Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon

About Book

Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life–and love–altered her plans.

When tragedy strikes and changes her plans yet again, she finds herself back in her hometown with a floundering farm to run and a heartbreaking secret. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter’s. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help save a struggling charitable organization, the winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives–including their own.

Paperback, 336 pages

Published August 4th 2015 by Fleming H. Revell Company

ISBN 0800724526 (ISBN13: 9780800724528) 

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About Author  

Irene Hannon, who writes both romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 45 novels. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romantic fiction), a National Readers' Choice Award, three HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, a Retailers Choice Award, a Booksellers' Best Award and two Reviewers' Choice Awards RT Book Reviews magazine. She is also a two-time Christy Award finalist.

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, long walks, cooking, gardening, traveling and spending time with family.

To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com. 

My Thoughts

Tracy Campbell works as hard as her Uncle Bud on the family cranberry farm.  Bu things are not looking very good for the farm financially.  She must do something to keep the farm out of the red even though she already has two jobs, one as an accountant and the other volunteering for a charity, Helping Hands.  

As she is out running errands she is literally knock off her bicycle by a complete stranger.  Even though he was polite and apologized she brushed him off and went about her way, she needed to get back to the farm and doctor her bruises.

Michael Hunter has taken some time off work to clear his head so he decides to visit Hope Harbor.  When he arrives it is not what he expected.  He is greeted by one disaster after another.  Which includes no place available to book a room and  he knocked a young woman off of her bicycle.  As he ponders who this woman is so he can make amends for the accident another woman interrupts his pondering.  She introduces herself as Anna and after a short conversation and seeing the predicament the young man is in she informs him she has an apartment for rent on weekly basis.  At least now he has a place to stay.

Tracy, Michael and Anna had something in common they each lost their spouses to death.    Anna has become a recluse and is estranged from her adult son.  They all have secrets and the pain and lack of forgiveness   was causing problems in moving on with their lives.  Blaming God seemed to their biggest problem.  

This trio seemed to work well together supporting each other in their journey to forgiveness, God, life and love. For some there was reconciliation and for others there was romance.  They heard God and knew he had a plan.

There are many characters in this book that had a hand in God's plans for this trio.  I call them Disciples in Christ. 

I had a hard time putting this book down and when I finished the book I sorry it ended.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book  from Revell/Baker Publishing for an honest review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This is my honest opinion.

DANCING WITH FIREFLIES || RSVP for April 10th Facebook Party and enter to win a Kindle HDX from @DeniseAHunter!

Don't miss Denise Hunter's latest Chapel Springs Romance, Dancing with Fireflies. Reviewers have already labeled Dancing with Fireflies "swoon-worthy" and "the perfect love story." 

Join Denise in celebrating the release of her new book by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway and RSVPing for her April 10th Facebook party.

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
• Dancing with Fireflies and Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 10th. Winner will be announced at the Dancing with Fireflies Facebook Party on April 10th. Connect with Denise for an evening of prizes, book chat, and an exclusive look at the next book in the series.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!

Blog Touring Schedule 3/24 – 4/10: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/dhunter

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

About the book: 

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

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qPbkU

Meet the author: 

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

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


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

One winner will receive:

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

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

So grab your copy of A Marriage in Middlebury and join Anita on the evening of December 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 12/12!

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

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

The House That Love Built by Beth Wiseman

About Book

Brooke has only loved one man, her late husband. Owen’s rebuilding after a painful divorce. Can a mysterious house bring them together for a second chance at love?

In the charming town of Smithville, Texas, Brooke Holloway is raising two young children on her own, supporting them by running the family hardware store. The last thing on her mind is falling in love. But she’s intrigued when a stranger moves to town and buys the old Hadley mansion. She’s always heard that house holds a secret—maybe even a treasure—and she can’t wait to see inside. When she meets the new owner and they spend time together, she can’t deny the attraction. Could God be giving her another chance at happiness? Or is she betraying her late husband’s memory by even thinking that way?

Owen Saunders bought the Hadley place to spite his cheating ex-wife. She’d always wanted to restore an old house in Smithville. Now he’s going to do it without her. But if anything needs restoration, it is Owen’s heart. Then he meets Brooke and her kids and finds himself tempted by love. Can he bring himself to trust a woman again?

Throw an eccentric uncle into the mix, along with the town’s teenage troublemaker, and even a finicky cat—and one thing becomes clear: God is bringing them all together for a reason.

Read Excerpt here. 

Purchase a copy here.

Landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/bwiseman

About Beth 

Beth is a Carol Award Winner, Inspirational Readers Choice Winner, INSPY Winner, and the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. All of her books have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller list and the CBA (Christian Book Association) bestseller list. She grew up in Houston, Texas and now resides in a small town west of Houston with a population of around 300. She lives with her husband, two dogs, two cats, two pot bellied pigs, two chickens and a pygmy goat. Her two grown sons also live in Texas. Beth has been writing in some capacity for most of her life. She's a former award-winning journalist with eleven honors, including 'First Place News Writing' for The Texas Press Association. However, writing love stories with a spiritual message is where her heart is. When Beth isn't writing (which is seldom these days) she enjoys traveling, cooking, fishing, reading, or just settling in for a good movie. Her best times are spent with family and friends! 

Learn more about Beth at: BethWiseman.com . 

My Thoughts

Brooke Holloway would like give in to the desire to stay in bed and grieve the loss of husband but she has two active children  and a business to run.  Her mother helped for a while but she had become to dependent on her now it was time to face life head on.  Her daily routine keeps her focused on her job  but memories of her deceased husband still occupy most of her thoughts.  Just like now when her thoughts were interrupted by Owen Saunders the new man in town. He recently bought one of the biggest old mansions in town that was in need of much repair and since she owned a hardware store he would become a frequent customer. Her coworker keeps pushing her to find a new man even though she keeps telling her and everyone else that she is in no hurry to start a relationship.  But brother if she were looking, which she isn't, this handsome guy would fit the bill.

Owen Saunders admits to himself he may have, as the saying goes, "cut off his nose to spite his face", by purchasing a huge old house that is turning into a money pit.  This is the house his cheating ex wife had dreamed of owning, so he bought the house just to rub into her face.  He was determine to finish the house as close to the original as possible.  He must admit he will probably never get it to original since he knows nothing about renovating anything.   So here he is renovating this old house when his is heart probably in worse condition than this old house.  He has had to make many trips to the hardware store owned by a very attractive lady.  The more they see each other it is apparent they are building a friendship but they both made it clear they were looking for nothing more.  God tends to have a say in what is planned for our life's plan. Maybe He wants them to start anew letting go of the bitterness and pain from their past and to trust in love.

The author adds many other interesting characters to the mix like two precious children, two grandmothers, a missing grandfather, a rebellious teen, a couple of crack head parents, a stray cat and well intended friends.

I found this an endearing story of love lost, bitterness, revenge, trust issues, tribulations and reconciliation.  In the author's writing I could see God's plan in restoring the lives of His children.  The author also writes about how the characters let anger, abandonment and fear eat away at their lives until they slowly and sometime quickly turning from God yet proves He never turned from them.  

In one part of the book Owen advises Brooke on the importance of forgiveness and she points out," Isn't that kind of like the pot calling the kettle black".   It is like seeing the err of our ways through another person's eyes or better yet by reading a great book like this one.

I highly recommend this book. It would be a great book for a book club and/or reading group. There are some very enlightening discussion questions at the back of the book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

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

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

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EVERY HILL and MOUNTAIN by DEBORAY HEAL ~ Blog Tour ~ Giveaway

Visiting another century…not the summer vacation Abby had planned. 

Those who have read Time and Again and Unclaimed Legacy, the first two books in the young adult time-travel trilogy, know that Abby Thomas, is a college student on a summer service project with 11-year-old Merri. And you know that the summer is not going the way Abby had expected—but in a good way. For one thing, she meets a very nice guy named John Roberts. And for another, she discovers a strange computer program called Beautiful House that lets her fast-forward and rewind life. Not her own, of course, but those of the people who lived in Merri’s old house. And the Old Dears’ old house, and…well, any old house. 

And now their computer program is starting to attract attention. 

Since the program worked so well for the Old Dears’ family tree project, Abby’s college roommate Kate hopes it will help her find out more about her ancestor Ned Greenfield. And Kate’s fiancé Ryan thinks the program has lucrative commercial potential. 

Abby and John reluctantly agree to help Kate, but only on the condition that she and Ryan promise to keep the program a secret, because if it fell into the wrong hands…well, no one wants Big Brother invading their privacy. 

The two couples take a trip to the tiny town of Equality, set in the hills of southern Illinois and the breath-taking Shawnee National Forest. According to Kate’s research, Ned Greenfield was born there at a place called Hickory Hill. 

The mayor, police chief, and townspeople are hospitable and helpful—until the topic of Hickory Hill comes up. They seem determined to keep them away, telling them, “There’s nothing there for you to see.”

Eventually they find Hickory Hill on their own—both the mansion and the lonely hill it sits upon. Built in 1834, Hickory Hill stands sentinel over Half Moon Salt Mine where the original owner John Granger accumulated his blood-tainted fortune. 

Abby and her friends meet Miss Granger, Hickory Hill’s current eccentric owner, and they eventually get the chance to time-surf there. Their shocking discovery on the third floor concerning Kate’s ancestor Ned Greenfield is almost too much to bear. What they learn sends them racing to the opposite end of the state to find the missing link in Kate’s family tree. And there they are reminded that God is in the business of redemption—that one day he’ll make all things new.

Deborah Heal, the author of the Time and Again time travel mystery series, was born not far from the setting of her book Every Hill and Mountain and grew up “just down the road” from the setting of Time and Again. 

Today she lives with her husband in Waterloo, Illinois, where she enjoys reading, gardening, and learning about regional history. She has three grown children, three grandchildren, and two canine buddies Digger and Scout (a.k.a. Dr. Bob). 

She loves to interact with her readers, who may learn more about the history behind the books at her website www.deborahheal.com and her Facebook author page www.facebook.com/DeborahHeal. 

Available on Amazon.com: Time and Again Unclaimed Legacy Every Hill and Mountain

My Thoughts

Abby's college roommate and best friend Kate is working on her family tree as a gift to her parent's.  She is under the impression that the computer program Abby has been telling her about will give her the answers she is looking for.  Abby, John and Merri agree to show the program and reveal the secret of time-travel.  When Kate arrives at Merri's house she has a surprise for Abby.  But Abby has an even bigger surprise for Kate.

After all their surprises are revealed about the time travel and Kate introduces her fiance' Ryan they all go to a small town Equality to research Kate's family tree.  Kate's fiance' turns out to be somewhat snooty and appears to be wanting to change sweet Kate.  Abby's friend John has no patience for Ryan's rudeness. 

As they asked around to some of the towns people each time it came to a dead end when the asked about the old mansion Hickory Hill that owned by the owners of the Half Moon Salt Mines.  Rumors have said the old mansion may have been part of the underground railroad.  

What is this town hiding?  Why do they want to keep them away from Hickory Hill? 

The author has quite the imagination when it comes to time-travel and history.  This story is an adventure into ones family history in the state of Illinois.  Meeting some wonderful new characters along with revealing more than Kate had ever hoped to discover.  Each book in this series has brought me to the belief of the possibilities of time-travel. 

I highly recommend this book.

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 fro this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

Enter the Rafflecopter contest below for a chance to win a set of signed books--the whole trilogy! Open to U.S. addresses only. Winner will be announced. May 16, 2013.

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