Rival Hearts, Quilts of Love #19 by Tara Randel

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About Book

Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver have been rival magazine writers for the same publishing group for years. When both come up for the same promotion, they find themselves in an unexpected competition to win the spot. Molly, editor of Quilter’s Heart, and Ben, editor of Outdoor Adventures, must switch roles, each working for the other for one month, then submit an article at the end of their quests.

Can girly-girl Molly survive the outdoor adventures that Ben has planned? Can Ben navigate the perils of the social dynamics of quilting events without destroying a valuable quilt in one short month? More importantly, in this he-said, she-said situation, will Molly and Ben give in to their attraction and fall in love, no matter who wins?

Available now at:

Amazon

Barnes & Nobel

Abingdon Press

About Author

Tara Randel is the author of heartwarming romance, including Magnolia Bride, Rival Hearts, Orange Blossom Brides, Lasting Love, Melody of Love and This Time Love. Tara is also the lead author of the Annie’s Mysteries series with The Lady in the Attic (see AnniesMysteries.com). 

Website: http://www.tararandel.com/

My Thoughts

Molly is editor for a quilting magazine and Ben is editor of an outdoor adventure magazine.  They both are competing for a new position within the pubishing company.  Their boss wants them to switch roles and magazines to see which person is the most suited for the new position. Of course they both are confident they are the best person for the job and are ready for any challenge put before them. Also, they have the attitude that surely no one can do their job better than themselves.

Since they did not know one another other than in passing they did not seem worried about stepping on each others toes.  I enjoyed the slow but sure attraction the two had for each other even though they would dared not admit it.  They both had personal issues that kept them from moving on their feelings. But God is the mover and shaker with this couple and he has plans of his own.

So many of us tend to let our past get in the way of enjoying our future. The author gives us a perfect example in this couple.

I like this verse...
"Many are the plans in a human heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
                                                                            ~ Proverbs 19:21~

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I recieved a free copy of this book from Litfuse/Abingdon Press/Netgalley for an honest review.

Quilts of Love | A STITCH AND A PRAYER – Kindle HDX Giveaway & “Quilting Bee” Facebook Party!

About the book: 

A quilt becomes a labor of love for a lonely wife mysteriously separated from her young husband.

After her fiancé returns from the Klondike gold rush in 1897, Florence Harms sets about building a new life in her new marriage---even though the lingering effects of illness have left her weak and vulnerable. She and her young husband, Will, work tirelessly to clear the land around their Northwest cabin, content with their modest life.

But then a stranger comes knocking and Florence suddenly senses a restlessness in Will's spirit that she had never seen before. When he leaves her with only a note that tells her he will return before their baby's birth, she is devastated, and the illness that stiffened her joints returns. Counting the days until Will walks back through her door, Florence busies herself with a Tree of Life quilt displaying a map of the farm they call home. Doubts claw at her heart as Florence struggles to believe Will's promise to return to her. Will her labor of love-and faith in God---sustain her as she waits to see her beloved once again?

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/egibson

About the Author: 

Eva Gibson is the author of twenty books, including The Gift of Forgiveness and The Three Marys. She currently teaches "writing your life story" classes for Portland Community College and is an active member of Oregon Christian Writers. She has lived most of her life on the family farm in Wilsonville, Oregon, which is the setting for A Stitch and a Prayer.

Don’t miss this month’s Quilts of Love book, A Stitch and a Prayer, by Eva Gibson. A quilt becomes a labor of love for a lonely wife mysteriously separated from her young husband.

Celebrate May's release by entering to win a Kindle HDX and RSVP for the Quilts of Love "Quilting Bee" Facebook party with the Quilts of Love authors.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga
• A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva Gibson
• Rival Hearts by Tara Randel

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 17th. Winner will be announced at the "Quilting Bee" Facebook party with Emily Wierenga, Loree Lough, and Tara Randel. RSVP for an evening of book chat, quilting tips and tricks, prizes, and more!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

My Thoughts

Florence Harms eagerly awaits the return of her fiance.  Her health is unbearable at times but she wanted so to be well enough to marry Will when he returned to her from the Klondike.  Will had hoped to surprise her with a cabin as her wedding gift.  They loved each other dearly and looked forward to a long life together.

Just as she seems to be healing a stranger enters their life causing Will to leave her yet once again.  She thought she was over her illness when she has a relapse.  Family and friends feared for her life.  Will must return so her broken heart heals which will no doubt give her more strength to get well.  With so many praying for her and she praying for Will's return she puts her faith in God to bring Will home.

At first I found the story hard to follow. It had the feel that there was a book prior to this one. If there had been another book I would have liked read it first. Other than that I enjoyed the story.  

Life was really tough back then for a healthy person let alone someone with an illness that keeps recurring. Her Aunt in this story took on a heavy burden in caring for her niece.  Her Aunt did this without complaint and with loving care.  I found it difficult to like her fiance and his pattern for disappearing.  

I recommend this book.

I rated this book a 4 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group for an honest review.

QUILTS OF LOVE - MAYBELLE IN STITCHES by JOYCE MAGNIN

About Quilts of Love: 

Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. TheQuilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories.

About the book: 

Maybelle Kazinzki can't sew. She was after all, the only girl in the seventh grade Home Economics class to sew the zipper in the neck hole of the A-Line dress they were supposed to make. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother's house she gets the crazy idea to finish it---somehow, come heck or high water. She thinks it will help fill the lonely nights while her husband, Holden, is serving overseas during World War II.

Her recently departed mother's quilt is made from scraps of material Maybelle traces back to her mother's childhood, her grandmother's childhood and her own childhood. She tries to add one of Holden's stripes to it but the sewing is not going well and neither is her life. After receiving some harsh news, Maybelle's faith falters and she puts the quilt away and stops trusting God. But God is faithful---no matter what. And it'll take a group of neighborhood women armed with quilting needles to help Maybelle believe that.

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.

Tour Schedule: here

About the Author: 

Joyce Magnin is the author of the Bright's Pond novels, including the award-winning The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow. A member of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship, Joyce is a frequent workshop leader and the organizer of the StoryCrafters fiction group. She lives near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Learn more about Joyce at: http://joycemagnin.blogspot.com

Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Maybelle in Stitches, by Joyce Magnin. Maybelle can’t sew. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house, she gets the crazy idea to complete it.

Joyce is celebrating the release with a $200 Modcloth giveaway. Enter today for a chance to spruce up your spring wardrobe!

  One winner will receive:

• A $200 ModCloth.com gift card
• Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron
• A Sky Without Stars by Linda S. Clare
• Maybelle in Stitches by Joyce Magnin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 19th. Winner will be announced on April 21st on the Quilts of Love blog!

Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER.

My Thoughts

Maybelle couldn't believe she was going to attempt to finish a quilt her mother had started. Her dear friend Doris said it was a memory crazy quilt since it had pieces of fabric from Maybelle's heritage.  After great contemplation they decided to add more than her childhood scraps to the quilt she would add pieces of memory of her husband and others whom were enduring this Second World War. The fact that her husband was missing in action makes finishing the quilt more important than ever.

There is one big problem Maybelle can't sew and needed help. She had several women workers from the shipyard renting rooms in her home.  She too worked at the shipyard as a welder building ships which was her contribution to the war. Some of the women staying in her home and a couple of other she worked with was interested in helping her with the quilt even adding some of their own memories to the quilt and at the same time they would teach Maybelle to sew.  

I found the character Maybelle to be pessimistic in many ways. For instance her lack of faith in God to keep her husband safe or to get her through life's everyday trials and tribulations. She did not think she was capable of  learning to cook or sew in other words most things women were expect to know by her age. She had no faith in herself or God. She came off at times as being self-centered.  Especially when there others were worried about their husbands being missing or becoming casualties of war.  

I loved the story line of the shipyard women workers, but the rest of the reading was slow.  The reading seemed repetitive at times about the characters daily lives.  But the story line kept me reading and waiting for something interesting to happen which it did occasionally through the story.   

My own father was in the Navy during WWII.  He died from Leukemia in 1955 when I was four years old.  I have no memory of him.  A memory quilt would have been nice.

I do recommend this book. 

I rated this book a 4 out of  5.

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

Win a NEW Spring Wardrobe from @TheQuiltsofLove | “Maybelle in Stitches” Giveaway! 4/11

Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Maybelle in Stitches, by Joyce Magnin. Maybelle can’t sew. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house, she gets the crazy idea to complete it.

Joyce is celebrating the release with a $200 Modcloth giveaway. Enter today for a chance to spruce up your spring wardrobe!

  One winner will receive:

• A $200 ModCloth.com gift card
• Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron
• A Sky Without Stars by Linda S. Clare
• Maybelle in Stitches by Joyce Magnin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 19th. Winner will be announced on April 21st on the Quilts of Love blog!

Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER.

Quilts of Love | A SKY WITHOUT STARS by Linda S. Clare – Kindle HDX Giveaway & “Spring Fling” Facebook Party!

About Book

A Sky Without Stars | A Quilts of Love Book

In 1951, Frankie Chasing Bear is a Lakota caught between cultures. She wants to raise her son Harold to revere his Lakota heritage, but she knows he will need to become as a white man to succeed. After his father’s killed in a barroom brawl, Harold and Frankie move to Arizona, where she begins a Lakota Star pattern quilt for Harold with tribal wisdom sung, sewn and prayed into it.

She distrusts Christians, as her own parents were forced to convert at an Indian School, until she meets BIA agent Nick Vandergriff, a half-Lakota who’s also caught between cultures. Nick must convince Frankie that white men and Christians aren’t all bad as he tries to win her heart in order to put the stars back into her sky.

Purchase a copy and learn more at the Quilts of Love website.

About Author

Linda S. Clare is an award-winning coauthor of three books, including "Lost Boys and the Moms Who Love Them" (with Melody Carlson and Heather Kopp), "Revealed: Spiritual Reality in a Makeover World," and "Making Peace with a Dangerous God" (with Kristen Johnson Ingram). She is also the author of "The Fence My Father Built." She has taught college-level creative writing classes for seven years, and edits and mentors writers. She also is a frequent writing conference presenter and church retreat leader. She and her husband of thirty-one years have four grown children, including a set of twins. They live in Eugene, Oregon, with their five wayward cats: Oliver, Xena the Warrior Kitty, Paladine, Melchior, and Mamma Mia!

Don't miss this month's Quilts of Love book, A Star Without Stars, by Linda S. Clare. Linda is celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway and joining her fellow Quilts of Love authors, Barbara Cameron and Joyce Magnin, for a Facebook "Spring Fling" party on April 1st.

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron
• A Sky Without Stars by Linda S. Clare
• Maybelle in Stitches by Joyce Magnin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 1st. Winner will be announced at the "Spring Fling" Facebook Party on April 1st. RSVP today and connect with the authors from the Quilts of Love series, Barbara Cameron, Linda S. Clare, and Joyce Magnin, for an evening of book chat, quilt trivia, prizes, and an exclusive look at the next Quilts of Love book!

So grab your copies of Scraps of Evidence, A Sky Without Stars, and Maybelle in Stitches and join Barbara, Linda, and Joyce on the evening of April 1st for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books, 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 April 1st!

My Thoughts

In 1951, Frankie Chasing Bear is determined to give her son Harold a better chance at life. Frankie convinces the Navajo School Board to allow her to earn her school diploma.  Her son is also enrolled in the same school to continue his education.  She becomes aware of prejudice against the Indians especially from Mrs.Green. Then school is robbed and Frankie is not comfortable at all the finger pointing. 

Harold at age ten becomes restless about their move and is anxious about his Lakota heritage needing to be near his deceased father and wanting to seek his rights to manhood.  Frankie is very aware of her son's desire to go back to his Lakota home. 

On several occasions when she was having problems with her son a Federal Agent Nick Parker for the reservation comes to their rescue. His shadowing her is appreciated but she will never trust another man especial not one that is only part Lakota and a Christian. 

Frankie Chasing Bear refuses to trust the white man's God her grandmother so wanted Frankie to know was her only hope.  Frankie had promised her grandmother she would make her son a Lakota Star pattern quilt which would reveal a great secret for life. As she worked on the quilt she could feel the wisdom of her Grandmother coming through to her.

I read this book in one night.  I did not want to put it down.  This was a new look into the lives of  American Indians in the nineteen-fifties.  I was very aware of my anger at the prejudice they were faced with in the guise of their best interest.  

Then there was the misplaced and misunderstood person that was not full blood Indian.  They were often looked down upon causing them not to know which world they belonged. 

The author created some unforgettable characters which I would love to revisit their lives.  

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 Publicity Group/Abingdon Press for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.

Scraps of Evidence, Quilts of Love #14, by Barbara Cameron

About Book

Tess has taken some ribbing from her fellow officer, Logan, for her quilting hobby. He finds it hard to align the brisk professional officer he patrols with during the day with the one who quilts in her off-time. Besides, he's been trying to get to know her better and he'd like to be seeing her during those couple nights a week she spends with her quilting guild.

Then one afternoon Tess and Logan visit her aunt in the nursing home and she acts agitated when Tess covers her with the story quilt. Aunt Susan seems to be communicating a message to them about Tess's uncle. There's a story behind this quilt, they realize, one that may lead them to a serial killer. Will they have a chance to have a future together or will the killer choose Tess for his next victim before they find him?

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.

 Purchase here

About Author

Barbara Cameron is a best-selling author who has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. She is the author of more than 38 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Barbara is a former newspaper reporter. Some of her non-fiction titles include the “Everything Weddings on a Budget Book” and “Her Restless Heart: A Woman’s Longing for Love and Acceptance.” Cameron currently resides in Edgewater, Florida.

Find out more about Barbara at http://barbaracameron.com.



My Thoughts 

Tess is ready for her first day as a detective.  The day starts with meeting a new detective by the name of Logan from Chicago.  He is very nice to look at and not nearly as full of himself as she had imagined.  The day started going downhill when it was announced that Logan was to be her partner.  Then before she could finish giving him a tour of the town they get a call about an apparent murder victim.  Tess updates Logan about the town's serial killer which has now taken the life of another woman.

Tess's Aunt Kathy owns a quilting shop and they spend a lot of time together quilting which is her way of relieving stress. Her Aunt Kathy is married the Chief's right hand man Gordon whom Tess find obnoxious at times especially in his treatment towards her Aunt.

Tess and Logan spend more time together even when they were off duty.  She began to worry that it would interfere with their time on the job.  They could not deny the attraction. What path has God set for Tess and Logan?

As Tess and Logan work at solving the case of the serial killer they find unexpected clues in an heirloom quilt. The killer feels the need to kill again in order to keep secrets hidden. 

The author kept me glued to this book guessing at the turn of every page who might be the killer only to keep me bound to the story until the end of the book to find the real killer.  I felt many emotions anger at spousal abuse, fear of the killer, tenderness for young love and happiness that good conquers evil.  Divine justice will prevail.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out 5.

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

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.

A HEARTBEAT AWAY by S. DIONNE MOORE

About A Heartbeat Away: 

When a band of runaway slaves brings Union-loyal Beth Bumgartner a wounded Confederate soldier named Joe, it is the catalyst that pushes her to defy her pacifist parents and become a nurse during the Battle of Antietam.

Her mother's mysterious goodbye gift is filled with quilt blocks that bring comfort to Beth during the hard days and lonely nights, but as she sews each block, she realizes there is a hidden message of faith within the pattern that encourages and sustains her. Reunited with Joe, Beth learns his secret and puts the quilt's message to its greatest test---but can betrayal be forgiven?

• ISBN-13: 9781426752704
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication date: 5/15/2013
• Pages: 232

Series: Quilts of Love

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/liQMG


 Meet Dionne:

Dionne Moore is a historical romance author who resides in South Central PA with her family, surrounded by the beautiful Cumberland Valley and lots of fun, historically rich locations. She is a weekly contributor to "The Borrowed Book", a blog for book-lovers and "Cozy Mystery Magazine", for all things cozy mystery. 

Learn more about Dionne at http://www.sdionnemoore.com


My Thoughts

Beth Bumgartner desires to be a nurse, so she moves in with her grandmother and assists in caring for wounded soldiers in the height of battle almost at their front door.  Nursing means caring for not only the Union soldiers but also the Confederates. This is difficult for Beth and can't help but feel bitterness toward her enemy of the south.  But there is their first patient an injured soldier which happens to be a Confederate yet she feels some tenderness towards this man even though she despises what he stands for.  Joe has been unconscious since he was brought to them.  It was said he was injured while protecting a group of blacks.  Why would a confederate do such a thing?  Beth and her grandmother work themselves beyond physical and emotional needs to care for these injured and dying soldiers.

The author writes about this woman sitting and working on a quilt her mother has sent her, even though she hated to sew anything.  The quilt becomes a source of healing for her soul and she is drawn to the quilt for Hope and comfort.  This author must have a beautiful tender heart to write such an endearing story set in the middle of trials and tribulations of the Civil War.  She paints a very realistic picture of the aftermath of the battles and the bloody fields.  She writes that with God there is always Hope.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

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

Glass Road Tour/Review - RIVER'S CALL ( The Inn at Shining Waters series #2) by MELODY CARLSON

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

More About Melody

Website: http://www.melodycarlson.com/

Facebook

About Book
Anna Larson's daughter, Lauren, is confused, brokenhearted, and misguided. It's the turbulent 1960s and, feeling alienated from her mother, Lauren chooses to stay with her paternal grandmother. However, repelled by the woman's manipulative and spiteful ways, Lauren returns to her mother, the river, and the Inn at Shining Waters.
There, Lauren begins to appreciate the person her mother is becoming--and she loves the river. However, romantic interests throw a wrench into the works and Lauren, jealous and angry, returns to her grandmother yet again.
But as time passes, Lauren, now a mother to her own defiant teenager, faces a new crisis--one that puts the entire family at risk.

Read First Chapter here




Publisher: Abingdon Press Fiction
Publication Date: 02/2012
ISBN-13: 9781426712678

Want to read RIVER'S SONG book #1 in The Inn at Shining Waters series?

For info click on image below.

My Thoughts

Anna is not just rebuilding her life with her new husband, Clark, they are restoring her old family store, that was handed down to the women of the family.  It would no longer be a store they were  turning it into an Inn, The Inn at Shining Waters. 


 It is 1960 and there are many changes going on in this country and in Anna's life. For instance her daughter Lauren is staying with her parental grandmother, Eunice, after leaving college. As much as Anna dislikes this she tries not to be controlling of her daughter. 


 As time goes by Lauren becomes very rebellious.  Anna remembers when she felt like she had nothing in common with her own mother,  Though she got alone great with her Native American Indian grandmother, Pearl. But luckily she has her husband to support her in any situation that arises, be it Lauren or Eunice. If only she could get Lauren to stay at the Inn and maybe learn some coping skills. Lauren is beginning to expects everything to be handed to her on a silver platter. Lauren takes no responsibilities for her own mess, expecting her Grandma Eunice's house maid to clean up after her. Anna can't tell who is the worst manipulator Lauren or Eunice.   At times Lauren seems content when she is at the Inn but this does not last long. In no time at all she gets bored and takes off to Grandma's again.


Anna kept quoting an old saying, "You have to let them paddle their own canoe."


I can see that we can't paddle the boat for them forever.


This book touched me in a lot of ways since I raised several daughters myself.  Each one totally different from their sisters.  But to say the least it was challenging and they did  know how to manipulate. They are grown women now and paddle their own canoes.  Thank goodness!


There is so much more I would like to say about this book but I am afraid of saying too much and spoiling the book for you. You really should read this series.


I highly recommend this book.


I gladly rated this book a 5 out of 5.


Disclosure:
I received a free copy of this book from Glass Road PR/Melody Carlson/Abingdon Press for review.
I was in no was compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

A Texan's Honor (Heart of a Hero #2) by Shelley Gray Q&A, Review and Giveawy

About Shelley

I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.

Each morning, after my kids go off to school, I sit at my desk, look out my window, and dream of other places. The hours fly by as I make up people and places and drink way too much coffee.

Writing for Avon Inspire has truly been a dream come true. Being able to spend my days in my make-believe world of the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast is a true blessing. I have enjoyed getting to know more about the Amish culture and tapping into my faith as I show each character’s progression toward a personal relationship with our Lord.

Before becoming a full time writer, I taught elementary school in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. A job transfer to Ohio led my husband to encourage me to finally give writing a try. After all, I had notebooks full of made up stories.

I’ll never forget that first book I typed in our unfinished basement. It was exciting to make up a story, but also very scary. I was also so embarrassed, sure someone would come out of the woodwork and point out that I wasn’t a ‘real’ writer. But I persevered, and sold my third manuscript.

Things have changed a bit. Now I have a real office of my own. (think old guest bedroom!) My walls are painted pink, and more than a couple of book covers decorate my walls. But my days are still the same. I wake up, dream about other people, and do my best to type out stories.

Website: http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com

Q&A with Shelley


What made you choose to write the series in this particular era?


I used to watch those old black and white western movies with my dad. I loved the good guys/the bad guys, and the heroines who were always in trouble! Since I grew up in Texas, writing historical westerns is a good fit for me, too. I live in Ohio now, so any chance I can get to go back to Texas makes me happy!

Why did you choose Christian Historical Fiction over Fantasy, Science Fiction or other genres?

Though I read just about any genre, I am a romance writer. That’s my favorite genre, and it’s the one I’m most comfortable in. I enjoy writing about my faith as well. For a Texan’s Honor, where so many of the characters had done lots of dangerous and ‘bad’ things, I loved showing how God’s word can help each of us.

Can you tell just a little about the next book in this series and when will it be published?


The next book, after A Texan’s Honor, is the last book in the trilogy, A Texan’s Choice. It’s Scout Proffitt’s story. Scout is a secondary character in A Texan’s Honor, and the younger, ‘missing’ brother of Clayton Proffitt, my very honorable hero from A Texan’s Promise. In A Texan’s Choice, Scout arrives at a ranch he won in a poker game to find Rosalie living on it. She’s got absolutely no where to go, and Scout is forced to offer her shelter. On the ranch, Scout is given a taste of what his life could be like if he dares to put his past behind him. But since he’s a notorious outlaw, it’s a difficult thing to do. I believe A Texan’s Choice will be out this fall.


JUST FOR FUN

Tell us something about yourself we might not know.


Well, one thing most people are surprised to find out about me is that I’m a pretty terrible housekeeper. I’d always rather be writing, or cooking. Or shopping…watching tv. I also have a little dachshund named Suzy that I’m very fond of. I keep threatening to go get a couple more wiener dogs…I’d like my own little barking herd. 

Do you have a muse?   Any special place that helps to get your writing juices flowing?

I am so thankful to have several contracts, which means that I’m almost constantly on deadlines. That seems to do the trick! I also have an office in our basement. It has no windows. I go down there every morning, and don’t stop writing until I get my page count done for the day.

What is choice of drink iced tea, hot tea, coffee black or w/cream, soda, etc.?

For most of the day, I drink coffee with creamer. But I am very fond of Diet Coke in a glass with ice. 

Are you more into blogging, tweeting or into Facebook?

Good question! I haven’t started ‘tweeting’ yet. I guess I like blogging the best, though I do enjoy Facebook. But all of that always comes after writing. I’d rather write than do just about anything else.

Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: March 1st 2012 by Abingdon Press
ISBN 1426714637 (ISBN13: 9781426714634)
series Heart of a Hero #2


About book:

Texas, 1874. Years ago, Will McMillan had fought in the open, next to his Captain, Clayton Proffitt. Now he’s waging another war undercover, pretending to be a member of the notorious Walton Gang. But when a hostage situation goes awry and an innocent woman is in the middle of the fray, Will knows he must protect her no matter what happens. Even if his cover is blown. Even if they risk being killed by his gang or by the lawmen on their trail. Even if the woman he’s risking everything for will never love him back.

My Thoughts

Will McMillan jumps a train with the Walton Gang with the intent to rob the train. They emptied the train of it's passengers with the exception of a few men and one woman. They normally would not have held a woman hostage but it was too late to set her free. Will did not like the idea of keeping the woman. She was being man handled by one of the gang when Will stepped in and removed her to another car out of harms way. The young woman was frightened almost to the point of hysterics. Things go wrong with the hold up and the gang start killing the men hostages. Will decided he needed to get this woman off the train and away from the gang.

There is another character in this book whom seems like a Billy the Kid type. He shows that even though he is a hired killer he has a tenderness about him. He does what he can to help Will get the woman off the train. 

This is an adventurous story with secrets, love, faith and honor. Will's character is quite the gentleman bandit. The young woman puts her trust in this stranger in hopes of staying alive. She later can't seem to help the fact that she is developing feelings for Will. 

When is it lie not a lie?  How would that hamper ones budding relationship?  You will have to read the book to find out.

I highly recommend this book.

I have rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I was provided a digital copy of this book from Abingdon Press via Netgalley.
 I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

Giveaway 2/29-3/6:


Winner will be announce 3/7/2012.


Shelley has provided a copy of A Texan's Honor to giveaway.  


All you need to do is make a comment about the Q&A and the book.  Also with this comment leave your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner.


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