Monday, October 29, 2018

Finding Love In Big Sky, Montana (Resort to Love--Finding Love line Book 2) Kindle Edition

UPDATE!!!
SALE HAS ENDED!!!

LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!!

To celebrate her Christmas romance being optioned for film, Angela Ruth Strong is giving away free downloads of Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana


Bright Star Ranch led him to her--but will he stay?
Josh Lake is forced to head home for the holidays after he’s suspended from his job in the city, but running into Paisley Sheridan could be exactly what he needed. Not only does she board him at her ranch in exchange for his advertising expertise, but spending the Christmas season with her in Big Sky, Montana, brings more joy than he’s felt in a long while. Is he willing to give up the lavish lifestyle he’s worked for in exchange for the gift of love?

The last thing Paisley wants for Christmas is to spend time with Josh Lake—the guy who broke her heart in high school—but until her bank loan goes through, she has to take all the free help she can get. Unfortunately, Josh seems to want back in her life again, and the town’s quirky coffee shop owners don’t help by hanging mistletoe at every opportunity. Will Paisley succeed in driving him away, or will she find the healing needed to have hope for a future together?



*I am not affiliated with Amazon and make no monies if you use the link. It is only offered as a courtesy! Be sure and check the price before you buy!!! 


Thursday, October 25, 2018

Review ~ Shelter of the Most High (Cities of Refuge #2) by Connilyn Cossette

Paperback, 352 pages
Published October 2nd 2018 by Bethany House Publishers
The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.

Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a City of Refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood and chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.

As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Will they break free from the shackles of the past in time to uncover the betrayal and save their lives and the lives of those they love?


Purchase:
CBD

I am not affiliated with CBD and make no money if use the link to purchase. 
I am providing it only as a courtesy and because at the time of this posting, it is the best price for a paperback copy. :-)



My Review
5 STARS!!!

Shelter of the Most High played visually through my mind like a movie on the big screen with intensely descriptive scenes that swept across the page, transporting me on a journey back in time to ancient Israel. Beautiful landscapes, fierce pirates, intense battles and a heart-stirring romance make this one of the best books I’ve read this year. 
It is a definite top ten in 2018!

Sofea and Prezi are cousins who survive a violent attack on their village. From their frightening capture and escape, to their providential rescue and refuge in Kedesh, there wasn’t a moment I wanted to put this book down. With a profusion of feeling penned on every single page, Cossette’s skill at decreasing intensity is perfectly timed, which allowed me to mellow out and catch my breath before being carried away on another swell of emotion.

Eitan is Moriyah’s son whom we met in A Light on the Hill (Cities of Refuge #1), and has carried guilt over what happened for eleven years and when his heart is finally released from its bondage, it is one of the most compelling scenes. I was moved to tears more than once while reading this story. Several prominent spiritual themes are woven together, making it impossible for me to separate them. God’s love and forgiveness is wound tightly throughout, providing hope and healing and redemption. 

All around, Shelter of the Most High is filled with a manifold of historical details and assimilated into a fascinating narrative. I highly recommend this book, especially to fans of Biblical fiction.

I was gifted a copy from the author and publisher. No review was required. No compensation received.


Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Review ~ The Kitchen Marriage (Montana Brides #2) by Gina Welborn and Becca Whitham

Paperback, 352 pages
Published September 25th 2018 by Zebra
About the Book

A bright future awaits the women of courage and faith who boldly chase their dreams across the wide-open Montana Territory, prepared to embrace adventure and forge their own destinies . . .

When French immigrant Zoe de Fleur is forced out of her position as household cook for a high society New Yorker, the pretty and talented chef seizes an unexpected chance to head west for a new beginning. She pursues what she thinks is a prestigious job in the frontier's "finest kitchen," but instead finds herself in a matchmaker's agency . . .

Isaak Gunderson is one of Helena, Montana's most eligible bachelors, but he's too focused on running for mayor and his family's business to think about a wife and family. His twin brother, Jakob, is supposed to be too busy as well, yet sends for a mail-order bride anyway. Isaak doesn't want to fuel an ongoing rivalry with his twin, but this tempting newcomer can't be ignored. If only she'd come to Helena a different way and loving her wasn't a betrayal.

Purchase:
CBD (mass market paperback_




My Review
4 STARS!!!

Isaak and Jakob Gunderson are twins who have spent their lives as each other’s best friend in spite of their competitive nature toward one another. They have a great relationship, or so it seems until Zoe de Fleur, a young woman who comes to Montana thinking she is going to have a job as a chef but in actuality is a mail-order bride, enters their lives. It was great fun to watch the word play between the three of them. This is a story of two brothers and a girl, of them coming into their own, realizing what is most important in life and how they ought not to make comparisons between themselves and others. They each have a lot to learn! 

There is a proposal scene (not a spoiler) that I found to be hilarious. I was actually sitting outside at the time, and laughed out loud. Then a few moments later I was engrossed in another scene that had me voicing my thoughts about a certain no-good woman. My neighbors probably think I am crazy since I was the only one on the porch.

Several other characters wormed their way into my heart too and I hope to see them make a cameo in the next book. It was great fun getting a glimpse of Mac and Emilia after their honeymoon. They are the hero and heroine of The Promise Bride (Montana Brides #1). I recommend reading their story first to get the full palate of characters and backstory. 

This is a clean and inspirational read with a light element of faith so I think any fan of historical romantic fiction will enjoy this story. The authors have suffused The Kitchen Marriage with abundant humor, familial bonds that ring true-to-life and a mystery of the most surprising nature. I just closed the book and I am all astonishment at the last line. An identity has been revealed and it is a shocker, at least to me. 

I was provided an advanced uncorrected proof of the book from one of the authors. No review required. No compensation received.




Monday, October 15, 2018

Rebecca Reviews ~ Shelter of the Most High (Cities of Refuge #2) by Connilyn Cossette

Paperback, 352 pages
Published October 2nd 2018 by Bethany House Publishers



About the Book
The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.

Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a City of Refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood and chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.

As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Will they break free from the shackles of the past in time to uncover the betrayal and save their lives and the lives of those they love?




Rebecca’s Review
5 STARS!!!

"The Almighty Creator spoke your being into existence. How could you be anything less than precious?"

The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea feels anything but precious as the life that she has always known near the sea, albeit violent and gruesome at times, is stripped away without so much as a whispered good-bye. Kidnapped by violent pirates, Sofea and her cousin Prezi survive a brutal escape, only to find themselves tossed upon the shores of a distant land. Who are these people who claim to worship the one true God? And what kind of man showers a foreigner with such infinite kindness?

As Sofea and Prezi recuperate within the walls of the Hebrew city of refuge known as Kedesh, Eitan and his family become quite attached to the two young women who have obviously experienced great trauma. His own family has suffered as well, being known as man slayers and thus prohibited from traveling more than a short distance beyond the city gates. Eitan's grief over his mistake as a young boy still shadows his existence, while his uncle's vow of revenge thwarts Eitan's efforts to defend his fellow Israelites. Rather than wielding fine weapons in battle, he is resigned to remain behind in the city to craft them . . . . until a traitor is discovered among those he holds dear, including Sofea.

Captivating from beginning to end, Connilyn Cossette gifts her readers with ancient biblical history, cultural mystery, and the kind of hero who declares with certainty,"I will never stop fighting for you". All within "the shelter of the most high".

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.


Senior Reviewer, Rebecca Maney

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With nearly 28 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".




WINNER!!!!


JOY ELLIS



You won The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection from Kathy's giveaway here on the blog!

I've already been touch with Joy about winning the book. Needless to say, she is extremely happy as it is going to be a gift for a friend. :-) 

Thanks to all who stopped by to enter the giveaway. Stay tuned for more author interviews/spotlights, book reviews, and giveaways, as well as inspirational posts and photography. 








~Happy Reading~ 



Saturday, October 13, 2018

A Bookish Adventure with Just Reads Tours!


Congrats to all finalists of #TheChristyAward 2018! Come celebrate with them at The Christy Award™ Gala, and don't forget about the 2nd annual Art of Writing Conference. Attend both events on Nov. 7, 2018 in Nashville, TN for just $99. @ChristyAward in collaboration with @JustReadTours is giving away TWO admissions to both events!

Enter at justreadtours.com. Click on The Christy Award™ graphic on the home page and enter away.

Hurry! This giveaway ends on October 20, 2018!  This giveaway and its prize are in no way endorsed by or affiliated with Facebook and its subsidiaries.

#ReadGoodFiction #giveaway #christianfiction #bookawards #2018ChristyAward #justreadtours #ChristyAwardGiveaway #TheArtofWriting #AuthorConference #justread 

Have a blessed weekend!
 

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Review ~ The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection + Giveaway Link

443 Pages / Barbour Publishing / 2018

About the Collection
Experience a Dickens of a Christmas

Faced with the daily extremes of gluttony and want in the Victorian Era, nine women seek to create the perfect Christmas celebrations. But will expectations and pride cause them to overlook imperfect men who offer true love?

Paper Snowflake Christmas by Vanessa Riley
1837 Framlingham, England
How can widow Ophelia Hanover give her son a perfect Christmas when his guardian, the Earl of Litton, arrives early to take permeant custody of the boy?

One Golden Ring by C.J. Chase
1855 Devonshire, England
Wounded soldier Tristram Nowell returns home to indulge his mother’s wish for a family Christmas—and encounters Marianna Granville. Can he forgive the former heiress who jilted him years before?

Love Brick by Brick by Kathleen L. Maher
1857 Elmira, New York
SarahAnn Winnifred overcomes orphanhood apprenticing with pioneering doctors. Rufus Sedgwick, relocating his English estate, seeks help for his ailing Mum. Christmas reveals the secret wish of both hearts—for love.

The Sugarplum Ladies by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1867 Windsor, Ontario, Canada and Detroit, Michigan
When Canadian barrister Percy Gladstone finds his aristocratic British family unexpectedly descending upon him for Christmas, he turns to American social reformer Eugenie Mott and her fledgling catering crew for help.

Star of Wonder by Susanne Dietze
1875 County Durham, England
This Yuletide, Bennet Hett, Viscount Harwood, offers Lady Celeste Sidwell matrimony and the Star of Wonder diamond necklace, as their fathers arranged. When the diamond disappears, will they find a greater treasure?

Father Christmas by Lorna Seilstad
Chicago, Christmas 1880
Widowed harpist Beatrix Kent believes love can only come once in a lifetime, but this Christmas, carpenter Hugo Sherman hopes to pull on the musician’s heartstrings and prove her wrong.

The Perfect Christmas by Erica Vetsch
1880s London
Melisande Verity might be in over her head trying to create the perfect Christmas window display, but if she succeeds, will she finally attract the attention of her boss, Gray Garamond?

A Christmas Vow by Gabrielle Meyer
London, England, Christmas 1899?
Lady Ashleigh Pendleton is hosting a houseful of guests for Christmas when railroad executive Christopher Campbell unexpectedly arrives from America with a mysterious agreement signed by their fathers before their birth.

The Holly and the Ivy by Rita Gerlach
1900. Small town along the Potomac near Washington DC
A glass ornament. Love letters tied in red Christmas ribbon. Lily Morningstar and British antiquities expert Andrew Stapleton are drawn into a family secret that binds their hearts together.

Purchase:

Always check the price before you buy!
*I am not affiliated with CBD and make NO money if you use the link to purchase. I only post it for your convenience and to support a Christian business.

My Review

(I don't see the need to individually describe the stories in my review as you can see above the synopsis of each one.)


Easy-to-read, these nine novellas drew me into days gone by, leaving me contented and looking forward to the traditions of Christmas. Some of the stories were super quick to read and a couple others I wanted to savor a bit more.  I enjoyed each author’s individual writing style and the way the characters were portrayed.


Reading these collections are a good way to be introduced to an author you may not have read before. I actually discovered a couple of new-to-me authors in this one. I recommend this novella collection to anyone who enjoys historical Christmas themed inspirational stories. The Victorian Christmas Brides collection is perfect for short reading stints or a long, lazy afternoon in front of the fire while sipping a relaxing cup of your favorite beverage.


I was gifted a copy of the book by one of the authors. No review required. No compensation received. 


CLICK BELOW FOR THE LINK TO THE AUTHOR INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY --

Author Interview with Kathleen Maher, The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection Blog Tour

 

 

Monday, October 8, 2018

Author Interview with Kathleen Maher, The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection Blog Tour

Welcome to Stuff & Nonsense, Kathy! I am thrilled to have you here today and know my readers enjoy getting to know you. 

Hi, Anne! Thank you so much for welcoming me to your lovely blog home. I’m excited to be here
and look forward to interacting with your readers.

Tell us a little about yourself and your writing journey.

I’m a caffeine addicted introvert, which means I get really brave when I’ve had a few cups of coffee and make social commitments that later make me want to hide.  LOL But being a writer is perfect, because most of my social engagements are fictional. 

I started this journey when I was in middle school and full of romantic ideas of how my life would be, and how the world works. Naivete and growing pains are close cousins, and I believe my stories have benefited from lessons learned. It has taken me decades to realize my dream of publication, but the long and winding road has been indispensable to understanding God’s ways, character growth arcs (mainly mine) and happily-ever-after endings. 

Tell us about your book and why you wrote it?

My novella “Love Brick by Brick” is essentially every little girl’s fantasy of marrying a rich, handsome international man of mystery. No, not Austin Powers, but the hero is British. The collection features stories of Christmas during the Victorian Age, but I set mine stateside, in my hometown in upstate NY. Rufus Sedgwick is the grandson of an earl, a” veteran” of the Crimean War, as in a lay-chaplain to the soldiers. He has moved his mother and his entire estate—brick by brick—to relocate after certain events have left them devastated. Perhaps the new start will lead to happiness for his poor Mum, and if the fates allow, for him too…

The heroine, SarahAnn Winnifred, has never taken time to dream of anything but what her academic skills can achieve for her, least of all marrying a handsome gentleman of pedigree. She’s a real worker bee, a no-nonsense doctor in training. But when her favorite little orphan friend wishes for a King and Queen to adopt her for Christmas, SarahAnn sneaks in a secret wish, too. Will her longings be the Christmas dream come true for everyone?

This story sort of wrote itself, as I sought to combine several elements of Victorian Christmas lore and local history. It surprised and delighted me as it unfolded, seat-of-the-pantster writer that I am. I hope my readers feel the same. 

What do you think makes a good story?

I love to read romances where the characters are fleshed out, and not cookie cutter figures stuck into a predictable plot. I like surprise twists, a splash of humor, a tug on the heartstrings, and a deep sigh with the happily ever after. I also love secondary characters who steal scenes. For historical fiction, a strong and authentic sense of setting is a must.

Where is your favorite place to write?

In my husband’s recliner, surrounded by cats and with Pandora radio playing. Yes, I am the crazy cat lady of Breesport. Thanks for asking. 😉

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night and just have to write down a thought? If so, do you keep a tablet on your bedside table or go to the computer?

I have in the past, but I always woke up my poor long-suffering saint of a husband, so I abandoned the practice. But inspiration ALWAYS strikes at night, doesn’t it? If I get a really good thought, I open my phone on the dimmest light setting and jot a reminder in notes. And hold my breath so I don’t wake up my husband. 

Do you talk to your characters? Keep story boards or boards on Pinterest?

Hi, my name is KATHY and I’m a Pinterest Addict. I have boards for everything from period clothing to the kind of animals my characters have loved. My characters are so real to me I could talk to them, but that would just be crazy, right? (haha crazy. Who, Me?)

Can you give us a glimpse into your next book or story idea?

I have two books out right now (is this a theme about crazy or what?) and my next project is the sequel to the Civil War romance that launched Aug 2. Book Two in Sons of the Shenandoah series is already written, so it is in the edit and cover selection process. I hope to have it out in January. 

In Book One, The Abolitionist’s Daughter, you meet twin brothers Ethan and Devon Sharpe, cavaliers in every sense of the word. Impulsive Devon feels his control slipping over his brother, so he tries several tactics to secure Ethan’s loyalties, one of which is setting Ethan up with the new preacher’s daughter, Ellen White. Poor Ellen does not have a very happy outcome, and I felt she deserved a chance at happiness in the sequel. The twins’ older brother, Gideon, serves as an artillery captain at the Citadel, so he can be near his Charleston cousin Leigh Anne. Two years into war Gideon finds himself a widower with baby girls, wounded—and landing in the care of none other than Ellen White. Poor Ellen. She has to go through a bit more rough handling from a cavalier Sharpe before she arrives at anything resembling happy. But thank goodness, she’s got enough moxy to handle the most stubborn of the bunch. 

In your spare time, do you have any hobbies you enjoy? 

Did I mention Pinterest?  Oh, I did? Okay well, then there’s painting, cooking, baking, crafting, drawing, gardening, cats, dogs, (yes, my husband and I should be building an ark with all the pets we have) and marketing. Oh, and reading. Hmmm, when does sleep fit into my day, anyway?
 
Do you have a favorite book? What makes it stand out from others?

Burning Sky by Lori Benton.  So many things… it’s set in upstate NY, which I love because I typically set my stories in NY. It has a hero who loves his dog, even if he does toss insults at him. (I’m sure they are affectionate and deserved.  What is a “wee little gomeril”?) Benton handles depth in a way that’s effortless—senility, disability, kidnapping, hardship, orphanhood, yearning, shared grief and trauma…and still manages to write a winsome and uplifting story with a beautiful romance. It scores a perfect ten on every level.

What’s the one food item you can’t live without?

Ack! Only one? That’s positively spartan. I have at least ten. Okay, coffee. But no promises that I won’t be ornery without chocolate, Italian meatballs, quesadillas, fried whole clams from Maine…. Good bread…. Apple pie…. 

Where can you be found on the internet?

I have an author page on FB https://www.facebook.com/KLMaherAuthor





Is there a question you would like my readers to answer in order to be entered to win a copy of your book?

***If money and time travel were no object, what ultimate Christmas gift(s) would you buy and for whom?***

Book blurb for “Love Brick by Brick” in the Victorian Christmas Brides collection

Love Brick by Brick by Kathleen L. Maher
1857 Elmira, New York
SarahAnn Winnifred overcomes orphanhood apprenticing with pioneering doctors. Rufus Sedgwick, relocating his English estate, seeks help for his ailing Mum. Christmas reveals the secret wish of both hearts—for love.



Kathleen L. Maher has had an infatuation with books and fictional heroes ever since her preschool crush, Peter Rabbit. She has a novella releasing with BARBOUR in the 2018 Victorian Christmas Brides collection, featuring her hometown of Elmira, New York. Her debut historical, Bachelor Buttons, blends her Irish heritage and love of the American Civil War. She won the 2012 ACFW Genesis contest for her Civil War story, releasing this summer under a new title The Abolitionist’s Daughter. Kathleen shares an old farmhouse in upstate New York with her husband, children, and a small zoo of rescued animals.

Thanks so much, Anne.  I just know I’m going to have fun with your readers this week. Can’t wait to select a winner!  I am giving away a print copy of Victorian Christmas Brides Collection to one lucky commenter. (US residents only) Winner will be announced on Monday, Oct 15 for the single paperback copy winner here on this blog post.

Please be sure to leave your email in your entry so you can be notified if random.org selects your entry.

In addition, I am hosting a Rafflecopter to be drawn at the conclusion of my blog tour just before Thanksgiving, with several prizes, including a $50 Amazon gift card, a print copy of each of my books, and a Christmas goodie basket. Be sure to follow each stop on the tour to increase your chances of winning! (US residents only.)

Good luck!
 

Thanks, Kathy, for sharing about yourself and your writing journey! It's always fascinating to learn more about writers/authors. 

Okay, Y'all!!! 

DON'T FORGET to answer Kathy's question above (it's in RED, you can't miss it!) in order to be entered for a paperback copy of the book here on this blog AND leave an email address so you can be contacted if you win. If one or both of these things is missing from your comment, it will not be entered as an official entry. 

You can also enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for another opportunity to win a prize pack!





Thursday, October 4, 2018

Review ~ Caught by Surprise by Jen Turano

  •       368 pages
  •              Bethany House / 2018 / Paperback


About the Book
Miss Temperance Flowerdew is on her way to work when a stranger suddenly grabs her off the street and sends her on a Chicago-bound train before she can figure out what happened.

When Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is called upon to rescue a missing woman, he follows the trail to Chicago only to discover that the woman is his good friend Temperance. Before they can discover who was behind the abduction, they’re seen alone together by a New York society matron, putting their reputations at risk.

Gilbert is willing to propose marriage–except Temperance will have none of it. She’s finally stepped out of the shadow of her relations and won’t give up her independence. But when it becomes clear the misunderstanding in Chicago has escalated into a threat on her life and followed her to New York, accepting Gilbert’s help in solving the mystery may lead to more than she ever could have dreamed.

Purchase:
*CBD $9.99 (paperback at time of posting)
CBD $1.59 (eBook at time of posting)
Always check the price before you buy!
*I am not an affiliate with CBD and make NO money if you use the link to purchase. I only post it for your convenience and to support a Christian business. 

My Review
5 STARS!!!

One of the things I have enjoyed most about Caught by Surprise is the fact that Temperance and Gilbert have been friends since childhood. Sharing a mutual respect and admiration for one another that is evident in their words and actions, their genuine love for each other was deeply felt by this reader and it stirred my emotions time and again. The quips exchanged between the two brought forth more than one audible chuckle, and perhaps an actual guffaw or two. ;-)
Turano has a natural ability when it comes to pacing a story. It is always expeditiously done with plenty of humor, thoughtfulness, laughter, quirky scenes, and much grace. I highly recommend Caught by Surprise, the final book in the Apart from the Crowd series. It is lighthearted entertainment yet inspirational, full of sound truths delivered in a gentle and whimsical manner. I do recommend reading the series from the beginning so you get the full flavor of the characters. You will fall in love with ALL of them and be asking for more.
I received a paperback copy from the publisher. No review required. No compensation received. 

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

WINNER!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You won the signed paperback copy of Jen Turano's newest release, Caught by Surprise! 

I've sent an email to the address you left in the comments. You 'll have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen. 

Thanks to all who stopped by to tell us what may have 'caught you by surprise'. 
Stay tuned for more author interviews/spotlights, book reviews, and giveaways, as well as inspirational posts and photography. 

Have a blessed day
&