Saturday, October 31, 2015

3 Days With a Cowboy by Lacy Williams

This was a sweet romance, the kind I really enjoy.  And I totally did enjoy it.  This story about two people, Stevie and Jake who meet again after many years.  Friends in high school, Stevie takes off in music and becomes famous, while Jake has a much different position and is a single professor who is essentially the acting father of his niece.

Their meeting is of course, followed by gossip by the locals as they are seen together.  Will some of the feelings of their younger years rekindle or will their different lives take it's toll?

I really enjoyed this sweet story and it left me wanting to read more of this author's works.

I received a free ebook from this author for my honest review, which I have given.

The Author, Lacy Williams

You can find Lacy's book at this link.

Chapel Springs Cookbook by Ane Mulligan

So I am excited to write up a review on this cookbook that I received from the author.  I had won a book on a giveaway from this author.  However, it wasn't this book, it was a different one.  The other won't be available for about another month or so.  The author then sent this to me saying the other would come a bit later on.

I was too happy.  I love cookbooks and went through it quickly and spotted some great cooking ideas that I hope to be able to try soon.  There is a little note or anecdote with most recipes adding to the personal interest of this book.  Ane adds a little tongue in cheek recipe too on page 50 for Elephant Stew.  I am sure to try that one!

Can't wait to get off the computer and start cooking!  You can find her book here.

Heart of Gold by Lacy Williams



This book was a sweet western historical romance.  I enjoyed it very much.  I wish it had been a bit longer, but regardless it was a fun and interesting romance and a clean one at that.  

The author was a new author for me and I enjoyed getting to know Opal and her father's hired man. It has a few surprises that you will find make for interesting reading.  Especially as some bad characters come into the scene and add some good adventure to the story line. 

I am starting to really enjoy the western genre thanks to great authors, such as Lacy Williams.

I received an ebook copy from the author for my honest review which I have given.

You can purchase an ebook copy here.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

RX:Murder by Dr. Richard L. Mabry, MD

A medical mystery written by a retired M.D.  Obviously he has the medical details down pat and it's interesting to read that knowing the author knew the facts about what was written.

Dr. Elena Gardner's patient, Mary Lou Stewart is the victim of her husband Luke's temper, drinking and physical abuse.  She's also expecting a child.  She fears for herself and her unborn child and shares her worries with her doctor, yet feels inadequate to provide for the two of them on her own. She feels unable to leave the abusive relationship she has found herself in.

When her husband's beaten body is found, several suspects come into view and the tension mounts. You will have to read this novella to find the answers.  Although a short read, it's a good one!

Sunday, October 25, 2015

How a Star Falls by Amber Stokes

Amber Stokes writes a sweet, clean romance novella with a bit of mystery as to who this mysterious young woman is and why she is dressed as she is.  I was able to listen to an audible version of this book narrated by Patrick Wilson Mahaney.  I enjoyed it and it captured my attention throughout as I wondered who this mystery lady truly was.

Two people searching to find themselves in a confusing world with things pulling them in different directions.  It's a sweet story and I think you will enjoy it.

I was given an Audible version of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given.


Honor by Lyn Cote

I loved this book!  It was so good.  Out of necessity, Honor finds herself marrying deaf Samuel Cathwell, who is an artisan glass maker.  He is actually drawn to her as well, as out of necessity, yet he is not at all comfortable showing his feelings with her, due to his deafness.  His deafness was caused from a childhood fever.  Her necessity, due to her grandfather disinheriting her because of her strong feelings about slavery and abolition.  She is determined to free slaves, including those of her grandfather.

She and Samuel, his nephew Eli, and her maid, Royale, make a move west to start a new life.  The trials, adventures and events of their lives together begin to shape their lives into a way that Honor never expected to experience.

The dramatic historical events make you feel as though you too, are experiencing the feelings that Honor is feeling as well as being totally enthralled in this wonderful book.  Highly recommend this!  It's a 5+++  Lyn is an amazing author.  I will be watching for her books!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

It's Release Day for While You're Awake

This was the first story of this author's that I was lucky enough to have read.  It is a novelette, shorter than full-length book or novella.  It was a quick but sweet read.  I had it read in a short time and enjoyed the read very much.  I hope to have other opportunities to read this author's works.

The story was based on a real experience by author Amber Stokes.  I suspect it was one that would leave quite an impression and be a hard-to-forget one, at that! Fun story to read, and it leaves you with that feel-good feeling! I recommend this as an enjoyable, clean read.


And today is release day, always an exciting day for authors and of course, their readers!






About the Book

Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance Novelette

There’s no rest for the fearful.

Ava always knew the bees would come. Just when she’s settled into a place of her own, freelance editing and savoring her independence, her rental house is invaded by a swarm of honey bees. And with their arrival, her lifelong fear morphs into a full-fledged panic that steals her sleep—and her peace of mind.

Keegan knows all about fear. When he meets Ava at the coffee shop where he works, he can’t help but come to her rescue. Together with his German shepherds, Sun and Moon, he sets out to break the “curse” that hovers over Tired Girl. But is it possible to conquer nightmares and live a dream while you're awake?

This sweet novelette is a contemporary re-imagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale that sheds light on the worries that bind us and the love that leads to peace.



Author Bio

Amber Stokes works as a marketing content writer for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home.

You can learn more about Amber’s books, sign up for her author newsletter, join the Amber’s Gems street team, and more at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com.

Social Media Links


Goodreads: Amber Stokes



Giveaway!

Enter to win a little something sweet from Ava, Keegan, and the author! One winner will receive a lovely yellow and gold flower necklace & earrings set from Baubles, Beads and Stuff; a $10 Starbucks gift card (delivered electronically); and a Kindle copy of While You’re Awake (can be gifted to a friend, if desired!). Open to US residents only due to shipping costs.
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Sunday, October 18, 2015

An Angel for Mistletoe by Teresa Ives Lilly

This was the second story in the O'Little Town of Christmas Collection.  The other was the story called The Substitute Bride by Carrie Fancett Pagels. This was a really sweet historical romance and you will enjoy it very much.  It is the first I have read from this author, but I enjoy her sweet style and the fact that the book makes you feel good and you can see God's hand in how our lives should be.

Angelica Cartwright finds herself on a stagecoach heading to a new job as school teacher in Somerset, Kentucky and has a bad fall and finds herself being cared for by a stranger and his sweet daughter.  Her plans just do not go as they should as she realizes that she won't be able to teach to the broken leg heals. You will need to read the story to see what happens, no spoilers here.  This was a very nice story and I enjoyed it very much.

Here is the link to get your copy!

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Mystery on the Bayou by Linda Weaver Clarke

I just recently finished reading Mystery on the Bayou.  I really enjoyed it.  As a young girl reading was my beloved pastime that my friends and I continued to do together through our elementary school years.  Mysteries were my favorite genre in those days, and I can see that my love for mysteries has not waned.

Linda writes a fun and interesting storyline.  This is book 6 in the continuing series of the Amelia Moore Detective series.  In book 6, we find Amelia and Rick, two happy newlyweds in a cozy retreat for their honeymoon, only to be approached by a woman who asks Amelia to locate a son she gave up for adoption 16 years ago.  She has discovered she has a hereditary disease that she feels an urgent need to inform her son about.  Not knowing could be deadly for him.  Amelia takes on the case which leads her to Bayou country and a not so easy to resolve case.

There are several twists and turns making lots of interesting reading.  And I am happy to see that a book 7 is on its way.  I enjoyed reading this very much and if you enjoy cozy mysteries, with a little touch of romance, you will surely enjoy it as well!

I received an e-book copy of this book for my honest review, which I have given. You can get your copy here!

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

The Substitute Bride by Carrie Fancett Pagels




OK, so I am as excited as the author to see this book come out!  Why, you ask?  Well, she gave her main character my name, both first and last names.  How is that for cool?  This is for sure a first for me!

Now one might think this would make me a bit prejudiced as to my review, but I'll be honest it was a very good book.  Actually, I enjoy all of Carrie's books and I was honored to have her choose to use my name.

In this book, Sonja, a postal worker, receives a letter intended for a friend who has passed away.  It turns out to be a proposal of marriage for her friend.  Sonja decides to answer the letter to be a substitute bride in place of her deceased friend, Cora...  and to travel to meet Louis in South Dakota without knowing the outcome.  Now there's a brave woman!

But her desperate feelings are founded on a father who is expecting Sonja to get married and trying to arrange it for her with the promise that if she isn't married by Christmas, he is putting her out of his house.

As Louis, author of the proposal letter, surprisingly appears on the scene, how will he respond to the very tall Sonja and how will he react to the news of Cora's passing and a possible substitute bride?

This was a fun novella.  I enjoyed it very much.  Carrie can tell a fun tale and keep you guessing as to what the outcome will be.  You'll want to read this fun Christmas story and truly start to enjoy the Season!

Here is a link to her latest release! And here is a link to more of her books!

The author Carrie Fancett Pagels.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

The Amish Heart of Ice Mountain by Kelly Long

This book from the Ice Mountain Amish series was not my choice of Amish reading.  I found it too explicit and definitely does not fit into any Christian book category.

Looking at the cover one would think that it is your typical "sweet" Amish book.  Not for me.


Saturday, October 10, 2015

Surprised by Hope by Rebekah Fisher

I was able to get this Kindle version free at some time in the past.  I notice it is now only free on Kindle Unlimited.

It is a story about a young Amish girl who was born with a crippling problem with her leg causing her to walk with a crutch and of course which limited her abilities to do things others could do effortlessly. The bone deformity causes her great deals of pain which she has learned to deal with patiently.  A chance at a corrective surgery leaves her knowing the chance for this is small, what with the major medical costs and so forth.

Getting to know Jeremiah is one of the joys that comes her way, but she doesn't feel confident due to her leg and the problems that it causes.  Jeremiah is clearly interested in her, but wants to travel and see things outside the Amish world they live in.

It is a sweet story of romance with faith and trust in God to help them find the paths that they should travel.  A Christian tale and with good values.  I enjoyed it very much.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

For Maria By Bruce Judisch


All I can say is, when I won the two books, Katia and For Maria, I had no idea what an amazing set of books I was getting.  There is no way to describe how much I enjoyed reading these two books.  So well written...  Having had a mom who, although not Jewish, grew up in what is now in today's Poland, and as the War approached and they fled, ended up in the camps in Southern Bohemia with situations that were horrifying there and along the way.

This story was the continuation of the book Katia.  As a young journalist captures the life of the Dudeks, and two young twin orphaned Jewish girls on paper, and their experiences during the War and the Children's Transports, she finds she has many secrets to discover, many family issues that were unexpected and finds twists and turns that bring her to realize that God has His hand in our lives and brings about things we would never have expected.  And that miracles do happen.

I was thoroughly engaged in this book.  The book was so captivating that I pretty much read it straight through.  I will definitely be reading more from this author.  Having heard many similar details growing up, I can say that Mr. Judisch has captured the events with great detail and a very clear understanding of the emotionally charged events that took place.  Great book and I highly recommend it!

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Chat with Vera: Gluten Free baking products from "Our House" divis...

Chat with Vera: Gluten Free baking products from "Our House" divis...: In our house, we don’t have anyone that has to watch the gluten in their diet. However, my daughter and her daughter do. So when I was gi...

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

While You're Awake Cover Reveal and Review, A Novelette by Amber Stokes

This was the first story of this author's that I was lucky enough to have read.  It is a novelette, shorter than full-length book or novella.  It was a quick but sweet read.  I had it read in a short time and enjoyed the read very much.  I hope to have other opportunities to read this author's works.

The story was based on a real experience by author Amber Stokes.  I suspect it was one that would leave quite an impression and be a hard-to-forget one, at that! Fun story to read, and it leaves you with that feel-good feeling! I recommend this as an enjoyable, clean read.


About the Book

Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance Novelette

There’s no rest for the fearful.

Ava always knew the bees would come. Just when she’s settled into a place of her own, freelance editing and savoring her independence, her rental house is invaded by a swarm of honey bees. And with their arrival, her lifelong fear morphs into a full-fledged panic that steals her sleep—and her peace of mind.

Keegan knows all about fear. When he meets Ava at the coffee shop where he works, he can’t help but come to her rescue. Together with his German shepherds, Sun and Moon, he sets out to break the “curse” that hovers over Tired Girl. But is it possible to conquer nightmares and live a dream while you're awake?

This sweet novelette is a contemporary re-imagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale that sheds light on the worries that bind us and the love that leads to peace.


Author Bio

Amber Stokes works as a marketing content writer for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home.

You can learn more about Amber's books, sign up for her author newsletter, join the Amber’s Gems street team, and more at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com.

Social Media Links


Goodreads: Amber Stokes



Personality Quiz

Are you Sleeping Beauty, a barista, or an angel? This fun and quirky personality quiz takes some of the personality types from While You’re Awake and offers you a chance to discover how you inspire others. Hopefully you’ll be encouraged to keep being awesome, wonderful you!

*Disclaimer: This is just a for-fun quiz. The results are designed to encourage but not to diagnose!
To take the quiz click here!









Format: Kindle ebook
Fairy-tale basis: Sleeping Beauty
Genre: NA contemporary romance
Length: Novelette (about 15,000 words) 

Sunday, October 4, 2015

A Bully in Monkeyville by Ari Mazor

This story written by a 16 year old author, Ari Mazor was about bullying.  It was filled with fun pictures and about 25 or so pages.  It had a rhyming story about monkeys that were afraid of a bully and try to befriend him.

It was a cute story that touched on a difficult subject. A nice introduction for kids and dealing with difficult problems in life.

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Katia by Bruce Judisch

This book by Bruce Judisch was an amazing read, especially for me and my personal family background.  My parents were refugees from East Germany and I was born in a refugee camp in the west.

As he wrote about the events that took place in the life of Katia, I could totally relate to it.  It was very similar to stories my parents shared about life under this regime.

Although a work of fiction, it was clear that he had done his research well for this book.

The book has some very intriguing twists as the young journalist who commits to writing Katia's memoirs finds out about herself in a way she never expected.

The book is EXCELLENT and I loved it.  It was clearly an amazing work of writing.  I have the second book, "For Maria" and am enjoying it already.  Can't wait to read it!

The author Bruce Judisch.
You can find Katia here at Amazon.com.  You will not be sorry.  I was so lucky to have won this great book in a giveaway recently.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Anna's Healing Release Day, Interview with Vannetta Chapman and a Chance to Win!



About Anna's Healing: Anna’s Healing is the first book in a brand-new collection from popular author Vannetta Chapman. These stories of love and family and Amish community in Oklahoma tell of the miracles that can happen when lives are lived in service to God and to one another.

When a tornado strikes the farms surrounding Cody’s Creek, Anna Schwartz’s life is changed forever. She suffers a spinal cord injury and suddenly finds herself learning to live as a paraplegic.

Three people—Chloe Roberts, Jacob Graber, and Ruth Schwartz—join forces to help Anna through her darkest days. Chloe is an Englischer who writes for the local paper. Jacob has recently arrived in town and stays on as a hired hand at her uncle’s. And Ruth is her grandmother, a woman of deep faith and a compassionate spirit.


Then one morning Anna wakes and finds herself healed. How did it happen? Why did it happen? And what is she to do now? Her life is again turned upside down as the world’s attention is drawn to this young Amish girl who has experienced the unexplainable.    

I am so lucky to have Vannetta Chapman here to tell us about her latest book, Anna’s Healing.   Vannetta is one of my all-time favorite authors.  I recently shared my review on this wonderful book and you can read it here at this link.  In this post you get to hear from Vannetta, herself!

Vannetta, would you give us a little idea of how this story came to be? 

My husband and I were talking about Christian fiction, and we started throwing around ideas about a collection of stories that would deal with the cornerstones of our faith. Certainly faith in Christ is THE cornerstone, but what makes us as Christians different? One answer we came up with was that we believe God does intervene in the lives of his people. We believe in miracles.

I so agree with you, I believe, too!

Having lived in the Midwest growing up, I remember tornadoes similar to those that occur in your book and they were very frightening.  The damage to life and property is devastating.  Have you experienced this personally or is your book based mainly on research?

I did a lot of research for that portion of the book. I can relate though. I lived in Cedar Hill, TX when my son was young. Later I found out the area was called "tornado alley." One time we had a tornado pass through and just skirt us. It was terrifying, pulling parts of roofs off. The firemen went door to door to check on everyone. We were fortunate to only have minor damage, but I'll never forget the sound or feel or fear of that moment.

Vannetta, I have read all your books and they are all wonderful, and I love the fact that they are all good Christian reads.  Do you ever feel the pressures to change your genres or writing style for the purpose of higher book sales?

No, I really don't. I want to be responsive to what readers like, and I certainly want to get my message of God's grace out to as many people as possible ... but I don't worry too much about the "big picture." God will take care of that!

What books would you say have most influenced your writing career and why?

I have always been a very adamant reader and have always read several books a week. I still do. I suppose the person who influenced my career the most was my grandmother. She wrote homemaking books that were used in schools worldwide. I remember holding her book in my lap and thinking, "Grandma wrote this." 
I think it's wonderful that you have these special ties and memories!

How long does it generally take you to write one of your books?  Do you still find time to do things that you enjoy during the writing process?

At this point I'm writing 4 books a year, which requires me to be very structured and disciplined. I love what I do, so it's not a problem. But I also enjoy spending time with my family and try to never say no to a family outing. It's a balancing act for sure.

As a child, did you ever imagine yourself as a writer, or when did you first realize this ambition?

Nope. I was a reader. I didn't think about writing until I was a single mom in grad school. That was when the bug hit, but it was 10 years later before my first book was published.

Thanks Vannetta for your thoughts.  I really am happy that you were able to visit my blog today and share a little about yourself!  And for giving away a copy of your book in this rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Author bio: 

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her novel, Falling to Pieces, was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist. A Promise for Miriam earned a spot on the June 2012 Christian Retailing Top Ten Fiction list. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time. She lives in the Texas hill country with her husband. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com 

You can connect with Vannetta at the following links: