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Review: "Echoes of Edinburgh" by Joann Durgin

3/31/2015

Book Blurb:

To honor her dying father’s wish, Chicago stockbroker Shelby Harmon promises to hand deliver an envelope addressed to “Robert Nichols, Personal & Confidential.” Her quest to find Robert leads her to a most unlikely place—the Castlehill Gardens outside Scotland’s Edinburgh Castle. Who is this fiercely private man and what is his connection to Harmony Lane, her family’s horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky?

Harrison Reed cautions Shelby against dredging up hurtful memories for his close friend, Robert. As they explore the city together, Shelby and Harrison find themselves increasingly drawn to one another. When the contents of the mysterious envelope are revealed, the answer gives her hope for the future of Harmony Lane.

Is the time spent in Edinburgh with Harrison destined to be nothing more than a beautiful memory? Did Shelby lose her heart in Edinburgh...or find her way home again?

My Review:

It took me a few chapters to really connect with the characters in this novella, but once I did, it became a charming and endearing story.

I really enjoyed the taste of local flavor and culture of Edinburgh that was brought to life in the story.

There were some good, deep moments in the novella also, ranging from family, God, finding your place in the world, etc.

4 stars for a cute, enjoyable read.

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Review: "Would-Be Wilderness Wife" by Regina Scott

3/31/2015

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Book Blurb:

The Kidnapped Bride

Drew Wallin's youngest brother is determined to see him married—so he kidnaps Drew a prospective bride. Not only is Catherine Stanway beautiful, but she's a nurse who can help their ailing mother. Drew doesn't have time for distractions—he's too busy watching over his fatherless siblings. Yet he's drawn to this woman who carries loss and pain equal to his own.

Catherine has traveled West to use her nursing skills to save lives, not to find a husband. She knows if she gives in to Drew's matchmaking family, she'll be risking her already bruised heart. But maybe it's time she takes the ultimate risk to win the groom she didn't know she wanted!

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged—and bound to be grooms

My Review:

Oh my goodness, what a fun, endearing, completely enthralling book! I wish I'd picked it up sooner!

Seriously, this story was so much fun! The premise was alluring, but when the heroine was kidnapped by the hero's younger brother, I was hooked.

The hero's large family definitely steals the show. Each one was quirky, distinctive, and completely believable. Both the hero and heroine were excellently portrayed as well.

This is the best Love Inspired Historical that I've read and I'm excited to see more of this author's work. Wish I could give it more than 5 stars!

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

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Review and Giveaway: "Hidden Agenda" by Christy Barritt

3/24/2015

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Book Blurb:

TO CATCH A KILLER

Trusting the wrong person had gotten his father killed. CIA agent Ed Carter isn't about to repeat the mistake. Pulling a gun on nurse Bailey Williams may not have been the smartest idea, but the beautiful caretaker is Ed's only suspect in the murder. Problem is, her vulnerable brown eyes claim innocence and set off his protective instincts. The spark between them is undeniable, but Bailey could never trust her life—or her heart—to a man who thinks her guilty. But when the real killer returns and threatens not just her but her family, Bailey must place her faith in the only man who can keep them from being silenced forever…

My Thoughts:

This was a strong, intense suspense story that I really enjoyed. It didn't have the lighthearted humor of Christy's Gabby St. Claire series, but it was still a good read.

The tension was strong throughout this book because both of the main characters have secrets that they can't tell the other, so it's basically a tug-of-war over who's going to be honest first. Throw in super spies, a creepy house, and a murder and you're in for a wild ride!

I loved the setting and fell in love with the island of Smuggler's Cove.

4 stars for a high-intensity, thrill ride.

(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest 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 March 31st. Thanks for entering and God bless!

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Review: "The Homestead Brides Collection" by Mary Connealy, Diann Mills, Erica Vetsch, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Darlene Franklin, Carla Olson Gade, Ruth Logan Herne, Pam Hillman, and Becca Whitham

3/17/2015

2 Comments

Book Blurb:

Through nine historical romance adventures, readers will journey along with individuals who are ready to stake a claim and plant their dreams on a piece of the great American plains. While fighting land disputes, helping neighbors, and tackling the challenges of nature the homesteaders are placed in the path of other dreamers with whom romance sparks. And God has His hand in orchestrating each unique meeting.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this novella collection! Each story was unique and had great characters, conflicts, and themes. When I read novella collections, sometimes I find myself skimming the stories for the good parts, but each one grabbed hold of my attention from beginning to end. I truly enjoyed each author's take on life for the early settlers.

5 stars!

(I received an e-copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.)

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Review: "A Brush with Love" by Rachel Hauck

3/17/2015

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Book Blurb:

Ginger Winters is a gifted hairstylist with scars no one can see. The last thing she expects from the New Year is a new chance at love.

Overcoming a childhood tragedy, Ginger emerges from the pain and trauma with a gift for bringing out the beauty in others. From the top big city salons to traveling the world as personal stylist to a country music sensation, success was almost enough to make Ginger forget she would never be one of the beautiful people, that girl, forever on the outside looking in. But she needs her confidence this weekend. She’s the acclaimed “beauty-maker” for the Alabama society wedding of the decade.

When high-school crush Tom Wells Jr. also returns to town and shows up at her shop looking for a haircut, Ginger’s thinly veiled insecurities threaten to keep her locked away from love, Despite Tom’s best efforts, Ginger can’t forget how he disappeared on her twelve years ago and broke her heart. Can she ever trust him again?

When Tom challenges her to see her own beauty, Ginger must decide if she will remained chained to the past or move freely into a new, exciting future.

My Thoughts:

This was a sweet, little novella about seeing ourselves the way God sees us. Both of the main characters were well-developed and easy to sympathize with.

My favorite parts were the "stuck in the mud" scenes in the middle of the story. They gave me a good chuckle.

A few of the scenes seemed kinda mushy/hokey to me, but all in all, I enjoyed it.

4 stars for a sweet, weekend read.

(I received a copy of this book from Zondervan Fiction and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.)

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Giveaway and Review: "The Crimson Cord" by Jill Eileen Smith

3/10/2015

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Book Description:

Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband's debt. Forced into prostitution by Dabir, counselor to the Syrian king, Rahab despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime. In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho's walls--or if she will ever know the meaning of love.

Under Jill Eileen Smith's talented hand, the familiar story of Rahab bursts forth in high definition. Readers will find themselves fully immersed in a world of dark and dusty streets, clandestine meetings, and daring escapes as a mysterious biblical figure claims her full humanity--and a permanent place in readers' hearts.

My Thoughts:

First, I'd like to preface this by saying that I am a big fan of fiction that brings the Bible to life, and this is one of my favorite authors, along with Mesu Andrews, Roseanna White, Carole Towriss, and Tessa Afshar. I absolutely loved this book!

This book follows Rahab's story and it was a tearjerker for me in several places. The author created a sympathetic character that draws you to her and makes you root for her.

There were some deep areas of the book too, where the author delves into the contrast of God's mercy and His judgment, also reminding us that we can't categorize God and put Him in a box. He's too great, too far above us for us to completely understand Him.

In closing, I loved this book and highly recommend it. 5 stars!

Giveaway!

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Review and Giveaway: "A Lady at Willowgrove Hall" by Sarah E. Ladd

3/3/2015

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Book Description:

Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness. His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.

Darbury, England, 1819

Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could expose her disgrace. But soon after becoming a lady’s companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she’s desperately hidden for years.

Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own—one that has haunted him for years and tied him to his father’s position as steward of Willowgrove Hall. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breathe a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he’ll never be free to find his own way in the world. He’ll never be free to fall in love.

When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and fight for a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long kept?

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this sweet Regency romance. This is my first book by this author, but I’ve heard good things about her books and I'm so glad I picked it up.

This author painted lovely word pictures with her powerful descriptions. I felt like I could see every detail that was described. While this slowed the story down a bit for me, I still liked it. The pace was perfect for its genre.

I connected with both of the main characters, Cecily and Nathaniel. They were broken people with secrets in their pasts that they wanted to keep hidden. Their individual journeys to freedom, redemption, and forgiveness were heart-warming and affirming, especially when those journeys intertwined.

Cecily’s search for her twin really connected with me, since I am a twin myself. My heart went out with her through the entire story.

I also loved the scenes with Cecily and Nathaniel's family. The welcoming atmosphere and love drew me right in. I loved the sense of unconditional love and family.

4 stars for a lovely, enjoyable read.

(I received a copy of this book from the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Giveaway Time!

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March Author Newsletter

3/3/2015

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Hello, everyone! Happy March!

When I was growing up, daffodils were always a sign that spring was coming. We had fields of them behind our old farm house in north Georgia, and you knew winter was on its way out when the florescent yellow blossoms peeked up through the snow. Mmm, I can still smell their sweet fragrance in the crisp air...

I hope it isn't too cold for you Northern folks. It's finally starting to warm up here in the FL Panhandle, thank goodness!

Life Stuff:

Last week, we added 2 more creatures to the Hurtt herd, bringing the count to 7. 2 humans, 2 dogs, 1 cat, and 2 fish. (What were we thinking?!) Anyway, I'm pleased to introduce Levi (short for Leviathan) and Moby.

Jack the cat isn't quite sure what to think of the newcomers. :)

Writing Stuff:

Well, I am still slogging through rewrites... I have decided that editing is my least favorite aspect of the writing process. I think I'd rather write 1,000 words a day than edit 100. I'm participating in Speedbo via Seekerville.blogspot.com to keep myself on track and motivated. I'd definitely appreciate your prayers this month to finish this thing already. :)

Reading Stuff:

Here's a list of books I got to finish last month:

And I am currently reading:

Prayer Request Stuff:

Here is the list of prayer requests this month:

My dad - Please pray that he can get his health under control so he can stop taking so many meds. Prayers for strength and patience for my mom as she takes care of him.

Kim - for her finances and for her husband's car to be fixed quickly and inexpensively.

Lanna - for blessings for her book, its message, and its reach; for healing of her mind and body.

Melody - for blessings as she and her husband work as missionaries in Nicaragua and Mexico, grace and patience as she is away from her grandbabies.

Kim - a dear friend who had a miscarriage and their family.

Becky - relief from her back problems and pain, awaiting MRI results.

My friend, Heidi - fighting cancer, taking chemo treatments.

Maxie - Her brother has cancer and is in a lot of pain, also in hospice. Also, her other brother has COPD and has been in the ER.

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 had 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):

Last Month's Winners:

The Tutor's Daughter - Heidi Robbins*

Tried and True - The Artist Librarian*

Random Acts of Murder - Janet Estridge*

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

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Review: "Echoes of Edinburgh" by Joann Durgin

Book Blurb:

My Review:

Amazon Link:

Review: "Would-Be Wilderness Wife" by Regina Scott

Book Blurb:

My Review:

Amazon Link:

Review and Giveaway: "Hidden Agenda" by Christy Barritt

Book Blurb:

My Thoughts:

Giveaway!

Review: "The Homestead Brides Collection" by Mary Connealy, Diann Mills, Erica Vetsch, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Darlene Franklin, Carla Olson Gade, Ruth Logan Herne, Pam Hillman, and Becca Whitham

Book Blurb:

My Thoughts:

Amazon Link:

Review: "A Brush with Love" by Rachel Hauck

Book Blurb:

My Thoughts:

Amazon link:

Giveaway and Review: "The Crimson Cord" by Jill Eileen Smith

Book Description:

My Thoughts:

Giveaway!

Review and Giveaway: "A Lady at Willowgrove Hall" by Sarah E. Ladd

Book Description:

My Thoughts:

Giveaway Time!

March Author Newsletter

Life Stuff:

Writing Stuff:

Reading Stuff:

Prayer Request Stuff:

Question of the Month (QOTM):

What are your favorite genres?

Last Month's Winners:

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