Book Blast and $50 Amazon Giveaway: Thirty-Two Going on Spinster by Becky Monson

   

Thirty-Two Going on Spinster by Becky Monson

Julia Dorning is a spinster, or at least on the road to becoming one. She has no social life, hates her job, and lives in her parent’s basement with her cat, Charlie.

With the arrival of Jared Moody, the new hire at work, Julia’s mundane life is suddenly turned upside down. Her instant (and totally ridiculous) crush on the new guy causes Julia to finally make some long-overdue changes, in hopes to find a life that includes more than baking and hanging out with Charlie.

But when the biggest and most unexpected change comes, will the new and improved Julia be able to overcome it? Or will she go back to her spinster ways?

Purchase your copy for just $2.99!!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes * Kobo

  Praise for Thirty-Two Going on... Spinster   "Oh my, oh my. I have just finished wiping the tears of laughter from my eyes. This is seriously funny." ~Julie Darley (Never judge a Book by its Movie) "This was a refreshing change of pace for me to read. Some good clean romance was found in it’s pages and that is a rare find these days. It was some great chick-lit. I would not have thought this was Becky’s debut book, it was so well done." ~Liberty Ann (SnifferWalkBooks)

    

Author Becky Monson By day, Becky Monson is a mother of three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful time will last... But it probably won't. Becky runs a large book club on Facebook called "This Chick Reads".  

Facebook * Website * Twitter * Pinterest * Goodreads * Blog

   

BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 9/30/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. 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. 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 Blast and $50 Amazon Giveaway: For Love and Country by Elizabeth D. Michaels

 

For Love and Country When A Man Is Torn Between Honoring His Country And The Woman He Loves, The Best Option Might Be To Choose Both.   When Maggie du Woernig willfully ignores her parents’ admonitions and entangles herself with Nik Koenig, she is certain he’s the only man who will make her happy. Blind to Nik’s real intentions, she throws herself recklessly into a situation that could not only destroy her life but compromise the safety of her country.   Han Heinrich has resigned himself to working in the castle stables, mostly as an excuse to have contact each day with Maggie. His aspirations for a more fulfilling career seem fruitless, in spite of his father’s position as the duke’s highest advisor. But when Han learns about Maggie’s precarious situation, he is willing to sacrifice everything to protect the woman he loves, and to save the country he would die for. He only hopes that someday Maggie will forgive him.

Purchase your copy:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

iTunes * Google Play * Kobo

  Praise for The Horstberg Saga: I completely enjoyed this book. The character development is fantastic. The author has a great sense of emotional storytelling that wraps you into the story as if you know,and can fully relate to the characters. This is the kind of story that touches the heart and the spirit. Well done. I look forward to the next chapter in the Horstberg Saga. This book kept me so interested, I had a hard time putting it down. Suspense, love without smut, emotions that so relate to everyday life. This author touched on it all. Such in depth understanding of human emotions with the characters. Firstly, I loved that this was a VOLUME! And what a great story to really sink my teeth into and get settled in with for more than just one sitting! Well written and thoroughly satisfying.

    

Author Elizabeth D. Michaels Elizabeth D. Michaels began writing at the age of sixteen, immersing herself ever since in the lives created by her vivid imagination. Beyond her devotion to family and friends, writing has been her passion for nearly three decades. While she has more than fifty published novels under the name Anita Stansfield and is the recipient of many awards, she boldly declares The Horstberg Saga as the story she was born to write, with many volumes in the works. She is best known for her keen ability to explore the psychological depths of human nature, bringing her characters to life through the timeless struggles they face in the midst of exquisite dramas.

Website * Blog * Facebook

 

BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 9/26/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. 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. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Free e-book! The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport

Freebie alert! Download the e-book of  The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport for free! 

(I've read the second book in this series but didn't enjoy it because the main character was too flawed for my taste... but I'm hoping to be able to give a higher rating to this book!)

Synopsis

Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago's rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work--and the classes she is secretly taking at the newly opened University of Chicago. When she meets an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World's Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. Can she break away from her family's expectations? And will she ever be loved for who she truly is? 

Readers will love being swept away into a world of mansions, secrets, and romance as they follow Lucy through the streets of the Windy City during one of the most exciting times in the city's history. From opulent upper-class homes to the well-worn rooms of an orphanage, Olivia Newport breathes life and romance into the pages of history--and everyone is invited.

Quilts of Love | A GRAND DESIGN – Kindle HDX Giveaway & “Fall into Fall” Facebook Party!

I'm currently reading this book so I'll post my review soon... in the meantime, check out the great giveaway and join the facebook party event!

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Don’t miss this month’s Quilts of Love book, A Grand Design by Amber Stockton. Who hasn't struggled to let painful memories go and move into God's healing? You’ll be sure to love this heartfelt and encouraging tale set on historic Mackinac Island.

Celebrate August’s release by entering to win a Kindle from Quilts of Love and RSVPing for the "Fall into Fall" Facebook auth chat party.

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• A Grand Design by Amber Stockton
• Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 16th. Winner will be announced at the "Fall into Fall" Facebook party with Amber Stockton and Robin Caroll. RSVP for an evening of book chat, quilting tips and tricks, prizes, and more!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 16th!

'Clear Your Shelf' Giveaway Hop!

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer! I gave this book 5 stars- read my review here. Be sure to visit the other websites in the linky below to enter to win more free books!

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E-book sale: From This Day Forward by Margaret Daley

Only 99 cents for the e-book of From This Day Forward by Margaret Daley!

Synopsis

Penniless, pregnant, and newly widowed immigrant Rachel Gordon doesn't believe her situation could get any worse...until she meets her new neighbors. Shortly after the War of 1812, Rachel and her husband set out from England for a plantation in South Carolina, which he had purchased sight unseen. However, while en route, Tom Gordon fell overboard and drowned, leaving Rachel, frightened and alone, to make a home for her and her newborn. Can a battle-scarred American physician who comes to her rescue also heal her wounded heart?

Review: The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing!

Synopsis

In an act of brave defiance, Tamsen Littlejohn escapes the life her harsh stepfather has forced upon her. Forsaking security and an arranged marriage, she enlists frontiersman Jesse Bird to guide her to the Watauga settlement in western North Carolina. But shedding her old life doesn’t come without cost. As the two cross a vast mountain wilderness, Tamsen faces hardships that test the limits of her faith and endurance. 

Convinced that Tamsen has been kidnapped, wealthy suitor Ambrose Kincaid follows after her, in company with her equally determined stepfather. With trouble in pursuit, Tamsen and Jesse find themselves thrust into the conflict of a divided community of Overmountain settlers. The State of Franklin has been declared, but many remain loyal to North Carolina. With one life left behind and chaos on the horizon, Tamsen struggles to adapt to a life for which she was never prepared. But could this challenging frontier life be what her soul has longed for, what God has been leading her toward? As pursuit draws ever nearer, will her faith see her through the greatest danger of all—loving a man who has risked everything for her?

My Review

Wow. This book definitely lives up to its rave reviews and exceeded my expectations! It has all the elements I love in a great historical novel- strong romance, fascinating history, suspense and anticipation throughout the book to keep the pace moving. I had not known about the lost state of Franklin and the early American politics surrounding it, and combined with the turbulent Native American dynamic, I was biting my nails! The characters are so vibrant- it was easy to envision each one. The author balanced out all the elements superbly and I didn't feel that any part of the novel was lacking. The ending was tied together beautifully and completely.

Other authors who have books in the same genre and quality that I'd recommend are Jody Hedlund and Amber Perry- all the books I've read of theirs have been 5 stars for me and definitely worth paying full price. (I noticed that the Kindle price of The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn is only $7.99 right now- a great deal!)

(Thank you to WaterBrook Press for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: Sense and Sensibility: A Latter-day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Which is the key to love—passion or sensibility? Sensible Elly and romantic Maren are sisters trying to hold their family together in the wake of their father’s bankruptcy and death. As both unexpectedly encounter the madness and misadventures of love, they find out what true happiness means. This modern reimagining of the Jane Austen favorite will capture your heart all over again.

My Review

What a fresh retelling of Sense and Sensibility! The author did a great job translating the trials of 19th century England to some that readers could definitely relate to in our day. Maren's mental instability was fascinating to read, how she coped with her depression in different ways and her perspective of the professional help she received. Elly's developing relationship with Ethan was sweet, but frustrating since he was not committing 100%. The youngest sister in this version is not a child but a young woman with autism. Something that I appreciated was the addressing throughout the novel of the very real grief that the girls felt over the death of their father. The settings and dialogue were realistic and contemporary, yet the Austen-esque storyline was definitely recognizable, and it was fun making comparisons between the two. The characters are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (also known as Mormons), but the references are very basic and it has the same feel as other Christian fiction novels. I'd feel comfortable recommending it to members of any denomination.

(Thank you to Cedar Fort Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review and Giveaway: When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren

Be sure to scroll down to enter to win a copy of the book!

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.

My Review

I've fallen in love with this series! Since it is about one family I started with the first book, even though they can be read as stand-alone novels. Each book in the series is full of emotion, romance, drama, faith, and redemption. If you plan to read the whole series, I'd recommend reading them in order to fully appreciate the secondary characters, since each older sibling is the main character in a previous book.

Grace is a classic homebody, but she takes it to the extreme by being too afraid to even have dreams outside of her small comfort zone, let alone follow them. I couldn't relate to her fear since I love going on adventures, but the author did an excellent job of portraying her anxiety. I admired that she dug deep and allowed herself to reach out and make a new friend in Max as well as experience the Hawaiian vacation, cooking school, and contest. The chemistry between Grace and Max was great, but the fun banter and compassion showed how right they are for each other despite the personal trials they faced.

The subplot of the book was about Grace's brothers Owen and Casper, and the new girl in town they both "befriend" in different ways. Everything comes to a head during Eden's wedding, and I can't wait for the next book to release to see how their story plays out!

(Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

About the Christiansen Family series:

Set on the north shore of Minnesota, the series features the Christiansens, a family readers can identify with as they try to figure out how faith meets real life.

In Take a Chance on Me . . . (the 2014 Christy Award winner for Contemporary Series)

Darek Christiansen, heir to the historic Evergreen Lake Resort is angry since the loss of his wife. After a charity auction connects him with assistant county attorney, Ivy Madison, Darek begins to believe there might be love again in his future, but he’ll have to overcome his painful past – and Ivy’s secret connection to his wife’s death.

In It Had to Be You . . .

Eden Christiansen’s job as handler for her NHL rookie brother, Owen, leaves her little time to focus on her own career. If only team enforcer, Jace, would mentor the young man. When Owen’s carelessness leads to an injury, Eden and Jace are thrown together and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

In When I Fall in Love . . .

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in the Aloha State, she is pulled away from her predictable life and thrown headfirst into the path of hockey player, Max Sharpe, and the romantic adventure of a lifetime.

Coming in February: Always On My Mind

Readers can keep up with Susan May Warren at her website www.susanmaywarren.com and blog www.susanmaywarren.com/scribbles-blog/. She is also active on Facebook (SusanMayWarrenFiction) and Twitter (@susanmaywarren). 

Book Giveaway!
 

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Review: A June Bride by Marybeth Whalen

My rating: 3 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

It takes a reality TV show for Wynne to realize love isn't just a game.
Wynne Hardy never thought she'd get engaged on a reality TV show, but when she met Andy on The Rejection Connection, the two of them hit it off. Now he's asked her to marry him, much to the public's delight and fascination. They're all set to wed on live TV in a seaside ceremony at the height of the wedding season.
But just as Wynne thinks all her dreams are coming true, her ex-boyfriend walks back into her life at the worst possible time. Steve broke her heart years ago, and she's still sorting through her feelings for him. Her heart isn't as clear as her head that it's past time to move on---even though she's engaged to Andy.
At a local TV talk show appearance, Wynne meets Meredith, who won another reality TV show---Marathon Mom---proving herself nothing short of a superhero. As Wynne's beach wedding plans spin out of control, Meredith offers to help, unknowingly stepping on Wynne's secret feelings . . . and exposing some secrets Meredith has been keeping to herself. Can these two reality stars get real about their feelings? Will Wynne go through with her televised wedding and be the perfect June bride the network is looking for?

My Review

As I read this book I struggled to figure out which guy I was supposed to be rooting for. As a result I didn't connect with either of them, and resented the main character Wynne for leading both men on. Reality TV always leaves me with a bad taste, so I didn't enjoy that aspect of the plot. It was enlightening to read about Wynne's disillusionment and changed perspective on the reality behind reality TV.

(Thank you to Zondervan Fiction for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)