Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Review: Bedtime Read and Rhyme Bible Stories by Bonnie Rickner Jensen, Robert Dunn


Heidi Reads... Bedtime Read and Rhyme Bible Stories by Bonnie Rickner Jensen, Robert Dunn

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Our God cares for us so much—His love is everywhere! If He sees one heart in need, His love will be right there. 

When Jesus finds a lamb who’s lost,
He sings a happy song!
“My lamb is safe now in My arms,
Where all My sheep belong!”  

Bedtime Read and Rhyme Bible Stories offers more than 90 stories from the Old and New Testaments told in delightful, rhyming verse, along with Bedtime Prayers that help young readers grasp and apply each message.

Tuck in your child with rhyming reminders of God’s great love!


My Review

This is a wonderful book of Bible rhymes telling the stories we love in a way that will appeal to young children. I loved the colorful and whimsical illustrations and they did a good job depicting what the sweet words were sharing. While I only counted 68 stories rather than the 90 it says in the synopsis (since several took more than two pages) there is still over 200 pages of content and will last a long time as children and adults discover the treasures from the Bible in a meaningful way. Highly recommend and it would make a great gift for children and families!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Book Tour Grand Finale: The Outlaw's Secret by Stacy Henrie

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for
The Outlaw's Secret
By Stacy Henrie

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out...

Launch - Note from the Author

I’m so excited to introduce readers to the Becketts brothers—one a lawman, the other an outlaw—in my next two books releasing from Love Inspired Historical. In THE OUTLAW’S SECRET, you’ll meet Tate Beckett, a Pinkerton detective posing as his outlaw twin brother Tex. You’ll also meet Essie Vanderfair, a dime novelist in need of a great story. And she hopes to find it when she begs to go along with the gang of train robbers that Tate has infiltrated. These opposites-attract characters were so much fun to write as were the outlaws Essie meets and interviews.

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"There were several instances that brought a smile to my face and I wanted how to know they were going to get out of the mess they were in. This is a fun book that is set in the "Old West". There are outlaws, lawmen, and a feisty heroine."


Rockin' Book Reviews - Review & Interview

"This was a fun book. The characters were likable and flawed just enough."

Q: What other genre, one day, would you like to write? Why or why not?

A: Though I’ve tried my hand at writing contemporary, I enjoy writing historicals much more. I’ve also dabbled with the idea of writing historical women’s fiction, but I love a good love story so I don’t know that I could pull off writing something without having a romance at its heart.


"I love a romance that makes me swoon and this one does just that. Not only are the romance and characters well done, the setting is fantastic too. I felt myself transported back to the late 1800s and loved being a part of that time--when I wasn't shivering in my boots with fear. I also really enjoyed Essie's writing moments, which are often thoughts--she's an interesting character with a vivid imagination and has me engrossed in her ideas. I'm definitely looking forward to what this author writes next!"

Hearts & Scribbles - Meet Tate and Essie 


Born and raised in Idaho, Tate Beckett is an identical twin. But his brown hair and blue eyes are about the only thing he shares with his brother Tex. Tate’s brother is the infamous outlaw known as the Texas Titan and Tate feels duty-bound to atone for his brother’s crimes by tracking down other outlaws in his job as a Pinkerton detective agent...


"The Outlaw’s Secret has it all – action, adventure, romance, humor, faith and depth. It will make you smile and it will twist your heart too. It will make you hold your breath – for the kisses and again for the nail-biting action. Essie is such a fun heroine, and Tate is most definitely swoonworthy. Another fun and sweet novel by Stacy Henrie that I highly recommend!"

I Am A Reader - Undisguised: the Pinkerton National Detective Agency


While operatives were required to abide by a code of ethics—including things like not accepting reward money and working with local law enforcement—Allen Pinkerton was a staunch believer in the end justifying the means. That meant that sometimes in order for an operative to track down a criminal, the detective might have to “become” a criminal in a sense—just as Tate does by posing as his outlaw twin brother in order do to bring down the Fletcher gang.


"There’s nothing typical about Stacy Henrie’s newest release and she has become one of my favorite writers in the Love Inspired line. The Outlaw’s Secret has it all – character depth, humor, romance, suspense, and rich historical detail. It’s well written, entertaining, and refreshingly unusual in storyline."


"On the romance side, it's fun to watch Tate/Tex and Essie dance around each other, both mistrusting in turn and each fiercely determined to follow their own goals. Their journey includes moments of danger, threats to budding feelings, and a few twists."

Kathleen Denly - Interview

Q: As an author, I often get asked how much of myself I put into my characters. So I’m curious, if you were on that train instead of Essie, how would you handle the situation?

A: I would’ve been terrified! And unlike Essie, I would have chosen to stay seated and silent and hopefully unseen.


"This was such a fun adventure. The story started off with a bang and took off from there. I settled right in and enjoyed the ride!"

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Tate Beckett’s jaw was clenched so tight he thought it might snap. Of all the rotten misfortune. He had to run into a nosy, busybody like Miss Essie Vanderfair on his first job with Fletcher’s gang. If he wasn’t careful, this woman, with all her probing questions, would figure out he wasn’t the Texas Titan after all. Then his covert work, posing as his outlaw twin brother, would be finished.


Mel's Shelves - Review

"Once I started reading this book, I settled in and didn't want to put it down. It moves at a fast pace and there was never a dull moment. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good, clean western romance!"

Falling Leaves - Excerpt

Fletcher’s mouth curled up in a sneer. “Try me, Tex.” He lifted his hands in a mock gesture of innocence. “But now your life is tied with hers.” He walked away, adding over his shoulder, “I think you’re smart enough to figure out what that means.”


"Stacie Henry has masterfully written a story that readers will be enthralled with from page one until the very end. This is a fairly quick and easy read that will inspire the romance in all of us! Henry has a distinct way of writing that will draw readers in as they leave the world of reality behind and enter the enjoyable and entertaining world of the Wild West."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

Sure enough she spotted the impression of horse hooves in the dirt and a partially trampled sagebrush farther on. If she kept heading in that same direction, she would eventually stumble into the trio.

She bent forward over the horse and coaxed it to go faster. There were interviews to conduct. And no one, not even a handsome, sly, back-stabbing Texan, was going to stop her.




Q: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans or readers?

A: Thanks for your support! I’m excited to share Tate and Essie’s story with you. If you read it and enjoy it, then look for Tex’s story in July, when you’ll find out where the Texas Titan was while Tate was impersonating him to take down Fletcher’s gang.


"The Outlaw's Secret delivers humor, romance, faith, and some wonderfully exciting moments where death is only a step away from both hero and heroine. . . . Fans of Stacy Henrie and of western historicals will surely not be disappointed in the thrilling pages. . ."

Heidi Reads... - Review

"I was glued to the pages to find out when Essie would discover Tate's secret, when they would give in to the chemistry building between them, and if the real Tex would make an appearance. Another great western from Stacy Henrie with suspense, action, and romance!"


Her heart beat faster as she opened her mouth and said, “Call me Essie. It’s only fair.”

A low chuckle sounded in her ears. “Try to get some sleep, Essie. We’ve got another long ride tomorrow.”

Smiling in triumph, she closed her eyes, but it was still some time later before she could turn her thoughts from the silent figure guarding the camp. And from the memory of her name on those nice, masculine lips.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

The Outlaw's Secret
by Stacy Henrie
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
February 7th 2017 by Love Inspired Historical

Lawman in Disguise

Getting taken hostage by a gang of train robbers wasn't in dime novelist Essie Vanderfair's plans, but interviewing these men could make her career soar. Especially since the gang includes legendary outlaw Tex Beckett, better known as the Texas Titan. Tex is famed for his protection of women and children, so she'll be fine…right?

Keeping the gang in line was hard enough before a stubborn, beautiful writer interfered. Now Tex is scrambling to keep Essie safe, to gather evidence against the gang and most of all to hide his dangerous secrets. First, that he's a detective working undercover. And second, that he's not the Texas Titan at all, but Tex's twin brother, Tate Beckett.


About the Author



USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids. You can learn more about Stacy and her books by visiting her website at stacyhenrie.com.

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Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive print copies of LADY OUTLAW and THE EXPRESS RIDER'S LADY + $10 Amazon Gift Card (US only)
- 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally)
- Ends February 18th

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Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Sketchy Tacos by Meg D. Gonzalez

  sketchy-Tacos 

 Sketchy Tacos by Meg D. Gonzalez

Teenage artist Mila Gulick travels to Mexico to get away from warring influences and find herself. But life in the land of tacos is a far cry from her sheltered life back home. Mila must find the courage to step out from behind her sketchbook and get to know the people and culture around her. While her host family and the two boys vying for her interest are nothing but smiles, all may not be as it seems. Soon Mila is questioning her choices and the beliefs she’s held dear. Her heart, her art, and even her safety are at risk as she struggles to find a balance between cultural differences, old assumptions, and strange romance. Will her trip end in disaster or will she find the strength for which she’s been searching?

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Praise for the Book 

"This modern coming-of-age story has it all - humor, heart, genuine characters, and spiritual depth. I highly recommend it to teen readers.” - Krista McGee, Inspy Award winning author of First Date and Starring Me

"Meg D. Gonzalez gives us a vivid look at life for an American teenager in Mexico and an even clearer picture of what happens when you decide to embrace who God made you to be. No matter what. Great first novel. Great read." - Nancy Rue, Christy Award winning author of the Real Life series

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 Excerpt 

Cheery bells push at the fog of my sleep. I must still be dreaming. For seventeen years, no bells have chimed outside my window. It faces a cornfield. With a slow roll to my side, I nuzzle my pillows and will myself to return to the dream world in which such music plays. Light dances across my eyelids and nudges me to wake, but it’s summer. I refuse to get up before Mom makes me. The chimes fade, and my hand searches the cotton covers for Shelby, my supersized puppy, who inhabits one side of my bed. Her lazy kisses usually help me fall right back to— I bolt upright in bed, adrenaline pounding through my system. A grin splits my face. The bells. I know why there are bells. I’m in Mexico.   



MegAuthor Meg D. Gonzalez 

Meg D. Gonzalez is a tea-sipping, adventure-seeking, pug-loving kind of girl. She’s crazy for God and wants to share His love with awesome young women around the globe. She started her first novel at the age of fourteen (it will never see the light of day and that’s best for everyone), but her writing really came alive two years ago after she moved to Mexico. The crazy, wonderful people and culture she encountered inspired the story of Sketchy Tacos. When she’s not writing, she’s learning to play video games with her husband (she’s horrible), taking hikes in beautiful parks with her pug Pascal, crocheting, and watching way too much TV.


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Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/5/17 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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Monday, February 13, 2017

Romance is in the Air Giveaway Hop!



Another fun giveaway hop this month! Check out the romantic reads and enter to hopefully win some new books! I'll be giving away my extra copy of The Loyal Heart by Shelley Shepard Gray, one of my favorite historical fiction authors.

http://amzn.to/2cigvDd
http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Robert came to Galveston to fulfill his promise to a dying man and look after his widow. He didn’t expect to find love in the unlikeliest of places.

Robert Truax, former Second Lieutenant and Confederate officer in the Civil War, made a promise to his comrade Phillip Markham. If anything happened to Phillip, Robert would look after his beloved wife, Miranda. She was his life, his world, his everything.

After the war, Robert is left to pick up the pieces and fulfill his pact. When he arrives at Miranda's home in Galveston, Texas, things are worse than he imagined. Phillip's name has been dragged through the mud, everyone in town believes him to be a traitor, and his widow is treated as an outcast. Even more disturbing is her emotional well-being. Miranda seems hopeless, lost, and so very alone.

Robert had thought his duty would be simple. He would help Miranda as quickly as possible in order to honor a promise. But the moment Robert laid eyes on her, his plans changed. He's mesmerized by her beauty and yearns to help her in any way he can.

He makes it his duty to protect Miranda, turn her reputation around, and to find some way to help her smile again. But it doesn't prove to be an easy task—Robert knows something about Phillip that could shake Miranda to the core and alter her view of the man she thought she knew so well.






Review & Giveaway: The Outlaw's Secret by Stacy Henrie


On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The Outlaw's Secret
by Stacy Henrie
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
February 7th 2017 by Love Inspired Historical

Lawman in Disguise

Getting taken hostage by a gang of train robbers wasn't in dime novelist Essie Vanderfair's plans, but interviewing these men could make her career soar. Especially since the gang includes legendary outlaw Tex Beckett, better known as the Texas Titan. Tex is famed for his protection of women and children, so she'll be fine…right?

Keeping the gang in line was hard enough before a stubborn, beautiful writer interfered. Now Tex is scrambling to keep Essie safe, to gather evidence against the gang and most of all to hide his dangerous secrets. First, that he's a detective working undercover. And second, that he's not the Texas Titan at all, but Tex's twin brother, Tate Beckett.


My Review

I loved the premise of this fast-paced story on the Western frontier! Tate is in dangerous and desperate circumstances, being undercover, alone, in a band of outlaws, impersonating his brother- who is still out there somewhere. Tate is not the hardened detective I expected, but is compassionate and turns to his faith for strength. Essie seems a bit naive when she assumes she will be safe with a group of lawless men, but uses her skills from being raised on a ranch and the research from her previous books to help the gang when they come up against obstacles. She has a sympathetic heart and learning the sad history of each outlaw makes her see them as individuals rather than criminals. I liked that she and Tate develop a close bond as they are drawn to each other and help each other on the trail. There is plenty of action as the group moves from one location to another, and one scrape to another. I was glued to the pages to find out when Essie would discover Tate's secret, when they would give in to the chemistry building between them, and if the real Tex would make an appearance. Another great western from Stacy Henrie with suspense, action, and romance!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)




About the Author



USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids. You can learn more about Stacy and her books by visiting her website at stacyhenrie.com.

WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitterPinterest
Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive print copies of LADY OUTLAW and THE EXPRESS RIDER'S LADY + $10 Amazon Gift Card (US only)
- 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally)
- Ends February 18th

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Grab Our Button!







Sunday, February 12, 2017

Review: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen


Heidi Reads... The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

On a rise overlooking the Wiltshire countryside stands the village of Ivy Hill. Its coaching inn, The Bell, is its lifeblood--along with the coach lines that stop there daily, bringing news, mail, travelers, and much-needed trade.

Jane Bell lives on the edge of the inn property. She had been a genteel lady until she married the charming innkeeper who promised she would never have to work in his family's inn. But when he dies under mysterious circumstances, Jane finds herself The Bell's owner, and worse, she has three months to pay a large loan or lose the place.

Feeling reluctant and ill-equipped, Jane is tempted to abandon her husband's legacy and return to her former life of ease. However, she soon realizes there is more at stake than her comfort. But who can she trust to help her? Her resentful mother-in-law? Her husband's brother, who wanted the inn for himself? Or the handsome newcomer with secret plans of his own . . . ?

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane struggles to win over naysayers and turn the place around. Can Jane bring new life to the inn, and to her heart as well?


My Review

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill is a cozy book to sink into and enjoy at an unrushed pace. Before reading it I had heard that it was different from Klassen's other books, and I agree- but definitely not in a bad way. There is less suspense, but still a good amount of intrigue. The story is told from the perspective of three main characters: Jane, the innkeeper; Thora, her mother-in-law; and Rachel, Jane's estranged childhood friend. There is a wide cast of community members that interact with the ladies, but not too many to keep track of, especially since they are introduced gradually and each is so individual. I loved the steady weaving in and out of the story and relationships and how each flawed character grew and progressed through the challenges they faced. The workings of the countryside inn reminded me of other favorite books with a similar setting (Doing No Harm by Carla Kelly and Jackaroo by Cynthia Voigt) and it was so skillfully represented that I was fascinated by the historical details without being overwhelmed by them. The romance and potential for romance is subtle but definitely an undercurrent. I am so glad I gave this book a chance and am looking forward to continuing the series! Highly recommend!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Saturday, February 11, 2017

Double Review: Falling for Sydney and Falling for Maria by Heather B. Moore



Heidi Reads... Falling for Sydney by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Sydney has been the perfect friend, the perfect daughter, and Rian checks off on her perfect fiancé list. But when Sydney notices a strange truck parked in her fiancé’s parking spot, she’s in for the surprise of her life. Not only is Rian not who she thought he was, but his brother Jake is about to turn her life upside down.

My Review

While things moved quickly for Sydney and Jake, the circumstances were a bit out of the ordinary and the romance was spot-on. I loved the tension and chemistry, which was off the hook! A fun novella with a little drama and a lot of love at first sight ;) Sydney's friends Maria and June were very supportive and it made me look forward to reading their stories next.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Heidi Reads... Falling for Maria by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

At twenty-six, Maria is holding out for the perfect man to share the rest of her life with. Josh seems to be that man, but after months of dating, their relationship is at a stand-still. Maria plans to nudge Josh forward, but when the company she works for is bought out, her new boss Walker seems determined to change Maria’s idea of the perfect man.

My Review

Maria has quite the flamboyant personality with her colorful fashion and brazen confidence. I would definitely be out of my element in the corporate setting but Maria fit right in, challenging the changes Walker was in charge of implementing. In spite of the new company policy Walker pursues her and makes it easy to get over Josh. I admired that she stayed strong and proactive in the midst of uncertainty and transition.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Don't miss Falling for June, the next book in the Falling series, available Summer 2017!


http://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Once a year, June Dawson goes on vacation with her best friends from high school. When she arrives in Maui, she realizes she's the odd-woman out. With Sydney engaged, and Maria nearly so, June wonders if anyone will ever fall for her. Then June meets Lance, their gorgeous next door bungalow neighbor at the Maui resort, and she's definitely charmed. But after her recent breakup, June refuses to fall for gorgeous, or charming, again.