A BIG YEAR FOR LILY, THE ADVENTURES OF LILY LAPP SERIES, BOOK THREE BY MARY ANN KINSINGER & SUZANNE WOODS FISHER

 About A Big Year for Lily: 

Book Three in the Adventures of Lily Lapp series. Co-written with Mary Kinsinger.

Lily Lapp's family has settled into their new home in Pennsylvania, but life still holds big changes and big steps for Lily. Good changes, like once again living close to her beloved cousin and best friend, Hannah. Bad changes, like a mean girl who plays tricks on her. And no change at all where Lily would most want one--Aaron Yoder sits near her in school and relentlessly teases her. Surprises are in store for Lily as she learns, with Mama and Papa's help, to manage the ups and downs of growing up Amish.

The third of four charming novels that chronicle the gentle way of the Amish through the eyes of a young girl, A Big Year for Lily gives children ages 8-12 a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Amish---and lots of fun and laughter along the way. It combines Mary Ann Kinsinger's real-life stories of growing up Amish and the bestselling writing of Amish fiction and nonfiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher. With charming line drawings in each book, this series captures the hearts of readers young and old.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/mVlq1

• Age Range: 8 and up 
• Series: The Adventures of Lily Lapp (Book 3)
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Revell (July 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800721349
• ISBN-13: 978-080072134

Meet Suzanne: 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the 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. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your iPhone or iPad! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/134r55G

Learn more about Lily at http://adventuresoflilylapp.com/

My Thoughts

Lily is approaching 10 yrs old, which is an important time for a young girl in the Amish community.  She still likes to play with dolls with her friends, but one girl in particular seems to rub her the wrong way.  No matter what Lily does this girl claims do it better if she can't she says it isn't lady like and should not be done. Dolls is one of the things this young girl thinks they are too old to play anymore.  This girl and a particular boy at school are always causing trouble for someone especially for Lily.

Do you have anyone like this in your life?  Someone that can ruin your whole day no matter how hard you try to avoid them.

I really enjoy reading this series, each book brings to light the normal everyday antics of Lily, like how she interacts with family and friends.  Sometimes she does not always use good judgement.  One of her bad traits is, "What my parents don't know won't hurt a thing."    Wrong!

I am sure children will learn many good lessons from the mistakes the children in this book create. There are a lot of good things that come from the children actions too!

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

A BRIDE FOR ALL SEASONS by MARGARET BROWNLEY, ROBIN LEE HATCHER, MARY CONNEALY, DEBRA CLOPTON ~ A LITFUSE TOUR

More about A Bride For All Seasons:

It All Started with an Ad in a Mail Order Bride Catalogue . . .

Melvin Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalog isn't dishonest---not exactly. If he tweaks his clients' applications a bit, it's because he's looking out for their best interests.

This charming bouquet of novellas introduces four Hitching Post prospects in the year 1870, each one eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they'll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.

And Then Came Spring by Margaret Brownley

Mary-Jo has been unlucky all her life. But who would guess she'd travel halfway across the country to meet her match . . . only to find him dead!

An Ever-After Summer by Debra Clopton

Ellie had no idea she's not what Matthew ordered. And what's wrong with being a "Bible thumper" anyway? She's determined to show him she's tougher than she looks---and just the girl he needs.

Autumn's Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher

Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn't come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. The trouble is, there's no money to send them back. . .

Winter Wedding Bells by Mary Connealy

David's convinced he's not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he's gone---nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?

A Bride for All Seasons – Excerpt

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/BrideSeasons

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/mL2Ln

Meet the Authors:

Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than twenty-five historical and contemporary novels. @margaretbrownley 

Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. Her books often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher 

Mary Connealy is a Carol Award winner, an a RITA, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. @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 has her first book coming as a movie starring LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton

My Thoughts

Four award winning authors, four books in one about four mail order brides. Now this makes for an interesting read.  The man that operates the mail order bride catalogue appointed himself not just as a go between but as a matchmaker of his own making, editing letters without the senders consent. Some of the women have traveled a long distance to meet their intended only to find there was a lack of communication between the two.  How could so many important details be missing?  It was very apparent they all had been deceived. Most of the women had no money to return to their previous life or other circumstances which prevented them from returning.

Each story is unique in it's own special way. My heart ached for each family. The couples had faith in God that they were together for a purpose.  Many of their personal problems gave them strength to carry on with the arrangement in hope for a better future, even though some were a little more skeptical than others.

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/Thomas Nelson for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen ~ Facebook Party & Giveaway

About Book

Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor’s Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast–a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions–where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits.

Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementoes?

The baronet’s older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems–and secrets–of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father’s academy. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her…

When suspicious acts escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart?

Published by Bethany House
Read Excerpt here.

Purchase a copy here.

About Julie

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Find out more about Julie at http://www.julieklassen.com/. 

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE here

 ”The Tutor’s Daughter” by Julie Klassen! Enter to win a “Downton Abbey” Kindle Prize Pack

Julie is celebrating by giving away one of the new Paperwhite Kindles, Downton Abbey (season 3) and hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. (January 31st)

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Paperwhite
• Downton Abbey, Season 3
• A Julie Klassen library (The Tutor’s Daughter, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 30th. Winner will be announced at "The Tutor's Daughter Author Chat Party on January 31st. Connect with Julie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be great giveaways - gift certificates, books and season 3 of Downton Abbey!

So grab your copy of The Tutor's Daughter and join Julie on the evening of the January 31st for a chance to connect with Julie 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 31st!

My Thoughts

Emma Smallwood has had her share of adventure living with her parents at their boarding school for boys.  There is one boy in particular, Henry Weston,  that seemed to enjoy playing pranks on her.  Then there was his brother Phillip Weston and he had captured her heart when she was a young girl.  She still held a fondness for Phillip.  

Years later after the death of her mother her grieving father is offered to tutor Phillip's two young brothers at the Weston's cliff top manor.  Emma is excited at the opportunity even though she is a little hesitant due to the prankster Henry Weston.  Her father was more open to this venture than she could have imagined maybe this move would help her father heal.  

The manor and the family that dwelt therein was not what Julia had expected.  It seemed like the residents of the manor were in total turmoil and did not seem to be expecting them when they arrived.  The very first night strange sounds of emanated from the depths of the manor.  This family was keeping some kind of secret and Emma was pretty sure it was not a ghost. 

Phillip was glad to see her but she was not so sure about Henry.  Maybe it had not been such a good idea to come to the Weston's home after all.

The author wrote a story that caused me to have goosebumps more oft than not while reading this book.  It has intrigue, deceit and vindictiveness. Some of the characters were just plain mean and conniving. This book had it all, even romance.  

The history brought up in this book about ship wrecks and the scavengers that would steal the treasures thereof was very interesting.  Then there is the description of the cliff overlooking the sea and a chapel tower sounds like a place I would love to have visited and to feel the spray of sea on my face.

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 and 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.

"Get and Give" Campaign! Win a Kindle Fire from @AustinGutwein and have $250 donated to the Charity of your choice!

Austin's new book Live to Give is about "Letting God Turn Your Talents into Miracles"! Celebrate with him by entering his "Get and Give" Campaign - you could win a Kindle Fire for yourself AND Litfuse will donate $250 to the charity of your choice!

See what people are saying about Live to Give.

One winner will receive:

• A Brand New Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
• Five copies of Live to Give by Austin Gutwein
• $250 donated on the winner’s behalf to the charity of their choice

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/25/12. The winner will be announced on 8/27/12 on the Live to Give Landing Page!

Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Austin's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Midnight Madness from @SarahSundin!

Sarah Sundin's brand new book, With Every Letter, releases on September 1, 2012. To celebrate, Sarah is hosting the Midnight Madness Promotion!

Pre-order or purchase a copy of the book by midnight on August 31, 2012 and be one of the first to read Book One of her new Wings of the Nightingale series. AND as a Thank You for pre-ordering or purchasing With Every Letter you'll be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or ChristianBook.com (winner's choice!).

All you have to do is pre-order or purchase With Every Letter and send an e-mail with the following information to sarah{at}sarahsundin.com :

1. Your Name

2. Where you ordered or purchased it from

3. Your email address.

That's it. Easy. 

Here are the pre-order links:

Amazon   Barnes & Noble   ChristianBook.com

Legal Mumbo Jumbo:
**No Purchase Required** While I'd love for you to purchase the book, it's not necessary to enter the contest. Just send me an e-mail to be entered. Winners will be chosen at random from entries. E-mail me at sarah{at}sarahsundin.com to enter. Winner will be announced on 9/4/2012. Contest open to US residents only.

Win a Kindle Fire from @SibellaGiorello in "The Stars Shine Bright" Giveaway!

Novelist Sibella Giorello is celebrating the release of the latest book in her

 praiseworthy Raleigh Harmon series by giving away a Kindle Fire! 

Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• The entire 5-book Raleigh Harmon series.

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/25/12. The winner will be announced on 8/27/12 on Sibella's blog!

Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Sibella's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Tidewater Inn (A Hope Beach Novel) by Colleen Coble

About Book

Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby’s under suspicion for the crime.

Libby’s dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.

Blog Tour Schedule http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13526905/tidewaterinn

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, CBD

Published by Thomas Nelson

About Colleen

Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.

Twitter @colleencoble.

Win a $500 Weekend Getaway Package

from @ColleenCoble and Connect 

with her at 8/23 Facebook Party!

Celebrate with Colleen by entering to win a $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com!

Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com
• A copy of Tidewater Inn.

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 22nd. Winner will be announced at Colleen's "Tidewater Inn" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/23. Colleen will be sharing the story behind the book, hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways - books, gift certificates and a Book Club Prize Pack! She’ll also be giving a sneak peak of her next book too!

So grab your copy of Tidewater Inn and join Colleen on the evening of the August 23rd  for a chance to connect with Colleen 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 and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER about Colleen's giveaway and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

My Thoughts

Libby has a passion for historical restoration. Her partner is onsite of a potential restoration on Hope Island. Libby is two hours away from Hope Island as she is talking to her partner Nicole. Nicole is not only her partner she is her best friend since childhood. Nicole tells her that Libby has inherited the Tidewater Inn on Hope Island from her deceased father whom she thought had died when she was five years old, but come to find out he just passed away recently. Not only that she has a half-sister and half-brother. This was unreal for Libby to imagine. Then withing minutes of talking to Nicole she witnesses on a webcam her friend being kidnapped.

Could things get anymore complicated for Libby. She heads for Hope Island as soon as she reports to the police of her friends kidnapping. When she finally arrives at the island she talks to the local police, then asshe is making her way to Tidewater Inn she meets a handsome Coast Guard Lieutenant. She finds herself very attracted to him. But she has too many things to deal with besides an attraction to a man.

As the investigation in her friends kidnapping get's under way she becomes a suspect. This woman has so much on her plate I don't know how she keeps her sanity. She has the best help anyone could hope for and that is faith and trust in God to give her strength. Even though her new siblings do not trust her or care to have anything to do with her, there are others that do care and she can depend on them to believe in her and to pray for her and her missing friend.

She falls in love with Tidewater Inn and sees so much potential in her new home if she only had the money to complete a restoration on the place.  But as it stands she might have to put it up for sale.

This author has always been able to pull me into her books. She has done so in this book also. This book is suspenseful, heart wrenching, inspirational and romantic.  Although I did think it was a little unbelievable about the circumstances of her friend Nicole it was still an amazing read.

I highly recommend this book.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5.

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

If you liked this review please vote yes or no.  here

Giveaway/Review - Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan by Melanie Dobson

About Melanie

Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside's Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense).

Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years.

Melanie and her family enjoy their home in the Pacific Northwest. The entire Dobson family loves to travel and hike in both the mountains and along the cliffs above the Pacific.

When Melanie isn't writing or playing with her family, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.

For more about Melanie Dobson and her books, visit www.melaniedobson.com.

About Book

As the Gilded Age comes to a close, Elena Bissette's once-wealthy family has nearly lost its fortune. The Bissettes still own a home on fashionable Mackinac Island, where they will spend one last summer in the hope of introducing Elena to a wealthy suitor. But Elena is repulsed by the idea of marrying for money.

Quickly tiring of the extravagant balls, Elena spends most evenings escaping back into Mackinac's rugged forest. There she meets Chase, a handsome laborer who shares her love for the night sky. The two begin to meet in secret at an abandoned lighthouse, where they work together to solve a mystery buried in the pages of a tattered diary.

As Elena falls in love with Chase, her mother relentlessly contrives to introduce her to Chester Darrington, the island's most eligible bachelor. Marriage to the elusive millionaire would solve the Bissettes' financial woes, and Elena is torn between duty and love.

Where to Buy: Amazon
Check out the other Reviews from this Tour

Celebrate with Melanie by entering her Kindle Giveaway!

 One grand prize winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Signed copies of Melanie’s Love Find You books: Love Finds you in Nazareth,                               Pennsylvania, Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa, Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana.

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/4/12. The winner will be announced on 8/6/12 on Melanie’s blog!

Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Melanie's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

My Thoughts

1894, Elena Bissette feels obligated to marry into wealth because she knows this is what her parents expect. Well, that is what her mother expects. Her father seems to only wish his little girl be happy with the man she chooses to be her husband.

Click on image for more info
on the history of the island.

Every summer Elena and her parents go to Mackinac Island, Michigan to stay in their vacation cottage, which is really more like a mansion. Her mother is so excited for Elena to meet Chester Darrington. He is a very sought after unattached, handsome and extremely wealthy. Quite the catch. But rumors are spreading that Elena's mother is out to snag him to marry her daughter just for his wealth. Which is true. But Elena only attends all the tea parties and social gatherings to appease her mother. Elena should have been an actress because she can put on a good show of a proper lady.

Now Elena would much rather wander through the woods after dark and visit the islands old lighthouse. The lighthouse gives her more of a view of the island but most of all to the stars. One day she finds a very handsome gentleman in her lighthouse and he has found her drawings. When he sets his eyes on Elena he is mesmerized by her beauty. As they spend more time together at the lighthouse their hearts recognize feelings are strong for each other. But they did not share the truth about their identities. She had no idea he was the wealthy catch her mother was after and he had no idea she was the daughter of the woman that was out to trap him into marriage that was of no interest to him. What a mess!

There has been said that there is a ghost in the lighthouse. So much sorrow and tragedy is the tale about a woman and her two small children in the early 1800's during the British invasion. The woman's husband is missing and her cries for him can be felt by Elena each time she enters the lighthouse.

Another interesting fact that the author provided about the island was that even to this day no automobiles are allowed on the island.

Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan will be another of my favorites. The author put her talent of writing together with historical facts and wrote a wonderful novel. I must say I have never heard of Mackinac Island but after reading this book I will remember it fondly along with the characters 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 for review by Litfuse/Summerside. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

Litfuse Tour: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

About Julie:

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com

About the book:

To escape a scheme to marry her off to a dishonorable man, Margaret Macy flees London disguised as a housemaid. If she can remain unwed until her next birthday, she will receive an inheritance, and with it, sweet independence. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not in the home of Nathaniel and Lewis Upchurch--both former suitors.

As she fumbles through the first real work of her life, Margaret struggles to keep her identity secret when suspicions arise and prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall. Can she avoid a trap meant to force her from hiding?

Link to buy the book:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764207091/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0764207091&adid=1TCYV1DRSTV23NKEQ170

Paperback, 410 pages

Published January 1st 2012 by Bethany House Publishers

ISBN 0764207091 (ISBN13: 9780764207099)

url http://www.bethanyhouse.com/Book.asp?isbn=978-0-7642-0709-9



Win a Kindle Fire and RSVP for FB party 3/15!
Enter Today and Save the Date-3/15!

About the contest:

Don't miss the perfect blend of Regency-era romance and mystery in The Maid of Fairbourne Hall! Grab a copy and then be sure to enter Julie's Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVP for her Author Chat party on Facebook! Swoon.

One fortunate winner will receive:

A brand new Kindle Fire

A Julie Klassen Library (The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/14. Winner will be announced at Julie's "Fairbourne Hall" Facebook Party on 3/15 . Julie will be hosting an evening of chat, trivia and a sneak peek at her next book - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Downton Abbey Prize Pack!

So grab your copy of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and join Julie and friends on the evening of March 15th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 15th!

Blog Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13456522/julieklassen


My Thoughts:
Let's start with a little information about the characters...

• Margaret Elinor Macy - hieress to a fortune and main character in this book
• Sterling Benton - Margaret's step father and vilian/manipulator after her fortune
• Marcus Benton - Sterling's puppet of a nephew out to marry Margaret and her fortune
• Lewis Upchurch - aka Don Juan had courted Margaret at one time. He is all play no work
• Nathaniel Upchurch - younger brother of Lewis.  He is all work no play. Also courted and proposed to Margaret, she turned him down leaving him bitter.
• The Poet Pirate - anonymous
• Helen Upchurch - sister of Lewis and Nathaniel.  She has become a spinster due to lost love. 
• Joan - Margaret's maid whom helped her to escape the villianous stepfather and nephew.
• Nora Garret - Margarets new name while in disguise.
• Fairbourne Hall - resident of the Upchurch family and Margaret's new place of employment as servant
• Mr. Hudson - house steward at Fairbourne Hall. Hired Margaret as servant at Fairbourne Hall

These are just the main characters there are many more that make up this story.

Margaret Elinor Macy was determined to come up with a plan to flee her step father's iron rule.  Sterling Benton not only taken over the financial responsibilties of his new family he also chose to lock away all the families jewels.  He also has plans to marry off Margaret to his puppet of a nephew, Marcus Benton, in order go get control of a very large fortune Margaret is soon to inherit.  She overheard Sterling and Marcus scheming to go as far as comprimising her virtue forcing her to marry Marcus.  This she would not allow to happen she had to find a way to escape.  She seeked out an old friend Lewis Upchurch to help her hide away from Sterling but to no avail.  When she was home alone she took money from her step father's room which resulted in her maid, Joan, being accused of the theft and was fired.  Margaret convinced the maid to help her escape and give her safe haven.  She decides to disguise herself by wearing a wig and coloring her eyebrows darker along with wearing a pair of her father's old glasses.  Margaret no longer goes by her real name she is now to be known as Nora Garret and plans to hire out as a servant to support herself until she comes into her inheritance.  She had no clue as how to be a servant.  But she had no other recourse.

Nora is hired as a house maid by Mr. Hudson, a house steward.  When she nears her new place of employment she is shocked to see it is none other that Fairbourne Hall home of the man she spurned, Nathaniel Upchurch and his brother Lewis. Along with their sister, Helen, mistress of the Fairbourne Hall.
She fears she will be recognized and sent back to face whatever her step father has in store for her.  But to her amazement she is able to keep secret from everyone.  Are does she?

It was really diffucult for me to know just how much of the story I should share in this review.  There is so much secrecy among all of the characters, along with manipulation and intrigue.  Of course there is a chance for some romance in the story also.  It is said that the author's writing is comparable to that of Jane Austen's and I whole heartily agree. 

There are many interesting quotes in the book.  This is one of many...

Housemaids were meant to be invisible, and all cleaning had to be performed either before the family to up or while they were absent.  As one housemaid later wrote. "It was assumed, I suppose, that the fairies had been at the rooms."  Trevor May, The Victorian Domestic Servant


I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:
I was given a free copy of this book for review by Bethany House Publisher/Litfuse.  I was in no way compensated for this review, it is my own opinion.


If you liked this review please vote here

Litfuse Tour: Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

About the book:

Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.

McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit.

After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.

Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?

About Kim:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren.

She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.


Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/9uLOD



Win a Nook Tablet from Kim Vogel Sawyer and RSVP for her "Song of My Heart" Facebook Party {3/29}!

Celebrate with Kim by entering to win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on 3/29!



One "songbird" winner will receive:

• A Nook Tablet
• Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Party on 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of Song of My Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

Blog Tour Schedule here           

My Thoughts


Sadie Wagner has taken a job away from her hometown and family in order to provide for her parents and siblings.  Her stepfather was badly injured and is unable to work.  An long time family friend recommends Sadie for a job as store clerk in Goldtree, Kansas.  She not only has a job to be a store clerk but also the chance to sing in the town's Opera House. God had given Sadie an amazing talent for singing.


Thad McKane is also a new resident in town. But he does not plan on staying in town very long. He has been hired to be the Sheriff of Goldtree only long enough to flush out a bootlegging operation.  His future plan is to solve this case earning enough money to pay for training  to become a minister.  It did not take long for Thad to notice Sadie.  He is very attracted to her but is afraid she might be involved in the boot legging operation.   


Sadie fears her new boss at the opera house because some of the things her boss has asked her to do could compromise her reputation .  She just can not agree with her boss as to what her role at the opera house was about become.  


I am sure Sadie moving away from home for the first time in her life and feeling betrayed by someone your family and everyone else had thought to be trust worthy must have been traumatic.  When God gives us gifts, like all things in our lives they are to be used to glorify God.  Only by the grace of God can we do this.


Another reviewer made a comment in one of her reviews that she wanted to scream at the characters in the book telling them what they should do.  Well this is how I felt in this book I wanted to scream at Sadie wanting to protect her from making the wrong choices she was faced with so far from home. 


I highly recommend this book.


I rate this book a 5 out of 5


Disclosure
I was given a free copy of this book for review by Bethany House.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.