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To Win Her Favor Review

To Win Her Favor is a 384 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre. It was published by Zondervan and will be released on May 12, 2015. To pre-order your copy, click here.

Overview

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.

My Two Cents

To Win Her Favor is a lovely fast paced novel that has its setting right after the Civil War. The plotline pulled me in right away and Alexander kept me engaged with suspense, romance, and a bit mystery. The research completed for this book is thorough, accurate, and gives the story authenticity. The novel includes difficult historical topics both truthfully and respectfully. The reader can gain an understanding of how life could be during this time.

The characters of To Win Her Favor have personality, grit and a realness that makes you empathize with them even though we do not live in the same time period. For example, Maggie has worked hard for her dream and it would break her heart to lose it all so she makes a desperate decision. I think many of us can relate to how Maggie feels. Alexander does an incredible job of making a story authentic to the time period, yet relatable to today.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. This amazing romance will sweep you back in time and leave you wanting more when you are finished.

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

A big thank you to Litfuse chicks and Zondervan for a free copy of To Win Her Favor in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation has been received and all opinions expressed are my own.

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.}

The Legacy Review

Congratulations to Danielle, the winner of my giveaway of The Legacy!

The Legacy written by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley is a 336 page novel in the Christian Fiction genre. It was published by Revell on April 7, 2015. To order your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

Doug Anderson has been drifting slowly but steadily away from both his family and his faith. His parents, along with Christina, a young woman taken into the family during a crisis pregnancy, have been trying to reach him before he falls too far. But sometimes you have to hit bottom before you’re ready to grow up and give your life over to God. Christina’s feelings for Doug have been growing, even though he writes her off as not worth his time. Will Doug’s own crisis finally clear his vision and help him focus on what he has right in front of him?

My Two Cents

The Legacy is book four in The Restoration Series. Although it is the first book I have read in the series, I was able to follow the storyline with ease. Jim and Marilyn have had a rocky marriage but have worked through their difficulties and have sought restoration with both each other and their adult children. Unfortunately, their youngest son, Doug, has drifted away from the family, his values and the Lord. The story was very encouraging, reminding us that we need to trust the Lord when things are beyond our control. The Legacy focused on the story of The Prodigal Son from the Bible and how we can apply that story to our lives, especially those of us who have adult children.

This is not the type of story I would usually pick out to read, but I am very glad I read it. Although the book was slow in some places, I finished the book feeling encouraged. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

About the Authors

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of many books, including The Dance, The Promise, and The Desire with Gary Smalley. He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel.

Gary Smalley is one of the country’s best-known authors and speakers on family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, and TODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs. He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury. Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 50 years and live in Missouri.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of The Legacy in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Giveaway

To enter win a copy of The Legacy, click “entry-form” below:

Entry -Form

Giveaway ends Sunday, April 26 at 11:59 pm.

The Art of Losing Yourself Review

Congratulations to Patty! She is the winner of The Art of Losing Yourself giveaway! Enjoy Patty!

The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert is a 320 page book in the Christian fiction genre. It is published by WaterBrook Press and released on April 21, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or to order at Barnes & Noble, click here.

Overview

Every morning, Carmen Hart pastes on her made-for-TV smile and broadcasts the weather. She’s the Florida panhandle’s favorite meteorologist, married to everyone’s favorite high school football coach. They’re the perfect-looking couple, live in a nice house, and attend church on Sundays. From the outside, she’s a woman who has it all together. But on the inside, Carmen Hart struggles with doubt. She wonders if she made a mistake when she married her husband. She wonders if God is as powerful as she once believed. Sometimes she wonders if He exists at all. After years of secret losses and empty arms, she’s not so sure anymore.

Until Carmen’s sister—seventeen year old runaway, Gracie Fisher—steps in and changes everything. Gracie is caught squatting at a boarded-up motel that belongs to Carmen’s aunt, and their mother is off on another one of her benders, which means Carmen has no other option but to take Gracie in. Is it possible for God to use a broken teenager and an abandoned motel to bring a woman’s faith and marriage back to life? Can two half-sisters make each other whole?

My Two Cents

The Art of Losing Yourself is a well written novel that will challenge you to change yourself and look at your problems from a different perspective. The novel deals with difficult issues such as alcoholism, abuse, and infertility. Ganshert shows how God can bring healing. Also how love and patience can bring people together.

The characters in The Art of Losing Yourself are raw and real. The reader can feel their emotions as well as their pain and it tugs on your heartstrings. They sweep you into a whirlwind that makes you want to keep turning the page to see what happens next. These characters deal with real-life issues that many struggle with on a daily basis, and show you how God’s love can shine through. Although there are weighty issues in The Art of Losing Yourself, the humor sprinkled throughout the novel keeps it from being a difficult read.

Ganshert unfolds the plot by showing the readers the story, not by telling the readers the story. For example, one of my favorite quotes, “….he didn’t seem to notice that I was a lone marshmallow in a sea of hot chocolate” (184) paints an incredible mental picture and gives authenticity to the novel because the reader can picture a teenager making this comment. We all have felt out of place at sometime in our lives – we are uncomfortable and feel as if everyone is watching us. Can’t you picture yourself as a marshmallow floating on top in these situations? I know I can. The imagery Ganshert employs in her novel paints some beautiful pictures through the pain of the characters.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. This is a book that will make you reflect on how you handle life’s problems and remind you that we cannot appreciate the good times without going through the valleys as well..

About the Author

Award-winning author, Katie Ganshert, graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she’s not busy writing or playing or reading or consuming chocolate, she is dreaming about the day her Congolese daughter can finally come home. You can learn more about Katie and her books by visiting her website at www.katieganshert.com.

A huge thank you to Katie Ganshert for a free copy of her book in exchange for my honest review. No money compensation was received for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Katie Ganshert’s new release, I am having a giveaway! Yay! One winner will receive a copy of The Art of Losing yourself.

To enter the giveaway, click “Entry-Form” below:

Entry -Form

Giveaway ends at Midnight on Thursday, April 23.

The Creole Princess Book Review

The Creole Princess by Beth White is a 352 page novel in the historical Christian fiction genre. It is published by Revell on April 7, 2015. Click here to purchase from Amazon or here to purchase from Barnes and Noble.

Overview

All along the eastern seaboard, the American struggle for independence rages. In the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is quieter–though no less deadly. The lovely Frenchwoman Lyse Lanier is best friends with the daughter of the British commander. Rafael Gonzalez is a charming young Spanish merchant with a secret mission and a shipment of gold to support General Washington. As their paths cross and their destinies become increasingly tangled, Lyse and Rafael must decide where their true loyalties lie–and somehow keep Lyse’s family from being executed as traitors to the British Crown.

My Two Cents

The Creole Princess is a fast-paced novel that keeps you on your toes. It is very apparent that White did a lot of research on both the history of the time period as well as the setting in which the novel takes place; this shines through in her writing. There are several cultures represented throughout The Creole Princess and the nuances added to her characters from each culture make them very authentic. Added to all of this, the history represented is not very well known so you learn something new.

There are many solid characters in The Creole Princess; some you love and some you hate. They come to life and give you a small glimpse of what it would have been like to live during this time period. White excels at creating tension through her characters and their situations which makes it hard to put her book down. You can not wait to see what happens next. The main protagonist, Lyse, illuminates love, grace and forgiveness. She makes you want to be a better daughter, sibling, wife, and friend.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It will definitely be one I will read again!

About the Author

Beth White is the award-winning author of The Pelican Bride. A native Mississippian, she teaches music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers’ Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Learn more at www.bethwhite.net.

Thank you to Revell and Beth White for a free copy of The Creole Princess in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received for my opinions expressed in this review.

An Empty Cup Review

Congratulations to Trixie O. The winner of The Matchmaker by Sarah Price. Thank you to all who entered!

An Empty Cup by Sarah Price is a 252 page novel in the Amish fiction genre. It is published by Waterfall Press and will be released on April 14, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

Amish woman Rosanna Zook lost her self-confidence within the confines of a loveless and abusive marriage. In the years spent quietly dealing with her burdens and dutifully caring for others, she forgot her sense of self and ability to feel. But after her first husband’s untimely death, she gets a second chance with Reuben Troyer, a godly man who welcomes Rosanna and her two children into his life.

Despite the love and respect she finds in her new marriage, Rosanna soon learns that juggling the demands of her family and church community is more than she can handle. When Rosanna becomes ill, she is forced to confront a hard truth: one empty cup cannot fill another. For a woman who has spent her life giving, will Rosanna finally be able to let go and receive?

My Two Cents

Many novels bring enjoyment to their readers, not all do this and bring life applicable lessons with them. An Empty Cup deals with deep and real issues; many of which we as women experience on a daily basis. There are several teachable moments where we learn that even good things can be made into negative when we do not keep our lives balanced. This affects not only ourselves but others around us as well.

Price’s characters and storyline are very realistic. It is easy to feel empathy for Rosanna, the main protagonist, and see yourself through her. Even though An Empty Cup deals with difficult issues, it is not a struggle to read. The issues are handled with wisdom and provide tension to the story. As I finished this book, I found myself reflecting on Rosanna’s struggles and giving my life a good hard look.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It’s one that the reader will be able to read again and find encouragement.

About the Author

Sarah’s family settled in Pennsylvania when the first wave of Mennonites emigrated from Europe in 1705. She divides her time between her home outside of New York City and an Amish farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where she writes and reconnects with her Amish friends and Mennonite family. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website at sarahpriceauthor.wordpress.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fansofsarahprice.

A special thank you to Sarah Price for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Giveaway
Enter for your chance to win a copy of The Matchmaker by Sarah Price by clicking on “Entry-Form” below:

Entry -Form

‘A Sparrow in Terezin’ by Kristy Cambron | New Book Plus a Book-Inspired Giveaway

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection in Kristy Cambron‘s new book, A Sparrow in Terezin. Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A set of poppy notecards
A poppy pin
A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly
A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD
Literary tea bags
Tumbler
A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy’s blog.

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Buried Secrets Review and Giveaway

Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon is a 384 page novel in the Christian romantic suspense genre. It is published by Revell and released on April 7, 2015. Click here to purchase your copy from Amazon or here to order from Barnes and Noble.

Overview

After seven years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant has hit a wall. Ready for a kinder, gentler life, she takes a job as a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes the resources of her department. A call for assistance brings detective Mac McGregor, an ex-Navy SEAL, to her doorstep. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn’t want this dead person telling any tales–and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.

My Two Cents

Having read several of Irene Hannon’s books, I was excited to read her newest book Buried Secrets. This is the first book in a series and Irene does a great job of introducing the main characters, but also setting up secondary characters for her future books. The secondary characters provided tension and helped to give insight into the main characters, Lisa and Mac.

The plotline itself was on the slow side at the beginning. It was disappointing that the killer was revealed very early in the book. Also, the romance was very typical and not very realistic. Despite these criticisms, the book did pick up towards the middle and makes the reader wonder if there will be justice.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

About the Author

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers’ Choice Award, and a National Readers’ Choice Award. In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its “Top 10 Inspirational Fiction” list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of Buried Secrets in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received in exchange for them.

Giveaway

Visit my Facebook page to enter to win a copy of Buried Secrets. While there, like my Facebook page to keep up to date on latest releases, reviews, and giveaways!

https://www.facebook.com/simpleharvestreads/app_568769286522257?ref=page_internal

Double Cross Review

Double Cross by DiAnn Mills is a 400 page novel in the mystery suspense genre. It is published by Tyndale House Publishers on March 20, 2015. To purchase your copy through Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead.

Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.

As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

My Two Cents

Double Cross is the second book in the FBI: Houston series but it can be read as a stand alone. It was easy to read and to follow. The intrigue made the novel fast paced once the scene was set and I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next.

This is my first experience with DiAnn Mills novels and it was not a disappointment. Although the book was slow at the beginning, Mills’ characters are well written with flaws that finds the reader feeling empathy for them. Mills uses her characters to show the reader how we can overcome our flaws with the help of our faith which was highly encouraging. I enjoyed how she interwove romance into the novel which made it very believable and not sappy. The relationship Daniel has with his grandparents is very sweet and endearing.

The research behind Double Cross is evident to the reader and it makes the plotline credible. Mills keeps you guessing who is on the side of the good and on the side of the bad and if everyone will make it out safe throughout the novel. I was not able to guess the truth until the author wanted it revealed.

I give this book 4 out 5 stars. If you enjoy reading suspense mysteries with a side of romance, you will enjoy DiAnn Mills’ Double Cross.

About the Author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for a free copy of Double Cross in exchange for my honest review. No compensation has been received for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

An Amish Spring

An Amish Spring by Sarah Price is a 72 page novella in the Amish Christian fiction genre published by Amazon Kindle Services on March 21, 2015. Click here to order your copy.

Overview

It’s springtime in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Drusilla Riehl has just turned eighteen. While she’s attended youth gatherings and singings in the past, something feels just a little bit different now. As the eldest child, she has a lot of responsibilities, especially with her aging grandparents living in the smaller house attached to the Riehls’ farmhouse and with Drusilla’s mother expecting a baby soon. Follow the story of this young Amish woman as she comes of age in the springtime of her life, balancing her commitment to faith, family, and friends.

The Amish Seasons Series, a four-part series, follows the story of Drusilla Riehl as she passes through the seasons of life. The first of a four book series, An Amish Spring introduces readers to the Riehl family and their Amish community, both Amish and Mennonite, and will be sure to delight as you learn more about the Amish religion and culture from Sarah Price, one of the leading bestselling authors of Amish Christian fiction who bases her stories and books on authentic experience growing up Mennonite and living among the Amish.

My Two Cents

As the cold of winter is passing, we see spring bloom in the life of Drusilla (Dru) Riehl. Dru is a sweet, caring girl who genuinely cares for her family as well as others. An Amish Spring follows her life through the spring of the year. We get a glimpse of authentic Amish life through events, such as a barn raising, and we see how a young girl starts thinking differently about life through them.

An Amish Spring is a truly delightful story with real characters. Price’s knowledge of the Amish life shines through and gives the story credibility. Her descriptions of the setting and characters bring the story to life in the mind of the reader.

The four part series reminds me of the serials done in the Victorian Age by great authors like Charles Dickens. Best of all, the series celebrates the start of each new season! I am looking forward to watching Dru through each one.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It’s a book not to miss!

About the Author

A special thank you to Sarah Price for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Let’s Celebrate Spring!

Congratulations to Myrtle and Rhonda, our two winners!

To celebrate the coming of spring and the release of Sarah Price’s new book, I am giving away to copies of her An Amish Spring! Contest ends Sunday, March 22 at midnight PST.

To enter, click on “entry form” below:

Entry -Form

To order An Amish Spring by Sarah Price, click here.