Rival Hearts, Quilts of Love #19 by Tara Randel

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About Book

Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver have been rival magazine writers for the same publishing group for years. When both come up for the same promotion, they find themselves in an unexpected competition to win the spot. Molly, editor of Quilter’s Heart, and Ben, editor of Outdoor Adventures, must switch roles, each working for the other for one month, then submit an article at the end of their quests.

Can girly-girl Molly survive the outdoor adventures that Ben has planned? Can Ben navigate the perils of the social dynamics of quilting events without destroying a valuable quilt in one short month? More importantly, in this he-said, she-said situation, will Molly and Ben give in to their attraction and fall in love, no matter who wins?

Available now at:

Amazon

Barnes & Nobel

Abingdon Press

About Author

Tara Randel is the author of heartwarming romance, including Magnolia Bride, Rival Hearts, Orange Blossom Brides, Lasting Love, Melody of Love and This Time Love. Tara is also the lead author of the Annie’s Mysteries series with The Lady in the Attic (see AnniesMysteries.com). 

Website: http://www.tararandel.com/

My Thoughts

Molly is editor for a quilting magazine and Ben is editor of an outdoor adventure magazine.  They both are competing for a new position within the pubishing company.  Their boss wants them to switch roles and magazines to see which person is the most suited for the new position. Of course they both are confident they are the best person for the job and are ready for any challenge put before them. Also, they have the attitude that surely no one can do their job better than themselves.

Since they did not know one another other than in passing they did not seem worried about stepping on each others toes.  I enjoyed the slow but sure attraction the two had for each other even though they would dared not admit it.  They both had personal issues that kept them from moving on their feelings. But God is the mover and shaker with this couple and he has plans of his own.

So many of us tend to let our past get in the way of enjoying our future. The author gives us a perfect example in this couple.

I like this verse...
"Many are the plans in a human heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
                                                                            ~ Proverbs 19:21~

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I recieved a free copy of this book from Litfuse/Abingdon Press/Netgalley for an honest review.

Seagrass Pier, Hope Beach #3 by Colleen Coble ~ Litfuse Publicity Group

About Book

In a secluded corner of Hope Beach, one woman must decipher a stranger's memories . . . before they cost her everything.

Elin Summerall was one of the lucky ones. Not only did she get a heart transplant, but the donor was a perfect fit. A miraculously perfect fit.

But when Elin begins having violent flashbacks---and vivid dreams of being strangled---she realizes that she has been the recipient of more than just a new heart . . . Elin is remembering her donor's murder.

Her strange affliction has attracted some unwanted attention: from the press, from the authorities . . . and from the killer himself. Now, living alone with her young daughter and aging mother, Elin is being stalked---by a man she's only met in her nightmares.

The police are dubious of her story, but one off-duty FBI agent is eager to help her: Agent Marc Everton, the father of Elin's daughter.

Of course, he doesn't know about that. Yet.

Now, in a remote cottage on Hope Island, Elin and Marc must probe the secrets buried in her borrowed heart. And there's no time to waste. One man is desperate to silence her---before she remembers too much.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/xAP8O

About Author

Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide.  Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new high point for emotion and complexity in Coble's addictive brand of romantic suspense.

Colleen can be found at: website, Twitter, Facebook

My Thoughts

Elin was on her way to a life of healing not only emotionally but physically since her heart transplant. That is until she started having flashbacks of her donor's murder.  This disrupted her life more than she could bare. She feared the murderer was now after her very own life.  

FBI agent, Marc Everton was the only official willing to investigate the case.  He did this due to the fact that he had a connection with Elin in that he was the biological father of Elin's daughter.

WOW! Talk about eerie, this story was riveting, spine tingling and really made me think hard about the implications made by the recipient of the heart.  Still there is romance, mystery, intrigue and much more in this story.  I suggest you keep your lights on, your doors and windows locked while reading this book. You will not want to trust anyone.  Sorry this is coming from my own fear and insecurities. Hee! Hee!

I highly recommend/dare you to read 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.

Out of the Ruins | The Golden Gate Chronicles, Book 1, by Karen Barnett

About Book

Abby's shattered faith in both God and man is challenged when the terrible earthquake hits 1906 San Francisco.

While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn't expect, however, is for God's answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.

As they work together toward a cure, Abby's feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/xlcaD 

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/kbarnett

About Author 

Karen Barnett is the author of Mistaken and several articles that have been published by Guideposts and other national magazines. She lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband, two children, and three cats. 

Karen can be found at: website, Twitter,Facebook, Pinterest

Don’t miss the debut book, Out of the Ruins, in Karen Barnett‘s new series, The Golden Gate Chronicles. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century San Francisco, Out of the Ruins will remind readers that no matter who we are or what we’ve done, God is still as close to us as our next breath.

Karen is celebrating with a fun giveaway and Facebook author chat party.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 19th. Winner will be announced at the Out of the Ruins Facebook author chat party on June 19th. Connect with Karen for an evening of fun book chat, games, and prizes. Karen will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in The Golden Gate Chronicles series!

So grab your copy of Out of the Ruins and join Karen on the evening of June 19th 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 19TH!

My Thoughts

Abby has lost faith in God since a disease quickly consumes her sister. Her dying sister begs Abby to pray for a miracle.  To Abby's amazement it appears God is going to answer her prayer.  There is new research in the field of this disease being assigned to a handsome doctor, Dr. Robert King.  The problem is that her sister may not fit the requirements for this experimental program and moving her to San Francisco could be make things even worse.  

When her sister is approve for the treatment program she is moved to San Francisco. Things become even more complicated when a devastating earthquake hits San Francisco shutting the city  down and throwing everyone into turmoil.

I noticed how Abby was so overwhelmed when she heard about a possible cure for her sister and was determined to charge full steam ahead not listening or considering the downside of the the treatment and the move.  Love sometimes blinds and causes people to make rash decisions.  This  story was fast read for me since I did not want to put the book down.  I very much liked the historical side of the medical research and then the historical facts of the earthquake.  

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicty Group/ Abingdon Press for an honest review.

FOREVER AMISH from Kate Lloyd! Enter to win a Kindle and an Amish-made prize pack!

About Book

The latest book in the Legacy of Lancaster trilogy, Forever Amish introduces us to a young woman about to uncover a shocking secret and find an invitation to a new way of living. This is a story of forgiveness, legacies, and the ties that bind through generations.

It’s the Last Thing She Expects to Find

Sally Bingham needs some time away to sort through the changes in her life and to rethink her upcoming marriage. Despite her ailing father’s hesitations, she takes off for a bed and breakfast in Lancaster County for a weekend away. But her best-laid plans leave her in a near collision with a bishop’s buggy and in the home of a mysterious Amish woman named Lizzie. Lizzie introduces her to a different perspective on life, a charming farmhand named Armin— and opens a Pandora’s box that will forever change Sally’s life.

Purchase a copy and learn more at Kate’s website.

ABOUT KATE LLOYD

Author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her novels. She is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. Kate and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest. Kate studied painting and sculpture in college. She’s worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur.

Find out more about Kate at http://katelloyd.com.

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/klloyd

The latest book in Kate Lloyd's Legacy of Lancaster trilogy, Forever Amish, introduces us to a young woman about to uncover a shocking secret and find an invitation to a new way of living. This is a story of forgiveness, legacies, and the ties that bind through generations.

Kate is celebrating by giving away an Amish-made prize pack!

  One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• A Qillow (A pillow with a lovely surprise inside! It opens to a 40” X 60” quilt ideal for traveling, sports events, and home.)
•  A Center Diamond wall hanging (Hand-stitched by Old Order Amish quilter Emma Stoltzfus of E.S. Quilts in Lancaster, PA. It measures 42” x 42” and is a traditional Old Order Amish design.)
• Darling Amish-made faceless dolls (Hand-crafted in Lancaster County, PA. Each measures 12 inches and is individually named. Meet Martha and Henry!)
• Forever Amish and the rest of the Legacy of Lancaster trilogy by Kate Lloyd

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 29th. Winner will be announced at Kate's blog on July 1st.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning and be sure to stop by Kate's blog on July 1st to see if you won!

My Thoughts

Sally Bingham has always been interested in the Amish and has recently been corresponding online with an Amish girl, Lilly Zook. So without informing her father or fiance Sally decided to to visit Lilly's Amish community and stay at the local Bed and Breakfast.  When she arrives she is unable to stay at the Bed & Breakfast and is invited to stay with a local Amish family.  This leads to a chain of events Sally had not expected.  For some reason she feels right at home with the Zook family and their community.  She even helps out or shall we say is working  at a local business. 

An Amish man, Armin works for the Zook family and lives on their property.  He has family he could live with but is more comfortable working and staying on the Zook.s property.  He finds himself attracted to the new boarder and decides to ask her on a date of sorts.

I founds myself drawn into the mystery and romance of this story.  I have enjoyed reading this series and this new addition did not disappoint me.  Their is so much I would like to tell you about the book but then the element of surprise would be lost.  I felt the desperate need of Sally to not only find her roll in life but to also grow in her relationship with God.  Then there is Armin trying to find his place within his own family and community.  

The author gives God the biggest roll in this book as he leads the characters on the path he has planned for each and every one of them.  

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/David C. Cook/Netgalley for an  honest review.

The Hatmaker's Heart by Carla Stewart ~ Blog Tour

About the book: 

For Nell Marchwold, bliss is seeing the transformation when someone gets a glimpse in the mirror while wearing one of her creations and feels beautiful. Nell has always strived to create hats that bring out a woman's best qualities. She knows she's fortunate to have landed a job as an apprentice designer at the prominent Oscar Fields Millinery in New York City. Yet when Nell's fresh designs begin to catch on, her boss holds her back from the limelight, claiming the stammer she's had since childhood reflects poorly on her and his salon.

But it seems Nell's gift won't be hidden by Oscar's efforts. Soon an up-and-coming fashion designer is seeking her out as a partner of his 1922 collection. The publicity leads to an opportunity for Nell to make hats in London for a royal wedding. There, she sees her childhood friend, Quentin, and an unexpected spark kindles between them. But thanks to her success, Oscar is determined to keep her. As her heart tugs in two directions, Nell must decide what she is willing to sacrifice for her dream, and what her dream truly is.

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/cstewart

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/xlicl

About the author: 

Carla Stewart is the award-winning author of four novels. With a passion for times gone by, it is her desire to take readers back to that warm, familiar place in their hearts called "home." She and her husband live in Tulsa and have four adult sons and six grandchildren (with one on the way!). 

Carla can be found at: website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest,Goodreads

Jazzy Hatmaker’s Heart Giveaway!

The contest runs until June 14,  2014

Go Here to Author's Website to Enter!

My Thoughts

Nell Marchwold was interested to learn the art of hatmaking.  She watched and learned as one of her grandmother's employees created hats for friends and family.  

When Nell's father unexpectedly passed away she watched her mother struggle to make a living to support their family.  Nell decided she was going to become a famous hatmaker.  She was very talented and many overlooked her stuttering speech and took notice of her talent, especially Oscar Fields, of Oscar Fields Millinery in New York City.   He offered her an apprenticeship in his prominent place of business where the wealthy frequented for quality handmade hats for men and women.  

She has big dreams of becoming a famous designer with her own label.  But her boss is a little old fashion and was slow to approve her new designs.  He feared customers would be offended by her speech impediment. The changing times of the roaring twenties had changed his mind as customers became intrigued by Nell's modern designs.

When Nell takes a trip for her job close to her hometown it gave her opportunities she never dreamed possible.  She started to question herself and her love for the young man she has loved since childhood. This reunion left her contemplating whether she should seek love and family life or rather stick with her dream to become a famous hat designer?

I found this to be a most intriguing story.  The author reveals the struggle of one woman looking for women's rights not only in the workplace but to vote and having a say in future. No matter if a woman is married raising a family and/or seeking a career this era was a time for many changes.   Women no longer wanted to sit quietly in the background.  

I read this book in one night.  It was a real page turner.  It made me think of stories my grandmother shared with me.  My grandmother was also a widow with a small daughter and had no one to help like in this book.   She moved to Houston and made a good life for her and my mother. The life she had before she was a widow was not a good life as women did not have many rights.   We must remember the sacrifices and movements women made to give us the life and rights we now take for granted.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

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

Quilts of Love | A STITCH AND A PRAYER – Kindle HDX Giveaway & “Quilting Bee” Facebook Party!

About the book: 

A quilt becomes a labor of love for a lonely wife mysteriously separated from her young husband.

After her fiancé returns from the Klondike gold rush in 1897, Florence Harms sets about building a new life in her new marriage---even though the lingering effects of illness have left her weak and vulnerable. She and her young husband, Will, work tirelessly to clear the land around their Northwest cabin, content with their modest life.

But then a stranger comes knocking and Florence suddenly senses a restlessness in Will's spirit that she had never seen before. When he leaves her with only a note that tells her he will return before their baby's birth, she is devastated, and the illness that stiffened her joints returns. Counting the days until Will walks back through her door, Florence busies herself with a Tree of Life quilt displaying a map of the farm they call home. Doubts claw at her heart as Florence struggles to believe Will's promise to return to her. Will her labor of love-and faith in God---sustain her as she waits to see her beloved once again?

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/egibson

About the Author: 

Eva Gibson is the author of twenty books, including The Gift of Forgiveness and The Three Marys. She currently teaches "writing your life story" classes for Portland Community College and is an active member of Oregon Christian Writers. She has lived most of her life on the family farm in Wilsonville, Oregon, which is the setting for A Stitch and a Prayer.

Don’t miss this month’s Quilts of Love book, A Stitch and a Prayer, by Eva Gibson. A quilt becomes a labor of love for a lonely wife mysteriously separated from her young husband.

Celebrate May's release by entering to win a Kindle HDX and RSVP for the Quilts of Love "Quilting Bee" Facebook party with the Quilts of Love authors.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga
• A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva Gibson
• Rival Hearts by Tara Randel

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 17th. Winner will be announced at the "Quilting Bee" Facebook party with Emily Wierenga, Loree Lough, and Tara Randel. RSVP for an evening of book chat, quilting tips and tricks, prizes, and more!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

My Thoughts

Florence Harms eagerly awaits the return of her fiance.  Her health is unbearable at times but she wanted so to be well enough to marry Will when he returned to her from the Klondike.  Will had hoped to surprise her with a cabin as her wedding gift.  They loved each other dearly and looked forward to a long life together.

Just as she seems to be healing a stranger enters their life causing Will to leave her yet once again.  She thought she was over her illness when she has a relapse.  Family and friends feared for her life.  Will must return so her broken heart heals which will no doubt give her more strength to get well.  With so many praying for her and she praying for Will's return she puts her faith in God to bring Will home.

At first I found the story hard to follow. It had the feel that there was a book prior to this one. If there had been another book I would have liked read it first. Other than that I enjoyed the story.  

Life was really tough back then for a healthy person let alone someone with an illness that keeps recurring. Her Aunt in this story took on a heavy burden in caring for her niece.  Her Aunt did this without complaint and with loving care.  I found it difficult to like her fiance and his pattern for disappearing.  

I recommend this book.

I rated this book a 4 out of 5.

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

THANKFUL BY SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY | BOOK GIVEAWAY AND BLOG TOUR

About Book: 

Thankful, Book Two in the Return to Sugarcreek series

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray captures the beauty, devotion, and warmth of Amish life in this engaging tale of family, commitment, trust, and love set in the beloved community of Sugarcreek.

Christina Kempf has always known that God chose Aden Reese to be her husband. As children, he was there to save her when she fell through the ice, and he's been by her side ever since. After his parents died in a car accident ten years ago, the Kempfs raised Aden as one of their own, and everyone sees Aden and Christina as brother and sister. But Christina has never given up hope that Aden will one day ask her to be his wife.

Aden always planned to court Christina. But losing his mother and father changed everything---except his love for her. Her parents generously welcomed him into their home and treated him like a son. He can't betray their kindness by admitting his feelings for the girl who is like a sister . . . yet so much more.

Pressured by her parents to court, Christina begins to accept the attentions of Sugarcreek's young men, and now, Aden must make a choice. Will he stand by and watch the love of his life slip away? Or will he risk losing the love and trust of the family he holds dear to tell Christina how he truly feels?

Thankful includes a P.S. section with additional insights from the author, background material, suggestions for further reading, and more.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/wAcFF 

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray

About Author: 

About the author: Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

 More about author: website, Facebook

Enter to win the first two books in Shelley's Return to Sugarcreek series, Hopeful & Thankful. a Rafflecopter giveaway
My Thoughts:

Christina Kempf surrendered her heart to Aiden Reese when they were young children.  He was her hero, best friend and protector.  He was taken in by her family after the tragic death of his parents.  They have not revealed the depth of their love for for each other fear the other only carries the love of a sibling. 

Christina makes the move to court other young Amish men at the persistence of her parents.  This rips a hole in Aiden's heart. He is afraid of loosing her but also fears loosing the respect of Christina's parents if he were to reveal his true feelings for their daughter.  

This story touched my heart to the point I had to keep a box of tissues in my lap while reading the book.  In fact it did not take me long to read the book because I refused to put the book down until the very end.  

The story had so much to offer me as a reader. It was tragic, romantic and it had dedication to family and community.  Lessons were learned in trusting God without fear and to pray He for Him to lead us to the life He has planned for us.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5  out of 5.

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