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!