Through The Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer, Blogging for Books Giveaway

About Book

A past filled with shame can be washed away with a love that conquers all 

Born to an unloving prostitute in a popular Chicago brothel, timid seventeen-year-old Dinah Hubley was raised amidst the secrets held in every dark, grimy room of her home. Anxious to escape, Dinah pursues her dream of becoming a Harvey Girl, waiting tables along the railroad in an upscale hotel. But when she finds out she isn’t old enough, her only option is to accept a job as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas. Eager to put everything behind her, Dinah feels more worthless than ever, based on a single horrible decision she made to survive.

The Clifton offers a life Dinah has never known, but blinded to the love around her, Dinah remains buried in the shame of her past. When a handsome chicken farmer named Amos Ackerman starts to show interest, Dinah withdraws further, convinced no one could want a sullied woman like her. Despite his self-consciousness about his handicapped leg and her strange behavior, Amos resolves to show Dinah Christ’s love. But can she ever accept a gift she so desperately needs?

Read Excerpt Chapter One here.

See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD


About Author

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling, award-winning author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are currently in print. She lives in central Kansas where she and her retired military husband, Don, enjoy spoiling their ten granddarlings.

See more at: http://kimvogelsawyer.com/about/


My Review from April 2014

Dinah was not only born in a brothel but was raised there until she turned seventeen.  The cook at the brothel told her about advertisements for Harvey Girl waitresses in hopes of getting her out of the brothel before she became like the others.  To her disappointment she would have to be eighteen to be a waitress but to her great surprise they would hire her as a housekeeper at the hotel.  She will finally be able to put the stigma behind her of being shunned by the community as being tainted.  

She is determined to stay to herself and work hard at Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas so she can move on to becoming a Harvey Girl when she turns eighteen.  She catches the interest and admiration of a Florence local chicken farmer, Amos Ackerman.  She is flattered by the attention but stays in fear of someone finding out about being the daughter of a prostitute.  She avoids making friends with the girls she works with but takes up their invitation to join them in going to church.  She is shown nothing but love and respect from everyone.  She wondered why anyone, much less God, would care about the illegitimate daughter of a prostitute?  

The author has written a sad tale of an illegitimate girl searching to find respectability.  More so she yearned for unconditional love.  The character Dinah had little confidence in mankind and for good cause. She was shown little more love than an unwanted rodent.  This story reveals God had other plans for Dinah beyond anything she could ever have imaged.  It was a heart-wrenching tale turned by redemption and reconciliation. Then there is sweet tender love growing in the heart of a most unexpected young man for this lovely lost girl. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books/WATERBROOK PRESS for an honest review.

Blogging for Books Giveaway

The contest starts on July 31, 2014 at 6:00am EST and ends on August 20th, 2014 at 11:59pm. One winner will be chosen at random on August 21st, 2014 and will be alerted by email. For a complete listing of the rules, please see below.

If you can not read the the details above you can click here for the rules.

Contest for Witch Born by Amber Argle

Contest for Witch Born 

Make sure you click  here  to post all of your comments. 

I'll be giving away a Proof of Witch Born every week for the next few weeks.

This week, I'm promoting on Goodreads. 

• 1 pt for adding Witch Born to yourTBRpile
• 1 pt for entering to win a copy of Witch Born 
• 1 pt for voting for Witch Born on any Goodreads list
• 1 pt for sharing the contest on blog/twitter/facebook

*Tally up all your own points. If you've already done one of the above, that counts. 

*Leave appropriate links. I check the winner's links to make sure they do one of the above. The last contest I had, I went through three people before I found one that actually did anything. 

*Leave an email address. I had a winner who did not and I couldn't find her to inform her she'd won, so the book went to the next person.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Giveaway/Review - Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan by Melanie Dobson

About Melanie

Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside's Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense).

Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years.

Melanie and her family enjoy their home in the Pacific Northwest. The entire Dobson family loves to travel and hike in both the mountains and along the cliffs above the Pacific.

When Melanie isn't writing or playing with her family, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.

For more about Melanie Dobson and her books, visit www.melaniedobson.com.

About Book

As the Gilded Age comes to a close, Elena Bissette's once-wealthy family has nearly lost its fortune. The Bissettes still own a home on fashionable Mackinac Island, where they will spend one last summer in the hope of introducing Elena to a wealthy suitor. But Elena is repulsed by the idea of marrying for money.

Quickly tiring of the extravagant balls, Elena spends most evenings escaping back into Mackinac's rugged forest. There she meets Chase, a handsome laborer who shares her love for the night sky. The two begin to meet in secret at an abandoned lighthouse, where they work together to solve a mystery buried in the pages of a tattered diary.

As Elena falls in love with Chase, her mother relentlessly contrives to introduce her to Chester Darrington, the island's most eligible bachelor. Marriage to the elusive millionaire would solve the Bissettes' financial woes, and Elena is torn between duty and love.

Where to Buy: Amazon
Check out the other Reviews from this Tour

Celebrate with Melanie by entering her Kindle Giveaway!

 One grand prize winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Signed copies of Melanie’s Love Find You books: Love Finds you in Nazareth,                               Pennsylvania, Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa, Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana.

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/4/12. The winner will be announced on 8/6/12 on Melanie’s blog!

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

My Thoughts

1894, Elena Bissette feels obligated to marry into wealth because she knows this is what her parents expect. Well, that is what her mother expects. Her father seems to only wish his little girl be happy with the man she chooses to be her husband.

Click on image for more info
on the history of the island.

Every summer Elena and her parents go to Mackinac Island, Michigan to stay in their vacation cottage, which is really more like a mansion. Her mother is so excited for Elena to meet Chester Darrington. He is a very sought after unattached, handsome and extremely wealthy. Quite the catch. But rumors are spreading that Elena's mother is out to snag him to marry her daughter just for his wealth. Which is true. But Elena only attends all the tea parties and social gatherings to appease her mother. Elena should have been an actress because she can put on a good show of a proper lady.

Now Elena would much rather wander through the woods after dark and visit the islands old lighthouse. The lighthouse gives her more of a view of the island but most of all to the stars. One day she finds a very handsome gentleman in her lighthouse and he has found her drawings. When he sets his eyes on Elena he is mesmerized by her beauty. As they spend more time together at the lighthouse their hearts recognize feelings are strong for each other. But they did not share the truth about their identities. She had no idea he was the wealthy catch her mother was after and he had no idea she was the daughter of the woman that was out to trap him into marriage that was of no interest to him. What a mess!

There has been said that there is a ghost in the lighthouse. So much sorrow and tragedy is the tale about a woman and her two small children in the early 1800's during the British invasion. The woman's husband is missing and her cries for him can be felt by Elena each time she enters the lighthouse.

Another interesting fact that the author provided about the island was that even to this day no automobiles are allowed on the island.

Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan will be another of my favorites. The author put her talent of writing together with historical facts and wrote a wonderful novel. I must say I have never heard of Mackinac Island but after reading this book I will remember it fondly along with the characters 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 for review by Litfuse/Summerside. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

ANGEL EYES by Shannon Dittemore || Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party

About Shannon

Shannon is a wife and mother. A sister. A daughter. A friend. She was raised in Northern California by her parents-pastors of their local church and constant figures of inspiration.

As a youth, Shannon traveled with an award-winning performing arts team, excelling on stage and in the classroom. As a young adult, she attended Portland Bible College, continued acting, and worked with an outreach team targeting inner-city kids in the Portland-Metropolitan area.

It was in Portland that she met her husband, Matt. They were married in 2002. Soon after, they took the reins of the youth ministry at Living Way Community Church in Roseville, California where they continue to serve in that capacity. In October of 2004, their son Justus was born, followed by their daughter Jazlyn, born in 2008.

Find out more at  www.shannondittemore.com.

Blog Tour Schedule  http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13501700/angeleyes


About Book

Once you've seen, you can't unsee. Everything changes when you've looked at the world through . . .Angel Eyes

Brielle went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She's come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can't seem to shake.

Jake's the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.

Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what's going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.

A realm that only angels and demons-and Brielle-can perceive.

Where to buy:
Thomas Nelson
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Win a Nook Color from Shannon Dittemore (@ShanDitty)! "Angel Eyes" Giveaway and Facebook Party {6/26} 

Celebrate with Shannon by entering her "Angel Eyes" Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 6/26! 

Find out what readers are saying here.

One "angelic" winner will receive:

• A Brand New Nook Color
• A copy of Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on June 25th. Winner will be announced at the "Angel Eyes" Author Chat Facebook Party on 6/26. Shannon will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of Angel Eyes and join Shannon on the evening of the June 26th for a chance to meet Shannon 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 26th!

My Thoughts

Brielle returns home with broken dreams and a heavy heart.  Her fear and sorrow is so strong it chills her to the bone.  It seems like she will never be warm again.  She tries to avoid her friends to no avail and her father is at a loss as how to help his little girl get over her night terrors.

When she returns to school she feels as if she is being shadowed.  There is a new boy, Jake in her school and every time she turned around he was there. When he was near it was as if he radiated heat.  She not only felt warm when he was near she also felt calm and safe.  She soon discovered he was also her new next door neighbor. 

The more time Brielle spent with Jake it became clear he was gifted.  It is not just a coincidence that he sought her out he there along with others to protect her from unseen evils.

Really!  Who and what is Jake? Why does he need to protect Brielle?  What evil is it that surrounds her?

Author states."A realm that only angels and demons - and - Brielle can perceive."

This book is not the type of book I would normally read. I know my teen grandkids are going to enjoy reading this book.  I have passed many good books on to them in the past so I know there will be a debate as to who gets this book first.

I enjoyed going over the Reading Group Guide after reading the book. I would love to share more but I will let you find out for yourselves.

I highly recommend this book, especially for young adults.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson  for this Litfuse PublicityTour review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

 

Win a Nook Color from Shannon Dittemore (@ShanDitty)! "Angel Eyes" Giveaway and Facebook Party {6/26}

Celebrate with Shannon by entering her "Angel Eyes" Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 6/26!

Find out what readers are saying here.

One "angelic" winner will receive:

• A Brand New Nook Color
• A copy of Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on June 25th. Winner will be announced at the "Angel Eyes" Author Chat Facebook Party on 6/26. Shannon will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of Angel Eyes and join Shannon on the evening of the June 26th for a chance to meet Shannon 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

Litfuse Tour: Forever Hilltop series by Judy Baer

About the book: 

The charming and often hilarious Forever Hilltop series follows the experiences of former city dweller Alex Armstrong as he settles into his new role as pastor of a Scandinavian community in rural North Dakota. Alex is sometimes baffled by his parishioners and their colorful ways, but he comes to appreciate their simple wisdom. One thing's for sure -- life in Hilltop Township is never dull! This new two-in-one format features An Unlikely Blessing along with its sequel, Surprising Grace.

In An Unlikely Blessing, Alex Armstrong is a former city dweller who has just accepted his first parish assignment to a small community in the wilds of North Dakota. In Hilltop Township, Pastor Alex becomes familiar with the residents and their odd traditions, from julebukking to King Oscar's fish balls. And then there's the excitement the single pastor creates among the unmarried women in the community! Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he has to teach them.

In Surprising Grace, Alex Armstrong is settling into his new role as pastor of Hilltop Church, and he's even starting to understand the strange ways of the people who populate this barren stretch of North Dakota prairie. But he also finds that his flock needs help and counsel like he never imagined. In this cozy and entertaining read, Alex must choose between the woman he once loved -- and the home he's come to love.

Paperback, 2 books in one volume, 572 pages 
Published 2012 by Guideposts
ISBN 13 9780824945299
 

  About Judy:

Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, experiencing many of the same things as her Hilltop characters. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head.

Baer graduated from Concordia College with majors in English and education and a minor in religion. While at the time, she was simply studying what interested her, Baer later realized that she was educating herself for her future career as a Christian writer. She certainly put her education to use as she is the author of more than 75 books.

A certified professional life coach now certified in three coaching disciplines, Baer coaches primarily professional and aspiring writers. She is also a faculty advisor in the Department of Human Development at St. Mary's University in Minneapolis, MN. Baer has two daughters and three step children. She and her husband live in Minnesota.

She invites you to visit her at her web site www.judykbaer.com for more information on her and her books.

Link to buy the book:  http://ow.ly/azv7s 

Blog Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13467681/foreverhilltop


@JudyKBaer is giving away a Kindle for YOU … and one for a Friend in her Forever Hilltop Giveaway! Celebrate with Judy by entering to win a Kindle for you and a friend!

One lucky winner will receive:

• Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi
• Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi to Giveaway to a Friend!
• Forever Hilltop by Judy K Baer for you and a one for a friend

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 22nd. Winner will be announced 5/24/12 on Judy's Blog.

 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!

My Thoughts


Alex Armstrong has just arrived in Hilltop Township, North Dakota.  He is to be the new Pastor of not just one church but two.  Unfortunately the two churches have had a split of communities.  This was not what he had expected.  He thought he would be moving to a tranquil community. Since he arrived it has been one thing after another.  It is a beautiful area and the house provided for him was a big surprise to him.

There are definitely some very colorful characters in this novel.  Some that are overly helpful and some that are in desperate need of help. Then there are those that don't wish to be bothered at all.  Alex Armstrong has his hands full.  It is a good thing God is with him and Hilltop Township.

Book two takes up right where book one left off.  With some unexpected events.  Also a hometown girl comes home to the community for harvest time and put a whole new spin on Alex's life.  But will she stay or will she return to her home in the big city?

This was a long book for sure.  But well worth reading.  I highly recommend this book!

I rate this book a 5 out of 5.

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

Litfuse Tour: Baroness (Daughters of Fortune series #2) by Susan May Warren

About the book: Baroness – Book Two in the Daughters of Fortune series

Lily and Rose, daughters of an empire coming of age in the roaring twenties, can have anything they want ... except freedom.

Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the empire, they have their lives planned out for them. But, Lily, Esme's daughter longs to return home to Montana, to adventure outside the confines of New York City. And Jinx's daughter Rosie dreams of the bright lights of the newly emerging silver screen. But following their dreams - from avant garde France, to Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers will take all their courage.

And if they find love, will they choose freedom or happily ever after?

Find out more from Behind the Pages: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/books/baroness

About Susan:

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.

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

Baroness Roaring 20s Kindle Fire Giveaway from @SusanMayWarren!

Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the family empire, they have their lives

planned out for them. But following their dreams -- from avant garde France, to

Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers -- will take all

their courage.  And if they find love, will they choose freedom or happily ever

after?

Celebrate with Susan by entering her Roaring 20's Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Signed copies of Baroness and Heiress by Susan May Warren

But hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/7/12. The winner will be announced on 5/9/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles!

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

Blog tour schedule:  http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13456521/baroness

My Thoughts:

Book two in the Daughters of Fortune not only continues in the lives of sisters Esme and Jinx but of their children.   Esme's daughter Lilly and Jinx's daughter Rosie have become each others shadow. Rosie is trying to convert Lilly into a flapper which is a big problem for the pig-tailed cowgirl.   For some reason their mother's thought Lilly could be Rosie's chaperon in an attempt to keep the flapper, wild side of Rosie in check and out of trouble.  They each rebel against each other and their families wishes for their future.  Rosie goes on to be a flapper and Lilly goes for adventure.  Even though they went their separate ways they both managed to put themselves in harms way.  In many instances they are making similar mistakes that their own mother's had made.  

Mother's pray for your children to make the right choices.  


I enjoyed book one and was anxious to read book two. The Heiress held my attention where the Baroness about half way into the book lost my attention.  I don't think it had anything to do with the author's writing I can't fault her there.  The story line and the timeline was just not my cup of tea.  But it was still a very good read and I am looking  forward to reading book three the Duchess.


I gladly recommend this book.


I rated this book a four out of five.


Disclosure:
I received a free copy of this book by Summerside Press  for the Litfuse Tour.  In no way was I compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

Giveaway/ Review COUGAR CUB TALES: The Sneezy Wheezy Day by Sharon Cramer

About Book

•   ISBN-13: 9780983943709
•   Publisher: B & F Publishing
•   Publication date: 1/28/2012
•   Pages: 38
•   Age range: Up to 9 years
•   Product dimensions: 10.50 (w) x 9.50 (h) x 0.45 (d)
•   Binding: Hardcover

Looking for The Sneezy Wheezy Day in eBook format? It is here. Or rather purchase on Amazon? Book here. And eBook here.


From the award-winning series, COUGAR CUB TALES: The Sneezy Wheezy Day continues the adventures of the cougar cub brother and sister as they venture into the world to play. When one of the cubs becomes ill, they decide to seek their well-intentioned friends for treatments and remedies for brother cougar's ailment. One friend even tells the cub, "Tickle your nose with the tail of a goose and do it before the next blue moon rise!". Although the recommendations are sincere, the final remedy is a sibling's love. The rhyming verse is captivating, not just for the child, but for the adult reader, and it is illustrated with incredibly vivid watercolors. It is a heartwarming story about negotiating childhood illness, but in a hilarious and lighthearted way. Make sure your child searches for the small additional creature on each page!


About Author

Sharon Jean Cramer was born in Jamestown, New York in 1960. Sharon’s education includes a Master’s in Anesthesia Education from Gonzaga, with her minor area of study in fine arts at the University of Houston. She pulls heavily from her experiences in healthcare to consider subject material for her children’s books. 

She also pulls from very personal experience for The Sneezy Wheezy Day. Her twin sister struggled with childhood illness for many years. Sharon observed that the treatments, though helpful and therapeutic were not what was ultimately most significant. What mattered most to Vonnie was the family and friends around her, who supported and loved her. 

Sharon is surrounded by her own cubs. Her three sons all live in Spokane, and though grown, have opinions about the cougar cubs. Lost and Alone was actually written for her youngest son, Chase, when he was born. It is about his two older brothers, who were eight and ten years old at the time! Cole and Shad tangled on occasion so it was easy for Sharon to write about sibling rivalry and conflict resolution! 

Sage is Sharon’s granddaughter, loves the Cougar Cub Tales, and is a tough critic! She pits the cubs against Dora, Spongebob and of course the Disney princesses, but so far, the Cougar Cubs hold their own (and dad doesn’t bore so quickly over reading them over, and over, and over!)

Sharon’s husband, Daryl, is a nurse anesthetist, and ‘personal organizer’ for Sharon. He is also chef, karaoke partner, best friend, and inspiration to the author. He is a good voice of reason, sometimes editor, and unlikely audience during studio recordings. (More than one take has occurred due to
his enthusiastic presence!). If you see Sharon at a big event, say hello to Daryl as well. He is
usually close by.

My Thoughts

In The Sneezy Wheezy Day brother cub and sister cub were enjoying their playful day until brother cub complained that he was not feeling so well. Sister cub suggested they go to some of their fellow forest friends for advice. So they went to White Owl, King Stag, Canadian Goose, Red Fox, Razorback Hog and Grizzly Old Bear and each one of their friends had a different remedy for him to try. Some where sensible but some were a little bazaar. The characters were very charming and showed concern for brother cub.

But the best remedy of all was from his sister cub which included kittycat tea, his favorite pillow and blanky plus tender loving care.

I think that is what most of us would recommend to a loved one that wasn't feeling well. Have them drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. My favorite is read to them an awesome book just like this one, with tender loving care.

The illustrations were colorful and stirred the imagination.

I highly recommend this book!

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I was provided a free copy of this book for review from B & F Publishing/PR by the BOOK.  In no way was I compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

Now for the Giveaway!

B & F Publishing has been kind enough to provide a copy of "The Sneezy Wheezy Day" by Sharon Cramer  for the giveaway.


To enter all you have to do is leave a comment about the book and/or author and state that you would like to win this book. Be sure to add your email address to the comment so I can contact you in case you are the winner.


I will be choosing the winner by using the Random Generator.
There will be one winner. I will keep the entries open until  March 20, 2012.


The winner will be announced on Monday, March 21, 2012.


Good Luck! Blessings to All!
Patricia aka Mamaw

Litfuse Tour: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

About Julie:

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com

About the book:

To escape a scheme to marry her off to a dishonorable man, Margaret Macy flees London disguised as a housemaid. If she can remain unwed until her next birthday, she will receive an inheritance, and with it, sweet independence. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not in the home of Nathaniel and Lewis Upchurch--both former suitors.

As she fumbles through the first real work of her life, Margaret struggles to keep her identity secret when suspicions arise and prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall. Can she avoid a trap meant to force her from hiding?

Link to buy the book:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764207091/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0764207091&adid=1TCYV1DRSTV23NKEQ170

Paperback, 410 pages

Published January 1st 2012 by Bethany House Publishers

ISBN 0764207091 (ISBN13: 9780764207099)

url http://www.bethanyhouse.com/Book.asp?isbn=978-0-7642-0709-9



Win a Kindle Fire and RSVP for FB party 3/15!
Enter Today and Save the Date-3/15!

About the contest:

Don't miss the perfect blend of Regency-era romance and mystery in The Maid of Fairbourne Hall! Grab a copy and then be sure to enter Julie's Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVP for her Author Chat party on Facebook! Swoon.

One fortunate winner will receive:

A brand new Kindle Fire

A Julie Klassen Library (The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/14. Winner will be announced at Julie's "Fairbourne Hall" Facebook Party on 3/15 . Julie will be hosting an evening of chat, trivia and a sneak peek at her next book - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Downton Abbey Prize Pack!

So grab your copy of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and join Julie and friends on the evening of March 15th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 15th!

Blog Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13456522/julieklassen


My Thoughts:
Let's start with a little information about the characters...

• Margaret Elinor Macy - hieress to a fortune and main character in this book
• Sterling Benton - Margaret's step father and vilian/manipulator after her fortune
• Marcus Benton - Sterling's puppet of a nephew out to marry Margaret and her fortune
• Lewis Upchurch - aka Don Juan had courted Margaret at one time. He is all play no work
• Nathaniel Upchurch - younger brother of Lewis.  He is all work no play. Also courted and proposed to Margaret, she turned him down leaving him bitter.
• The Poet Pirate - anonymous
• Helen Upchurch - sister of Lewis and Nathaniel.  She has become a spinster due to lost love. 
• Joan - Margaret's maid whom helped her to escape the villianous stepfather and nephew.
• Nora Garret - Margarets new name while in disguise.
• Fairbourne Hall - resident of the Upchurch family and Margaret's new place of employment as servant
• Mr. Hudson - house steward at Fairbourne Hall. Hired Margaret as servant at Fairbourne Hall

These are just the main characters there are many more that make up this story.

Margaret Elinor Macy was determined to come up with a plan to flee her step father's iron rule.  Sterling Benton not only taken over the financial responsibilties of his new family he also chose to lock away all the families jewels.  He also has plans to marry off Margaret to his puppet of a nephew, Marcus Benton, in order go get control of a very large fortune Margaret is soon to inherit.  She overheard Sterling and Marcus scheming to go as far as comprimising her virtue forcing her to marry Marcus.  This she would not allow to happen she had to find a way to escape.  She seeked out an old friend Lewis Upchurch to help her hide away from Sterling but to no avail.  When she was home alone she took money from her step father's room which resulted in her maid, Joan, being accused of the theft and was fired.  Margaret convinced the maid to help her escape and give her safe haven.  She decides to disguise herself by wearing a wig and coloring her eyebrows darker along with wearing a pair of her father's old glasses.  Margaret no longer goes by her real name she is now to be known as Nora Garret and plans to hire out as a servant to support herself until she comes into her inheritance.  She had no clue as how to be a servant.  But she had no other recourse.

Nora is hired as a house maid by Mr. Hudson, a house steward.  When she nears her new place of employment she is shocked to see it is none other that Fairbourne Hall home of the man she spurned, Nathaniel Upchurch and his brother Lewis. Along with their sister, Helen, mistress of the Fairbourne Hall.
She fears she will be recognized and sent back to face whatever her step father has in store for her.  But to her amazement she is able to keep secret from everyone.  Are does she?

It was really diffucult for me to know just how much of the story I should share in this review.  There is so much secrecy among all of the characters, along with manipulation and intrigue.  Of course there is a chance for some romance in the story also.  It is said that the author's writing is comparable to that of Jane Austen's and I whole heartily agree. 

There are many interesting quotes in the book.  This is one of many...

Housemaids were meant to be invisible, and all cleaning had to be performed either before the family to up or while they were absent.  As one housemaid later wrote. "It was assumed, I suppose, that the fairies had been at the rooms."  Trevor May, The Victorian Domestic Servant


I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:
I was given a free copy of this book for review by Bethany House Publisher/Litfuse.  I was in no way compensated for this review, it is my own opinion.


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Litfuse Tour/Prizes: Gabby's Stick to it Day by Sheila Walsh

About the book: Gabby's Stick-to-It-Day

Gabby is a little guardian angel with a big job to do! Watching over Sophie is hard work, but Gabby knows that God wants her to stick to it.


Gabby, God’s Little Angel, flies to the rescue as Sophie attempts to help others but has a little trouble sticking with things. Sophie tries to be helpful by washing the family dog for her mom, but she gives up when she’s the one who ends up all wet. She then tries to be kind by reading to her little brother, but he has plans of his own, which include a splash of cereal right in Sophie’s face! When Sophie is ready to quit once again, it’s up to Gabby to encourage her to keep trying and to teach her what the Bible says about perseverance: “We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NCV)

About Sheila:


Sheila Walsh is a Bible teacher, speaker, singer, and best-selling author with more than 4 million books sold. Sheila Walsh is the creator of the award-winning Gigi, God's Little Princess® brand, which has sold over 1.5 million units and won two National Retailer's Choice Awards. As a featured speaker with Women of Faith®, Sheila has reached more than 3.5 million women by artistically combining honesty, vulnerability and humor with God's Word. She resides in Dallas with her husband Barry and son Christian.

Visit www.sheilawalsh.com for more information about Sheila, her other books or Women of Faith.

Gabby's back ... and she's brought a Kindle Fire Giveaway with her!


Meet Gabby for yourself here. || Read what people are saying here.


Enter today - Sheila and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have put together a prize package worth over $200!

One lucky winner will receive:

• A brand new KINDLE Fire with Wi-Fi
• Gabby, God’s Little Angel 
• Gabby's Stick-to-It-Day

But wait! There’s more …

The winner will be announced on the Gabby Landing page on 4/2/12. In the meantime, enter to win the Kindle Fire then head over to the Tommy Nelson site and download the Gabby coloring sheets, watch Sheila's Gabby video, sign up for news about upcoming Gabby and Thomas Nelson products, and much more.

Link to buy the book: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=140031805X&title=Gabby_God%27s_Little_Angel&author=Sheila_Walsh

My Thoughts:


Raffles, a senior angel, was asking the Gabby and her friends about the child each angel was watching over. Gabby seemed to have a problem with the child, Sophie, she is watching over. It appears Sophie never seems to finish any task she starts. She gets frustrated and gives up too soon. This happens over and over again. Gabby is always there rescuing her from pending disasters. Gabby is at her whits ends as to how to get through to Sophie to encourage her to finish what she starts.


Can Gabby really get through to poor frustrated Sophie? I think with God's guidance and His little angel Gabby it is possible for Sophie to have more confidence in herself.


I was very touched by this endearing little story about Gabby and Sophie and the Stick to it Day. The illustrations depict the authors writing without any doubt as to what the story is about. Even if a child just looks at the pictures they will be able to tell what Gabby and Sophie are up to. Of course you must read the book with to the child so they will get the full picture. I am sure your child with be delighted with this book.


I highly recommend this book. In fact I will be passing it on to my two year old granddaughter.


I rate this book a 5 out of 5.


Disclosure


I was provided a free copy of this book by Tommy Nelson for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.


If you liked this review click here



Blog tour schedule:  http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13464258/sheilawalshgabby