Mountain Christmas Brides ~ Review

Mountain Christmas Brides
Nine Historical Novellas Celebrate Faith 

                   and Love in the Rocky Mountains
by Carrie Turansky, Mildred Colvin, Debby Lee, 

Gina Welborn, Mary Davis, Tamela Hancock Murray, 

Lena Nelson Dooley, Susan Page Davis, and Darlene Franklin

A Trusting Heart (Carrie Turansky)

Annika Bergstrom is leaving the life she knew and the family she loves behind on the promise of becoming a mail-order bride to Charles Simms and becoming a mother to his young daughter, Mariah. But there is an unexpected surprise when Annika arrives in Laramie and this is a surprise that could affect just how she envisioned her life being. The letters that convinced her to travel all this distance seemingly don't match up with the man she's come to marry. Will Annika get the Christmas she was expecting or will her heart be left wishing for one more gift? 

Home for the Holidays (Mildred Colvin), One Evergreen Night (Debby Lee), All Ye Faithful (Gina Wellborn, and A Carpenter Christmas (Mary Davis)

Anna Wilkin has no time for boys or romance until an incident with an unwelcome bustle and a tray of cookies literally knocks her off her feet along with new comer Jeremiah Tucker. Can this feisty young woman find love with a logger who wants to keep love at bay?  Anna just may be the one to work her way into Jeremiah's heart especially with her skill with a fishing pole.

Emma Pearson is determined to be there for her brother and be sure nothing happens to him. To her way of thinking Frederick Corrigan train engineer for the logging camp is a incentive to invite danger for her brother. And Emma is sure Frederick is well aware of her opinion. But the way to anyone's heart is through the unexpected and when Frederick gifts Emma with a most unusual gift she just may discover love in a place she never expected - her own heart.  But can love move one past the fears of the past?

Larkin Whitworth is the wealthiest girl in town as well as the sweetest, at least as far as E.V. is concerned.  He's been paying attention to her for years and yet never declared his intentions.  As Larkin begins to despair of ever wedding the man who's captured her heart, she faces a crisis that threatens her standing within the community.  Can the truth set her free of scandal? Or is protecting the secret she has been keeping the path to winning the love she seeks?

Natalie Bollen has determined that it's time for Willum Tate to notice her. Willum seems to take his time in getting things done - he's been working on a house for years. If he can't finish a simple building job how can he be expected to ever provide for her should they marry? Can Natalie and Willum move past their doubts and fears to find love? Or will doubts push them further apart than any distance could? It's a season for miracles.

Fires of Love (Tamela Hancock Murray), The Best Medicine (Lena Nelson Dooley), Almost Home (Susan Page Davis), and Dressed in Scarlet (Darlene Franklin)

Christmas in 1913 Denver, Colorado is started off with a Christmas party that is crashed by an unexpected blizzard that sends the various party-goers off in different directions.  Thalia Bloom's party was the perfect chance for a Christmas get-together for her life-long friends and her friends from boarding school.  The night is perfect except for Maximilian Newbolt actually showing up. Maximilian and Thalia had a break that broke both their hearts - a break that neither understood why it happened.  When a crisis occurs Maximilian and Thalia have a second chance if they can move past their differences.

Rose Fletcher has no where to go with the blizzard that has her extending her stay at the Bloom's home. The extended visit leaves her anxious for her father and self-conscience meeting Thomas Stanton again after he left years again.  Thomas's return just might be what the doctor ordered when illness strikes. Can two hearts find the chance they are seeking thanks to a Christmas blizzard.

Patricia Logan is determined to get home in spite of the warnings that the blizzard makes travel dangerous. Her Aunt Edna is soon to have a baby and Patricia needs to get back to her.  Her only chance is convincing Jared Booker to help her get home by horse. But there are years of hurt that have divided the two families - could this be a second chance to mend old hurts and lead to love? 

Natalie Daire is heading home when her has an accident with her car that leads her to a chance encounter with Fabrizio Ricci.  The blizzard strands both at the Brown Palace - the hotel where Fabrizio is employed in the garage. Natalie with her life of privilege couldn't be more different from the young man who aided her. The blizzard offers the two a chance to get to know one another. As Natalie works at making everyone comfortable with their extended stay she shows the sweetness and kindness that is in her heart. This is the Christmas where she might find an unexpected love.

I was provided a copy of the book by the publisher and Carrie Turansky in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

From a Wyoming ranch in 1880, to a logging camp in Washington Territory in the late 1800s, to Denver, Colorado, in 1913, meet nine couples who find that Christmas is the perfect time for climbing to the heights of romance. Watch as their faith and courage propel them through challenges that come with mountain winters to cozy fireside celebrations that lead to lasting proclamations of love. Penned by an exclusive selection of Christian fiction authors—including Susan Page Davis, Vickie McDonough, and Carrie Turansky—this collection of nine romances is one to treasure.

To Follow Her Heart ~ Review

To Follow Her Heart
The Southold Chronicles #3
By Rebecca DeMarino

Patience has waited for years for Captain Jeremy Horton to marry her.  Now it seems her heart has lost to the ocean when word reaches Southold the Jeremy's ship was lost with no survivors. Patience refuses to believe that Jeremy is dead, but how can she convince those closest to him to not lose hope?

Jeremy Horton survived and is given a mission by the British which returns him to Southold.  But his return is temporary one as he fulfills his orders.  With each delay Patience lives up to her name as she waits for the man who has captured her heart. But how long is she willing to wait?

To Follow Her Heart takes place over several years as the world that they have come to call home changes and yet remains the same. There are births, marriages, and deaths that have a profound impact on those who call Southold home. Those who have read the previous books in the series (A Place in His Heart and To Capture Her Heart) will enjoy the chance to be reacquainted with the Horton family and their friends.

It is amazing how different life was then when compared to the conveniences we enjoy today. Communication over distances could be weeks or months to share news of joy or sorrow. Cooking and baking were a good day's work. And education, as Patience ran the Dame School, is vastly different from what we experience today.

If you are looking for Colonial Period historical fiction this is a delightful book and series to delve into.  The characters are believable and one can empathize with Patience as she proves worthy of her name and yet wonder how she can be so patient. At times I felt Jeremy could have stood a couple of wacks from his hat to get his attention, but one can see his point of view whether or not one agrees with it. This is a series one will want to revisit.

I was provided a copy of this book by Revell in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

Duty and love are powerful forces. 

Only one has the power to make 
her life complete.

It is 1664 and Patience Terry is devastated to learn that Captain Jeremy Horton's ship has been shipwrecked off the coast of Barbados. There were no survivors. She had hoped that Jeremy would someday give up the sea and settle down with her in Southold, Long Island. 

Unaware his memorial service is being planned, Jeremy sails aboard a British warship with secret orders to attack New Amsterdam and claim it for the British Crown. When he makes his surprise return to Southold--and to an overjoyed Patience--it's not quite the happily-ever-after his beloved had hoped for. 

With a finely tuned sense for authentic historical characters and settings, Rebecca DeMarino plunges you into a world of tall ships, daring journeys, and yearning hearts.

Accidentally Me ~ Review

Accidentally Me
By Kim Karras

Sabrina wants to go away to college ~ specifically Caltech. There's just one small problem ~ her parents are insisting she attend Boise State.  But when you are yours parents midlife accident you have to be the perfect child.

And Sabrina has just come up with the perfect plan to convince her parents to let her go to Caltech ~ She's going to hire her very own stalker.  Now she just has to find one...

Operation Stalker begins when she finds a former classmate who fits her idea of the ideal creepy stalker.  Now she just needs to convince him to be a stalker.

Nothing seems to work quite according to Sabrina's plan and in a strange twist she may be developing a crush on her stalker.  And when her mother decides they need to take action against this threat Sabrina finds herself getting deeper into the lie she's dug herself in.

This is a fun story that teens and adults will enjoy, as Sabrina works through her insecurities and dealing with growing up.  The prospect of facing the world on one's own can be both exciting and scary at the same time.

This is clean fiction reading that you will enjoy laughing over and even shed a tear or two over. This is a book in which the importance of family is appreciated.  Altogether a highly enjoyable and recommended book.

I was provided a copy of this book by Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.


About the book:

WANTED: Pretend stalker. No experience required.
        Tall, dark, and quirky preferred.

Sabrina is desperate to go to her dream college, but her parents want her to stay close to home. If she wants to maintain her perfect child image, Sabrina must break rules that even her rebel sister keeps.

About the author:

Kim Karras writes contemporary fiction for adults and teens. Follow her at kimkarras.blogspot.com for notes on life, writing, and motherhood.

Eyes of Elisha ~ Review

Eyes of Elisha
Chelsea Adams series #1
By Brandilyn Collins

Chelsea Adams has discovered that she possess a gift - the ability to observe events that she is not present for.  This time she observes a horrific murder - a murder that has yet to be unearthed.  But can she come forward with what she knows with no evidence except what she glimpsed through the victims eyes?

Believing her gift is from God, Chelsea must decide how to best present her story to the police so that she is not viewed as a religious nut.  But the possibility of a killer wandering the streets and coming in contact with those she holds near and dear is something she can't keep to herself.  As the case takes unexpected turns Chelsea learns that she needs to wait on God's timing and leading.

For readers who love crime fiction this is a book you'll enjoy. Just remember that appearances can be deceiving and the guilty can live with their guilt as long as it is not discovered... The question is what will the guilty do once their crime is exposed.  Get ready for some interesting twists on this quest for the truth.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review. 

About the Book:

The murder was ugly.

The killer was sure no one saw him.

Someone did.

In a horrifying vision God allows her to see, Chelsea Adams relives the victim's last moments. But who will believe her? Certainly not the police, who must rely on hard evidence. Nor her husband, who barely tolerates Chelsea's newfound Christian faith. Besides, he's about to hire the man who Chelsea is certain is the killer to be a vice president in his company.

Torn between what she knows and the burden of proof, Chelsea must follow God's leading and trust him for protection. Meanwhile, the murderer is still on the streets. And he's not about to take Chelsea's involvement lying down.

About the Author:
Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith. She also writes insightful contemporary novels, often laced with humor. 

Her first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn's awards for her novels include the ACFW Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers' Choice, the Inspy, Christian Retailer's Best Award (twice), and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice.

Haven ~ Review and Giveaway

Haven
Chronicles of Warshard #1

By Katherine Bogle

War has come to the Six Kingdoms of Warshard and the Kingdom of Rythern is the latest victim of Queen Kadia's insanity.  With the murder of her parents and her brothers Haven Fyre is now queen of Rythern, a role she was never suppose to hold.  But her people need a queen, and in Haven they will have one that cannot be killed.

Going to war against Kadia seems suicide with the kingdoms various armies having suffered losses to her shadow soldiers. With this seeming impossibility the Royals are faced with an impossible decision - fight, flee, or do nothing.

Does Haven commit her remaining soldiers to aid King Corrin in his plan to retake his fallen capital? Or are her troops needed first and foremost in defense of Rythern?  Or does she offer Rythern as a place of sanctuary for those who are fleeing Kadia's aggression?

Relying on the advise of her closest friends and her desire to protect her people, Haven makes a decision that will forever change her life and the future of the Six Kingdoms.

Haven is a book that takes the reader on a journey - a journey of emotion, of loss, of friendship, of betrayal, and of promise.  And this is a journey of growth as Haven becomes the queen she never expected to be by facing her fears and learning to live life.

 This is the first (per the title) in a series and I for one am looking forward to additional books in this series.  Though the book is complete in the story it is telling there is most definitely plenty of material from which more could come.  The writing style of Katherine Bogle is steady and flowing.  There are periods of endless action mixed with those of waiting which is true to what one would experience in one's own life if one were in a similar situation.

This book is definitely aimed at older teens and adults due to the subject matter of a few scenes - this book after all deals with war and the violence that comes with such a state of affairs.  Overall I highly recommend this book and this author's work.

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Haven (Chronicles of Warshard #1) is the 2nd place winner of World's Best Story!

Princess Haven was never meant to be Queen.

Her immortality has saved her time and time again, but when the last of her royal family dies at her feet, she is next in line to rule a nation on the brink of war. With no formal training on how to be Queen, Haven must rise to the occasion with the help of her best friends, and personal guard, or risk losing everyone she has ever loved.

With war to the West, and no escape to the East, the evil tyrant Kadia sets her sights on the six kingdoms. Haven's neighbors are quick to fall under the swords of Kadia's shadow soldiers, leaving a sea of bodies and a clear path to Haven's only home. Haven must make a choice; take her people and flee to the foreign Republic across the sea or lead a last stand against a powerful dictator.

Buy the Book:

Amazon  ~   Barnes and Noble  ~  Book Depository ~  Indigo Chapters

Author's Bio:

Katherine Bogle's debut young adult novel, Haven, came second in the World's Best Story contest 2015. She currently resides in Saint John, New Brunswick with her partner in crime, and plethora of cats.

​Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Giveaway:​

Prizes: ​

Win an ecopy of HAVEN by Katherine Bogle -

One winner will also win a $15 Amazon gift card

(20 winners in all - open internationally)

Giveaway ends Sept 10

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GREATER star Chris Severio shares character building tips & Giveaway

Sports, and especially football, is a favorite pastime for so many, either in watching or in participating.  With determination Brandon Burlsworth overcame obstacles through dedication and hard work to achieve his dream of playing for the Arkansas Razerbacks.  Take a moment to examine and even share the lessons that Chris Severio took away from his role as Brandon Burlsworth.

GREATER Offers Great Life Lessons

By Chris Severio

Actors wait their entire lives to play a role as meaty and meaningful as Brandon Burlsworth. I was blessed to get that opportunity in my first movie, bringing Brandon to the big screen in GREATER, in theaters everywhere Aug. 26.

Brandon was a true champion and role model for so many, and I hope this movie entertains and inspires you and your family. For all the young athletes, new athletes, struggling athletes and dreamers out there (and their parents), these three lessons from Brandon’s life hold the key to building character and finding your destiny.

•         Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t:
Brandon was not the most physically gifted athlete. He struggled with being overweight, wasn’t naturally graceful, was a pretty unlikely candidate to be a college football All-American and then drafted into the NFL. He was able to do it all because he refused to listen to those who doubted him or his abilities. He always believed in himself, knew that through hard work and dedication,
he could be anything he wanted to be. The only thing standing between you and your dreams is how passionately you’re willing to produce them.

•         Dedicate yourself to something greater:
It’s no coincidence the film of Brandon’s life is called GREATER. As a Christian, he believed he was called to be a man of integrity and honor off the field as well as on – he dedicated himself, first and foremost, to God. Your faith can strengthen you, and like Brandon you can choose to be a role
model on and off the field.

•         Help others:
Brandon Burlsworth was a giver. He didn’t just play football, or live his life, focused exclusively on his wants. He made others’ needs a top priority – family, teammates, friends and fans. As he dug in deep to reach his potential as an athlete and a man, he encouraged and supported those who were taking that same journey alongside him. Brandon didn’t just make himself better; he made others better, too, because he was intentional about finding ways to help them.

Below, I’m privileged to share a clip from the movie that shows how dedication, persistence and helping others can contribute to your character and destiny.

https://youtu.be/vyYFGBUESIk

I hope you enjoy GREATER – and are as inspired by Brandon’s story as much as I and so many others who knew him and know of him have been. He was a remarkable young man, and having the privilege of bringing his life to the big screen was a remarkable experience.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Team Jersey for the Arkansas Razerbacks.

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Traces of Guilt ~ Review

Traces of Guilt
An Evie Blackwell Cold Case #1
By Dee Henderson

Evie Blackwell is dedicated to her job and is embarking on new chapter in her career as a detective. She's testing the waters in a new task force that Ann Falcon is overseeing - one that is focused on unsolved missing-person cases across the state of Illinois.  At Ann's direction Evie targeted Carin County as her beta site.

Carin County seems that your typical rural area, but it is also the site of several cold cases. And what Evie discovers could have lasting repercussions on Carin and on the Thane family.

Gabriel Thane is Carin County's sheriff, a job he loves just as his father did.  But Carin has been keeping secrets for many years as to the whereabouts of several missing people. With a knack for looking at the facts from a different angle Gabriel is hoping Evie can find that one elusive clue that will unlock the truth giving both the families and Carin the resolution they all long for.

Fans of Dee Henderson will not be disappointed - though this appears to be the first book in a new series some of Dee's other characters from previous stories make an appearance (or get a mention). Ann of course, along with her husband Paul are the most featured after Evie, Gabriel, and the Thane clan. One can easily see who both Evie and Gabriel could be friends with Ann.

Those who read Sins of the Past with Dee Henderson's Missing will have an idea of what this new task force will be like. If not you can enjoy this Romantic Suspense collection at a later date.

Suspense, tragedy, romance this book offers all of this and more.  This is the perfect book for any long week-ends that may be coming up. And I just have to say the cover is perfect for this book.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

She's turning up the heat on Carin County's 

cold cases . . .

Evie Blackwell loves her life as an Illinois State Police detective . . . mostly. She's very skilled at investigations and has steadily moved up through the ranks. She would like to find Mr. Right, but she has a hard time imagining how marriage could work, considering the demands of her job.

Gabriel Thane grew up in Carin County and is now its sheriff, a job he loves. Gabe is committed to upholding the law and cares deeply for the residents he's sworn to protect. He too would like to find a lifetime companion, a marriage like his parents have. . . .

When Evie arrives in Carin, Illinois, it's to help launch a new task force focused on unsolved crimes across the state. She will work with the sheriff's department on a couple of its most troubling missing-persons cases. As she studies old evidence to pull out a few tenuous new leads, she unearths surprising connections. One way or another, she knows Gabriel Thane and his family will be key to the answers she seeks.