Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

Sabotaged is the fifth and final book in Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series. I must say that I am truly saddened that this wonderful series has come to an end. Besides the wonderful life-like characters within each book, the reader is also introduced to the wonderful state of Alaska. For those of you who have yet to read any of Ms. Pettrey's books about the McKenna family you are truly missing out. All of them can be read alone but it is more fun reading them in order. The books in the series are Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced and now Sabotaged.

This book is Reef McKenna's story. He is the youngest of the McKenna siblings and he has finally come home to Alaska. In his youth, Reef was always getting into trouble but he is now all grown up and settled down in his ways. The female lead in this story is Kirra Jacobs, who just happened to be on the receiving end of some of Reef's antics in their youth. They are thrown together during the Iditarod race when Kirra's Uncle Frank doesn't report in during the race. Reef and Kirra go out looking for him and when they finally find him they learn that Frank's daughter, Meg, is being held hostage and demands have been made of Frank. Before they can learn more, Frank takes off and a mysterious man on a snowmobile shows up demanding to find out what Frank had told them. Reef and Kirra are able to flee but soon find themselves hiding in a cave for the night in temperatures well below zero. This is where the story truly begins. 

Ms. Pettrey has a wonderful talent of creating believable characters that come to life on the written page. Her way of showing the Alaskan wilderness is absolutely amazing and it becomes another major character in the book. 

I would highly recommend Sabotaged and the entire Alaskan Courage series to anyone who loves a good clean suspense novel packed with twists and turns and lots of adventure.

On a 5-Star scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!! I absolutely LOVED this book!

I would like to thank Amanda Dykes and Bethany House for my copy of Sabotaged. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton

Betting on Hope is the first book in Debra Clopton's new series "A Four of Hearts Ranch Romance". I have read a couple of Ms. Clopton's novellas in the past, but this is the first full length novel I have read by this wonderful author but it won't be the last.

The heroine, Maggie Hope, is an introverted advice columnist and city girl. When her friend, Amanda Jones, comes down with the flu, Maggie has to fill in for her in conducting an interview with champion horse trainer, Tru Monahan in his hometown of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maggie wasn't comfortable being in front of people as it brought back bad memories. But she does go to Wishing Springs to conduct the interview because if she doesn't she may lose her advice column.

Tru Monahan, is a handsome cowboy and a smooth talker. During the on-air interview, Maggie tries to convey that she would never be caught dead on a horse but Tru tells her he can teach anyone to ride. But then an on-air bet is extended and Tru is given two months to teach Maggie to overcome her fear of horses and to learn to ride. Will Maggie and Tru be able to work together? Will Tru be able to help Maggie through her fears? You'll find these questions answered within the pages of this wonderful book.

Wishing Springs is a small town packed full of colorful characters that have a tendency to poke their noses into other people's lives. I loved all the characters and look forward to getting to know some of them better in future books of the series.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would highly recommend Betting on Hope to anyone who loves a clean contemporary read.

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my copy of Betting on Hope. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

The Trouble With Patience by Maggie Brendan

When I learned Maggie Brendan had anew book coming out I was elated. It has been well over a year since her last book, but let me tell you, her newest book was well worth the wait.The Trouble With Patience is the first book in Ms. Brendan's newest series, "Virtues and Vices of the Old West". 

Patience Cavanaugh has inherited the Creekside Inn, a Bed & Breakfast, from her grandmother. It is located in Nevada City, a mining town in the Montana Territory. While Patience doesn't have much money she is determined to run the Bed & Breakfast and make her grandmother proud.

The hero of the story is Marshal Jedediah Jones. He has a reputation of being a hanging lawman. When he and Patience first meet the sparks fly and I began to wonder if these two characters were truly the hero and heroine. Would they survive each other or would they tear each other apart? But each character needs something that the other can give them so in time, well, let's just say, you'll have to read this wonderful book.

One thing I truly love about Ms. Brendan's books is the way she creates such wonderful, believable and memorable characters that take you by the hand and bring you into their journey.

I found The Trouble With Patience was an enjoyable read packed with historical detail. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean historical novel.

On a 5-Star Scale = 4 1/2 Stars!!!!

I would like to thank Revell Books for my review copy of The Trouble With Patience. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

CFBA - Wisdom Tree by Mary Manners

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Wisdom Tree

White Rose Publishing (September 19, 2012)

by

Mary Manners

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

A Word from the Author:
I live in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with my husband, Tim, and our teen-aged daughter, Danni. Also with us are Lucky and Gus - the two cherished cats we rescued from local animal shelters.

I'm a member of the Romance Writers of America and Smoky Mountain Romance Writers.
During the school year, I teach middle-schoolers reading and Algebra. When I have free time, I love to garden, take long walks with my husband, and read romance novels in a hammock beneath century-old shade trees.

I write romance novels for White Rose Publishing. If you'd like to visit, I have an author page there, as well. That's where you'll find everything there is to know about my books.

I also have author pages at the following locations. Do come by and spend some time with me there!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sometimes the last thing we think we need is exactly what God has planned
After the death of his parents, Jake Samuels has enough on his plate—including a fledgling church to lead and a mischievous younger brother to raise. The last thing he needs is a rambunctious woman to contend with.

Carin O'Malley is dealing with the death of her brother and a new job as an English teacher at East Ridge Middle School where Corey Samuels reigns as King of Chaos. The last thing she needs is to fall in love...especially with a handsome and complicated preacher like Corey’s brother Jake.

But when Corey's antics toss Carin and Jake together, the two must draw from God’s wisdom to find refuge in His perfect plan.

------------------------------------------------
Discover your own wisdom tree with the included one-month devotional.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Wisdom Tree, go HERE.


My Thoughts:

Wisdom Tree proved to be more than what I had anticipated when I selected it to read and review. I had never read anything by Mary Manners before and to be honest, I had never heard her name before. I am so glad that I chose to read Wisdom Tree as it was an excellent read.

The male lead, Jake Samuels is the local pastor who, after the death of both his parents, becomes the guardian of his much younger brother, Corey. Corey in having a hard time dealing with the death of his parents and lashes out in school. Corey's teacher, Carin O'Malley, reaches out to Jake in the hope of helping Corey through whatever is bothering him. From Jake and Carin's first meeting until the last page of the book the sparks fly. 

Ms. Manners did a phenomenal job in creating believable, lifelike characters that were in pain and in the need of healing. She takes the reader through a healing process where there is hope and much prayer. Was she successful in healing her characters? You'll have to read the book to find out.

I would like to say that the words on the pages of Wisdom Tree were far more than mere words. The book was poetic in it's substance and dialogue. Well done, Ms. Manners!

On a 5-Star Scale = 4 1/2 stars!!!!

I would highly recommend Wisdom Tree to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary book.

I would like to thank Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and White Rose Publishing for my review copy of Wisdom Tree. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

Liz Tolsma has quickly became one of my favorite authors. First with her debut novel, Snow on the Tulips (read my review here) followed by her second book Daisies are Forever (read my review here). I could hardly wait for her newest book, Remember the Lilies. I loved each and every book, but I must admit Remember the Lilies is hands down my favorite.

Remember the Lilies is set in the Philippines during World War II. The Prologue begins the day after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and the reader is introduced to the male lead, Rand Sterling a wealthy, womanizing American who owns two clubs in Manila and Irene Reynolds, a missionary. Their meeting was memorable for both of them even if it was close to being tragic. 

By Chapter One, both characters are being held prisoners in the Santo Tomas Internment camp in Manila. The story takes them through the war until the time Santo Tomas is liberated. The story that takes place is based on fact and I must say that Ms. Tolsma definitely did her homework regarding the camp. After I read the book, I searched on line to learn more about Santo Tomas and the pictures I found were exactly how Ms. Tolsma painted the camp. Her words made it real.

I fell in love with Rand, Irene and Irene's Aunt Anita. They were without a doubt the most well crafted characters I have encountered in my reading experience in a long time. They are believable, charming and memorable. Well done, Ms. Tolsma!

This isn't just a love story set during WWII, it's a story of two lost souls who found each other and learned to trust and forgive while trying to survive the atrocities of war. There are some twists and turns and a bit of a mystery within the pages of this wonderful book too.

The Christian thread was woven delicately through the pages and on page 343 Rand explains forgiveness to Irene and how if God could forgive him, he should be able to forgive the Japanese. It was an extremely powerful moment.

I would highly recommend Remember the Lilies to anyone who love reading a good historical novel. 

On a 5-Star scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my copy of Remember the Lilies. I was given my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

Heart of Adventure Sweepstakes for Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

Summary:

In SABOTAGED, the fifth and final book of author Dani Pettrey’s award-winning Alaskan Courage series, Kirra Jacobs and Reef McKenna experience the high stakes of Iditarod search-and-rescue when Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, goes missing. Kirra and Reef put aside their differences to search for him, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank’s daughter Meg has been kidnapped, and Frank must do the kidnapper’s bidding or Meg will die. Soon Kirra, Reef, and the entire McKenna family are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen. 

 To celebrate their epic race, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the HEART OF ADVENTURE SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story. 

Timeframe & Notifications: This giveaway starts February 2, 2015 and ends February 22, 2015 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Monday, February 23, 2015, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.

GRAND PRIZE:

LUXURIOUS LODGE GETAWAY

During their cross-country hunt for answers, Kirra and Reef stop to rest at a gorgeous mountain lodge in Denali that holds special memories for Reef. This prize offers you a chance to build your own special memories, with a luxurious lodge getaway for two.

Our Grand Prize winner will receive: A $250 gift certificate to Hotels.com, good for reservations at lodges and hotels across the Continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, and numerous International locations



Heart of Adventure Sweepstakes SECOND PRIZE:

PALS WITH PAWS DONATION

In the Alaskan Courage series, Kirra is the proud owner of Nanook Haven, a rescue shelter for sled dogs. In real life, animals need rescue as well, and this prize will allow you to give a special gift to support an organization like Kirra’s.

Our Second Prize winner will receive: A $150 donation in your name, to the animal rescue, shelter, or veterinarian of your choice



Heart of Adventure Sweepstakes Third Prize THIRD PRIZE:

SWEETHEART SURVIVAL SLED

In SABOTAGED, Kirra and Reef take shelter in a snow cave while hiding from a man determined to put them on ice– permanently! Luckily, Kirra has a survival kit, to help them make it through the sub-zero temperatures.
If you prefer a little more romance and a little less suspense in your survival kit, this is the prize for you.

Our Third Prize winner will receive: A $100 value sweetheart survival pack. This gift basket includes double chocolate raspberry cake, smoked salmon, brie cheese and crackers, and a wide variety of gourmet snacks.

How to Enter:

Go here and complete the entry box, anytime between February 2 – 22, 2015.

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and her latest release, Sabotaged. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super-adorable grandson.

Come back on 02/28/15 to read my review of Sabotaged.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

A Heart's Disguise by Colleen Coble

Colleen Coble's work holds a special place in my heart. When I heard an interview with Colleen several years ago, I went to the library and started reading her books voraciously. I haven't stopped since. I was ecstatic to hear that her publisher was going to re-release her first published series, "Journey of the Heart". The first book in the series is A Heart's Disguise and I absolutely loved it.

A Heart's Disguise is the story of Sara Montgomery and Rand Campbell and is set in Wabash, Indiana in October 1865. The Civil War has ended and Sara has been mourning the loss of her one true love, Rand Campbell for over five months. Her father has been told he doesn't have long to live and it is his wish that his daughter Sara be married before he dies.

Ben Croftner has had his eyes on Sara for some time and is trying to convince her to marry him. Sara doesn't love Ben but she loves her family and wants to make them happy. Will she say 'yes' to Ben? Or will she stay true Rand? Is Rand truly dead or was his notice of death false? The answers are all within this wonderful little book.

The series is to be issued over a period of six months. A Heart's Disguise will be issued in March and then each month there after another book in the series will be released. I can hardly wait for book two, A Heart's Obsession to be released. 

I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys clean historical fiction and especially fans of Colleen Coble. The book is a really quick read as it is only 90 pages long. But it is well worth your time.

On a 5 Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my review copy. I received my copy for free so that I could read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma KINDLE FIRE Giveaway!

This gripping new tale from Liz Tolsma, Remember the Lilies, is a must-read for fans of WWII-era fiction. When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, she and Rand must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

Help Liz celebrate the release of Remember the Lilies with a Kindle Fire giveaway!




 


One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire


• One copy of Remember the Lilies


Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/19. Winner will be announced at Liz's Remember the Lilies Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and WWII fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!   





{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!




Please note, you cannot enter the giveaway on my blog. Please click on the book cover in the upper right hand corner of my blog or on the icon above.

Smiles & Blessings,

 

Winner of Secrets of a Charmed Life!

to

 she is the winner of Secrets of a Charmed Life.

I would like to thank everyone who participated in the giveaway! Stay tuned as I will have another giveaway coming soon! 

Smiles & Blessings,