Love For All Seasons by Stacy Henrie (Blog Tour+ giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Love for All Seasons
(Four Inspirational Historical Romance Novellas)
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received eBook to Review
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance


Book Description:  If you like the inspirational historical romances of Deanne Gist and Lauraine Snelling, you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie! With four novellas—one for each season of the year—you’ll find a heartwarming collection of couples from a simpler time in America who discover the redeeming powers of faith and love.

A Long Winter Kiss

As Samantha and Rex’s childhood friendship matured into young love, they promised their hearts to one another, even as Rex headed off to war. But their hope for a bright future was shattered when Rex succumbed to his belief that the horrors of war had made him a man no woman could love. Now he has returned, and Samantha must help Rex see that he still has much to give—and much more to gain—by replacing fear with faith and opening himself to love.

An Unlikely Spring Courtship

Tempest worked hard to secure her independence as a woman running her own mercantile, so when Bram has the audacity to open a competing shop in a town with only enough room for one, Tempest is driven to despair. And then to retaliation. But when tragedy strikes their community and threatens everything they both hold dear, will they be able to recognize that what they share is far more important than what separates them?

A Summer for Love

Loralee’s life has changed dramatically in the eight years since she’s last seen the resort town of Bayocean, but one thing that has never changed is her feelings for Wyatt, a man she promised to meet at the resort on a specific day if they were both still unattached. When Wyatt appears on that date, as hopeful and uncertain as Loralee, the two must see if an old and abiding love has outlasted the changes wrought by time—and begin to build a new life together.

Romance in Autumn

Phoebe and James grew up together but apart in the same beautiful mansion, he as the son of the owners, she as the daughter of a servant. In the years since, Phoebe’s fortunes have changed dramatically, and she carries the dream of one day owning the mansion that is still close to her heart. Until James—now a deeply compelling man—delivers the bad news that securing the purchase will be all but impossible. As Phoebe reluctantly relinquishes her dream, she will also look deep into her soul to learn that a true home might exist in her budding love for James.


My Thoughts:  I loved this anthology!  The stories are short and super sweet.  I loved all of the characters and wanted to see their romances bloom.  The book has a romance for each season of the year.    I think anytime of the year is a great time to fall in love, but this book has different courtships for each season.

The stories are clean and pure fun to read.  This is a feel good romance that can be read at once, or one story at a time.  It is lighthearted and well written.  Stacy Henrie is an author that I will look for in the future.

ebook, 164 pages

November 9th 2016

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USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids. You can learn more about Stacy and her books by visiting her website at stacyhenrie.com.

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Tour Schedule

November 27th: Launch

November 28th:

Katie's Clean Book Collection

Heidi Reads...

November 29th:

The Power of Words

Hardcover Feedback

November 30th:

Bookworm Lisa

Reading Is My SuperPower

Zerina Blossom's Books

December 1st:

Tell Tale Book Reviews

Wishful Endings

December 2nd:

Singing Librarian Books

Jessica and Gracie's Tree

Mel's Shelves

Bookworm Nation

Rockin' Book Reviews

December 4th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

$40 Amazon eGift Card and Winner's Choice of an ebook of Any of Stacy Henrie's Books (you can see her books listed on Amazon here)

Open internationally
Ends December 8th

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Fablehaven Book of Imagination by Brandon Mull

Fablehaven Book of Imagination by Brandon Mull
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from Publisher to Review
Genre: Child Activity Book

Book Description:  Fablehaven has sold more than 3.5 million copies and readers made The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven, the first visual discovery and definitive guide to all the mythical creatures of Brandon Mull's wildly brilliant imagination, a bestseller in Fall 15. Now it's the READER'S turn to tap into your imagination in the very first interactive guide to Fablehaven!

Tuck this journal into your backpack, tote it along and use it as a fun activity book for all things Fablehaven and to reflect on the mythical creature metaphors found in the series.

Examples:
If you owned your own invisibility glove like Seth, how would you use it today?
Learn how to draw a dragon’s head with step-by-step instructions.
You have found the legendary Totem Wall. Choose a face to speak with. What question would you ask?

Within the pages of this book are secret codes what will help the reader discover a secret message from Brandon Mull about Dragonwatch, the sequel to Fablehaven.

Dragons can create paralyzing fear. Imagine your hands and arms were literally paralyzed from encountering a dragon, but you still needed to write a message. Use your feet or mouth to write a note on the page.

Create your own art: draw your own magical preserve. Include your home, landmarks, trees, trails, areas to avoid. Where is it located? What is it called?

Draw your family pet as if it were a guardian to a hidden, ancient artifact. What special power does your pet have to protect the treasure it is guarding?

Fans will also find coloring book pages, mazes, scavenger hunts, and instructions for origami creatues of Fablehaven characters like Raxtus! 


My thoughts: I am enthralled with this activity book. (I want the coloring pages, the kids can have the rest.)

My family loves the Fablehaven series. I read them with my children and it was a wonderful experience for all of us.


This activity book is a fun way for children to use their imagination. There are coloring pages, mazes, learn how to draw pages, origami, etc. This would give any child many hours of enjoyment. I could see it being used in a classroom while a class is reading the book together. Personally, I would not want to write in the book. I could see myself copying off pages, but this book is meant to be written in, drawn in, and have pages torn out.

Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository * Deseret Book

Watch Brandon Mull's daughter illustrate activities from the book!

 

Ordinary Snowflakes by Jennifer Rodewald (Blog Tour + giveaway)

Ordinary Snowflakes by Jennifer Rodewald

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: Received eBook to Review

Genre:
Contemporary Christian Romance

Book Description:  Book Desription;Someone has noticed me. A secret admirer? A man with a good heart, who sees how much I actually need help, even though I never admit it? Maybe this is the beginning of a beautiful story—a romance full of hope and second chances and love. 


Maybe…

A secret Santa gift left on Kale Brennan’s front porch opens up a fresh view of her ordinary life, and perhaps of God. Maybe she does matter. Maybe God sees her—as does a new-to-town music teacher who has her seven-year-old daughter gushing and her own knees ​buckling with his killer smile. But as Kale embraces new possibilities, a staple in her life—a man who is kind and steady, not to mention necessary for her injured daughter’s recovery—also snatches her attention in an unexpected way. Will the one pursuing her with his secret gift and kind gestures be the one her heart longs for in the end?

My thoughts:  This is a wonderful Christmas novella.  I loved the characters.  Kale is a single mother to an adorable little girl who was in a serious accident as a toddler.  Her daughter's positive outlook on life and bubbly personality was a moving part of the story.  It is a reminder about being resilient during adversity.

As a single mother, she is devoted and protective of her daughter.  This gets in the way of finding love and romance.  She is not good at seeing the opportunities in front of her.  (Her daughter is more perceptive.)  It takes a new man in town for her to open her eyes to the possibilities in her life.

This is a clean and fun romance.  The book has Christian themes and is perfect for the holiday season.  I think it took me about an hour to read it.  Perfect for when you have a short period of time to read a great story.

Genre: Adult, Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, Novella
Publisher: Rooted Publishing
Publication date: November 7, 2016
Number of pages: 118

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. The draw to fiction has tugged hard on her heart since childhood, and when she began pursuing writing she set on stories that reveal the grace of God.
Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.
She would love to hear from you! Please visit her at https://www.authorjenrodewald.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjenrodewald or email her at write2edify@gmail.com.

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE |  NEWSLETTER

  

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November 28--Bookworm Lisa | Smiling Book Reviews
November 29--Christian Bookaholic | ​Faithfully Bookish
November 30--Singing Librarian Books | A Baker's Perspective
December 1--Christy's Cozy Corners | Kindle and Me
December 2--Book by Book | Katie's Clean Book Collection
December 3--Reading Is My SuperPower | Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen ​

A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears

A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from Bethany House to Review
Genre; Christian Historical Fiction



Book Description:  Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so when she joins the Teaville Moral Society, she genuinely hopes to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poor house herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the moral society's president is her suitor's mother. Her first task as a moral society member—to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town—should be easy . . . except he flat-out refuses.
Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresee the harrowing complications that will arise from working together. When town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs—and hearts—truly align.


My thoughts:  I always appreciate a historical fiction book that teaches me while I am reading it. Author's who do their research bring more to the books that they write.

A Heart Most Certain takes place in 1905. The main character, Lydia, is a young woman who wants to bring her family out of financial hole her father put them in with his gambling. Her mother is ill and doesn't have much longer to live. She is in a desperate situation and determines that the only way out is to marry for money. She has a politician who is willing, but feels she needs to win over his mother.

Trying to impress her future mother-in-law, Lydia tires to talk the richest man in the city to donate to the Temperance Society. He is not an easy conquest and she finds that it takes more to talk him into a donation. This creates a friendship and mutual respect between Lydia and Nicholas where she learns the true meaning of charity.

This reminded me of how all of covered under the Grace of God. Nicholas introduces her to the "unsavory" element of the community, the ladies who are prostitutes. Just being in the same room with them would shun her from polite society. I appreciated the lessons she learned about love, compassion, and forgiveness. She also discovered that not all of the women chose the life they were forced to live. It reminded me to examine the prejudices that I may be carrying around. The book was beautifully and compassionately written about what the Savior would do if her were in the slums.

This is a clean romance. The nature of the book has innuendo, but it is done with taste and discretion . I read it in one day. That is saying something because it is 388 pages. This book is well worth the time to read.

Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

Visit Melissa Jagears at: 

http://melissajagears.com/

Courageous by Dina L. Sleiman

Courageous by Dina L. Sleiman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source; Received from Bethany House to Review
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction/Romance

Book Description:  Valiant Hearts: Where Adventure and Romance Meet

Inspired by the vision of the Young Lady Sapphira, Rosalind of Ipsworth joins a group of men, women, and children as a defender of the cross, seeking to free captives from prisons near Tripoli. She gladly gives herself to the cause, as she's haunted by a tragic mistake and no longer deserves such joys as marriage and family might bring.

Sir Randel Penigree was reared to serve in the church, but dreams of protecting the innocent as a knight. Joining a crusade to escape humiliation at home, he finds himself drawn to Rosalind as they partner to train and protect a group of young adolescents. When they face political machinations, danger, and an unknown enemy bent on their destruction, they are forced to reconsider their priorities and the very nature of the God they serve. 


My thoughts: I highly recommend reading Dina L. Sleiman's Valiant Hearts trilogy. Each book is set during the medieval time period with complex characters making hard choices. The books have aspects that bring to mind heroes from legends, like Robin Hood. This book has a character who is a young lady who has visions from God. She reminds me of Joan of Arc.

This book is set during the Crusades. Honestly, the Crusades are a point in history that bother me. It is easy to look back on history and not agree with what our fore-bearers did. This book gave me a different perspective and a little bit of appreciation for the religious fervor that sparked the Crusades. The issues are complex and Sleiman presented them in a way that helped me understand the reasons why the Catholic Church went to war for the Holy Land. I appreciated the Muslim perspective as well. Both sides were represented respectfully.

The story is told from four perspectives: Randel, Rosalind, Sapphira, and the villain. It took me a while to figure out who the villain in the story was. There were several people who seemed to stand out and have the anger that I expected. I didn't figure it out until about 3/4 of the book, just before it was revealed.

The book also talks about forgiveness. Forgiveness from God and forgiving yourself. Many people in this story make mistakes. I loved how freely forgiveness was given and love was granted. It is a reminder not to be so hard on ourselves and the love that the Father has for his children.

The romance is sweet and clean. The book has war violence, innuendo, and kissing.

Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

About the Author:(Taken from Goodreads)   Award-winning author, Dina Sleiman, writes stories of passion and grace. Most of the time you will find this Virginia Beach resident reading, biking, dancing, or hanging out with her husband and three children, preferably at the oceanfront. Since finishing her Professional Writing MA in 1994, she has enjoyed many opportunities to teach literature, writing, and the arts. Her debut novel, Dance of the Dandelion with Whitefire Publishing, won an Honorable Mention in the 2012 Selah Awards, and her cross-over YA novel, Dauntless, won the 2016 Carol Award. Also look for her books, Love in Three-Quarter Time, Dance from Deep Within, and the rest of her Valiant Hearts series with Bethany House Publishers. Dina serves as an acquisitions editor for WhiteFire as well, and she loves to represent them at writers conferences throughout the US. Join her as she discovers the unforced rhythms of grace. For more info visit her at http://dinasleiman.com/ 

Check out the first two books in the series.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving!  I will be counting my many blessings.

To Suit a Suitor by Paula Kremser

To Suit a Suitor by Paula Kremser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from Publisher to Review
Genre: Regency Romance

Book Description:  Much to her mother’s annoyance, Julia North can’t catch a husband. Nearing the end of her third London season, Julia is jilted. Again! Constantly wondering what it is about her that drives the gentlemen away, Julia leaves London to visit a distant cousin for a couple of months. She is hoping to forget about husband hunting for a time, but she inadvertently finds herself in competition for Henry Chamberlain, the most desirable gentleman in Somersetshire. Marriage wouldn’t seem so detestable if she could marry him. But every young lady has the same dream of capturing his attention, so Julia knows she doesn’t have a chance. What she doesn’t know is that her desire to avoid Henry’s attention is the very thing that has caught it, but it’ll take some effort on Henry’s part to convince Julia of that.



My thoughts: I remember pulling petals off of flowers as a child and saying the well know phrase, "he loves me, he loves me not". In some ways this book reminded me of the childhood game. Not that the characters are childish, just that they sent mixed signals to each other and left the other wondering of their true desires.

To Suit a Suitor is a sweet regency romance. The characters have been hurt before and are unsure about relationships. They take each other by surprise and do not know how to react. There are meddling mother's who want their children to be marries. One mother has selfish ulterior motives. I always enjoy regency books set in the country away from London. This book had that and more.

This book is clean with kissing. The characters had depth. I loved reading about their learning to trust their heart process.  There are moments that had me giggling and moments when I wanted to throw something at the main characters.  This book is entertaining and a light read.  It is perfect when you need a regency fix.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository * Books & Things

 About the Author: Paula Kremser focused on a career in science for a few years after graduating from Brigham Young University. Several years later when she moved with her young family to England, Paula seized the opportunity to focus on her love of the Regency Era. The enchantment of the aristocracy and the fascinating stories from every stately home she visits have been both research and inspiration for her first novel, “Sophia.”

Visit her WEBSITE

Visit the Tour Stops

November 8: Community Bookstop
November 11: Katie’s Clean Book Collection
November 12: Diane Tolley
November 13: Deal Sharing Aunt
November 14: Stephanie Worlton
November 15: Getting Your Read On
November 16: Mel’s Shelves
November 17: Wishful Endings
November 18: Writing Worm
November 20: Inklings and Notions
November 21: I Love to Read and Review Books
November 22: Literary Timeout
November 23: Bookworm Lisa | Robyn Echols Books
November 24: Jorie Loves a Story
November 25: Blooming With Books | Rockin’ Book Reviews

Be Inspired this Christmas! The Forgotten Carols is Celebrating 25 years. #ForgottenCarols

I LOVE the Forgotten Carols.  I have never been to one of the live concerts, but I do own a DVD presentation and a musical CD.  It seriously makes me cry and remember why we celebrate the Holiday.  If you have not had the chance to see it, here is the perfect opportunity!

Popular Musical Production ‘The Forgotten Carols’ celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Forgotten Carols, a seasonal concert favorite, celebrates its 25^th anniversary this year.  Michael McLean, a well-known performer, composer, songwriter, author and director staged his first one-man concert in 1991 with the hopes of it becoming a tradition families would enjoy. For those first performances McLean played all the parts to give people a sense of how families could create their own narration at home.

Over the course of the last 25 years, McLean’s modest one-man show has evolved into a huge theatrical production with over 1 million concertgoers enjoying the music that has become a time-honored Christmas tradition and attracts repeat attendance from guests of all ages. The show has been produced all over the world in limited runs, including shows in Ireland, Germany, England and even Ukraine. “One of the great things about touring is seeing the familiar faces that have been coming for years and are part of the Forgotten Carols family,” shares McLean. “New comers and longtime devoted fans of this production keep the magic of the performance alive. We embrace, giggle, and sometimes cry at these reunions.” 

The Forgotten Carols 2016 concert schedule includes performances in four states Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. The production has arranged over 20 shows in 12 different cities and showcases an elegant arrangement of special musical choral performances and solos. McLean stars as one of the musical’s primary characters, John, an elderly gentleman who helps Constance, a young nurse who can’t be bothered with Christmas, discover a new love for the season.   

Each year, local community and student choirs are invited to perform alongside the professional Forgotten Carol company members during the concert in their cities. It’s important to McLean and the show's producers to preserve this tradition that keeps the magic alive for an enchanting experience each year.

Performance tickets are on sale now. For a complete listing of concert dates and locations or to purchase tickets visit the website at www.forgottencarols.com.

Want more information?  Visit these links:

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If you can't make it to one of the shows listed above.  I HIGHLY recommend the music.

Here is a link to purchase the CD at AMAZON. a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Charming Life of Izzy Malone by Jenny Lundquist Book Blast

The Charming Life of Izzy Malone by Jenny Lundquist Izzy Malone isn’t your typical sixth grader. She wears camouflage combat boots and tie dye skirts; the Big Dipper and Orion are her two best friends; and she’d rather climb trees or shoot hoops than talk about boys and makeup. And after only a month of middle school she’s already set the record for the most trips to the Principal’s office. The only time Izzy feels at peace is when she’s on the open water, and more than anything else, she wants to become a member of the Dandelion Paddlers, her school’s competitive rowing club. But thanks to those multiple trips to the Principal’s office, Izzy’s parents force her to enroll in Mrs. Whippie’s Charm School, a home-study course in manners and etiquette, or they won’t let her race in Dandelion Hollow's annual pumpkin regatta—where Izzy hopes to prove to the Dandelion Paddlers she is more than qualified to be on their team. When Mrs. Whippie’s first letter arrives it’s way different from what Izzy was expecting. Tucked inside the letter is a shiny gold bracelet and an envelope charm. Izzy must earn her first charm by writing someone a nice note, and once she does more tasks will be assigned. Izzy manages to complete some of the tasks—and to her surprise, she actually finds herself enjoying the course. But when one of her attempts at doing something good is misinterpreted, she fears her chances at passing the course—and becoming a Paddler—are slipping away. With some unexpected friends there to support her, can Izzy manage to earn her charms and stay true to herself?

Praise for the Book:

“Izzy’s frank, vulnerable, sassy first-person narration reveals her surprising journey from a solitary girl talking to the stars to a girl with friends to light her way…This story of an atypical girl, her family, and friends, laced with middle school drama, is indeed a charming one.” –Kirkus Reviews

 “A heartwarming coming-of-age journey…Lundquist deftly portrays the pain of being odd girl out, both at school and at home.” –Publisher’s Weekly

READ an EXCERPT!

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 The bracelet and the first charm appeared the day I punched Austin Jackson in the nose. I didn’t mean to slug him. His face just got in my way. It was a bruising end to a disastrous first month in middle school. 

You know that kid in class that everyone secretly (and not so secretly) thinks is weird? The one people laugh and point at behind their back, the one who gets picked last in gym class, the one you wish you hadn’t gotten stuck with for a science partner? 

At Dandelion Hollow Middle School, that kid is me, Izzy Don’t-Call-Me-Isabella Malone. 

Truthfully, my slide into loserdom started in elementary school and was pretty much an established fact by the time sixth grade started last month. It’s partly because my mouth often has a mind of its own. But I think it’s also because there are a bazillion other things I’d rather do than talk about boys, clothes, and makeup, and I refuse to wear strappy sandals and short skirts. 

(If you ever catch me wearing strappy sandals or a short skirt, you have my permission to kick my butt.) 

I do like skirts, though. Really long colorful ones I get from Dandelion Thrift. I like to wear them with my camouflage combat boots. I call the look Camohemian.

********************   

Author Jenny Lundquist Jenny Lundquist was born and raised in Huntington Beach, CA, where she spent her time unsuccessfully learning how to surf. When she was younger, she wanted to be either a rock star or a published author. After she taped herself singing and listened to it on playback she decided she'd better opt for the writing route. Jenny is the author of Seeing Cinderella and Plastic Polly as well as the young adult titles The Princess in the Opal Mask and The Opal Crown.

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      $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 12/12/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway