Threads of Love by Andrea Boeshaar ~ A Booketeria Review

About Book:

Emily Sundberg has her life all laid out. She has a respectable job as a teacher and an idea of whom she should marry.  But does God have a better plan?

Emily Sundberg considers herself a proper young lady of the twentieth century. But a decade ago she behaved more like a tomboy. So when the neighbor’s grandson came to visit one summer when she was thirteen, they became fast friends. Emily even got her first kiss—quite by accident.

Unfortunately Jake Edgerton told all the boys something else. Rumors circulated, and Emily caved from embarrassment and guilt. Meanwhile Jake returned home to Fallon, Montana and she never saw or heard from him again.

Over the years Emily has worked hard to prove to her peers and the people of Manitowoc, Wisconsin that, despite past mistakes, she is an upstanding young woman, one worthy of being a schoolteacher—and possibly Andy Anderson's wife. But even with the passing of time, Emily has never forgotten Jake and how he nearly ruined her life…

And now he's a US deputy marshal and he’s back in town!

• ISBN-13: 9781621362395
• Publisher: Charisma Media
• Publication date: 5/31/2013
• Series: Fabric of Time , #3
• Pages: 304

Where to buy:  ChristianBook.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

About Author

Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar has been married for more than 30 years. She and her husband, Daniel, have three adult sons, daughters-in-law, and two precious grandchildren. Andrea's educational background includes the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where she studied in English, and Alverno College where she studied in Professional Communications and Business Management.

Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn't until 1984 that she started submitting her work for publication. Eight years after that, she was convicted about writing for the Christian market. She read books in her genre (Inspirational Romance & Women's Fiction), studied the market, and worked hard to hone her craft.

Author's website: http://www.andreaboeshaar.com/

My Thoughts

Emily Sundberg has grown into a lovely lady though many of her schoolmates may remember her as a tomboy. That is until she turned thirteen and kissed her friend Jake Edgerton. Rumors starting spreading about that infamous kiss and she was sure Jake had told his friends.  She was treated differently by her schoolmates after that rumored kiss. Jake had only been visiting his grandfather for the summer so by the time the rumor got back to her Jake had returned home to Montana and she has not seen hide nor hair of him since.

Emily was able to move past the rumors and prove herself to be a proper lady and a great asset to her community  by becoming a schoolteacher.  She is also pursuing Andy Anderson as a potential husband.  But her thoughts keeps remembering Jake and the kiss that changed her life.

I was so excited to read book three of this series and was not disappointed.  I had grown attached to the characters.  The author kept Emily's character as sassy and under all the fluff and frill she was still the little tomboy wanting a kiss from Jake.  The author writes about how Lily and Jake made great choices for their future.  So, expect many fun twists and turns in this book along with some unexpected romances.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Booketeria/Realms/Charisma for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.

SHORT-STRAW BRIDE by KAREN WITEMEYER

About Book

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride.

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a long-standing debt compels her to take the risk.

Years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer comes across a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can’t bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt prompt him to attempt to rescue her once again.

Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?

Resources:  Excerpt, Author Q & A, Book Announcement 

• ISBN-13: 9780764209659
• ISBN: 9781441271150 (ebook)
• Publisher: Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group
• Publication date: 6/1/2012
• Pages: 368
• Paperback: 5.56 (w) x 8.34 (h) x 0.99 (d)

Where to Purchase:  Baker Retail, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com

About Author

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid-to late1800s.

Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House. Her books have consistently hit bestseller lists and have garnered awards such as the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the Christian Manifesto's Lime Award for Excellence in Fiction. In addition, she is a multiple RITA and National Reader's Choice finalist. Karen is also a sought-after speaker for national writing conferences and regional workshops.

Karen enjoys hearing from her readers. You may contact her by clicking here.

FREEDMEN

My Thoughts

Short-Straw Bride is a must read! 

This was a  fun, humorous and romantic read about a headstrong woman, Meredith Hayes not just looking out for herself but for Travis Archer. She has loved Travis from afar ever since he rescued her when she was just a young girl.  This Meredith's father was a teacher for a group of local FREEDMEN and she desires to take over what her father began, which was to teach those that are now free and yearning to learn.

The characters learn to trust in God therefore to learn a lesson from this young woman and trust in mankind.  The author has, to no surprise to me, written another great historical fiction set in 1800s Texas, with more to come about the the Archer brothers.

I highly recommend this book!


I purchased this book for my own reading pleasure.  This review is my honest opinion.

STEALING THE PREACHER by KAREN WITEMEYER

About Stealing the Preacher:

A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape-which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.

Purchase a copy here: http://ow.ly/lnKcM

Meet Karen:

Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.

Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Karen Witemeyer is "kindling" the excitement for Stealing the Preacher (Bethany House) with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at her June 18th Facebook Author Chat Party!

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at 4pm on June 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Stealing the Preacher" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 18th. Connect with Karen for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Karen will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Stealing the Preacher and join Karen on the evening of June 18th 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

My Thoughts

Crockett Archer is forced off the train to be taken on an unwanted detour.  In actuality he is kidnapped against his will to be presented to the daughter of the leader of the geriatric outlaw gang that took him from the train. He originally was on his way to Brenham, Texas where he is to be considered as a candidate to become Preacher for a local church.  

Joanna Robbins could not believe her father had given her a preacher as a birthday gift.  A kidnapped preacher at that.  Yes, she had been praying for a preacher for their church but her father should not have kidnapped one from the train. What had gotten into her father? 

When Crockett and Joanna had a chance to discuss the ere of her father's ways they finally agreed that he only did it because he loved his daughter and wanted to make her happy. Crockett could not seem to get Joanna and her birthday wish off his mind and prayed that God would show him the path in which he was to take. What is God's plan for Crockett?

I enjoy a book with humor and odd twist and turns. This book is definitely in that category. The author writes about the characters taking a path  they have cut for themselves and shows how God leads them onto a straight path putting them on the path He had intended for them all along.  This story has all the things I yearn for in a good book.  There is reconciliation, trust, faith, love, romance and much more to keep your attention to the very last page, wishing to stay with the characters a while longer.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

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

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

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.

This is my story http://www.robert-mwangi.com/blog-journey-with-me-and-your-fav-song-below/shakira-1-9-2013/

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.

Giveaway/Review of The Cheshire Cheese Cat, A Dickens of a Tale by Carmen Agra Deedy & Randall Wright, Drawing by Barry Moser

About Book


In this playful homage to Charles Dickens, unlikely allies learn the lessons of a great friendship

Skilley, an alley cat with an embarrassing secret, longs to escape his street-cat life. Tired of dodging fishwives' brooms and carriage wheels, he hopes to trade London's damp alleyways for the warmth of ye olde Cheshire Cheese Inn. He strikes a bargain with Pip, an erudite mouse: Skilley will protect the mice who live at the inn, and in turn, the mice will provide Skilley with the thing he desires most.

But when Skilley and Pip are drawn into a crisis of monumental proportions involving a tyrannical cook, an unethical barmaid, and a malevolent tomcat, their new friendship is pushed to its limits. The escalating crisis threatens the peace not only of the Cheshire Cheese Inn but also the British Monarchy!

Unbeknownst to Skilley and Pip, however, they have a secret ally: a famous author who scribbles away many an afternoon in ye olde Cheshire Cheese Inn...

READ EXCERPT here.

Click here to learn more about The Cheshire Cheese Cat.

Published by Peachtree Publishers
Age 8-99
Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-56145-595-9
Total Pages: 256
Size: 6 x 8

Where to buy: Amazon, 


AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR


Carmen Agra Deedy is a New York Times bestselling author and has been writing and traveling around the world telling stories for more than twenty years. Her books, including 14 Cows for America, The Library Dragon, The Yellow Star, and Martina the Beautiful Cockroach have received numerous awards and honors. Carmen has performed in many prestigious venues, but children are her favorite audience. Born in Havana, Cuba, she came to the United States as a refugee and like most immigrants sees the world from multiple perspectives.

You can visit Carmen Agra Deedy’s website here.

Randall Wright is the author of several novels for young readers, including A Hundred Days from Home, The Silver Penny, and Hunchback, a 2004 VOYA Top Shelf Award winner. He lives in Utah.

Barry Moser is one of today's most celebrated illustrators of children's books. He is also a printer, painter, printmaker, designer, author, essayist, and teacher. The books Moser has illustrated and/or designed forms a list of over three hundred titles. He lives in Massachusetts.

You can visit Barry Moser’s website here.

~ ~ ~ ~

Peachtree has decided to provide a copy of THE CHESHIRE CHEESE CAT for this blog giveaway and another copy of my other blog, It's About Time Mamaw 

GIVEAWAY

of one Hardcover copy of THE CHESHIRE CHEESE CAT

one winner

provided by Peachtree Publishers

giveaway will be from Oct. 31- Nov 6, 2012

  Leave a comment (this is mandatory for the giveaway) 

about who you will give this book to if you win.  

Be sure to leave your email address in the comment

 so I can contact you if you are the winner. 

example of email:  johndoe(at)yahoo(dot)com

I can not contact you without an email.

 I invite you to follow me and the author by

email, GFC, Linky Follower, Facebook, Twitter, G+

 but this is not mandatory for the giveaway.

 The winner will be announced 

on November 7th, 2012. 

GOOD LUCK!!

~ ~ ~ ~

My Thoughts

Skilley the alley cat has made up his mind he is going to sneak inside the Cheshire Cheese Inn.    So, he will cunningly convince the Innkeeper to let Skilley stay as the Inn's mouser. You see a mouser is a cat that catches mice. The Inn has the best cheese around and the Inn is overrun with mice.

He finally sees the chance to sneak in after a customer.  He puts on such a good performance and even caught a mouse.  Well he convinced the Innkeeper that this was THE MOUSER  for the Cheshire Cheese Inn.  Skilley took off with the mouse further into the Inn and spit out the mouse. The mouse was called Pip and he has lived at the Inn his entire life.  He could not figure out why the cat spit him out.  Why didn't he eat Pip that is what any other cat would have done.  Well you see Skilley has a secret and so does Pip.  They agreed never to give away their secrets.

They become buddies and together they are quite the little schemers.  If they are careful and everything goes as they have planned they can live in peace with everyone, including the British Monarchy.

The man at the beginning of the story that let Skilley into the Inn had a friend with him, Charles Dicken's. He found the Cat and Mouse antics to be very entertaining and with his imagination he had fun with these very unusual characters. 

Kudos to Charles, Carmen, Randall and Barry for putting their talents together into a neat little package for us to enjoy. The illustrator did a marvelous job of depicting all the characters through the author's detailed description to perfection.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

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


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

Review: TEXAS BLUE by Jodie Thomas

TEXAS BLUE, book five of the WHISPERING MOUNTAIN SERIES by Jodie Thomas did not disappoint me. It held up to my expectations of the authors writings in this western series. The female character in this story reminded me of the Ugly Duckling. I was cheering for her during the whole book. The male main character wanted to know what it felt like to have a loving family. They were an unlikely pair that had a hard time letting go of the past. Pride, though some may call it being hard headed, is a big problem for both of these characters until love over powers their pride. Then of course there is plenty of adventure involving Texas Rangers. If you like humor stirred into your romance novel this is definitely sprinkled with humor.
I hope there will be another book in this series. I highly recommend this book. Way to go Jodi Thomas. You did it again.