margaret Owens had determined dreams for her son. She's furious that Gabby's pregnancy jeopardizes his college baseball scholarship and terrified that Travis will be trapped in a life of struggle and poverty--the life she's tried so hard to save him from. She'll do anything to protect him--even if it means forcing him to leave Gabby.

Stacey Meyers is aching for a child of her own. But the son she was meant to adopt was taken before she could hold him in her arms. It feels like she'll never stop mourning; even the move to this new town hasn't distracted her from the pain. How can she and her husband find peace? Is there any hope of a family in their future? And in the midst of all this . . . an unborn baby. Whose arms will hold him in the end?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Christian Book | Book Depository

EXCERPT

“What if I want to do something else? Did you ever consider that?”

His words yank me upright, bringing me to my feet. I cock my hip and jam my fists into my sides. This will not happen. “I think about it every single day. Don’t be a fool, son. We’ve worked too hard for way too long to walk away now. You have a chance here. Do you want to live like this forever?” I lift my hands and look around the shanty that I skimp and scrape to make rent for each month. Rolled up towels are taped to the base of the back door to keep water from coming in where the seal leaks. A blanket hangs over the front room window in place of curtains. If I only had the time or money, but I have neither.

Travis can have both.

“I know, Mom.” His hand is heavy on my shoulder. “It’s just, things aren’t working out how I thought they would. And this isn’t so bad.”



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CNELSON-5

Christina Suzann Nelson, inspirational speaker and award-winning author of If We Make It Home, is celebrating the release of Swimming in the Deep End, on September 25, 2018. She writes and speaks about hope after dysfunction. Christina is over the top about her passions, including the stories created somewhere in the twists and turns of her less-than-focused brain. When she’s not writing, she’s working with the Every Child initiative, chasing escaped steers, reading, breathing in the sweet smell of her horse, hiking with her dog, or enjoying her just-as-crazy family.

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

swimming in the deep end blitz giveaway

TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive (US only)
  • a print copy of Swimming in the Deep End
  • $10 Amazon gift card
  • Swimming in the Deep End water bottle
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 9, 2018 and last through 11:59pm November 16, 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.

 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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Thursday, November 8, 2018

#TFBRC Best Title




Book Four in the Brothers Maledetti series

https://amzn.to/2qktY4S

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Tennyson D'Angelo . . .

Darkness lives within each of us. Shadows. We are each capable of great goodness and unbelievable evil. It is the duality of being human.
I want to live in the light. I don't enjoy the shadows. But I'm not sure I've been given a choice in the matter. The shadows own me. They dance at my edges and tangle in my light. They torment my days and make my nights an anguished hell.
I simply want to be free. One way . . . or another.


They call him the Prophet.
Tennyson D'Angelo, the man who can foretell the future. A modern-day oracle. And Olivia Hawking desperately needs his help. She tracks him down in Italy, begging for his assistance. She has a life-or-death problem that only a bonafide psychic can solve. But Tennyson is slowly fracturing from within, the weight of the D'Angelo curse destroying him. 

Olivia and Tennyson join forces, each searching for answers. But their understanding of the D'Angelo curse keeps changing, and Time is not on their side. Even as they fall in love, Tennyson and Olivia realize they are in a race against the clock. Will they find answers in time to save themselves?

My Review

WOW. I've been immensely curious about Tennyson's GUT (Grossly Unusual Talent) and how the author would write his perspective. I didn't anticipate Olivia and how she fits into the mysterious puzzle of this genetic curse the brothers share. She is an unusual character, feeling awkward and like she doesn't belong in the world of the "hot people." I loved her funny perspective and how she brings light and laughter to Tennyson's life, as well as some crackling chemistry. It was good to see more of Judith, the mother of the D'Angelo siblings, since I just read the prequel novella of how she met and fell in love with Cesare. The intensity of the paranormal activity is increasing as Tennyson and Olivia both feel closer to being consumed by the darkness, and the strong bond between Dante, Branwell, Chiara, Jack, and Tennyson is evident as they work together to solve the mystery and find a solution. I was so happy and excited and appreciative that all the questions get answered, piece by piece, and I was astounded at how it all dramatically resolved. Best. Ending. Ever.

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