Blog Tour + Giveaway ~ Summer on Sunset Ridge by Sharlene MacLaren

 

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About the Book

Book: Summer on Sunset Ridge, Freedom Series Book 1  

Author: Sharlene MacLaren  

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Brought up on a Quaker farm near Philadelphia at the brink of the Civil War, plainspoken Rebecca Albright is charitable, peace-loving, submissive—and a feisty abolitionist. Determined to aid the Underground Railroad no matter what the cost, her path collides with that of formidable slave-catcher Clay Dalton. When Rebecca is assigned to nurse Clay back to health following a near-fatal gunshot wound, her uneasiness around him and the questions surrounding his mysterious past complicate their strained but developing relationship.

Sherriff Clay Dalton is grimly fighting several battles of his own as he stays on at the Albright farm to work off his debt to the family that has saved his life and taken him in. He is torn between his past commitments in the South and his unlikely present among this quiet Quaker community in the North. Almost against his will, he begins to ponder the impossible idea of a future with Rebecca.…

When tensions between North and South escalate, Rebecca and Clay find themselves propelled on a journey to discover just who God has called them to be, and they soon realize that each holds a key to the other’s answer.

About the Author

Sharlene MacLaren Born and raised in western Michigan, award-winning, bestselling author Through Every Storm, Long Journey Home, and Tender Vow; the beloved Little Hickman Creek series (Loving Liza Jane, Sarah, My Beloved, Courting Emma, and Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek, a novella), and three historic romance trilogies: The Daughters of Jacob Kane (Hannah Grace, Maggie Rose, and Abbie Ann); River of Hope (Livvie’s Song, Ellie’s Haven, and Sofia’s Secret); Tennessee Dreams: Heart of Mercy, Threads of Joy, and Gift of Grace.
Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. After graduating, she traveled with a nationally touring Christian vocal ensemble, returning home to Spring Arbor to marry her husband, Cecil, whom she’d known since childhood. Together they raised two daughters. Now happily retired after teaching elementary school for 31 years, “Shar” enjoys reading, singing in the church choir and worship teams, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her novels include the contemporary romances

My Thoughts

MacLaren has long been a must-read author for me. With eloquent strokes of her pen (or keyboard :) ), the people of picturesque Sunset Ridge come alive, revealing a community that is far from ordinary. My time spent there was one of learning and wonder and blessing. 

Summer on Sunset Ridge is brilliantly written and filled with wonderful truths from the Word of God. It turned into a companion devotional for me and sparked my desire to create a prayer journal featuring quotes from the book, thereby confirming my word for 2017 -- PRAY!

I highly recommend this inspiring and satisfying novel! I was provided an ARC of this book from the publisher, Whitaker House, through Celebrate Lit, for review purposes. No compensation has been received.

Blog Stops

January 19: Reading Is My SuperPower

January 19: Giveaway Lady

January 19: A Reader’s Brain

January 20: Books. Books. And More Books.

January 20: The Power of Words

January 21: Bigreadersite

January 21: just the write escape

January 22: Moments Dipped in Ink

January 22: For The Love of Books

January 23: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

January 23: Genesis 5020

January 24: Pause for Tales

January 24: His Grace is Sufficient

January 25:  Book by Book

January 25: A Simple Life, really?!

January 26: A Greater Yes

January 26: Connie’s History Classroom

January 26: A Baker’s Perspective

January 27: Christian Author: A.M. Heath

January 27: Splashes of Joy

January 28: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

January 28: Christian Bookaholic

January 28: History, Mystery & Faith

January 29: Stuff & Nonsense

January 29: Bibliophile Reviews

January 30: cherylbbookblog

January 30: Daysong Reflections

January 31: Blossoms and Blessings

January 31: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

February 1: Reader’s cozy corner

February 1: Rhonda’s Doings

Giveaway

To celebrate Sharlene’s tour, Whitaker House is giving away:

Grand Prize

Brown and tan fashion purse with cross, multiple interior and exterior pockets

and

Five Sharlene MacLaren titles: Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom #1); Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1); Livvie’s Song (River of Hope #1); Hannah Grace (Daughters of Jacob Kane #1); Loving Liza Jane (Little Hickman Creek #1)

Second Prize

“Keepers of the Light” Orange/Cinnamon/Clove candle from www.acheerfulgiver.com and

Summer on Sunset Ridge

Third Prize

Summer on Sunset Ridge

Click below to enter. 

Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway!

 GIVEAWAY LINK

https://promosimple.com/ps/af21

Anne's Top Reads of 2017

2017….What a busy year! I would like to say I had unlimited time to sit and read every day but that was not the way it was. I didn’t do much with my photography during the year either, as you probably noticed if you’re a regular around here. What I did do was a lot of traveling (driving, not flying); two trips to MO to see our son, and numerous trips to NC, one in which was in order to help care for my FIL in his last two weeks of life. I also devoted many hours to my women’s Bible study group, church prayer group, and was available to fellowship with and offer help to friends who needed assistance. Reading was a pleasure and privilege but not a priority this past year. I let the ball drop on a couple of books but I’m determined to do better in 2018, Lord willing and life doesn’t swoop down and throw me for a loop.

That being said, I did read some mighty fine books last year. I stepped out and read a few new-to-me authors and was pleasantly surprised by their stories, enough to include them in my Top Reads of 2017. And then there are the familiar authors, that you know when you pick up their book it’s going to be like coming home. They’re on here too!

In no particular order, these are some of my favorites that I requested or was offered a copy from the author or publisher in exchange for a review. I'm doing 12 because Rebecca started it! :-)

Just the Way You Are by Pepper Basham

Basham’s writing talent is simply amazing! It’s been a while since I sat with a book in my hand and just pondered on profound thoughts filling the page.  

Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson

This story has it all. It encompasses complicated relationships, crafty and cunning characters, and a gentle and beloved faith in God that will lead to forgiveness and reconciliation.  

Maybe It’s You by Candace Calvert

Working together like a well-oiled machine, the compliment of characters is simply amazing. 

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright
(debut novel and a new-to-me writer/author)

If you enjoy stories that make you think twice before turning off the lights, then you will like this book.  

Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig

Crown of Souls is a global thrill ride suffused with heart pounding, adrenaline driven moments. 

The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn  Miller

I thought William embodied Colossians 3:12 ~ So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience...  
What's not to love?!     

True to You by Becky Wade

True to You is fabulous! Packed with surprises, the emotional elements in this story stirred my heart and soul and held me spellbound with their rawness and intensity. 

An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter
I relished my reading time curled up with a hot cup of tea or cocoa, separated from distractions so I could engage deeply with these fabulous characters.    

Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer
Fans of historical fiction with strong Christian values, mystery, and romance will enjoy this book.  

Summer on Sunset Ridge by Sharlene MacLaren

MacLaren has long been a must-read author for me. With eloquent strokes of her pen or keyboard, the people of picturesque Sunset Ridge come alive, revealing a community that is far from ordinary. My time spent there was one of learning and wonder and blessing. 

A Mother for His Family by Susanne Dietze
(new-to-me author)

Restoration is a prevalent theme in this story, brought about in a tender way. 

Shine Like the Dawn by Carrie Turansky

Shine Like the Dawn is a beautiful depiction of faith and family and love, radiating a sunburst of emotions that swept this reader deep into the story, making it difficult to come up for air. 

There you have it. These were all wonderfully written narratives that moved my heart and soul!

I'm anticipating equally extraordinary stories in 2018. I hope you'll follow along with Rebecca and I as we share our love of good Christian fiction. 

Have you read any of my Top Reads of 2017? If so, what did you think? Or share a favorite of your own! 
We love book recommendations. :-)

~Happy Reading~

Note: Blogging is a might frustrating at times, especially when I cannot get all the formatting to look the same! I'm the type of person that those 'minor' inconsistencies in spacing and/or sizing drives nuts but I am posting anyway. I am not too HTML savvy, worked on this for hours and just could not figure it out. So please forgive the lousy formatting. TY!