Tamara Leigh Giveaway

$400+ in prizes ~ THE AWAKENING Contest QUOTE #20 (see contest details below AND at www.tamaraleigh.com):

BOOK LAUNCH RAFFLECOPTER CONTEST #1: Enter for a chance to win one of four prizes: 7-Age of Faith 8"x12" metal prints ($180+ value), 7-Age of Faith paperbacks, including THE AWAKENING ($96 value), Fire 7 Tablet with Alexa 7" 8GB Black ($49.99 value), or 7-Age of Faith coasters ($35 value). *Shipping within U.S. only

BOOK LAUNCH QUOTE CONTEST #2: Collect all 24 quotes from...

See More

Tamara Leigh

1 hr · 

$400+ in prizes ~ THE AWAKENING Contest QUOTE #20 (see contest details below AND at www.tamaraleigh.com):

BOOK LAUNCH RAFFLECOPTER CONTEST #1: Enter for a chance to win one of four prizes: 7-Age of Faith 8"x12" metal prints ($180+ value), 7-Age of Faith paperbacks, including THE AWAKENING ($96 value), Fire 7 Tablet with Alexa 7" 8GB Black ($49.99 value), or 7-Age of Faith coasters ($35 value). *Shipping within U.S. only

BOOK LAUNCH QUOTE CONTEST #2: Collect all 24 quotes from The Awakening posted on Facebook, Instagram, and website until release day, January 19, 2018. The first reader to correctly identify the chapters in which all 24 quotes appear and email a complete list to tamaraleightenn@gmail.com will receive: Kindle E-Reader 6” Glare-Free Touchscreen, Wi-Fi ($79.99 value). NOTE: Due to pending edits, the wording of quotes may change a bit. *Shipping within U.S. only

DETAILS AND ENTRIES at : http://bit.ly/2nnIASY

https://www.tamaraleigh.com/the-awakening-book-seven-age-of-fai

The Ladies Of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen

I really enjoyed this visit to the Village of Ivy Hill. It was great to hear what has been going on with the people I met in The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill. This episode focuses on the Ladies of Ivy Cottage. Mercy Grove and her maiden aunt Matilda run a girls school and when Rachel Ashford's cousin inherits her family home she moves into Ivy Cottage. I loved how real the ladies stories were. Most of their problems are similar to what we experience today, but with the added constraints of the women being under their male relatives authority. These are strong women looking to make their lives better. Most of the women of Ivy Hill are making the transition to being independent. I can't wait to read the next installment. Ms. Klassen is definitely on my list of must-read authors.

I was given this book for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

New from the Top Author of Inspirational Regency Romance

Return to Ivy Hill in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage as friendships deepen, romances blossom, and mysteries unfold.

Living with the two Miss Groves in Ivy Cottage, impoverished gentlewoman Rachel Ashford is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. When the village women encourage her to open a subscription library with the many books she has inherited or acquired through donations, Rachel discovers two mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but will both find more than they bargained for?

Rachel's friend and hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and fills her days managing her girls' school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what--or who--has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all.

Meanwhile, life has improved at the coaching inn and Jane Bell is ready to put grief behind her. Now if only the man she misses would return--but where is he?

As the women of Ivy Hill search for answers about the past and hope for the future, might they find love along the way?

About the author;

Biography
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. Her book, The Silent Governess, was also a finalist in the Minnesota Book Awards, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards, and Romance Writers of America's RITA Awards. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman

THE POLICE SAY THE WOMAN WAS A MURDERER. EMILIE WESLEY KNOWS THEY CAN’T BE TALKING ABOUT HER CLIENT . . . CAN THEY?

if you like legal thrillers then you will certainly enjoy Cara Putnam's latest book. Imperfect Justice deals with the harsh reality of domestic violence. Ms. Putnam did an excellent job of writing a riveting tale of a lawyer at a domestic violence help center. Attorney Emilie Wesley does her best to protect her clients, sometimes she succeeds, sometimes not. Reid Billings comes to Emilie to find out what went wrong in his sister's life. There are several plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. Although this is book two, it can definitely be read as a stand alone book. I hope to read more of Ms. Putman's books in the future. I was given this book by NetGalley.com for review purposes. From Amazon: The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can’t be talking about her client . . . can they? To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie’s belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy. Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him. Thrown together in the race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process? About the author: As a preteen Cara Putman watched lawyers change legislative opinions at an important legislative hearing in Nebraska. At that time, she wondered if she became an attorney if people would give her words the same weight. An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, George Mason University School of Law and Krannert School of Management at Purdue University, Cara has turned her passion for words into award-winning stories that capture readers. Her legal experience makes its way into her stories where strong women confront real challenges. The award-winning author of more than 25 titles, Cara writes legal thrillers, WWII romances, and romantic suspense because she believes that no matter what happens hope is there, waiting for us to reach for it. When she's not writing, Cara is an over-educated attorney who lectures in law and communications at the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University and homeschools her children. She and her family live in Indiana, the land of seasons.

In This Moment by Karen Kingsbury

I love series, the longer the better. Karen Kingsbury has created a saga wither her Baxter Family books. In This Moment is another installment in the Baxter families lives. I enjoyed getting the updates on all of the family members and it was enjoyable to spend time with Luke Baxter.  He is an attorney who has left entertainment law to practice Religous Freedom Law.
In This Moment follows Luke as he defends Principal Wendall Quin's right to hold a voluntary after-school Bible study. Despite the fact that the school is seeing great improvement in all areas, Mr. Quin is being told he must not share the Bible with students. A compelling plot straight out of today's headlines.

I was given this book by NetGalley.com for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

Instant New York Times Bestseller

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes a brand-new Baxter Family novel about a beloved high school principal who starts a Bible Study to improve the lives of his struggling students, only to become the national focus of a controversial lawsuit.

Hamilton High Principal Wendell Quinn is tired of the violence, drug abuse, teen pregnancies, and low expectations at his Indianapolis school. A single father of four, Quinn is a Christian and a family man. He wants to see change in his community, so he starts a voluntary after-school Bible Study and prayer program. He knows he is risking his job by leading the program, but the high turnout at every meeting encourages him.

A year later, violence and gang activity are down, test scores are up, and drug use and teen pregnancy have plummeted. The program is clearly working—until one parent calls the press. Now Quinn faces a lawsuit that could ruin everything.

With a storm of national attention and criticism, Quinn is at a crossroads—he must choose whether to cave in and shut down the program or stand up for himself and his students. The battle comes with a high cost, and Quinn wants just one attorney on his side for this fight: Luke Baxter. In This Moment is an inspiring, relevant story about the nuances of religious freedom and how a group of determined people just might restore the meaning of faith in today’s culture.

About the author:
Biography
Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty-nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.

Leaving Lancaster by Kate Lloyd

Leaving Lancaster is the first Amish book that I have read in a while. I really enjoyed revisiting this genre. The theme of this book is forgiveness, can Esther forgive herself for taking Samuel away from their home? Can she ever return home? The story is fast moving and enjoyable. I will definitely read more of Ms. Lloyds books in the future.


From Amazon:

Can a splintered Amish family reconcile?

More than anything else, thirty-something Holly Fisher longs for family. Growing up in Seattle without a dad or grandparents, she wonders what it would be like to have a heritage, a place of belonging. Holly is furious when her mother, Esther, reveals a long-kept secret: Holly’s grandmother and uncles are still alive and begging Esther to return. And Holly is shocked when she learns that the family she’s never known lives on a Lancaster, Pennsylvania, farm—as part of an Amish community her mother once abandoned.
Guilt-ridden Esther, terrified to see her mother and siblings, begs Holly to accompany her on a visit to Esther’s mother before she dies. But can their journey to a conflicting world heal their emotional wounds and finally bring them home?
Set in the heart of contemporary Lancaster County, Leaving Lancaster explores the power of forgiveness, family reconciliation, and love where least expected.
Kate Lloyd is a novelist, a mother of two sons, and a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the inspiration for Leaving Lancaster. She is also a member of the Lancaster County Historical Society. Kate and her husband, Noel, live in the Pacific Northwest, the setting for Kate's first novel, A Portrait of Marguerite. Kate studied painting and sculpture in college and has worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur. Find out more about Kate on Facebook or at www.katelloyd.net.


About the author:

Kate Lloyd is a novelist, a mother of two sons, and a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the inspiration for Leaving Lancaster. She is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. Kate and her husband, Noel, live in the Pacific Northwest, the setting for Kate's first novel, A Portrait of Marguerite. Kate studied painting in college. She has worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur, and she raised show-dogs.

A Fine Gentleman by Sarah Eden

Sarah Eden has written an entertaining story in A Fine Gentleman. There were a few times I actually laughed out loud. Mariposa and Jason are a charming couple whos wit is a perfect foil for each other. They are both well thought out characters and I did not want to say goodbye to them. My only issue was that this was book four and I have not read the first three, so stay tuned for more reviews in the future.

I was given this book by NetGalley.com for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

London barrister Jason Jonquil has spent his entire life working to establish his identity as a gentleman, a man of refinement like his father and brothers. But when fiery Spanish beauty Mariposa Thornton walks into his office, he finds himself losing his grasp on his dignified character. The woman is infuriating, pushing him to the limit of his legendary patience. However, her case seems simple enough—a small matter of inheritance. Or so he believes.Once a well-born lady, Mariposa fought to survive the brutalities of Napoleon’s war on Spain. She braved horrific perils and undertook dangerous missions on behalf of those fighting against the invading French army. But her greatest battle still lies ahead: after being separated from her family, Mariposa sets in motion a plan to reunite with her loved ones in England. To avoid drawing the attention of the French, Mariposa dons a carefully crafted persona to conceal her true purpose. As Jason and Mariposa are drawn together by the case, they come to know the people beneath the masks they both wear. When the truth of Mariposa’s quest is revealed, the couple is pulled into a mystery that will test the limits of their courage—and expose the true desire of their hearts.

About the author:

Biography
Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award's "2014 Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.

The Promise Of Dawn by Lauraine Snelling

I loved The Promise Of Dawn. It was very interesting to me as I have been to Blackduck MN many times and can picture the setting in my mind. I enjoyed reading Signe and Runes' story. It is amazing that any survived the hardships of the Northern MN winters without modern conveniences. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
 All thoughts are my own


From Amazon

Beloved Author Lauraine Snelling Launches New Immigrant Series

When Signe, her husband, Rune, and their three boys arrive in Minnesota from Norway to help a relative clear his land of lumber, they dream of owning their own farm and building a life in the New World. But Uncle Einar and Aunt Gird are hard, demanding people, and Signe and her family soon find themselves worked nearly to the bone in order to repay the cost of their voyage. At this rate, they will never have land or a life of their own.

Signe tries to trust God but struggles with anger and bitterness. She has left behind the only life she knew, and while it wasn't an easy life, it wasn't as hard as what she now faces. When a new addition to the family arrives, Signe begins to see how God has been watching over them throughout their ordeal. But after all that has happened, can she still believe in the promise of a bright future?

About the author:

Biography
Award-winning and best selling author Lauraine Snelling began living her dream to be a writer with her first published book for young adult readers, Tragedy on the Toutle, in 1982. She has since continued writing more horse books for young girls, adding historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers to her repertoire. All told, she has over eighty books published with more than 4 million copies in print.


Shown in her contemporary romances and women’s fiction, a hallmark of Lauraine’s style is writing about real issues of forgiveness, loss, domestic violence, and cancer within a compelling story. Her work has been translated into Norwegian, Danish, and German, and she has won the Romantic Times Career Achievement award for Inspirational Fiction, the Silver Angel Award for An Untamed Land and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart for Song of Laughter.


As a sought after speaker, Lauraine encourages others to find their gifts and live their lives with humor and joy. Her readers clamor for more books more often, and Lauraine would like to comply ... if only her paintbrushes and easel didn’t call quite so loudly.

Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a watchdog Basset named Winston. They love to travel, most especially in their forty-foot motor coach, which they affectionately deem “a work in progress”.

Waiting For His Return by Carrie Turansky

I gave Waiting For His Return 4 stars only because I am not a fan of Civil War stories. Carrie as always created wonderful characters in a believable plot. I did enjoy the story. The story itself along with the excellent writing causes me to give this novella a 4. I always look forward to Carrie's stories.

I was given this book by the author for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon

The daughter of a wealthy Tennessee doctor falls in love with an injured artist-correspondent on assignment to cover battles near Union occupied Nashville.

The year is 1864 and the Civil War rages on, impacting families in the North and South. British born James Galloway, a special artist for Harper’s Weekly, travels with the Union troops, sketching battle scenes to bring war news home to those in the North. It’s dangerous work, but he is committed to the Union cause. When he is captured by Confederate troops, he spends several months in a prison camp. Finally, he escapes and travels north, hoping to reach the Union lines, but a bushwhacker attacks him, steals his horse, and leaves him seriously injured at the side of the road outside of Nashville.

Rachel Thornton, a kind-hearted doctor’s daughter, takes James into her home and nurses him while he recovers. Her feelings for James grow, but she has already lost one man she loves in the war. How can she give her heart to James, when she knows he may become another casualty of the war? With Christmas coming, will James return to Rachel or will she be left waiting for his return?

This novella was originally published in A Blue and Gray Christmas. It has been revised and updated for new readers to enjoy.

About the author:

Bestselling Inspirational Romance Author Carrie Turansky writes inspirational historical and contemporary novels and novellas. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award. Readers say her stories are: "Heartwarming and inspiring! I couldn't put it down! . . . Touching love story. It captured me from the first page! Rich characters, beautifully written . . . My new favorite author!"

1 like

Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey

I have just finished reading Dani Pettrey's Blind Spot and once again Dani has proved that she is a master of suspense. I both loved and hated this book. I loved it because Dani kept me entertained with fantastic characters and a storyline full of plot twists. I hated it because it kept me enthralled and I read it much faster than I wanted to. Also, I assumed this was the final book in the series and I was wrong! Now I have to wait to see what else happens. LOL . As always Dani Pettrey is one of my favorite authors. I always pre-order her books. So grab a cup of tea and a cozy chair and settle in for one heck of a story!

I was given this book by the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

https://www.amazon.com/Blind-Spot-Chesapeake-Valor-Book-ebook/dp/B0713TL6RN/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1509675520&sr=8-4&keywords=blind+spot

From Amazon:


Each of Pettrey's Novels Has Been a Multi-Month Bestseller
FBI agent Declan Grey is in the chase of his life--but isn't sure exactly what he's chasing after. Threatened by a terrorist that "the wrath is coming," Grey fears something horrible is about to be unleashed on American soil. When his investigation leads him to a closed immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw to help him. She's sought justice for refugees and the hurting around the world, and if there's anyone who can help him, it's Tanner. 

Tanner Shaw has joined the FBI as a crisis counselor . . . meaning she now has more opportunity to butt heads with Declan. But that tension also includes a spark she can't deny, and she's pretty sure Declan feels the same. But before anything can develop between them, they discover evidence of a terror cell--and soon are in a race against the clock to stop the coming "wrath" that could cost thousands their lives.


About the Author:

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

The Dishonorable Miss Delaney by Carolyn Miller

Grab your tea and biscuits and settle in for another great regency novel from down under! In The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Carolyn Miller revisits Regency England and the delightful families we met in The Elusive Miss Ellison and The Captivating Lady Charlotte. In this the final book in the series we meet new friends and hang out with old ones. This book is full of plot twists and beautiful settings. I loved the overall theme of forgiveness that God has blessed us with. My only problem with The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey is that this is the final book of the trilogy.

From Amazon

Will a damaged reputation and desire for society's approval thwart the legacy of grace?

Tainted by scandal and forced to leave London for the quieter Brighton countryside, the Honorable Miss Clara DeLancey is a shadow of her former society self. She's lost the man she loved to another and, in a culture that has no patience for self-pity, is struggling with depression. A chance encounter brings her a healing friendship with the sisters of an injured naval captain. But Clara's society mama is appalled at the new company she's keeping.

Captain Benjamin Kemsley is not looking for a wife. But his gallant spirit won't let him ignore the penniless viscount's daughter--not when she so obviously needs assistance to keep moving forward from day to day. Can he protect his heart and still keep her safe?

When they're pushed into the highest echelons of society at the Prince Regent's Brighton Pavilion, this mismatched couple must decide if family honor is more important than their hopes. Can they right the wrongs of the past and find future happiness together--without finances, family support, or royal favor?

The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey is full of the captivating, flawed characters, fascinating historical details, and masterful writing that Carolyn Miller's fans have come to know in The Elusive Miss Ellison and The Captivating Lady Charlotte. If you love Lori Wick, Georgette Heyer, and other clean, wholesome Regency romance, you'll love this third book in the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series.

About the Author:

Carolyn Miller

Hi, I'm Carolyn Miller, author of 'The Elusive Miss Ellison'.

I live in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia.

I'm married, with four gorgeous children, who all love to read (and write!) as I do (except not in the Regency genre - funny, that!).

I was given this book by the author for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

A Twist Of Faith by Pepper Basham

Excellent novel. I loved Adelina and Reese. The book was fun and fast moving but still shared the fact that God loves us and cares about our day to day lives. I look forward to returning to Mitchell's Crossroad in Charming the Troublemaker.

From Amazon:


"Basham weaves a unique tale sure to please the romantic at heart."Denise Hunter, bestselling author of Married 'til Monday

Dr. Adelina Roseland has worked ten years in research as an accent reduction specialist to attain her dream job. But a secret wager to transform Appalachian cattle farmer Reese Mitchell into corporate material challenges Adelina in ways she never expected, threatening her new position.

For one, Adelina didn't plan for the faith and friction of Reese, or the unexpected influence of his chaotic family. Now, drawn into a culture she'd tried to forget, Adelina finds the warmth of family, the hope of faith, and the joy of love melting away the deep wounds of her past.

But when Reese discovers that he's a pawn in her climb up the academic ladder, will he forgive Adelina's deceit or will their miscommunication end in two broken lives?

General Content (G) (I): Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature.

About the author;


 Pepper Basham
 Following
Biography
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus. Her debut historical novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015 and has garnered awards such as Reader's Favorites Award, finalist in the Grace Awards, shortlisted for the Inspy Awards, and a finalist in ACFW's Carol Awards. Her second historical novel, The Thorn Keeper, released in Feb 2016 and her first contemporary romance, A Twist of Faith, released in April 2016 with a 4 star review from Romantic Times. In December 2016, her third historical in the Penned in Time series, The Thorn Healer - released with a 4 1/2 star review from RT and a Top Picks rating.

Lydia, Woman of Philippi by Diana Wallis Taylor Plus Giveaway

I love reading Biblical fiction when it is Biblically accurate. Lydia by Diana Wallis Taylor is a beautifully written, Biblically accurate novel. She brings Lydia to life with carefully researched details on the way life was in the time of Christ. Ms. Taylor gives a reasonably acceptable reason for Lydia to have been a property owner in a time in which men controlled every aspect of life. I also enjoyed the way the Gospel is woven seamlessly into the story! This is definitely a curl up with a blanket and cup of tea book. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

I was given this book by Celebrate Lit for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

A Bakers Perspective, October 3

Carpe Diem, October 3

Moments Dipped in Ink, October 4

Books, Books, and More Books., October 4

By The Book, October 5

A Simply Enchanted Life, October 5

Red Headed Book Lady, October 6

Blogging With Carol, October 6

A Reader’s Brain, October 7

A Greater Yes, October 7

Just the Write Escape, October 8

Simple Harvest Reads, October 8 (Spotlight)

Aryn the Libraryan, October 9

Cordially Barbara, October 9

Pursuing Stacie, October 9

The Fizzy Pop Collection, October 10

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 10

Zerina Blossom’s Books, October 11

Mary Hake, October 11

Radiant Light, October 12

Singing Librarian Books, October 12

Lights in a Dark World, October 12

margaretkazmierczak, October 13

Pause for Tales, October 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 14

Cafinated Reads, October 14

To Everything A Season, October 14

Bigreadersite, October 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15

Henry Happens, October 16

For The Love of Books, October 16

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 16

About the Book:

Name of book: Lydia

Author: Diana Wallis Taylor

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release Date: October 3, 2017

Smart, strong, and a follower of the Jewish God, Lydia has nonetheless quietly conformed to the expectations of the wealthy Roman society into which she was born. Her father marries her off at age fifteen to a much older man whom she dislikes. Despite an unpleasant wedding and a marriage that doesn’t improve with age, Lydia remains a dutiful and faithful wife. When her husband is killed, years later, Lydia vows to remain single and returns to her father’s house in Thyatira with her twelve-year-old daughter.

There, a new life begins to emerge as she is trained in the family dye business. Lydia displays an aptitude for trade in the male-dominated world of first century commerce. Her brother, who had chosen service in the Roman army rather than work in his father’s business, is at odds with his sister. Jealous of her quiet success as she learns the dye business, he’s especially befuddled by what he considers to be Lydia’s obsession with the Jewish religion. When their father dies, Cassius inherits the family’s home; Lydia inherits the business, and unbeknownst to her brother, a small villa in the city of Philippi.

Lydia flees with her mother and daughter to Philippi where she sets up shop. At the mercy of a patriarchal society, Lydia needs a man to serve as the public face for her business. She discovers the right person in the handsome face of Greek man she’d hired — an employee with whom she develops a close friendship. The plot thickens as Lydia meets a strange man named Paul the apostle who is stirring up crowds in town. When Lydia’s brother shows up in Philippi, determined to force her to sell the business, he discovers plenty of fuel to accomplish his goals.

Click to purchase your copy.

About the Author:

Diana Wallis Taylor is best known for her creative stories based on women in the Bible. Thousands have read and enjoyed her books including Mary Chosen of God, Ruth, Mother of Kings, Martha, Journey to the Well, Mary Magdalene, and Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors with the San Diego Library naming her one of 12 “Writers to Watch” in 2017 for Mary, Chosen of God. Her books have received Gold and Silver Medallion Awards for Christian Fiction and she is a San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild “Writer of the Year.” Mary, Chosen of God is a 2017 Christy Award nominee. An inspirational speaker, Diana also leads creative writing and poetry workshops. She lives in San Diego with her husband, Frank. They have six grown children and ten grandchildren

Giveaway

A Higher Ransom by Aleigha Israel

Good storyline. Fast moving plot, but the characters could use more depth. I look forward to reading more of Aleigha Israel's books.

From Amazon:
 
Two lives so vastly different from each other...
are about to be given a choice that will change the course of their lives forever.

King Raymond is ruthless. He will stop at nothing to see that every Christian is diminished.

But Anna Haddington doesn’t understand why she must keep quiet about her faith. When her plans to stay with her aunt in Carpathia go quickly awry, Anna finds it takes all that is in her to trust God with the outcome.

This is a story full of mystery and sacrifice that will leave you questioning whether you have what it takes to give up everything for Christ, even your very own life.

Discover the account of three lives, all so different from each other. And find out how one person’s decision can affect the lives of so many.

Will Anna stand strong and not waver in her faith? Or will she crumble under the rule of the heartless king?

About the Author:

ALEIGHA C. ISRAEL writer of inspirational fiction and poetry is an author of six books and enjoys sharing God's love through the powerful art of storytelling. Her novels are distributed by Grace and Truth Books and have been enjoyed by ages nine to ninety-three! With two amazing parents and five of the greatest siblings, there’s always another adventure just waiting around the corner!

I was given a copy of this novel by the author for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

Weaver's Needle by Robin Caroll

I enjoyed reading Weaver's Needle by Robin Caroll. There was something for everyone in this book. I enjoyed the suspense and adventure with a bit of romance tossed in. I found Ms. Caroll's knowledge of Navaho customs fascinating. She wove themes of faith throughout the story without coming across as a sermon. I usually don't care for books set in the south, but this book is the exception. So grab a cup of tea and curl up for a good read.

https://www.amazon.com/Weavers-Needle-Extended-Robin-Caroll-ebook/dp/B06Y2W32WV/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1506477318&sr=8-2&keywords=weavers+needle

From Amazon:

Two recovery specialists.
One murder.
A hunt for the Dutchman's Lost Gold Mine becomes a race of survival.

Former Army MP Landry Parker fell into the recovery specialist role quite by accident—to help her ailing father. Now that she’s on her own, she is determined to prove herself and honor her family legacy.

After being shot in the line of duty, former police officer Nickolai Baptiste became a recovery specialist, and he’s good at his job—maybe even the best.
         
A potential client pits Landry and Nickolai against one another to find the Dutchman’s Lost Gold Mine map that was stolen from her murdered husband, and the potential payday is too enticing to pass up. The trail takes them from New Orleans to Weaver’s Needle in Arizona where legend claims the mine is hidden. Landry and Nickolai are no strangers to adventure, but the unlikely partners quickly discover there’s someone after the treasure and there are those who want to ensure the lost mine in Arizona’s Superstition Mountain stays lost forever.

Can Landry and Nickolai work together despite their distrust of each other to save the legend before more innocent lives are lost? Will they find the real treasure isn’t the gold, but something more valuable. . .true love and understanding?

About the author:


 Robin Caroll
 Follow
Biography
"I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I've never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in." ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin's mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage--two aspects Robin weaves into each of her 30 published novels.

When she isn't writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty+ years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home--in the South, where else?

She serves the writing community as Executive Director/Conference Director for ACFW.

Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, RT Reviewer's Choice Award, Bookseller's Best, and Book of the Year.

On her faith, Robin says, "I love Jesus and will follow Him wherever He leads me."

An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she'll read just about any good story. Except historicals!

An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter

I absolutely loved An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter! The only problem I had is that it is the final book in the Hawthorne House series. :( I will miss all of the family. The stories draw you in and it is easy to lose yourself in the world of Regency England.  Kristi paints beautiful word pictures of the lives of the Aristocrats. The descriptions of the balls make are so real I could imagine the rush of all of the people. I hope that Kristi will write Lady Blackstone's story. This is definitely a wonderful book to grab a cup of tea and curl up for the day!

I was given this book by Netgalley.com for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

Award-Winning Regency Romance Author on the Rise

Griffith, Duke of Riverton, likes order, logic, and control, and he naturally applies this rational approach to his search for a bride. He's certain Miss Frederica St. Claire is the perfect wife for him, but while Frederica is strangely elusive, he can't seem to stop running into her stunningly beautiful cousin, Miss Isabella Breckenridge.

Isabella should be enjoying her society debut, but with her family in difficult circumstances, her uncle will only help them if she'll use her beauty to assist him in his political aims. Already uncomfortable with this agreement, the more she comes to know Griffith, the more she wishes to be free of her unfortunate obligation.

Will Griffith and Isabella be able to set aside their pride and face their fears in time to find their own happily-ever-after?

About the author:

Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is the author of the Hawthorne House series and a 2016 RITA Award winner and Christy Award finalist. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.

https://www.amazon.com/Inconvenient-Beauty-Hawthorne-House-Book-ebook/dp/B071KXHZDH/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1505442293&sr=1-1&keywords=an+inconvenient+beauty