Free e-book! God's Daughter by Heather Day Gilbert

Download God's Daughter by Heather Day Gilbert for free through October 15th!

Synopsis

One Viking woman. One God. One legendary journey to North America.

In the tenth century, when pagan holy women rule the Viking lands, Gudrid turns her back on her training as a seeress to embrace Christianity. Clinging to her faith, she joins her husband, Finn, on a voyage to North America.

But even as Gudrid faces down murderous crewmen, raging sickness, and hostile natives, she realizes her greatest enemy is herself--and the secrets she hides might just tear her marriage apart.

Almost five centuries before Columbus, Viking women sailed to North America with their husbands. God's Daughter, Book One in the Vikings of the New World Saga, offers an expansive yet intimate look into the world of Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir--daughter-in-law of Eirik the Red, and the first documented European woman to have a child in North America.

This novel is based heavily on the Icelandic Sagas.

Book Blast: Where There is Love by Mya O'Malley

 
Where There is Love by Mya O'Malley

Mia Dennsi is a beautiful young woman who has experienced a challenging childhood. As an out of work teacher, Mia accepts a position for home-schooling a troubled, misunderstood teenager. Mia makes it a priority to help Cassidy overcome her challenges and reach for her dreams. In the process, Mia experiences healing of her own; she is faced with issues she must now come to terms with. Mia finds a rare friendship in Jamie, her caring and attractive neighbor. The relationship starts off as friendship, but will Mia let this healthy friendship bloom into something more or is she destined to a repeat the vicious cycle of making the same mistakes over and over again? Through the various twists and turns of Mia’s love life, she is forced to make a decision that will affect her entire future. The reader cannot help but root for this character to succumb to true love and happiness.

Amazon

     

Excerpt

I would have done anything for that girl. Anything. I have dreamed of Mia, I have waited for Mia. I have loved Mia. I can’t trust Mia. I can’t get my hopes up again, only to be crushed by her. I couldn’t stand it. She doesn’t allow herself to be happy. What has happened in her life to cause her to reject the people who love her, who care for her? I remember the first time I ever laid eyes one her. The way she bumped into me, how embarrassed she was. I swear to this day that she is the most beautiful creature I’ve laid eyes on. Her slim build, dark hair and striking eyes. And that smile, that smile still warms my heart. I went to see my grandma in Maine for the weekend once I realized that I was falling in love with Mia. My grandmother and I have always been close. She has been there for me through thick and thin ever since I was a child. I grew even closer to her as I was growing up, finding my way in life. For some reason, I always found it easiest to share my feelings with Grandma, the two of us like kindred spirits. My feelings for Mia scared the life out of me. I told my grandmother that I didn’t want to risk getting hurt again and that Mia seemed so unsure of herself. She offered me a piece of advice that I will hold true to my heart forever: She placed her hand over my heart and said, “Go where there is love, surround yourself with love.” So I did, I went to Mia and tried to tell her how I felt, only to be brushed off with news of Josh coming back into the picture. I’m happy with Danielle, she’s smart and she’s beautiful. Yeah, I’m going to give this a chance, I would be a fool not to. But...I think...she’s not Mia. My heart can’t take Mia. She has the power to hurt me, and I can’t survive that again.

    

Author Mya O’Malley 

Mya O’Malley was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, where she currently lives with her husband, daughter and three step-daughters. The family also consists of two boxers; Destiny and Dolce and a ragdoll cat named Colby. Mya earned an undergraduate degree in special education and a graduate degree in reading and literacy. She works as a special education teacher and enjoys making a difference in the lives of her students. Mya’s passion is writing; she has been creating stories and poetry since she was a child. Mya spends her free time reading just about anything she can get her hands on. She is a romantic at heart and loves to create stories with unforgettable characters. Mya likes to travel; she has visited several Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Costa Rica. Mya is currently working on her fifth novel.

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Book Blast Giveaway 
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/4/14 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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Review: An Amish Garden by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Tricia Goyer, Vannetta Chapman

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

“A Place of Healing” by Vannetta Chapman
Emma discovers a run-away teen in her barn, and the bishop asks her to provide a haven for a woman and her two children. Then her mother-in-law reveals a secret about her garden. Will Emma choose loneliness or learn to accept God’s gifts?

“Flowers for Rachael” by Kathleen Fuller
Rachael’s garden is beautiful, but she is lonely. Gideon is in love with Rachael, but when Rachael finds her garden in shambles after a crisis, she rejects his help. Will she realize she doesn’t have to do everything on her own?

“Seeds of Love” by Tricia Goyer
When a corporation shows interest in buying Sadie’s heirloom seeds, she panics. They are all she has left of her Dat and Mem. Eli believes he can help Sadie, but a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken. Will she trust him again, and will the seeds of a new relationship take root?

“Planting a Future” by Beth Wiseman
Rosemary is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul has been interested in her for years, but Rosemary has turned him down repeatedly. Saul begins helping with her family’s garden, but someone is sabotaging his efforts—and keeping a secret that could change their lives.

My Review

I completely enjoyed relaxing with this collection of Amish novellas! Gardening is something I've always enjoyed and it was a lovely theme throughout these stories. It seemed there was more focus on family relationships rather than romance, but there was still enough for me to feel satisfied and all the stories wrapped up nicely.

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

Review: Maybelle in Stitches by Joyce Magnin

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Maybelle can't sew. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother's house, she gets the crazy idea to complete it. At first, it's just a way to fill the lonely nights while her husband, staff sergeant Holden Kanzinzki, is away fighting in World War II. Yet when Maybelle discovers that the quilt is made from scraps of material that can be traced back through her family heritage, the project is suddenly much more important. Then word comes that Holden is missing in action, and with little else to do, Maybelle clings to the quilt as much as to the hope that her husband is still alive. As neighborhood friends gather around Maybelle to help her through the unknown days and nights ahead, it is the quilt that becomes a symbol of her unflagging belief that Holden will return to her, to their home, and to their quilt-covered bed.

My Review

This book depicts the day-to-day life of Maybelle as she waits for her husband, grieves for her mother, and interacts with her roommates and co-workers. I was surprised at the lack of attachment Maybelle feels for the quilt since she feels so inadequate at sewing. Her friend is the one pushing her to complete it as a way to cope with her grief, and eventually the quilting parties become a way to connect and bond with those around her. Her thoughts of loneliness become repetitive by the end of the book, but I'm sure that is close to what those enduring the war endured.

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

Free e-book! The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

Free today is the e-book of The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz! I think the cover of this book is gorgeous!

Synopsis

In 1779, when genteel Virginia spinster Roxanna Rowan arrives at the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn, she finds that her officer father has died. Penniless and destitute, Roxanna is forced to take her father's place as scrivener. Before long, it's clear that the colonel himself is attracted to her. But she soon realizes the colonel has grave secrets of his own—some of which have to do with her father's sudden death. Can she ever truly love him?

Review: Deceived by Irene Hannon

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

For three years, Kate Marshall has been grieving the loss of her husband and their four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on an escalator in the mall, she is convinced it is the son she thought was dead. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan. The former Secret Service agent is dubious but agrees to investigate. Digging into the case he discovers that the incident may have been no accident at all. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may be willing to go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.
As Irene Hannon's many fans have come to expect, "Deceived "is filled with complex characters, unexpected twists, and a riveting plot line that accelerates to an explosive finish.

My Review

Irene Hannon's suspense novels are hazardous to my poor nails! Literally a nail-biter. This one is a bit different in that the crime had happened three years previously, so the suspense is more focused on how they are going to manage solving the seemingly impossible-to-solve mystery. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including the villain- who doesn't seem so villainous for the majority of the book. Great chemistry between the main characters and deep emotions make this a compelling story!

(Thank you to Baker Publishing and Revell Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Cover Reveal! So True a Love by Amber Lynn Perry

Exciting news! Amber Lynn Perry, author of So Fair a Lady (which I rated 5 stars- you can read my review here) is publishing her second book in her Daughters in His Kingdom series, So True a Love! It's set to release early 2015, and she just shared the cover and synopsis of her new book and is hosting a giveaway at her blog, The Historical Christian Romance Review! Be sure to stop by and leave a comment to enter the giveaway and sign up for her newsletter! (giveaway ends Oct 15th)

Synopsis

Kitty Campbell knows that leaving the dangers of Boston behind for a more tranquil life in Sandwich is God's will for her. But not even twenty-four hours after arriving in the small sea-side town, she witnesses a terrible crime and is forced to stay silent or her family will be made to suffer. And yet, as the consequences for remaining quiet threaten more than just her family, Kitty is desperate to unload her burden. When handsome doctor Nathaniel Smith comes to her rescue more than once, she is tempted to risk everything by revealing what she knows, as her hidden attraction to the courageous patriot builds into much more than childish infatuation.

When Doctor Nathaniel Smith discovers the town's ammunition stores have been raided, he knows immediately who to blame--the hated Torries. Desperate to keep the remaining powder out of enemy hands, he vows to find the men responsible. Then when Kitty Campbell is brutally assaulted and refuses to name her attacker, he suspects she might know something and keeps a closer watch for her safety, only to discover a fleeting attraction he harbored long ago threatens to grow into something akin to love. Yet, he knows a Tory and a Patriot would make a terrible match. At least that is what his head understands, but can he make his heart believe it also?

The first book in the series, So Fair a Lady, is only $3.99 as an e-book, which is a fabulous deal! A print version is available as well.

Review: Deadly Holiday Reunion by Lenora Worth

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Texas Ranger Jake Cavanaugh will do anything to rescue his kidnapped daughter from the clutches of a killer. And that means turning to Ella Terrell—his high school sweetheart—for help. The former FBI agent is lucky to be alive after her own encounter with the vengeful madman. And now history seems to be repeating itself this holiday season. Ella needs time to sort through the past—yet time is a luxury they don't have. For the kidnapper is taunting them with misleading clues and a ticking clock. But Ella will bring Jake's child home at all costs—even at the risk of losing her heart and her life….

My Review

So... I read this book at night and it totally freaked me out! I'd say the author was very successful at creating a tight-knit suspenseful thriller. Ella and Jake are both strong and independent characters dealing with the most stressful of circumstances, so the romance suffered a bit, but the author brought them together in a believable way considering the task they are focused on. The cat and mouse game the serial killer plays with them keeps the pace and investigation moving quickly, but there is still the feeling of needing to move faster to get ahead. I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of suspense and crime drama.

(Thank you to Harlequin Publishing and Love Inspired books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Free e-books! Raptor 6, Blowing on Dandelions, and Sixty Acres & a Bride

Check out three awesome e-books that are free for download!

(Be sure to double check the price before buying since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

Synopsis
Captain Dean Watters keeps his mission and his team in the forefront of his laser-like focus. So when Dean’s mission and team are threatened, his Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Failing to stop hackers from stealing national security secrets from the military’s secure computers and networks isn’t an option. Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. And a target. When Zahrah is captured because of her expertise in quantum cryptology, compromising the US military, Dean is forced to crack the lockbox around his heart—a move that might come at the highest cost.

Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings 

(I rated this one 5 stars!)

Synopsis

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to Texas and the family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have only three months to pay.
Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs. She can't help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future.

Wishing on Buttercups (Love Blossoms in Oregon #2) by Miralee Ferrell

The first book in the series, Blowing on Dandelions is $1.99 on e-book, and the third book in the series releases today, October 1st!

Synopsis
She’d kept her secrets safely hidden—those from her past, and those in the present. Some things, Beth Roberts knows, a lady simply doesn’t share, even in the 1880’s West. The townspeople would never understand. No one ever has. Jeffery Tucker, a handsome young writer, has kept his own secrets. He doesn’t have a right to pry into Beth’s affairs but finds himself strangely drawn to her and intrigued by the whiff of mystery surrounding her. Beth knows that one day someone will unravel the threads of her past. And when two men from her past arrive, the truth might just hurt . . . Beth’s future and her heart. As shadowy memories surface, Beth sketches the scenes she sees and is shocked by what—and who—her illustrations reveal. Dare she risk her heart again?

Review: All Things Hidden by Tracie Peterson, Kimberley Woodhouse

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Gwyn Hillerman loves being a nurse at her father's clinic on the beautiful Alaskan frontier. But family life has been rough ever since her mother left them, disdaining the uncivilized country and taking Gwyn's younger sister with her.

In Chicago, Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan finds his life suddenly turned upside down when his medical license is stripped away after an affluent patient dies. In a snowball effect, his fiance breaks their engagement. In an attempt to bury the past, Jeremiah accepts Dr. Hillerman's invitation to join his growing practice in the isolated Alaska Territory.

Gwyn and Jeremiah soon recognize a growing attraction to each other. But when rumors of Jeremiah's past begin to surface, they'll need more than love to face the threat of an uncertain future.

My Review

I usually enjoy stories set in the Alaskan frontier more than this. I felt like the setting was the most interesting part of the story. The characters are two-dimensional and there is little chemistry between Gwyn and Jeremiah. The villain's point of view is shared throughout the book which is written over the top in my opinion. After finishing the book I was left with an overall feeling of disappointment.

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