Blog Archives

Review and Giveaway: A Canyon Springs Courtship by Glynna Kaye

10/28/2014

First, I'd like to announce the winner of "Sharpshooter in Petticoats:"

Amy C.!

I've emailed her and she has a month to reply at which point I will pick a new winner. And guys, if you win a book from my blog, please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads for the author. I know they would greatly appreciate it. :)

Book Blurb:

A Love Reunited

Councilman Jake Talford is determined to protect his small Arizona town. Even if that means keeping a close eye on former sweetheart Macy Colston. Macy has come to Canyon Springs to get the scoop for her popular blog Hometowns with Heart. The rest of the town council hopes it will bring in the tourists. But Jake's worried she'll turn local gossip into public scandal. He and Macy once shared dreams of a future together. Now it's up to Jake to make her see what's most important in life—love, faith and truth.

My Thoughts:

This is a sweet romance about a previously wounded couple who learn to love and trust each other again. The main characters are flawed, but so easy to fall in love with. I was rooting for both of them to overcome their emotional obstacles during the whole book. The story resolved itself realistically and at a comfortable pace; not too fast or too slow. Overall, it was a great read. There is a twist near the end that nobody sees coming… all I’m going to say is that I absolutely loved it! If you’re looking for a sweet, enjoyable read, pick up a copy of this book.

5 out of 5 stars!

Giveaway!

To enter, just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will end November 4th. Thanks for entering and God bless!

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11 Comments

Review and Giveaway: Sharpshooter in Petticoats by Mary Connealy

10/21/2014

2 Comments

Book Blurb:

Aim for hours of reading pleasure with award-winning author Mary Connealy’s last book in the Sophie’s Daughters series. Mandy Gray, a wealthy sharpshooting widow, is content living in her mountain home and raising her young-uns alone. But how long can she protect herself when thieving outlaws have her surrounded? Rancher Tom Linscott can’t bear to see a defenseless woman in danger. Yet his rescue efforts end up bringing trouble right to her door. Now that they’re both trapped on Mandy’s Mountain, can they learn to live together—or will they die alone?

My Thoughts:

Wow, what a great ending for the series! This is the final story in the sweeping 9-book, 3-series saga of cowboys, Indians, outlaws, homesteaders, and everything in between. I loved reading all of Mary’s previous books, (especially Montana Rose and The Husband Tree!) so watching all the different characters revisited in this book was fascinating. I’ve been looking forward to Mandy’s story and it didn’t disappoint. If you haven’t read the earlier books in the series, you’re gonna want to before you pick this one up, but you won’t be sorry. Highly recommend the whole kit and kaboodle!

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

This week, I'm giving away a paperback copy of this delightful book. Just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below and follow the directions to enter. Thanks for reading and see you next week with a new giveaway!

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Writing Days by Jan Thompson - Review

10/14/2014

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Book Blurb:

"At last, a devotional that reaches into a writer's heart and soul! Whether you're a new writer or a seasoned one, Writing Days is a gem of a resource offering inspiration, encouragement, and godly wisdom 52 weeks of the year." - Laura Frantz, author of The Ballantyne Legacy series, The Colonel's Lady, and Courting Morrow Little

Christian writers, do you spend time in God’s Word on a regular basis?

Are you at peace with where you are in your writing career? Or are you struggling through your writing days? Are you rejoicing in the goodness of God? Or are you having a wish-it-were-better writing season?

Regardless of where you are in your personal and professional writing journey, whether you are a published or unpublished writer, this inspirational weekly devotional book is for you.

Written in a pocketbook format so you can read each entry on your smart phone or tablets or alongside your Bible in your personal devotions or Bible study, Writing Days: 52 Devotionals for the 52 Weeks in a Christian Writer’s Year has one goal: to encourage you, Christian writer, in your daily and weekly walk with God, hopefully strengthening your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as you serve Him through the gift of writing.

May your writing journey be abundant, fruitful, and pleasing to God!

"Jan Thompson's book, Writing Days: 52 Devotionals for the 52 Weeks in a Christian Writer's Year, includes timely Scriptures and thoughtful insights writers will appreciate, along with practical action steps they can take each week to draw closer to the Lord as they move ahead on their writing journey. These devotions offer encouragement and provide a weekly spiritual focus that will help writers honor the Lord and find rest and joy as they write for Him." - Carrie Turansky, award-winning author of The Governess of Highland Hall, The Daughter of Highland Hall, and Surrendered Hearts

"When I am writing it is so easy to let everything else in my life slide--especially devotions. Thompson's encouraging book does a wonderful job of setting the tone for the week by focusing our mind and hearts on God. It's a valuable resource that belongs on every writer's Kindle!" - Traci Tyne Hilton, author of the Mitzy Neuhaus Mystery series and The Plain Jane Mysteries

My Thoughts:

This is a great devotional collection that was written especially for writers. There are 52 entries, so it makes a great weekly devo. I read it as a daily devo and it worked out fine, too. This book was a great blessing to me and I recommend it highly.

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

0 Comments

The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall - Review

10/14/2014

3 Comments

Back Cover Blurb:

After being unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music, Amaryllis Brigham sees her dreams of founding a music academy in her hometown of Seattle, Washington, disappearing before her very eyes. Now, the only way to achieve her goal comes with high stakes for someone set on avoiding men as much as possible: Marry within the year to inherit the immense fortune of her estranged grandmother. Amaryllis reluctantly moves in to her aunt's Boston home and rubs shoulders with fashionable society. Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself quickly falling in love with the most unlikely of men, Nathan Everstone, the envy of every eligible female, whose father has haunted her dreams for the decade following her mother's tragic death. However, Nathan turns out to be much more than he seems...and everything she never knew she wanted. But can she ever really trust an Everstone man?

My Thoughts:

This was a lovely historical novel told from the point of view of a very likable heroine. There were times that her decisions made me mad at her, but her back-story and past issues made them believable. I really enjoyed the twists and turns at the end. Can’t tell any more without giving something away, but it was a fantastic conclusion! :) I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Good job! (And is that cover fantastic or what?)

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

3 Comments

Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway - Review and Giveaway!

10/7/2014

12 Comments

Book Blurb:

This hilarious Southern retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice tells the story of two hard-headed Civil war historians who find that first impressions can be deceiving.

Shelby Roswell, a Civil War historian and professor, is on the fast track to tenure—that is, until her new book is roasted by the famous historian Ransom Fielding in a national review. With her career stalled by a man she’s never met, Shelby struggles to maintain her composure when she discovers that Fielding has taken a visiting professorship at her small Southern college.

Ransom Fielding is still struggling with his role in his wife’s accidental death six years ago and is hoping that a year at Shelby’s small college near his hometown of Oxford, Mississippi, will be a respite from the pressures of Ivy League academia. He never bargained for falling in love with the one woman whose career—and pride—he injured, and who would do anything to make him leave.

When these two hot-headed southerners find themselves fighting over the centuries-old history of local battles and antebellum mansions, their small college is about to become a battlefield of Civil War proportions.

With familiar and relatable characters and wit to spare, Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits shows you that love can conquer all…especially when pride, prejudice, love, and cheese grits are involved!

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this spin-off of Pride and Prejudice that takes place in the Deep South. As a southerner myself, I felt quite at home. This was a sweet read that kept my attention and that gave me a few giggles. The characters were good and their problems were realistically portrayed. I'm looking forward to the next in this fun series.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars!

Giveaway!

To enter the giveaway, just fill out the form below. Giveaway ends 10/14. Thanks for visiting my blog and good luck!

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12 Comments

October Author Newsletter

10/7/2014

6 Comments

Happy October!

Happy October! It’s finally starting to cool off here in Panama City. We’ve been able to open the windows and enjoy the cool breezes. It’s been absolutely glorious! (Obviously, this picture isn't from here, but isn't it pretty? It reminds me of a book cover. :) )

Life Stuff:

We adopted a 4-month-old puppy almost two weeks ago, so that has kept Hubbins and I very busy, to say the least. :) This is Carrie. She’s a Dachsador, which is a Labrador and Dachshund mix. She’s sweet as can be, but has a ton of puppy energy that has run poor Snickers ragged at times. She is acclimating well to apartment life and is *almost* house-trained. Prayers definitely appreciated for that last one, since we might as well be buying stock in paper towel and puppy spray companies. I hope you all had a wonderful September. What’s new and exciting for you this month?

Writing Stuff:

I have officially finished my first draft of the Rio book. It’s alive!!! *Channeling Dr. Frankenstein here.* Like the Frankenstein monster, my story sometimes appears to have been pieced together with power tools. It isn’t pretty and the stitches are still showing, but it has a heartbeat, and that’s the important thing.

My goals for this month (and November, for that matter) are to do some hard-core editing and smooth out those rough edges. I am participating in a self-editing class as well as a good critique group, so I hope to make something pretty out of this monster yet!

Writers, do you have any news or updates this month?

Reading Stuff:

This month was an excellent reading month for me. I read:

How about you? What did you read/are you reading now? I'm reading:

Prayer Requests:

Tina W. – requests prayer for debt relief and stability.

Christina S. – her husband Brandon is battling severe alcoholism.

Jenn. D. – having a partial hysterectomy on Tuesday, Oct. 7th.

Linda F. – requests prayer for her van to be paid off soon and road-ready. Also, for firewood for the winter and her husband Mark’s healing.

Becky G. – wisdom in financial matters and as she starts writing a book.

Maxie – Her daughter and granddaughter who have many health problems, also for her daughter’s work difficulties.

Melody D. - missionary in Nicaragua

My family - safety as they travel and sing

Heidi T. - a friend going through chemo right now, prayers for her family requested, too.

Polly P. - her husband passed away last month.

Please feel free to message your prayer requests to me or comment with them and I'll add them to the list. God bless you, prayer warriors. Thank you for what you do.

Last month's winners:

A Vision of Lucy – Christina Spicuzza*

Deception – Haley Scully*

A Heart Revealed – Lisa*

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 the blog for this month's giveaways and reviews.

Thanks for reading and God bless!

6 Comments

Review and Giveaway: A Canyon Springs Courtship by Glynna Kaye

Book Blurb:

My Thoughts:

Giveaway!

Review and Giveaway: Sharpshooter in Petticoats by Mary Connealy

Book Blurb:

My Thoughts:

Writing Days by Jan Thompson - Review

Book Blurb:

My Thoughts:

The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall - Review

Back Cover Blurb:

My Thoughts:

Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway - Review and Giveaway!

Book Blurb:

My Thoughts:

Giveaway!

October Author Newsletter

Happy October!

Life Stuff:

Writing Stuff:

Reading Stuff:

Prayer Requests:

Question of the Month:

Last month's winners:

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