The Butterfly and the Violin, A Hidden Masterpiece Novel by Kristy Cambron

About the book: 

A mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz---and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl---a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover, the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul, who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together, Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting's subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: in the grim camps of Auschwitz and in the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/zhXo3

Welcome to the launch campaign for debut novelist Kristy Cambron's The Butterfly and the Violin. Romantic Times had this to say: "Alternating points of view skillfully blend contemporary and historical fiction in this debut novel that is almost impossible to put down. Well-researched yet heartbreaking. . . ."

Kristy is celebrating the release of the first book in her series, A Hidden Masterpiece, with a fun Kindle Fire giveaway and meeting her readers during an August 7th Facebook author chat party.

 One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 7th. Winner will be announced at The Butterfly and the Violin Author Chat Party. Kristy will be connecting with readers and answering questions, sharing some of the fascinating research behind the book, hosting a fun book chat, and giving away some GREAT prizes. She will also be giving an exclusive look at the next book in the series, A Sparrow in Terezin!

So grab your copy of The Butterfly and the Violin and join Kristy on the evening of August 7th 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 7th!

 

About the author: 

Kristy Cambron has been fascinated with the WWII era since hearing her grandfather's stories of the war. She holds an art history degree from Indiana University and received the Outstanding Art History Student Award. Kristy writes WWII and Regency era fiction and has placed first in the 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations and 2012 FCRW Beacon contests, and is a 2013 Laurie finalist. Kristy makes her home in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons.

Find Kristy online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/kcambron

My Thoughts

A Manhattan art dealer Sera James is determined to find a masterpiece portrait of a mysterious young woman.  Sera first set eyes on this portrait when she was a young girl. When information of another person searching for the portrait surfaces she is intrigued by his interest to hire her to help find the masterpiece. 

William Hanover has information about the young woman in the portrait that is vital in revealing the identity of the mysterious young woman.  As they search further they find the young woman was an Austrian Violinist, Adele Von Bron.  Adele was convicted of helping Jews escape from Vienna and was imprisoned in the camp Auschwitz.  

Lives were touched by the life and choices of this young woman through her love, faith and hope.

I was not aware there were people other than the Jewish imprisoned in the camps.  I am embarrassed that I did not know this.  The story was amazing and terrifying.  I read The Diary of Anne Frank and The Hiding Place.  They had a real impact on me.  Now here is another that has touched my heart.  It was heartbreaking to read about Adele being shunned  by her parents.  We wonder what is our purpose and why.  God has a purpose for our life and it is not for us to understand but to trust in Him.

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/Thomas Nelson for an honest review.

NEW FROM THE WESTERN BRIDES COLLECTION, FOUR WEDDINGS AND A KISS | “SWEET ON LOVE” IPAD MINI GIVEAWAY, FACEBOOK PARTY, AND BLOG TOUR

About the book: 

Spitfire Sweetheart by Mary Connealy

Maizy Place is an unruly tomboy. When she causes an accident, injuring neighbor Rylan Carstens, she becomes his unlikely caregiver. Rylan has never noticed how pretty his infuriating neighbor is,  and he never expected to fall in love.

Love Letter to the Editor by Robin Lee Hatcher

Molly Everton is the outspoken daughter of the town newspaper's owner. When her father brings in an outsider to be editor, she tries to drive him out of town. But Jack Ludgrove is not intimidated. He's resolved to change Molly's mind about him---as an editor and as a man.

A Cowboy for Katie by Debra Clopton

Katie Pearl is uninterested in men and love. But she needs help on her ranch and hires Treb Rayburn, a wandering cowboy looking to make a buck. Will Treb change Katie's mind?

Courting Trouble by Margaret Brownley

Grace Davenport is either the unluckiest woman alive---or a killer. When her third husband is found dead, Grace is arrested. Attorney Brock Daniels isn't interested in the case---until he meets Grace. Only a miracle will prove her innocence, but the joining of two lonely hearts may be their saving grace.

Purchase a copy:  http://bit.ly/1qTiFK2

ABOUT  AUTHORS

Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than thirty novels. Her books have won numerous awards and has written for a TV soap opera. @margaretbrownley 

Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. She is the author of over seventy novels and her work often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher 

Mary Connealy is an award-winning author of romantic comedy with cowboys. Mary and her Nebraska rancher husband have four grown daughters and two spectacular grandchildren. @MaryConnealy 

Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra's first book-to-movie aired on ABC Family and starred LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/four-weddings-and-a-kiss

Four best-­selling romance novelists bring tales of feisty heroines, stubborn heroes, and unlikely love in the Wild West in Four Weddings and a Kiss. Don't miss the latest from the Western Brides Collection from Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton.

The authors are celebrating with a "Sweet on Love" iPad Mini Giveaway and rip-roarin' Facebook party.

 One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A Bride for All Seasons and Four Weddings and a Kiss 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 8th. Winner will be announced at the Four Weddings and a Kiss Facebook Author Chat Party. Connect with Western Brides Collection authors Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton for an evening of fun book chat, western-themed trivia, and prizes. The authors will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in the collection!

So grab your copy of Four Weddings and a Kiss and join the authors on the evening of July 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!

My Thoughts

Four Stories and Four Authors!

First Story "Spitfire Sweetheart" is just what the title says.  Maizy a spitfire tomboy that is her neighbor's burr under his saddle.  Rylan tries hard to keep his distance from her for fear of letting her take up a big space in his heart.  But due to her causing him to be injured she is forced to care for him and his ranch while she is also forced by her father to dress and act like a lady while doing so.  This shoots down any chance of him protecting his heart from her

Mary Connealy writes a fun story with characters I'd love to spend more time with.  I love a story with a head strong woman determined to be herself.  Our Father in Heaven has a plan for us and we should not fight against Him and let His will be done.

Second Story "Love Letter to the Editor".  A woman that is determined to stand on her own cognizance.  She is hoping to become an Editor or Managing Editor.  But to her great surprise her father has hired someone else to be editor of the paper.  Jack Lugrove feels bad in that he was not welcome as editor by Molly yet he will not be detoured from doing his job.  Molly wants to prove herself to her father and  at the same time find some way of ridding the paper and  herself of Jack.

Robin Lee Hatcher has given Molly fortitude  that could be her downfall..  Truth is God and the truth will prevail.  There is romance, intrigue and especially faith and hope in God.  People sometimes take a path they are uncomfortable with not realizing it is God leading us.  Molly was in danger of letting her pride get the best of her.  Great lesson to be learned from this story.

Third Story "A Cowboy for Katie"  Recently Katie's life has been horrific.  She is left alone to rebuild her ranch and her life.  The problem is she refuses the advances of any man fearing all they want is her land.  She is determined to rebuild on her own.  She relents and hires a wandering cowboy. She learns he is the perfect man for the getting the work done without moving into her fragile personal space.  Will Treb realizes there is more to be rebuilt than just the ranch house and barn.  He notices Katie is damaged emotionally which causes her to have night terror along with mistrust of anyone, including him.

Debra Clopton writes a heart-wrenching story about a young woman barely holding on to reality.  the author reveals how God will provide if we ask and believe he will answer, which happened in the form of Will Treb. I fell in love with the sweet patient character of Will Treb.  Be sure you have a box of tissues on hand it is a tear jerk-er.

Fourth Story "Courting Trouble".   This is the perfect title for this story.  Grace Davenport just can't seem to get a break in life.  Grace's young son attempts to hire Brock Daniels, a local attorney that does not really want the job.  But the young boy touched Brock's heart and after he does some investigating on the woman and her charge of murdering her husband he decided he would take the case.

I asked myself, "Could this woman really be guilty or is she being railroaded by some evil force?". In this story Margaret Brownley created the wonderful character, Brock Daniels in that he was so determined and lead by God to help this broken family.  I loved the sweet well mannered young boy he  will pull at your heart strings as he did mine.  It is never too late when lives have been broken for so long to be lifted up and healed of by God.  This story was mysterious, with a growing romance and healing grace.

I highly recommend this collection of four books in one.

I rated this book 5 out of 5

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

THE LETTERS by SUZANNE WOODS FISHER ~ A LITFUSE GROUP TOUR

About Book

Rose Schrock is a Plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband’s debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose’s big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she’s even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.

Click to purchase a copy.

Landing Page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/sfisher

Meet Suzanne

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including "Amish Peace." She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. 

For more information, please visit suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is celebrating the release of the first book, The Letters, in her new series by giving away 2 iPads, 2 Kindle Fires and 2 Nook HDs! Wow!

Two grand prize winners will receive:

• An iPad
• The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Four second place winners will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD or a Nook HD - winner's choice!
• The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 17th. All winners will be announced August 19th at Suzanne's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne's blog on the 19th to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

My Thoughts

Rose Schrock carries the burdens left by her deceased husband.  She willingly takes on the responsible of his parents farm which includes the care of his mother.  Her mother-in-law had a stroke leaving her weak in body and mind.  Rose also her hands full with her four children especially the two youngest boys.  She feels it to be her responsibility to support the family and right the wrongs of her husband.  In order to accomplish this she has decided to turn the farm into a Bed and Breakfast. Surprisingly her neighbor, Galen King sees it to be a good idea and helps her to prepare the farm for her guest.

Her Bed and Breakfast becomes the means of not only financial needs but far more.  God had a plan for Rose Schrock and her family.  Rose put her faith in God to pull them through the trials and tribulations that came her way. 

This story kept me thinking about Job and how he always stayed faithful to God through his trials and tribulations.  The author writes a story that will tug at your heart.  She wrote of how events can cause stress on so many people.  It's like being in the path of a tornado.  Many can find blessings  in time such as these just as Rose Schrock found laughter with her children, tenderness and patience for her mother-in-law.  She even dared to hope for love with Galen King, her neighbor. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Revell Publishing and Litfuse Publicity Group .  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.

The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer | Amish Kindle Gift Pack Giveaway and Facebook Party!

THE MEMORY JAR BY TRICIA GOYER | AMISH KINDLE GIFT PACK GIVEAWAY AND FACEBOOK PARTY!

Author: Tricia Goyer

Welcome to the series launch of Tricia Goyer's brand new Amish series,                                                    Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors!

The first book, The Memory Jar, takes Goyer’s readers back to Big Sky country. To celebrate, Tricia is hosting a fun Amish Kindle Gift Pack Giveaway (including a custom-made Memory Jar Kindle cover and authentic, Montana, Amish-made items!) and a Facebook party on November 7th. Be sure to click the link below to watch the video trailer or try your hand at one of the simple, keepsake crafts Tricia has put together on her website.

One fortunate winners will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Custom-made Memory Jar Kindle Cover
• Amish-made decorative items {Wall hanging, horse/buggy and Amish houses}
• The Memory Jar {Be swept away by this captivating series.}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 6th. Winner will be announced at the “Memory Jar Author Chat Party on 11/7. Connect with Tricia for an evening of book chat, Amish trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of The Memory Jar and join Tricia on the evening of the November 7th 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 7TH!

About The Memory Jar: 

Book One of  Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series

Every year, 30-40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love.

Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she's also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she's met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?

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

Make your own Memory Jar and other crafts.

About Tricia

Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.

Litfuse Tour schedule for THE MEMORY JAR http://litfusegroup.com/author/TGoyer  

My Thoughts

Sarah Shelter baked the best cupcakes in West Kootenai, Montana.  Some of the visiting young Amish bachelors claim they are the best they have ever eaten.  

Sarah has been invited to go hiking up the mountain with some of the local Amish girls and some visiting Amish Bachelors.  It was to be a fun outing.  She needs to make new friends.  She has mourned the loss of her best friend for some time now. The young woman drowned in a boating accident.  Sarah must move on with her life but it is so hard to forget that tragic day and the loss of her friend.  

On the hiking trip circumstances beyond her control bring Sarah and Jathan Schrock, one of the bachelors together.  She must trust him to get her back down the mountain.  His kindness and attentiveness touched her heart. They were able to share their dreams with each other and Sarah told him about the loss of her friend and the pain of that loss. Sarah even told him about the Memory Jar. She has found a new friend in this handsome young Amish man.  Will she be able to trust him with her heart and dreams.

Sarah is a beautiful character she has so much love for God and her fellow man whether they be Amish or English.  When she leaves her mountain she feels the pressure of change and some people attempt to stifle her brilliant light of love, along with her dreams.

The character Jathan is the youngest in his large family and he feels burdened by the goals and demands of his family especially his father.  He has never been able to share his dream for the future with them. But with Sarah it was different she encourages him to follow his dream if it is God's will.  He ends up letting other people cloud his judgement which in turn caused a lot of people pain.

 Fear seemed to play a big role in this story.  

Tricia Goyer knows how to grab your attention and keep it.   The story is a valuable life lesson that will inspire the reader. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan/Litfuse Group 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.

BLOG CONTEST - A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman

Author Anita Higman invites readers to kick off the season with a spirited holiday tale. 

Anita is spreading the Christmas cheer by giving away FIFTEEN COPIES of the book. To enter to win A Merry Little Christmas, just head over to THE CONTEST PAGE at Anita's website and fill out the short form.

Winners will be announced on the Litfuse blog 
(and notified by email) on 11/9.

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

About Shannon

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

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

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

Find out more at  www.shannondittemore.com.

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


About Book

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

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

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

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

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

Where to buy:
Thomas Nelson
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

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

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

Find out what readers are saying here.

One "angelic" winner will receive:

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

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

So grab your copy of Angel Eyes and join Shannon on the evening of the June 26th for a chance to meet Shannon and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 26th!

My Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I highly recommend this book, especially for young adults.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure

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