Chance of Loving You ~ Review

Chance of Loving You
By Terri Blackstone,
          Candace Calvert,
               and Susan May Warren

Chance of Loving You is an anthology of three stories by three authors.

First up is For Love of Money by Terri Blackstone.
Julie Sheffield thought he was someone she just might might like getting to know better.  Blake Adcock seemed to be a gentleman and he was a Christian.  But when he doesn't leave her a tip other than half a sweepstakes ticket she thinks she's been mistaken again in her judgment.

Both Blake and Julie could use the money to give their dreams the financial start they need.  But money has a way of changing people, if they win can this twosome withstand the temptations that millions would offer?  

For Love of Money is a fun yet insight story that introduces us to two very different people and their unique perspectives on money.  Sometimes we can find love where we least expect it - but we have to decide what is most important love or money...

Second is The Recipe by Candace Calvert
Aimee Curran is a sweet young woman who is determined to honor her late mother by entering and winning the Vegan Valentine Back-Off.  A win would get her into culinary school and help her to fulfill her dream.

But when Aimee gets a little creative with the food trays at the San Diego hospital where she works, she finds herself worrying about her job.  But Aimee's creative flair with food introduces her to Lucas Marchal, whose grandmother was the recipient of Aimee's latest attempt.

In her quest to find the perfect dessert Aimee is about to The Recipe which is one everyone needs to discover.  And this discovery is just what Aimee needs when her plans start to come apart. Sometimes we need trouble to find what we've been searching for.

Third is Hook, Line and Sinker by Susan May Warren
Abigail Cushman is determined to win and if Ross Springer is the competition he had better watch out.  Which is too bad for Ross - who's been secretly in love with her for years.

But since his brother Scott died Abby has either ignored him or determined to crush him.  Ross can't seem to be the man his brother was.  He can't be the man Abby would love.

Ross has changed, since Scotty's death he's not the Ross Abby always knew.  Abby decides that the Deep Haven fishing contest that Ross is promoting is just what she needs.  Determined to prove that she's more than an all-brains-scholar Abby decides to join the fishing contest, and if she knows nothing about fishing she's willing to take a crash course.

Ross and Abby are both hurting and have been since Scott's death several years ago.  Is their pain keeping them from seeing the truth about who they truly are?

This anthology is a delightful assortment and if you have yet to have read all three of the authors this is the perfect opportunity to do so.  This was the first story I've ever read by Terri Blackstone and I have to say her writing is impressive.  I was drawn to this book because of the little teaser/excerpt of The Recipe that was in Candace Calvert's By Your Side.  I'm familiar with Susan May Warren through her Christiansen family series and this is of the same quality.  Overall I would highly recommend this book.  It is perfect for a quiet weekend or a long summer afternoon.

I was provided a complementary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

An anthology by three bestselling romance authors

For Love of Money by Terri Blackstock Trying to launch her own design firm while waitressing on the side, Julie Sheffield was drawn to the kind man she waited on at the restaurant last night . . . until he stiffed her on the tip by leaving her half of a sweepstakes ticket.

The Recipe by Candace Calvert Hospital dietary assistant Aimee Curran is determined to win the Vegan Valentine Bake-Off to prove she’s finally found her calling. But while caring for one of her patients—the elderly grandmother of a handsome CSI photographer—Aimee begins to question where she belongs.

Hook, Line and Sinker by Susan May Warren Grad student Abigail Cushman has agreed to enter the annual Deep Haven fishing contest. She’s a quick learner, even if she doesn’t know the difference between a bass and a trout. But nothing could prepare her for competing against the handsome charmer she’s tried to forget since grief tore them apart.

One chance for each woman to change her life . . . but will love be the real prize?

Author Terri Blackstock - view author info
Author Susan May Warren - view author info
Author Candace Calvert - view author info

2015 INSPY's Shortlists Released Today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2015 INSPYs Shortlists Released

April 30, 2015—The INSPYs Advisory Board is pleased to announce that the following books have been shortlisted in the fifth annual INSPY Awards. Recognizing the need for a new kind of book award, the INSPYs — http://inspys.com — were created by bloggers to discover and highlight the very best in literature that grapples with expressions of the Christian faith.

Debut

The Butterfly & the Violin by Kristy Cambron | Thomas Nelson

Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas  | Bethany House

How Sweet the Sound by Amy K. Sorrells | David C. Cook

Healer of Carthage by Lynne Gentry | Howard

For Such a Time by Kate Breslin | Bethany House

General Fiction

Thief of Glory by Sigmund Brouwer | Waterbrook/Multonomah Press

All Right Here by Carre Armstrong Gardner | Tyndale

Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke | Tyndale

Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay | Thomas Nelson

Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin | Bethany House

Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Beowulf: Explosives Detection Dog by Ronie Kendig | Barbour

Somebody Like You by Beth K. Vogt | Howard

A Table by the Window by Hillary Monton Lodge | Waterbrook/Multonomah Press

Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade | Bethany House

A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert | Waterbrook/Multonomah Press

Historical Romance  

A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander | Bethany House

The Thief by Stephanie Landsem | Howard

Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta | Tyndale

Captured by Love by Jody Hedlund | Bethany House

With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden | Bethany House

Speculative Fiction

Spirit Bridge by James L. Rubart | Thomas Nelson

Shadow Hand by Anne Elisabeth Stengl | Bethany House

Seek and Hide by Amanda G. Stevens | David C. Cook

Healer of Carthage by Lynne Gentry | Howard

A Draw of Kings by Patrick W. Carr | Bethany House

Mystery and Thriller

A.D. 30 by Ted Dekkar | Center Street/Hachette

Checkmate by Steven James | Signet Select/Penguin

Murder at the Mikado by Julianna Deering | Bethany House

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig | Barbour

Playing Saint by Zachary Bartels | Thomas Nelson

Literature for Young Adults

Remnants: Season of Wonder by Lisa T. Bergren | Blink/Zondervan

Storm Siren by Mary Weber | Thomas Nelson

Blur by Steven James | Skyscape

Destined for Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon | Blink/Zondervan

Jupiter Winds by C.J. Darlington | Mountainview Books

The innovative INSPY Award is designed to help readers in their search for the preeminent faith-inspired literature of today. The INSPYs were created to select and showcase books with the highest literary standards that grapple with the Christian faith. To find these works, the INSPYs net is cast wide, accepting nominations of books aimed at the Christian bookstore market as well as those from the general market. The winners of the 2015 INSPY awards will be announced June 28. In the meantime, http://inspys.com will feature author interviews to introduce readers to the creative minds behind these books.

Thick as Thieves ~ Review

Thick as Thieves
Circle C Milestones 1
An Andrea Carter Book
By Susan K. Marlow

Andi Carter's horse Taffy is her pride and joy and she's nearly beside herself with anticipation and worry about Taffy's first foal. Taffy's delivery is difficult and nearly costs the life of both the mare and the foals.

But school keeps Andi from spending as much time with her beloved horses as she wants to.  After all the foals need to be worked with, to be trained.  But her mother insists that school is important.  But more than the new foals make school miserable for Andi.  Macy Walker is new to school and she's determined to make life miserable for everyone, especially her seatmate Andi.

Cattle rustlers have moved in and are striking all the ranches in the area.  But Andi is more concerned about having a bully in the schoolroom than rustlers until the Circle C's horses are threatened.  Can Andi keep her horses safe?  Or will she lose them to the rustlers?

Thick as Thieves is set in the 1880's in the San Joaquin Valley of California.  This book examines the importance of family and how they influence how we live.  Andi's family is loving and caring, which is in sharp contrast to Macy and her family.  Often those who strike out are hurting and need a friend. But to someone who has been hurt offered friendship may be hard to accept.  How do you trust when trust has been destroyed?  Tweens and teens will enjoy this book especially if they have a fondness for horses,.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the Kregel Blog Tour program in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.


About the book: 

Fourteen-year-old Andrea Carter would rather ride her beloved palomino, Taffy, than do anything else. But life on the Circle C ranch in 1882 is busy. Between school and chores, Andi is left with little time to prepare for Taffy's first foaling. Then when the event finally arrives, it nearly ends in disaster.

Returning to school keeps Andi hard-pressed to find time for foal training. And she now has a new problem on her hands--Macy Walker, who has been assigned as Andi's seatmate. The new girl's crude manners and cruel behavior bring storm clouds into Andi's life, as does the news that cattle rustlers have moved into the valley.

When the cattle rustlers turn to stealing horses and strike the Carter ranch, Andi's only hope for recovering her precious colts lies with Macy. Can Andi trust this wild girl? Does she have a choice?

Every Bride Needs a Groom ~ Review

Every Bride Needs a Groom

A Brides with Style Novel # 1
by Janice Thompson

Katie Fisher is living for her wedding.  She's been planning it almost before she could talk or walk.  And she's sure as can be that Casey is going to pop the question any minute now.  She's so sure that she enters the Texas Bride magazine's contest to win the wedding dress of her dreams.

One problem with her dream wedding - Casey has other plans and they don't involve placing a ring on Katie's finger anytime soon, if ever.  What's a girl to do when she gets the dress of her dreams on the very day her dreams are shattered.  

Every Bride Needs a Groom is a fun and entertaining story that will keep you waiting to see what happens next.  Katie's family is a riot.  First there's her grandmother Queenie who won't speak to or about her sister Alva and has a problem with the Presbyterian church but not with Presbyterians (a long story that even Katie doesn't know).  Then there is her cousin Lori-Lou who gave Katie the idea to enter the contest in the first place.  And Katie's brothers Dewey, Jasper, and Beau just add to the fun.  

If you want to have a fun and relaxing week-end read Every Bride Needs a Groom is the perfect book for you and be prepared for a few laughs.  And the excerpt from the second book in this series is definitely a teaser that will put book 2 on your TBR (to be read) list.

I was provided with a copy of this book by Revell through the Revell Reads blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
Small-town girl Katie Fisher is planning her wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? But when her boyfriend breaks up with her and takes a job in another town--the very same day Katie wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Should she claim her prize? And will the hunky former pro-basketball player who runs the swanky Dallas bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--catch on to her humiliation if she does?

Janice Thompson designs a romance sure to delight, with plenty of fish-out-of-water moments, a hilarious supporting cast, and more of the wedding biz world her readers adore.

 

Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect, The Icing on the Cake, and The Dream Dress. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.com.

The Queen of Sparta ~ Review

The Queen of Sparta
By T. S. Chaudhry

What if?  What if the Greek resistance against Persia and her invasion of Greece was strategized by Queen Gorgo by Sparta.
The Queen of Sparta is historical fiction set in a time of war.  This is not a dry, boring reading experience, but rather an intriguing and engrossing story.

But when the imminent threat of Persia is ended with Greece's victory the Greek states and her people begin to turn on one another.  And then there is the matter of Greeks who collaborated with the Persians.

Prince Sherzada, who was Scythian, fought with the Persians and taken as a prisoner by the Spartans.  He provided much insight into the Persians and their mindset following their defeat.  His intelligence and wit seem to be well matched with Queen Gorgo.  But this prince, this Scythian is unusual in that he believes in one God.

As Sparta begins to unravel within as petty bickering threats the state's stability, Gorgo is left with a choice.  Should she stay and fight to save Sparta from itself or leave behind the life, the world, she has always known to save the life of her son and her own?

What follows is an exciting and interesting story based on what if.   This is the story that was shared years later with Alexander the Great during his campaign to conquer the world.

I was provided a copy of this book through PUYB in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.


About the Author

T. S. Chaudhry was born in Karachi, Pakistan. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, a master’s degree from Harvard University, and a PhD from the University of Cambridge. Formerly a Pakistani diplomat, Chaudhry currently works for
the United Nations on peace and security issues in Africa.

The Queen of Sparta is Chaudhry’s first novel. He came up with the idea to write a story about Queen Gorgo being the architect of the Greek resistance against the Persian invasion while reading Herodotus for his A-Level examination in England several
decades ago. “As a lover of history, or a ‘history-buff,’ I have always enjoyed reading both fiction and nonfiction about this period.”

Chaudhry is currently working on a “prequel” to The Queen of Sparta based on
events leading up to the Battle of Marathon, called Fennel Field.

For More Information
 Connect with T.S. on Facebook.
 Find out more about T.S. at Goodreads.

About the Book
Title: The Queen of Sparta
Author: T.S. Chaudhry
Publisher: Top Hat Books
Pages: 383
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Paperback/Kindle

Author T.S. Chaudhry offers a new spin on Spartan history in his novel, THE QUEEN
OF SPARTA. In the book, Queen Gorgo, the wife of the courageous Spartan leader,
Leonidas, surreptitiously organizes the Greek resistance against the invasion of the
mighty Persian king, Xerxes, and his massive army. Although founded on the writings of
historian, Herodotus, Chaudhry’s revision of the 480 B.C. invasion challenges readers to
imagine the brilliant and politically savvy Queen Gorgo as the Spartan leader who
wielded her power with stealth and cunning to end the Persian occupation of Greece.

Gorgo devises a strategy using espionage and diplomacy, in addition to Sparta’s military
might, to defeat the Persians and drive them out of Greece. During the last battle of the
war, Prince Sherzada, a Saka, is captured while fighting on the Persian side. He is
imprisoned by Gorgo, who has vowed to kill him. However, an unexpected alliance
blooms between Gorgo and Sherzada, based on common perceptions and a shared dark
secret. As allies, the queen and prince face new dangers from within Sparta that threaten
the safety of Gorgo and her young son, the king.

As the story progresses, Queen Gorgo must choose between confronting the reactionary
forces within Sparta directly or saving her life and the life of her child.

THE QUEEN OF SPARTA begins on the Banks of Indus, and takes the reader through
time and space to Greece, Tuscany, Rome, and the Baltic coast of northern Europe and
attempts to link some of the main cultures of that time period. “In the novel, I tried to
present the conflict through the eyes of two protagonists,” Chaudhry states. “The Greek
viewpoint is presented through Queen Gorgo, and the opposing one is represented by
Prince Sherzada, who becomes her prisoner. The whole story is also a deliberate attempt
to confuse ‘the possession’ of history because, actually, history belongs to all of us.”

THE QUEEN OF SPARTA informs the reader about the politics of ancient Greece in the
5th Century, B.C. and about Sparta, its people, and its culture; the book also describes
what made the Spartans great while sharing the flaws and contradictions within their
society. Chaudhry notes that “fiction is art immitating life. That is how I see the
relationship between historical fiction and history. History has wonderful stories to tell.
And it gets more wonderful the further in the past you go where evidence is sparse, but
the realm of creativity is rich. I love to find out how things happened the way they did.
Ancient history provides us with a rich variety of potential answers that are always fun to
explore.”

The author’s goal in writing THE QUEEN OF SPARTA was to share the message that
“one must stand for one’s principles, for what one believes to be right, even in the face of
overwhelming opposition.”

For More Information

 The Queen of Sparta is available at Amazon.
 Pick up your copy at Barnes and Noble.
 Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Excerpt 

The Agora

Sparta

Autumn, 480 BC 

The man was trying to sit very still. He was on horseback, in full armour, facing a throng
of mostly unarmed men and women. And yet he was trembling. He seemed too afraid
even to dismount his horse.

A man, in front of the crowd, laughed. He was tall, with hair falling well below
his shoulder and an equally long moustache-less beard. “This time they sent us a Greek.
Why did the Persians send you and not one of their own? Are they afraid we would stuff
them down the well again?”

Laughter roared across the marketplace.

The envoy, still shaking, cleared his throat and said, “I bring a message from the
Great King Xerxes to the King of Sparta.”

A small voice shouted, “I am he!”

Looking down, the envoy saw a small dark-haired boy of around eight years
looking up at him. He waited for someone to laugh at the boy’s impertinence or even
shout at him. But none did.

“I am Pleistarchus, son of Leonidas,” said the boy.

The messenger plucked enough courage to say, “Sparta has two kings. I wish to
speak with the older one.”

A young woman had stepped forward. She was long-haired and beautiful.
Standing behind the boy, she placed her hands on his small shoulders. “He is away,” she
said. “You will have to deliver your message to my son.”

 “Go on,” said the boy king, his tiny voice carrying authority.

“His Majesty, King Xerxes, says: I have destroyed your army at Thermopylae. My
forces have occupied Athens. And your turn will soon come. You are advised to submit
without further delay, for if I bring my army into your land, I shall destroy your farms,
slaughter your people, and raze your city to the ground.”

There was silence.

The boy king turned around and looked up at his mother. Her eyes blazed as she stared
into the eyes of the messenger. Her lips curled mischievously as she gave him her
response: “If!”

Unplanned Blog Tour ~ Did You Know with Alana Terry

A first­ year college student adjusting to life in the States.

A brand ­new pregnancy center desperate for new volunteers.

A mysterious phone call from a girl who's far too young to be pregnant.

UNPLANNED

from winning suspense novelist Alana Terry

After volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center, Kennedy Stern finds herself a pawn in a deadly game of intrigue, at the mercy of those who consider a few innocent lives a small ransom to pay for victory.

(Be sure to see below to get your own pre­release copy of Unplanned before it hits the bookstores.)

Did You Know? (Writing trivia from Alana Terry)

• I started writing Unplanned at 12:15 am on January 1, 2015. The neighbor’s fireworks helped keep me awake.

• The first draft of Unplanned was completed in three weeks.

• About fifteen percent of Unplanned was composed on my dictation program, where I spoke the words out loud and the computer transcribed them. It had more errors to correct but was easier on my eyes and wrists than typing.

• My research for Unplanned included interviews with an OB nurse, a crisis pregnancy center director, an EMT, and an FBI field agent.

• I went to college just outside of Boston, near where Kennedy studies.

• Like Kennedy, I was also a premed student. When I took the MCAT I scored higher on the writing section than on biology.

• In Unplanned, Kennedy is reading Crime and Punishment for her Russian lit class. It's a book I've read three times, once in high school, once in my own college Russian lit class, and once after I graduated.

• Kennedy's roommate is rehearsing for an adaptation of Twelfth Night, which is my favorite Shakespeare play.

• When I was a volunteer for our local pregnancy center, I received a call very similar to the one Kennedy receives from Rose. I never did figure out who the girl was.

• During one round of edits, I deleted the word just 93 times, even 103 times, and at least 23 times.

• Even though Unplanned is the first book in the Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense series, it shares characters with my other books. Kennedy’s parents are the missionaries in Slave Again and Torn Asunder.

• While I worked on Unplanned was the first time I’ve gotten choked up while writing.

WANT YOUR OWN COPY OF UNPLANNED  NOW?

Unplanned is the newest Christian suspense novel from award­winning author, Alana Terry.
PRE­ORDER the $2.99 ebook today, fill out the form below, and receive:

• a pre­release copy of Unplanned (no waiting for launch day)
• the Unplanned Bonus Materials (go behind­ the ­scenes with deleted scenes, bloopers, character studies, and more!)
• 30 Days of Prayer to End Abortion devotional
• an exclusive 20 ­minute video from the author answering readers' frequently asked questions (includes  the story of the mysterious phone call Alana received that was the basis for the novel)

Sound like a good deal? Pre­order Unplanned from amazon, then fill out the form below. You will receive your free pre­release copy and the extra bonus pack materials in one to two days.

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The Perfect Fool ~ Review

The Perfect Fool
By Bethany Zohner Herbert

The Perfect Fool is a perfectly delightful story.  "Little Thief" is growing up on the streets of Gridian when he picks the wrong person to "borrow" from.  This decision brings him to the court where he apprentices as a court jester, a fool.  Fools generally enjoyed greater freedoms than anyone else and in Gridian the fools had a unique position where the king was concerned.  As Little Thief grew in his abilities he became Farrago.

Growing up Farrago had a few close friends - first was Fendral, who took him in and trained him as a fool. Then there was Leofrick, who played the mandolin for the court.  King Giles was also among Farrago's circle and he often advised the king in matters of state.  And then there was Thea, a scullery maid whom was much more than she appeared to be.  

And when Thea's true identity is revealed Farrago is determined to win his true love's heart.  After all what fool would let a little thing like being queen of a neighboring nation stand in his way.  But winning Thea's hand might be a bit difficult when only those of noble bloodlines could seek to win her hand.  But this fool is nobody's fool, at least he hopes so.

But his efforts just might bring the nations to the brink of war especially when his quest to "win" Thea's hand makes him a target.  But for love even a fool will take risks.  But what will be the final cost?

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the book:

Plucked from the streets to become a court jester, Farrago’s life couldn’t be better, especially now that he’s flirting with scullery maid Thea. But when Thea turns out to be a queen in disguise, Farrago may become as much a fool in love as in his occupation. This medieval tale is filled with romance, humor, and twists that will keep you guessing to the last page.

About the author:

Bethany Zohner Herbert was born in Salt Lake City, and aside from a short amount of time living in England and the South, she is back in her native Idaho where she grew up. She has been a fan of books since before she could write. She earned her Bachelor’s in creative writing from BYU-Idaho and her Master’s in literature and writing from Utah State University. When not coming up with weird stories, she likes participating in and teaching Zumba, making crafts (silly ones like puppets) reading, and dating her husband.