Giveaway/ Review - Almost Amish by Kathryn Cushman

About the Book

Proving the Simple Life Isn't So Simple After All

Over committed and overwhelmed, Julie Charlton is at the breaking point. She knows she should feel blessed as a mother and wife--but she just feels exhausted. And then, the miraculous happens. Her sister-in-law Susan, a Martha Stewart-in-training, lands the chance to participate in a reality TV series about trying to live like the Amish and needs another family to join her. It's just the break Julie needs.

But the summer adventure in simple living soon proves anything but simple. With the camera watching every move, Susan's drive for perfection feels a lot like what they left behind, while Julie suddenly finds herself needing to stand up for slowing down. Whether it's cooking, cleaning, or dressing differently, each new Amish challenge raises new complications... and soon each woman learns unexpected lessons about herself and her family.

Where to buy: Amazon,Christianbook.com,BarnesandNoble.com 

Almost Amish

About Kathryn

Kathryn Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy. She is the author of five novels, including Leaving Yesterday and A Promise to Remember, which were both finalists for the Carol Award in Women's Fiction. She is also the co-author of Angel Song with Sheila Walsh. Kathryn and her family currently live in Santa Barbara, California. 

Visit her Web site atwww.kathryncushman.com  



Q&A with Kathryn Cushman

1. Tell us about your new book, Almost Amish. 

Almost Amish is the story of Julie Charlton, an overwhelmed wife and mother who is exhausted 

and burned out. When her high-achieving sister-in-law lands a spot on a reality TV show about 

simple living called “Going Almost Amish,” she invites Julie and kids to join her. Julie hopes this 

is her chance to slow down long enough to reconnect with her kids and to remember her reason 

for doing what she does.

2. What was the inspiration for this story?

I think most women today are completely overwhelmed by the demands on their time and 

energy. We keep getting all these great “time saving” appliances, yet I think most women agree 

that their lives are far more hurried and stressed than their mothers’ lives were. The questions 

of “what happened to all that time we saved?” and “are we really doing this to ourselves?” gave 

me the idea for the book. My friend Kristyn was the human inspiration—she is a stay-at-home 

mother who runs herself ragged helping other people and getting very little credit for it. 

3. What is the theme at the core of this book?

Discovering what God has called us to do and doing it with all our hearts. That can also mean 

NOT doing something, even if that something is a very good thing, if it is outside of what we are 

called to do. Even if other people are very adamant that we should be doing that something. 

4. Do you envy the Amish way of life? 

I grew up near an Amish community (the one depicted in this book), so I saw that life in all its 

hardships. I never could understand why women would be drawn to Amish fiction until I read 

one of Beverly Lewis’ books. Then I thought, “Wow, that does sound nice.” In reality, I think the 

Amish lifestyle is very difficult. I’m thankful for the freedom and comforts I have as a modern 

Protestant.

5. Did you do any special research for this book?

I did lots of reading and talking to the people who are close to the Amish in Tennessee. For 

personal research, I did a “Shoo-fly Pie” experiment so that one scene in the book would be 

accurate. A friend of mine who actually knows what Amish shoo-fly pie is supposed to taste like 

was my taste-tester. Pie-tasting night was interesting, to say the least. 

I also have a friend of a friend who works in reality TV (she has worked on shows like “Big 

Brother”). She taught me so much and helped me work through some of the technical details.

6. Why do you think life is so stressful for modern women?

Truly, I think a large part of that answer falls squarely on our own shoulders. We spend way too 

much time looking at everyone else and trying to keep up with them, instead of putting our 

heads down and doing what it is that we do best. Not everyone is a gourmet cook, not everyone 

is a terrific businesswoman, not everyone is fabulous and patient with a group of preschoolers. 

We need to celebrate what we do well, we need to celebrate what other people do well, and we 

need to cut ourselves and each other slack for not doing everything well.
  

My Thoughts

Have you heard the old saying, "I meet myself coming and going"? Well this is the life of Julie Charlton dedicated and exhausted wife and mother.  She realizes her family needs to slow down but just can't seem to figure out how.

Until...! Her sister-in-law Susan is offered a Reality T.V. series called Almost Amish and she wants Julie and her two kids to be part of the reality show with her and her daughter.  This seems like the answer to all Julie's problems and for opportunity for her family to slow down and enjoy the simple life of the Amish.

Boy was she ever wrong! From the minute they arrived Susan was so hyped up about making everything perfect in their new reality show home away from home.  They all ended up spending most their days cleaning and working on one project after another. Susan had even made up a chore chart.

Things were not as Julie and the kids had hoped. The producer of the the reality show was determined to make things as difficult for them as possible.  Making things even worse the woman had broken just about every promise she had made to them and the Amish community. 

What had happened to slowing down and enjoying the simple life of the Amish.  Julie and all three of the kids were determined to slow things down.  They had a game plan! Which does not set well with her workaholic sister-in-law and the crazy reality show producer.


The author wrote a great story about how life is not simple even in an Amish Community.  We have to work and pray for what we have. God will provide. I loved Julie and totally sympathized with her.  Susan seemed to be a little to wrapped up in herself and so did the producer. the author also emphasizes how God has a plan for everyone and that it does not always work out the way we had envisioned it.


I recommend this book.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

Now for the GIVEAWAY!

BETHANY HOUSE is providing A COPY OF 

ALMOST AMISH for this GIVEAWAY.

1+. All you need to do is leave a comment

 and be sure to leave your email address 

in the comment so I can contact you if you win.

Example of your email for your protection:  johndoe(at)gmail(dot)com

The winner will be announced on SEPTEMBER 3RD.

GOOD LUCK!

Over the Edge - The Kincaid Brides #3 by Mary Connealy

About the Book: 

Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.

After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.

Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.

Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth's pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can't sort things out. It's enough to drive a man insane--but somehow it's all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/cPxuv 

                                           

Meet Mary: 

Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and her novel Calico Canyon was nominated for a Christy Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Visit her on her Web site maryconnealy.com

Celebrate with Mary 

by entering to 

win a Nook Color with GlowLight!

See what folks are saying about Over the Edge!

One winner will receive:

• A Nook Color with GlowLight
• The entire set of Mary Connealy's The Kincaid Brides series

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Over the Edge" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/29. Meet Mary, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and more. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group.)!

So grab your copy of Over the Edge and join Mary on the evening of the August 29th for a chance to connect with her and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

Sorry I am late posting my review. 

 The results of the giveaway have already been released on 8/29.

My Thoughts

When Seth Kincaid was a child his favorite place to play was in the caverns.  He almost lost his life and thought he lost his soul due to a fire in the cave.  He has been haunted by this near death experience ever since then.  Now as an adult he has many scars especially after the Civil War.
The most noticeable is his mental scars that cause night terrors not just about the war but from that terrible day in his childhood when he caught fire in the cavern. 

Callie Kincaid is in route to the Kincaid Ranch to seek what is due her sixteen month old son, Connonr's birthright.  As son of Seth Kincaid, a father he has yet too meet, his Uncles can provide Connor a safe home and just maybe tell his mother where her absentee, no good skunk of a husband has got off to so she can fill him with holes.  It has not been an easy haul going from Texas to Colorado with a baby in tow.  

When Callie finally gets connected with her husband she let's him know real quick at the end of her rifle that she wants him to pay for abandoning her and their son when they needed him the most.

Seth is determined to prove to Callie he can be trusted to be there for her and his precious son.  He had a very good excuse for not being there in the past.  The problem is he can't really remember her but he recognized the feeling of love and concern he has for this woman that is his wife.

The older two brother's definitely had there issues mentally concerning the accident in the cave.  Each of the  boys felt like the accident was their fault and not that of the other brothers. Then to be abandoned by the death of the frequent absences of their father and the death of their mother left them with no one to lean on other than their brothers. They definitely needed to unburden unto God their guilt and grief over that day for He is their true Father.


I hope there will be another book to this series maybe about Heath. He seems to be the most level headed of all the brothers. But he will have to get a little older before any woman decides to rope him into marriage.   

I have decided Mary Conneally is currently my favorite author.  She managed to put her all into what it takes to write a humorous, romantic and adventurous fun novel that kept me up laughing and crying until I finished reading the whole book.  I have all daughters and love them to pieces but I fail in love with this motherless son, Seth Kincaid.  My heart broke for him and all of his scars physically and mentally.  

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse/Bethany House for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

Did you find this review helpful? 

Vote yes or no. here

The Haven (Stoney Ridge Seasons series #2) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

About the Book:

When Sadie Lapp steps off the bus in Stoney Ridge after being in Ohio for the winter, she is faced with a decision–one that goes against her very essence. Yet it’s the only way she can think of to protect a loved one.

Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker has been crazy about Sadie since boyhood. But his response to her surprising decision undermines his own reputation–and his relationship with Sadie.

College student Will Stoltz is spending the spring at the Lapp farm as a guard for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons–courtesy of the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will needs to get his life back on track, but his growing friendship with Sadie threatens his plans.

The lives of these three individuals intertwine, and then unravel as unexpected twists create ripples through the town of Stoney Ridge . . . and through Sadie’s heart.

Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love. Readers will enjoy every surprise in Sadie’s story as they search for the truth hidden within these pages.

Read an excerpt!

Meet Suzanne: 

Suzanne Woods Fisher’s interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate many of their principles–simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily– into your life.

When Suzanne isn’t writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

To Suzanne’s way of thinking, you just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth. 

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

Blog Tour Schedule
http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13530005/thehaven

 Win a Kindle Fire or Nook Color from @SuzanneWFisher in "The Haven" Giveaway! RSVP for Live Video Chat on 8/30! Celebrate the newest book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series with Suzanne by entering her 4 eReader Giveaway and Facebook Party and RSVPing for the Live Video Chat on 8/30! 

See what folks are saying about The Haven!

Four grand prize winners will receive:

• A Brand new Kindle Fire or Nook Color 
• $25 Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com Gift certificate 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 29th. Winner will be announced at Suzanne's Live Author Chat Party on 8/30. Suzanne will be hosting an author chat (party will start on Facebook AND then be Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and several Burt's Bees® Nourishing Radiance Kits!!

So grab your copy of The Haven and join Suzanne on the evening of the August 30th for a fun chat (both on Facebook and via Live Video), trivia contest and lots of giveaways. 

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and 
increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!


My Thoughts

Sadie Lapp returns home to Stoney Ridge after a long winter visit to Ohio.  As she approaches her home there seems to be a large crowd on the road and property. What a wonderful surprise she is told there is a pair of peregrine falcons preparing to nest on their property.  Her brother would have loved watching the falcons. As she greets her family it is very apparent she also has a little surprise for them. She isn't sure how they will react to her surprise, especially Gideon Smucker whom she has been in love with since childhood.

She also finds out there is a newcomer to her home.  Will Stolz is a handsome Englischer and college student. He has been assigned by the Game Warden to log all the activity of the endangered peregrine falcons nesting. The best way for him to do that was to stay in the small cabin that is on their property so he would have easy access the the falcons.

As Sadie gets settled in she is surprised as to how easy it is to talk with Will. When I say with I mean he actually talks to her. Will has also proven to be a big help with her little surprise. She has never had this kind of friendship with Gideon. Now she is reevaluating her relationship with Gideon. It seems Sadie is not the only person in Stoney Ridge that is reevaluating their lives and the need of companionship with someone to share their lives with.

The author never fails to write from her heart and soul. She writes of the importance of prayer, faith and hope in God's Plan. She emphasizes self esteem in one's self, forgiveness and repentance. Then there is the big issue of gossiping and the the damage and pain it has on everyone.  The author reveals a good approach to the sin of gossiping.

I really like this excerpt from the discussions questions:
What is the difference between sharing information and spreading gossip?  The Amish proverb might help: "There is a vast difference between putting your nose in other people's business and putting your heart in other people's problems."

I highly recommend this book.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse/Revell/Baker Publishing for review. I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

CLASH OF THE TITLES Unveils a NEW annual literary contest, THE OLYMPIA & it’s strictly for unpublished writers!

Get Ready to Spar!

Clash of the Titles Unveils a NEW annual literary contest, 
THE OLYMPIA
and it’s strictly for unpublished writers!  

Also, you will no longer need to be a previous Clash Champion in order to compete for the crown .

Submissions open September 14, 2012, 

As always at COTT, the outcome of the contest is in the hands of readers, 
not industry professionals.

You’ve written the book of your dreams, now what do readers think? Enter the arena and find out. 

Olympia 2013 Submission Rules

The OLYMPIA provides an opportunity for unpublished novelists to have the first two chapters (or 3,500 words) of their work judged and critiqued by readers that are well-versed in Christian fiction yet not a part of the CBA industry.

ELIGIBILI TY: Any author whose novel-length work (30,000+ words) has not been previously published in ANY format is eligible for entry. That includes the manuscript being submitted as well as any other manuscript the submitting author has written. One entry per author. Co-authored entries accepted. The manuscript should not contain profanity, graphic sex, or other objectionable material. Clash of the Titles staff reserves the right to reject submissions not meeting this requirement.

FEE: $10 payable via Paypal

Paypal account: contactcott@ gmail.com

If Paypal is not an option for you, please contact senior editor, April Gardner at contactcott@ gmail.com.

SUBMISSIO N GUIDELINES: All entries must include a single-spaced one page synopsis of the manuscript immediately followed by the first two chapters of the novel. Word count limit is 3,500. Prologues are accepted, so long as the word count limit is not exceeded.

FORMAT: Manuscripts must be in Times New Roman, 12 pt font, double-spaced with pages numbered. One inch margins in Ms Doc (not Docx) or Rich Text Format (RTF). Insert a header which includes the novel’s genre and title, and nothing more. Judging is anonymous. Do NOT include your name anywhere in the document or in the title the document is saved under.

Entries not following the submission and formatting specifications will be returned. Entries may be resubmitted prior to the deadline. Entry fees for returned entries will not be refunded after the contest entry deadline has passed.

JUDGING: 

Round One begins November 02, 2012. Entries will first be judged by Clash of the Titles staff, which includes published authors and writers experienced in judging. During this round, COTT staff will be looking for those excerpts which do not meet content standards listed in “Eligibility” above. Because COTT wishes to send only the best quality of writing to its judges, in addition to content eligibility, they will be reading for a higher level of experience in the craft.

Round Two begins November 30, 2012. By this date all entrants will have received an email notifying them whether or not their manuscript has moved on to Round Two. Manuscripts making it to this round will be read by a group of judges who are comprised of your average reader of Christian fiction and that are in no way associated with the CBA industry. This includes agents, writers, avid reviewers, publicists, editors, etc. They are, in short, your audience.

Round Three begins January 21, 2013. By this date, all remaining entrants will be notified of whether or not their manuscript will be moving on. Only three manuscripts will be chosen for this round. Finalist will be announced January 18. Judges pending.

Authors will receive an anonymous digital copy of each of their judge’s scores and comments. Under no circumstance should comments given by a judge be used for publicity or promotional purposes without the express consent of the judge.

PRIZES: One first-place winner will be chosen. He/she will receive a special feature on Clash of the Titles' blog. A tour through COTT’s Blog Alliance. A dedicated page on COTT’s site for a full year. A podcast interview with author and CAG board member, Cynthia L. Simmons. A beautiful plaque. Additional prizes pending.

DEADLINES : Submissions will open Friday, September 14, 2012. All contest entries and fees must be received no later than 8:00 PM EST Friday, November 02, 2012.

All entries will receive a confirmation e-mail. If this has not occurred by 8:00 PM EST November 03, 2012, the entrant should e-mail COTT senior editor, April Gardner at contactcott@ gmail.com.

The winner will be announced Friday, March 01, 2013

Stay tuned for updates by 
subscribing to COTT's blog and “liking” our Facebook page.

The Scent of Rain By Kristin Billerbeck

About Book:

When deprived of her most prized sense, Daphne discovers a life she never expected, right under her nose.

Daphne Sweeten has left Paris – and a career she loves – in order to marry a man she loves even more. But when he stands her up on their wedding day, Daphne’s left reeling. Trained as a professional “nose” or perfume creator, Daphne soon realizes that her sense of smell has somehow disappeared too.

In the days following she moves to Dayton, Ohio, to take on a job creating fragrances for household products. Without her sense of smell, she must rely on her chemistry skills, and hope her handsome new boss, Jesse Lightner, doesn’t notice before she can figure out how to get it back.

Despite her desire to return to Paris, she can’t deny the way Jesse makes her feel. But when Daphne approaches former contacts, she learns her missing ex-fiancé has somehow snagged her old job.

As Daphne and Jesse work on a signature scent for their new line, she feels God at work in her life as never before. And the promise of what is possible is as fresh as the scent of rain.

Length	320 Pages
Publication Date	August 7, 2012
Company	Thomas Nelson
ISBN-10	140168565X
ISBN-13	9781401685652

Where to buy:  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

About Kristin:   I grew up with a strong sense of justice.  I simply knew the way things should be.  And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist.  My childhood was slightly confusing.  I blame my parents for this.  Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything.  I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them.
	Okay, probably not.  I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage.  My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right.  How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society.  I, however, failed miserably.  For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet!  That is eternal optimism! My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life.  The indulgent life.  How to eat, shop and be merry.  My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction).  My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones.  Tastefully, of course.  I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.
I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”.  He is German.  Practical.   And a Contributing Member of Society.  I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags. Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them.  The circle of life.  Dysfunctional family style. Kristin's website: http://www.kristinbillerbeck.com/

My Thoughts

Daphne has been stood up. Not stood up on a date, she has been stood up at the alter. The groom nor his family ever showed up at the church.

The only thing she feels right now is humiliated. It is as is she is in a daze unable to move. So many things are racing through her mind.

• Had she not seen this coming?
• He was so attentive and told her he loved her. 
• Her father bought them a house and they were suppose to move into it after the honeymoon.
• What about the new job they were suppose to start? 
• They were to be working for same company. 
• She left her dream job as a nose, scent specialist, in Paris, France in order to marry him and live in the States.  

She needed to stop and  pray for God to give her peace!

As the day comes close to an end she realizes she can't smell anything. It must be from all the stress. Great now she would be stressed that her smell would not come back before she starts her new job. She was hired for her nose surely she would have her smell back once to started the new job.

She decided she was not going to sit around feeling sorry for herself. She was going to start her new job. But she would not move into the house right away she would get a hotel room instead. When she gets into town she would go straight to her new workplace. 

What a shock her new boss is handsome. So far so good!  She does not understand how she could feel attracted to this man when she was just dumped. She better concentrate on concealing the fact that she still could not smell anything. She also wanted to find out if her ex-fiance showed up for his new job. This was definitely going to be awkward.

This book was suspenseful and kept me trying to solve the mystery of the absence of the almost groom.  There surely was more to the story than a missing groom .  

The author did a great job in the creation of the main characters They showed their Christianity right from the beginning. They had so much faith in God and believed He was leading them to this town and community. God had a plan for their lives and they had to learn to be at peace with His plan. They sought out this peace in prayer and through the comfort of their fellow Christians.

I recommend this book.

I rated this book a 4 out of 5.

Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book from Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson for review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is my own opinion.

Vote yes or no if you found this review helpful. here

"Get and Give" Campaign! Win a Kindle Fire from @AustinGutwein and have $250 donated to the Charity of your choice!

Austin's new book Live to Give is about "Letting God Turn Your Talents into Miracles"! Celebrate with him by entering his "Get and Give" Campaign - you could win a Kindle Fire for yourself AND Litfuse will donate $250 to the charity of your choice!

See what people are saying about Live to Give.

One winner will receive:

• A Brand New Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
• Five copies of Live to Give by Austin Gutwein
• $250 donated on the winner’s behalf to the charity of their choice

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/25/12. The winner will be announced on 8/27/12 on the Live to Give Landing Page!

Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Austin's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Win a Nook Color from Robert Whitlow in The Choice Giveaway. RSVP for 8/28 Facebook Party

Celebrate with Robert by entering to 

win a Nook Color with GlowLight!

See what folks are saying about The Choice!

One "choice" winner will receive:

• A Nook Color with GlowLight
• A four book Robert Whitlow library (winner's choice)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 27th. Winner will be announced at the "The Choice" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/28. Meet Robert, get a sneak peek of his next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and more. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group.)!

So grab your copy of The Choice and join Robert on the evening of the August 27th for a chance to connect with Robert and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

Midnight Madness from @SarahSundin!

Sarah Sundin's brand new book, With Every Letter, releases on September 1, 2012. To celebrate, Sarah is hosting the Midnight Madness Promotion!

Pre-order or purchase a copy of the book by midnight on August 31, 2012 and be one of the first to read Book One of her new Wings of the Nightingale series. AND as a Thank You for pre-ordering or purchasing With Every Letter you'll be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or ChristianBook.com (winner's choice!).

All you have to do is pre-order or purchase With Every Letter and send an e-mail with the following information to sarah{at}sarahsundin.com :

1. Your Name

2. Where you ordered or purchased it from

3. Your email address.

That's it. Easy. 

Here are the pre-order links:

Amazon   Barnes & Noble   ChristianBook.com

Legal Mumbo Jumbo:
**No Purchase Required** While I'd love for you to purchase the book, it's not necessary to enter the contest. Just send me an e-mail to be entered. Winners will be chosen at random from entries. E-mail me at sarah{at}sarahsundin.com to enter. Winner will be announced on 9/4/2012. Contest open to US residents only.

Win a Kindle Fire from @SibellaGiorello in "The Stars Shine Bright" Giveaway!

Novelist Sibella Giorello is celebrating the release of the latest book in her

 praiseworthy Raleigh Harmon series by giving away a Kindle Fire! 

Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• The entire 5-book Raleigh Harmon series.

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/25/12. The winner will be announced on 8/27/12 on Sibella's blog!

Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Sibella's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Win a $500 Weekend Getaway Package from @ColleenCoble and Connect with her at 8/23 Facebook Party!

Celebrate with Colleen by entering to

 win a $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com!

Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com
• A copy of Tidewater Inn.

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 22nd. Winner will be announced at Colleen's "Tidewater Inn" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/23. Colleen will be sharing the story behind the book, hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways - books, gift certificates and a Book Club Prize Pack! She’ll also be giving a sneak peak of her next book too!

So grab your copy of Tidewater Inn and join Colleen on the evening of the August 23rd  for a chance to connect with Colleen and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER about Colleen's giveaway and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

ANNOUNCING THE 2012 LAUREL AWARD WINNER

2012 LAUREL AWARD WINNER

Author Laura V. Hilton's novel, A Harvest of Hearts, 

is the winner of Clash of the Titles' second annual Laurel Award.

Congratulations, Laura!

Laura will receive: a beautiful banner to proudly display on her website, a year-long page on COTT dedicated to the winning book, A Harvest of Hearts, a podcast interview with author and Christian Authors Guild board member, Cynthia Simmons, a feature tour on COTT's Blog Alliance, and a lovely plaque.

A Harvest of Hearts was chosen by a panel of judges who, by means of a score sheet narrowed the list of competing authors to three. From there, the panel put their choices to a straight vote, and A Harvest of Hearts took the crown. Special thanks to each of our judges who volunteered their time to this contest.

BOOK SUMMARY:

A participant in a swap of Amish men, independent yet kindhearted Matthew Yoder can't wait to leave the vast farmland of Lancaster County and make a fresh start in Missouri, where he'll move in with the Stoltzfus family until he finds a place of his own.

Strong–minded yet filled with compassion, Shanna Stoltzfus always dreamed of becoming a nurse, despite her father's threats to shun her. Determined to follow her heart, Shanna ran away and enrolled in college. But when her classmates embark on a medical mission trip that Shanna can't afford, she must turn to the last place she wants to go for help: home.

Even though Shanna still flirts with the people and practices of her Englisch life, Matthew is fascinated by the Stoltzfuses' prodigal daughter, and a close friendship soon blossoms between them. When the tension escalates between Shanna and her father to the point where his health is in jeopardy, Shanna is forced to face some tough issues, including the question of where her true home is.

PURCHASE THE BOOK ON AMAZON