Review & Giveaway: Life Creative: Inspiration for Today's Renaissance Mom by Wendy Speake, Kelli Stuart

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A celebration of motherhood, creativity, and the faith that binds them 

In our Pinterest age of handcrafted children's parties, artistic Instagram photos, tutorials for renovating old furniture into new treasures, and blogs filled with poetry, prose, and other creative expression, it is clear that a brand-new generation of creative women is rising up. It is a renaissance born not in Italian cathedrals or Harlem jazz clubs but in kitchens and nurseries and living rooms around the world. But when Christian women become mothers, they often feel expected to lay down their creative pursuits in order to properly parent.

Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart know that struggle. While they acknowledge that some seasons of mothering require setting artistic pursuits aside, they also argue that these seasons don't have to last until empty nest time. Instead, mothers with creative gifts are called to actively use them in order to bless their families, their communities, and everyone they encounter.

Inspiring and encouraging, Life Creative celebrates the ways mothers can live their art in the midst of their mothering. They tell the stories of women such as author and speaker Angie Smith, recording artist Ellie Holcomb, and jewelry designer Lisa Leonard who do just that. By following God's leading to embrace His gifts, renaissance moms can model the joy of obedience for their families.

My Review

I loved the encouragement in this inspiring book! I've been feeling like I've neglected many of my creative talents, and regretting it. The authors helped put things in perspective- the never ending balance of motherhood, work, and homemaking. They helped me see that my creative gifts are God-given and can be incorporated into my life as it is now, even if it's in small ways or through ministering to my children. They focus on the importance of using our creativity to inspire our faith, but I never felt a guilt-trip, rather immense understanding for the difficulties mothers face, especially those with young children. The topic is approached from various angles, and I especially appreciated the thought that women help lift each other since I feel a great connection to the friends in my life who are in similar circumstances. I am excited to embrace my new identity of Renaissance mom and sanctify some of my time to tap into the part of my soul that yearns to create. I highly recommend this book for all moms, especially those who are feeling the urge to become more creative!

(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)

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Is there room for creativity and children in a mother's life? Learn how to balance home, art, and family in Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart's new book, Life Creative. In this Pinterest age of handcrafted children’s parties, Instagram photos of beautifully decorated homes, and blogs filled with poetry and prose, it is clear that we are in the midst of a brand new artistic renaissance. Life Creative paints the stories of moms, just like you, who are fitting their inspired lives into the everyday, ordinary places of motherhood.

Join Wendy, Kelli, and other moms in celebrating the beauty of being a creative mom by entering to win the Called to Be Creative Giveaway (details below) and by attending their author chat party on October 27!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of Life Creative
• The Gracelaced Personalizable Mom's Wreath
• A handmade leather journal
• A Starbucks gift card

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 10/27. The winner will be announced at the Life Creative Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Wendy, Kelli, and other creative moms, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!

Review, Giveaway & Extras: A Chaotic Courtship by Bethany Swafford

We are so excited to have Bethany Swafford back for a tour for her amazing book. We had such a great response to her blitz and every so many reviews coming this week from people excited to read her wonderful book. Come join us on the journey!

For as long as she can remember, Bethany Swafford has loved reading books. That love of words extended to writing as she grew older and when it became more difficult to find a ‘clean’ book, she determined to write her own. Among her favorite authors is Jane Austen, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Georgette Heyer.

When she doesn’t have pen to paper (or fingertips to laptop keyboard), she can generally be found with a book in hand. In her spare time, Bethany reviews books for a book site called More Than A Review.

Connect with the Author here: 

~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Instagram ~

Twenty year old Diana Forester, a country bred young woman fears that her inexperience and uncertainties has driven Mr. John Richfield away. On arriving back home from London, she learns that he is already there, ready to continue their acquaintance. If Diana thought that it was difficult in London, courting takes on a whole new aspect when Diana's younger siblings become involved. She finds herself dealing with her own feelings, her sister, her younger brother, jealous members of a house party, a jilted suitor, and a highwayman as she falls in love with the charming Mr. Richfield.

Find the book on:
~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon UK ~ 
~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU ~

My Review
3 stars / I liked it

There is much fun in this Regency romp, but most of it is between Diana and her siblings! She bickers and squabbles quite a bit with her sister Sarah, but I was impressed that the author was still able to convey that the sisters did love each other in spite of the fact that they drove each other crazy- most of the time on purpose. There is a strong sense of family loyalty as the siblings protect each other from back-biting debutantes and a mysterious highwayman. Diana's mother is wise and a calming influence on the family, and her father is a noble and caring patriarch. Diana and Mr. Richfield are taking the time to get to know each other before jumping into marriage, but I didn't feel like there was much focus on that, especially since Diana remarked that she didn't even know the name of the estate he owned after they got engaged. He is charming and sweet, and appreciates Diana's differences from the other ladies of society. The plot kind of meanders along and the discovery of the highwayman's identity brings it to a conclusion.

(Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)

Character Casting

A Chaotic Courtship

Author’s Dream Cast

Diana Forester: Felicity Jones

John Richfield: Tom Hiddleston

Sarah Forester:  Jenna Coleman

Will Forester: Thomas Brodie-Sangster

Phillip Knighton: Xavier Samuel

Miss Reynolds: Hayley Atwell

Lady Anna Carlyle:  Anne Hathaway

John Ward: James Norton

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 

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Stuck in a Good Book Giveaway Hop!

Don't you just love being stuck in a good book? One that I read recently is A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears! It has a great sense of the historical time period and strong characters. Enter in the Giveaway Tools widget below for a chance to win a copy of the book...

Synopsis

Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so when she joins the Teaville Moral Society, she genuinely hopes to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poor house herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the moral society's president is her suitor's mother. Her first task as a moral society member—to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town—should be easy . . . except he flat-out refuses.
Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresee the harrowing complications that will arise from working together. When town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs—and hearts—truly align.

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Book Tour Grand Finale for Courting the Countess by Donna Hatch!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale & Release Celebration for

Courting the Countess

By Donna Hatch

How can a convenient marriage that saves two men from dueling also win over two hearts?
Check out the tour stops you may have missed and grab a copy, AVAILABLE NOW!

Launch - Fun Facts About Courting the Countess and Donna Hatch

What's one thing readers would find unique or interesting?

Donna Hatch is reinventing the Clean and Wholesome romance novel with her unique style, weaving virtue and values into her stories, rich in authentic historical culture, and sweet yet sizzling romantic chemistry suitable for all readers of Regency romance.

Mel's Shelves - Character Descriptions

At his silence, she glanced at him before her eyes darted away. Then, perhaps because she’d seen something reassuring, or unexpected, she met his gaze. Her clear, gray-green eyes danced back and forth between his as if to divine his thoughts.

deal sharing aunt - Interview

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating COURTING THE COUNTESS?

I learned sometimes characters come with their own backstories and decisions no matter what I have planned for them….which sounds neurotic, but, hey, that’s an author’s mind.

Nicole's Book Musings - Excerpt

“Get your hands off my sister!” a voice snarled.

Tristan snapped his head back and stepped away. Alone, Elizabeth wobbled on her feet. Her brother, Martindale, stalked into view, bristling like an angry dog.

Book Lover in Florida - Rules of Dueling in Regency England

In England, dueling was part of a long-standing code of honor, far beyond a mere tradition. Gentlemen took their dueling very seriously; they would rather die than be dishonored. Does your heart go pitter patter just at the sound of that?

Falling Leaves - Excerpt

“This is my problem. I’ll duel him.”

“Absolutely not. I don’t mean to stand by and watch you get shot, or stabbed by a rapier. Even though you deserve it.”

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review

"I adore the way this story thrusts the reader back into Regency England. I felt like I was there, experiencing the sights and sounds of London during this time. My attention was captured and never released. There's more than just a lovely romance to this story and I enjoyed those key elements, as they really added to the flavor and gave some meat to the book."

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"I enjoyed the book. I liked getting to know Elizabeth and Richard and hoped they would find a happy life together. There were a few parts that seemed a little drawn out to me, but I did not loose interest in the story or the characters. This is a fun book to read just for the pleasure of a good clean romance."

Getting Your Read On - Review

"I love how this story unfolded, bit by bit. The more I knew about both Richard and Elizabeth, the more I loved them. Each had personal demons that tormented them daily, and kept them from letting go and loving. It was quite a journey for these two but it was well worth it as a reader."

Becky on Books - Interview

What are you working on right now? What can readers look for from you in the next year?

I am juggling several stories right now; book two of Courting the Countess, book five of the Rogue Hearts series, book two of Songs of the Heart series, and I am trying to brainstorm a novella for another Timeless Regency Romance which will be out next spring.

Zerina Blossom's Books - 10 Ways to Steal a Kiss

5 Ways to Steal a Kiss from a Lady

1. Catch her unaware, kiss her with firm yet gentle pressure, grin, touch her cheek, then saunter off while she’s still shocked and staring.

Wishful Endings - Stealing Kisses and Avoiding Scandal

Stealing kisses, and especially losing one’s virtue, was supposed to be very difficult during the Regency. Vigilant chaperones kept a sharp eye out on young ladies to protect both their reputation and their virtue. It was more than simple morality, more than keeping a marriage vow. It had less to do with love and loyalty and more to do with ensuring the purity of the line.

Kindle and Me - Review

"But in the end, I loved how Richard learns to love Elizabeth and the lengths he would go for her. Elizabeth too would do anything for Richard. The ending is absolutely perfect."

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium - Regency Arranged Marriages

The idea that we’d let our parents or guardians arranged our marriages leaves the modern day man and woman laughing–or possibly cringing. Yet this was a common custom throughout history in nearly every country of the world. (Indeed, it still exists in some countries.) I’m sure a few of those marriages ended up as love matches, while most grew into a merely mutual amiability born of a determination to make the most of a difficult situation. However, many were supremely miserable.

Bookworm Nation - Review

"Elizabeth and Richard were great charaters to follow, I thought they had great chemistry and it was fun to be along on their bumpy ride to love. Overall, another hit from Ms. Hatch, I really enjoyed this one and look forward to reading it again!"

Heidi Reads... - Review

"Some suspense comes into play in the later part of the book when the family is placed in danger and it added another dimension to the story. Overall I enjoyed the interactions between Richard and Elizabeth the most as they slowly get to know each other's true character and not just what they assumed from first impressions."

I Am A Reader - Seven Ways to Win the Love of Your Betrothed Wife

Winning the love of a woman who already gave her heart to another can be problematic. Still, with a little patience and imagination, hearts can be turned.

Don't forget to also enter the giveaway below...

Courting the Countess

by Donna Hatch

Adult Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 388 pages

October 5th 2016 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc

When charming rake Tristan Barrett sweeps Lady Elizabeth off her feet, stealing both her heart and a kiss in a secluded garden, her brother challenges Tristan to a duel. The only way to save her brother and Tristan from harm—not to mention preserve her reputation—is to get married. But her father, the Duke of Pemberton, refuses to allow his daughter to marry anyone but a titled lord. The duke demands that Elizabeth marry Tristan’s older brother, Richard, the Earl of Averston. Now Elizabeth must give up Tristan to marry a man who despises her, a man who loves another, a man she’ll never love.

Richard fears Elizabeth is as untrustworthy as his mother, who ran off with another man. However, to protect his brother from a duel and their family name from further scandal, he agrees to the wedding, certain his new bride will betray him. Yet when Elizabeth turns his house upside down and worms her way into his reluctant heart, Richard suspects he can’t live without his new countess. Will she stay with him or is it too little, too late?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│The Wild Rose Press

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 five years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Amazon

Tour Giveaway

$10 Amazon eGift Card and an ebook of The Stranger She Married

Open internationally
Ends October 10th

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Review & Giveaway: For Sale by Owner by Marlene Bateman

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

McKenzie Forsberg is headed home. She's quit her big-city job to return to her roots in the small town of Lake Forest. Kenzi hopes to buy her childhood home from her brother, Tom, as a way of revisiting the peace and security she's been missing in her life. But soon she is shocked to discover that the house has a pending sale, and Tom won't budge from the sale—not even for his sister.

Handsome widower Jared Rawlins catches Kenzie's eye until she realizes that he's the one who is buying her house—but he can only close the deal if he sells his own house by Christmas Eve. Jared is more than a little interested in Kenzie but has second thoughts when it seems that she may be sabotaging the sale of his home.
Slippery feelings of animosity and distrust ensue, with both Jared and Kenzie denying the chemistry between them. But then an unexpected discovery about their connected past puts a new twist in the dynamic. Now, can they put their differences aside and come to terms on a relationship that could last forever?

My Review

It seems like I've read a few books with a pretty similar premise lately- two people that are attracted to each other but fighting over the same house. I enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere of Kenzie's hometown and the congeniality between the Jared and her, even when they are supposedly at odds. Much of the narration and dialogue is telling about mundane details of daily life that don't seem to add to the story, but it progresses along at a steady pace. I was more interested in the subplot of Kenzie's falling out with her father, a well-meaning but gruff man who said regrettable things a few years ago that Kenzie has a hard time forgiving. The point of view switches between Jared and Kenzie, and a few scenes are shown from Kenzie's mother's perspective as well as Jared's son and Kenzie's daughter. I had a hard time really connecting with Kenzie's character since she seems a bit selfish or self-centered at times, and her emotions are told rather than shown. I found the book to be sweet, if a bit predictable. I definitely love the cover and appreciate that it directly relates to the story.

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

Blog Tour Schedule

Oct. 3rd

My Book a Day

 Literary Time Out

Bonnie Gets a Say

Rockin' Book Reviews

LDS Writer Mom

Oct. 4th

Bookworm Lisa

The Things I Love Most

I am a Reader

Empower Moms

Oct. 5th

Wishful Endings

 Heidi Reads...

Joy in the Moments

Singing Librarian Books

Oct. 6th

Getting Your Read On

Katie's Clean Book Collection

LDS and Lovin' It

Oct. 7th

Just Commonly

Books Are Sanity

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Review & Giveaway: Courting the Countess by Donna Hatch

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Courting the Countess

by Donna Hatch

Adult Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 388 pages

October 5th 2016 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc

When charming rake Tristan Barrett sweeps Lady Elizabeth off her feet, stealing both her heart and a kiss in a secluded garden, her brother challenges Tristan to a duel. The only way to save her brother and Tristan from harm—not to mention preserve her reputation—is to get married. But her father, the Duke of Pemberton, refuses to allow his daughter to marry anyone but a titled lord. The duke demands that Elizabeth marry Tristan’s older brother, Richard, the Earl of Averston. Now Elizabeth must give up Tristan to marry a man who despises her, a man who loves another, a man she’ll never love.

Richard fears Elizabeth is as untrustworthy as his mother, who ran off with another man. However, to protect his brother from a duel and their family name from further scandal, he agrees to the wedding, certain his new bride will betray him. Yet when Elizabeth turns his house upside down and worms her way into his reluctant heart, Richard suspects he can’t live without his new countess. Will she stay with him or is it too little, too late?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│The Wild Rose Press

My Review

The dynamics of Richard and Elizabeth's relationship are complicated, but I loved seeing them take two steps forward, one step back in their journey toward trusting each other and risking their hearts for love. There are so many great secondary characters in this book that I would love to see another book about so I'm hoping it will be a series :) The focus of the plot is the angst between Richard and Elizabeth, but there is plenty of foreshadowing of a villainous Mr. Black who is terrorizing the ton with violent burglaries and running a black market of stolen goods and other nefarious activities. Some suspense comes into play in the later part of the book when the family is placed in danger and it added another dimension to the story. Overall I enjoyed the interactions between Richard and Elizabeth the most as they slowly get to know each other's true character and not just what they assumed from first impressions.

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

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 five years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Amazon

Tour Schedule

September 27th: Launch

September 28th:

Mel's Shelves, deal sharing aunt & Nicole's Book Musings

September 29th:

Book Lover in Florida & Falling Leaves

September 30th:

Katie's Clean Book Collection, Bookworm Lisa & Getting Your Read On

October 2nd:

Becky on Books, Zerina Blossom's Books & Wishful Endings

October 3rd:

Kindle and Me, The Silver Dagger Scriptorium & Bookworm Nation

October 4th:

Heidi Reads... & I Am A Reader

October 5th: Grand Finale & Release Day Celebration

Tour Giveaway

$10 Amazon eGift Card and an ebook of The Stranger She Married

Open internationally
Ends October 10th

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Review: Between Heaven and Earth by Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Cassandra Webb’s every waking minute is devoted to being a great mother and wife. She takes five-year-old Noah to the library each week, volunteers in his kindergarten class, and even coaches his soccer team. She makes sure her husband’s uniforms are always laundered—even though he hasn’t worn them the last six years—always has his game day snacks on hand, and meets him for date night every Friday—which consists of one sided conversations at his bedside and watching his favorite take out remain untouched.

Pearl, a mysterious visitor at the care center, suggests that it is only Cassie’s love still tying Devon to Earth when he has been ready to move onto Heaven for quite some time. If Cassie will but open her eyes and heart, she will discover the path she should travel, one that will bring relief to Devon and much joy to her own life. But Cassie vowed never to give up on him. She never has and she can’t now, even after meeting hapless, single, soccer-dad Matt.

My Review

Talk about heart-wrenching! I think I cried about five different times while reading this touching and emotional book. The author did an amazing job of balancing the difficult circumstances with Cassie's positive and hopeful attitude so it wasn't a depressing book, but rather a glimpse into the complex dynamics of grief and hope, holding on and letting go. Matt and Cassie's personalities were vividly brought to life with their mannerisms, thoughts, compassion, and struggles. They bring each other the comfort of friendship and support with their sons, but their relationship has the potential for more as Matt begins to yearn for her in a romantic way and Cassie feels conflicted between her loyalty to her husband and the joy she feels with Matt. Miss Pearl plays the tough role of helping Cassie see that letting go is not the same as giving up, and I felt that the reactions and process that Cassie goes through are so true to life. I'm particularly sensitive to themes of death and grief but reading the experiences of Cassie, Matt, and the sons of each of them was actually cathartic. Highly recommend!

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

Review: A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better. 

Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?

My Review

The drama over the red "Fire Eyes" diamonds continues as Lady Ella and the characters from previous books try to protect themselves and their families from evil men who wouldn't hesitate to kill over their greed and obsession. Since this is the third in the Ladies of the Manor series, the author catches the reader up with some general background from the previous books, but I would definitely recommend reading them in order. Ella is an easy character to love with her sparkling personality, full of loyalty to her family and a sweetness with children. Cayton tempers her cheerfulness with his broodiness, yet he can't help but be attracted to her light. I loved that his hidden passion for sketching and painting is revealed and shows his vulnerable and sensitive side. Another aspect I appreciated was the way Ella was comfortable with her faith and that Cayton was seeking to increase his own. It took me a little bit to get into the book, I felt the story was slowed down by the additional perspective of the ballerina mistress of the man seeking the diamonds, although it did offer insight into the plot and increased the feeling of suspense. The Edwardian time period isn't one I read much of but I felt like these books were successful in making the setting come alive. I'd recommend this book and the entire series to fans of historical fiction!

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

About the Author 

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British romances. She makes her home in the breathtaking mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Giveaway from Roseanna M. White

I’m giving away a complete set of the Ladies of the Manor Series PLUS a special surprise straight from England! (US addresses only for paperbacks; an international winner is eligible for digital gifts, though!)

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e146afbf28/?