DAISIES ARE FOREVER - Enter to win a Kindle HDX from Liz Tolsma!

Liz Tolsma's latest WWII historical fiction novel, Daisies are Forever, is getting rave reviews. 



". . . compelling and fast-paced tale about the atrocities and tremendous losses. . . ." —Library Journal



"Excellent storytelling, accurate historical reporting and gritty, persevering characters make this WWII-era novel a must-read." —CBA Retailers + Resources

Liz celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway!



One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Daisies are Forever by Liz Tolsma

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 31st. Winner will be announced June 2nd on Liz's website.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Liz's website on June 2nd to see if you won.

All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti

About the book: A new life and a new identity can't protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.

After spending years running from the shame her father put on her family, Jayne is determined not to let him steal her future in the same way he stole her childhood. Changing her name to Becca Morrow, she moves to California and settles into a new life and new job caring for ailing mother of handsome young businessman, Isaac Hughes.

But just as she's wondering if she and Isaac are headed for a relationship, Becca's patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and the unnerving details of her heritage threaten to destroy all sense of home and all hope for love.

Even if she could clear her name, a phone call wraps a suffocating shroud around her heart. Her estranged father needs her help. But can Becca open her new life to the man who ruined her past?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/x96lt

About the author: Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience with "Heartbeat of the Home" radio and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers.

Cynthia can be found at: website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads

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My Thoughts: 
I've never been one to lie or hide the truth. I simply can't do it. But what if I had to? What if I were the daughter of an infamous person that I couldn't bear to be compared to - that wouldn't be fair to be compared to? I might be tempted to do the same thing Becca Morrow did.

Changing her name didn't seem like it would be that much of a big deal. Change it legally and people couldn't - nay, wouldn't - lump you with your Kevorkian-like father. But, sd Sir Walter Scott said so eloquently, "oh what a tangle web we weave, when we first practice to deceive." And things can't help but unravel for poor Becca.

I very very much enjoyed this novel. There were some hard-hitting questions of morality, forgiveness, making rash judgments because of someone's family connections that really make you stop and consider how you yourself treat others in hard situations. Things that make you question if you could do the same as Becca. Or would you be more like Isaac and Geneva? Or Tony? This is a read slowly type of book. One that will give you plenty of things to pause and reflect on as you turn the pages.

*My thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. I was not required they be positive.*

MOMS’ NIGHT OUT - No More “Frumpy Mommy” Challenge! ($200 Visa Card Giveaway!)

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer has written the novelization to the much-anticipated movie, Moms' Night Out. Don't miss this hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life—where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.



And, look for the companion devotional written by comedian Kerri Pomarolli, Moms' Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive.



Tricia and Kerri have teamed up for the "No More Frumpy Mommy" challenge.

Motherhood can sometimes seem like survival of the fittest. Every day brings its own troubles, and by the end of the day, you’re spent. Between school, soccer practice, cleaning, laundry, cooking dinner, putting away dishes, and keeping your kids from going at each others’ throats, the last thing on your mind is getting away for an evening. If that’s you, you’re invited to take part in Tricia and Kerri's No More Frumpy Mommy challenge.

Tricia and Kerri will choose 10 winners to receive a Fandango gift card to see Moms' Night Out, as well as copies of Moms' Night Out (the book) and Moms' Night Out and Other Things I Miss. One grand-prize winner will receive $200 to put toward her own moms' night out or her own moms' night out "ride" (getting her car detailed and cleaned).

GO HERE TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE!

A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva Gibson

About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories.

 

 

About the book: 

A quilt becomes a labor of love for a lonely wife mysteriously separated from her young husband.

After her fiancé returns from the Klondike gold rush in 1897, Florence Harms sets about building a new life in her new marriage---even though the lingering effects of illness have left her weak and vulnerable. She and her young husband, Will, work tirelessly to clear the land around their Northwest cabin, content with their modest life.

But then a stranger comes knocking and Florence suddenly senses a restlessness in Will's spirit that she had never seen before. When he leaves her with only a note that tells her he will return before their baby's birth, she is devastated, and the illness that stiffened her joints returns. Counting the days until Will walks back through her door, Florence busies herself with a Tree of Life quilt displaying a map of the farm they call home. Doubts claw at her heart as Florence struggles to believe Will's promise to return to her. Will her labor of love-and faith in God---sustain her as she waits to see her beloved once again?

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.
About the Author: 

Eva Gibson is the author of twenty books, including The Gift of Forgiveness and The Three Marys. She currently teaches "writing your life story" classes for Portland Community College and is an active member of Oregon Christian Writers. She has lived most of her life on the family farm in Wilsonville, Oregon, which is the setting for A Stitch and a Prayer.

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My Thoughts: 
I love quilts and the fact that each truly does tell a story intrigues me. Always has. This short novel, was a quick read. There were times I thought Florence seemed a little childish, but who isn't in their first year of marriage, right? I did like how her faith in God grew and how she started learning to trust Him to take care of her rather than focus solely on her husband for comfort. I was more than a little irritated that Will left her - pregnant and living alone - with just a note and no explanation. As a wife without an illness like Florence's, I'd be beside myself with worry and stress and probably less forgiving than she was at his return.

There were times I wondered if this was part of a series and I got the second book by mistake. I did have a hard time connecting with the characters. It felt the story was rushed and they weren't as developed as they could have been.

Overall, I did like the faith aspect of this story.
*My thanks to the publisher and LitFuse for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required it be positive.*

Thankful by Shelley Shepard Gray - Win the first two books in the Return to Sugarcreek series!

In Thankful, New York Times bestselling author, Shelley Shepard Gray captures the beauty, devotion, and warmth of Amish life in this engaging tale of family, commitment, trust, and love set in the beloved community of Sugarcreek.


Enter to win the first two books in Shelley's Return to Sugarcreek series, Hopeful & Thankful.
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All My Belongings - Enter to win a $200 Visa Card from Cynthia Ruchti

Cynthia Ruchti asks what it takes to overcome your past and become who you were meant to be in her latest novel, All My Belongings. Cynthia has woven a heart-wrenching tale of forgiveness, grace, and learning what it means to truly belong.


Cynthia is celebrating the release of her latest novel with a fun giveaway and a live webcast event!

One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa cash card
• All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the All My Belongings LIVE webcast event on June 11th. Connect with Cynthia for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Cynthia will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of All My Belongings and join Cynthia and friends on the evening of June 11th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

Failure.

Why is it that some people have all the confidence while others have none? Why is it that some feel their failures on such a personal level that it's hard for them to get back on their feet when someone else has been negative about them?

Most people think I'm an extrovert because I talk and laugh with many people. I have friends and am friendly to others. In truth, I'm an introvert with extrovert tendencies. An introvert recharges away from others while an extrovert receives a recharge from being around other people. I like people. I like doing things with friends. I like playing the oboe in the church orchestra. I like working with kids. But it scares the snot out of me to have a solo, or to stand and sing in front of people. I sit in the balcony because that's where I'm most comfortable. I don't like the feeling that people are looking at me.

Because I know they're going to find my flaws and find me lacking in some area of my life. For some people, I'm too Christian. For others, I'm not Godly enough. See? I can't win for losing!

Anyway, this is a constant struggle for me - I need to please God rather than man. God is my Judge (and He will always judge righteously) therefore, I need to seek His favor rather than man's. He alone knows the secrets and intents of my heart. He knows where I've failed - but it's easier with Him than it is with others. Why? Because He extends grace and mercy where others give no second chance. He allows us to get up, repent and move forward. Most people don't offer that kind of love to others.

When I've been the recipient of someone's nastiness - imagined or real - there is one thing I always do. I pray about the situation. I tell God exactly what I'm thinking and what I'm feeling. Why not? He knows it already, so just admit it and move on, right? During this time of prayer, I ask Him to show me if I'm being too sensitive (surprise. I'm a super sensitive person and honestly, it drives me nuts), or if there's truth to my thoughts and feelings. I ask Him for healing. I ask Him to deal with the other person, and then I ask Him to help me forgive and have a better attitude with them. 

That last one is sometimes the hardest, I'll be honest. It's not easy to forgive and smile when someone's been nasty. Some people would call me a doormat. Oh well. If there's something you're good at, do it, right? Just kidding. :)


What about you? When you're hurt, what do you do?

A Story in Pieces Book Review and Tour

About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories.

About the book: A baby quilt touches many hearts as it travels from family-to-family and through generations.

After the end of World War II, Clara Kirkpatrick returns from the Women's Army Corp to deliver a dying soldier's last wishes: convey his love to his young widow, Mattie, with apologies for the missed life they had planned to share.
Struggling with her own post-war trauma, Clara thinks she's not prepared to handle the grief of this broken family. Yet upon meeting Mattie, and receiving a baby quilt that will never cuddle the soldier's baby, Clara vows to honor the sacrifices that family made.

Now a labor and delivery nurse in her rural hometown, Clara wraps each new babe in the gifted quilt and later stitches the child's name into the cloth. As each new child is welcomed by the quilt, Clara begins to wonder whatever happened to Mattie---and if her own life would ever experience the love of a newborn. Little does she know that she will have the opportunity to re-gift the special quilt---years later and carrying even greater significance than when it was first bestowed.

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.
  About the Author: Emily Wierenga is a former editor, ghostwriter, freelance writer and staff journalist, a monthly columnist for The Christian Courier, and the author of Save My Children (Castle Quay Books, 2008), Chasing Silhouettes (Ampelon Publishing, 2012) and Mom in the Mirror (Rowman & Littlefield, 2013). Emily resides in Alberta, Canada. This is her first novel.

Learn more about Emily at: http://www.emilywierenga.com

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My Thoughts:
This was a good tearjerker book. If you love books that make you want to grab your family and hug them until they struggle to get away, this one is for you.

Clara Kirkpatrick suffers from many things. Like stubbornness. Which she inherited from her father. I enjoyed watching her grow from a rebellious young woman into a mature adult that realizes that everyone is far from perfect - just like her - and that everyone needs forgiveness, compassion, and love. I very much enjoyed how much she loved her mother and how their relationship was so good. That was a blessing, and I liked how she came to grips with her father and why he acted the way he did. They were human - and I loved them for that. I didn't like Clara at the beginning, but she grew on me when she came to grips with herself and her beliefs.

This novel skips from World War 2 to the year 2000, and there were times I found that pulled me from the story and I had to really concentrate on what I was reading to get myself back into it. I connected much better with the flashbacks than I did the year 2000 periods of the book. 


My thanks to LitFuse and Abingdon Fiction for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. I was not required they be positive.

Make Your Mom Cry. Make her a Mother's Bracelet for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is just around the corner. I can't speak for any other mother's out there,

but I can say that in my opinion, a gift made specially for me by my children holds no price. 

It's invaluable.

Here's a video I thought might inspire you to create something for your own

mother.

Happy Mother's Day!

Critical Condition by Richard Mabry - Book Review & Tour

About the book:  
Dr. Frasier couldn't save the gunshot victim on her front lawn. Now she's fighting for her own life.

It began as a quiet dinner party honoring Dr. Shannon Frasier's colleague, but became a nightmare when a man was shot on her lawn, reviving emotions from a similar episode a decade ago. Then a midnight call from her sister, Megan, causes Shannon to fear that her sister is on drugs again.

Her "almost-fiancé" Dr. Mark Gilbert's support only adds to Shannon's feelings of guilt, since she can't bring herself to fully commit to him. She turns for help to her pastor-father, only to learn that he's just been diagnosed with leukemia. Shannon thought it couldn't get any worse. Then the late-night, threatening phone calls begin, the rough voice asking, "What did he say before he died?"

With everything around her in a critical state, simply staying alive will require all the resources and focus Shannon has.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/vyZt6

About the Author: A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of four critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader's Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.

Connect with Richard at: http://rmabry.com

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My Thoughts: 
This was my first Richard Mabry and medical suspense novel. It was a good one to cut my teeth on. I loved how Shannon was written ~ strong and capable, yet lovable and caring and still needing to grow. Mark, Shannon's almost fiance, was excellent, and I wish there were more of his type in the real world! Overall, this story kept me guessing and kept me on my toes. I didn't much care for Shannon's sister, Megan. She was whiny and insulted that no one believed her when she promised she was clean and wasn't going back to drugs and alcohol. Never mind past actions, right? Also, she seemed to be quite the user which really bothered me as well. Not thankful, not compassionate to her sister or parents, and basically, an all around jerk with a pretty face. Blech.

There were no sex scenes and no swearing. 
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required they be positive.*