Saturday, March 19, 2016

"Playing The Part" by Jen Turano Book Tour And A GiveAway



Book: Playing the Part
Author: Jen Turano
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan’s interest turns threatening. Lucinda’s widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta’s life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson’s estate to hide out.
Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there’s much more to him than society knows.
Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail’s matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can’t ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it’ll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.
Author Information
Jen Turano is the best-selling, critically acclaimed author of The Ladies of Distinction series, and A Class of Their Own series, published through Bethany House Publishers.  Her novel, After a Fashion, was chosen as a top pick from Romantic Times, as well as being named a top ten romance of 2015 from Booklist.  It is also a nominee for Romantic Times 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award.  Her book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top ten romance by Booklist in 2013.  Her seventh book, Playing the Part, will release in the spring of 2016, followed by a new four-book series, The Wallflowers.  When she’s not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver with her husband and neurotic Cattle Dog, enjoying herself as an empty-nester since her son recently abandoned her for the college life.  She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ or visit her on the web at www.jenturano.com. She is represented by Susan Brower of the Natasha Kern Literary Agency. Her books may be found in most fine bookstores, or follow the Baker House Publishing link to find additional places to purchase her work.
My Review: 
"Playing The Part" by Jen Turano is the third book in the (A Class of Their Own) series. "Playing The Part" was a joy to read!

It can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the other two first because It mentions characters from the other two and I think it enriched the story knowing how the characters all related to this story. But it is still a complete story if you don't read the other two.

This story has a little comedy and mystery and yes there is violence, but the violence isn't in great detail.

"Playing The Part" even has some Spiritual truths written within it's pages. I am including one of those truths in this review, "he believes God puts people on certain paths. And when you cross paths with a person who is in need, and you have the solution to that need, well, God expects you to put that solution to use."

While reading "Playing The Part" I could actually see the scenes happening.

I loved the ending but it left me wanting more books in this series.

I have to be honest and say that even though I liked this book and I am giving it five stars, a few times I though this is a little too much repeating of the same action (like shooting the cannons).

This story has a character that is a mysterious author, and dysfunctional families and a matchmaker.

The title really fits the story because the main character Lucetta Plum is an actor and must perform her best to save her life.

I was given a copy of "Playing The Part" by the author and Celebrate Lit for an honest review. These opinions are my own.


Link to purchase book: http://amzn.to/224mbnF
Link to giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/937b


Tour Dates: 

March 16: cherylbbookblog
March 18: Bookworm Mama
March 21: A Greater Yes
March 21: Southern Chelle
March 22: Splashes of Joy
March 23: Bigreadersite
March 23: Texas Book-aholic
March 24: 100 pages per hour
March 25: simpleharvestreads
March 25: Karen Krayons
March 26: Buwurmzzz
March 27: The Power of Words
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Wednesday, March 16, 2016

"Dancing Up A Storm": 9 Christian Short Stories

Book Description: A boxed set / anthology featuring the winners of the 2015 "Storming the Short Story - Dance Edition" contest, which was hosted by The Woodlands (Texas) chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). 

Table of Contents: 

“When I'm Gone” by Angela K. Couch 
First Place Romance 
Summer 1942. Just before the competition that could launch their careers as professional ballroom dancers, Elaine Mathews’s partner, James Larson, gets drafted into the army. Now, with her dreams and the man she loves hanging in the balance, Elaine must acknowledge what she’s most afraid to lose. 

“Dancing in the Rain” by Marion Ueckermann 
Honorable Mention Romance 
Their outdoor wedding planned for the middle of Africa’s rainy summer, chances are it’ll pour on Mirabelle Kelly’s bridal parade—after all, she is marrying Noah Raines. To make matters worse, the African Rain Queen, Modjadji, is invited to the wedding. Mirabelle must shun her superstitions and place her faith in the One who really controls the weather. 

“Dancing Hands” by Derinda Babcock 
First Place Contemporary 
Morgan hears, Toby doesn't. Their two worlds intersect and expand when the language of the hands allows them to sing, dance, and heal. 

“Teething Troubles” by Elizabeth Pina 
Honorable Mention Contemporary 
When dancing is replaced by diaper changes, Todd's life becomes one problem after another. Is it the beginning of the end for him and Maria, or just the teething troubles of a young marriage? 

“Fred & Ginger” by Steve Hooley 
Honorable Mention Contemporary 
When a new dance studio opens in his small town, Fred's boring life is totally disrupted. And even worse, the new owner, Ginger, reminds him of his late wife. When Ginger asks Fred for help, can he move out of his comfort zone and onto the dance floor of a new life? 

“Last Waltz” by Toby Quirk 
Honorable Mention Contemporary 
In the summer of 1969, the backlash from the war in Vietnam spread through cities and campuses all over America. The homecoming ball at West Point was about to become engulfed in the violence. 

"The Confession” by Kathrese McKee 
First Place Speculative 
Christine accepts one last assignment on Earth with her news crew to revisit treasured memories. Arrested as a spy, she has the option of dancing to her captors' tune or deciding what her confession will be. 

“Night Dance” by Gretchen E. K. Engel 
Honorable Mention Speculative.  
Kati is hired by a wealthy woman to find the cause of her son's illness. Lonan believes his parents want his younger brother to be their heir apparent and begins a search for his birth parents. The quest forces him to reconcile his past with his present. 

“The Dance of the Light Brigade” by Steve Hooley 
Honorable Mention Speculative 
Penult 666 has nearly destroyed the Earth and is moving in for the kill shot. David Benjamin's brigade of six hundred is chosen to lead the counter attack, a suicide mission. Can Benjamin set aside his personal pride in the brigade's performance and make the ultimate sacrifice to save the Earth? 

Proceeds from the sale of the anthology will be donated to the Scholarship Fund of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

 My Review:"Dancing Up A Storm": 9 Christian Short Stories is a collection on nine short stories that are about dancing. I really enjoyed reading these stories.  I hope this isn't a spoiler alert but all the stories end on a happy note, yes the pun is intended. At first some of the stories don't seem to be happy stories at all but I really encourage you to keep reading.

There was one story "Night Dance" that I am not sure should have been included in a Christian collection, I say this because it was about elves and gnomes. But it was a good story. The other eight stories all quoted Scripture and mentioned the Bible.

This is a collection of different genres, so I am sure everyone could find one or more of the nine stories to enjoy.

The one I could most identify with is the "Teething Troubles". Teething Troubles is something that all of us experience in one way or another. To find out what I say that read "Dancing Up A Storm"

I am giving "Dancing Up A Storm" five stars and I was given a arc pdf file by the publisher Chalfont House for my honest review. These opinions are mine own.

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Tuesday, March 15, 2016

"The Steeplechase" by Carrie Fancett Pagels with Character Interview and Review and A GiveAway

Genre: Historical, Romance, Christian 
Book Description :Martha Osborne fears for her six-year-old brother, who was shuffled off to boarding school when his British mother departed to England. 
Set in Hampton Roads, Virginia, in the build-up to the War of 1812, expert rider Martha plans to substitute for her older brother in a “race to the steeple” to win the prize—and a bet with Phillip Paulson, equestrian trainer at Yorkview Academy, to help have her little brother returned home. When Phillip stumbles upon the real reasons behind the secret race he finds he may not be able to keep his end of the bargain. Can he save Martha and her brother? And will his heart be lost in the process? 
Author Bio: Carrie Fancett Pagels is a multi-published award-winning author of
Christian historical romance.  Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!



Carrie Fancett Pagels, the author, interviews Phillip Lucien Paulson, hero of The Steeplechase, a book where “Early American meets Regency!” 

CFP: Phillip, you seem to be a confirmed bachelor.
“No madam, I am a confirmed bachelor, there is no “seem” about it, I fear!”

CFP: Why is that?
As the second son on the Paulson Estate, let us say that the young ladies of Tidewater found my older brother much more alluring.
CFP: (Interviewer coughs and blushes.) I find it hard to imagine a more handsome young man than you, Mr. Paulson.
“Why thank you. Please call me Phillip. Still, having had my heart stomped upon by a young woman who intended only to catch my brother has left me feeling quite justified in remaining a bachelor.”
CFP: I see. But there is a young lady I see you visiting when I go to Williamsburg.
“Ah, yes, Miss Osborne. She’s all goodness and light, is she not?”
CFP: Um, I think I’ll take the Fifth on that.
“The fifth? Is this some strange treatment using whiskey?”
CFP: No, no, excuse me, I merely meant that Martha Osborne isn’t exactly an angel.
(Phillip laughs.) “Yet she believes me to be angelic, which I have found rather sweet and amusing.”
CFP: Did you worry that she might be a little unbalanced, with this assertion of hers?
“No, I believe she’s a deeply religious young woman whose emotional distress caused her to overlook my very obviously unangelic behavior.”
CFP: Such as?
“I seriously doubt angels admire young ladies as I did when I met her in the bakery shop. But perhaps she didn’t notice. I’m sure that when I assaulted that rogue in her father’s chapel, that she clearly understood I was a man – and a very angry one!”
CFP: Johnny Osborne, Martha’s little brother, is one of the youngest students at the academy where you help with equestrian training. Is he a good rider?
“He’s a fair rider but much too young to be sent off to boarding school.”
CFP: Do you know why the academy accepted young Johnny then?
(He clears his throat.) “Yes, madam, but I am not at liberty to say why.”
CFP: But Miss Osbourne told me you were in agreement that he should be sent home to Williamsburg from Yorktown.
“Yes, it is true I agreed with her and even agreed to a challenge. However, I have certain reliable information that now calls that judgement into question.”
CFP: Hmmm. 
“I believe that shall be her reaction as well, upon learning of my change of heart.”
CFP: Your mother is French. Has that influenced you?
“Certainement. I’ve certainly been taught that every country, every culture, has it differences and its own ways of looking at things. And my mother had a difficult past in France that has affected my upbringing. I’ve been taught to be very appreciative of the freedoms I have as an American.”
CFP: Your father was an American patriot and served during the Revolutionary War. How has this impacted you?
(Long silence, scratches chin, looks around the room.) “When my father speaks, it is with a gravity, a certainty, of what is right. He does not waste time in idle chatter. So when I see him continuing to meet with his old comrades from war, I have been, of course, concerned.”
CFP: I see. This sounds serious.
“I assure you, madam, that with the prominent planters and elder statesmen of the Tidewater gathering together to consider the abduction of our young men by the British navy, it is indeed a serious concern.”
CFP: Is that why so many of our young Tidewater gentlemen (and a certain young gentlewoman!) plan to practice their equestrian skills in the race to the steeple at Grace Episcopal Church?
(Phillips makes a motion as though he is taking a key and locking his lips.)
CFP: Well, I thank you, Phillip, for taking time with us today.
(He rises, bows low, takes my hand and kisses it. If it weren’t for my husband nearby I might feel a little giddy!) “The pleasure is all mine, madam. Give my felicitations to all of your readers.”
My Review: "The SteepleChase" by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a simple novella of a time when the people in America was worried that Britain wanted control again. But is also a romance. This story has many plots between the pages, the most being a little six year old being sent to a boarding school because( almost a fairytale content, to me) a wicked stepmother and a father who is more interested in his own affairs.
This book has a few tense moments and I wasn't sure what the outcome would be. I really liked this novella but to be fair to my review readers I have to warn that there is a scene where a gun could have done damage to a person, ( I know some readers don't like to read this,) but to be fair, real life must be included into the books we read especially if we are reading Historical Fiction. 
I am giving "The Steepchase" by Carrie Fancett Pagels 5 stars. 
There is a little mystery left in the novella at the end because I am left hanging on what happened to the stepmother although to be fair that plot line is secondary to the race to bringing the child home from the boarding school. I wonder if maybe a sequel is in the future ?
I will be reading more of Carrie Fancett Pagels stories because each of her stories that I have read has drawn me into the pages and made me believe I am actually watching the scenes unfold as I turn the pages. 
Links to buy: 
The Steeplechase (Forget-Me-Not Romances, February 2016)
Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter (White Rose/Pelican Book Group, June 2016)
Requilted with Love, in Blue Ribbon Brides collection (Barbour Publishing, November 2016)
The Christy Lumber Camp Series: Selah Award finalist The Fruitcake Challenge (2014), The Lumberjacks’ Ball (April, 2015), Lilacs for Juliana (August, 2016) (ALL three Family Fiction Book of the Year finalists)
“Snowed In”, in A Cup of Christmas Cheer, Guidepost Books (2013)
God’s Provision in Tough Times Lighthouse of the Carolinas (2013) 
Giveaway: Leave a comment for a chance to win a paperback copy (USA only) or ebook if preferred, of The Steeplechase.
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Monday, March 14, 2016

"Promise Lodge" by Charlotte Hubbard Book Tour and a $15.00 Gift Card Giveaway

Book Description: 
It's a better life, a fresh start--and a heaven-sent second chance. Founded by three Amish sisters determined to put misfortune behind them, Promise Lodge is a colony where faith's abiding promise can be fulfilled--and love can make all things new…

Energetic widow Mattie Bender Schwartz is working day and night to get Promise Lodge going. She's also hoping the change will help her son Noah's heart to heal after his broken engagement. But his former fiancée, Deborah, is looking for a fresh start too. Filled with regret, and cast out by her dat for a reason she can't yet reveal, Deborah can only pray Noah will forgive her foolishness. 

Deborah is the last person Noah expected to show up at Promise Lodge. But with her cruel words still ringing in his head, he's reluctant to accept her apology--even if the Old Order ways demand he try. If only he could obey Christ's most important commandment: love one another. But one thing is certain--his mother and aunts, and their beloved Preacher Amos, will do their best to help him get there. 

 Author Info:
Charlotte Hubbard sold her first historical romance in 1990, and she's been a slave to her overactive imagination ever since. As she writes, her stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the way she proposed them: unforeseen characters and plot twists come along, and they keep her guessing right along with her readers!

Charlotte has lived in the Midwest most of her life. When she's not writing, she loves touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and playing with her Border Collie, Ramona. She's a Presbyterian deacon, sings in her church choir, and plays in the percussion ensemble. She's married to a fine man who--bless him--has never once suggested she get a real job!

EXCERPTS (Exclusive Excerpt):

“So am I right, thinking none of your women are married?” Truman asked as they headed away from Rainbow Lake, back toward the house. “Not trying to be nosy, understand. But a man likes to know these things before his mind wanders too far down the wrong road.”

Amos laughed, clapping Truman on the back. “You’ve figured us out, Truman. We could just as well call this the Promise Lodge Singles Colony—not that Christine or Mattie or I planned on losing our spouses so early in our lives.”

Truman’s expression sobered. “You’ve all seen your share of heartaches, then. I didn’t mean to make light of your situations. Please accept my apology and condolences.”

“Accepted,” the preacher said. “But I’ll tell you right off that I came here partly because Mattie and I were childhood sweethearts before we married other folks.”


Noah rolled his eyes at the way Amos was staking his claim on Mamm.
My Review: 
“Promise Lodge” is the first book in a new series by Charlotte Hubbard. I thought this book was as good as the books in the (Seasons of the Heart) seasons.

 This isn't your normal Amish story as it deals with abuse ( an husband repeatedly hits and injures his wife and the bishop is okay with this).  The women in this story are unlike the other Amish women I have read about in other Amish novels, these women are independent and don't behave like the bishop believes like they should. Oh, I should also add that they are not wild or abandon their faith, they just feel that women should be treated as equals. (didn't want to give readers the idea that this wasn't a clean read). There is an father in this story that I would like to give a real talking to and say " how can you do this to your daughter, put your faith in her not in that bishop. And, talking about that bishop, why does he allowed his son to do the things that he does without consequences? 

 This story is about new beginnings and how three Amish sisters are determined to put misfortune behind them. Promise Lodge is a colony where faith's abiding promise can be fulfilled--and love can make all things new.

 These three sisters are unhappy about the things happening in the town of Coldstream and decided to buy an abandoned camp ground for a new beginning. Can they make it work and help the ones they hope come to their settlement.

 Oh there are plenty of tense moments as well as tender moments in this novel. This is a story of new beginnings and old and new love.  

 I can't wait till the next story in this series is released.

 I was given a copy of "Promise Lodge" for my honest review by the author. These opinions are mine own!

Giveaway : http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f1557/

The Tour Dates are
March 7: The Quiet Quilter
March 7: Miss Tina's Snitz Pie Book Review
March 8: BooksChatter
March 9: The Reading Addict
March 10: Writer Wonderland
March 10: Maureen's Musings
March 11: CherylBBookBlog
March 14: D's Quilts and Books
March 14: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
March 15: The Book Pound
March 15: Queen of All She Reads - review 
March 16: LibriAmoriMiei - review
March 17: Southern Gal Loves to Read
March 18: Stormy Nights Reviewing and Bloggin'- review
March 21: Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews
March 22: Independent Authors
March 23: Long and Short Reviews
March 24: Vickie's Kitchen and Garden
March 25: Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
March 28: Louise Lyndon Romance Author Hear Me Roar
March 29: T's Stuff
March 30: FictionZeal
March 31: EskieMama Reads - review
April 1: The Book Connection
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Saturday, March 12, 2016

$5.00 Gift Card GiveAway

"Being in love makes every morning worth getting up for" is a quote from Kathleen Fuller in the novella "A Bid For Love" and "A person so unhappy surely needed to give or receive forgiveness-maybe both.' is a quote from "Sweeter Than Honey" by Kelly Irvin, both are in the book " An Amish Market" .

What are your thoughts on these statements! I am having a lot of thoughts running through my head as I think about these statements!
And since I am in a giving mood today I am doing a giveaway of a $5.00 gift card!
Post a comment on your thoughts on these two statements. and be entered to win a $5.00 gift card.
You have until March 16, 2016 at 9;00 am cst.
Please leave me a way to get in touch with you if you are the winner!
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Friday, March 11, 2016

"New Beginnings" by Pamela Jo Book Tour and Giveaway

 
Book: New Beginnings
Author: Pamela Jo, Whoopie Pie Pam
Genre: Christian fiction, Amish
Description: 
Upon her return from her best friend Charlie’s wedding, Victoria found that the beautiful city of Chicago had never seemed emptier and neither had her soul. She realized she was surrounded by all the people in the world and she still felt lonely. Deciding to take her friend Charlie’s advice and make a change in her life, she packed her bags and moved to the west coast of Florida. Little did she know that the young Amish girl that she met on the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico would begin a spiral of emotional changes for both of them.




Author Information 
Author Pamela Jo, best known as “Whoopie Pie Pam”, is the author of several wonderful story/cookbooks, and the best-selling co-author of the #1 Best Selling series, The Divine Secrets of the Whoopie Pie Sisters.  She is also the founder and creator of the Whoopie Pie Book Club, a well know social media site.
While battling Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, Pam created the Whoopie Pie Book Club.  For years, she called a group of ladies in her family by that same name.  Every year, they travelled to Amish Country for a retreat of reading Amish fiction, seeing the Amish sights and eating plenty of Whoopie Pies.
Inspired by the Amish for their simplicity in facing life, love of God, and honor for family, Pamela found a connection with the Amish.  As a result of her many years of traveling and conducting business with the Amish, she has established close friendships with many Amish families, friendships that she cherishes.  She refers to them as her extended family.
Contact the author at:
Email:   pamelajo@BHGPublishing.com

My Review: "New Beginnings" by Pamela Jo is the first novella in the (Sands of Time series). It is a great book for any reader whether they like the Amish genre or not or just a feel good read. This novella is 132 pages and is a full story.

I have to admit that when I first started reading I was thinking "Ok, Pamela Jo usually writes about the Amish and I was thinking maybe she is reaching out to other genres which would be okay with me but then I read she sees an Amish girl on the beach in Florida." (no, this isn't a Spoiler alert because the book description tells you that Victoria moves to Florida).

 I was surprised to read about an event in Victoria's past, but that was before she became a Christian. So not only does Victoria move to a new state but she gains a whole new life.

 "New Beginnings" is easy to read and draws you from the first sentence. This novella makes you want to become friends with these characters. 

I wanted to cry when I first started reading Rebecca's story in this novella, it is one that hits home to so many of us but that is why fiction is so great, it is often about real life but it is about someone that isn't ( well maybe the character is real in the author's mind as well as our's).

I don't know but the ending left me thinking a new romance might be in Victoria's future, only the next novella in this series will tell. 

 I say "New Beginnings" by Pamela Jo is just as great as her other books she has written and that I think this book is a great one to start with if you haven't read her other books. 

 Pamela Jo writes in a way that her readers know that she wants her stories to touch our hearts and they do just that.

 I am giving "New Beginnings" five stars'

 I was given a ebook copy by Pamela Jo and Celebrate Lit for my honest review and these opinions are mine own. 

 Link to purchase book : http://amzn.com/1522821198


Link to giveaway : https://promosimple.com/ps/92ba


Blog Stops

March 6: Bukwurmzzz
March 6: Splashes of Joy
March 7: Mary Hake
March 8: Quiet  Quilter
March 10: ArtisticNobody
March 13: A Greater Yes
March 15: Texas Book-aholic

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