Friday, November 30, 2012

Kindle Fire Giveaway ~ NO SAFE HARBOR ~ Edge of Freedom by Elizabeth Ludwig

About the Book: 

She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she’s found is a web of danger.

Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend–Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother’s warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.

She’s then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother–but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.

With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke… a man she’s grown to love?

Purchase copy Amazon, Barnes & NobleChristianbook.com, Baker


Meet Elizabeth 

Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author and an accomplished speaker and teacher. Her historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned four stars from Romantic Times. She is the owner and editor of the popular literary blog The Borrowed Book. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in Orange, Texas.

Learn more at www.elizabethludwig.com.

Blog Tour Schedule here.



Elizabeth Ludwig is celebrating her new book with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at a Facebook Author Chat party on 12/6.

One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 5th. Winner will be announced at the "No Safe Harbor" Author Chat Facebook Party on 12/6. Connect with Elizabeth, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Edge of Freedom series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and win some great prizes—gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of No Safe Harbor and join Elizabeth on the evening of the December 6th 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 fun, RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!


My Thoughts

Ireland, 1897.  Cara Hamilton has lost everyone in her family including her twin brother.  She can't fathom why God would leave her so alone.  Then one day she received a post from America,  it was from her twin brother Eoghan. He was alive and hiding out in New York.  But where in New York. All he said was for her to come, he would be waiting for her.  She was not to mention to anyone why she the journey to America or admit she she knew him.  Their lives were at stake.

As she gets her first look at Lady Liberty as the ship arrives at Ellis Island a kind old gentleman that befriended her on the voyage gave her a recommendation to the owner of a boarding house that helps Irish women to find employment and provides them with room and board.  Cara had brought every penny she possessed to make the trip and to live on until she could be joined with her brother.  As she is taking the fairy from the Ellis Island to the mainland a gentleman close to her age takes the seat next to her.  He strikes up a conversation with her giving his name as Rourke Walsh.  But being a lady she tries to stay to herself.  He offers to safely escort her to the boarding house since he was familiar with the area. She decided to trust him to get her to her destination.

When they arrived at the boarding house she kindly thanked him and he told her he hoped to see her again.  As she entered the boarding house she received a warm welcome thanks to the elderly man's recommendation and gladly paid her first months rent in advance.  She also was to start a new job recommended by her new Land Lady Amelia.

Ellis Island, 1897. Rourke Walsh got word that the sister of the man that murdered his father was on a ship headed for New York to connect with her brother.  His vengeance against Eoghan Hamilton was eating him alive.  He and the rest of his clan wanted the Hamilton family dead.  He finally spots a woman of her description and he is in awe of her beauty.  He must make sure she is Eoghan's sister before taking any action.

Rourke starts spending more time with her but she speaks guarding her words.  The more time he spends with her the more he is attracted to her and wants to protect her from his family.  He can tell she is also attracted to him.  This was not going as he had planned.

This story has all that I like in a book.  It has intrigue, romance, and most importantly reconciliation with God.  The author uses Cara's kindness and vulnerability to protect her from the bitterness Rourke has felt since his father's murder.  I feel as if this is the most critical part of the story.

God will heal his children if only they believe and trust in his will.  There is a Way.  God has a plan!

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Baker Publishing/Bethany House and Litfuse Group 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.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

GIVEAWAY 3 copies of Pope Benedict XVI ~ The Infancy Narratives ~ JESUS of NAZARETH


Photo of Pope Benedict XVI © Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis
Synopsis|Excerpt

The momentous third and final volume in the Pope’s international bestselling Jesus of Nazareth series, detailing how the stories of Jesus’ infancy and childhood are as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago.

In 2007, Joseph Ratzinger published his first book as Pope Benedict XVI in order “to make known the figure and message of Jesus.” Now, the Pope focuses exclusively on the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life as a child. The root of these stories is the experience of hope found in the birth of Jesus and the affirmations of surrender and service embodied in his parents, Joseph and Mary. This is a story of longing and seeking, as demonstrated by the Magi searching for the redemption offered by the birth of a new king. It is a story of sacrifice and trusting completely in the wisdom of God as seen in the faith of Simeon, the just and devout man of Jerusalem, when he is in the presence of the Christ child. Ultimately, Jesus’ life and message is a story for today, one that speaks to the restlessness of the human heart searching for the sole truth which alone leads to profound joy.


JOSEPH RATZINGER, Pope Benedict XVI, born in 1927 in Germany, has been head of the Roman Catholic Church since April 2005. A prolific author, theologian, and university professor, Ratzinger served as an “expert” at the Second Vatican Council, and was appointed in 1977 by Pope Paul VI to lead the German Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. In 1981, Pope John Paul II called him to Rome to head the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he served until his papal election.


Read under News & Resources tab: POPE 101 PART 3: The Writings of Benedict XVI



Where to buy:  Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Christianbook.com

~ * ~ * ~ * ~  


GIVEAWAY

3 HARDCOVER copies of JESUS OF NAZARETH
provided by 
Giveaway will be from 
November 28th - December 4th, 2012

three winners, one copy to each winner

In four separate moments:
1.  Leave a comment  with your email.
2. Follow me, if you already follow me just note it in the comment
3.Tweet about giveaway.
4. Share on Facebook .
(Mandatory) Please leave your email address in the comment
 so I can contact you if you are the winner. 
example of email:  johndoe(at)yahoo(dot)com
I can not contact you without an email.

 The winners will be announced 
on December 5th, 2012. 




Monday, November 26, 2012

Twice A Bride ~ The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series #4 by Mona Hodgson

About Book

Love lost doesn't mean love lost forever.

Can unexpected romance deliver a second chance for two deserving widows?

Full of resolve, young widow Willow Peterson decides to pursue her dreams to be an artist as she settles into a new life in the growing mountain town of Cripple Creek.  When she lands a job working as a portrait painter with handsome entrepreneur and photographer Trenton Van Der Veer, the road before Willow seems to be taking a better-than-anticipated turn.

With questions tugging at several hearts in town, including the Sinclair Sisters’ beloved Miss Hattie, change is traveling down the tracks as several unexpected visitors make their way out West.  Will the new arrivals threaten the deep family bonds of the Sinclair sisters and the roots of love that are just taking hold for Willow?  

Filled with the resonating questions that all women face, this romance awakens hope against grief, love against loss, and dreams against life’s unexpected turns.


Read Excerpt here






About Mona

MONA HODGSON writes western, historical fiction for WaterBrook Press. She is the author of TWO BRIDES TOO MANY, TOO RICH FOR A BRIDE, THE BRIDE WORE BLUE, TWICE A BRIDE, and THE QUILTED HEART novellas (early 2013 releases). Her writing credits also include nearly thirty children’s books, contributions to eleven books for adults, and hundreds of short stories, articles, and poems in newspapers and magazines. One of Mona’s favorite things to do (besides writing or eating dark chocolate) is to speak at women's retreats and schools, and for women’s groups, librarians, and at writers’ conferences throughout the United States and Canada. Mona lives in Arizona with her husband, Bob.

Author's website:  www.monahodgson.com  
and http://www.facebook.com/author.mona.


My Thoughts

In Book 4 of the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series the young widow Willow Peterson knows what she wants to do with her life and that is to be an artist and sell her paintings in order to support herself.  Her mother doesn't seems to think being an artist as a career is practical and that she should work at the families Ice Company.  

Willow notices an add in the local paper by a photographer, Trent Van Der Veer that just opened a shop in town.  He is needing artist to paint portraits from the photographs he has taken.  She can't believe her luck. This is just the opportunity she has been hoping for her future as an artist.  

Trent receives several answers to his add and notices one applicant, Willow Peterson lives in Cripple Creek and decide to ask her to come in for an interview and bring an example of her work.  He is very impressed but not sure about hiring a woman.  But he decides to give her chance at the job. Trent finds he is attracted to Willow but he is under the impression she is married.  Just so happens Willow seems to be attracted to Trent.  

Evidently Willow and Trent are not the only couple in town that has caught the love bug and that is none other than Miss Hattie.  Miss Hattie has fallen for a new comer to Cripple Creek and it surprises not only herself but the Sinclair Sisters are ecstatic over this possible match. 

Will there be another wedding or two in Cripple Creek. Or will the two women prefer to continue there life as widows?

The author managed to write another heartwarming story of family ties, new babies and reconciliation with our Lord Jesus Christ.  She shows the reader that if a person would ask God into their hearts and pray asking Him to heal their suffering heart He will fill them with Peace living their lives fuller in Him.  

I love all the characters she has created in this series.  I enjoyed reading about their trials and tribulations as the Sinclair family grew in numbers and most importantly Spiritually.  

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Press/Blogging for Books 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 on Amazon here.




Friday, November 23, 2012

After The Snow Falls by Carey Jane Clark


About Book

In the middle of a soccer drill, in an awful, awkward moment, Celia Bennett’s eight-year-old son Caleb lands on his face and chest in the grass. The diagnosis blindsides her, bringing her face-to-face with every parent’s worst nightmare.

Desperate to save her son’s life, Celia pursues a cure through alternative medicine, but her quest ends in frustration and disappointment. As she faces despair, hope walks in on the most unlikely set of legs, when her father returns after a 30-year absence. Can she release pain to embrace hope? Will it make a difference, or is it too late?
  • Paperback: 266 pages
  • Publisher: Hope Springs (November 22, 2012)
  • ISBN-10: 0991688600
  • ISBN-13: 978-0991688609




About Author

Carey Jane Clark writes to inspire courage, hope and conviction. She is a homeschool mother by day, writer by night. The writing bug afflicted her early in life. The first two stories she recalls writing were about kidnapped insects and dancing pumpkins. (It has been a few years since those stories were penned.) After the Snow Falls is her first novel.

She shares the adventure of her life with her husband and three children. She and her family are expatriates living in China. 

You can learn more at www.careyjaneclark.com


My Thoughts


As this soccer mom,Celia Bennett, rushes to get out the door and to the soccer field with her eight year old son, Caleb, she becomes overwhelmed with the responsibilities for so many of the activities she has volunteered for. One of the mom's is not answering her phone and Celia is depending on her to be there. When Celia gets to the field very stressed out,Caleb starts complaining of a headache. So her husband tries to help by getting something for his son's headache. Celia wanders around and finally she finds her friend. As Caleb takes off in a run on the soccer field, Celia is sitting in the stands trying to control the anger she feels toward her friend. Then the unexpected happens. As Caleb was running to make a shot he falls face down to the ground, unconscious. He is transported by ambulance to the hospital.

What they find is not good and Celia's whole life changes in a flash. Her only child has a brain tumor and her life becomes hospital stays, tests, chemo and a room at the Ronald McDonald's House with several families in similar situations.

She does not seem to be able to handle this as well as some of the other parents. Mainly because she does not have faith in God or the power of prayer. So she seeks out information about alternation treatments only available in Mexico. But Caleb does have faith in God and the ones he discusses this with are his grandparents. He wants to know if God can really heal him.

This story is an eye opener. We know these things happen but many people want to stick their heads in the sand and don't want see it or hear about IT. IT meaning cancer.

The author must have a very sensitive heart to write such a heartfelt novel.  I find it hard to express my feelings about this book.  It makes my heart ache!

Prayer can ease the sorrow and pain of loved ones. Especially when we have faith in God.

I highly recommend this book.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure

I was given a free copy of this book by the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

LONE STAR TRAIL ~ Texas Trails ~ A Morgan Family series, book one

About Book

The six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896 begins with Lone Star Trail.  Although a series, each book can be read on its own.

Judson "Jud" Morgan's father died for Texas' freedom during the war for independence. So when the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas (the Verein) attempts to colonize a New Germany in his country, he takes a stand against them.

After Wande Fleischers' fiancé marries someone else, the young fraulein determines to make a new life for herself in Texas. With the help of Jud's sister Marion, Wande learns English and becomes a trusted friend to the entire Morgan family.

As much as Jud dislikes the immigrant invasion, he can't help admiring Wande's character. She is sweet and cheerful as she serves the Lord and all those around her. Can the rancher put aside his prejudice to forge a new future?  Through Jud and Wande, we learn the powerful lessons of forgiveness and reconciliation among a diverse community of believers.

ISBN: 978-0-8024-0583-8
Published by Moody Publishers
Publish date: August, 2011
Page Count: 288
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Format: Paperback

Read Excerpt here

More info about The Morgan Family series here.

Where to buy: AmazonBanes&NobleChristianbook.com


About Author

DARLENE FRANKLIN is the author of fourteen contracted books and novellas as well as several hundred short pieces. Two of her books have been finalists in ACFW's Book of the year contest: Dressed in Scarlet and A String of Murders. Darlene lives in Oklahoma near her son's family. 

Visit her website www.darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com 



My Thoughts

My children's Great Grandparents have roots to the German's that immigrated to Texas. Their has one of the first homesteads registered in Williamson County. It was not easy for anyone during those days.

Darlene Franklin writes about about two families trying to build a life in the new state of Texas. Wande Fleischer along with her siblings and parents have immigrated to Texas in 1845 to start a new life in this promised land of milk and honey.  Then there is the Morgan family whom raises Morgan horses on the Running M Ranch near Victoria, Texas.

Jud Morgan is portrayed as somewhat of a bigot not wanting to accept the Germans or the Mexican as landowners on Texas soil. Love thy neighbor as thyself, seems to be the moral of this story.  There is so many hardships for not just these two families but the whole community.  Franklin shows that with prayer God can reach the hardened heart of a man's soul.

There are six books in this series and they are written by several authors.

I am looking forward to the other stand alone books in this series.

I highly Recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a digital copy from Netgalley/Moody 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.



RESTORED HEART, a novel ~~~ Christmas Shopping Made Easy!



To all our fans of historical fiction, Clash of the Titles introduces Jennifer A. David’s latest novel, Restored Hearts. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer. 

About the book:

Peter McCord Can't Believe His Ears. Young, handsome, and heir to one of Pittsburgh’s wealthiest fortunes, Peter McCord couldn't imagine a life without privilege and a long line of eligible ladies vying for his attention. Until his grandfather’s will is read and his life changes unexpectedly. Now disinherited, Peter leaves his controlling family, certain he can make something of himself, by himself…and hoping he can find the anonymity and fresh start he desires.

Anne Kirby’s heart is broken. . .by a terrible secret. While her job as a university librarian takes her away from her pain, she’s determined to keep the truth guarded, even if that means remaining a spinster. When love brings Anne and Peter face-to-face, revelations regarding both their pasts emerge. But do they have faith that God will restore their hearts?


Jennifer' s other books:


















About Jennifer A. Davids:

Restored Heart is Jennifer A. Davids’ third title for the Heartsong line. Her first two titles, Yankee Heart and Wounded Heart are available through Christianbook. com. In addition to being a writer, Jennifer is a wife, mother and one of those crazy Ohio State University alums. A self-described history nerd, she is currently working on a longer book set in World War II. You can connect with her on her Facebook page at www.facebook. com/jenniferadav ids or on her blog at www.jenniferadavids .wordpress. com


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

A Sense of Mission--Fiction that Honors America's Heroes




Clash of the Titles is proud to endorse a novel from an author so accomplished, her work has made the cut on several of on our contests--the most recent being our September New Releases Clash.

Her latest work:


About A Sense of Mission:
Kaitlin is driven to succeed in the mission denied her mother. Can she redeem that mission if she discovers another calling? Kaitlin Sadler is nine when her diplomat parents are killed in a U.S. embassy bombing. She must leave the overseas world she knows to live with her guardian, Matilda, on Simon Island in Puget Sound. Determined to redeem the tragedy of her parents' deaths, Kaitlin makes a binding decision to become a diplomat in the U.S. State Department's Foreign Service and pursues it relentlessly as she grows up. But is that really what her heart wants? And why does a niggling memory vanish every time she fights to remember it?

Ethan Coverwood, Matilda's nephew and a friend of Kaitlin, is on a diplomatic career path of his own. When the two are assigned to posts in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, something more than friendship begins to brew. But will it be strong enough to unite two people who could be reassigned to different continents in the blink of an eye? Enough for Ethan as he struggles to carry out America's policies in a chaotic world? For Kaitlin as she agonizes over the desperate people she meets in her duties? A courageous love. A reawakened passion. A vibrant step of faith. By the acclaimed author of Singing in Babylon, Quiet Deception, Searching for Home, and Distant Thunder.

About author Ann Gaylia O'Barr:
The background for many of Ann’s novels is based on her experiences as a Foreign Service officer for the U.S. Department of State 1990 to 2004. Her posts included U.S. embassies and consulates in Saudi Arabia (twice), Algeria, Canada, Tunisia, and Washington, D.C.
She’s been writing full time since 2004. OakTara has published Singing in Babylon, Quiet Deception, Searching for Home, Distant Thunder, and this novel, A Sense of Mission.
She writes novels about Christians who learn the value of their faith when new cultures and beliefs challenge them. She calls it “global fiction.”

Q&A with Ann:

Q. Where did you get the idea for this story?
A. I think A Sense of Mission is my answer to the many tragic events in the world today in which innocent people are harmed. Kaitlin became the fictional story of one lone person, far from perfect, who overcame and even redeemed a horrible tragedy in her life. Love redeemed a potential life of fear. As a letter from Jesus’ beloved apostle, John, states: “Perfect love casts out fear.”


Q. You say you write “global fiction.” What is that?
A. Such fiction suggests writing from a global viewpoint. Characters in my stories are American Christians who struggle with personal faith issues, fall in love, and deal with family problems as in other fiction. In the midst of these conflicts, however, they understand Christianity as Jesus-centered for the whole world. Often they have global jobs: journalists, teachers in international schools, or jobs abroad for the U.S. government, as I had. They learn the value of their faith in countries where Christianity isn’t the majority faith.


To learn more about Ann and her stories, visit her at her website: www.AnnGayliaOBarr.com


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Rosemary Opens Her Heart - Home At Cedar Creek Series, #2 by Naomi King

About Book

Another spring reminds the Amish of Cedar Creek, Missouri, that for everything there is a season.

Zanna Lambright is finally marrying Jonny Ropp, and friends and family have come from far and wide to celebrate. Among them is young widow Rosemary Yutzy, mother of toddler Katie, whose husband was tragically killed last fall. With a willing heart Rosemary has taken over care of her in-law’s family and continued to run a baked goods business from home, but privately she still mourns her lost Joe…and is unprepared for the changes that are coming…

Rosemary’s father-in-law wants to merge his lamb-raising business with Matt Lambright’s—a move that will require the Yutzys to relocate from their nearby town to Cedar Creek. Moreoever, it will bring Rosemary into constant contact with Matt, who is making no secret of his romantic interest in her. The challenges of contemplating a future unlike any she expected are overwhelming for Rosemary. And although Matt is strong and kind, his courtship is so persistent, she often wants to run the other way. As Rosemary struggles to see beyond her immediate joys and sorrows, will she embrace the outpouring of welcome and support from the people of Cedar Creek…and accept this new chance to open her heart to a more abundant life?

Read Excerpt here


Where to buy: AmazonBarnes & NobleChristianbook.com


About Author

I’ve called Missouri home for most of my life, and most folks don’t realize that several Old Older Amish and Mennonite communities make their home here, as well. The rolling pastureland, woods, and small towns along county highways make a wonderful setting for Plain populations—and for stories about them, too! While Jamesport, Missouri is the largest Old Order Amish settlement west of the Mississippi River, other communities have also found the affordable farm land ideal for raising crops, livestock, and running the small family-owned businesses that support their families.

Like my heroine, Miriam Lantz, of my new Seasons of the Heart series, I love to feed people—to share my hearth and home. I bake bread and goodies and I love to try new recipes. I put up jars and jars of green beans, tomatoes, beets and other veggies every summer. All my adult life, I’ve been a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and we hosted a potluck group in our home for more than twenty years.

Like Abby Lambright, heroine of my new Home at Cedar Creek series, I consider it a personal mission to be a listener and a peacemaker—to heal broken hearts and wounded souls. Faith and family, farming and frugality matter to me: like Abby, I sew and enjoy fabric arts—I made my wedding dress and the one Mom wore, too, when I married into an Iowa farm family more than thirty-five years ago! When I’m not writing, I crochet and sew, and I love to travel.

I recently moved to Minnesota when my husband got a wonderful new job, so now he and I and our border collie, Ramona, are exploring our new state and making new friends.

Naomi's website:  http://www.naomikingauthor.com/
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/NaomiC.King

WHAT’S COOKIN’ AT THE SWEET SEASONS BAKERY CAFÉ?  Click here for some yummy recipes.



My Thoughts

This book starts out where book one left off, which is at Zanna Lambright and Jonny Ropp's  marriage ceremony and celebration with family and friends.  This newlyweds act as matchmakers pairing up young Amish men and women in hopes of the possibility of the couples will be a good match that would end up in courting leading to marriage.  

Two such couples stand out from the rest.  Abby Lambright and James Graber were both surprised to be paired up for dinner by the bride and groom.  Then Matt Lambright and Emma Graber were paired up which surprised Matt and was wishful thinking for Emma.  Especially since Matt had not taken his eyes off  Rosemary Yutzy the beautiful young widow that was leading around her three year old daughter.  Matt was sure this was love at first sight.  The only problem was that Rosemary was still in love with her deceased husband.  No matter how hard she tried to discourage Matt refused to back away.  He had even found he had a tenderness in his heart for her child. 


The Good Shepherd was mentioned many time in this book.  One man in particular appeared to walk the walk of a good shepherd. 

The story is mainly focused on these two couples and their pursuit to happiness and their faith in God to lead them at this important time in their lives.  There are many obstacle to overcome, family members to think of and their goals as far as their business and livelihoods.   For instance, Abbey has her sewing business and working in the mercantile with her brother Sam. James has his Carriage/Buggy building business that keeps him very busy. Not to mention his parents that need a lot of care.  Then Matt has sheep that need constant care.  Then Rosemary bakes and sells pies to local stores and bakeries.  She also has a house to run for her father-in-law and to care for her young sister-in-law.

The author put this story and these couples together like a quilt with so many intricate pieces  to even count.  When she got the pieces all laid out and put together, it was a beautiful story to behold.  She created her characters to have faith in God along with the wisdom to trust God with their prayers. Part of that wisdom was to  follow the advice of their church leaders when challenges arose.  The author had to have had a lot of wisdom and faith in God herself to have written such an endearing story.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Penguin Group/Pump Up Your Book Publicity Tours 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.


Monday, November 12, 2012

Courting Cate ~ The Courtship of Lancaster County #1 by Leslie Gould

About Courting Cate: 

When This Couple Gets to Courting, Sparks Will Fly!
In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!

But the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor-until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.

Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate's hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?

Book 1 in The Courtships of Lancaster County series. 
Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/eSNfb 



Meet Leslie:  

Leslie Gould is the co-author, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife andThe Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels, including Garden of Dreams, Beyond the Blue (winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006), and Scrap Everything. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her husband and four children in Portland, Oregon. 
Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.





 Kindle Fire Giveaway from @LeslieGould!
RSVP for Facebook Party {11/20}

A retelling of the Taming of the Shrew! Leslie Gould is celebrating the release of Courting Cate with a fun Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party (11/20)!



One lucky winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Courting Cate by Leslie Gould
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 19th. Winner will be announced at the "Courting Cate" Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/20. Connect with Leslie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at an Amish trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. 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 Courting Cate and join Leslie on the evening of the November 20th for a chance to connect with Leslie 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 todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!



My Thoughts

Cate Miller at the ripe old age of twenty-three has no time or talent for housekeeping, cooking or any other wifely duties a young Amish woman her age should have already been well versed in.  If she cooks it is guaranteed to be burnt in someway.  When it came to men or courting she has no time for them and would show them the door real quick.

Cate works in her father's woodwork shop doing his bookkeeping and answering the phones.  If she wasn't working in the shop office she was reading a book.  She has loved reading for as long as she knew how to read she could not get enough.

Now her younger sister Betsy was a bird of a different color she is the apedemy of the Amish woman.  She was blessed with the gifts of cooking, sewing, quilting and a very immaculate housekeeper and gardener.  She knows how to attract the young men like bees to honey.  Amish men come from near and far to set eyes on the beautiful Amish lady.

The girls mother died when Betsy was a baby and Cate was only six years old.  Cate took over the care of her baby sister and still felt like she was responsible for the now seventeen year old Betsy.  Betsy falls in love with one boy after another.  Now she thinks she is in love with Levi and wants to be courted in hopes to marry.

Their father is at whits end raising these to totally opposite in character daughters. One refuses to be courted and the other thinks she is ready for marriage and motherhood.  So he puts his foot down which he rarely ever does.  But the girls knew that this time he was serious and would not bend.

The verdict is that Betsy can not go on a date unless Cate has a date.  Betsy can not be courted until Cate is being courted.   The best for last is Betsy can not marry until Cate has gotten married.  This did not set well with the girls.  But Betsy is bound and determined to get Cate hitched up with someone.

When Cate was getting some books at the book mobile in town she meets a very forward Amish man.  Pete Treger turned out to be a friend of the woman who drove the book mobile and he was asking the lady where Bob Miller's Shop was located.  But he was not aware Cate was the shop owner's daughter.  He claimed he was looking for a job and in Cate's normal shrewish way she let him know her father was not hiring.  Well guess what?  To her dismay her father hired man.  Now she will have to avoid him when she went to work everyday.  She sees him as just another bachelor to have to deal with.

What does this remind you of?  You got it 'TAMING OF THE SHREW'!   Cate even looks like Elizabeth Taylor the actress that play the part of Kate.

The author had not problem at all turning The Amish Cate and the other character in this story into the characters from 'Taming of the Shrew' to Taming of the Amish Shrew.

Leslie clear off a shelf or a space on your wall for the awards you will
win from 'COURTING CATE!!

This was a very enjoyable and fun read.  I read the book fairly quickly.  I am so anxious to read book two in this series I can't imagine how the author can top book one.  But I bet she does.

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 Group/Bethany House for review.  I was in
no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

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