Review: Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter

My rating: 2 stars / it was okay

Synopsis from goodreads.com

When Laney Carrigan sets out to find her birth family, her only clue is the Hawaiian quilt a red rose snowflake appliqued on a white background in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island and battling fears of rejection, Laney begins a painstaking journey toward her true heritage. Kai Barnes, however, is determined to protect the people he s come to regard as family. He thinks Laney is nothing more than a gold digger and blocks every move she makes toward her Hawaiian family. As their conflict escalates, it puts at risk the one thing that Kai and Laney both want most a family.


My Review

I had a hard time staying interested in this one. The two main characters had no chemistry, instead treating each other with contempt and squabbling like siblings. The dialogue was disjointed and didn't flow. It seemed like physical attraction is the main thing that contributed to their relationship. The "mystery" of Laney's birth family was revealed in a quick and confusing manner at the beginning of the book, so as I read, there wasn't really a continuing plot to keep me invested. I liked the setting of the novel and the descriptions of the scenery were beautiful, but the Hawaiian words the characters used were often not easily understood or explained.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

99 cent e-book sale! A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Whitson

I read this one a few years ago, but I gave it four stars on Goodreads, so I thought I'd recommend it! The sale is two days- through May 8th.

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis from goodreads.com

An unlikely attraction occurs between two passengers on a steamboat journey up the Missouri River to Montana...
She is a self-centered young woman from a privileged family who fears the outdoors and avoids anything rustic. He is a preacher living under a sense of duty and obligation to love the unlovable people in the world. She isn't letting anything deter her from solving a family mystery that surfaced after her mother's death. He is on a mission to reach the rejects of society in the remote wilderness regions of Montana. Miss Fannie Rousseau and Reverend Samuel Beck are opposites in every way... except in how they both keep wondering if their paths will ever cross again

$1.99 e-book sale today only: The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller

If you didn't get this one when it was a freebie, $1.99 is still a fabulous deal! I love this book, and recently re-read it again... still amazing!

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing!

Synopsis from goodreads.com

The Civil War has ended, but in Katie Calloway's Georgia home conflict still rages. To protect herself and her young brother from her violent and unstable husband, she flees north, finding anonymity and sanctuary as the cook in a Northwoods lumber camp. The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he's hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie wonders if she can keep her past a secret from a man she is slowly growing to love.
With grace and skill, Serena Miller brings to life a bygone era. From the ethereal, snowy forest and the warm cookstove to the rowdy shanty boys and the jagged edges of the saw, every detail is perfectly rendered, transporting the reader back to the time when pine was king, men were made of iron, and rivers were choked with logs on the way to the sawmills. Readers will have a hard time leaving the Northwoods when they turn the last page.

Two day $1.99 e-book sale for Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz

May 7th and 8th download Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz for only $1.99! This book earned several 5 star reviews from other book reviewers I follow.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love? This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop readers as it takes them from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness to the west in search of true love.

Review and Giveaway! Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade

A book tour hosted by Prism Book Tours.

Welcome to my tour stop for

Meant to Be Mine

by Becky Wade

Meant to Be Mine
(A Porter Family Novel #2)
by Becky Wade
Christian Romance
May 2014 by Bethany House Publishers

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school—irresistible. When their paths cross again after college—still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia’s ready to be Ty’s wife, but Ty’s not ready to be her husband. He’s a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he’s long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he’s known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia’s buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty’s achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn’t forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia’s trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

Amazon *  Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

My Review

5 stars / It was amazing!

I was surprised by how much I loved this book! The secret baby theme isn't my favorite, but the author was so skilled in portraying the complex emotions of the characters, I was immediately drawn in and couldn't put the book down! The characters' personalities were unique and vivid- I had no trouble picturing them in my mind. Ty and Celia were easy to like, in spite of their flaws or shortcomings. I think this is because they both are trying to make the best of their circumstances and improve as people. The chemistry between them is off the charts, and there's something about restrained passion that makes the tension drive the story forward. The supporting characters in the novel are well-written as well; they feel just as important to the story as Ty and Celia.

The themes of sacrifice and forgiveness are so profound in the novel. Because I could really feel the emotions of the characters (even had a tear in my eye more than once...) their emotional journey felt so real. After reading the prologue, you won't blame Celia for never wanting to forgive Ty. However, as he does everything he can to redeem himself, she grows more conflicted, and they both learn to turn to God to find peace and resolution.

I definitely recommend this book and can't wait to read the rest of her books!

(ARC provided for unbiased review)

About the Author

During her childhood in California, Becky Wade frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She's been a fan of all things romantic ever since.

Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky's passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances for the general market, put her career on hold for many years to care for her kids, and eventually returned to writing sheerly for the love of it. She’s delighted to be penning warm, wry, and heartwarming contemporary romances for the Christian market. Her CBA debut, My Stubborn Heart, was a finalist in both the RITA and INSPY awards. Undeniably Yours kicked off her Texas-set Porter Family series. Her newest contemporary romance, Meant to Be Mine, has just hit shelves!

These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

Tour-Wide Giveaway

Prize #1: $50 Visa gift card and a paperback or ebook copy of Meant to Be Mine (open internationally)
Prize #2: 1 lb. of Starbucks coffee and signed copies of Undeniably Yours and Meant to Be Mine (US Only)
Prize #3: Box of See's Chocolates and signed copies of Undeniably Yours and Meant to Be Mine (US Only)

May 4 - 18

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May 5

Tressa's Wishful Endings

I Am A Reader

Rina's Reading

May 6

The Wonderings of One Person

JoJo's Corner

Heidi Reads...

May 7

Copywrite1985

Kindle and Me

Redpillows

AddLibrarian

Little Lisa

May 8

Katie ' Clean Book Collection

Christy's Cozy Corners

Tell Tale Book Reviews 

The Written Adventure

Elle in Organic Shoes

Life Isn't Always a Fairytale

May 9

My Love for Reading Keeps Growing

Reviews By Molly

Batch of Books

Getting Your Read On

Coffee Books and Me

May 11 - Grand Finale

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Free e-book today only! When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad

Free e-book download today only! When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad

Synopsis

Hannah Gregory is good at many things, but that list doesn't include following rules. So when she is forced to apply for a job as a telephone switchboard operator to support her two sisters, she knows it won't be easy. "Hello Girls" must conduct themselves according to strict--and often bewildering--rules. No talking to the other girls. No chatting with callers. No blowing your nose without first raising your hand. And absolutely no consorting with gentlemen while in training.

Meanwhile, young lawyer Lincoln Cole finds himself in the unfortunate position of having to enforce the bank's eviction of the three Gregory girls from their parents' home. He tries to soften the blow by supporting them in small ways as they settle into another home. But fiery Hannah refuses his overtures and insists on paying back every cent of his charity.

When one of Hannah's friends finds himself on the wrong side of a jail cell, Hannah is forced to look to Lincoln for help. Will it be her chance to return to her dreams of studying law? And could she be falling in love?
With historic details that bring to life the exciting first decade of the twentieth century, Lorna Seilstad weaves a charming tale of camaraderie and companionship that blossoms into love. Readers will get lost in this sweet romance and will eagerly look forward to championing each sister's dreams.

Great e-book deal! Heart of the Ocean by Heather B. Moore only 99 cents!

I learned about Heart of the Ocean and the amazing 99 cent sale price over at Tressa's Wishful Endings, where she wrote a "Friday Favorites" review that really makes me want to read the book! If you're interested in YA fiction as well hers is a great blog to follow. Heart of the Ocean is a USA Today bestseller & 2013 Whitney Award Finalist in Speculative Fiction!

Synopsis from goodreads.com

A dark secret . . . a grieving ghost . . . a handsome stranger . . . What more could Eliza Robinson want?

Except for maybe her life.

In Heather B. Moore’s enthralling 1840’s historical romance, Heart of the Ocean, Eliza Robinson has turned down the very pretentious Mr. Thomas Beesley’s marriage proposal. As a business partner of Eliza’s father, Thomas quickly discredits the family and brings disgrace to the Robinson name.

While her father scrambles to restore his good name in New York City, Eliza flees to the remote Puritan town of Maybrook to stay with her Aunt Maeve. Although relieved to be away from all- things-male and unforgiving gossip columns, odd things start to happen to Eliza, and she is plagued by a ghostly voice. Her aunt’s explanation? That Eliza is being haunted by a woman who died of a broken heart twenty years ago.

After Aunt Maeve is tragically killed, Eliza's life is put in danger as she tries to uncover the mystery of her aunt's death. She encounters Jonathan Porter in Maybrook, whose presence in the town seems suspicious, yet she finds herself drawn to him. When she discovers that Jonathan’s dark secrets may be the link between the dead woman who haunts her and her aunt’s murderer, Eliza realizes that Jonathan is the one man she should never trust.

Review: Minding Molly by Leslie Gould

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis from goodreads.com

 Molly Zook has everything planned just right. Or so she thinks!

Molly Zook's always liked being in control, so she's struggling with her mother's wish that, to save the family farm, she marry Mervin Mosier. Especially after Molly meets Leon Fisher. He's from Montana but is now training horses at a nearby ranch. He is tall and muscular and confident--Molly has never met anyone like him and she's sure he feels the same about her.

Determined to let nothing get between them, Molly tries to coax Mervin into falling back in love with Molly's best friend, Hannah. A weekend camping trip in the Poconos could be just the place . . . but things quickly go awry, and it seems Leon and Hannah might be falling for each other instead! Will Molly keep struggling to control everyone and everything around her? Or will she learn to let God handle the twists and turns of her life?


My Review

The aspect of this novel that really resonated with me was Molly's grief as she coped with the unexpected death of her father. While there is love triangle drama, pressure from her mother, stress over the family finances, a difficult younger sister, an unpredictable best friend, and control-issues that surfaced on a camping trip... underlying all of that are sweet moments of remembering and longing for her father. I consider a book successful when I am feeling the emotions of the character rather than just reading about them- and amid the sometimes high-school type drama I found a tear in my eye as Molly tried to make sense and gain control over her changing circumstances. Looking forward to reading more by this author!

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Three $1.99 e-book deals!

Amazon is having a huge sale on over 400 e-books until May 11! 

Here are a few for only $1.99...

Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley is the second book in the Brides of Last Chance Ranch series. I read and reviewed the third book, Gunpowder Tea, which was a fun read- check out my 4 star review here. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, so don't worry if you aren't reading them in order.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Molly Hatfield comes to Arizona Territory seeking stability and security. But living in Cactus Patch provides her with more than she ever dreamed of.

There is nothing Molly wouldn’t do for her teenaged brother, Donny. Blaming herself for the accident that left him wheel-chair bound, Molly has dedicated her life to his care. But in 1896, gainful employment for a woman is hard to come by. So when Molly learns that an eccentric rancher in Cactus Patch, Arizona, is looking for an heiress--someone to take over management of the ranch in exchange for future ownership--she jumps at the chance to provide a real home for her brother.

If she proves to have a knack for ranching and agrees to remain single for life, the ranch can be hers. Neither stipulation worries Molly. She’s resourceful and hardworking. And she gave up dreams of marriage long ago when she dedicated her life to her brother’s well-being.

However, Molly didn’t bank on meeting Dr. Caleb Fairbanks, the town’s handsome and charismatic young doctor. Caleb has a way with Molly that makes her nervous. But it’s how he is with her brother that really alarms her. Caleb sees past the wheelchair and genuinely likes Donny, but Molly fears he’s putting unrealistic ideas into her brother’s head. Falling in love with Caleb would threaten everything she’s worked for, even her brother’s future happiness.

But it could be the very reason God brought her to Last Chance Ranch.

Forest Born by Shannon Hale is the fourth book in the Books of Bayern series. This is a series that I would recommend reading in order- while it may not be necessary, I think the books would be enjoyed more.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Rin is sure that something is wrong with her...something really bad. Something that is keeping her from feeling at home in the Forest homestead where she's lived all her life. Something that is keeping her from trusting herself with anyone at all. When her brother Razo returns from the city for a visit, she accompanies him to the palace, hoping that she can find peace away from home. But war has come to Bayern again, and Rin is compelled to join the queen and her closest allies--magical girls Rin thinks of as the Fire Sisters--as they venture into the Forest toward Kel, the land where someone seems to want them all dead. Many beloved Bayern characters reappear in this story, but it is Rin's own journey of discovering how to balance the good and the bad in herself that drives this compelling adventure.

Princess of Glass is the second book in a series of YA fairy tale retellings by Jessica Day George. It's an adaptation of Cinderella which was enjoyable- I rated it three stars (although I liked the first book Princess of the Midnight Ball better and gave that one 4 stars). I haven't read the third book in the series which is based on Little Red Riding Hood.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Hoping to escape the troubles in her kingdom, Princess Poppy reluctantly agrees to take part in a royal exchange program, whereby young princes and princesses travel to each other's countries in the name of better political alliances--and potential marriages. It's got the makings of a fairy tale--until a hapless servant named Eleanor is tricked by a vengeful fairy godmother into competing with Poppy for the eligible prince. Ballgowns, cinders, and enchanted glass slippers fly in this romantic and action-packed happily-ever-after quest from an author with a flair for embroidering tales in her own delightful way.

E-book freebie! Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Free on Kindle and Nook! I really enjoy this author's stories. Check out my review of Caught in the Middle here!

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?