Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Review: Avra's God by Ann Lee Miller


My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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

Synopsis from goodreads.com

In the tradition of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, four friends navigate college and the drama churned up by their Florida beach band to cement friendship and more.

Avra wants love, but drummer Cisco—self-medicating from his parents’ divorce with sex and intoxicants—is a poor choice. Cisco hungers for fresh-baked cookies and the scent of family he finds at Avra’s.

Kallie shares her classically trained singing voice only with lead vocalist Jesse and fights to keep her heart safe. Jesse feeds on fame and hides more than insecurity beneath his guitar.

The friends surf ego, betrayal, and ambition and head for wipe-out. But somehow, when they’re not looking, Avra’s God changes them all.


My Review

What a rollercoaster of emotion! Reading this "New Adult" book reminds me of one of those e-cards that I think is hilarious and oh-so-true:
The author skillfully portrayed all the drama, emotion, indecision, change, and maturing that happens during the college years. The characters are vibrant- I felt like I really got to know each of them- their strengths, hopes, vulnerabilities, and fears. The story is told from four perspectives- the two girls, and the two guys who break their hearts. I appreciated having the insights into what the guys were thinking, although that didn't prevent me from still having a hard time understanding the male psyche. (Maybe it's because I grew up with all sisters). I kept thinking, if they would only just sit down and talk about what they are really feeling! But that's not usually reality- and the conflicts these young adults struggled with and the way they handled them sure felt real. The spiritual journey and growth of each character also felt realistic- it was a progression towards connecting with God, learning how to be comforted and guided by him, seeking forgiveness and the grace to forgive.

The author Ann Lee Miller has three other books in her New Smyrna Beach series (the location of the Florida college community), and Kicking Eternity is currently free for download!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15892244-kicking-eternityhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16276593-the-art-of-my-life


(a copy of the book was provided by the author for unbiased review)

Monday, May 12, 2014

Review: Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma

Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma

My rating: 5 stars / it was amazing!

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

Synopsis from goodreads.com

In a time of unprecedented darkness and fear, Cornelia must decide if saving a stranger’s life is worth risking her own.

In the twilight of the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands, the Germans have taken everything Cornelia had to give, even what was most precious to her. Now Gerrit Laninga—a man who puts God and country above all else—arrives at her house, needing help. She is terrified for herself and terrified for her family, but most of all, terrified of the pain she might feel again if she allows herself to love Gerrit. Her hope is to be free from her paralyzing fear.

Gerrit is a known and hunted Dutch Resistance member. When he comes to Cornelia’s home for shelter, he’s drawn to her strength and kindness. When he asks her to contact the local Resistance on his behalf, she refuses. Gerrit is determined to find a way to continue his underground work without putting Cornelia or her family in harm’s way.

When things start to unravel and Gerrit’s life depends on her actions, she must summon her courage and learn to depend on the perfect love that drives out all fear. But will her new love be snatched away before it has a chance to bloom?


My Review

When I read the afterword at the end of this novel and learned that some of the circumstances are based on real events from the lives of the author's ancestors, I appreciated it all the more for bringing to life the intensity of living in a Nazi-occupied country. While there is anxiety, pain, fear, loss, and grief, the author also successfully portrayed hope, familial bonds, patriotism, compassion, and love. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what direction the story would go. The spiritual growth of the characters is inspiring. The point in the novel where I became the most emotional was when Cornelia and Gerrit sing together the hymn "We Gather Together". The words are so profound and apply to their struggles so well. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to reading the author's new release, Daisies are Forever.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Meant to Be Mine book tour grand finale!


A book tour hosted by Prism Book Tours.

The REVIEW & EXCERPT TOUR GRAND FINALE for
Meant to Be Mine
by Becky Wade

Happy Mother's Day! In Meant to Be Mine, Celia has been living as a single mother and then later in the story has to figure out who she is as a woman as her daughter becomes less dependent on her. We want to thank all you moms out there who give so much of yourselves to do what you do!! It isn't easy being a mother all the time, but it is also one of the best jobs for all the love given and received.


Meant to be Mine (A Porter Family Novel, #2)
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?

Did you miss any of the stops along the tour? 
You can go back and check them out now!

May 5
"It had a perfect mix of romance, heartbreak, well-fleshed characters, inspiration, hope, and a small-town setting....Truly a well-written, heartfelt, and enjoyably sweet story!"

I Am A Reader - Excerpt
     “I’m not Mrs. Porter.” Teasing tinged her voice. She didn’t want to be too hard on him, not when the notion of him wanting to marry her was so outrageously flattering.
     “Determined to wait until after the ceremony, huh?” He tipped the dealers and requested a tray so that he could pack up his chips. “You coming?”
     “Definitely.” She didn’t want to tell him this, at the risk of seeming pathetic. But she’d follow him anywhere.

Rina's Reading - Review
"Read this if you enjoy contemporary romance with twists, cowboys and cute little girls. And great (clean, but sweep you off your feet) kisses."

May 6
     There he was.
     She forgot how to breathe.
     He was striding down the sidewalk towards her, a few shops away and closing, looking up, probably to find the sign that said Jana’s.
     She’d anticipated that he’d look handsome. But ‘handsome’ was something you might say about a male model in a magazine ad; it was too stiff and flat an adjective for Ty Porter.
     Ty Porter had the kind of appeal that pulled your gaze to him and wouldn’t let you look away.

JoJo's Corner - Review
"I think this story will ring true and resonate with many readers- that love isn’t always like a Disney fairy tale. If you’re a fan of great love stories with memorable characters- don’t miss this one!!!!"

Heidi Reads... - Review
"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!...I definitely recommend this book and can't wait to read the rest of her books!"

May 7
Copywrite1985 - Review
"Ty Porter and Celia Parker got married in Vegas after dating four days. It shouldn’t have worked, and for a long time, it didn’t. But God had a plan to save the bull rider and the baker’s marriage, and He carried it out despite their stubbornness, bitterness, and inability to forgive. This reader really enjoyed being along for the ride."

Kindle and Me - Review
"I am so glad that I read this. It delved deeper into all aspects of relationships with their sacrifices and trust issues. It was an eye opener for me. I definitely will be reading the rest of the series."

Redpillows - Review
"This is truly a fun read and the simpleness of the story is beautiful. The author has also brought out the strong belief people have in God and in the end how that can shape or change a person’s life if you just believe. This is a beautiful story of love, understanding and trust, the lengths to which people can go to protect the ones they love or to gain the trust of the people they love."

Little Lisa - Spotlight
"I LOVED THIS BOOK! I loved the banter, the romance and the theme of forgiveness! I couldn't put the book down and recommend it to all!!!"

Add Librarian - Review
"It’s romance with just the right touch of faith at it’s heart. The characters are spot on and the pacing is fantastic."

May 8
"I absolutely loved the journey Ty and Celia went on in their discovery of what truly matters in life. The journey to true love isn't always easy, but it can be so much fun, as well as sweet and romantic."

     “Aw,” he crooned. “Watching me ride gave you a little thing for me, didn’t it sweet one?”
     She turned a withering look on him. “What kind of a thing?”
     “A burning love kind of a thing.”
     “Hardly.”
     “Admit it, you missed me while I was gone.” 
     “Not in the least.” 
     “Still hate me?” 
     “Yes.” 

     If he could feel a calm sort of kindness toward Celia, that would be good. That's what he'd been going for tonight.
     Instead, when she'd opened her door, pleasure had rushed through him at the sight of her. After years on the road, seeing her standing in front of him with a bright, good-smelling house behind her had felt like coming home. The kind of home that had nothing to do with her fool apartment.

     Once Pummeler had disappeared down the passage where all bulls disappeared, Ty lifted his hat, smiled at the crowd, and turned in a circle to acknowledge their support. The down-home commentators with the chicken-fried-steak accents called him a ‘fan favorite’ and a ‘three time world champion’ and ‘third in the season’s standings’.
     “Nice try, Pummeler.” Celia shook her head and fast-forwarded. 
     Ty rode again and stayed on again. 
     Unfortunately no one would be denting Ty’s arrogance tonight.

"If you are looking for a cute story full of witty banter and to sink your teeth into be sure to check out this book as well as Becky Wade’s other stories."

"I just got through Becky Wades new book called Meant to Be. If you haven't read any books by Becky, I highly recommend it! She is a delight....It's truly great and I give it five stars!"

May 9
"I just loved everything about this book. I loved that it made me mad, and laugh and cry. I mean, when an author does that to me, I just want to jump up and down. I know, kind of crazy, but I love it when a book can bring such emotions out of me....It was sweet, funny, and just an all around great read."

Batch of Books - Review
"It's official. I'm a die hard Becky Wade fan. I love her books. They are real and heartfelt stories that I connect to....I would highly recommend this book to fans of Christian fiction and romance. It's a beautiful reminder that marriage is sacred to God."

"The Christian elements are there but aren’t overpowering. The story really shines through and I enjoyed it all a lot. In fact, when I finished this book, which is the second in the series, I went right to Amazon to check out the other books by this author."

"I just love the simplicity and the beauty of the story. It’s about love and forgiveness. It’s one of those books you want to read if you want to relax and unwind."


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.



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

Prism Book Tours
Are you a blogger and want to receive information about new tours? Go HERE.
Are you an author or publisher and would like to have us organize a tour event? Go HERE.

Free e-book! It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren

It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren

Not sure how long this sale will last, so download It Had to be You by Susan May Warren for free while you can!
(E-book deal is for a limited time, so check the price before ordering)

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

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen's cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits--and starting to fear she doesn't have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen. Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior--on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he's getting from Eden Christiansen isn't making things any easier. But when Owen's carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Mother's Day weekend e-book freebies and deals!

I'll be updating this post as I find more deals, but here's two freebies to start with...

Love's Promises
Love's Promises by Sandra Leesmith will be free Sunday, May 11th only

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

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?

 
Second Chance Ranch

Second Chance Ranch by Audra Harders is free this weekend... and I recently read on facebook a recommendation for it by author Julie Lessman!

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com
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, May 9, 2014

Review: So Fair a Lady by Amber Perry

So Fair a Lady by Amber Perry

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing!

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


https://www.goodreads.com/
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.


My Review

I have loved reading novels set in the Colonial time period since I picked up Ann Rinaldi's Time Enough for Drums as a teenager. There is something about the political birth of our country and the patriots that affected change that is so powerful. This book is especially dynamic since Eliza begins loyal to the King of England, but as she follows the prompting of her father to search for the truth, she comes to an understanding that the true King to whom her loyalties belong is God.

The relationship Eliza has with her sister Kitty is sweet and also grounding since they don't know where their future will take them, but they are strong for each other. The chemistry between Eliza and Thomas is palpable, and the restrained passion creates a wonderful romantic tension. It was interesting to read Officer Martin's point of view as well, since he doesn't appear to be a villain to Eliza and Kitty, and his decisions stem from a real worry for Eliza.

The pacing of the novel is well-done, with a good balance of action and apprehension as well as pondering and growth. The ending wraps this book up, however there is another novel in the series with Kitty as the main character, and I am excited that it will be releasing this summer! I definitely recommend this book to fans of Jody Hedlund and Laura Frantz. Amber Perry's debut novel has been not only a pleasure to read, but also thought-provoking and inspiring.


(ARC provided by the author for unbiased review)

Amber Lynn Perry is a historical romance novelist, focusing on her favorite time in American history--the Revolutionary era. She received a Bachelor's degree from Portland State University and currently lives in Washington state with her husband and two daughters. She loves to hear from readers and you can contact her through her website, www.amberlynnperry.com or through her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/authoramberlynnperry



Stay tuned for my upcoming interview with the author Amber Perry and a giveaway of her novel, So Fair a Lady!

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Review: Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter


My rating: 2 stars / it was okay
http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/
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)

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

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

 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

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

Synopsis from goodreads.com


https://www.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

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!

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

Synopsis from goodreads.com


https://www.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

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.

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

Synopsis from goodreads.com


https://www.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.