Free e-book! It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren

Not sure how long this sale will last, so download It Had to be You by Susan May Warren for free while you can!

(E-book deal is for a limited time, so check the price before ordering)

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen's cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits--and starting to fear she doesn't have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen. Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior--on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he's getting from Eden Christiansen isn't making things any easier. But when Owen's carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

Mother's Day weekend e-book freebies and deals!

I'll be updating this post as I find more deals, but here's two freebies to start with...

Love's Promises by Sandra Leesmith will be free Sunday, May 11th only

Synopsis from goodreads.com
For Monica Scott, building her late father’s house at Lake Tahoe isn’t an option—it’s a necessary distraction from confusing memories and an uncertain future. But a handsome planner working for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is keeping Monica from moving forward with the project. Never mind that he’s young and charming with a great sense of humor. No one is going to stop Monica from making her father’s dream—and her own—a reality.

All Greg Linsey wants is for his work to mean something. His job at TRPA gives him the opportunity to fight for the environment he loves and make a difference in his small corner of the world. But with the sophisticated Monica Scott’s arrival, his dedication is tested as never before, especially when Monica turns to his unscrupulous nemesis for assistance.

As Greg and Monica’s animosity turns into something far sweeter, can they learn to accept each other’s promises and avoid the growing danger to their lives and hearts?
 

Second Chance Ranch by Audra Harders is free this weekend... and I recently read on facebook a recommendation for it by author Julie Lessman!

Synopsis from goodreads.com

The Trails’ End Ranch is For Sale.

Pediatric nurse, Jennifer O’Reilly returns home to Hawk Ridge, Colorado to establish a mountain recreation camp as a safe adventure for children battling cancer. Her path to ownership depends on developing a profitable business plan to convince the bank she can manage not only the camping facility, but the entire Trails’ End Ranch operation.

Generations earlier, one misplayed hand of poker lost the family ranch, and Zac Davidson, youngest son and financial genius of the Circle D, wants it back. Intrigued since childhood by the legend of his great grandfather, Zac is the only family member who holds out hope that one day the Trails’ End would become Davidson property again. When the Trails’ End goes on the market, cost is no object — only Jennifer O’Reilly stands between Zac and his dream.

Once high school sweethearts, Jennifer and Zac have wounded each other, and the scars run deep. Jennifer is forced to reveal a secret she’s protected for twelve years. Will it jeopardize the future of both of their dreams or offer them a second chance?

Review: So Fair a Lady by Amber Perry

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing!

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Boston, MA 1773: Shards of Eliza Campbell's life crash to the ground when she discovers a devastating secret: her father was a spy for the Sons of Liberty. Determined to uncover the truth--at any cost--not even a marriage proposal from the dashing British Officer Samuel Martin can dissuade her. When rescued from British capture by handsome patriot Thomas Watson, Eliza discovers what her father risked his life for and yearns to know more. But will her budding attraction to this courageous patriot damage her already wounded heart?

After years of being blackmailed by Officer Martin, Thomas plans to start a new life in the small town of Sandwich. However, when his actions place Eliza and her sister in danger, he must act quickly to protect them from falling into enemy hands. If the three of them are discovered, their lives will never be the same. Now, not only must he protect Eliza, he must protect his heart from a love that is sure to wound him far greater than any British soldier ever could.

My Review

I have loved reading novels set in the Colonial time period since I picked up Ann Rinaldi's Time Enough for Drums as a teenager. There is something about the political birth of our country and the patriots that affected change that is so powerful. This book is especially dynamic since Eliza begins loyal to the King of England, but as she follows the prompting of her father to search for the truth, she comes to an understanding that the true King to whom her loyalties belong is God.

The relationship Eliza has with her sister Kitty is sweet and also grounding since they don't know where their future will take them, but they are strong for each other. The chemistry between Eliza and Thomas is palpable, and the restrained passion creates a wonderful romantic tension. It was interesting to read Officer Martin's point of view as well, since he doesn't appear to be a villain to Eliza and Kitty, and his decisions stem from a real worry for Eliza.

The pacing of the novel is well-done, with a good balance of action and apprehension as well as pondering and growth. The ending wraps this book up, however there is another novel in the series with Kitty as the main character, and I am excited that it will be releasing this summer! I definitely recommend this book to fans of Jody Hedlund and Laura Frantz. Amber Perry's debut novel has been not only a pleasure to read, but also thought-provoking and inspiring.

(ARC provided by the author for unbiased review)

Amber Lynn Perry is a historical romance novelist, focusing on her favorite time in American history--the Revolutionary era. She received a Bachelor's degree from Portland State University and currently lives in Washington state with her husband and two daughters. She loves to hear from readers and you can contact her through her website, www.amberlynnperry.com or through her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/authoramberlynnperry

Stay tuned for my upcoming interview with the author Amber Perry and a giveaway of her novel, So Fair a Lady!

Review: Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter

My rating: 2 stars / it was okay

Synopsis from goodreads.com

When Laney Carrigan sets out to find her birth family, her only clue is the Hawaiian quilt a red rose snowflake appliqued on a white background in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island and battling fears of rejection, Laney begins a painstaking journey toward her true heritage. Kai Barnes, however, is determined to protect the people he s come to regard as family. He thinks Laney is nothing more than a gold digger and blocks every move she makes toward her Hawaiian family. As their conflict escalates, it puts at risk the one thing that Kai and Laney both want most a family.


My Review

I had a hard time staying interested in this one. The two main characters had no chemistry, instead treating each other with contempt and squabbling like siblings. The dialogue was disjointed and didn't flow. It seemed like physical attraction is the main thing that contributed to their relationship. The "mystery" of Laney's birth family was revealed in a quick and confusing manner at the beginning of the book, so as I read, there wasn't really a continuing plot to keep me invested. I liked the setting of the novel and the descriptions of the scenery were beautiful, but the Hawaiian words the characters used were often not easily understood or explained.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)