Ringing in the Holidays with Some GREAT Reads!

We' re winding down the year here at COTT with some amazing reads and wonderful& lt;/i> authors. Can you believe 2013 is right at the edge of over? And, for avid readers, what better way to celebrate than with a riveting read?

Check 'em out! Then use the voting box below to let us know which of these five choices rings YOUR Christmas bell the loudest.

GOD'S DAUGHTER

In the tenth century, when pagan holy women rule the Viking lands, Gudrid turns her back on her training as a seeress to embrace Christianity. She joins her husband, Finn, on a journey to North America, but even as Gudrid faces down murderous crewmen, raging sickness, and hostile natives, she realizes her greatest enemy is herself-and the secrets she hides might just tear her marriage apart.

A SHARECROPPER CHRISTMAS

The Great Depression left the Shoemaker family hungry and homeless. Alice makes the best of the hard times without complaint, though she dreams of giving her little family a special Christmas.

HEAVEN'S PREY

Despite her husband' s objections, 40-something Ruth Warner finds healing through prayer for Harry Silver, the serial killer who brutally raped and murdered her niece. When a kidnapping-gone- wrong pegs her as the killer's next victim, can Ruth's faith sustain her to the end-whatever the cost?

THE CHRISTMAS PROMISE

It' s Christmastime and, widowed mother Keira Noble is ready to start living again. Things look up when she meets Pete Harding, the new veterinarian in town, but a possible love connection quickly dissolves when Pete says he doesn't date single mothers.

SARAH AND THE WIDOW'S MATE

Heaven's Little Love Angel is dispatched to Houston during the Christmas holidays, assigned to help Widow Beth Marsh determine which of her two suitors is the genuine article-black- haired Bryan Wingate or good-looking Charles Chadwick. Sarah is delighted for a number of reasons, but she's forced to step up her efforts when she discovers Beth's life is in danger.and she hopes to save her charge with as few bungles as possible along the way.

Voting ends promptly at midnight on Dec. 17 (that's the last moment of Tuesday night, folks.). Watch for the results on Thursday, Dec. 19!  VOTE HERE

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For His glory,
Michelle Massaro, COTT Assistant Editor
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Clash of the Titles 

A MARRIAGE IN MIDDLEBURY | ENTER Anita Higman’s Double Kindle Fire Giveaway & RSVP for “Tea for Two” 12/12 Facebook Party!

About the book: 

One decision changed both their lives . . . but will love win in the end? Charlotte Rose Hill enjoys a comfortable life serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky, devoted customers. The only thing lacking is someone to share it with. At eighteen she denied Sam Wilder's marriage proposal after his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. They both moved on . . . or so she thought. When Sam walks back into her life more than a decade later, Charlotte is surprised that her heart still quickens. But is it because of his presence? Or because of the presence of Sam's new fiancée? A second chance at love doesn't happen often, but their past may keep them apart. Is it too late for Sam and Charlotte?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qPbkU

Meet the author: 

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She's been a Barnes & Noble "Author of the Month" for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

Connect with Anita at:  http://anitahigman.com


Anita Higman is celebrating the release of her latest book, A Marriage in Middlebury, with a double Kindle Fire giveaway (one for you & one to give away!) and a "Tea for Two" Facebook Author Chat Party on December 12th.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire for you AND a friend
• A Marriage in Middlebury by Anita Higman (one to keep and one to give away!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 12th. Winner will be announced at the "Tea for Two" Facebook Author Chat Party on December 12th. Invite your friends and connect with Anita for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Anita's next book!

So grab your copy of A Marriage in Middlebury and join Anita on the evening of December 12th for a chance to connect 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 by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 12/12!

My Thoughts:

Charlotte Rose Hill has been blessed with a talent of blending tea to fit each person that visits her tearoom.   She has many happy customers that not only come for the delicious tea but because they enjoy visiting with the sweet and caring entrepreneur of the Rose Cottage Tearoom in Middlebury.

Charlotte still thinks of the love of her life. She was forced to turn down a fairy tale life and marriage with Sam Wilder.  Years later he walks into her tearoom unexpectedly.  The feelings were still alive in her heart. What has brought him back to Middlebury and who was the young woman with him?  If only he would propose to her again! Was this finally there time?  Will love prevail?

I really enjoyed this book!  So many secrets and deceit that turned so many lives upside down.  This is real life in this story!  Things do not always turn out the way we wish.  

The author created some very unique characters for this story, several weak individuals, even some down right arrogant and then there were the one's that wanted to take the whole town onto their shoulders.  This author has a real talent is evident in this book.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Abingdon Press/Lifuse Publicity Group for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This is review is my honest opinion.

THE COURIER OF CASWELL HALL BY MELANIE DOBSON

About the book: 

An unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.

As the British and Continental armies wage war in 1781, the daughter of a wealthy Virginia plantation owner feels conflict raging in her own heart. Lydia Caswell comes from a family of staunch Loyalists, but she cares only about peace. Her friend Sarah Hammond, however, longs to join the fight. Both women's families have already been divided by a costly war that sets father against son and neighbor against neighbor; a war that makes it impossible to guess who can be trusted.

One snowy night Lydia discovers a wounded man on the riverbank near Caswell Hall, and her decision to save him will change her life. Nathan introduces her to a secret network of spies, couriers, disguises, and coded messages---a network that may be the Patriots' only hope for winning the war. When British officers take over Caswell Hall and wreak havoc on neighboring plantations, Lydia will have to choose between loyalty and freedom; between her family's protection and her own heart's desires.

As both armies gather near Williamsburg for a pivotal battle, both Lydia and Sarah must decide how high a price they are willing to pay to help the men they love.

Part of the American Tapestries™ series: Each standalone novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. This is the fifth book in the series.

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1aLxC9s


About the author: 

Melanie Dobson is the author of twelve novels; her writing has received numerous accolades including two Carol Awards. Melanie worked in public relations for fifteen years before she began writing fiction full-time. Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides with her husband and two daughters in Oregon.

Connect with Melanie at: http://melaniedobson.com

My Thoughts 

Lydia Caswell is caught up in the goings on during the British and Continental war in 1781. While her brother and her childhood sweetheart are both off fighting in the war her father decides to  invite the son of an acquaintance  to stay at Caswell Hall.  Since the visitor is a British officer her father must accommodate not only the officer put his several other British soldiers in order to stay in the King's favor. There is another  problem, Lydia's father tries to encourage Lydia to marry the British officer. How can she stay true to her sweetheart and keep the fact that he is a Continental soldier. This would not bode well  for her family since they are expected to remain loyal to the crown. 

She is also harboring a probable spy for the Continental army.  He was found injured and she feels compelled to help him hide out while he heals so he can return to his mission.  What if she could help him in with his mission. If she were found out she would be charged as a spy.his would not only put her in danger it would also put her family in danger. 

The author writes of two women that chose to spy for the continental army during the war. Their hearts had to be strong to take such a chance.  The historical events that were provided by the author made the story even more interesting honoring the women from this historical event. So much was lost on both sides of this war but now we benefit from their great sacrifice of life and property. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Summerside Press/Litfuse Publicity Group for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

COTT Bog Alliance - When Mountains Move, A Novel of Tragedy and Triumph by Julie Cantrell

"If you haven't yet read Julie Cantrell's best-selling debut novel, Into the Free, you should probably get after that. If you're wonderingwhy, check out [this] review or [this] interview with this stunning new literary talent. Done? OK. If you haven't gone over to your favorite retailer and "clicked to Into the Free yet, I'll give you a sec. "We good?  OK, now go ahead and let When Mountains Move drop into your shopping cart; you won't be disappointed!" --USA Today purchase"

When Mountains Move, a novel of tragedy and triumph

About the book:

It is the spring of 1943. With a wedding and a cross-country move, Millie's world is about to change forever.

If only her past could change with it.

Soon after the break of day, Bump will become Millie's husband. And then, if all goes as planned, they will leave the rain-soaked fields of Mississippi and head for the wilds of the Colorado Rockies. As Millie tries to forget a dark secret, she hasn't yet realized how drastically those past experiences will impact the coming days.

For most of Millie's life, being free felt about as unlikely as the mountains moving. But she's about to discover that sometimes in life, we are given second chances, and that the only thing bigger than her past is her future.

PURCHASE

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Cantrell has served as editor-in-chief of the Southern Literary Review and is a recipient of the Mississippi Arts Commission Literary Fellowship. She is the author of two children's books as well as Into the Free, which received Christy Awards for Best Debut Novel and Book of the Year 2013 as well as the Mississippi Library Association's Fiction Award. Cantrell and her family live in Mississippi where they operate Valley House Farm. Her second novel, When Mountains Move, released September 2013.

CONNECT WITH JULIE

Website

Blog

Facebook

WHAT CLASH OF THE TITLES VOTERS HAD TO SAY:

--Julie Cantrell, you know you are the best! Such a talented writer and dear soul!

--Julie!! Keep writing books that touch our hearts!

--Love Julie Cantrell's work.

--When Mountains Move is fabulous! Kept me turning pages into the late night. Interesting, complex characters!

--I voted for When Mountains Move because of the line "the only thing bigger than her past is her future." What happened in the past? I need to know! lol

Find more hot, new titles at Clash of the Titles.com!

BELOVED, Where the Heart Lives series, Book 3, by Robin Lee Hatcher

About the book: 

Diana is ready to begin a new chapter in her life-until the husband she believed dead reappears at her engagement party.

Diana Brennan came west on the orphan train and was given a home with a loving couple who cherished and spoiled her. At 17, she fell hard for Tyson Applegate, the son of a wealthy mine owner. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Tyson took off for adventures around the world, including fighting with the Rough Riders in Cuba. Receiving no word from him in years, Diana's infatuation with her dashing husband died an ugly death, and she is ready to move past the old pain and marry again, just as soon as Tyson is declared legally dead.

But when Tyson returns, claiming to be a changed man, he wants to reunite with his wife and run for the senate. While Diana suspects the election is his real reason for wanting her by his side, she agrees to maintain his home and to campaign with him, but when it is over, win or lose, she wants her freedom.

He agrees with one condition---she must give him a chance to change her mind about him.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qb0G2

Landing page and Tour Schedule:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhatcher

Meet the author: 

Robin is the author of 65+ novels and novellas. Her home is in Idaho, where she spends her time writing stories of faith, courage, and love; pondering the things of God; and loving her family and friends.

Learn more at:http://www.robinleehatcher.com

 Robin Lee Hatcher is celebrating the release of her latest novel, Beloved, with an iPad Mini giveaway! 

 
  One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 15th. Winner will be announced November 16th at Robin's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Robin's blog on the 16th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)!

My Thoughts:

Diana Brennan was one of many children, which also included her two siblings that rode the orphan train west. She was one of few that actually found loving adoptive parents.  Then her world fell apart when Tyson Applegate her husband and love of her life deserted her and he was later presumed a casualty of war.  She vowed never to give her heart to be broken to another man.  

Then Tyson Applegate returns to the surprise of Diana and his father.  He finds she is engaged to be married and puts a stop to what plans she had for her future.  He proposes for Diana to remain his wife for at least six months while he campaigns to run  for the senate. She grudgingly agrees but only as a business arrangement with a chance for him to change her mind about him and remain as his beloved.  Can she forgive him for deserting her and breaking her heart? 

Their faith and trust in God is the way to their redemption.  

This author never fails to entertain me. The only problem I had with the book was that I did not want it to end.  Robin has written a touching story of broken will and mistrust of those whom should have been trusted with their heart and future. As in the relationship between Tyson and his father which stemmed a similar situation in the relationship between Diana and Tyson.  

If you are looking for a good read about  family, romance, forgiveness, and redemption this is the series to read.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan/Litfuse Publicity Group for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This is my honest opinion.

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TO KNOW YOU ~ Win a Personal Coaching Session with Shannon Ethridge and $100 to Lisa Leonard Designs!

About the book: 

Julia Whittaker's rocky past yielded two daughters, both given up for adoption as infants. Now she must find them to try to save her son.

Julia and Matt Whittaker's son has beaten the odds for thirteen years only to have the odds---and his liver---crash precipitously. The only hope for his survival is a "living liver" transplant, but the transplant list is long and Dillon's time is short. His two older half-sisters, born eighteen months apart to two different fathers, offer his only hope for survival.

But can Julia ask a young woman---someone she surrendered to strangers long ago and has never spoken with---to make such a sacrifice to save a brother she's never known? Can she muster the courage to journey back into a shame-filled season of her life, face her choices and their consequences, and find any hope of healing?

And what if she discovers in her own daughters' lives that a history of foolish choices threatens to repeat itself? Julia knows she's probably embarking on a fool's errand---searching for the daughters she abandoned only now that she needs something from them. But love compels Julia to take this journey. Can grace and forgiveness compel her daughters to join her?

Read first chapter: 

http://issuu.com/tnelson/docs/issuu_to_know_you_final__1_/1?e=0

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qbiOA

Landing Page and Litfuse Tour Schedule 11/1 – 11/19

 http://litfusegroup.com/author/sethridge

About the authors: 

Shannon Ethridge is a best-selling author, speaker, and certified life coach with a master's degree in counseling/human relations from Liberty University. She has spoken to college students and adults since 1989 and is the author of 21 books, including the million-copy best-selling Every Woman's Battle series. She is a frequent guest on TV and radio programs and mentors aspiring writers and speakers through her BLAST Program (Building Leaders, Authors, Speakers & Teachers.)

Learn more about Shannon:http://www.shannonethridge.com

Kathryn Mackel is a best-selling author and acclaimed screenwriter for Disney and Fox. She was on the screenwriting team for Left Behind: The Movie, and Frank Peretti's Hangman's Curse. She is the acclaimed author of "The Surrogate", "The Departed", and "The Hidden" and resides in Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband.

Learn more about Kathryn: http://www.kathrynmackel.com

In To Know You, Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel explore 

how the past creates the present . . . and how even the most 

shattered lives can be redeemed.

Q&A with Shannon about her new book -- 

Enjoy learning a little bit more about the story behind the story of Shannon Ethridge's new novel To Know You. And don't forget to RSVP to Shannon's Facebook party on 11/19 and enter to win $100 to Lisa Leonard Design and a personal coaching session!

Q. Tell us a bit about the story behind your latest novel. Where did your inspiration spark from?

A. I was sitting in an airport in 2003 after my first non-fiction book, Every Woman’s Battle, had released.  I opened an email oozing with kind words of affirmation for the book, and posing the question, “When will you write fiction?”  I’d just finished Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love and had been overwhelmingly inspired by the power of a well-crafted story.  I thought, Wow – releasing an entire series of fiction works that inspire women to let go of their past sexual and emotional baggage -- that’d be SO fun and fruitful!

Q. What’s your next book or project ?

A. I have my 20th non-fiction book releasing through Thomas Nelson in January 2014, called The Passion Principles: Celebrating Sexual Freedom in Marriage.  Then Kathy Mackel and I have a follow-up novel called Veil of Secrets which will release in July 2014, focusing this time on the rocky sexual relationship between Will and Melanie Connors, who just happen to be the parents of Destiny Connors (from To Know You).

Q. What’s your favorite character you've written so far?

A. I loved Destiny in my first novel, To Know You.  She has this hard edge and doesn't leave people wondering how she really feels about anything.  She just puts in out there without blinking, without mincing words, without apology.  I was always told that I don’t have an “edit button,” so I felt a real connection to Destiny whenever she’d pop off about something.  Plus she has tattoos and rides a motorcycle – two things I've never had the hootzpah to do.

Shannon Ethridge is celebrating the release of  To Know You (co-written by Kathryn Mackel), by giving away a $100 gift certificate to Lisa Leonard Designs and a personal coaching session, as well as throwing a Facebook Author Chat Party!

One winner will receive:

• A $100 gift certificate to Lisa Leonard Designs
• To Know You by Shannon Ethridge

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 19th. Winner will be announced at the "To Know You" Facebook Author Chat Party on the 19th. Connect with Shannon and friends for an encouraging evening of fun chat, book club discussion, giveaways, and a chance to win a PERSONAL COACHING SESSION WITH SHANNON!

So grab your copy of To Know You and join Shannon on the evening of November 19th for a chance to connect 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 by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER or Pinterest and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on 11/19!

My Thoughts

Julia and Matt Whittaker would do anything to help their son, Dillon.  All attempts have failed to find a liver donor.  If only Julia had the courage to ask strangers, the two daughters whom lived with their fathers.  Could one of them make a sacrifice and become a liver donor for Dillon.  

I lost my grandson before he turned two years old.  He became a donor. How helpless you feel when you are faced with so many decision and sometimes nothing left to done.  To make the decision to be a donor is an ultimate sacrifice for those giving and the ultimate gift to those receiving.

I was hesitant to read the book because of my lose.  The pain of loosing a child never really goes away you hang on to the fact that God granted you the gift of having that person in your life as long of God chose for them to be with us. 

This book has heartache, hope, faith, forgiveness and redemption.  It will help one see how God can give us healing through our pain. 

What would you do if you were asked to be a living donor?

I recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

My Name is ERIN One Girl's Journey to Discover Truth, My Name is ERIN series written by ERIN DAVIS

Just for tweens!

Erin Davis is passionate about bringing the Truth about God to young women. In this quirky, colorfully illustrated, keenly interactive four-book set, young women from ages 10-14 will glean biblical answers about four basic tenants of Christian Living: Mission, Faith, Truth, and Self-Discovery. Check out all Four! My Name is Erin:  One Girl's Journey to Discover Truth Is truth real? How do you define truth? What happens when your definition of truth is not the same as your best friend? Or your parents? Whose truth becomes the real truth? See a problem? The culture says truth can change. God's Word says Truth is solid. In My Name is Erin: One Girls Journey to Discover Truth you will be guided by Erin to learn ·         Truth is not defined by your circumstances, your heart, or your mind ·         Truth can be discovered - not created ·         How to protect yourself and your friends with Truth ·         Lies that masquerade as Truth ·         How to make invisible spy ink ISBN-13: 9780802406422 Publisher: Moody Publishers Publication date: 7/28/2013 Pages: 79 Part of a four-book series - My Name is Erin: One Girl's Journey to Discover Who She Is My Name is Erin: One Girl's Mission to Make a Difference My Name is Erin: One Girl's Plan for Radical Faith P.S.You can read them in any order - because you are a girl discovering Truth.

Meet the Author: A popular speaker, author and blogger, ERIN DAVIS has addressed women of all ages nationwide and is passionately committed to sharing God's Truth with others. She is the author of several books including Graffiti: Learning to See the Art in Ourselves, True Princess: Embracing Humility in an All About Me World, The Bare Facts with Josh McDowell, Beyond Bath Time: Embracing Motherhood As a Sacred Role. Erin's quest for the perfect scoop of ice cream is never ending and her family is her constant source of entertainment.

My Thoughts

John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

You actually have to know God's Truth to be tied to it. Study the bible "gird yourself" with God's Truth.

The author asks, "What is the opposite of Truth?".  Her answer is: The simplest way to define something that isn't true is to call it a lie. 

In chapter 3 we meet Lie's ugly cousins Bent Truth, Relative Truth, and Partial Truth.

Chapter 5: How can you stand by Truth? Erin writes about the different types of Truth and untruth.  She points out the way to the Truth (God) is through Jesus and the way to untruth leads to the Satan.  

Erin introduced some girls she calls the Gab Gallery. They entertained me with their past experiences and opinions of Truths and of Lies. 

I am looking forward  to the next book in this series.  Stay tuned to my blog for my next book I review in this series.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishers/MP Newsroom for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.