Review: So Rare a Gift by Amber Lynn Perry

I'm excited to announce that the author Amber Lynn Perry will be sharing a guest post with us tomorrow (8/18) about the setting of her books and a *giveaway* so be sure to check back for this special feature!!!

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Escape is Anna Rone’s only option. Never again will she be trapped in a loveless marriage. A new life in America means safety—and discovering the truth behind her beloved brother’s death. But when she is nearly captured and forced to return to England, her vow to never marry for anything but love is forgotten when she must marry for protection. Perhaps the handsome man she accepts is truly as caring as he seems. If he is not, her future in America is darker than ever before. 

Captain Henry Donaldson aided the colonists too many times. And now, the British army intends to make him pay with his life. Without his friends in Sandwich, he would be a dead man. He’s already changed his name, and when the kind, courageous woman he rescued offers to become his bride, he accepts despite the risks. His past taught him that women are not to be trusted and that love can cut deeper than the sword. Only time will reveal if this choice will bring the greatest pain he’s ever known.

My Review

Tensions are at an all-time high as the Revolutionary War gets underway in So Rare a Gift. Instead of a history lesson of battles and politics, we are treated to an intimate story of two individuals who are in the midst of their own trials during this turbulent period, being hunted by personal adversaries. Anna and Henry both have reasons to disdain marriage, but the characteristics they witness in each other give them hope that their situations can be redeemed if they unite forces. I loved how they grew closer together as they supported, protected, and even surprised each other. They share several sweet moments as their attraction and passion grows even though their marriage is one of convenience. They both quickly become loyal to the Patriot cause and do what they can to aid the citizens in nearby towns who are being persecuted. My favorite quote from the book is one that I feel applies to us today as well as we take a stand for what we believe is right:

"There will come a time when we will be called upon to act in defense of the cause we believe in. That time has come, and we were made for it."

The suspense is heightened as the perspective of the men stalking Henry and Anna is shown briefly throughout the book and the action is steadily brought to a climax. The couples from the previous books in the series are present as friends of Henry but this can easily be read as a stand alone. I recommend reading them all though for maximum enjoyment ;) This is a book that will be loved by fans of historical fiction and inspirational romance! I was also thrilled to learn that the author has two more books planned for the series and I can't wait to see what is in store for the characters during this amazing time in our country's history.

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

Don't miss the first two books in the Daughters of His Kingdom series!

Read my review of Book 1

Read my review of Book 2

 

Review & Giveaway! I Love You Just Because by Donna Keith, illustrated by Allison Edgson

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post to enter the giveaway!

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Through adorable, cuddly art and fun rhyming text, I Love You Just Because will help little ones understand their parents' love for them and that it doesn't have to be earned. With playful artwork and the same friendly bear family you already know and love from Donna Keith's first two books—I Love You All the Same and I Love You Even When—the sweet story of this book will touch you and your family and will remind you that family members love each other...just because.
Parents will gravitate toward the felt need and fun messaging of this book as it seeks to help them explain to their little ones that they are truly loved just because.

My Review

I absolutely love this book series! The illustrations are whimsical, with a subtle painterly quality. The different bears are just too cute!!! Even better, the messages they portray are wonderful for children of all ages as well as parents. As a family who has adopted our children, I'm always on the lookout for books that are enriching and supportive of the adoption experience. These particular books are especially meaningful for families with children that have differences from each other- physical or personality-oriented, so they work for both adoptive and traditional families.

I Love You Just Because reassures children that they are unconditionally loved and valued for who they are as a person. The addition of Biblical scripture references reinforce God's love as well, and make the book an easy resource for including young children in scripture study. There are several examples of how the young bears feel different from his/her siblings, but is always accepted by each other and the grown bears- both parents and grandparents (who are so fun!). The sturdy cardboard pages are perfect for toddlers and the 8" x 8" size is large enough to enjoy the pictures without being overly big. I highly recommend this book and its predecessors for all families with young ones!

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

For more adorable goodness for kids, follow the author and publisher on social media:

Facebook @DonnaKeithAuthor
Facebook @TommyNelsonBooks
Twitter @TommyNelson
Instagram  @TommyNelsonBooks
Pinterest  TommyNelson

Entry-Form

Review: A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Abigail Schrock knows God can make all things new, but does that include her broken heart?

It seems as if everyone is falling in love in Birch Creek, including Abigail Schrock. But when heartbreak descends on her already fragile world, she can’t help but feel that if she’d only been a little prettier, she could be on her way down the wedding aisle. To make matters worse, Abigail’s two sisters have found love, while all Abigail can seem to find is the chocolate she has stashed away in the pantry.

Asa Bontrager has never had trouble with the ladies in his Amish community—his good looks have always gotten him far. Which is why he’s baffled by the call he’s received from God to pursue Abigail, a woman who seems determined to turn him away.

Can Abigail find the peace and joy she so desperately desires? Will she allow herself to stop running and melt into the embrace of unforeseen comfort? If she does, she may just discover a love powerful enough to lift the heavy burden of grief weighing her down and restore her hope in a promising future.

My Review

Each of the books in the Amish of Birch Creek series can be read alone- the author does a good job of catching the reader up without too much info dump- but I recommend reading them in order, especially since the first book, A Reluctant Bride, is my favorite! Each book has its own main story revolving around one of the Schrock sisters, but also has another level of subplots involving other members of the community that continue throughout the series. It was satisfying to have many of those continuing plotlines wrapped up and resolved in this book. It is easy to imagine the setting and characters, although how I envisioned Abigail shifted when I read her perspective in A Love Made New. She is self-conscious about her weight and eating habits, but uses food as a coping method for her repressed grief. It was interesting to compare the happy, vibrant persona she exhibits in the earlier books with the secret self-loathing and defiance that push their way to the surface as she tries to recover from rejection and heartbreak. Asa is a hero you just feel bad for- he struggles with doing and saying the right thing, at the right time. Asa and Abigail have good chemistry and Asa's feelings are quite intense, which takes Abigail off guard. His total reliance on God is an admirable quality and serves as an example for Abigail once she is ready to listen. Recurring characters Sol, Irene, and Naomi are further developed and play important roles in the story, and Sadie, Johanna and their husbands are present but have minor roles. I wonder if there will be another book since there were only three Schrock sisters but there is one subplot that has the potential to be continued since it wasn't completely wrapped up neatly... although that is more true to life- not everything is tied up with a pretty bow.

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

Book Tour Grand Finale: For Love or Money By Tara Taylor Quinn

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

For Love or Money

By Tara Taylor Quinn

We hope you enjoyed this tour with the fun recipes, excerpts, and reviews!
If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out now...

Launch - Welcome

Welcome to a brand new ttq series!! Family Secrets is the name of a reality cooking show. Contestants compete with secret family recipes. And every single book in the series has a hero or heroine effected by a family secret. This series is ttq intense emotional fiction at its best...

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review

"There are a few threads to the story that weave together to form a great book recipe. There is the (clean) romance thread, which has a gradual and natural progression, as well as a tight-knit family thread. There is also an extended family thread, of sorts. Janie has a very close friend and Cor and her husband, Joe, are the family that Janie never had. Add a budding friendship between two unlikely kids and a cooking show and you have a fun, new series. I recommend this book to readers who love any of these elements."

deal sharing aunt - Excerpt from the prequel novella, The Marriage Gift

It hurt too much to live with someone who treated you as though you were invisible half the time, and someone who didn't know you the rest of the time. And hurt too much to live with him knowing that you were no longer making him happy.

underneath the covers - Cooking Party Casserole

I love to cook. When I’m in the kitchen, making something, I feel creative. And yet…it’s far more of a mindless pursuit than my day job – writing. And my night job – writing. Cooking relaxes me. And yet it stimulates me, too. It allows my mind to wander – to plot – and it’s also a comfort – fulfilling a physiological need. But here’s the shadow side secret – I love to cook because when I’m cooking, I’m in control. I choose what I’m going to eat. And I choose how it’s going to be prepared. If I want onions, I add them. If I don’t want pepper, there is none. If I want to put steak in macaroni and cheese, it goes in. (A particular favorite. I know. Shudder.)

Becky on Books - Review

"A sweet romance, and first in a new series!....The concept of a reality cooking show based on family recipes is a fun one–I’m definitely looking forward to more from this series!"

EskieMama Reads - Why Romance

For Love of Money is a romance with a happy ending. It’s a clean read. A family read. It’s also a ttq novel which means it’s going to have some intense emotional fiction on those pages. I don’t choose what to write about. I write what comes to me.

Mel's Shelves - Review

"I loved the cooking show they were on and that it was family recipes--the tried and true kind. The way it played out kept me guessing until the end as to which one of them would win, or if it would even be someone else. This book is a great addition to the Heartwarming line and I enjoyed it from beginning to end! I'm definitely looking forward to reading more!"

Brooke Blogs - Excerpt from the prequel novella, The Marriage Gift

The questions and answers flew back and forth while Joe listened. Dawson did great. He didn’t like the bright lights on stage, but when Janie picked him up and stepped back out of the lights, the little guy had grinned and waved non-stop and the audience loved him. They’d been invited to a private dinner with Natasha Stevens and some of her people, to discuss the upcoming season, and she’d call whenever they were through. She told them to be sure to watch the show.

Books & Spoons - Review

"This is a story that it is easy to sink into, and forget about everything around you. I felt for the characters, I sympathized with them. I responded to their pain and worry, I felt like I was in their shoes while reading the story. It is a beautifully done, touching tale of two months in life that will change the future of two families forever, an alluring study of love with its many faces."

Beck Valley Books - Talents and Meatballs

In For Love or Money, Janie has to make meatballs one night. She does it by rote. Naturally. Instinctively. She’s dealing with threats from an ex-husband to take her son from her. With money issues. And still finding the time to give her four-year-old special needs angel every minute of the day that he needs from her. She’s feeling like, no matter how hard she tries, she’s just not enough. That she doesn’t have the ‘gifts’ to be enough.

Thoughts of a Blonde - Review

"A heartfelt book that touches on so many lessons in life. There’s not a huge amount of romance in it, but there’s a growing love and affection that stems from two families torn apart by heartache, that find their ways to happiness again … together!"

Getting Your Read On - Review

"This book is gentle, slow moving and full of emotional struggle for the characters. There are lots of real life challenges represented. This is a clean read with the Harlequin Heartwarming line..."

Love, Laughter, Friendship - Review

"Overall, I loved the book and the characters. Ms. Taylor Quinn is one of my all time favorite Harlequin authors and she never misses with me."

Book Reviews & More by Kathy - Excerpt from For Love or Money

His stomach tightened a bit. So much was at stake. He was a bit…curious, too. He’d never been in a television studio before. And while, in some ways – the intense lighting for one – it reminded him a bit of an operating room – it was also very…different. As the contestants came in one by one, each taking a solo walk across the stage for the camera footage, he got a little caught up in their excitement, too.

Maya's Musings - Character Interview

Q. What or who is the greatest love of your life?

A. Well now that’s a tough one. My daughter of course. But I’ve just met this woman and if you’d forgive me for getting a bit un-me-like (looking down briefly and then back up) I think she’s getting to me in a way that’s out of my control.

Wishful Endings - Life Has No Easy Answers

For Love or Money – there’s no ‘or’ for me. It’s always for love. But sometimes loving means needing money. Most particularly when you’re a single mother of a special needs child who needs therapy that isn’t free.

And don't forget to check out TTQ's visit tomorrow, August 13th, over at Harlequin Junkie!

For Love or Money

(Family Secrets #1)

by Tara Taylor Quinn

Adult Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

August 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She can't afford to lose this…or him

There's no way that struggling single mom Janie Young is going to lose Family Secrets. Not even to Dr. Burke Carter. The prize money and media exposure from the cooking-competition show will secure the future for her and her son, who has special needs. Sure, Burke is a talented chef with his own reasons to win, but he already has so much: wealth, a beautiful daughter, great looks…and definitely her attention. As their families become closer, Janie is beginning to care too much about him. But she can't afford to get involved. Not when everything is riding on beating him.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

The author of more than 70 original novels, in twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestseller with over six million copies sold. A 2015 RITA finalist Tara appears frequently on bestseller lists, including #1 placement on Amazon lists, and multiple showings on the Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller list. She has appeared on national and local TV across the country, including CBS Sunday Morning.

Tara is a supporter of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you or someone you know might be a victim of domestic violence in the United States, please contact 1-800-799-7233.

Website│Goodreads│Amazon│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram│Wattpad

Check out the other releases and events part of this promotion HERE!

Heart Stopping Tara Taylor Quinn Giveaways

FOR LOVE OR MONEY TOUR GIVEAWAY

$10 VISA gift card and winner’s ebook choice of one of TTQ's Superromance Where Secrets Are Safe Series

US only
Ends August 17th

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TTQ PRE-ORDER/PURCHASE KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY

ENTER HERE

Kindle Fire with Six Pre-loaded TTQ Books (books 1-6 from Where Secrets are Safe series)

US only
Ends August 31st

To Enter: Submit your receipt online for your pre-order or purchase the soon-to-be-released Heartwarming compilation: A Heartwarming Holiday: 15 Connected Sweet Holiday Romances and/or
of any of Tara Taylor Quinn’s six releases being promoted on her Heart Stopping Tour (Love By Association, His First Choice, The Promise He Made Her, Strangers in Paradise: Sheltered In His Arms, Sheltered In His Arms Audiobook, and For Love Or Money). Enter as many times as you purchase. One book purchase equals one entry (one receipt or invoice/order number per entry and must be entered at time of entry).

TTQ HARLEQUIN MY REWARDS POINTS GIVEAWAY

1st Place: 25,000 Harlequin My Rewards Points – equivalent of 5 free books, reader’s choice of any book published by Harlequin/MIRA/Carina Press.
2nd Place: 15,000 Harlequin My Rewards Points – equivalent of 3 free books, reader’s choice
3rd Place: 10,000 Harlequin My Rewards Points – equivalent of 2 free books, readers choice

Open internationally
Ends August 31st

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Review: Disillusioned by Christy Barritt

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Nikki Wright is desperate to help her brother, Bobby, who hasn’t been the same since escaping from a detainment camp run by terrorists in Colombia. Rumor has it that he betrayed his navy brothers and conspired with those who held him hostage, and both the press and the military are hounding him for answers. All Nikki wants is to shield her brother so he has time to recover and heal.

But soon they realize the paparazzi are the least of their worries. When a group of men try to abduct Nikki and her brother, Bobby insists that Kade Wheaton, another former SEAL, can keep them out of harm’s way. But can Nikki trust Kade? After all, the man who broke her heart eight years ago is anything but safe…

Hiding out in a farmhouse on the Chesapeake Bay, Nikki finds her loyalties—and the remnants of her long-held faith—tested as she and Kade put aside their differences to keep Bobby’s increasingly erratic behavior under wraps. But when Bobby disappears, Nikki will have to trust Kade completely if she wants to uncover the truth about a rumored conspiracy. Nikki’s life—and the fate of the nation—depends on it.

My Review

I couldn't put this suspenseful book down and finished it at 4 am! It has a quick and steady pace, well-balanced with thrilling action sequences and moments of introspection on the part of both Nikki and Kade. The plot is just complicated enough to make me wonder what's coming next, but not difficult to follow. It made me admire the strength of those who serve in the military and the sacrifices they make to keep our country safe. Nikki and Kade have a romantic history that both regret, but for different reasons. The attraction is still there, and Nikki realizes that Kade is still the rock that he once was in her life, but she has serious trust issues after dealing with an abusive relationship. Her transition back to putting her faith in God was a little abrupt and lacking emotion, but she already had a foundation that she just needed to return to. Fans of Christian romantic suspense will love this book!!!

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

Review: Once More a Family by Lily George

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

To bring his daughter home to Texas, widowed rancher Jack Burnett needs a wife. And the well-bred Ada Westmore, his neighbor's niece, will surely meet his father-in-law's approval. Not willing to open his heart again to love, Jack proposes a marriage in name only. But his independent bride proves more intriguing than he expected.

Needing to support her sisters after the collapse of their father's fortune, Ada reluctantly agrees to the handsome cowboy's proposal. The transformation from New York belle to prairie wife—and mother—is challenging for the onetime suffragist. But when their little family faces the threat of being torn apart, Ada and Jack must decide whether their marriage of convenience can become a marriage of love.

My Review

This was an interesting take on a marriage of convenience story. Ada is a very proper lady, but strong enough to handle the rough life on the ranch and a willful child caught in the middle of her father and grandfather who was appointed guardian by her late mother. Jack and Ada must kowtow to the grandfather's wishes in order to even have a chance at keeping Jack's daughter. That part of the story was upsetting since Jack is her father and I questioned the legality of a mother imparting guardianship in her will. Ada does her best, but of course there are challenges, including rebelliousness, miscommunication, and natural disasters. Through all the trials she proves that she is different than Jack's first wife and they form a bond that they didn't expect. I was anxious to see the outcome of the family's dynamics and hoped for a happy ending for all.

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

Spotlight, Excerpt & Giveaway: Always You by Ruth Roberts

 

Always You by Ruth Roberts

After tragedy strikes, Diana Mathison finds herself back in her home town of Magnolia Falls, sharing custody of her baby sister with her step sister. Reeling from the death of their parents, the three sisters have to learn how to lean on each other and live life without their two pillars of strength. Diana is full of doubts in her ability to raise a little girl and run her father’s law firm. The last thing she needs is to have Zack Connelly back in her life. The last time she let him in she ended up hurt and broken hearted.

Zack has given up on true love. It’s not for him and it’s certainly not with Diana Mathison. He came back to Magnolia Falls to heal after losing his sweet wife and their unborn child at the hands of a drunk driver. Hannah never had a chance at the love and happiness she deserved, therefore neither should he. His life plan is to take care of his sister and niece for as long as they need him, and to be the best veterinarian the town has ever had. That’s enough for him…or is it?

Excerpt

She leaned against the counter and began filling them out. “How much do I owe you?” She asked. “Dinner,” he replied. She looked up at him with a raised brow. “Excuse me?” “You owe me the dinner you promised me ten years ago, with interest I’d say you owe me somewhere around one hundred dinners.” He put his elbows on the counter between them and leaned towards her, bringing their faces close together. “I’m free Friday if you want to start chipping away at that debt.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She stood up straight and pushed the completed forms toward him. “That should do it.” She gathered up her purse and keys she had set on the counter. “I’ll thank you now for the puppy because at two in the morning when it has me up with its whining and howling, I will be anything but thankful. In fact, I will probably be cursing you.” She smiled, but it didn’t quite have the same flash as before, and he felt a web of disappointment she hadn’t responded the way he wanted her to. But he wasn’t planning on giving up that easily. “You’re welcome. And if you need any help at two in the morning or just want the satisfaction of knowing I’m not getting any sleep either, call me.” “I just might do that. See you around, Zack.” “Sure thing,” he said as she walked through the door. She stopped, turned around, and leaned against the door jam. A smile touched the corners of her lips. “Dinner’s at seven. Don’t be late.”  

About the Author
 
Romance novelist Ruth Roberts lives in the Big D, where city life abounds but the wide open spaces Texas is famous for are within easy reach. Her books transport readers to the glittering life of high-society, while making the characters normal, fun people we would all like to have as friends. She loves reading, writing and Gilmore Girls. She and her teenage daughter call themselves the real life Gilmore Girls. Her very own romantic hero of twenty years is her greatest inspiration and support.

Website

Blast Giveaway 

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/26/16 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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E-book sale! Only 99 cents for Unraveled by Julie Daines

I snagged this great deal yesterday and wanted to share it with you too since Julie Daines is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!

Synopsis

When sickness swept through Bronwen’s family, it took the life of her father, brother, and sister, and left her permanently crippled. On the stormy eve of her sixteenth birthday, a faerie-witch gifts her a pair of enchanted shoes. Bronwen slips them on and is healed--but only when the shoes are on her feet. Her grace and beauty catches the eye of the king’s son--Urien, a handsome young man who prides himself on having everything perfect.

When Rhys, an old acquaintance and Captain of the Guard, recognizes Bronwen, he threatens to tell Urien her secret. Desperate to keep her deformity hidden and not to lose the love of handsome Urien, Bronwen quickly finds herself tangled in a web of lies and deceit. After all, she can't wear the shoes forever.

Daughters of Jared by H.B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

From the Book of Ether comes a haunting story of two royal sisters. The elder sister, Ash, will do anything to bring her father, King Jared II, back to the throne. The younger sister, Naiva, only wants to save her family from destruction. The bond of sisterhood becomes precariously fragile when one man . . . named Akish . . . falls in love with the younger sister, Naiva. Yet he chooses to marry the elder sister.

The sisters’ hearts are divided. And when Ash becomes queen, seduced by the promise of power and wealth, Naiva watches her world crumble away. She sees only one way out. But it will require forsaking all that she holds dear.

My Review

Wow. Just wow. Heather B.Moore is an author who is extremely skilled at bringing the scriptures to life. This story is based on the 10th century B.C. Meso-American scriptural account from the Book of Ether in The Book of Mormon. (I believe this ancient story can be appreciated by readers of all faiths). It was a time of much corruption and struggle for power within the ruling family. I recognized the structure of the tale and the real-life characters from my own scripture study, but this novel is written in first person perspective from second daughter Naiva's point of view. She is an innately good person, loyal to her sister even at great sacrifice to herself. I was frustrated that she recognized the manipulation by her family but continued to serve them out of love. As she learns about and turns to the Lord instead of the idols and gods she was raised with, He strengthens her in her trials and guides her path. There are some seriously humbling and heart-breaking experiences for herself and her family, but the support she is lacking from her sister she finds with a few devout servants of the royal household and Levi, Akish's righteous brother. Naiva's sweet romance with Levi was thwarted at every turn, and I wondered if she would ever have her own happy future. Even though I knew the general story from the scriptures, I was riveted with Naiva's journey and the rich details the author used to make it easy for the reader to envision the ancient time period. Highly recommend, especially to fans of Biblical fiction.

(Thank you to Ebooks For Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)