Grand Finale Blitz: Carousel Nights by Amie Denman

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Carousel Nights

By Amie Denman

We hope you enjoyed some amusement park magic and learning more about June and Mel's story. 

Don't forget to grab a copy of the first book in the series while it's on sale!

If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out now...

Launch - The Starlight Point Stories

When I was a college student, I escaped textbooks and spent my summer days working at an amusement park. My experience four summers in a row became the inspiration for Starlight Point Stories published by Harlequin Heartwarming.

I Am A Reader - Summer Love

Have you ever fallen in love in the summer? I fall in love with summer every year, but I actually fell in love during summer when I worked at a seasonal resort and amusement park much like the fictional Starlight Point in my Harlequin Heartwarming series. In case you’re one of those people who likes to skip to the happy ending, I’ll let you off the hook right now. I’m still in love with the same man more than twenty years later.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Mel felt the air change the moment her gaze swung to him. He wasn’t foolish enough to think she brightened because of any reason except one: he was key to getting things done around Starlight Point. And she had a project in mind.

Hardcover Feedback - Review

"All in all, this was a great read. Perfect for a day at the beach, relaxing by the pool, or anytime really. I definitely recommend the book to any fan of contemporary romantic fiction."

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Sisters

If you have siblings, you know how much they contribute to shaping you as a person. I have three sisters with whom I’ve always been close, and I know that they have influenced me—almost always in a good way! The four of us even have a vague pact to end up in a bungalow in Key West together someday to raise a margarita glass to our gray hairs. My Starlight Point series focuses on romance, of course, but the relationship between the three siblings who inherit an amusement park is also close to my heart.

underneath the covers - Excerpt

"Mel’s familiar scent—Dial soap mixed with a little bit of sweat and motor oil—tingled her senses even with a hundred other distractions. Of course he was hard to ignore. He was standing so close their clothing touched."

Book Lover in Florida - Excerpt

Having a good partner made a difference the size of the peninsula Starlight Point sat on. June was light and graceful, her love for the movement clear in every step and sway. Leading her as a dance partner was like being behind the wheel of a Ferrari. The only way he could go wrong was if he lost control.

EskieMama Reads - Promo



Harlie's Books - Review

"All that makes for a great story. June and Mel were getting a second chance at love but some really big decisions needed to be made? Did I have my doubts? Nope, I knew that Ms. Denman wouldn’t do that to me.  She wrote a heartwarming book that had the characters, emotional depth, and an amusement park. And dancing. "

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"Carousel Nights is fun and sweet and swoonworthy with some really great kisses and a really great setting. The chemistry between Mel and June is one that comes from years of knowing each other, from years of being in love, and yet it feels new and electric. The tension of running an amusement park – the crackle of the radio signaling another breakdown or emergency – keeps the action high and the pace steady."

Christy's Cozy Corners - Review

"I love this story and these characters! There is so much life in this book. The romance develops quickly but not in an unrealistic way since June and Mel have known each other forever. You will love reading this story! It is so sweet and heartwarming. I highly recommend it!"

With Love for Books - Review

"Amie Denman has chosen a fantastic setting for her series. She brings Starlight Point to life with vivid descriptions of the park itself and the plans to make it successful again. I fell in love with the place straight away. Amie Denman's writing flows easily and it was fun to read about the rides and everyone's response to them. It feels like the main characters really belong in the amusement park, which is something I loved about Carousel Nights. I also liked the sweet romance very much and highly recommend this lovely book."

Bookworm Lisa - Starlight Point Amusement Park

In Carousel Nights, you’ll meet June Hamilton. She shares ownership of the family amusement park Starlight Point with her brother and her sister. Only twenty-five, she does not plan to settle in and devote her life to roller coasters, cotton candy, and the beach resort. She wants to keep dancing on Broadway, but she comes home for the summer to lend her talent to the live shows at Starlight Point.

Thoughts of a Blonde - Review

"5 STARS! Feels like a homecoming when you read a book that portrays such a sweet reunion!"

And don't forget to nominate Amie's book on KindleScout!

Carousel Nights

(Starlight Point Stories #2)
by Amie Denman

Adult Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

August 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Every first love deserves a second chance

June Hamilton left home to pursue her dream of dancing on Broadway. Seven years later, she has one regret: Mel Preston, her teenage crush and onetime summer love. Now a single dad and the head of maintenance at Starlight Point, her family's amusement park, Mel's easy smile still makes her heart beat in triple time. But June came home with a plan. She would spend the summer revitalizing the park's aging theaters, then make a graceful exit back to the big city. Until Mel and his young son start making a powerful claim on her emotions, and June faces an impossible decision…

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│iTunes│Kobo

Other Books in the Series

Under the Boardwalk

(Starlight Point Stories #2)
by Amie Denman

Adult Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

January 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Everyone's counting on him

With the sudden death of his father, Jack Hamilton finds himself running the family amusement park, Starlight Point. His first job? Balance the books, and that means raising the rent for vendors like baker Augusta Murphy.

Gus won't accept the new contract…not without a fight. She rallies the other vendors and sets out to negotiate with Jack. At least, she tries. How do you play hardball with a man who's charming and kind and still grieving? Gus needs to figure it out fast, because the closer she gets to Jack, the more she risks losing everything.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

Amie Denman lives in Ohio with her husband, sons, cats, and dog. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys walking and playing outside. Born with an overdeveloped sense of curiosity, she's been known to chase fire trucks on her bicycle just to see what's going on. Amie believes that everything is fun: especially roller coasters, wedding cake, and falling in love.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Giveaway

10 copies of the first book in the series, Under the Boardwalk (print if US, ebook if outside the US)

Open internationally
Ends September 2nd

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Review: No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Men are optional. That's the credo Emma Chandler's suffragette aunts preached and why she started a successful women's colony in Harper's Station, Texas. But when an unknown assailant tries repeatedly to drive them out, Emma admits they might need a man after all. A man who can fight--and she knows just the one.

Malachi Shaw finally earned the respect he craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma's plea arrives, he bolts to Harper's Station to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she's not a girl any longer. She's a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn't deserve.

As the danger intensifies, old feelings grow and deepen, but Emma and Mal will need more than love to survive.

My Review

Once again I was captivated by the unique story that Karen Witemeyer wove with vibrant historical detail, humor, action, and sweet romance. I loved the background of how Malachi came to know Emma and her aunts as a youth. It created a special bond between him and Emma and their rapport as adults picked up right where it left off. He is unfailingly loyal and defends her with a fierce protectiveness. The setting of a western town with no men is fascinating, with a wide variety of characters who live and work in the community. I appreciated that Emma was not portrayed as a man-hater, even though she's witnessed abuse and dealt with some frustrating men. She is open to love and sees the good in all people, males included. Mal's reserved yet passionate nature was a perfect contrast to Emma's more open and positive personality, and as they worked together to protect the community and draw out the villain, their relationship deepens even though Mal doesn't think he deserves her. The person behind the attacks remains a mystery for much of the book, leading me to suspect pretty much anyone suspicious :) Emma and Mal had to do the same in order to catch the perpetrator, even though it was hard for Emma to believe any of the ladies taking refuge in their town could be a traitor. The story explored themes of independence, recovery from abuse, the value and worth of an individual, and finding purpose in following God's will.

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

About the Author

Christy Award finalist and winner of the ACFW Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, and Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes Christian historical romance for Bethany House, believing the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children.

Website - Facebook - Goodreads - Pinterest

Review & Giveaway: The Beautiful Balance by Michelle Wilson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Whether in your family, your ward, or your community, you’ve observed them: those noble individuals who are strong, patient, and stalwart in the face of adversity. When times are tough, how do they manage the challenging shift from victim to victor? Chances are they have figured out the balance of control—what they have charge of and what is in the Lord’s hands.

Trying to manage the ups and downs of life can feel overwhelming, but fortunately we’re not alone on this journey. With inspiring doctrinal insights and a healthy dose of humor, author Michelle Wilson inspires readers to let go of fear and find peace, even in the midst of lost jobs, health challenges, or everyday chaos at home. In a world that seems so tempestuous, The Beautiful Balance is a sweet reminder of exactly what we can control—ourselves—and what God controls—all the rest.

My Review

The Beautiful Balance is an inspiring and helpful book written with LDS (Mormon) readers in mind, but other Christian faiths can definitely appreciate the insight and wisdom the author shares. I found myself highlighting several passages and quotes that resonated with me. I highly recommend his book and plan to refer to it over and over as I continue to seek a more balanced life.


The book is written in two parts: claiming personal control, and giving the rest to God. She breaks down the concept of self-control into four aspects- control over our priorities, actions, attitude, and beliefs. I especially appreciated how the author explored the subtle differences between them and it was easy to apply each to my own life. Other topics examined are what's behind the quest for control, and the distinction between influence and control.

In the second part, the difficult task of letting go is handled reminders of God's nature- full of compassion, love, and grace as well as expectations of faith and obedience. My favorite part was the importance of seeking and receiving personal revelation, refocusing and aligning our desires with God's in "the perfect companionship". The ultimate blessing of a balanced life is peace. "We think we want control, but what we really want is peace." When we understand that we control ourselves and trust in the Lord to take care of the rest, we can have peace through our trials and adversity and the power to overcome them.

While her own experiences and struggles are a major part of the narrative, the author also explains other personality types and includes anecdotes for them as well. There are examples from members of her family and those she has come to know in church and life. She includes inspiring quotes from real-life heroes such as Elizabeth Smart, Viktor E. Frankel, modern-day prophets and apostles, plenty of stories from the scriptures, and best of all, words from our Savior Jesus Christ.

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

Aug. 22nd
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Fire and Ice Reads

Aug. 23rd

Bonnie Gets a Say

Singing Librarian Books

Aug. 24th

My Book a Day

Rockin' Book Reviews

Aug. 25th

LDS and Lovin' It

I am a Reader

 

Aug. 26th

Sweetly Made Just for You

Heidi Reads...

Mel's Shelves

Literary Time Out

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Review & Giveaway: Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God's existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way ...

Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After his failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.

Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter's faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?

My Review

Starving Hearts was more suspenseful than I anticipated, and I had an overall feeling of trepidation as I read the novel. The villain was despicable and his evil plans were made apparent from the beginning. Annette and Peter were likeable enough, but I wished more character development in the beginning had been balanced with the details of the events occurring. The dialogue was formal and felt historically accurate, yet sometimes made it hard to follow or maintain interest. I was relieved when Annette's repetitive bemoaning of the lack of intelligent people to converse with tapered off. A large part of the book focuses on the African slave trade, with both Annette and Peter supporting its abolition. I didn't feel a great connection to the story or characters, rather more removed as an observer. I think fans of historical fiction might appreciate the setting and topic, but since I tend to enjoy books of a more romantic nature, I didn't find that this one was for me.

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

Will Annette's search for love and acceptance replace the loss and hurt in her heart? Find out in Janine Mendenhall's book one, Starving Hearts, of the Triangular Trade Trilogy. Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .

Join in the search for love and acceptance with Janine and Starving Hearts by entering to win the Delightful Heart Gift Pack Giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Starving Hearts
• A bottle of essential oils
• An essential oils diffuser necklace
• A chiffon scarf
• A shoulder handbag
• A copy of Jane Austen's World

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on September 12. The winner will be announced September 13 on Janine's blog.

Excerpt & Giveaway: Pre-order The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson!

The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson

Who is he really? A high and mighty lord or a lowly servant? When Colin Cavendish, the new earl of Drayson, informs Lucy Beresford that she and her mother need to vacate the house they've called home for the past two years, Lucy is fit to be tied. They have no money, no relations they can turn to for help, and nowhere to go. How dare the earl break the promise his father had made to the Beresfords without so much as a twinge of conscience? Fate plays her hand when Lucy discovers the earl unconscious and injured in the middle of the road. When he awakens with no recollection of who he is, Lucy seizes the opportunity to teach the earl a much-needed lesson in humility and tells him that he is nothing more than a mere servant. Her servant, in fact. And thus begins the charming tale of a pompous lord and an impetuous young woman, caught together in a web so tangled that it begs the question: Will they ever get out?  

Publication Date: Monday, August 29th

Excerpt 

He stared at her incredulously, as though she had escaped Bedlam. “Are you in your right mind, woman?” Lucy leaned forward and planted her palms on his bed so that her eyes were level with his. “My name is Lucy Beresford. I have lived in Askern all my life. I’m the sole daughter of a vicar and a seamstress who lived most happily despite their differences in station. When my father passed away, I came here, to this dower house. So yes, I am in my right mind. It is you who are not.” The earl’s jaw clenched, and Lucy took some pleasure at the sight. Perhaps he would come down off his high horse and show at least a small amount of kindness or respect. “I may not know who I am or where I came from,” he finally said, “but at least I do not feel the need to tell tales.” “Tell tales?” Lucy gaped at him. Was he accusing her of telling untruths? Her, of all people? What untruths? How dare he! Lord Drayson glanced down at his fingers, frowning when he spotted grime under his nails. He began to scrape it out as he spoke. “Claiming to be the daughter of a vicar and seamstress is all very romantic, but it cannot possibly be the truth.” “And why not?” she asked. His gaze returned to hers. “In my experience, the daughter of a vicar would behave with more decorum, would know how to make a palatable broth, and would never allow herself to be alone in a room with a man who is not her relative. If there is one thing I know with absolute certainty, it is that you are no relation of mine.” Lucy’s jaw clenched as she fought to control the rage building inside her. Ever so slowly, she pushed herself up to standing and glared down at the earl. “You are correct in thinking I am no ordinary vicar’s daughter. I do not love unconditionally. I show decorum only when I wish to. And I despise those who care for no one but themselves. But I do not tell tales.” He actually chuckled, but it was more of a scoff than a show of humor. “Did you learn those traits from your father?” “Do not speak of my father.” “I would prefer to speak of myself, but you do not seem to share that preference, so perhaps we should speak of your father instead. Where is he, by the by? I would very much like to meet him.” Lucy’s fingers became fists while her conscience became a battleground between all that was good and evil inside her. It was a short battle, with evil making a quick triumph. Ever so slowly, her body still trembling with anger, she lifted her chin. If he was going to accuse her of telling tales, then tell them she would. “Very well, Collins. If you must know, I am your employer. And though you may not remember me, or this house, or your position in it, or the fact that you are perfectly susceptible to coming off a horse, just like any other human, I still expect some kindness and respect from you.” “What on earth are you talking about? What position?” There was not a hint of hesitation in her voice when she answered. “You are a servant in this house.”

   

Author Rachael Anderson

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 9/18/16 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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Cover Reveal: Heart Strings by Donna Hatch

We are so excited to have Author Donna Hatch with us once again to feature her newest book! For those who haven't yet met Donna, let's get to know her:

Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

Connect with the Author:

      

   

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And now, let's check out her fantastic new book!

Synopsis: Gently bred young ladies don’t run away from home to find employment, but when forced to choose between marrying a brutish oaf or becoming another man’s mistress, Susanna makes an unconventional decision. Following her passion for music, she flees to London with dreams of securing a position as a harpist. Becoming entangled with a handsome violinist who calls himself Kit, but who seems too aristocratic for a working-class musician, may be more problematic than sleeping in the streets.

Kit's attention is captured by Susanna’s breath-taking talent, admirable grace, and winsome smiles…until a lawman exposes the new harpist as a runaway bride and a thief. With peril lurking in the shadows, Susanna’s imminent danger not only forces Kit to choose between his better judgment and his heart, but he must also embrace the life to which he swore he would never return.

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And now ... are you ready to see the wonderful new cover??

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Ahhhhh I love it!! Don't you?  Tell us what you think!!

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Review: The Courtship Basket by Amy Clipston

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Years ago, a picnic basket brought two hearts together. For Rachel and Mike, history may be about to repeat itself.

Rachel Fisher is devastated when the young man she’s loved for years leaves her to date her best friend. Her heart is broken, and she has all but given up on love. Determined to keep her mind off the pain, she starts teaching at an Amish school for children with learning disabilities.

Since his father became ill, Mike Lantz has been overwhelmed with the responsibility of providing for his family and caring for his six-year-old brother, John. When John joins Rachel’s class and she learns that his mother is deceased and his father sick, she desperately wants to help the family, even with something as simple as a meal.

With her parents’ old picnic basket, Rachel begins sending food to the Lantz family. As the weeks go by, John’s grades start to improve, and the attraction grows between Rachel and Mike. They can’t deny that their friendship is growing toward something more, but both of them are hesitant to risk a more serious relationship.

The last thing Rachel wants is another heartbreak, and Mike is worried about providing for his loved ones. Will the two be able to reconcile their past hurts with new hope for the future?

My Review

I read this book after visiting Amish Country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, so the setting was fresh and vibrant in my head as I read about Rachel and Mike's struggles, and I think it enhanced my experience. The most touching thing in this book to me was the way Mike was the caregiver for his dying father. Such a heart-wrenching time of life, full of exhaustion, grief, worry, hope, and prayers. He needs all the support he can get, and his first meeting with outspoken Rachel did not start them off on the right foot. Over time Rachel's compassion shines through her dedication to his little brother John's education and the meals she sends in the large picnic basket to help his family. I thought Rachel's initial ambivalence about teaching was interesting, but as she learns some humbling lessons and increases her skills, she sees the value that helping others has in her life. She and Mike are definitely attracted to each other but misconceptions and fears create a bumpy road in their developing relationship. I loved the strong sense of community and family in both households and the bond they shared with their family members, which created a memorable cast of characters.

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