Showing posts with label Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour. Show all posts

Saturday, 15 December 2012

Book Spotlight: The Heart's Journey by Barbara Cameron!



ABOUT BARBARA CAMERON

Barbara Cameron is CBD, CBA and ECPA bestselling author of 35 books (including an exciting new series Stitches in Time for Abingdon Press) including fiction and nonfiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.

Barbara has sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and is the first winner of the Romance Writers of American Golden Heart Award.

Her two novellas won 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love and Hope chapter of RWA.  Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).

Her latest book is the Amish fiction, The Heart’s Journey.
Visit Barbara on the web at www.BarbaraCameron.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

 Naomi knows she should be excited about her upcoming wedding but she remains unmoved. Not only are her feelings for her fiance lackluster but she believes he may see her more as a servant than a partner. And he’s so controlling. Is it too late to back out of the marriage? While praying for God’s guidance, Naomi takes a break from her duties as a quilter and travels with her grandmother to Pinecraft, Florida. Along the way Naomi finds herself becoming attracted to Nick, their Englisch driver and friend, and the two begin to fall in love. The journey soon becomes one in which Naomi explores her most secret dream for love. But can she veer off the “safe” path she’d envisioned for her life to marry Nick?

Sunday, 25 November 2012

Review: Beside Two River by Rita Gerlach



Beside Two River by Rita Gerlach
Abingdon Press / 2012
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

A tale of love won and love lost, and the faith to find it again. 

From the banks of the Potomac to the misty moors of England, Darcy follows a path where the secrets of the past slowly rise to the surface in this dramatic saga that began in Before the Scarlet Dawn. She meets Ethan Brennan, an aspiring English horse breeder, who embraces her independent spirit and marvels at the simplicity of her faith. Ethan and Darcy fall in love, but are kept apart by a promise to another and a sworn oath to a dying woman whose long-hidden secret threatens Darcy’s and Ethan’s lives.

My rating:
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My thoughts:

After reading Before the Scarlet Dawn (book one) earlier this year, I was a little nervous about reading Beside Two Rivers. While I really enjoyed book one, the ending was SO sad and I didn't know if I could take a repeat of that in this book. While there were some sad moments, overall I was happy with Beside Two Rivers and found it enjoyable to read.

A negative I had with Beside Two Rivers was that sometimes it was hard to follow the story and I found myself getting slightly confused as to what was going on. I really liked the characters and was glad to finally see some closure happen in their lives. I also liked the forgiveness aspect of the story.

Overall I think Beside Two Rivers was a good read with some sad and happy moments. While I don't think it's entirely necessary to read the first book before this one, if you do you'll more fully understand what had happened years ago.

*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*




Thursday, 8 November 2012

Book Spotlight and Giveaway! The Christmas Star by Ace Collins!!

About the Author:
Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than fifty books including novels Farraday Road, Swope’s Ridge and Words of the Father, as well as the nonfiction Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, grAttitudes, and Lassie A Dog’s Life. His books have become movies and network television specials. He has appeared on Good Morning America, the NBC Nightly News and The Today Show and has been featured in the Distinguished Lecture Series at the National Archives in Washington D.C. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career.

His latest book is the Christian holiday fiction, The Christmas Star.

You can visit Ace on the web at www.acecollins.com.

About the Book: 
Robert Reed gave his life for his country in the early days of World War II. His sacrifice was honored when his widow and son were presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Each Christmas the final decoration Madge Reed hangs on the family’s tree is that medal. Rather than being a symbol of honor for young Jimmy Reed that shining star represents loss, pain, and suffering.

Yet a letter delivered by one of Robert’s fellow soldiers and a mystery posed in that letter put a father’s sacrifice and faith into perspective and bring new meaning to not just the star hanging on the Christmas tree but the events of the very first Christmas. Then, when least expected, a Christmas miracle turns a final bit of holiday sadness into a joy that Jimmy has never known.



Book Giveaway!

Enter to win a copy of The Christmas Star! Open to US and Canada!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, 3 October 2012

Book Spotlight and Giveaway! The Road to Mercy by Kathy Harris



About Kathy Harris:

Kathy Harris is an author by way of a “divine detour” into the Nashville entertainment business. After graduating with a Communications degree from Southern Illinois University, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to work with a well-known gospel music quartet. A few months later, The Oak Ridge Boys began their transition into country music, and Kathy had the opportunity to help build an entertainment empire from the ground up.

She worked her way to becoming a member of the Operations Management Team, eventually heading up the company’s public relations and marketing department. A lifelong fascination for books and editing led to her working as a book agent for Oak Ridge Boys’ vocalist Joe Bonsall. Joe, subsequently, published three books, including his bestselling inspirational biography, G.I. Joe & Lillie.

For several years, Kathy freelanced entertainer biographies and wrote (as well as ghost wrote) news stories and columns for various music publications. In 2007, she sold her first Christian non-fiction story, “Walk on Water,” which was included in Thomas Nelson’s All My Bad Habits I Learned from Grandpa. That fall, one of her devotions was included in The One Year Life Verse Devotional, published by Tyndale House. Kathy’s writing is also included in Chicken Soup for the Soul Thanks, Mom.

An active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the publicity officer for Middle Tennessee Christian Writers. Kathy lives near Nashville with her husband and their two Shiloh Shepherd dogs. She regularly interviews literary and music guests on her blog at www.DivineDetour.com. You can visit her author website at www.KathyHarrisBooks.com.

Visit her at Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/DivineDetour

Like Kathy at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathyHarrisAuthor

Pick up your copy of The Road to Mercy at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Road-Mercy-Kathy-Harris/dp/1426741936/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330640867&sr=1-1

Purchase your copy of The Road to Mercy at the publisher’s website: http://www.abingdonpress.com/forms/DynamicContent.aspx?id=162&pageid=700

Pick up your copy of The Road to Mercy at Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-road-to-mercy-kathy-harris/1108857098

About The Road to Mercy:


Dr. Ben Abrams, rescued as an infant from a fiery crash that killed his family, turned his adversities into success but lost his heritage of faith. Fifty years later, Josh and Bethany Harrison face a difficult decision that also tests their faith. A rupture in Beth’s carotid artery leaves her on the brink of death, even as she’s pregnant with their first child. While Dr. Abrams urges her to abort the baby to save her own life, she and Josh step out on faith and continue the pregnancy.

During the next few months, Josh, a contemporary Christian singer, struggles with his faith while Beth hides a secret that may destroy their marriage. She also discovers a decades-old connection to Dr. Abrams that could change his life forever.

In The Road To Mercy Kathy Harris weaves a tale that crosses generations while drawing readers into a dramatic story that has both heart and soul. In breathtaking style Kathy examines complex moral issues while looking at the consequences of very human decisions all woven together in a narrative that pushes readers so deeply into the adventure that they will come to know the characters as well as they know their best friends. This Road takes you by miraculous survivals and onto monumental life struggles and is one you will likely travel not just once, but time and time again.

Ace Collins, multi-published author of Reich of Passage, The Yellow Packard, and The Christmas Star

As an avid Christian fiction reader myself, I found Kathy Harris’ book a powerful one, with themes that engage both the heart and mind. Kathy handles the sensitive topic of abortion both realistically and graciously. The Road to Mercy is a blessing wrapped up in a novel—a reminder of the kindness of God.

- Rebecca St. James, singer, author, actress

Exquisite writing, wonderful characters, and a captivating story left me devouring this book. I couldn’t put it down. Novel Rocket and I highly recommend it.

- Ane Mulligan, Sr. Editor, Novel Rocket, http://www.novelrocket.com

Giveaway!


Enter to win a copy of The Road to Mercy! Open to the US and Canada! Enter via the Rafflecopter below.

UPDATE: Kathy Harris asked if you all would list one of your favorite Bible verses in your comment...so, if you want, please do that when you comment. :) Thanks!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, 4 April 2012

Review: Hearts That Survive: A Novel of the Titanic by Yvonne Lehman



ABOUT YVONNE LEHMAN

Hearts that Survive – A Novel of the Titanic is Yvonne Lehman’s 50th novel. She is a best-selling, award winning author who founded and directed the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference for 25 years and now directs the Blue Ridge “Autumn in the Mountains” Novelist Retreat held annually in October (www.lifeway.com/novelretreat). She lives in Black Mountain, amid the panoramic views of the Blue Ridge. She mentors students for the Christian Writers Guild. She earned her Master’s Degree in English at Western Carolina University and has taught English and Creative Writing on the college level.
You can visit Yvonne Lehman’s website at www.yvonnelehman.com.



ABOUT HEARTS THAT SURVIVE: A NOVEL OF THE TITANIC

In April 1912, Lydia Beaumont is on her way to a new life with a boundless hope, against all that Craven Dowd desires for her and himself. Her friendship with Caroline Chadwick deepens as they plan Lydia’s wedding on board the “grandest ship ever built.” Then both women suffer tragic losses when the “unsinkable” Titanic collides with an iceberg and there are only 20 lifeboats for 2207 passengers. They struggle to keep their families and dreams together.

Decades later, Caroline’s granddaughter, working at the museum in Halifax, Nova Scotia, plans for the 50th memorial for the sinking and contacts survivors and descendants of survivors. Alan Morris feels like a failure until he discovers he is the descendant of an acclaimed novelist who lost his life when the Titanic sank. He becomes caught up in finding his identity in the past and must come to terms with his present and the meaning of true success.

Characters struggle to answer whether love is more powerful than the pain of loss and learn what it means for a heart to survive.

My rating:
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My thoughts:

Hearts That Survive was such a great book. Yes, there was a lot of sadness (that can be expected from a book about the Titanic), but the characters and their journeys were so gripping.

I immediately loved John and Lydia's love story... it was so sweet and just overall wonderful. I cried when certain things happened and especially towards the end with the poem.

It was very interesting how Hearts That Survive covered generations (not just one person's life) - I loved getting to know Caroline, Alan, Beau, and others... it was great!

So, overall, I loved this book and recommend it if you don't mind reading a novel with some sadness... have tissues nearby! 

*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Friday, 30 March 2012

Review: Downtown Green by Judy Christie

About Judy Christie

Author Judy Christie loves to help busy people slow down and enjoy each day more – in her series of novels about Green, Louisiana, and her Hurry Less Worry Less nonfiction books. Judy started her writing career as the editor of The Barret Banner in elementary school and has kept a journal since she was nine (and still has all of them). She likes strolling around flea markets, walking in the park near her North Louisiana home and visiting friends and family on her vintage green Kitchen Couch. Her most recent books are Downtown Green, fifth in the Green series, and “Hurry Less Worry Less for Moms.” For more information, see www.judychristie.com

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook.com | Abingdon Press

About Downtown Green 

When the highway bypass around Green opens with much fanfare, downtown dries up faster than cement on the roadway. Businesses close and the hospital becomes a clinic. While the road is progress to some, it seems to be leading Green toward a national trend–a town that is merely a shadow of itself.

With the town going backwards, Lois Barker Craig is determined to save Green while juggling life as a new mom and owner of The Green News-Item. But can her plan rescue the town from the path it’s on? And what about Dr. Kevin and her son, Mayor Eva, Coach Chris and other familiar Green faces? How does this affect them?


My rating:
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My thoughts:

Downtown Green is the first book I've read by Judy Christie and the fifth book in her "Green" series. While some things were slightly confusing at first (like the characters), I did end up enjoying the novel and didn't feel too lost.

There were two things I personally didn't like in Downtown Green. The first thing was how the preacher was a woman - I believe a woman shouldn't be the pastor of a church (i.e. 1 Timothy 2:12). The other thing was how some scenes seemed to abruptly end - that happened a lot and was slightly annoying.

That said, there was a lot I did enjoy. I grew to really like the unique people from Green, Louisiana. Lois, Chris, Katy, and Tammy were some of my favorites!

I liked the little articles from the Green News-Item that were at the beginning of each chapter - some of them were really funny!

I don't know if there is going to be another "Green" novel, but if there is, I would probably want to read it. I'm curious if I'm right about something (not going to say what, but read the last page and you'll probably guess what I'm talking about).

Downtown Green was a good read that I enjoyed. If you've read the first four "Green" novels, then you will probably want to read this continuation. If you haven't read those, then I'd probably suggest you do first because that might lessen the confusion I had when reading Downtown Green.

*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*