Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Pinterest Scavenger Hunt from author Tamera Alexander!



Join me for a Pinterest Scavenger Hunt and win 1 of 7 copies of USA Today bestselling author Tamera Alexanders newest novel, A Beauty So Rare, the second standalone novel in the Belmont Mansion series. 

The questions are posted below and the giveaway runs through Sunday night, April 27. The answers to the questions can be found on Tamera's Pinterest page. Not on Pinterest? Doesnt matter. You can still participate and find the answers by using this link. 

Your answers must be submitted to TameraAlexander@ymail.com (numbered 1 - 6) by Sunday, April 27, midnight Central to be entered into a drawing to win one of seven copies of A Beauty So Rare, the second standalone novel in the Belmont Mansion series. 

Questions for the Pinterest Scavenger Hunt

    1.     On the A Beauty So Rare board, find the pin that shares the seamstress who sewed the dress on the cover of A Beauty So Rare (featuring the heroine, Eleanor Braddock) and *click the pin* to discover what the seamstresss most challenging part of making the pink dress was. 
    2.    On the A Lasting Impression board, find the pin where Tamera shares about the desert seasons in her life––those times that helped her write about a certain relationship in her novel, A Beauty So Rare. *Click the pin* to learn what specific relationship Tamera mentions in that blog. Its the relationship between which two people?
    3.    On the My Novels board, find the pin where Tamera shares about the inspiration behind A Beauty So Rare. *Click it* and watch the video to learn the true history that ties the Belmont Mansion (the setting of A Lasting Impression and A Beauty So Rare) to the real Insane Asylum that existed in Nashville in the 19th century.
    4.    On the Recipes from my novels board, what's the recipe from A Beauty So Rare thats posted about most often on that board (doesn't necessarily have the most re-pins)? It's also a favorite of Eleanor's.
    5.    On the My Loves board, find the pin that references Easter weekend then *click it* to learn what kind of fish Tamera caught this past weekend.
    6.    On the My Novels board, find the pin for the book trailer for A Beauty So Rare, then *click it* to watch the video. What is it that Aunt Adelicia is determined to find for Eleanor?
7. BONUS: LIKE Tamera's Facebook Page for an extra chance to win.

In your email, remember to number your answers from 1 to 6, like this:
1. Answer 
2. Answer
3. Answer
4. Answer
5. Answer
6. Answer
7. I liked Tamera's FB page!

Hope you have fun with it!

Note: Pinterest is not sponsoring this promotion nor are they formally affiliated with it. 

Monday, April 21, 2014

Review: Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings

 Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings
My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis from goodreads.com

The train to Garber, Texas, is supposed to bring life's next victory to Nicholas Lovelace. Instead, it gets held up by robbers who are thwarted by the last person Nick ever expected--Anne Tillerton from back home in Prairie Lea.

Anne’s been hiding away as a buffalo hunter. She’s only in Garber to find their runaway cook, but the woman flees--leaving Anne with her infant son. With Nick the only person Anne knows in Garber, the two form an unlikely team as they try to figure out what to do with the child.

But being in town means acting and dressing for polite society--and it's not going well for Anne. Meanwhile, Nick's work is bringing new pressures, and being seen with a rough-around-the-edges woman isn't helping his reputation. Caught between their own dreams, a deepening relationship, and others' expectations, can the pair find their way to love?


My Review

I had a preconceived idea about Anne's character based on the cute book cover... and was in for a surprise as I read about her past experiences of abuse and the way she coped. She's definitely a complex character and did a lot of growing as she became attached to Sammy, the child she cared for, and Nick, the man she unwillingly depended on. Nick is polar opposite of Anne's persona- immaculately dressed, flawless manners, and involved with society because of the effect it had on his business.

I loved how protective Nick is of Anne as he helps her manage being in town and caring for someone else's child. He sees through her rough exterior and walls she puts up to prevent being hurt. She keeps him on his toes and challenges his faith as she is searching for her own. The ending was great and I look forward to reading more by this author!

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Review: A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson

A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson
My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Marty Dandridge Olson is a widow looking for a way out of Texas. Widower Jake Wythe has secured a job as a bank manager in Denver, only to discover that the bank board wants him to be a married man. With Texas in his roots, he advertises for a Lone Star bride, and Marty answers the call. They both agree they are done with romance and love and will make this nothing more than a marriage of convenience.
Marty works to carve out a new life in high-society Denver as Jake works to guide the bank through a collapsing economy. But when money goes missing at the bank and accounting discrepancies point to Jake, he must find a way to prove his innocence. Yet all he wants to do is go back to Texas and own his own ranch. Marty, on the other hand, owns a ranch–one she’s never told her husband about. She hates Texas because it represents the losses in her life. But as the couple grows closer and love begins to bloom, Marty realizes she needs to tell Jake the truth. Can she come to terms with the past and her anger toward God in order to make room for love?


My Review

I enjoy reading marriage of convenience stories. It puts the main characters in close quarters and unusual situations while they get to know each other and figure out how to do life together. This novel was a bit different in that Marty and Jake instantly get along well and are attracted to each other, but don't communicate or act on their feelings for a long time. They also don't spend much time together since Jake is so busy at work. The history of Colorado with the silver mining and financial collapse was interesting and highly focused on with Jake's involvement in the banking industry, but the book ended while that storyline was at a peak and felt like there was no resolution for their future plans. Since this is the first book in a series perhaps the author plans to continue where she left off.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Review: Gabriel's Bride by Amy Lillard

Gabriel's Bride by Amy Lillard
My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Rachel Yoder has two choices: marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio. As an orphan, Rachel doesn’t have much to offer; any match she can make will be a good one. She just didn’t plan on Gabriel with his big hands and permanent frown.

As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for the farm and his six children. But he never thought he’d marry a slip of a girl who barely reaches his chin.

Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?


My Review

There is a wonderful ensemble of characters featured in this novel, each with distinct personalities. My favorite was Gabriel's young son Samuel, who has Down's Syndrome but seems high functioning. He is so sweet and is the one that helps Rachel feel welcome in her new family... which offsets the pranks of two other sons who are conflicted about their new mother. Gabriel was hard to understand, but his flaws are realistic, I'm sure. He didn't do a very good job welcoming his new wife or romancing her after he fell in love. The chemistry and communication was lacking in their relationship, which affected how much I enjoyed reading about it. Overall it's a sweet story with a happy ending.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Free e-book today only! Love's Promises by Sandra Leesmith

Love's Promises by Sandra Leesmith
Free e-book TODAY ONLY! Get it here at Amazon.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

For Monica Scott, building her late father’s house at Lake Tahoe isn’t an option—it’s a necessary distraction from confusing memories and an uncertain future. But a handsome planner working for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is keeping Monica from moving forward with the project. Never mind that he’s young and charming with a great sense of humor. No one is going to stop Monica from making her father’s dream—and her own—a reality.

All Greg Linsey wants is for his work to mean something. His job at TRPA gives him the opportunity to fight for the environment he loves and make a difference in his small corner of the world. But with the sophisticated Monica Scott’s arrival, his dedication is tested as never before, especially when Monica turns to his unscrupulous nemesis for assistance.

As Greg and Monica’s animosity turns into something far sweeter, can they learn to accept each other’s promises and avoid the growing danger to their lives and hearts?

Early e-book release! So Fair a Lady by Amber Lynn Perry

So Fair a Lady by Amber Lynn Perry
I'm so excited to read and review this debut novel by Amber Lynn Perry of The Historical Christian Romance Review! The e-book released early for only $3.99! Get it here at Amazon.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Boston, MA 1773: Shards of Eliza Campbell's life crash to the ground when she discovers a devastating secret: her father was a spy for the Sons of Liberty. Determined to uncover the truth--at any cost--not even a marriage proposal from the dashing British Officer Samuel Martin can dissuade her. When rescued from British capture by handsome patriot Thomas Watson, Eliza discovers what her father risked his life for and yearns to know more. But will her budding attraction to this courageous patriot damage her already wounded heart?

After years of being blackmailed by Officer Martin, Thomas plans to start a new life in the small town of Sandwich. However, when his actions place Eliza and her sister in danger, he must act quickly to protect them from falling into enemy hands. If the three of them are discovered, their lives will never be the same. Now, not only must he protect Eliza, he must protect his heart from a love that is sure to wound him far greater than any British soldier ever could.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Free e-book: Second Chance Ranch by Audra Harders

Second Chance Ranch by Audra Harders
Free e-book today and Sunday only! Get it here at Amazon...

Synopsis from goodreads.com

The Trails’ End Ranch is For Sale.

Pediatric nurse, Jennifer O’Reilly returns home to Hawk Ridge, Colorado to establish a mountain recreation camp as a safe adventure for children battling cancer. Her path to ownership depends on developing a profitable business plan to convince the bank she can manage not only the camping facility, but the entire Trails’ End Ranch operation.

Generations earlier, one misplayed hand of poker lost the family ranch, and Zac Davidson, youngest son and financial genius of the Circle D, wants it back. Intrigued since childhood by the legend of his great grandfather, Zac is the only family member who holds out hope that one day the Trails’ End would become Davidson property again. When the Trails’ End goes on the market, cost is no object — only Jennifer O’Reilly stands between Zac and his dream.

Once high school sweethearts, Jennifer and Zac have wounded each other, and the scars run deep. Jennifer is forced to reveal a secret she’s protected for twelve years. Will it jeopardize the future of both of their dreams or offer them a second chance?

Friday, April 18, 2014

E-book sale for Follow the Heart by Kaye Dacus

Follow the Heart by Kaye Dacus
Download it on Amazon for only 99 cents!

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Kate Dearing’s life is turned upside down when her father loses everything in a railroad land speculation and she and her brother are shipped off to their mother’s brother, Sir Anthony, in England with one edict: marry money.

Though their uncle tries to ensure Kate finds matrimonial prospects only among the highest echelon of British society, her attentions stray to the one of the least eligible people at her uncle’s home—the garden designer.

Trying to push her feelings for the handsome—but not wealthy—man aside, Kate’s prospects brighten when a friend of Sir Anthony’s, a wealthy viscount, shows favorable interest in her. But will marrying for the financial security of her family be the right thing to do, when her heart is telling her she’s making a mistake?

Mandates . . . money . . . matrimony. Who will follow the heart?

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Free e-book: When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason

When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason


Synopsis from goodreads.com

As a member of the North Cascades Smokejumpers, Alexia Allen always takes care of the equipment that keeps her safe. So when she nearly dies in a fire due to equipment failure, she knows something is up. Ordered to take time off while the investigation continues, Alexia makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother's home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she's involved with murder, arson--and a handsome detective. But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past. As she strives to remember and forgive her family history, she must also decide if the secret she's been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light.

Chock-full of the suspense and romantic tension readers have come to expect from Lynette Eason, When the Smoke Clears is the explosive first book in the Deadly Reunions series.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Free e-books today only: Ekaterina and At Every Turn

Ekaterina by Susan May Warren
Free e-book TODAY ONLY! Get it here at Amazon!

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Upon receiving an unusual package in the mail, Ekaterina "Kat" Moore boards a plane to Russia, her ancestral home, to seek some answers. What she finds leads her on a perilous journey through time as Kat must flee the Russian underground. To further complicate matters, she finds herself falling in love with FSB Captain Vadeem Spasonov, a man trying to forget the nightmares of his own past. When Kat's secrets lead to the answers Vadeem needs, the treasures they find unleash an avalanche of God's design.

At Every turn by Anne Mateer
Free e-book TODAY ONLY! Get it here at Amazon!

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Caught up in a whirlwind of religious enthusiasm, Alyce Benson impetuously pledges three thousand dollars to mission work in Africa. Now she just has to find a way to get the money.

Alyce harbors a secret passion for speed and automobiles, and she's spent many an afternoon driving around the rustic track in the field behind her home. When she discovers that her father's company has sponsored a racing car that will compete in several upcoming events--races in which the driver will be paid and could win as much as five thousand dollars in prize money--she conspires with her father's mechanic, Webster, to train and compete.

But when her friends cast aspersions on Webster's past, she realizes she may have trusted the wrong person with her secret. Will Alyce come up with the money in time, or will she have to choose between her hasty promise and the man who holds a piece of her heart?