Colleen Coble’s Melt into Summer Giveaway and ‘A Heart’s Betrayal’ Blog Tour

Emmie finds shelter in the arms of a soldier in Fort Laramie, Wyoming, but will her big secret drive them apart? Find out in book four, A Heart's Betrayal, of Colleen Coble's A Journey of the Heart series. Suddenly displaced, powerless, and ashamed, Emmie can’t stay in Wabash, Indiana. She makes a hopeful start for Fort Laramie to find her friend Sarah Montgomery and a new beginning. But when she arrives, she discovers she’s pregnant—and without a husband. The new start she’d hoped for slips from her fingers.

My Review: Welcome to, what I'm terming as, part two of the Journey of the Heart series. This book introduces us to Emmie Croftner, Ben Croftner's sister and reintroduces us to Isaac Liddle. We also get a glimpse into Rand and Sarah's life after A Heart's Danger.

In true Coble style, this book plays with our emotions. Emmie Croftner is thrown for a loop several times throughout the book and I can't help but sympathize with her. Can Isaac Liddle figure out how to cure the haunted look he sees in Emmie's eyes? Will she let him? I can't wait to find out!

Overall, I loved this short story. It is the perfect addition to an amazing series.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Litfuse Blogging program.*

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/ccoble

Melt into summer with a new giveaway from Colleen: four books (books one–four in Colleen's A Journey of the Heart series) and a box of chocolates to pair with your new books!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Heart's Betrayal
• A box of Colleen's favorite chocolate truffles from DeBrand Fine Chocolates
• A copy of A Heart's Disguise
• A copy of A Heart's Obsession
• A copy of A Heart's Danger

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 30th. Winner will be announced July 1st on Colleen's website.

About the book:
A Heart's Betrayal (Thomas Nelson, June 2015)

Emmie finds shelter in the arms of a soldier, but her secret could drive them apart.

When Emmie Croftner answered the door to her late husband's home, she discovered an awful truth: her deceased husband was a bigamist. And what's more, the home she thought she inherited never belonged to her at all.
Suddenly displaced, powerless, and ashamed, Emmie can't stay in Wabash, Indiana. She makes a hopeful start for Fort Laramie, Wyoming, to find her friend Sarah Montgomery and a new beginning. But when she arrives, she discovers she's pregnant---and without a husband. The new start she'd hoped for slips from her fingers.

But then she meets Isaac Liddle, a handsome soldier with a kind heart. When he begins to court her, Emmie wonders whether she could ever really be his---and whether she dares to tell him she is carrying another man's baby.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1B65ZsM

About the author:

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

Find Colleen online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Murder Freshly Baked by Vannetta Chapman

Overview: When delicious baked goods become lethal, a trail of poetry leads to a sweet-toothed killer.

Don’t taste it. Don’t share it.
Just throw it away.
If you try my bakery pie,
You won’t live to see another day.

The Amish Artisan Village of Middlebury, Indiana, might be the last place you would ever expect to find a murderer. But Amber has been managing the Village for decades and there’s nothing she hasn’t seen. Or so she thought.

When poetic notes begin appearing around the bakery, warning that some of the pies have been poisoned, Amber is as confused as she is concerned. Who poisons pies? And more to the point, who leaves poems of warning after they’ve done it? When Amber decides to help the police track down the sweet-toothed saboteur, she enlists Hannah Troyer for another round of Amish-style detective work.

Can Amber and Hannah help the police before the Poison Poet strikes? Both women will need to draw on their faith to preserve the peaceful community they’ve built in Middlebury . . . and to protect the girls who work in the Amish Artisan Village.

ISBN-13: 9780310322177 | Publisher: Zondervan | Publication date: 6/9/2015

Series: An Amish Village Mystery Series

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My Review: I absolutely devoured this book. From the very beginning, I was hooked and I had a hard time putting it down. I think this is my favorite of the three books in the Amish Village Mystery Series because it has it all. Heartfelt romance, simple and sweet friendships, honest and humble faith, and loads of intrigue and mystery. I was guessing right along with Hannah, Amber, Preston, and Pam until the very end. 

I especially loved getting a bigger glimpse into the friendship that Hannah and Amber share. It's interesting to me to see how the Amish and English interact, but I love how Vannetta Chapman writes her characters lives and friendships. Though each woman is different in dress, their faith, love, and loyalty are the same. Hannah and Jesse are the cutest couple. I'm so glad we got a glimpse into their future lives. I also loved hearing more from Hannah and Tate. Preston had me from his role in the second book, Murder Tightly Knit. I have a soft spot in my heart for soldiers. His suffering and the work the ICAN and other VA organizations was accurately portrayed, in my opinion. 

Most of all, I loved the faith based message of the story. Hannah and Amber both worry about their friends and family. God is trying to teach them not to worry, but instead to cast their cares upon Him and worry no more. Simple in words, difficult in action. Vannetta Chapman has a way of writing in the message of the book, making it a part of the story, and fitting in the perfect ending.

Overall, I was highly satisfied with the conclusion of the Amish Village Mystery series. I really cannot wait to read more from the amazing author. If you're looking for simple faith, heartwarming romance, and appetizing mystery, pick up this book today!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookLook blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Vannetta Chapman holds a BA and MA degree in English and has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace in Albion, Pennsylvania. She published a novel with Abingdon Press called A Simple Amish Christmas in October of 2010. Her first Quilt Shop Murder Mystery, Falling to Pieces (Zondervan) was released in September of 2011 and received the 2012 Carol Award for best mystery. She currently lives in the Texas hill country.

Connect with Vannetta: Facebook | Twitter | Website

It Had To Be You by Susan May Warren

Overview: Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.

Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

ISBN-13: 9781414378428 | Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Publication date: 1/17/2014 | Series: Christiansen Family Series, #2

Read an Excerpt.

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My Review: I'm so glad I picked up the Christiansen Family Series. Susan May Warren is an amazing writer. It takes skill to pack such emotionally charged characters into a story that is compelling and interesting. It Had to be You makes you examine your own life and the relationships in it. I was invested in Eden's story from page one, and couldn't wait to see how it would end.

I can relate a lot to Eden. There was a time in my life where I put my hopes, dreams, and future on hold to help my sister until I realized I was on the sidelines of my own life. That's why I like Eden so much. She is kind, caring, compassionate, fiery, and loyal. Jace Jacobsen comes off to me as a first class jerk in the beginning. Throughout the story, however, I learned to love him as a normal guy with normal issues hiding behind a tough exterior. For Eden, it had to be Jace who could help her realize her potential as a writer and reach into the recesses of her heart. For Jace, it had to be Eden who made him see that God loves him despite his faults or failures and break the tough-guy, bad boy barrier to see the real him.

The message of the story, as I learned in researching the book for review, is about letting go. Sometimes, the best way to help someone is to let them go. Let them make their own mistakes, so you can make yours. I think that's why God allows situations to come into our lives. If we let go of ourselves and stop trying to fix it on our own, then God can step in.

Overall, It Had to be You was the perfect addition to the Christiansen Family series and I'm super excited to start the next book. 

About the Author: Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. You can find her online atwww.susanmaywarren.com.

Connect with Susan: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Murder Tightly Knit by Vannetta Chapman

Overview: In a town where Amish and Englisch Mingle every day, a grisly murder leads to mutual suspicion. Can Amber and Hannah find the killer before fear unravels the community . . . and before he strikes again?

Even before she heard of Owen Esch’s death, Hannah Troyer knew something was amiss at The Cat’s Meow yarn shop. The store has been closing at odd times, the ever-dependable Mary isn’t always at her post . . . and an Englischman has been loitering around back.

Now, as leaves of brown, gold, and orange blanket Middlebury, Indiana, Owen lies dead on the Pumpkinvine Trail. The only clues to the murderer’s identity point in two very different directions—one of them leading right to The Cat’s Meow.

The police call in a federal investigator, but Hannah and village manager Amber Bowman are in no mood to wait for them to figure out what they already know—that no one from the Amish Village killed Owen Esch.

Amber and Hannah need to work quickly to solve the murder mystery and bring harmony back to the Amish community.

ISBN-13: 9780310325697 | Publisher: Zondervan
Publication date: 12/16/2014 | Series: Amish Village Mystery Series, #2

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My Review: I absolutely loved the second installment of the Amish Village Mystery Series. I was caught up in the story from page one. The mystery surrounding Owen Esch's death is well developed and tangled up as tight as a ball of yarn. I didn't unravel the mystery until almost the end of the book. The story revisits the beloved Amish Artisan Village and Hannah, Amber, Tate, and Jesse.

I loved delving deeper into the lives of Hannah and Jesse. Their relationship is sweet and sincere. I think that's one thing I really enjoy about the Amish novels. Both Hannah and Jesse develop a lot in this book. We get to read more into Jesse's life and feelings. His journey is encouraging, especially for those of us who struggle with anger and forgiveness. Of course, I really enjoyed seeing Amber and Tate together as a married couple, too.

Each character in the book, during the murder investigation, is faced with feelings of anger, uncertainty, and fear. Throughout our lives, we will all encounter situations that have feelings of uncertainty. As the book states, "sometimes Gotte (God) has a way of putting us in situations where we're uncomfortable." He does it to bring us to a place of trust and acceptance of God's will in our lives.

Overall, this was an excellent addition to the Amish Village Mystery series, and I look forward to the next book, Murder Freshly Baked.

About the Author: Vannetta Chapman holds a BA and MA degree in English and has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace in Albion, Pennsylvania. She published a novel with Abingdon Press called A Simple Amish Christmas in October of 2010. Her first Quilt Shop Murder Mystery, Falling to Pieces (Zondervan) was released in September of 2011 and received the 2012 Carol Award for best mystery. She currently lives in the Texas hill country.

Connect with Vannetta: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard

Overview: Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the medicinal plant responsible for tearing her family apart. She's certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her father. Kate will risk anything to find the truth--even her budding relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But more people than she can fathom are after the plants and going it alone just might prove to be a fatal mistake.

ISBN-13: 9780800722241 | Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication date: 6/2/2015 | Series: Port Aster Secrets Series

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My Review: The third and final installment of the Port Aster Secrets series is just as gripping and exciting as the first two. I really loved how Sandra Orchard concluded all of the twists and turns from the first two books in a nice and tidy story. I was guessing at who the bad guys were and who the good guys were until the very end. 

I really enjoyed watching Kate and Tom fall in love throughout the series. Their romance was rocky, but sweet all the same. His protectiveness over her warmed my soul. Her reticence towards him was understandable, but you couldn't deny her feelings, even if she did. With a whole host of bad guys and good guys, this story is not lacking for character excitement.

Both Kate and Tom had to learn to trust that God doesn't always answer our prayers with a "yes" and that's ok. Sometimes, He has other plans for us, better plans, and they are even more than what we were asking for. Overall, I'm very pleased with the conclusion of this book. It had me turning as quickly as I could until the very end. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Revell Reads blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Sandra Orchard is a multi-award-winning author of mysteries and romantic suspense with Revell Publishing and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense imprint. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America and The Word Guild (Canada). A mother of three grown children, she lives in Niagara, Canada with her real-life-hero husband and writes full time…when not doting on her young grandchildren. Learn more about Sandra’s books and bonus features at www.SandraOrchard.com or connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard.

Weekend Wrap Up (May 19)

This is the Weekend Wrap-Up, inspired by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Review. This is where I will tell you what I've read in the past week, what I'm currently reading, and what I plan to read in the week ahead. I might also share some interesting events from the past week!

NEXT WEEK: All blogging done, as of SATURDAY, will be done from the Outer Banks! My beach vacation has finally arrived and I'm super excited! It's about a 6 hour drive and I've got quite a list of books I want to read while I'm lounging on the beach. I'm also looking forward to resting and relaxing with the hubs, playing in the sand with my sweet nephews (5 year old & 9 month old), and bonding with my in-laws! To find out what I plan on reading at the beach, refer to this post: Top ten books I plan to have in my beach bag.

CONGRATULATIONS ANNE P.

*winner was chosen by http://www.miniwebtool.com/random-name-picker/. Winner has 7 days to claim prize before another winner is chosen.* 

What I've Read: 

 

Reviews Posted: 

Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy

Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy

Gingham Mountain by Mary Connealy

What I'm Currently Reading: 

 

What's Next for June: 

 

Challenge Updates:

3 books towards goal of 24 - Completed 9 total - CBLH Re-Read Challenge

Gingham Mountain by Mary Connealy

Overview: All aboard for a delightful, suspense-filled romance, where a Texan is torn between his attraction to a meddlesome schoolmarm and the charms of a designing dressmaker. When Hannah Cartwright meets Grant, she’s determined to keep him from committing her orphans to hard labor on his ranch. How far will she go to ensure their welfare? Grant is determined to provide a home for the two kids brought in by the orphan train. Can he keep his ragtag family together while steering clear of love and marriage?

ISBN-13: 9781624167263 | Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Incorporated

Publication date: 1/1/2014 | Series: LASSOED IN TEXAS, #3

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My Review: Gingham Mountain is the third and final book in the Lassoed in Texas series. While it's not as good as the first two, Petticoat Ranch & Calico Canyon, it's still a fun read. The conversations between Hannah and Grant are entertaining. Sparks fly and tempers flair every time these two get together. I wish there was a little more connection between the two characters though. It seems he just fell in love with her all of a sudden. This book deals a lot with bullying and how to deal with a bully as well. The message of the story is about the love and compassion of the Lord, shown in our treatment of widows and orphans. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the World." - James 1:27

Overall, this was a satisfying conclusion to the Lassoed in Texas series and I look forward to enjoying more books by Mary Connealy.

About the Author: Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist. 

She is the author of The Trouble in Texas series, Swept Away, Fired Up and Stuck Together, The Kincaid Brides Series, Out of Control, In Too Deep and Over the Edge.
The Sophie's Daughters Series, Doctor in Petticoats, a Rita Award finalist, Wrangler in Petticoats and Sharpshooter in Petticoats. These three books are now contained in the single volume Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now available in the single volume Montana Marriages Trilogy.

Find Mary online at: Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | Mary's Blog | 

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy

Overview: Let yourself be swept away by this fast-paced romance, featuring Grace Calhoun, an instructor of reading, writing, and arithmetic, who, in an attempt to escape the clutches of a relentless pursuer, runs smack dab into even more trouble with the 6R's - widower Daniel Reeves, along with his five rowdy sons. When a marriage is forced upon this hapless pair - two people who couldn't dislike each other more - an avalanche isn't the only potential danger lurking amid the shadows of Calico Canyon. Will they make it out alive? Or end up killing each other in the process?

ISBN-13: 9781624162190 | Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Incorporated

Publication date: 7/1/2008 | Series: Lassoed in Texas Series, #2 

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My Review: Calico Canyon is another riveting, action-packed, heart-warming romance from Mary Connealy. Grace Calhoun is a prissy schoolmarm trying to escape her past. Daniel Reeves is a rambunctious mountain man with 5 rambunctious children trying to eke out a living in the wild west. When these two come together, sparks fly (LITERALLY). After her hasty exit from the town of Mosqueros, Grace finds herself married to Daniel. The story gets a whole lot more interesting after that! Tempers flare, hats fly, and love abounds in this wildly exciting story. In the midst of it all, Mary Connealy teaches an important lesson: God is faithful, no matter what. "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

Overall, I really was swept away in this fast-paced romance. It's a great addition to the Lassoed in Texas series.

About the Author: Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist. 

She is the author of The Trouble in Texas series, Swept Away, Fired Up and Stuck Together, The Kincaid Brides Series, Out of Control, In Too Deep and Over the Edge.
The Sophie's Daughters Series, Doctor in Petticoats, a Rita Award finalist, Wrangler in Petticoats and Sharpshooter in Petticoats. These three books are now contained in the single volume Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now available in the single volume Montana Marriages Trilogy.

Find Mary online at: Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | Mary's Blog | 

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy

Overview: Sophie Edwards is doing just fine alone, until a strange-yet oddly familiar-man rides into her life, insisting on rescuing her and her four daughters. Can she find a way to love a headstrong mountain man? When Clay McClellan discovers his brother has been murdered, he's bent on finding the killers and seeing them properly hung. But first his Christian duty demands that he marry his sister-in-law. After all, Sophie needs someone to protect her - right? Faith and love help unruly wed newlyweds find common ground and a chance at love on the Texas frontier.

ISBN-13: 9781620297957 | Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Incorporated

Publication date: 4/1/2013 | Series: LASSOED IN TEXAS

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My Review: This was probably one of the first Christian Historical Fiction books I ever read, and I've re-read it plenty of times since 2010. Mary Connealy never fails to entertain. Her books are action-packed. Her characters are strong, witty, and stubborn. Her messages are well thought out and integrated seamlessly into the story. I was laughing to the point of tears at the antics of Sophie's daughters and the banter between Clay and Sophie. I was on the edge of my seat, rooting for Clay, Sophie, and the girls to win the fight for the ranch. On a more serious note, the message of the story was clear:  ^"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19) The way in which each character in the story contemplated these words and the Lord resonated with me.

Overall, if you're looking for an action-packed, faith based, laugh out loud story, look no further than Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy. 

About the Author: Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist. 

She is the author of The Trouble in Texas series, Swept Away, Fired Up and Stuck Together, The Kincaid Brides Series, Out of Control, In Too Deep and Over the Edge.
The Sophie's Daughters Series, Doctor in Petticoats, a Rita Award finalist, Wrangler in Petticoats and Sharpshooter in Petticoats. These three books are now contained in the single volume Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now available in the single volume Montana Marriages Trilogy.

Find Mary online at: Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | Mary's Blog | 

Website | Twitter | Facebook