Showing posts with label adventure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adventure. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

AIMING FOR LOVE, Brides of Hope Mountain Series by Mary Conn

About

When Strangers Intrude
on Three Wild Sisters' Hidden Mountain Life,
Their World Will Never Be the Same.

Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world--a world she's been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls' secret home, her older sister is especially frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.

David's parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. But his father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?

Excerpt Download PDF

Paperback, 320 pages
Published October 1st 2019 by Bethany House Publishers
ISBN 0764232584 (ISBN13: 9780764232589)               
Purchase on
Amazon here
Barnes & Noble here
Christian Book Distributors here


Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid...
Continue reading about Mary Connealy

Author Q & A Download PDF





MY THOUGHTS

This Story reminds me of the many fairy tales I read as a child, such as Jungle Book and Tarzan among others. Just imagine three sisters alone on a mountain yet resourceful of their needs and the bounty God has set before them in nature.  Yet they are secluded by choice and fearful of mankind, wild yet like the animals they imitate for survival. They are oddities in the eyes and minds of the men that find them outside the realm of the real world.

Curiosity in the changes of their world were interesting to the younger two girls but not at all by the eldest of the three. Fear for their life was strong in the mind of the eldest as she imaged the worst evils and diseases advancing upon them even though they were taught from the bible that fear was sinful and loving thy neighbor was God's commandment. 

I am so looking forward to reading the next book in this series so as to envision life advance on this beautiful mountain.

     I rated this book

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley / Bethany House for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
www.netgalley.com
http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/aiming-for-love/392650




Monday, June 22, 2015

The Convenient Bride Collection: 9 Romances Grow from Marriage Partnerships Formed Out of Necessity


About Book
Join nine brides of convenience on their adventures in a variety of times and settings gone by—from a ranch in California…to the rugged mountains of Colorado…to a steamship on the Mississippi…to the dangerous excitement of the Oregon Trail…into high society of New York City. No matter the time or place, the convenient brides proceed with what must be done, taking nuptials out of necessity. . .and never dreaming that God might take their feeble attempts to secure their futures and turn them into true love stories for His glory.bout
Paperback448 pages
Expected publication: July 1st 2015 by Barbour Books 
ISBN 1634090977 (ISBN13 97816340971)


Authors

My Thoughts
This collection of stories is about determination and fortitude, which I found in each of these brides as they ventured into a blind agreement of marriage, most intriguing.  I am not so sure I in that age or time would have found the courage to venture into such an agreement. Though most of these women did not have much of a choice for some it was a matter of life or death.
We are fortunate as women to have rights these women did not have back then.
Each story made an impression on my heart leaving me to imagine if any of the women on my family tree were put in the position to make such a choice.  
Don't even ask me to pick which story was my favorite because I must say they are all top of my favorite list. 
I want to thank all of these authors for combining their stories into one book for our pleasure to read and contemplate on historical times for women, which is my favorite subject.
I highly recommend this book! 
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Dislosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley/BabourBooks for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Vow Unbroken, A Lone Star Novel by Caryl McAdoo

About Book

A spunky young widow hires a farmhand with a bad reputation to help her get her cotton to Jefferson to meet the wagon train, and sparks fly—but can she love a man who doesn’t love the Lord?

Susannah Abbot Baylor reluctantly hires Henry Buckmeyer to help her along the Jefferson Trace, the hard stretch of land between her Texas farm and the cotton market, where she is determined to get a fair price for her crop. It’s been a rough year, and she’s in danger of losing the land her husband left to her and the children, but she’ll need help getting both of her wagons to Jefferson safely. She knows Henry’s reputation as a layabout and is prepared for his insolence, but she is not expecting his irresistible good looks or his gentle manner. Soon they are entwined in a romantic relationship that only gets more complicated when Susannah learns that Henry doesn’t know God the way she does. Dangers arise on the road—but none as difficult as the trial her heart is going through.

Will Susannah and Henry’s love overcome their differences? And will she get her crop safely to the cotton market with enough money to save the farm? In this heartening and adventurous tale, a young woman’s fortitude, faith, and heart are put to the ultimate test.  

"For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name."
Psalm 61:5 NKJV

See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Vow-Unbroken/Caryl-McAdoo/9781476735511#sthash.yepD10Av.dpuf

Where to Purchase: aMAZON,  BARNES & nOBLE,
Howard Books |  368 pages | ISBN 9781476735511 | March 2014 
About Author
Caryl McAdoo lives in Red River County, Texas, where she brags the nearest soda pop or gasoline is almost ten miles from home. In the country setting of the Texas piney woods, she enjoys four wheeling over the 916-acre McAdoo Ranch, horseback riding, and caring for donkeys, dairy goats, chickens, and a plethora of dogs and cats. Caryl credits her relationship with the Lord for every good blessing in her life, including ten children (counting “in-loves”) and fourteen grandsugars. Her heart’s desire is to bring Him glory. - See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Caryl-McAdoo/411169289#sthash.fTTJCuAd.dpuf

My Thoughts

The young widow Susannah Baylor is angry and ready to make a long trip to catch up with friends set out on a wagon train to sell their bounty of cotton.  She had been glad to not be making the long trip but after the wagon train was several days out she finds herself cheated and mislead by a buyer that offered her a fair price but when she arrived with her cotton he insisted on paying her a much lower price.  She is discouraged by friends at home to not make the trip alone especially with her daughter and nephew since there are so many danger in such a trek. They recommend she hire Henry Buckmeyer to help her on the trip.  She had heard he was a slacker and a drunk but she knew she could not go alone.  

Susannah took their advise finding all the rumors about Henry were unfounded. He was a hard working attractive man and was very patient and kind. Her young daughter Becky falls in love with him and makes it know to him she wants him to be her daddy which must remain their secret until just the right time.  Susannah sees the attachment the children have for Henry but she has made a vow she can not break.  She must focus on getting the cotton sold while overcoming apparent dangers on the long trip.  

Susannah is like a mama bear ready to do what she must to protect her cubs.  Her character is strong , independent and determined.  The author writes of a woman wanting to prove to the world she can stand on her own two feet not needing a man to tell her how to do anything.  A character in charge no matter how badly she would love to have a partner to lean on for a change. 

An adventurous tale of romance, danger and trust. 

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books/ SimonSchuster for an honest review.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

FIRED UP by MARY CONNEALY ~ LITFUSE GROUP TOUR 9/17 - 10/8

About the book: 


Rollicking Wild West Adventure and Romance from Bestselling Author Mary Connealy

Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can't let his guard down for a moment, which is a challenge, since right now he's trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.

Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she's determined to care for her son and daughter on her own. She wants to believe Dare Riker is as decent as he seems, but she's terrified to lock herself into another marriage. She plans to support her small family by opening a diner---never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent. The men in Broken Wheel, Texas, are so desperate for home cooking that they seem willing to overlook dried-out beef and blackened biscuits.

Glynna can't help but notice that danger follows Dare wherever he goes. There's the avalanche. And then the fire. But things really get out of hand when someone plunges a knife from Glynna's diner into Dare's back. Are Flint's cronies still plotting revenge? Is Glynna's son enraged over past injustices? And can Dare survive long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?


Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/oOqGx

Tour Schedule and Landing page: 
http://litfusegroup.com/author/mconnealy


Mary Connealy is back with the second book, Fired Up, in her Trouble in Texas series, and she's celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway and a LIVE author chat party on October 8th.

Fired-Up-rafflecopter

One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HD
  • Swept Away  and Fired Up by Mary Connealy
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 8th. Winner will be announced at the "Fired Up" Live Webcast Event on October 8th. Connect with Mary for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Mary will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Fired Up and join Mary and friends on the evening of October 8th 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 signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!


Meet Mary: 


Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Learn more at Mary’s website.




My Thoughts

Dare Riker has had to watch his back someone wants him dead or maybe they want to see Glynna dead., possibly both of them.  But no matter who the target is the perpetrator must to be stopped.   Dare must protect Glynna Greer especially since she has captured his heart.  Convincing her son that Dare has their families best interest at heart will be tough  after the abusive father and step-father he was
forced to endure.   

Glynna is determined to protect her children and not make the same mistake in the choice of men to which her and her children are subjected to.  She feels a strong bond to Dare which she finds hard very to ignore.  He is like no other man she has ever met, he is an honorable man she is learning to trust and possibly love.

The author did not fail to draw me into book two which I was not able to put down. I enjoyed her sense of humor and  at times I was brought to tears.  The subjection of emotional and  physical abuse the children and Glynna had gone through in book one and then fought to conquer their fear and mistrust in book two was heart wrenching.  I am ready to read book three.  Bring it on Mary Connealy!

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Baker Publishing/Bethany House Publishers via Litfuse Publicity Group Tour.



Monday, April 1, 2013

Catherine's Pursuit ~ McKenna's Daughters Series, Book 3 ~ by Lena Nelson Dooley ~ Giveaway

The search for her sisters will become a spiritual journey for the entire family.

Raised by her father, Catherine McKenna has never lacked for anything, surrounded by people to take care of her every need. On her eighteenth birthday she discovers that not only did her mother die when she was born, but she has two identical sisters. Although her father vowed not to look for his daughters, Catherine made no such promise. Setting out on her own with one clue and her maid in tow, she's determined to find her sisters.

Collin Elliott has seen better days. After losing his ship to a violent and unexpected storm, he is trying to recover--physically and emotionally. When Angus McKenna sends him to find, follow, and protect his daughter, he wants nothing more than to finish his task and return home. Can he help her find her sisters?

And will the discoveries they make along the way teach them both what's most important in life?

What people are saying about "Catherine's Pursuit".
"A heartwarming tale filled with history, adventure, faith, and love." --Lisa Wingate, bestselling and award-winning author of Dandelion Summer and Firefly Island

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley
Title: Catherine's Pursuit
Series: McKenna's Daughters, book 3
ISBN-10: 1621360199
ISBN-13: 978-1621360193
BISAC: FICTION / Christian / Romance / Historical

Buy links: Amazon, CBD, Barnes&Noble



About Lena Nelson Dooley

Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 700,000 books in print.

Helping other authors become published really floats her boat, with over 20 signing their first book contract after her mentoring. Three of her books have been awarded the Carol Award silver pins, and she has received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award. The high point of her day is receiving feedback from her readers, especially people whose lives have been changed by her books.

Her 2010 release Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, won the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in publishing Western Fiction. Maggie’s Journey appeared on a reviewers Top Ten Books of 2011 list. It also won the 2012 Selah award for Historical Novel. Mary’s Blessing released in May 2012. It recently appeared on a review site’s Top Five Reads in 2012 list. Catherine’s Pursuit is coming in February 2013.

In addition to her writing, Lena is a frequent speaker at women’s groups, writers groups, and at both regional and national conferences. She has spoken in six states and internationally. She is also one of the co-hosts of the Gate Beautiful blog radio show.

Lena has an active web presence on Shoutlife, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Linkedin and with her internationally connected blog where she interviews other authors and promotes their books.

Find her online here:
Other blogs where she’s a regular contributor:
http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/


GIVEAWAY ~ U.S. residents only
Provided by Lena Nelson Dooley
Win a Paperback Copy of 
Catherine's Pursuit
 1 Winner
Just leave a comment below with your email.
(I need your email to contact you if you are the winner)
Ends April 5th, 2013
Winner announced on April 6th, 2013


My Thoughts:

Catherine McKenna is all excited about her party.  She is turning eighteen years old and her father has arranged a party for the special occasion.  When she heads downstairs she hears raised voices. As she nears the source, it is apparent her father and Aunt are arguing about something her Aunt felt her father should tell Catherine.  She surprised both of them by asking her father what was it that he needed to tell her.  He looked very upset and he was pale.  He apologized and told her there was something he had been keeping from her but had planned telling her when she was older.  That something was, that when she was born she was a triplet and had two other sisters at which time her mother died giving birth.   Her father walked out of the not able to say more.  From this she assumed her sisters had died at birth along with her mother.  When she discovered her sisters were alive and had been adopted by two different families. She schemed to sneak away to find them taking her maid and only leaving a note for her father.   She had little information to go on but she was a spoiled headstrong girl not aware of the danger she might confront.

Collin Elliot has recovered from an injury he acquired when he was Captain of a McKenna ship.  He felt like a  failure because the ship sank but was able to save the crew.  Angus McKenna had offered Collin a job to find his daughter and protect her at any cost.  Just what Collin wanted to do was track down the spoiled Ice Princess.

Sure enough when he found her she was being accosted by a drunk.  He intervened for her until the drunk called her Mary Murray, which was her sister's name.  Could this drunk really know her sister?  Collin kept trying to keep the drunk away from her and when she realizes that Collin is her father's employee she agreed to let him continue on with them to find her sisters.  Was she close to finding Mary?  Even though she thinks Collin is handsome he may become a problem in her quest to find her sisters.

Lena Nelson Dooley writes of the third McKenna daughter and the search to put all three girls together again.  It was funny, heartbreaking, mysterious, adventurous and romantic.  It was the whole package an amazing series wrapped up in a big bow.  Angus McKenna  finally forgives himself by the grace of God and prays to be reconnected with all three of his daughters.  Could Angus possibly wish for more?  Leave it up to this author to give more!

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I won a free copy of this book from the author's.  I was not required to write a review.  This is my honest opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.


Thursday, February 21, 2013

A Whisper In The Jungle ~ A Lion in America #1, by Robert Mwangi ~ Giveaway

About Book
Deep in the African jungle where even the bravest are afraid to venture, lies a truth that will propel James through his improbable American journey, if he can come out alive.  James a village boy in Africa receives a scholarship to go and study in America and he becomes the envy of the whole village. His girlfriend Janny is however skeptical of what a long distance relationship can do to love. But when Janny vanishes from the village, James and his dog Simba plunge into the belligerent forest at the risk of his life and his American dream.  Love transcends all. ‘A Whisper in the Jungle’ is a suspense story full of love, humor and adventure, where the answer to love’s dilemma lies with a perfect kiss at the top of the Empire Building in New York City .
Read Excerpt Here
Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble

You tube video:  Here is a taste of the 
music I grew up listening to in Africa.

About Robert
I was born under the hills of Mt. Kenya and no, the lions didn’t roar at my birth. In a post colonial Africa, my mum ventured into Nairobi City in search of a living and it was here that I was introduced into a 21st century Africa. See, while my parents diligently tried to teach me African customs and traditions, I learned a whole lot more about the western world through watching the 14 inch black and white TV and through reading western authors like Enid Blyton and Alfred Hitchcock. I represent the beating heart of a new Africa . 
Many years later when I came to America on a soccer scholarship, it’s those childhood stories that resonated with me that I write about. I had believed in them as a kid, I believe in them now as an adult. I write because it makes me happy. Charles Dickens says that a writer who is natural has fulfilled the rules of art. 
When I came to America , Americans asked me why I had an English name. I had never thought about this before. They asked me how come I speak English so swell and for the first time in my life I questioned my own identity.


GIVEAWAY 
Provided by  the Author
Win a Paperback Copy of 
A Whisper In The Jungle
 3 Winners will be chosen on this blog.
Just leave a comment below with your email.
(I need your email to contact you if you are the winner)
Ends February 27, 2013
Winner announced on Feb. 28, 2013


My Thoughts of A Whisper In The Jungle
There are places in the African jungle that no one dares to go.  Unware of what or who is hiding in the shadows James has been taught to keep his distance of the shadows in the jungle beyond his village.  This does not stop him from enjoying his time with his dog Simba, his friends and his older brother. Sometimes they will venture out to go hunting.  
Janny a young girl in his village takes time to talk and visit with James. As they mature they find they have much in common and their friendship grows into love.  When it is time for James to go off to boarding school Janny wonders what this move will do to their relationship.   
James has done very well in school and has become a valuable player on his soccer team, each year getting better and better.  Then he is offered a scholarship to go to America but when he returns home to celebrate Janny has gone missing along with some other children from their village.  James refused to wait for help and plunges into the shadowy depths of the jungle to find Janny.  
What has happened to those missing and what will become of James?  Will he be throwing his future away or is it his future he is going after?
The author writes an intriguing story of mystery, suspense, adventure, romance and even humor. I have never read a book about modern day Africa so this was an adventure for me as well.  Robert Mwa ngi definitely caught my attention and held it until the very end of the book.  You will never guess what happens!  The last part of the book sure surprised me as I am sure it will you also. The author seems like an intelligent, talented and delightful fun loving young man and I love his energy!
I highly recommend this book for middle grade, young adult and adult.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This is my honest opinion.
If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Author Q&A/Interview with Amber Argle: WITCH BORN (sequel) YA



About Book


Brusenna thought it was finished.

She defeated the Dark Witch, saving the Haven Witches from imprisonment and death. She found love and a place to belong.

She was wrong.

Haven is not the sanctuary it appears to be. Even love is in danger of slipping away like water through cupped hands.

Some things can't be saved.

A new threat merges with the old as the Witches’ dark history begins to catch up with them. Only Brusenna knows the extent of the danger and how to stop it, though doing so might cost her everything.

Including her life.

Will Brusenna be required to make the ultimate sacrifice?

First page:

1. Shadows

The night was so deep the shadows seemed to bleed darkness. Senna glanced toward the hidden sky, searching for the moon that would not come. Not tonight. Even the strongest starlight was strangled by the dense canopy of trees. The temporary blindness was frightening, but it ensured no one would notice her slipping away.

With each step she took, the roar of the waterfall grew louder. Finally, she reached the staircase carved into the side of the cliff. Mindful of the slippery steps, she climbed upward until her muscles burned and sweat broke across her skin despite the chill.

When she’d crested the top and crossed the bleak expanse, she glanced at the frothing sea far below. Sea spray misted her skin. She faced westward, towards the distant land of Tarten. Closing her eyes, she cast her senses across the vast ocean, searching and feeling the faraway echoes of the Four Sisters—Earth, Water, Plants, and Sunlight. She concentrated until she could hear their pain, an aching melody.

Senna’s tears started again, wetting the salty tracks already on her cheeks. At night, her dreams haunted her. Dreams of a withered land and a dying people. With all the strength she had, she sang.


Let not the curse of Witches
Destroy a land of natural riches.
Plants, preserve life in thy roots,
Seeds sleep in earth, send forth no shoots
Until the Witches shall disperse
This terrible and unjust curse.  

About Amber

I am the author of Witch Song and its sequel, Witch Born. I run because I like to eat chocolate and fit in my jeans. I have a thing for vintage inspired clothes, and I firmly believe one can never have enough jewelry, shoes, or books.


Q&A with Amber

1. What made you decide to write about Witches?
I wanted to take something that was often portrayed as dark and evil and twist it into something beautiful and natural. So instead of satanic chanting, my witches sing to control nature. I also wanted to use resonance with the Salem Witch Trials, so though my world is completely fictional, it has many similarities in landscape and technology with seventeenth century New England. 

2. How did you get your book published?
After years of hard work and rejection, I finally found an agent. Dropped him after a year. Had a book contract (for a different book), but the contract was awful so I couldn't sign it. Had another publisher and other agents nearly take it, but it was always nearly. Rhemalda published Witch Song. They did a good job, but when I received my first royalty statement, I realized if I wanted a chance to make any money at this, I was going to have to try something else, so I published Witch Born under my own publishing house.

3. What type of readers will be interested in this series/book?
Readers who enjoy clean fantasy with a touch of romance. 

4. What is special about this series/book?
It's very different from anything else out there. When I first started, there wasn't anyone else doing YA high fantasy except Kristin Cashore. I haven't really heard of other books that use singing as a medium for magic. There's a few more now, but still not many. Also, I'm clean and lyrical. 

5. What differentiates this book from others in this category?
My characters are flawed and make mistakes (read: screw up). Also, I have lots of young girls who relate to Brusenna because she's very shy and unsure in the beginning. 

6. Have you published any other books?
Just these two so far. 

7. Do you plan to publish more books?
I have two coming out next year. Witch Wars, which is a short prequel to Witch Song and follows the events that initiated the Witch wars. 

Winter Queen is the beginning of a whole new trilogy. 
Mortally wounded during a raid, seventeen-year-old Ilyenna is healed by winter fairies who present her with a seductive offer: become one of them and share their power over winter. But that power comes with a price. If she accepts, she will become a force of nature, lose her humanity, and abandon her family.

Unwilling to pay such a high price, Ilyenna is enslaved by the one of the invaders, Darrien. While in captivity, she learns the attack wasn’t just a simple raid but part of a larger plot to overthrow her entire nation. 

With the enemy stealing over the mountains and Darrien coming to take her to his bed, Ilyenna must decide whether to resurrect the power the fairies left behind. Doing so will allow her to defeat Darrien and the other invaders, but if she embraces winter, she will lose herself to that destroying power—forever.  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15829917-winter-queen

Where to buy WITCH BORN:  Barnes&NobleAmazonIndieBoundBooks-A-Million

* * *

AMBER I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE INTERVIEW/Q&A
 I AM SURE MY VIEWER/FRIENDS ENJOYED THIS AS MUCH AS I HAVE.  

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR BOOK !
WE ALL LOOK FORWARD TO READING WITCH BORN!