Saving London by Taylor Dawn

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Imagine going to your doctor and hearing them say to you, “You have terminal cancer.”  For me it would be devastating.  For someone half my age I can’t imagine what would go through their mind.  London Patterson is the 23 year old protagonist of this story.  Instead of wallowing in her sorrow she creates a bucket list of things she wants to accomplish in the year she has left.  One thing that will help her along the way is her sarcasm and her attitude, and Adam.  Adam is a man she has recently met.  He is willing to help her complete her bucket list if she agrees to complete each item.  She feels so much better when she is around him.  She is also beginning to wonder about him as she is finding feathers and he is always talking about angels.  Could he be one?  If so then who is Caine?  He seems to be the total opposite of Adam.

I can guarantee you that this isn’t a tear jerker like “The Fault in Our Stars”. It is one that will teach you to live each moment to the fullest.  There are a few twists and turns in it that will keep you reading away. This was definitely different than what I expected and I really enjoyed it. You have to ask yourself, if you had only a year to live how would you deal with the news and what would be on your bucket list.  Definitely one I would recommend.

About the Author

Taylor Dawn began writing as an item to check off her bucket list. After putting words on paper, she decided that being an author was where she needed to be. She resides on a farm in southern Illinois with her husband, son and a plethora of animals. Taylor is a huge kid at heart. She loves playing practical jokes, challenging her son to a game of Super Mario and rarely rolls out of bed before noon. She enjoys dancing, is perpetually clumsy and has a horrible green thumb. Taylor believes that if you work hard, you must play even harder.  To learn more, visit her at:

Her Blog

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Amazon AuthorPage

You can find the book here:

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Release Day Blitz - Stolen Art by Ruth Silver

 

Title: Stolen Art

Author: Ruth Silver

Publisher: Lazy Day Publishing

Release Date: April 28, 2015

Genre: Young Adult, Sci-Fi Romance

  Sixteen-year-old Madeline has been living on the streets, biding her time until she's eighteen. With little to no money, she takes on a heist in hopes of making ends meet. What could possibly go wrong? Everything. Getting caught is just the beginning of Madeline's adventure as she meets Weston and discovers the secret of where she came from.   Fans of Orphan Black, The X-Files, and Fringe will fall head over heels for STOLEN ART. Recommended: 15+

Add to Goodreads

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Excerpt

I rush back up the dark stairwell, shoving the key into the doorknob. It takes a minute for the lock to click and I push myself inside the apartment, securing every lock and deadbolt. I can’t stay here in Hutchinson, Kansas any longer. Pulling my phone from my purse, I text Weston. Tatiana is here. It’s not safe for me. I grab the few belongings that have any value to me, sentimental or otherwise, and shove it into my shoulder bag, including the stolen silver necklace. It has value and if I’m forced on the run, I’ll need money to survive. I know. What did Weston mean he knew Tatiana is at the bar? Had he seen her? Is he there? What do you mean, you know? I type into the phone. If he saw her, why didn’t he warn me? I can’t go down out the front door and it’s only a matter of time until she finds me just a few feet away. I grow restless waiting for an answer. The phone buzzes and displays an incoming call from Weston. "Wes, tell me you’re here." The only thing to do is hop in his car and drive into the night, far from Kansas. A female’s voice bubbles with laughter. "Oh he’s coming darling, but you should know he won’t get here in time. Amazing how easy it is to clone a phone number and steal his service. The advancements Stem Tech has made is encouraging."    

About the Author

Ruth Silver is the best-selling author of the Aberrant trilogy. With a passion for writing and a love of story-telling, Ruth is actively writing multiple series under her name as well as the pen name Ravyn Rayne. Her interests include traveling, reading, and photography. Her favorite vacation destination is Australia. Ruth currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois. Follow Ruth here Blog- http://writeawaybliss.com Facebook- http://facebook.com/writeawaybliss Twitter- http://twitter.com/writeawaybliss Looking for a steamier read? Check her out here Blog- http://ravynrayne.com Facebook- http://facebook.com/ravynraynereads Twitter- http://twitter.com/blushingravyn  

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Review of Granted Wishes by Tanya Vought

Genre: Adult, Romance

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I am not a big romance reader.  Every now and then a book comes along that catches me and carries me along for the ride.  This is one of those books.  The romance was not rushed which is what I hate about most romance books. Three years after the main character Gracelynn lost her husband, her friends decide she must get back into the game of life. The only way to do that is to force her to take a vacation, a four week vacation.  Gracelynn's life changes when she meets Giovanni. He literally runs into her. They each recognize that they are beginning to have feelings for each other.  Both of them have baggage from losing their spouses. This is where the healing begins as well as the romance.  I think if this had been one of those boy meets girl. Boy and girl fall head over heels in love or lust. I probably would have put the book down.  It wasn't.  I found it quite ironic that the name of the town is New Hope.  It is like an underlying message of their life. They have new hope for their life and relationships.  I would definitely recommend this to those who love romance novels, and especially those who are not real sure they enjoy romance novels.  This is one they will love.

Granted Wishes Release Day Blitz

Granted Wishes

By Tanya Vought

Publisher: Booktrope

Published: February 23, 2015

Genre: Romance

A decision that will change her life forever.

After the loss of her husband, Gracelynn Calhoun has struggled with her life and career. Forced to take a four week vacation or be fired from her job, she surprises everyone including herself and agrees to the vacation.

The owner of Antonetti Suites, Giovanni works hard and doesn’t have time for relationships or love. That is until he literally crashes into Gracelynn. She brings back all the feelings he thought he would never feel again.

With the odds stacked against them in every way possible, will they forge ahead together or will this be the end of the road for their newfound love? Will the whispers from above bring them together or will misunderstandings ruin what could be an amazing second chance at love?

Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (PB) | B&N

Goodreads

 

Author Bio

Tanya Vought is a hopeless romantic. She loves reading, writing, singing and doing crafts with her children. What started as a lifelong dream became reality. She’s overjoyed that readers will get to read her debut, Granted Wishes. She loves her characters sexy and sassy. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two amazing and imaginative children.

Book Excerpt

“Wow. You’re a vision, you know that?” He practically drools all over. She wears a pair of blue jeans and a low cut green sweater with a white scarf wrapped around her neck. Her hair is up, and she wears light make up.

She chuckles. “Like what you see?” She smirks at him, daunting him. The little vixen can come out and play when she wants and he is enjoying this side of the sexy Gracelynn.

He decides to play dirty himself. “Want to see how happy I am to see you?” He smirks back at her. “Let’s make a wager, shall we?” he asks competitively.

She grins at him. She intently twirls a strand of her hair that she left down by her face between her fingers, licks her lips and stares at him. She looks him up and down, making him even more drawn to her.

He gulps. The damn vixen knows how to play dirty.

“Well, what is the wager? Because if it is staring at each other all night, I could do that and then some.”

Tatiana by Madeline Brock

Genre: Young Adult, Adult Romance
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

As a debut novel for this author I have to say I will be reading more of her work.  I love the time period when people didn’t take so much for granted.  Tatiana Bergman is the youngest in her family.  She has two other sisters, Gretchen and Rose.  They live with their father and their mother is deceased.  As the oldest Gretchen must try to raise her sisters the way her mother would have wanted.  This is a difficult task with a ten year old sister like Tatiana.  She is not ready to be a refined, young lady.  She wants to have fun.  One Sunday morning she sees a family enter the church with a young man whom she believes to be an Indian.  She wastes no time in trying to find out.  Jonny Creek is a half-breed. He and Tatiana become the best of friends. When everyone else is quick to criticize either of them they are there for each other.  This story takes us through several years of their lives.  We see young Tatiana give her life to God and strive to really change, to make a difference.  But what happens when she catches the eye of not just Jonny, but the preacher’s son?  Will she grow impatient as she is so apt to do or will she wait for God’s choice to be made clear to her?

I have to say from the minute I began to read this book until I finished it I loved Tatiana.  She really wanted to be good.  It didn’t come easy for her.  She worked hard to be good. Jonny actually brought out the good in her. Her friendship with him was genuine and strong.  Her relationship with Robert came out of her deciding to go fishing with him one day when Jonny was unable to meet up with her.  He was polite and let her tag along. She wasn’t invited.  However, this gave him the opportunity to see her true loving side.  I could see myself in her so much. As a child I was more like Gretchen.  I almost always did what was right.  However, whenever I got that stubborn streak then I was more like Tatiana.  It is funny because I grew up on a farm and our punishment was to be locked in the pantry under the stairs until we were ready to admit we were wrong and decide to change our ways. 

I would definitely recommend this book to my friends.  It is a light romance, yet you can feel so much family love throughout the entire story.  I definitely enjoyed this book and am so happy that I was asked to review this book.

Love Gently Falling by Melody Carlson

Genre: Adult, Romance
Source: I received a book to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Rita's love of hairstyling started in her mom's salon.  Her mom paid her way through one of the best beauty schools in California.  Now Rita has a job she loves with some high-end clientele.  When she receives a call from her father telling her that her mother has suffered a stroke she immediately flys home.  She is surprised to find an old classmate there to pick her up.  Johnny knows her family as Rita's mom is one of his clients.  He fills her in on the happenings since she's been gone.  Rita learns that her mom's former receptionist now has a salon in the same mall her mother's salon is in.  Not only that, but Zinnia is best friends with Rita's former best friend Marley.  They haven't spoken for quite some time.  Rita decides the best way to help her mother is to help her salon get back on its feet.  Can she bring not only the shop back to life, but mend the fences between her and her friends?  Will she discover love in the form of her former classmate Johnny?

I would encourage you to read the book to find out. This is a light-hearted book.  Fun and full of love.  This is perfect for that quiet evening when you have nothing else to do.  Melody Carlson has a way of making you feel like you are a part of the family when you read her books.  Check this book out to find out the Valentine's surprise the author has left us with.

Keys of Heaven by Adina Senft

Genre: Adult, Amish Romance
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Although this is the second book in this series, it reads like a stand-alone.  I had not read the first book, Herb of Grace, before I read this one.  I will definitely go back and read it.  In this book Sarah Yoder, a widow and mother of two boys is making her way in the world by treating other people with herbs.  She is friends and has a fond heart for Henry Byler, with whom she share a fence.  Raised Amish, Henry Byler never joined the church and considers himself an Englisher.  He is a potter by trade. No matter how Sarah feels about Henry, she keeps her distance.

Sarah doesn't just help heal people. She offers advice in the hope of healing their heart and life.  The problem is that sometimes it becomes pure meddling and is offensive to many of her friends.  Sarah makes some comments that offends those that are closest to her and finds she must apologize to them.

The author did an excellent job of creating characters that have flaws we can all relate to.  We can see the dilemma Sarah gets herself into and may even be able to relate to some of the things she does.  I loved  when she talked about the plant from which the books title comes.  It is a hardy plant that grows in some of the harshest places.  It brightens up the spot where it grows.  It is a lesson for us that wherever God plants us we need to bloom and grow. Sometimes those tough spots we find ourself in is the exact place God needs us to help us grow to our full potential.

I've read some of this author's other books and have really enjoyed them.  I am sure you will enjoy this one as much as I have.  This book is one of two that will be given away to a lucky winner, along with an artisan bar of chocolate from Oliver and Sinclair. If you would like an opportunity to win these two books and the chocolate bar then please go here to read my post and leave a comment along with your email address.  That is all it takes to be entered to win the two books and chocolate.  I will choose a winner at 10 AM EST on Valentine's day.  Please visit that post and leave a message.

Give Books, Not Roses Giveaway

Dear  Reader,

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! The crisp, cool air feels a little sweeter and stores are filling their shelves with greeting cards and candies. But instead of sharing the usual gifts, the way to someone’s heart can be through a story (and maybe a little bit of chocolate). Hachette Book Group is offering a “Give Books, Not Roses” Valentine’s Day giveaway for those of you who want to express your admiration for friends, family, and loved ones.

Love Gently Falling written by Melody Carlson is a romantic novella about the power of Valentine’s Day and how one woman discovers love while at the same time saving her family’s business. Successful hairstylist to the stars Rita Jensen returns to her hometown in Chicago after receiving news that her mother has suffered a stroke. Though Rita must come up with a plan to save her mother’s salon, the oncoming holiday and her undeniable feelings for an old classmate become quite a distraction.

Keys of Heaven is the second book in Adina Senft’s Healing Grace trilogy. Amish widow Sarah Yoder helps her community by creating teas and tinctures from the herbs she grows. She struggles to find love with an Amish man, and she doesn’t know what to do about her attraction to her friend Henry Byler, who has turned away from her beliefs. Sarah’s story will show anyone that romantic love is not the only love that matters.

Valentine’s Day is an internationally celebrated day of romance, dating back to the 5^th Century. But today, love touches our lives in so many different ways. Whether you are dedicating the day to your good friends or your life partner, treat them to these wonderful stories of courage, kindness, and love.

Sincerely,

Christina Boys

Editor of LOVE GENTLY FALLING and KEYS OF HEAVEN

LOVE GENTLY FALLING

Books-A-Million:  http://bit.ly/1xu5YKK

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1xX5cWD

ChristianBook.com: http://bit.ly/1yuAhiW

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1F7LXvY

KEYS OF HEAVEN

Barnes & Noble:http://bit.ly/13yw0BI

Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/1uTtqMg

Amazon:http://amzn.to/1uGiYJ9

GIVEAWAY (open to US residents only)

One lucky winner will win a copy of each of the books: Love Gently Falling and Keys of Heaven, PLUS wonderful Artisan Chocolate Bar from Olive and Sinclair.  Please leave your name, email and a comment about why you think  we should give books not roses for Valentines.  A winner will be chosen on Valentine's Day.

Turn on the Light So I Can Hear by Teri Kanefield

Genre: Adult,  Romance

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is the third book I have reviewed for this author.  Each has been different. The main character in this book is Bretna.  She is an artist.  When her sculptures stop selling she looks for a job to pay the bills. She needs a job that will pay a certain amount and allow her to continue to work on her art.  The solution to her problem? Take a job paying $18 an hour as an interpretor for a deaf student. Bretna has one major problem.  She has taken the job by allowing them to believe she is qualified to work with this student, yet she has no sign language experience.  Her solution is to take a class and private lessons.  Thank goodness she is a quick learner.  I thought it funny that she realized  Alex’s signing ability was sloppier than hers.   Alex just wants to fit in like any other student. He reminded me of a seventh grader I had who insisted on doing everything her hearing classmates did.  She refused to allow her disability to define her.

Bretna shares a room with two other young ladies.  The newest roommate, Rosie adds lots of drama to the mix.  She just keeps going back to the same type of person. Curtis was her sign language instructor.  It was only a matter of time before a relationship was built.  Curtis didn’t necessarily agree with what Bretna’s plans were.  However, after seeing that she really cares for Alex’s education, things move forward.  She seems to be able to motivate both Curtis and Alex to take chances in their lives. I had an issue with her contact at the school.  She had a deaf son who was personal friend’s with Alex’s parents.  She didn’t agree with them allowing Alex to go to a regular high school.  She thought they should only let him attend schools that were for the deaf.  She believed in isolating them. I think she hindered Alex’s progress in many ways.  She almost seemed spiteful when it came to changing Alex’s classes.  That would be my take on it from an educator’s perspective.

It would be interesting to find out if the author has any background in art.  She speaks about different people in colors.  It is funny because I really understood that.  The art relationship was very intriguing.  Her writing is so descriptive that I could picture her sculptures and her drawings. Bretna’s issues with her family were heartbreaking.  The fact that she’d had a fairly severe hearing problem helped her understand Alex and Curtis’s world better.  When she talked about her surgery to restore part of her hearing I understood.  My son was not even a year old when he had to have tubes put in his ears.  I remember coming back from the hospital a semi drove by and my son put his hands over his ears.  As he began to talk we realized there were so many sounds he could not hear.  Soft Ps, Vs, Ts.

I was able to understand a lot of this from Bretna’s viewpoint.  I learned the sign language alphabet when I was very young.  My grandmother was deaf.  She had meniere’s disease.  She was an expert at reading lips.  I learned to talk slowly to those with hearing deficits as I had my grandmother.  This was an extremely enjoyable book.  It is one I will probably read again. 

Adelita’s Secret – Christopher Cloud

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

Lost in a superficial world of materialism and social status-and ashamed of her Latino heritage-seventeen-year-old Adelita Noe is loved by two men, two men separated by a hundred years and vastly different stations in life. One man owns little more than the shirt on his back. The other, a poet at heart, is heir to a vast fortune. Their love for Adelita serves as the backdrop for the Latino girl's quest to better understand herself and her Mexican roots.

My Thoughts:

As a teacher of teenagers the first thing I must say is how authentic the events and dialogue are. Another thing I must say is that overall I don’t care for romance stories. However, if you throw something else in, such as paranormal elements, then it becomes very enjoyable.  The message is very appropriate to teens today. They need to take pride in who they are and where they come from. Adelita has to learn this. I also enjoyed the history sprinkled in. All of the elements make it a book I would definitely recommend to teens and adults.

Destined for Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Source: I received a copy from the publisher to participate in the blog tour. The opinions expressed here are my own.

About Destined for Doon:

 In this sequel to the bestselling Doon, Mackenna realizes she made a horrible mistake–choosing to follow her dreams of Broadway instead of staying in the enchanted land of Doon. To make everything worse, she’s received her Calling–proof she and Duncan are each other’s one true love–and it’s pure torment, especially when visions of the very alluring Scottish prince appear right before she goes onstage. So when Duncan tells her an ancient curse threatens to overtake Doon and the new queen needs her help, Kenna doesn’t have to think twice. With darkness closing in on all sides, Kenna and Vee battle a world of nightmares in order to protect the kingdom. But it will take the ultimate test of courage for Kenna to salvage her happily ever after.

My Thoughts:

Somehow I managed to miss reading the first book in this series, Doon.  However it didn’t take me long to get into the book and realize what I had missed and must go back and read.  Since Brigadoon has always been a favorite musical of mine, and I’d read that this series was loosely based on it I knew I had to read it.  In this sequel we find Kenna back in her time living the life she wanted on the stage. However, her heart stayed in Doon along with Duncan, the man she lost her heart to, and whose heart she broke.  Imagine her surprise when she finds Duncan in her  dressing room one evening.  He has been sent by her friend, and now Queen of Doon, Vee. It is imperative he return to Doon with Kenna, as she is needed to help save the kingdom. As I read about the curse, I thought about one of my students a couple of years ago who wanted zombies added to everything.  I was thinking that even he would love this book  The setting is beautiful as are the characters.  I felt as if I was in a continuation of the musical, but many years later.  I loved how Kenna is still strong-headed and goes after what she wants.  Vee makes a wonderful and compassionate queen.  There was only one thing I didn’t like, the ending.. Although it was neatly tied up, it was left with a twist that will have me chomping at the bit as I wait for the next book.  This series is most definitely worth the wait.

About the Authors:

About Carey Corpe: Carey Corp lives in the metropolitan Midwest with her loveable yet out-of-control family. Carey wrote her first book at the age of seven, and currently begins each morning consuming copious amounts of coffee while weaving stories that capture her exhaustive imagination. She harbors a voracious passion (in no consistent order) for mohawks, Italy, musical theater, chocolate, and Jane Austen. Carey’s debut novel for teens, The Halo Chronicles: The Guardian, earned her national recognition as 2010 Golden Heart finalist for best young adult fiction and was featured at the 2012 RT Booklovers Convention in Chicago in YA Alley. Read more at www.careycorp.blogspot.com

About Lorie Langdon: Lorie Langdon has wanted to write her own novels since she was a wee girl reading every Judy Blume book she could get her hands on. So a few years ago, she left her thriving corporate career to satisfy the voices in her head. Now as a full-time author and stay-at-home mom, she spends her summers editing poolside while dodging automatic water-gun fire, and the rest of the year tucked into her cozy office, Havanese puppy by her side, working to translate her effusive imagination into the written word and continue to build the young-adult-focused blog, HonestlyYA. Read more at www.lorielangdon.com 

A BRIDGE UNBROKEN Book Tour & Launch Party

 

Welcome to the BlitzKat blog tour for Cathy Bryant’s A Bridge Unbroken. Another Miller’s Creek Novel set in the heart of Texas, A Bridge Unbroken brings two new characters to the forefront while still giving fans a glimpse of their favorite characters from the past, including the old geezers and Mama Beth.

 

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About the Book, A BRIDGE UNBROKEN

Letting go to build a bridge…

Dakota Kelly wants her painful past to disappear. A plan to start afresh is derailed when she co-inherits her late grandfather’s farm with the man responsible for the scars on her heart. But Chance Johnson isn’t the only ghost from the past. Someone else is out to get her and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Will Chance and Dakota lay aside their grudges to restore the old farmhouse and bridge, or will evil forces sabotage their attempt at forgiveness?

Click HERE to read a sample chapter of A Bridge Unbroken.

The Other Miller’s Creek Novels

| Texas Roads | A Path Less Traveled | The Way of Grace| Pilgrimage of Promise|

“Miller’s Creek, Texas…where folks are friendly, the iced tea is sweet, and Mama Beth’s front porch beckons…”

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My Thoughts

This is the fifth book in the Miller Creek Series.  I have enjoyed each one for several reasons.  Overall the message that she carries throughout reaches out and touches you where you are.  This book carries a theme of Forgiveness.  The romances her books have are not the mushy gushy type that I can’t stand. There is  always enough suspense to balance out the romance throughout the entire book.   The message of forgiveness is strong and reaches out to remind us that forgiveness is necessary, but not easy. You must forgive if you are to move forward in life.  We are told we must forgive others.  You can read in Matthew that if we don't forgive others our heavenly Father won't forgive us. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you forget, or you get over the pain the minute you forgive.  I have experience with this one first hand.  The pain can last for years.  But, once you forgive that person and you pray asking God to help you with the pain, it gets easier.  God has definitely given Cathy the ability to write books that reach out and touch your soul.  He has also given her some powerful themes for her books. Sometimes it is a book just like this that is what God uses to speak to, or create a healing in someone.  I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romances with suspense that speaks to you.  If you haven't read any of Cathy's books I would suggest you do so. You have several to choose from. 

 

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Author Interview

Tell us about yourself.
I’m a Christ-follower, wife, mom, Nana, daughter, musician, teacher, and writer. I enjoy just about anything outdoors, including hiking, canoeing, camping, and gardening. I also enjoy creative activities—home improvement projects, scrap-booking, painting, composing, and of course, writing. I love watching movies and reading books, though since becoming a writer, I can’t stop analyzing what I’m watching and reading. I’m a big reality TV fan, my favorites being Survivor and The Amazing Race–both great material for analyzing human behavior for my books!

Where do you write?
Our mountain cabin has an upstairs sleeping loft. It’s one large open room with the best view in the entire house. My writing desk is there, but I force myself to write in a corner facing a wall to keep myself from being distracted. (It works most of the time…)

What are you writing now?
I’m finishing up A Bridge Unbroken, the fifth book in the popular Miller’s Creek Novels. I had hoped  Future writing plans include a series of Bible studies and more Miller’s Creek Novels.

What inspired you to write A Bridge Unbroken? All of the Miller’s Creek Novels feature a spiritual theme that is relevant to me for different seasons in my life. In Texas Roads it was Christ being our home rather than placing our security in a place or building. A Path Less Traveled was about finding enough faith to follow God even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. (Boy, has He used that lesson in my life, and proven His faithfulness through it all!) The Way of Grace was my spiritual journey of learning how perfectionist tendencies can be a real hindrance to spiritual progress. The spiritual theme of Pilgrimage of Promise followed right along with my hubby and I stepping out in faith in a bad economy and high unemployment rates to do what we sensed God telling us to do, and the resulting joy and peace spurred on by the Lord’s faithfulness.

What do you want readers to take away from this book in particular? In my very humble opinion, forgiveness is one of the least understood tenets of our faith, yet central to the gospel we proclaim. I hope readers come away from the story with a fresh understanding of the gift of forgiveness, what it is and what it isn’t. (As an example: Forgiveness is unconditional. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing the offender’s behavior.)

Tell us how you come up with characters. The characters actually introduce themselves to me. (I know, I know, they’re not real. I promise I’m not certifiable…) After they make their appearance, I fill out extensive character charts, including taking online personality tests for them! (Hmm, maybe I am certifiable…) But no matter how much preparation I put into the characters in the pre-writing process, they always reveal another facet of their personality during the actual writing of the book.

Of all the characters you’ve created, which is your favorite and why?
Without a doubt the answer would have to be Mama Beth, the wise woman in all the Miller’s Creek novels and the main character in the fourth book of the series, Pilgrimage of Promise. She is everything I want to be when I grow up—wise, kind, and loving. Just so you know, I’m not alone in choosing her as the favorite character. When I asked this question to the Miller’s Creek Reader’s Group on Facebook, the majority’s answer was Mama Beth.

What do you hope to accomplish through your writing? I want my writing to honor and glorify God. If only one person is touched and moved closer to God as a result of my writing, then the hours of hard labor (and numb backside!) are worth it. One early reader of Texas Roads (the first book in the series) told me the story brought healing to her life. I can think of no higher compliment.

 

 

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About Cathy

A native daughter of the Lone Star State, Cathy loves spinning tales about life in small town Texas. When she’s not weaving stories about the fine folks in Miller’s Creek, you’ll find her rummaging through thrift stores, feeding her reality TV addiction, or up to her elbows in yet another home improvement project in the mountain cabin she shares with her minister husband of over thirty years. You can find out more about Cathy and her books at www.CatBryant.com.

Here are a few other places to meet up with Cathy in cyberspace:

|Facebook| Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads |  Amazon | YouTube | Google+|

Reader friends on Facebook may want to visit the following groups, the first for book bargains and the second to discuss all things Miller’s Creek.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChristianBooks.Giveaways/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MillersCreekReaders/

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About the Blog Tour and Launch Party

Cathy is celebrating the new addition to the Miller’s Creek family by having an  interactive Facebook Launch Party on May 22, 2014.  Come join A Bridge Unbroken Facebook launch party on May 22.

Don’t miss the fun! See you at the party!

Ebook Giveaway!!!
The author has graciously offered an ebook to one of my readers. 
 

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Fantasyland - D.J. Starling

Genre: Adult, Romance

Source: I received a copy for review in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

 This was a wonderful love story. From the minute Rick and Sandi meet the love story blossoms.  Not always the way you think it should or will.  Sandi first falls for Rick when she is eleven years old. Rick was the teen idol hanging on so many bedroom walls.  Remember those days? Sandi is so obsessed she dreams of going to college in California in hopes of one day meeting him. Her father raised her and her brother after her mom died. They always played a game using song lyrics.  This kind of made me think of the show my mom watches NCIS where one of the characters is always spouting movie lines from old movies.  Sandi’s father always encouraged her to follow her dreams.  After he passes away she does just that. She moves to California to go to college. Once there she meets a gorgeous guy named Paul and falls for him.  Imagine her surprise when she learns that he is actually her teen idol all grown up. Their relationship in the beginning is complicated yet moves along at a realistic pace. As we get further into the book we find there is also heartache.  This is not unrealistic, yet borders on it.  It is a great book for those of us who want to believe in our romantic dreams.

Life Lived Twice - Sherrie Wouters

Adult, Romance, Fantasy

I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review

From Goodreads:

Some promises are made to last forever...

What if you fell in love with a stranger...but that stranger had come from your past, a past you never knew existed until the moment your eyes met?

When Tess Winters locks eyes with a stranger at an airport bookstore, it ignites a feeling of passion somewhere deep inside her that she can't explain.

Although the encounter is innocent and brief, the intensity of it lingers, leaving her overwhelmed by a yearning for the mystery man now consuming her every thought.

Struggling to break the powerful hold he has over her heart, Tess starts to experience strange but familiar dreams...dreams from the turn of the twentieth century of the charming Mr Addison Taylor.

As her dreams start to materialize into reality, and past and present begin to blur, Tess is forced to put the pieces of a forgotten time together, and soon discovers that love isn't the only thing that can find you after an eternity.

Captivating, mysterious, and romantic, Life Lived Twice will leave you wondering whether love is so powerful it could last more than a lifetime.

My thoughts:

Let me tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I watch two or three shows a week.  I read through the show I normally watch.  I tuned my husband and family out.  I didn’t check email or Facebook at all once I started this book. That is how good this book was.

As I started reading this book I felt the writing was almost lyrical the way it flowed.  Tess’s dreams keep taking her back to someone named Lylah and Addison. For years she’d had dreams.  Some of them left her feeling terrified, while others left her feeling somewhat confused.  After a chance encounter at an airport her dreams return. To her the dreams seem so real.  I think that is one thing I loved about this writing.  When in the dream with Lylah, I felt like I was right there with them.  There was such a passion about that time period that the reader can feel it. 

The characters are fleshed out and very believable.  There were enough twists that kept me reading from beginning to end. I don’t read very many romances because I don’t like what I call mushy, gushy romance novels.  This definitely was not one.  There was some suspense and trying to figure things out only to realize that the author had magnificently thrown me off the trail.  Some things I was able to figure out, and I believe the author did not try to hide those things from the reader, she just delayed their discovery, which made them pleasantly like hidden nuggets of gold, that the reader discovers along the way. The small supernatural element was written so as not to offend anyone.  I won’t say what it is because I’d rather you the reader, figure it out. I have to say I did not feel like I was beaten over the head with it.

The book leads you to a wonderful place, then throws the curve of all curves at you. Everyone has read books where the ending left you unsatisfied.  This book leaves you satisfied even though you may not like the ending.  The ending set things up so if the author got enough response she could continue it on in another book, and if not she could end it nicely the way it is.  I am glad to say at this writing the author is two-thirds of the way through the sequel.   In case you can’t hear me I am squealing with delight. I would gladly read and review the second book.

I would definitely recommend this book to all romance lovers who like the addition of a little bit of the supernatural.

Yu can check out the book trailer for this book here

About Sherrie:

A qualified Homeoeopath and Kinesiologist, Sherrie lives in country Victoria, Australia with her husband, and two daughters. She is currently working on the sequel to Life Lived Twice.

You can find her on:

Website

Goodreads

Facebook

The End of the Line - Jim Power

Publisher: Sweet Cravings Publishing (part of Secret Cravings Publishing)
Pages:  294
Genre: Literary/Romance/Interracial
Source: I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Blurb:
Latesha Thomas is a beautiful, young African-American woman who lives with her handicapped father. She is in her final year of university and they are having a hard time making ends meet. She decides to start a matchmaking service to make a little extra money, though she has no experience and it turns out to be a disaster. She does, however, meet a client, a handsome white man named Peter Elsworth. The sparks fly immediately, but there’s a huge problem. Her father, and his mother, are vehemently opposed to an interracial4 relationship. This leads to tremendous conflict, but their love will not be denied. They grow closer, yet the closer they become, the more the tension rises. In time a secret connection between their two worlds become clear and this adds another dimension of conflict and complexity. But love is color blind and they are irresistibly drawn to one another.

My Thoughts:
When I am asked to review a romance book I usually hesitate.  I will try to find some reviews and read the synopsis to see if it is something I can tolerate.  Yes I did say tolerate.  Too often I get started on the book and suddenly there is so much mushy, gushy stuff going on that I am turned off.  I don't want to read sex scenes. I don't want to feel like I'm peeking in on someone's bedroom.  I was extremely surprised and pleased to find that there was none of that in this book.  We get a look at racism on both sides.  I loved the way that you had people who were willing to work together instead of separating because of color.  I believe this is a book they should be read by everyone.  Too often I hear African Americans talk about racism, yet they may be just as racist in their thoughts.  I loved the slow way Letesha and Peter's relationship developed.  I knew where Latesha's father was coming from when he made it clear that "she should date her own kind". However, I was just as put off by Peter's mother who thought he should only date within their own "class".  The author took on a subject many would not have handled as well, that is if they touched on it at all. He pulled no punches.  He laid it out there for all to see.  It was a real life as it gets.  Did I enjoy it?  You bet I did. Would I recommend it? Most definitely. 

About the Author:
Jim Power (1957- ) has been published internationally by 60 magazines and newspapers, including by the Smithsonian Institution, and by many of the top outdoors magazines in North America. He has a long history of publishing fiction, from dozens of short stories in New York magazines to seven novels in 2013/2014. He studied Honors English at Saint Mary's University and majored in Russian Literature at Dalhousie University before becoming a writer.

Ordering Information:
The paperback is coming shortly and the ebook can be purchased through:

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.ca/The-End-Line-Jim-Power-ebook/dp/B00G9H4LGC

Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-end-of-the-line-jim-power/1117257480?ean=2940148597582

Bookstrand:
http://www.bookstrand.com/the-end-of-the-line

All Romance Ebooks:
 http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html

Sweet Cravings Publishing:
http://store.sweetcravingspublishing.com/index.phpmain_page=book_info&cPath=12&products_id=196

Sample Chapter Link (Amazon):
http://www.amazon.com/The-End-Line-Jim-Power-ebook/dp/B00G9H4LGC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386946880&sr=8-1&keywords=the+end+of+the+line+by+jim+power#reader_B00G9H4LGC

The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

Pages: 323

Genre: Amish, Romance

Source:  (Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review through Library Thing’s Early Reviewer program.)

From Goodreads:

Amelia "Amy" DeVries, a 24-year-old violinist, is disillusioned with life and love after the collapse of her long-running romance. Weary of endless rehearsals and performances, Amy sets out on a road trip through the Pennsylvania mountains. She leaves her cell phone behind so life's demands can't intrude on her solitude. She doesn't know, nor care, where she will end up.

When her car breaks down deep in the mountains, Amy realizes the flaw in her "no cell phone" plan. She abandons her car and walks the winding roads, searching for help. Following the smell of woodsmoke and the sound of music, she finds a rustic log cabin. There she meets a young Amishman--and through him a community--that will change her life forever.

My Thoughts:

I have to say that Beverly Lewis is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction.  She has crafted a wonderful story where the characters are very believable.  Their problems are such that no matter what your background you can relate to them.  All of us have parents who have had dreams for their children.  We don’t want to disappoint our parents.  In this book Amelia’s father has a dream of her becoming a concert violinist.  Amelia loves playing the violin.  However, she really loves fiddling.  Her father would think this is beneath her talents.   The other main character is Michael.  He loves his father dearly but would love to become an architect.  That would mean not joining the church and entering college.  Neither want to disappoint their parents.  Yet, their dreams, if they followed them and their hearts would do just that.  They must each face and make hard choices.  There is a small romance in the story. Want to find out if either one of them follows their own path?  Then I suggest you go out and get this first book in the series.  You won’t be disappointed.

Entanglement - Dan Rix

Pages: 322
Source: Purchased
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Dystopian


This author definitely created a unique world.  Soul mates are born at the same time and have a clairvoyant connection.  At age 18 they meet and the connection is complete.  Amber and Clive are considered soul mates. That is until Aaron and Amber meet. Aaron also shares the same birth date.  Aaron has never felt a connection and figured he never would since his brain has scar tissue over the area where the connection is made.  When he meets Amber he starts feeling connected.  Things are not what they seem in this world.  Amber and Clive's parents belong to a group that introduce mates early.  There is a not so nice reason behind this.  Aaron finds out. The book over all was good.  I didn't like Clive at all.  He seemed to only want to possess Amber whereas Aaron seemed to really care.  I had an issue that several things happened in the book and there were never any parents around.  That made it a little unbelievable for me.

Amy Inspired - Bethany Pierce

Publisher:  Bethany House

Pages:  322 Pages

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Genre: Christian, Adult, Romance

Amy Inspired is not your typical Christian fiction novel.  So many of them slap you in the face with a sermon.  This does not.  I think that is what I really liked about the book.  Amy, the main character is full of flaws.  She proclaims she is a Christian, yet she makes the same realistic mistakes that many Christians make.  That doesn’t make her less a Christian, just more realistic.

Amy is an aspiring writer.  To live she accepts a teaching job at the university.  Her writing passion shines as she teaches her students the finer points of writing.  Unfortunately she is amassing a stack of rejection letters for her own writing.  Feelings of happiness and jealousy rage as her friend and roommate Zoe gets an article published in a national magazine.  Then Zoe lets a friend move in with them until he can find a job.  Amy is attracted to Eli Moretti.  He is everything that she has never wanted in a man.  Eli is a tattooed, scruffy looking, an artist that lives  life more freely than Amy has ever dared. It is exactly this type of man that helps put things in perspective for Amy.  He causes her to question things.

There was so much I could identify to in this story.  I like Amy make lists and have stacks of post it notes.  My family teases me about my lists for my lists.  I often feel I do a better job inspiring my students in their writing than I do in my own.  I loved the way the author showed the human side of Amy.  Things like jealousy, dealing with death, and family issues were handled in such a realistic way that anyone reading this could find something to relate to.  This was the first book I had read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I will definitely recommend it to my friends both Christian and non-Christian.