Anna Weaver Hurtt, Inspirational Author
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Review: "Storm Siren" by Mary Weber

2/24/2015

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Book Description:

"I raise my chin as the buyers stare. Yes. Look. You don't want me. Because, eventually, accidentally, I will destroy you."

In a world at war, a slave girl's lethal curse could become one kingdom's weapon of salvation. If the curse - and the girl - can be controlled.

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn't merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth - meaning, she shouldn't even exist.

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she's being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons. 

But what if she doesn't want to be the weapon they've all been waiting for? 

Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, Storm Siren is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.

My Thoughts:

What an adventure! This book grabbed me from the very beginning and never let me go. Honestly, I've never read another book like this in my life.

Nym is such a great main character. I felt like I knew her from the very first page. She is witty, brave, and broken... Something we all are at some point.

The rest of the characters are great too, as well as the otherworldly setting. I don't read a lot of fantasy stories, but this one was well-written and gripping. It's definitely the most unique YA novel I've read.

This book has a slight edge to it because it deals with some tough issues, including abuse and cutting, but it enhanced the story for me. The spiritual message is woven into the story subtly but strongly. I know that there are people out there that need to hear this author's message and I'm excited that they will get the chance.

Well done, Mrs. Weber. We CAN'T WAIT for the next installment.

(I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.)



My Rating: 5 stars!

Amazon Link:

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Review: "Dauntless" by Dina L. Sleiman

2/24/2015

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Book Description:

Where Legend and History Collide, 
One Young Woman Will Fight for the Innocent


Born a baron's daughter, Lady Merry Ellison is now an enemy of the throne after her father's failed assassination attempt upon the king. Bold and uniquely skilled, she is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village--a group that becomes known as "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest." Merry finds her charge more difficult as their growing notoriety brings increasing trouble their way.

Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform some feat so legendary that he will rise from obscurity and earn a title of his own. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he might have found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, he's forced to reexamine everything he's known.

My Thoughts:

 A YA medieval inspirational romance with a Robin Hood twist... What's not to love? I truly enjoyed this exciting, heart-pounding adventure with Merry, Timothy, Allen, Wren, and the rest of the colorful, enjoyable characters.

I loved the pace of the book, which didn't let up for a moment as it switched between different characters' points of view. I enjoyed the suspense and mystery aspect as well. Also, the elements of faith were woven in perfectly.

Excellent characters, excellent story, excellent writing. I can't wait to read the next book.

(I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.)



My Rating: 5 stars!

Amazon Link:

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Review:  "Like A Flower in Bloom" by Siri Mitchell

2/24/2015

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Book Description:

He Stole the Work She Loved. 
Will She Let Him Steal Her Heart as Well?

It's all her uncle's fault. For years Charlotte Withersby has been free to pursue her love of plants and flowers by assisting her botanist father. But now that she's reached the old age of twenty-two, an intrusive uncle has convinced her father that Charlotte's future--the only proper future for a woman--is to be a wife and mother, not a scholar. 

Her father is so dependent on her assistance that Charlotte believes he'll soon change his mind...and then Edward Trimble shows up. A long-time botany correspondent in the South Pacific, Trimble arrives ready to step in as assistant so that Charlotte can step out into proper society--a world that baffles her with its unwritten rules, inexplicable expectations, and confounding fashion. 

Things aren't perfectly smooth between Trimble and her father, so Charlotte hatches a last gasp plan. She'll pretend such an interest in marriage that the thought of losing her will make her father welcome her back. Only things go quickly awry, and she realizes that the one man who recognizes her intelligence is also the person she's most angry with: Edward Trimble, her supposed rival. Suddenly juggling more suitors than she knows what to do with, Charlotte is caught in a trap of her own making. Will she have no choice but to leave her beloved flowers behind?

My Thoughts:

I absolutely LOVED this book! Charlotte, the main character, is such a hoot. An eccentric botanist released into the wilds of high society. What could go wrong? This was such a fun read. I was swept up in the story completely. The last few chapters gave me the warm fuzzies. All the other characters are wonderful, too... Very deep, multi-faceted, and unique. This is probably the best Regency that I've ever read. :)

5 stars for a brilliant story that kept me up too late! If you enjoy Regency-era, extremely witty, first-person novels, snatch this one up!

(I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.)



My Rating: 5 stars!

Amazon Link:

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Review:  "An October Bride" by  Katie Ganshert

2/24/2015

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Book Description:

What if the only way you could make your father’s last wish come true . . . was to marry the man of your dreams?

Emma Tate has just moved on from one fiancé, so when she announces a sudden engagement to her lifelong buddy Jake Sawyer, every busybody in Mayfair goes into high alert. Of course, no one but Jake and Emma know the real reason they’re getting married—so Emma’s dying father will have a chance to walk her down the aisle.

But while Jake and Emma move forward with their plan—and frantically plan an October wedding—it becomes clear that their agreement has a few complications . . . the biggest being their true feelings for each other.

With dubious friends, deliriously thrilled parents, and a town that won’t keep its nose out of their business, Emma and Jake will have a lot to contend with if they’re going to pull this off. The real question is: Who wants this wedding more, Emma’s dad . . . or Emma?

My Review:

I loved this sweet, little novella. I'm always impressed when writers can pack the intensity of a full-length novel into a condensed novella, and this is a great example of that!

My heart went out to the main character, Emma. I found her motivation to be believable. The emotions she wrestled with were authentic and real, too. Her romance with Jake was exquisitely sweet, too.

This book was a perfect blend of sweet, funny, and thought-provoking. I truly enjoyed it and its message.

(I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.)



My Rating: 5 stars!

Amazon Link:

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Review and Giveaway: "Random Acts of Murder" by Christy Barritt

2/17/2015

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Book Description:

When Holly Anna Paladin is given a year to live, she embraces her final days doing what she loves most—random acts of kindness. But one of her extreme good deeds goes horribly wrong, implicating Holly in a string of murders. Holly is suddenly in a different kind of fight for her life. 

Only two other people know Holly was at the site of the murder, and one of them is the killer. Making matters stickier is the fact that the detective assigned to the case is her old high school crush and present day nemesis. 

The clock is ticking as Holly is forced to play a dangerous game. Will Holly find the killer before he ruins what’s left of her life? Or will she spend her final days alone and behind bars? 

Fiction/Christian/Mystery/Suspense

My Thoughts:

This is my favorite Christy Barritt book to date! I absolutely loved Holly Anna's story (told from her point of view), and I'm kind of disappointed that I can't meet her for coffee or something. She was that real.

This book is an easy, fast-paced read with elements of danger, intrigue, a few tear-jerker moments, some chuckles, and a handful of "Aww!" moments thrown in. It was a perfect weekend read and got me all excited to return to the Gabby St. Clair mysteries by this author.

5 stars for a truly excellent, enjoyable literary escape! 


(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review, which I have given.)

Giveaway!

To enter, just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. (If the link in the email doesn't work, just click over to www.AnnaWeaverBooks.com and enter there.) This giveaway will end February 24th. Thanks for entering and God bless!
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Review and Giveaway: "Tried and True" by Mary Connealy

2/10/2015

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Book Description:

Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!

Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister--and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It's a risk--they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as "boys"--but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.

Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future? 

My Thoughts:

I've been a fan of Mary's for years. Her characters are always so quirky, funny, and well-developed.  The plots are exciting and full of action and danger. Her themes are so strong and applicable to my life. Tried and True, her newest novel, doesn't disappoint!

 I truly enjoyed this one and felt a special connection with Kylie, the main character. If you enjoy inspirational romantic comedies set in the Wild West, pick up a copy of this one. You're gonna love it.



5 stars!

Giveaway Time!

To enter, just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. (If the link in the email doesn't work, just click over to www.AnnaWeaverBooks.com and enter there.) This giveaway will end February 17th. Thanks for entering and God bless!
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Review and Giveaway: "The Tutor's Daughter" by Julie Klassen

2/3/2015

13 Comments

 
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Book Description:

Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementoes? 

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her...

When suspicious acts escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart?

Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor's Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast--a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions--where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits.

"[a] lovely addition to the genre...Regency/Klassen fans will love the mystery, romance, and drama." --Publishers Weekly

"A clever book that incorporates what readers love of Jane Austen, Downton Abbey and even a bit of Jane Eyre. The novel offers everything a historical romance reader looks for."
--Historical Novels Review about The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

"Klassen delivers another impeccably crafted romance rich in fascinating details about life both upstairs and downstairs in a country estate. An excellent choice for fans of faith-based fiction and readers who miss traditional Regency romances."
--Booklist about The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

"Well-developed characters, plot twists, and attention to period detail make this a sure bet for fans of Regency novels. A hint of romance will win Klassen readers who enjoy Catherine Palmer." -Library Journal

"A remarkable tale with many unpredictable twists and turns."--CBA Retailers and Resources

Discussion questions included.


JULIE KLASSEN loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her books, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

My Thoughts:

Bumps in the night, mysterious music with no one to play it, so many secrets! This book reminded me of the gothic novels from Jane Austen’s day, where the female lead has to solve a creepy mystery. The danger, suspense, and intrigue kept me on my toes as a reader, trying to solve the mystery right along with the heroine. And the hero… Oh! I fell for him in the first chapter, I think. Another great Julie Klassen read! If you like inspirational historical romance/suspense novels set in regency times, this is the book for you! 


5 Stars!

Giveaway!

To enter, just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. (If the link in the email doesn't work, just click over to www.AnnaWeaverBooks.com and enter there.) This giveaway will end February 10th. Thanks for entering and God bless!
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February Author Newsletter

2/3/2015

14 Comments

 
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Happy Valentine's Day! (A little bit early.)

Hello, everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful February so far and I hope that those of you living up north are staying warm. It's been chilly enough down here in Florida... If I lived in the snow, I'd grab a warm beverage and snuggle up close to the heater with a pile of good books until April!

Life Stuff:

Well, I've just about gotten things back to normal from the holidays. Hubbins has been attending Airman Leadership School this month. While the classes have been pretty rigorous, he's been a trooper and I couldn't be prouder of him. :)

Since, it was one of my resolutions this year, I've been catching up on my reading with the spare time, as well as working my way through the bible study I've been participating in with my Ladies Bible Study: "The Patriarchs" by Beth Moore. 

How about you? How are your resolutions holding up?

Writing Stuff:

Well, I'm still plugging away at the novella, I'm sorry to say. This thing is taking soooo much longer than I had planned. At the moment, I'm working through it with a book called "Revision and Self-editing for Publication: Techniques for Transforming Your First Draft Into a Novel That Sells" by James Scott Bell. I highly recommend it for authors, especially when you've finished a book and feel lost about what to do with it now. :)

How about you? Writers, do you have a favorite writing book?

Reading Stuff:

Last month, I was able to read:








Currently, I am reading:

Prayer Request Stuff:

Here is the list of prayer requests this month:


Me - My friend, Heidi is having health issues and her cancer markers are very high.


Maxie - Her brother and his many health problems.


Sally - That her home in Arizona sells soon.


Sharon - Continued prayers for her daughter to become pregnant.


Deanne - Her husband is having hernia surgery in March. 


Kelly - Her father is having lung surgery on Feb. 17th to remove a cancerous mass. Please pray for his healing and his salvation.


Thank you for your prayers, sweet friends. If you have a request, just leave a comment or use the contact form and I will add it to the list.

Question of the Month (QOTM):

Submit

Last Month's Winners:

"A Most Inconvenient Marriage" - Deanne Patterson*


"Dubiosity" - Summer Hinderer*


"The Fragrance of Geraniums" - Trixi O.*


All winners have a month to reply to my emails or I will draw a new winner. * = winner has claimed her prize. Be sure to check back soon for this month's giveaways and reviews. 

Thanks for reading and God bless!

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    Author

    Inspirational author. Newbie Air Force wife. Jesus Follower. Recovering musician. Dachshund mama. Coffee addict. Book reviewer/giveaway-er.

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