A Heart's Danger - Colleen Coble’s Perfect Pairing Giveaway and Blog Tour

Sarah risks everything to expose the betrayal threatening the man she loves—but will the risk be worth it? Find out in book three, A Heart's Danger, of Colleen Coble's A Journey of the Heart series. Rand’s new fiancée wants to keep him from returning to Sarah Montgomery . . . for whom his heart clearly still yearns. Sarah just wants to move on with her life at Fort Laramie, but doing so under the watchful eyes of both Campbell—the man whose love she craves—and Croftner—the man whose lies have cost her everything.

My Review: What a wonderful conclusion to Rand and Sarah's story! I absolutely love Colleen Coble and this short story is no exception. It picks up where A Heart's Obsession ends and flows seamlessly through until the end. It's an excellent addition to the Journey of the Heart series.

As with all Coble stories, there are twists and turns throughout the entire plot that keep you gripping the edge of your seat until the very end. Tension is mounting around the fort with the Sioux warriors, as well as inside the fort between Rand, Sarah, and Rand's fiance Jessica. Jessica launches a plan to keep Sarah away from Rand for good with the help of Ben Croftner. Can Rand find Sarah before it's too late and will he see that Sarah is the one for him? Find out in this exciting story!

Overall, I loved it. I can't wait to read the next one!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Liftuse in exchange for my honest review.*

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/ccoble

Enter to win the perfect pairing giveaway: three books (books one–three in Colleen's A Journey of the Heart series) and coffee to pair with your new book!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Heart's Danger
• A pound of Colleen's favorite coffee, Captain Davy's Coffee Roaster Costa Rican
• A copy of A Heart's Disguise
• A copy of A Heart's Obsession

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 31st. Winner will be announced June 1st on Colleen's website.

About the book:

A Heart's Danger (Thomas Nelson, May 2015)

On the brink of war with the Sioux, Sarah risks everything to expose the betrayal threatening the man she loves.

Christmas is coming, and the air at Fort Laramie has turned cold . . . but relations with the Sioux have turned colder. As tensions between soldiers and natives approach a tipping point, a trap has been set for Rand Campbell.

Rand's new fiancée wants to keep him from returning to Sarah Montgomery . . . for whom his heart clearly still yearns.

Sarah just wants to move on with her life at Fort Laramie, but doing so under the watchful eyes of both Campbell---the man whose love she craves---and Croftner---the man whose lies have cost her everything.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1G01e4s

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

Will Rand fall victim to the conspiracy and go through with his wedding? Or will he declare his love for Sarah and make good on the promises that brought her into the rugged western territories?

When Grace Sings by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 

About the book: When Grace Sings (WaterBrook Press, March 2015)

When trouble roars into quiet Arborville, Alexa and Anna-Grace find themselves the target for discord and exposed secrets. Can they continue to seek the God of all grace amidst the fog of confusion?

Alexa Zimmerman wonders if the Old Order Mennonite community in Arborville, Kansas will ever fully accept her. Her family roots here aren't what anyone thought when she first arrived, but she is hopeful that her culinary and hospitality skills will win the skeptics over. The bed-and-breakfast she's operating needs to succeed so Alexa agrees to allow Briley Forrester, the hotshot reporter from Chicago, to stay as a long-term boarder not knowing his real motives for being amongst the Plain folk.

But when Alexa agrees to host her cousin Anna-Grace Braun, the presence of extended family brings out Alexa's insecurities and sets Briley on the trail to uncovering a web of hidden truths.

Plans for a secure future and the sweetness of young romance hang in the balance when Alexa and Anna-Grace have to face that their secrets are interconnected, binding the two in ways they could not have imagined. They must trust in a loving, heavenly Father and His plan for their futures.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1FBvcM5

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/ksawyer

Read my review of When Mercy Rains, the first book in the Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy

My Review: This is another excellent book by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I love her ability to take a serious topic, or in this case topics, and turn it into a story of grace, mercy and forgiveness. Heartbreak, betrayal, and secrets abound in this story, just as they did in the first. The author adds sparks of humor and moments of sweetness to keep the story from being too heavy and the plot flowing effortlessly.

The characters were, again, excellently developed and written. I enjoyed meeting up with Alexa again. Her sweet, unassuming personality made me want to befriend her from book one. Briley was such a rogue from the beginning, but I was eager to see how his character would develope and I was not disappointed. I was uncertain how I felt about Anna-Grace in the beginning of the story. I wasn't sure how her past would meld or grow into the current situation, and I guess I'll have to wait and see! However, I did come to love her as much as I loved Alexa. Steven seemed very selfish to me. I struggled to like him because of his choices, but in the end, I hope it works out between Anna-Grace and Steven.

The message of the story is best stated by Alexa: "God's grace is a precious gift. I think grace is the purest form of mercy, offered even when it's undeserved or rejected." Each character in the story either has to offer grace or accept grace as given to them. As Christians, we are supposed to offer grace as grace was offered to us as sinners by Jesus. 

Overall, I loved this book and look forward to more from the Zimmerman Family.

**I received this book for free from the publisher through the Litfuse blogging program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.**

About the Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of twenty-nine novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and nine grandchildren.

Find Kim online: website, Facebook, Twitter

As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad

Overview: Tessa Gregory is nothing if not tenacious. Denied a position as a horticulturalist at prestigious Como Park in Saint Paul, she is not above a little benevolent deception in order to get the park superintendent to change his mind and hire her. She plans to infiltrate the world of wealthy and influential people in hopes of drumming up financial support for a world-class conservatory. But before she can put those plans into action, she meets Reese King, a handsome gardener at Como Park--and a major distraction. Still, Reese might be the key to achieving her dream. But is his goal to help her . . . or to capture her heart?

Against a lush backdrop of early twentieth century Saint Paul, Minnesota, Lorna Seilstad weaves a sweet and sassy story that is sure to please. Tessa's young romance opens like a rose, stealing readers' hearts and filling their senses with the intoxicating fragrance of dreams come true.

ISBN-13: 9780800721831

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication date: 5/19/2015

Series: Gregory Sisters Series, #3

Pages: 320

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: I'm a big fan of Lorna Seilstad's Lake Manawa Summer series, so I jumped at the chance to review this book for Revell Reads. I was not disappointed. Though this is the third book in the series (about the third Gregory sister Tessa), it reads like a stand alone book. I would, however, like to read the first two books in the series so I can get the background on Hannah and Charlotte!

This story was so much fun. Tessa's personality shown through the entire book and I lapped it up. She is bubbly, effervescent, and exciting. Life is her "greatest adventure" and it shows through each page. Her "reach for the stars" personality is the perfect match for solid, serious, and feet firmly planted on the ground Reese. His protective and humble personality was refreshing. I really liked that he didn't try to change Tessa, he just arranged his life around her's.

Tessa and Reese both have to learn to put their faith in a power greater than their own. "A small amount of genuine faith is enough to produce great hope." Even faith the size of a mustard seed is enough for Jesus to do the work. Reese has to learn to let go of trying to please his earthly father and work to please his heavenly Father. Tessa has to learn that man will let you down at some point, no matter how good the person is. The only one who won't let you down is the Lord.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book and look forward to reading more from this amazing author.

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

About the Author: A history buff, antique collector, and former high school English teacher, fan favorite Lorna Seilstad is the author ofWhen Love Calls, While Love Stirs, and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.

Weekend Wrap Up (May 15) - Friday Memes

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!

Funny story: Yesterday (THURSDAY), I woke up so excited because I thought it was Friday. I didn't realize it WASN'T yet Friday until halfway through my morning routine. Apparently, in my sleepy "happy friday, though it's not Friday" mind, I turned my alarm clock off. So today, WHICH IS ACTUALLY FRIDAY, my alarm did NOT go off. OOOPPPSS! I was late for work! It has thrown off my whole day. Has that ever happened to you? 

What I've Read: 

Reviews Posted: 

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander
Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren

What I'm Currently Reading:


What's Up Next for May:
 

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

This Week's Question: If you see a book you like but see it is 400 or 500+ pages, will you still read it?

My Answer: Sometimes. It depends on what the book is about and if I'm really interested in reading it. I'm a pretty fast reader, so it doesn't scare me.


Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

"Flowers have an expression of countenance." Tessa Gregory whispered the words she'd once read. She studied the blooms in the Como Park planter and shook her head. If the author was correct, then these pansies were suffering from a severe case of melancholy." - As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad - The Gregory Sisters Series #3

Having not read any of the previous Gregory Sisters series, I don't know what to expect from this novel. Having read several Lorna Seilstad books, I can expect that it will be entertaining and uplifting!

Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren

Overview: Darek Christiansen is almost a dream bachelor—oldest son in the large Christiansen clan, heir to their historic Evergreen Lake Resort, and doting father. But he’s also wounded and angry since the tragic death of his wife, Felicity. No woman in Deep Haven dares come near.

New assistant county attorney Ivy Madison simply doesn’t know any better when she bids on Darek at the charity auction. Nor does she know that when she crafted a plea bargain three years ago to keep Jensen Atwood out of jail and in Deep Haven fulfilling community service, she was releasing the man responsible for Felicity’s death. All Ivy knows is that the Christiansens feel like the family she’s always longed for. And once she gets past Darek’s tough exterior, she finds a man she could spend the rest of her life with. Which scares her almost as much as Darek learning of her involvement in his wife’s case.

Caught between new love and old grudges, Darek must decide if he can set aside the past for a future with Ivy—a future more and more at risk as an approaching wildfire threatens to wipe out the Christiansen resort and Deep Haven itself.

ISBN 10: 1414378416

ISBN 13: 978-1414378411

A Christiansen Family Novel – Book 1

Tyndale House Publishers

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: I am so glad I took a chance on this novel. I absolutely loved it! The story gripped my heart from beginning to end. Following the lives of 3 best friends and a new comer was interesting, exciting, and at times heartbreaking. The events that led each character to where they are at this point in time were each traumatizing in it's own way, but watching them grow, triumph, and overcome their pasts gave me immense satisfaction in the story.

I loved Ivy, Claire, Jensen, and Darek. Their characters were uniquely complex, though they struggled with much of the same emotions. The author did an excellent job of layering their pasts and presents to add emotional clarity and depth to the story. At times, I felt like Ivy and Darek's relationship was rushed, but it made sense in a way (I know, that's confusing, but that's how I felt). Ivy and Darek have to decide whether or not to take a chance on each other, despite their emotional scars and baggage. Tiger's antics lent a light air to an otherwise deep and emotional plot. I just wanted to squeeze that little boy!

Each character has to overcome bitterness, anger, and emotional scars that have tainted their lives.Everyone feels like someone else has wronged them at some point in our lives. It's what we do with those feelings that can shape our futures.As the author states in her note to the reader, "we live in a blame world." There is no mercy, grace, or forgiveness. We cannot redeem ourselves. Only God can. That's what grace is. When we accept his grace, we also accept his mercy and forgiveness. Then we can learn to be more like Christ in our lives, forgiving others, and extending mercy and grace to those who we feel have wronged us. Ivy, Claire, Jensen, and Darek each have to learn to accept those things in different ways for their lives to be full of the joy and love the Lord has for them.

Overall, I loved this story. I can't say enough good things about it and I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series.

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

Weekend Wrap Up (May 8)

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!

The winner of Crossroads by Cathy Bryant is...

TAMMY C.*

*winner has been notified.

What I've Read: 

Reviews Posted: 

From the Start by Melissa Tagg

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

Robin's Reward by June McCrary Jacobs

Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade

What I'm Currently Reading: 

 

What's Coming Up for May: 

 

Tamera Alexander’s To Win Her Favor Blog Tour and Kindle Giveaway

Can Maggie prove that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America? Find out in Tamera Alexander's To Win Her Favor. To give her that chance—and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder—Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

My Review: This book tugged at my heartstrings from the very beginning. Tamera Alexander has such a powerful way with words. Putting feelings, emotions, and a well-thought out story together takes talent, and Tamera has it. To Win Her Favor is an emotional roller coaster. There are some scenes in the book that I found difficult to swallow, but fit with the time period. The suspense and the mystery kept me guessing until the very end.

I loved Maggie and Cullen from the beginning of the book. Their fiesty and fiery relationship had me turning pages late into the night. I loved their romance, the heated moments, the passion (all kept PG of course), and the love flowing off the pages enraptured me. Their confusion, hurts, and anger at each other frustrated me, but their make up was every bit as charming and lovable as I would want.

The best part of this whole book is about God's healing, God's grace, and God's mercy. I love when an author weaves the message in the story without making it overt or unnatural. Tamera has that talent. Overall, I loved this book and I look forward to more by this amazing author.

*Thank you, Litfuse, for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/talexander

Celebrate the release of To Win Her Favor with a Kindle Fire and book giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD 6
• A copy of To Win Her Favor

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 10th. Winner will be announced May 11th on Tamera's blog. Plus stay tuned for more opportunities to win after May 11 with a special Pinterest contest—more details coming soon!

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

About the book:
To Win Her Favor (Zondervan, May 2015)

A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.

An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He's come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he'd wagered, especially when Maggie Linden's father makes him an offer he shouldn't accept yet cannot possibly refuse.

Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance---and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder---Maggie's father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail---Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1OYbn27

About the author:

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville, Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious---and precocious---silky terrier.

Find Tamera online: website, Facebook, Twitter