Book Review: Jilted

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago.

Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest. As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life where the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love.

Jilted tells of a woman who has lost the joy of living, a man determined to draw her back toward happiness, and a town that must---once and for all---leave the past where it belongs. It is a gentle reminder that all things can work together for good.

About the author:

Varina Denman is author of the Mended Hearts series and a native Texan. She spent her high school years in a rural town and now writes stories about the struggles women face in similar small town settings. She and her husband live near Fort Worth, where they enjoy spending time with their five mostly grown children.

My Opinion

Varina Denman is a new author for me but when I saw she had written a whole series about small town life, I couldn't wait to read it! I love a good book series and I also grew up in small towns so I knew I would be able to relate!

I really, truly enjoyed the Mended Hearts series, especially book #3 Jilted. I really do recommend you read all three books in the series to get the most out of each book and also because they are REALLY GOOD!

In Jilted, I really enjoyed learning more about Lynda and watching her faith grow through continuous challenges! Reading this book reminded me that God always has a plan for our lives even when we feel in the depths of despair with no way out! We must trust and take little steps towards living again and God will be with us every step of the way!

These books were inspirational, romantic, nerve-racking and overall REALLY GOOD! I enjoyed each one and am sad to be done with the series!

Buy It:

You can purchase Jilted for $14.99 from Amazon.com

Can all things really work together for good, and can the joy of living be found once again? Don't miss one woman's story in book three, Jilted, of Varina Denman's Mended Hearts series. Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago. Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest. As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life where the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love.

Celebrate the release of Varina's Jilted by entering to win a $50 gift card.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Jilted to kick off a summer of reading
• A $50 Kohl's gift card to make your summertime sweet

The giveaway ends on July 1st. The winner will be announced July 5th on Varina's website.

*Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: How to Catch a Prince

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?

American heiress Corina Del Rey's life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she's shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.

But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.

When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen's pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?

Yet, true love has a destiny all it's own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must chose to answer the call of love on their hearts.

Or let it be lost forever?

About the author:

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as The Wedding Dress, Love Starts with Elle, and Once Upon A Prince. She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, Softly and Tenderly, one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.

My Opinion

I am a big fan of The Royal Wedding Series and Rachel Hauck and I got so excited when I saw that the third book in the series was coming out, How to Catch a Prince!

This one might be the best one of the whole series! I loved the story line and watching Stephen and Corina heal from their pasts and move closer together towards their future. And of course, fall in love! :)

As always, Rachel Hauck writes a great love story, draws me in from the first words and has me reading the book from start to finish as fast as I can just because I can't put it down! But, I am so sad when it is over!

If you love a fun, beautiful love story, then I highly recommend How to Catch a Prince and all of Rachel Hauck's books!

Buy It: 

You can purchase How To Catch a Prince for $12.24 from Amazon.com

An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever? Find out in Rachel Hauck's new book, How to Catch a Prince. True love has a destiny all its own. With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?

Enter to win a "royal" prize pack! 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A royal-themed Brighton charm bracelet
• 2 tickets to see the new Cinderella movie
• The Royal Wedding series (Once Upon a Prince, Princess Ever After, and How to Catch a Prince)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on Rachel's blog.


{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

* Thank you to Salba Chia for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Relaunch of Nancy Drew & Hardy Boys Books & Giveaway

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

I am sure if you think back to your favorite childhood books, your favorites may include Nancy Drew Diaries or Hardy Boys Adventures. I know I was OBSESSED with Nancy Drew Diaries and read every single one I could get my hands on!

If you are a fan like I am, then you will have to enter the great giveaway that Ryan’s, HomeTown Buffet and Old Country Buffet are offering below! During the month of April, the restaurants have partnered with Nancy Drew Diaries and Hardy Boys Adventures to celebrate the relaunch of the classic mystery book series. The books you may remember loving in your childhood can now be read with your own kids with a new look and suspenseful storylines. The books make wonderful additions to any child’s Easter basket.

PLUS, the restaurants are celebrating Easter in a big way this year! In addition to serving traditional Easter ham, delicious prime rib and special Easter desserts at dinner from Friday, April 18 to Sunday, April 20, the first 50 children each night will receive a surprise gift.

Parents will be treated to a Two Can Dine for $15.99 coupon (valid with two beverage purchases) that is redeemable from April 21 to May 2.

Buy It: You can find your local Ryan’s, HomeTown Buffet and Old Country Buffet on their website.

Win It: Ryan’s, HomeTown Buffet and Old Country Buffet is generously offering (1) Nancy Drew Diaries Curse of the Arctic Star book and (1) Hardy Boys Adventure Secret of the Red Star book, plus a family four pack of meal passes to Ryan’s, HomeTown Buffet and Old Country Buffet (The total value of each prize pack is $60.00)  to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) Nancy Drew Diaries Curse of the Arctic Star book,
(1) Hardy Boys Adventure Secret of the Red Star book
PLUS
Family FOUR pack of meal passes to Ryan’s, HomeTown Buffet and Old Country Buffet 
(Worth $60.00!!!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Glittering Promises

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book: 

Lisa T. Bergren's popular Grand Tour series concludes as Cora Kensington journeys farther into Italy, wrestles with a terrib le ultimatum from her father, and comes to terms with the Father who will never fail her.

America's newest heiress must decide if her potential fortune is rationale enough to give up her freedom and all that God is leading her toward. And when her newly-discovered siblings are threatened with ruin, her quandary deepens. Then as Cora nears Rome, more journalists are tracking the news story of the decade---"Copper Cora," the rags-to-riches girl---and want to know more about her family and the men vying for her attention. Meanwhile, a charming Italian countess decides that if Cora isn't going to claim Will's heart, she might just
try . . .

About the author: 

Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs.

Learn more about Lisa here: http://lisatawnbergren.com.

My Opinion

First and foremost, Glittering Promises is the third and final book in the Grand Tour series from Lisa T. Bergren. And I HIGHLY recommend reading the first two books BEFORE reading Glittering Promises. There are a lot of characters in this book and it can be very confusing reading the 2nd or 3rd book without reading the first ones first. And it takes away from the story line and, for me, the interest in the series and individual book.

With that said, I think Glittering Promises is the best book of all three books! It had so many adventures, history, love/romance, and unexpected events that I was on the edge of my seat the whole book!

If you are looking for a historical romance series, read the Grand Tour series but make sure to start at the beginning of their journey in the first book to get the full story! It's a good one!

Buy It: You can purchase Glittering Promises for $11.25 from Amazon.com.

Lisa T. Bergren is celebrating the release of her new book, Glittering Promises, by giving away a $200 Italian feast from Williams-Sonoma and hosting a fun Facebook party on October 29th.

One winner will receive:

• A $200 Italian feast from Williams-Sonoma delivered to your door
• The three-book Grand Tour set

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 29th. Winner will be announced at the "Glittering Promises" Facebook Author Chat Party on October 29th. Connect with Lisa for an evening of book chat, European trivia, and prizes, and get an exclusive look Lisa's next book.

So grab your copies of the Grand Tour series and join Lisa on the evening of October 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 29th!

*Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Home to Heather Creek Series

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the books: 

When the world around you falls apart, could it be that God is giving you a second chance? This is just one of the questions on Charlotte Stevenson's mind as she brings her three grandchildren to live on the family farm in Guidepost Books' Home to Heather Creek series.

Before the Dawn begins just one week after the funeral of Charlotte's daughter, Denise. Denise's three children barely have time to process the death of their mother before they must move to the Heather Creek Farm they have never visited with grandparents they barely know. At age 16, Sam is fiercely protective of his younger siblings. Emily is 14 and desperately misses her friends. Young Christopher is only 8 and just wants to fit in. While Charlotte tries to help her grandchildren adjust to their new life, she also wrestles with her own grief and the enormous task of bringing her family together. Bob believes the fastest path to adjustment is a firm routine, with structure and chores, the same way they raised their own kids. However, that route led to Denise running away from home as a teenager and an estranged relationship with her family. Charlotte is worried about making the same mistakes she made with Denise. Is this her chance to make things right?

It is spring when the children arrive, and as Charlotte looks around the farm, she hopes the new life around them will signify hope and healing. The miracle of new life, along with God's healing touch, reminds all of them that it's always darkest just before the dawn.

Sweet September picks up at harvest time, as the children are settling into a new school year. While the harvest should be an exciting time, the children don't seem to be getting into the spirit. Emily is struggling with farm life, Christopher spends most of his time alone, and Sam is failing school. Trying to learn from what did and didn't work with her own kids, Charlotte is determined to get her grandchildren back on track.

As tenuous family bonds threaten to break apart, a mystery on the farm might be the one thing that can bond the family together. Charlotte sets out to uncover the truth, and as the kids unite to find answers, this cobbled-together family learns more about one another and the love that binds them together.

The lives of the Stevensons and their grandchildren unfold in this captivating story of the remarkable change that comes from the love of family, the kindness of others, sheer persistence and unshakable faith. As readers follow the Stevensons' inspiring stories, it's almost impossible not feel a part of this friendly, loving community, where God's grace can be seen in every circumstance.

About the Author: 

Kathleen Bauer is the pen name for a team of writers who have come together to create the Home to Heather Creek series.

My Opinion

First off, I absolutely LOVE when a series comes out together so I can read them one after another without having to wait (and forget!) for the second books in the series to come out!

Second of all, I love the story line and the focus on family, love and faith! Keeping a family together, especially in hard circumstances, is one of the most challenging aspects of life but one of the most important! As I raise my young children into adults, I really appreciated reading these books and learning and growing along with the characters!

These books are a perfect read for the upcoming Fall and you will enjoy sitting down and reading them one after another!

Buy It: You can purchase the Home to Heather Creek series from Amazon.com

Guideposts Books is thrilled to announce their brand new series, Home to Heather Creek, by Kathleen Bauer. The first two books, Before the Dawn and Sweet September, launch this month and Guideposts Books is celebrating with a Paperwhite Kindle Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A Paperwhite Kindle
• Before the Dawn and Sweet September by Kathleen Bauer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th HERE.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to their blog [enter your email in the blog sidebar] and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

* Disclosure - These books were given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*