Thursday, December 29, 2016

The Viscount of Maisons-Laffitte by Jennie Goutet

The Viscount of Maisons-Laffitte by Jennie GoutetThe Viscount of Maisons-Laffitte by Jennie Goutet
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received eBook to Review
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  Single moms are not supposed to fall for rich French aristocrats!
There's just no way he will ever choose her.

Is there such a thing as Prince Charming? Chastity didn't take a teaching job in France to find hers, but a woman can dream, n'est-ce pas? If the father of one of her students--the Viscount Charles Jean Anne Monorie de Brase--is the best local example of princes, Charming or Otherwise, Chastity is ready to put aside any thought of falling in love again. 

She's had enough of his arrogance and would prefer him to keep his distance, yet it seems there is no avoiding each other. With the ongoing pressure of a repentant ex-boyfriend, a nefarious drug dealer, and an art heist that spans the decades, Chastity and the viscount are thrown together by circumstances she would soon rather forget.

As the intimacy between Charles and Chastity deepens, they must decide if their love is enough to bridge the gap between their disparate worlds, and if happily ever after can exist outside of fairy tales.



My thoughts: This is a contemporary romance with a little bit of suspense set in France.

Chastity is an American who is teaching English in a French Private School. She is trouble by one of her students, Louis, who appears to be taking drugs. A meeting with his father sets off a chain of events that lead to suspense, romance, and a possible happily-ever-after.

I enjoyed that there were two imperfect people who are suffering from pain from the past, they are doing their best to be parents to their children. The father of Chastity's child spent time in jail for selling drugs and she has been a single parent. Marc is now out of jail and wants to have some kind of relationship with his son. She has trust issues, and is not sure how to interpret his interest.

Charles wife passed away when his son was a baby. His schedule as a Viscount does not leave a lot of time for him to know his teenage son. He doesn't want to be heavy handed, so he does not know how to deal with the information the teacher is telling him. He lets his relationship with his son slide and not be a priority.

The book is simple and straight forward. There is suspense when the manor is being robbed during a ball. Other than that, it is a book about two people getting to know each other and learning to trust and open their hearts. The relationship progresses slowly, a fact that I enjoyed. At times the pacing of the book was a little slow and drawn out, but overall, it is a fun book to read.



Purchase Links:




Jennie Goutet
About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  Jennie Goutet lives just outside of Paris with her husband and three children, and she spends her time writing, cooking, chauffeuring small people about, and despairing over a weedy garden. 


She is the author of romance novel, The Viscount of Maisons-Laffitte, the award-winning memoir Stars Upside Down (formerly called A Lady in France), and the children’s book Happy People Everywhere. She is a contributing author to Sunshine After the Storm, and That's Paris - an Anthology of Love, Life and Sarcasm in Paris. She was a BlogHer Voice of the Year pick three times, and her writing has appeared on Huffington Post, Queen Latifah’s website, Mamalode, BonBonBreak and BlogHer. 

She blogs at http://aladyinfrance.com about faith, food, and life in Paris with her husband and three children. She also has an author website at jenniegoutet.com, which doesn't get updated as often as it should.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

W.A.I.T.loss by Wendy Hendry is FREE for your Amazon kindle

W.A.I.T.loss: The Keys to Food Freedom and Winning the Battle of the Binge (Eating Disorder, Diet, Weight Loss, Binging, Food Addictions) by [Hendry, Wendy]Years ago I was involved in Weight Watchers and took a Tae-Bo class in a local gym near my home.  My exercise instructor was one of the most positive people I have met. She has also struggled with weight loss and was an example for me on what I could do.

Anyway, she recently wrote a  book about weight loss and the little voices inside your head that influence you to make good or bad decisions.  (I have purchased the book, but have not read it yet.)

She is currently offering her book on Amazon Kindle for FREE for a limited time.  I do not know how long it will be.  So, if you are interested, give it a read and make sure you leave a review.  I know she would appreciate it.






 


Book Description:  Have you ever “felt fat”?
Do you beat yourself up when one bite of cookie dough turns into eating the whole batch? 
Have you dieted yourself into a larger dress size? 
Are you frustrated because hours of exercise have produced zero results? 

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone. Studies show that 75% of women suffer from some type of eating disorder. Whether it’s bingeing, bulimia, or another addiction, the good news is there is hope. 

W.A.I.T.loss: The Keys to Food Freedom and Winning the Battle of the Binge is about Wendy Hendry’s journey to recovery from 35 years of binge eating and food addiction. Like many others stuck in their own cerebral food prison, Wendy dieted and binged her way into obesity. 

Learning the keys to physical and mindful health that she shares in her book, Wendy was able to heal her body as well as free her mind. Now a certified Health Coach and Fitness Trainer, Wendy’s W.A.I.T. (What Am I Thinking?) and Click approach to recovery has helped hundreds of others find that same freedom. 

Most diets teach how to lose weight, but only through changing daily habits can weight loss be maintained. Weight loss should be a natural consequence of healthy living. This book will help you find that. 

W.A.I.T.loss: The Keys to Finding Food Freedom and Winning the Battle of the Binge is the perfect combination of storytelling, common sense, humor and scientific proof that recovery is possible.

If you need help with bingeing, food addiction, chronic dieting or just simple weight loss, don’t W.A.I.T. any longer! 


The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassem

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill (Tales from Ivy Hill, #1)The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review via Netgalley
Genre: Regency Women's Lit



Book Description:  On a rise overlooking the Wiltshire countryside stands the village of Ivy Hill. Its coaching inn, The Bell, is its lifeblood--along with the coach lines that stop there daily, bringing news, mail, travelers, and much-needed trade.

Jane Bell lives on the edge of the inn property. She had been a genteel lady until she married the charming innkeeper who promised she would never have to work in his family's inn. But when he dies under mysterious circumstances, Jane finds herself The Bell's owner, and worse, she has three months to pay a large loan or lose the place.

Feeling reluctant and ill-equipped, Jane is tempted to abandon her husband's legacy and return to her former life of ease. However, she soon realizes there is more at stake than her comfort. But who can she trust to help her? Her resentful mother-in-law? Her husband's brother, who wanted the inn for himself? Or the handsome newcomer with secret plans of his own . . . ?

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane struggles to win over naysayers and turn the place around. Can Jane bring new life to the inn, and to her heart as well?


My thoughts: I have read several of Julie Klassen's books and this one is very different from the rest. It doesn't have closure, that is because it is the first of a series.

This book is a regency set in a small town in England. The town relies on being part of the royal mail route. Every business relies on the other in some way to keep their small economy afloat. When the Inn is threatened with foreclosure, the life of the town is threatened.

Jane inherited the inn when her husband was killed in an accident a little over a year before the opening of this book. This is different than the typical regency books that I read. Women were frowned upon as business owners. Men were considered the businessmen, while women belonged at home. Jane knows little about running an Inn, she was a socialite before marrying her husband and was content to stay at home and live a life similar to what she grew up with.

I loved reading about Jane's growth not only as a businesswoman, but as a person. She went through some very hard trials, but retained her compassion and integrity. She also learned how to stand up for herself (yay!) and prove that she could make sound decisions on her own. It seemed as if she had many people who did not believe she could/would succeed. She was able to prove to others and herself that she could do it.

I was disappointed that this book was not a romance. I am reviewing mostly about Jane's story, but there are two other women who are highlighted in the book. One is Jane's mother-in-law and the other was a childhood friend. It will be interesting to see how the series ends up. There are so many different ways that it can go. I hope that there will be romance and happiness in the future for the ladies of Ivy Hill. (One has a romance, we'll see what happens to the other two.)

The book began a little slow for me. It took some time for me to become invested in the lives of the characters. I look forward to the future books.


Purchase Links:


Julie KlassenAbout the Author:  (Taken from Goodreads)  Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her books, The Silent GovernessThe Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Midwest Book Award, the Minnesota Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award, and been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. She blogs at http://www.inspiredbylifeandfiction.com.
Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Get your FREE copy of Prejudice Meets Pride (I loved this book!)

prejudice-meets-pride

Don't miss this fabulous freebie! Grab your copy of Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson today!!


  Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson After years of pinching pennies and struggling to get through art school, Emma Makie’s hard work finally pays off with the offer of a dream job. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to make a cross-country move to Colorado Springs to take temporary custody of her two nieces. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her. Nor is she about to accept the help of Kevin Grantham, her handsome neighbor, who seems to think she’s incapable of doing anything on her own. Prejudice Meets Pride is the story of a guy who thinks he has it all figured out and a girl who isn't afraid to show him that he doesn't. It’s about learning what it means to trust, figuring out how to give and to take, and realizing that not everyone gets to pick the person they fall in love with. Sometimes, love picks them.





  amazon

Monday, December 26, 2016

No Holly for Christmas by Julie N. Ford

No Holly for Christmas (A Magic City Duo #2)No Holly for Christmas by Julie N. Ford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Contemporary Suspense/Romance

Book Description:  A story about how fate will carry us where we need to go whether we are willing passengers or not.

After being jilted not once, but twice by the only woman he’s ever truly loved, Brian McAlister has all but given up on relationships. Then, on special assignment for the DA's office, he steps into the middle of a politically sensitive murder case where he crosses paths with a beautiful ex-socialite-turned-social-worker, Holly Cavanaugh Winter. 

Widowed, practically penniless, and reduced to shopping at Walmart, Holly is dreading the approaching holiday season. However, her angst isn't due to her husband's untimely death the previous December 25th, but to a secret that could reveal itself unless she can find a way to avoid the coming Christmas. To make matters worse, she unwittingly stumbles into the throes of Brian’s case and the manhunt for a killer who now has his sights set on her.

His case unraveling, Brian finds himself tasked with keeping Holly and her two daughters safe while bringing an assassin and the powerful man who hired him to justice.



My thoughts: This book had a very interesting plot. Holly is a widowed mental-health counselor working in a hospital. She helps patients with their emotional needs before or after treatment. She treats a patient who had a gun shot wound and is brought into a mystery full of corruption and murder.

I really liked the characters of Holly and Brian. They are the romantic interest in the story. Both suffer from situations that make it hard for them to love and trust another. Holly also comes with two daughters, something that Brian is not sure he wants to take on. I loved how protective Brian is towards the daughters, he is a father figure even if he is not sure he wants the actual job.

This book has a lot of innuendo and the language is not clean. There is also an attempted rape. While the book does not depict sex scenes, they are talked about quite a bit.



Purchase Links:

(It's free for Kindle Unlimited)


Sunday, December 25, 2016

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!



For me the Christmas Season is a time to remember the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is easy for me to get caught up in the gift buying and secular things of the world and forget where I want my focus to be.

Today, Christmas falls on a Sunday.  I plan on attending my worship services and then relax for the rest of the day with my family.

I want to share with you my favorite Christmas song.  It is "Mary, Did You Know?"  This version is performed by Pentatonix.  They do an amazing job.  Enjoy!


 




Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Mischief and Manors by Ashtyn Newbold

mischief-and-manors-blog-tour-banner

Mischief and Manors by Ashtyn Newbold
Mischief and Manors by Ashtyn Newbold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from the Publisher to Review
Genre: Regency Romance

Book Description:  When Annette Downing and her mischievous little brothers are sent to Kellaway Manor for the summer, she hopes for a relaxing escape. But Annette finds her closeted heart in jeopardy when reunited with the handsome Owen Kellaway, a childhood acquaintance and respected gentlemen. When Owen is enlisted to help the boys with their behavior, Annette wonders if he has just as much mischief up his sleeve as her brothers. Bound by a promise she made to her late parents, and amid a frightening mystery, Annette faces a difficult decision when she finds herself falling for Owen's charm… 



My thoughts: There are times you come across a book that just makes you smile. This is one of those books for me. I loved the humor and the precocious little boys. They are so full of mischief that I couldn't help but enjoy them!

This is a regency book that is more than a romance. It is about a young lady, Annette Downing, who has taken on the responsibility of her brothers. Five years ago they were orphaned and she promised to watch over and protect the little trouble makers. Her life revolves around her brothers and when their guardian threatens to send the to an orphanage, she has to figure out a way to keep them. She didn't count on her childhood nemesis, Owen, to be the one to help her.

The book is full of characters that you can't help but love. There are also a few that you can't help but dislike. Annette is full of love, compassion, forgiveness, and loyalty. A quality that turns out to be misguided in the book is her ability to put everyone's needs before her own. She is so used to sacrifice that is hard for her to live any other way.

Owen is very likable. He has his own motivation and feelings that he hides. I loved how Owen and Annette gradually learn to open up to one another and move past the hurt that they have bottled up. The boys are a great platform to putting them together. He is trying to teach the boys manners, which leads to some cute and entertaining situations.

This is a fun book to read. I liked the writing. The book held my interest, even though there were a few parts that could have gone a little faster for me. I LOVED the boys. I loved the time period and setting. I'm glad that I read the book and I will be looking for more of Ashtyn Newbold's books to read in the future.



Purchase Links:


Ashtyn Newbold
About the Author:  Ashtyn Newbold discovered a love of writing early in high school. Inspired by regency period romance, she wrote her first novel at the age of sixteen. Because she can’t vacation in her favorite historical time periods, she writes about them instead. When not crafting handsome historical heroes, she enjoys baking, sewing, music, and spoiling her dog. She dreams of traveling to England and Ireland. Ashtyn is currently studying English and creative writing at Utah Valley University. She lives in Lehi, Utah, with her family.


Visit the Tour Stops:



Cover Reveal for Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore

“This woman was one of the most impudent, scurrilous, wicked creatures of this world; and she did now throughout her whole trial discover herself to be such a one. Yet when she was asked what she had to say for herself, her chief plea was that she had led a most virtuous and holy life.” —Reverend Cotton Mather, 1692

USA Today Bestselling author Heather B. Moore brings the life of her 10th great-grandmother to center stage. Susannah North Martin, accused of witchcraft in 1692, joins five women in the Salem Jail, all sentenced to death for their crimes. Amidst tragedy, Susannah finds hope and compassion as she remembers a well-loved life, and readers discover that love reaches far beyond the grave as Susannah faces the magistrates in Salem.









Preorder links ebook / paperback


CONDEMN ME NOT releases 

March 14th, 2017!





Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author, with a dozen historical thrillers written under the pen name H.B. Moore. Latest is Finding Sheba (will be re-released Feb 2015 through Thomas & Mercer). Under Heather B. Moore she writes romance and women’s fiction and inspirational non-fiction, latest is The Fortune Cafe. Her various author names can be confusing so her kids just call her Mom.

Visit her blog for writing and book signing updates: http://mywriterslair.blogspot.com

Sign up for Heather's newsletter or email her with accolades at: www.hbmoore.com





Christmas in the Cove book tour Grand Finale

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Christmas in the Cove
By Carol Ross

We hope you enjoyed coming along with us for a little suspense and romance set during Christmas in scenic Pacific Cove! If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out now...

Launch - Note from the Author

I chose to set this book in winter because the hero and heroine, Eli and Aubrey, are both members of the United States Coast Guard. In addition to some of the most dangerous ocean conditions in the world, the Pacific Coast is also known for its wild winter weather. That’s when the most dramatic storms happen. Like their motto states, the Coast Guard is “Always Ready.” And as I discovered in my research, these incredibly brave men and women live by their creed. Even under seemingly impossible to navigate conditions, their courage, skill, and heroism cannot be over-stated.

Thoughts of a Blonde - Review

"A sweet story about reconnecting with “the one that got away”. Great characters showcasing a close-knit small town with interwoven family and friends."

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Christmas Eve or Christmas Torture?



For the bigger gifts and Santa’s offering, we had to wait until everyone was up. Which sometimes seemed like forever thanks to my high-maintenance older sister who had to get “pretty” for the pics. (As the youngest child, it seems like I spent an inordinate amount of time waiting on my older siblings.) As we got older this tradition got later and later with Mom eventually declaring that we would wait until after church to open gifts. It was only natural to then stretch this time until after brunch. All of this was fine for my older pre-teen and teen-aged siblings, but this meant that I was forced to start this waiting game around the age of eight. For years, they’d been opening their gifts early in the morning! I lobbied for an exception. Alas, like any well-run home ours was governed by a matriarchal dictatorship; Mom ruled.

Paulette's Papers - The Great Christmas Tree Fight



Each and every holiday season of my childhood, amidst the decorating, shopping, baking, travel arranging and party planning a most serious drama played out in our home. An epic power struggle, a battle of wills, a division of opinion that makes even our recent election seem tame. It was…the Christmas tree fight.

Harlie's Books - Review

"Great characters, awesome storyline and realistic dialogue. Not to mention emotional and a great second chance romance. Oh and there is a Christmas contest, too."

Heidi Reads... - Crab Dip & Excerpt



One of my favorite scenes in Christmas in the Cove involves a crab feed. If you live near a coast, chances are you’ve probably been to one of these types of seafood feasts. Whether it’s crab, shrimp, lobster, clams, fish, or oysters for some reason seafood just begs to be feasted on.

Falling Leaves - Excerpt

His touch was so distracting, so mind-altering, she nearly gave in. She forced herself to focus on his face instead, which wasn’t much better because his expression was this heart-tugging cross between nervous and sincere.

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review

"I, literally, could not put this book down! It was quite predictable but contained steady action and a couple of twists which captivated the reader’s interest and intrigue!"

Beck Valley Books - Excerpt

Eli hadn’t been back in twelve years and he found himself wondering if Aubrey had. He’d never shared the cave’s existence with another living soul. By mutual consensus, they’d never even showed Alex, knowing that he’d never be able to keep it a secret. And later they’d wanted the place for their own. Even now, the idea of her bringing someone else here, to their place, bothered him.



Mel's Shelves - Review

"I love second chance love stories and this one delivered! . . . If you enjoy clean, second chance love stories with a mystery to solve, this is a book you will definitely want to pick up!"

Books, Dreams, Life - Excerpt

“Yes. I realize how difficult this must be for you. So, for now, I can promise you it’s not as bad as you are thinking. You didn’t do anything wrong and you aren’t in trouble. But, the underlying situation that forced me to make this decision is also probably worse than you’re thinking. That’s all I’m going to tell you right now. Trust me. Please. Believe me when I tell you I had to do this.”



JoJo's Corner - Review

'I absolutely love this sweet romance from Carol Ross! She has done a fabulous job crafting characters who are unforgettable…they will stay with you long after you have turned the final page."

Nicole's Book Musings - Excerpt

“Aubrey, calm down.”

“What makes you think I’m not calm?” she asked much too calmly.

He swallowed nervously.

Good, she thought. He should be nervous.

Christy's Cozy Corners - Review

"The romance just adds another depth to this really well written story. It’s not all about the romance. It is about the desire to help others, and it is about forgiveness. I definitely recommend this book to clean romance lovers."

I Am A Reader - Merry Pacific Cove Christmas



This is the most stunningly picturesque and thrilling places on the entire planet. Even though Pacific Cove is a fictional place, it’s a combination of some of my favorite little beach towns along the Pacific Coast. Here are a few of the ways residents of Pacific Cove might take advantage of a beachside Christmas.

Book Lover in Florida - Excerpt

As if in argument, a giant wave rolled over the boat, swamping everything in its path. It brought with it a piece of debris, smacking Aubrey hard in the shoulder and grazing her head. The force knocked her backward as the wave pulled her under. Even submerged and disoriented, she knew not to inhale. Lungs burning, she waited patiently for the force to let up as she knew it would. Grateful for the often-tortuous but invaluable training instilled in her during “A” school, she finally broke the surface, inhaling a breath. Looking around, she realized she’d ended up a few yards away from Danny.



With Love for Books - Review

"Christmas in the Cove is a wonderful romantic story combined with an interesting chase and a intriguing plot. . . . Carol Ross has written a fast-paced book with plenty of action and love. There isn't a dull moment in the story and there are many surprising twists and turns. . . . I also loved the ending, it's both unexpected and endearing."

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

'Swoonworthy romance (keep a fan handy) and gasp-inducing suspense (you may need a manicure when it’s over, too) join up with fabulously well-developed characters and a quaint small town setting on the Pacific NW coast to give us a story that is hard to put down. I would happily revisit the Cove several more times if Carol Ross is so inclined. Christmas in the Cove is an excellent read on every level!"

underneath the covers - A Man Who Knows His Way around a Kitchen



In Christmas, in the Cove heroine Aubrey is a bit of a health food nut. With her job as an elite Coast Guard rescue swimmer, her health and fitness is top priority. She mostly stays away from sugar but one of her favorite indulgences is buttermilk pancakes with peanut butter and sliced bananas. I love this scene where hero Eli invites her over for dinner and surprises her by making them for dinner. She’s a goner when she realizes that he not only remembers her favorite foods, he remembers a whole lot of other stuff, too.



Bookworm Lisa - Review

"This is a "heartwarming" book. It really is...it's not that it's part of the Heartwarming line at Harlequin. :) The book takes a close look at Aubrey and Eli's relationship. The book takes it's time as they come to terms with their feelings. . . . I loved the blend of mystery and romance. . . . This is a fun book that takes place during the Christmas season."

Getting Your Read On - Review

". . . I really liked how this book combined a bit of suspense, mystery and adventure along with the sweet romance that was happening. They were all intertwined and woven together. . . . In addition to the enjoyable plot, this book is also set around Christmas, making it the perfect book to read this week!"

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below...

Christmas in the CoveChristmas in the Cove
by Carol Ross
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
December 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Nobody is going to hurt her—not on his watch

A DEA stealth mission has brought coast guard Lt. Commander Eli Pelletier home. But when he ends up aiding rescue swimmer Aubrey Wynn during her own harrowing mission, powerful emotions reignite between them. Except Aubrey doesn't want Eli's protection. She wants answers.

Twelve years ago, Eli broke up with Aubrey without telling her the real reason he was leaving Pacific Cove. How can he try for a second chance if he's forced to deceive her again? Amid suspected drug trafficking and a sabotaged Christmas contest, Eli must find a way to regain Aubrey's trust without compromising his career or endangering the woman he loves.



Carol Ross lives with her husband and one loveable miscreant of a dachshund in a small town in Washington close to both the ocean and the mountains. She adores the Pacific Northwest because it provides her with endless opportunities for the activities she loves—hiking, running, skiing, and spending time outdoors. Although she enjoys reading in many genres, she writes what she loves the most—romance, especially light-hearted stories about the fun, flirty, and often-tumultuous path toward a happily ever after.


Other Books by the Author

Mountains Apart (Seasons of Alaska #1) A Case for Forgiveness (Seasons of Alaska #2) If Not for a Bee (Seasons of Alaska #3) A Family Like Hannah's (Seasons of Alaska #4)

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card and a copy of Christmas in the Cove (signed copy if US, ebook if international)
- Ends December 24th

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Tuesday, December 20, 2016

The Christmas Dress DVD ~ A short film that captures the spirit of Christmas.

The Christmas Dress

It's Christmas Eve, and Leland Jeppson's hope is gone. Struggling to get by in their rustic homestead, he had at least wanted to give his family a special Christmas. But with a blizzard blowing in and the train bearing their gifts nowhere in sight, it seems Christmas is just one more thing they'll have to do without. But as dusk falls, the Jeppsons' packages unexpectedly arrive at the post office in the not-so-nearby town. Half-blinded postman George Schow is hesitant to brave the storm, but his son, Sidney, will stop at nothing to bring Christmas to the Jeppsons—and ask their daughter, Ellen, to the New Year's Eve dance. Now it's up to father and son to battle fierce elements in an attempt to deliver a Christmas miracle. Don't miss this heartwarming reminder that while God helps those who help themselves, sometimes He does so through others.




My thoughts:  For me Christmas is a time to remember the goodness of men and of God.  It is a time to reflect on blessings.

This story reflects the struggle that many people have at Christmas time, a struggle to give their family a little extra, not just the things they need.  The story is set during the 1920's.  The Jeppson's have just fed their children all of the food they had, carrots.  They literally have nothing for Christmas, but a roof over their heads.  They need a miracle.

I loved the message of good will in the story.  The Jeppson family have many who are trying to help them have a meaningful Christmas.  The children in the movie show faith and trust as they pray that Santa will find them.  The way the story comes together is heartwarming.

This is a great way to spend less than 30 minutes.  It is a reminder of the the many miracles that happen at Christmas time.




Watch the Trailer:



Christmas Dress Trailer from Ron Brough on Vimeo.


Where can you purchase a copy?



Monday, December 19, 2016

Christmas in the Cove by Carol Ross ~ Blog Tour + giveaway!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Christmas in the CoveChristmas in the Cove
by Carol Ross

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review

Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
December 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Nobody is going to hurt her—not on his watch

A DEA stealth mission has brought coast guard Lt. Commander Eli Pelletier home. But when he ends up aiding rescue swimmer Aubrey Wynn during her own harrowing mission, powerful emotions reignite between them. Except Aubrey doesn't want Eli's protection. She wants answers.

Twelve years ago, Eli broke up with Aubrey without telling her the real reason he was leaving Pacific Cove. How can he try for a second chance if he's forced to deceive her again? Amid suspected drug trafficking and a sabotaged Christmas contest, Eli must find a way to regain Aubrey's trust without compromising his career or endangering the woman he loves.

My thoughts:  I enjoy second chance romances.d  Eli and Aubrey fell in love as teens.  Their relationship ended with unresolved issues, now as adults they reconnect and find that they still have chemistry and attraction.  They must get past the past and a mystery to have a future together.

This is a "heartwarming" book. It really is...it's not that it's part of the Heartwarming line at Harlequin.  :)  The book takes a close look at Aubrey and Eli's relationship.  The book takes it's time as they come to terms with their feelings.  Their relationship is complicated and not easily resolved.  I enjoyed how Carol Ross let the reader understand the events surrounding them.  The story had a steady, but a little slower pace.  The family and friendship relationships played a large role in the story.  There is a large support group for the characters.

Without a mystery, the reunion between Aubrey and Eli wouldn't have taken place.  Eli is investigating illegal activity and has to keep his activities a secret.  This leads to some interesting situations.  I loved the blend of mystery and romance.

This is a fun book that takes place during the Christmas season.


This book is currently part of a giveaway at Goodreads.
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It closes on 12/23.




Carol Ross lives with her husband and one loveable miscreant of a dachshund in a small town in Washington close to both the ocean and the mountains. She adores the Pacific Northwest because it provides her with endless opportunities for the activities she loves—hiking, running, skiing, and spending time outdoors. Although she enjoys reading in many genres, she writes what she loves the most—romance, especially light-hearted stories about the fun, flirty, and often-tumultuous path toward a happily ever after.


Other Books by the Author


Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card and a copy of Christmas in the Cove (signed copy if US, ebook if international)
- Ends December 24th

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