Join us as we learn more about Laurie Lewis and her book, Love on a Limb. Be sure to scroll down for a FREE book and click on the link at the end to enter the giveaway for $25.00 over on I Am A Reader's blog post! ![]() Matthew Grayken is young, successful, and dying, which is why he’s about to propose to a total stranger. He isn’t interested in love. He needs a caregiver, a companion, and someone to be his legal voice when he can no longer speak for himself. Lonely, compassionate nurse Mikaela Compton is intrigued by Matt Grayken’s tender request, but when their friendly marriage turns into love, she rejects the inevitability of Matt’s death and prays for a miracle instead. Mikaela succeeds in reigniting Matt’s will to fight, but his body is losing the battle and he is suffering. She recognizes that her urgent need to save Matt has caused her to betray the fundamental promise she made him–to help him die peaceably. Matt needs a miracle, and Mikaela believes one is attainable, but she will need to leave him at the hour of his greatest need. She’s about to learn that while love sometimes draws you close, it sometimes requires you to go out on a limb.
0 Comments
Next in the Love in Bloom lineup is Carol Ross. Read on to learn more about her book, then click on the link below to go to I Am A Reader's site to enter to win $25.00! ![]() She’s the most unconventional woman he’ll ever meet… and the cure for a perennial bachelor? Raised by her healer grandfather, former army medic Ally Mowak knows her alternative approach to traditional medicine puts her at odds with most of her Alaskan town. That includes Tag James, the rugged transport pilot with the sprawling family and political ambitions. Ally couldn’t be more wrong for the aspiring senator. Then why does everything feel so right when they’re together? I'm excited to be a part of this promotion hosted by I Am A Reader. Make sure you scroll down and enter for your chance to win $25.00! Finding Peace by Melanie D. Snitker ![]() Police Officer Tuck Chandler is good at his job. He’s also good at holding women at arm’s length. Jilted by his fiancée for his dedication to his job, he’s not about to open himself up to hurt like that again. Laurie Blake is a struggling photographer. After growing up in a wealthy family, she’s determined to make it on her own, even if it means doing it the hard way. When Tuck is assigned to a puzzling burglary involving Laurie’s fledgling photography business, he goes into it with his usual perseverance. He wants to help her – if she’ll let him. As the case unfolds and the mystery deepens, another question arises. Will the past get in the way of their future? Finding Peace is FREE through April 13th Visit I Am A Reader and enter
for your chance to win $25.00! Join us for the second author in the Love in Bloom tour. Liz Isaacson shares more about her book, Wedding for the Widower. Scroll below to visit I Am A Reader to enter for your chance to win a great $25.00 giveaway! ![]() A widower with a son, a widow with breast cancer, and their path toward true love… Former rodeo champion and cowboy Walker Thompson trains horses at Brush Creek Horse Ranch, where he lives a simple life in his cabin with his ten-year-old son, Michael. A widower of six years, he’s just trying to provide a life for Michael that his late wife would’ve approved of. He’s worked with Tess Wagner, a widow who came to Brush Creek to escape the turmoil of her life to give her seven-year-old son, Graham, a slower pace of life. Together, they run a cotton candy stand at the town’s Heritage Festival every fall, donating the money they raise to the National Widows & Widowers Foundation to help those who’ve suffered the way they have. Walker’s boss and best friend, ranch owner Landon Edmunds, has encouraged him to start dating, and Walker looks no further than Tess. She’s interested in him too, but neither of them wants to inflict more sorrow and suffering on the other than they’ve already endured. So when Tess confesses that her breast cancer has flared up again, Walker backs off. Way off. In the end, he’ll have to decide if he’d rather spend even a short time with Tess and Graham than not have them in his life at all. Tess wants to feel God’s love and power, but she’ll have to discover and accept God’s will in order to find her happy ending. Visit I Am A Reader and enter for your chance
to win a $25.00 giveaway sponsored by Liz! Learn more about Melinda Curtis and her book, Support Your Local Sheriff. You can also enter to win a $25.00 Amazon gift card or Paypal cash. ![]() Will he pass the daddy test? With his job in jeopardy, it couldn’t be a worse time for Sheriff Nate Landry’s recent past to come back to haunt him. But it would take an army to stop SWAT team leader Julie Smith. The fellow cop—and sister of his ex-fiancée—wants one thing from the beleaguered lawman: custody of the toddler son that Nate didn’t know he had. He may not be natural daddy material, but he quickly takes a shine to little Duke. And then there are the feelings Nate’s been hiding for years. Only now Julie’s running for sheriff of Harmony Valley—against him. Time to retreat? Not if he wants a future with the woman he loves. Visit I Am A Reader and enter for your chance to win a $25.00 giveaway!
Shanna Hatfield's newest book, Home of Her Heart, is available for pre-order! I absolutely loved the first title in this series, and cannot wait to read this one. If you enjoy historical romance set in World War II, then you'll definitely want to give her Hearts of the War series a try!
All he needed was a bride… Who said anything about falling in love? ![]()
Orphaned at birth and a loner all his life, the last thing Sergeant Klayne Campbell needs is for feisty Delaney Danvers to entangle his thoughts. Bravely volunteering for a top-secret mission almost certain to get him killed, Klayne can’t bear the thought of dying utterly alone. All he wants is to face death knowing his life meant something to at least one person. Offering Delaney a marriage of convenience, he plans to leave behind a war bride as his beneficiary. After just one night as her husband, Klayne realizes he’ll do anything to survive and return to her.
The moment she met handsome Sergeant Campbell at a holiday party, Delaney’s whole world shifted off kilter. Full of fun with an unquenchable zest for life, she isn’t afraid to go after what she wants. And what she wants is Klayne. When he prepares to join a hazardous mission, she seizes the opportunity to give him a reason to fight his way back home — to her heart. A tender, sweet romance rich with history and enduring love, Home of Her Heart captures the era and emotions prevalent during America’s entry into World War II.
Home of Her Heart Facebook Part
Celebrate the release of Home of Her Heart, Book 2 in the Hearts of the War series, and participating in hours of fun, games, giveaways, and opportunities to meet authors!
Help Spread the Word!
We've love your help spreading the word about Shanna's new release. You can share her book with others through Thunderclap.
![]()
USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, this hopeless romantic is out to make it happen one story at a time. When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. Shanna is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Romance Writers of America, Sweet Romance Reads, Cowboy Kisses, and Pioneer Hearts.
Connect with Shanna:
Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Pinterest Goodreads | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon
Delaney gazed at the ring, holding it up so it caught the afternoon sun streaming in the window behind her. A sunbeam refracted in the diamond, sending splinters of luminescent light dancing on the wall near the fireplace. She released a long breath then pinned Klayne with an angry glare.
“How could you? How could you buy the most perfect ring I’ve ever clapped my eyes on and ask to marry me with such a pathetic, stupid, horrid proposal. No, I won’t marry you just so you can go off and get yourself killed. Don’t be an idiot!” The length of several heartbeats passed as she glowered at him. His eager look of expectation wilted into one of wounded surprise. Finally, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek, softening her harsh tone. “If you can come up with a better, more compelling, convincing reason for me to marry you, I might change my answer.”
Please join me in congratulating Shanna Hatfield on her new release! Bobbins and Boots is a sweet Western romance and the fourth book in her Baker City Brides series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first three books and Bobbins and Boots is next on my list to read.
If you enjoy fun, memorable characters with a romance you're sure to love, you'll want to take a look at Shanna's books! Read on to learn more about Bobbins and Boots, check out my interview with Shanna, and enter for your chance to with a $15.00 Amazon gift card!
How does an act of kindness result in… marriage?
Born dirt-poor into a life of hardship, Allie Tillman seizes the opportunity to better her situation by answering an advertisement for a mail-order bride in the West. Upon her arrival in Baker City, Oregon, she discovers her intended is a low-down, lying thief. Determined not to marry him, she grasps at the one thing that will keep him from forcing her to be his wife — marrying another man. Good-natured cowboy Ben Amick had no idea a simple trip into town would completely change his life. When he happens upon a mail-order bride desperate to avoid marrying her fiancé, Ben does the first thing that pops into his head and marries her. Willingly, he gives her the protection of his name and his arms, never expecting her to capture his heart. Humorous, heartfelt, and awash in sweet romance, Bobbins and Boots captures the tender and tumultuous emotions of falling in love. Check out all of the books in Shanna's Baker City Brides Series: Crumpets and Cowpies | Thimbles and Thistles Corsets and Cuffs | Bobbins and Boots
Hi, Shanna! I’m so excited about your newest release, BOBBINS AND BOOTS. It’s the next book I read and I can’t wait to get started.
I’m so excited to join you on your blog today. Thank you for inviting me to visit! If there’s one thing you hope readers come away with after reading your book, what would it be? Shanna: Hope. I think that is one clear, consistent message readers can find in all of my books. Never lose hope. If there was one place you could go to research a book, where would it be? Shanna: Ireland. I’ve always wanted to visit there. A research trip there would be fantastic! Oh, that would be fun! It always looks so beautiful there. What do you usually use when you’re writing? A computer? Paper and pen? Shanna: Definitely a computer. If I had to write with pen and paper, I’d probably get one book completed a year instead of several. Tell us about one of your hobbies. Shanna: I really enjoy dabbling in photography. I’m a point-and-shoot kinda girl, but sometimes, the sunrises and sunsets streaming in my office windows draws me outside to snap a photo or two. It’s just something I do for fun, but it does bring me a lot of joy. I think that's great you enjoy photography and just do it for fun. It sounds like you've got a beautiful location for taking photos. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Shanna: Definitely an introvert. I was so shy as a little girl, it was painful for me to make eye contact with people, let alone talk to them. I can now speak in public and enjoy meeting new people, but at the end of the day, I’m without a doubt an introvert. If time and money were not a concern, what one skill would you like to learn? Shanna: I would love to learn to play the harp! Crazy, right! I’ve just always thought the music so haunting and elegant and beautiful. I never would have thought to learn to play the harp. The music really is very pretty! What project are you working on now? Shanna: The next book in the Pendleton Petticoats series. I’m doing a big cover reveal April 6 at the Petticoat Ball! What inspired the cover for your latest book? Shanna: Oh, this is a fun one! The other books in this series only feature an image of the heroine of the story, so for this one, I wanted both the heroine and the hero to be on the cover. I also wanted to include lace, since that is tied to the story. I asked my niece if she’d be willing to pose for me and thankfully, she not only agreed, but talked her friend into posing, too. We did the photo shoot on a rainy afternoon, but I’m really happy with the way it turned out. I love that your niece was willing to pose for you and even convinced her friend to do so as well! I always look forward to seeing your next cover and this is one of my favorites - it came out beautifully! Thanks again for joining us and congratulations again on your latest release. I’ve enjoyed chatting with you, my friend! Shanna: Many, thanks to you, Melanie, for hosting me today. I so appreciate it!
USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, this hopeless romantic is out to make it happen one story at a time. When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. Shanna is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Romance Writers of America, Sweet Romance Reads, Cowboy Kisses, and Pioneer Hearts.
Connect with Shanna:
Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Pinterest Twitter | Goodreads | YouTube | Instagram | Amazon
Giveaway
I'm excited to have Kristin Holt stop by the blog today to introduce her new book, SOPHIA'S LEAP-YEAR COURTSHIP. Check out my review below and make sure you enter the giveaway, too!
Union Pacific Station Agent Chadwick Hughes has everything in a state of readiness to welcome his mail order bride…everything but the bride. The woman he’s corresponded with for a year didn’t change her mind or miss her train in Omaha—she never existed. Chadwick’s mortified to discover he’s been swindled by a fraudulent matrimonial agency in Chicago. He needs a lawyer if he’ll ever recover a dime of the fortune he spent on worthless membership fees and the nonexistent bride’s transportation west.
Sophia Sorensen, Attorney at Law, is a spinster on the edge of propriety. The good people of Wyoming Territory are open to a lot of things, including Lady’s Privilege during Leap Years, but some aren’t fond of her day-to-day behavior. Why, the woman rides her bicycle hither and yon, showing her petticoat ruffle and ankles. She might be the least ladylike specimen beneath Wyoming skies, but it’s entertaining to watch her court the U.P. Station Agent, Chadwick Hughes, the most-eligible bachelor in the county.
~ My Review ~
This book was a lot of fun! I don't read historical fiction often, but when I do, I love coming away feeling as though I've learned something new. I knew very little about the etiquette of leap year during the Victorian Era and found it fascinating. It also made for a unique - and fun - basis for SOPHIA'S LEAP-YEAR COURTSHIP.
Kristin did a beautiful job of moving us along through time in this story. I often find that novellas feel rushed, but that wasn't the case here. It was all nicely done. Chadwick and Sophia are both characters that are written well with wonderful personalities. I enjoyed their scenes together and ended the book with a big smile on my face. I admit this is the first of Kristin's books that I've read, but it definitely won't be the last!
~ Keep In Touch With Kristin ~
~ Giveaway ~
~ Blog Tour Schedule ~
February 27
Heidi Reads Bookworm Lisa Donna Fasano February 28 Singing Librarian Books Peggy Urry Shanna Hatfield March 1 Wishful Endings LDS Writer Mom Getting Your Read On March 2 My Book a Day Milou Koenings Mel’s Shelves Literary Time Out Margaret Daley March 3 Katie’s Clean Book Collection Smiling Book Reviews Magdalena Scott Melanie Snitker Bubble Bath Books
Please join me in welcoming Faith Blum as we take a look at her new release, Savior, Like a Shepherd. Faith's new book explores the life of three orphans born during the Wild West.
This cover is gorgeous and my favorite of all Faith's covers. Does that location look amazingly peaceful? Keep reading to learn more about Savior, Like a Shepherd, meet one of the characters, and then make sure you read to the end to see the super fun giveaway she has going on, too! ...
Welcome to the "Kiss or Miss" Scavenger Hunt
Journey through all eight stops, following the order in the schedule. Each stop will include two or three clue words in red. Collect them all and enter to win our grand prize at the final stop on February 17th on Crystal's site.
Along each stop, you’ll get to meet an awesome author friend, read a super fun excerpt from one of their favorite kiss-or-miss scenes, and enter some sweet giveaways. ... Hi everyone! I wanted to let you know about a fun two-week event on Shannon L. Brown's blog. Every day through February 14th, stop by to meet an author and enter to win a giveaway. You won't want to miss a day!
The grand prize giveaway for our A Second Chance at Romance event has been extended! Click below to enter for your chance to win these five paperback books. The giveaway is open through Friday, January 27th. Visit the participating authors to learn more about their books:
Stacy Claflin - https://facebook.com/stacy.claflin.author Crystal Walton - https://facebook.com/crystalwaltonwrites Krista Noorman - https://facebook.com/bykristanoorman Sarah Monzon - https://facebook.com/sarahmonzonwrites Melanie Snitker - https://facebook.com/melaniedsnitker Second Chances. If we're honest, they're not only something we want. They're something we need ... most every day. A fresh start. A do-over. A chance to learn from our mistakes and seize the opportunities we missed in the past. There's something intrinsically beautiful and redemptive about seeing that theme come to life on the pages of a compelling romance, isn't there? With the start of a brand new year, we can't think of a better time to celebrate that theme than a sale and giveaway of some of our favorite second chance romances. Sales, Gift Cards, and Giveaways! Each day, Jan 16-20th, one author will be highlighting a clean romance we've put on sale for you this week. Be sure to visit each author's website and Facebook page to catch every deal, see what each author's giving away, and enter the grand giveaway of five signed paperbacks! Day 1: Melanie Snitker - Join her at https://facebook.com/melaniedsnitker Day 2: Stacy Claflin - Join her at https://facebook.com/stacy.claflin.author Day 3: Crystal Walton - Join her at https://facebook.com/crystalwaltonwrites Day 4: Krista Noorman - Join her at https://facebook.com/bykristanoorman Day 5: Sarah Monzon - Join her at https://facebook.com/sarahmonzonwrites Don't miss out on the giveaways each author will be offering. And enter the grand giveaway below for your chance to take home five signed paperbacks! It Takes Courage to Accept a Second Chance I love the idea of second chances. I'm not just talking about romance, but life in general. Goodness knows, there have been instances a second chance was offered to me when it wasn't deserved. But isn't that the beauty of a it? Second chances give us an opportunity to right wrongs and make things better the second time around. I think that's why the story in Finding Courage is one of my favorites. Duke and Avalon had one of those whirlwind courtships, falling in love shortly after they first met. But as it usually does, real life set in quickly once they were married. Both of them made a number of mistakes that kept building until a chasm big enough to swallow them both threatened their relationship. Sometimes, it's easier to walk away than it is to face what's happened. But good things rarely come without effort. I like to think that, when we put ourselves out there and truly grab hold of a second chance, we'll see blessings, even if they aren't what we expected them to be. It's Giveaway Time! Has the opportunity for a second chance - whether extended by you or offered to you - changed your life? Comment on this blog post below and you'll be entered for a chance to with a $5.00 Amazon gift card. A winner will be chosen randomly Saturday morning, January 21st, and contacted by e-mail. Finding Courage - Only $0.99 ![]() It takes courage to ask for a second chance…even more to extend one. For Duke and Avalon McNeil, it was love at first sight. Married within months of meeting, their feet hardly touched the ground until the reality of their haste hit home with startling clarity. Duke's heart shattered when Avalon vanished for nearly three weeks, fleeing their arguments and misunderstandings. Now she's back. He's happy she's home and safe, but he isn't ready to risk everything again when their bond was so easily broken. Avalon's relieved to be home. She's desperate to make peace between them, but returns with a secret. She can't reveal anything to Duke until she proves to him she came back to restore their relationship. As outside pressure continues to threaten Duke and Avalon's fragile foundation, they must find the strength to prove to each other their marriage is worth fighting for. If you'd like to read Duke and Avalon's story, Finding Courage is on sale for only $0.99 now through January 20th. ~ Make sure you don't miss any of the giveaways. Head over to Stacy Claflin's Facebook page next! Grand Prize Giveaway Love clean romances? For a chance to win five paperbacks from authors Stacy Clafin, Sarah Monzon, Krista Noorman, Melanie Snitker, and Crystal Walton, join their author e-mail lists below and be the first to hear about the latest inside scoops, giveaways, and behind the scenes looks at the sweet romances you love.
Please join me in welcoming my friend, and USA Today Bestselling Author, Shanna Hatfield. She's sharing details about her latest release: A sweet World War II romance. I had the opportunity to read this book and it is absolutely beautiful. Rock and Miko's story will melt your heart and leave you with a romance you won't forget. Can forbidden love blossom amid the constraints of war? The moment the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, life shifted for Miko Nishimura. Desperate to reach the Portland Assembly Center for Japanese-Americans, she’s kicked off the bus miles from town. Every tick of the clock pushes her closer to becoming a fugitive in the land of her birth. Exhausted, she stumbles to her grandparents’ abandoned farm only to find a dying soldier sprawled across the step. Unable to leave him, she forsakes all else to keep him alive. After crashing his plane in the Battle of the Atlantic, the doctors condemn Captain Rock Laroux to die. Determined to meet his maker beneath a blue sky at his family home, he sneaks out of the hospital. Weary and half out of his mind, he makes it as far as a produce stand he remembers from his youth. Rather than surrender to death, Rock fights a battle of the heart as he falls in love with the beautiful Japanese woman who saves his life. A poignant, sweet romance, Garden of Her Heart proves love can bloom in unlikely places even under the most challenging circumstances. Don't miss out on this beautiful happy ever after. Get your copy today! Available on: UBL: http://books2read.com/gardenofherheart Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01LYTC7IG Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1125098241 iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1173687544 Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/garden-of-her-heart Join us for a Facebook Party today (December 7) from 4-7 p.m. (EST) to celebrate the release of Garden of Her Heart. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1387228264628190/ Book Excerpt: Instead, her father stared at him and asked a single question. “Describe Miko in one word.” “One word, sir?” Rock asked, confused. “Yes. If you summed up everything about her in one word, what would it be?” Jack’s face remained impassive as he waited for Rock’s answer. Taken aback by his request, Rock’s thoughts splintered in a hundred directions. Only a few seconds passed before the word that floated through the maelstrom in his head gained clarity. “Hummingbird.” Baffled, both Shig and Jack stared in confusion. “Explain, please,” Jack said. Rock took a deep breath. “Before I was wounded, I was stationed in Trinidad, off Venezuela’s coast in the southern Caribbean. The area is a big melting pot of combined cultures — Creole, East Indian, Chinese, African. A great diversity of flowers and shrubbery grow there, and it offers more than four hundred different species of birds. But do you know what they call the island?” At the men’s interested looks, Rock continued. “Land of the Hummingbird. While I was there, I saw many of them. The islanders believe hummingbirds are symbols of all that is good and they carry joy wherever they go. Hummingbirds are fearless, determined, adaptable, and flexible. They possess the courage of a mighty lion and the magic of mythical fairies. Hummingbirds have boundless energy and endurance. Those little birds can make the most difficult journey seem like a simple matter, and they are loyal, devoted to the garden they claim as their own. They are fiercely independent, but those who accept that can long enjoy the beauty and wonder of those amazing little winged fellows.” Jack’s mouth quirked upward and he bit back a smile. “So you’re saying Miko is like a demented bird who wants only to suck the sweetness out of life?” ![]() USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.” Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, this hopeless romantic is out to make it happen, one story at a time. When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. Find Shanna’s books at:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shanna-Hatfield/e/B0056HPPM0 Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shanna-Hatfield/e/B0056HPPM0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1391485546&sr=8-1 Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/shanna-hatfield Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/shannahatfield Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/shanna-hatfield/id450458896?mt=11 Audible: http://tinyurl.com/audibleshannahatfield Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at: Website: http://shannahatfield.com Newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/shannasnewsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorShannaHatfield Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/shannahatfield/boards/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4981400.Shanna_Hatfield You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShannaHatfield?feature=watch Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShannaHatfield Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannahatfield/
Hello everyone! I'm excited to have my friend and fellow author, Franky, here on my blog with her new release, Emma's Match. I had the opportunity to read an early copy of her book and it's so much fun. If you enjoy chick lit and a good romance, you'll love this book.
About the Book
Emma Wallace has a plan up her sleeve to save her struggling design business, but not a clue what do to about the man who has her heart.
Stealing a kiss from Will Knight years ago ended in an embarrassment she didn’t want to repeat. But when a popular new designer in town starts taking her clients and has eyes on Will, too, Emma decides it’s time to fight for what she wants. The perfectly irritating designer she wants to shove into a hole isn’t the only one who can be down-to-earth and likeable. After all, Emma’s never failed at anything...except walking the line between friendship and love. Crossing it again could mean losing Will’s friendship for good.
Book Excerpt
With a sigh, I take a notepad and pen from my purse and scribble on the paper for a moment.
How does one compete with the woman who can do everything and warms everyone’s hearts in the process? People are lining up for her design services, not mine. I don’t make homemade crafts out of used goods, or know how to shoot a gun, or make my own curtains… Of course, I’m also not desperate enough to follow Will wherever he goes. Nevertheless, it may be time to make some change in my life. I scribble out my list of goals. 1. Learn PowerPoint and how to make a killer client presentation with it. 2. Buy jeans. Wear them for at least twelve hours. Around other people. 3. Learn how to shoot a gun. And don’t freak out. 4. Visit a dollar store. 5. Take a sewing class. Maybe learn how to make curtains? 6. Go camping. For real. Maybe these things would help me gain some useful perspective. Trying new things is definitely something my mother never did.
About the Author
Franky A. Brown has always called the South home and loves to write about it. She holds an English degree from the University of South Carolina and can’t seem to stop reading. She is the author of women’s fiction and chick lit about life, love, and Southern women.
Giveaway
Franky has generously offered a paperback of Emma’s Match! Use the Rafflecopter to enter. The giveaway will be closed at midnight on October 5th and the winner will be announced around 6AM on the Bookish Orchestration blog on October 6th. Enter below or click here.
Blog Tour Schedule
Saturday, October 1
Bookish Orchestrations-Tour Introduction Rachel Rossano's Words- Excerpt and Character Interview Perpetual Gardener, Writer, and Mormon-Excerpt Sunday, October 2 Melanie D. Snitker, Author- Excerpt Author Franky A Brown-Excerpt Monday, October 3 Crystal Walton- Excerpt and Book Review Laurel's Leaves-Guest Post Tuesday, October 4 Ramblings- Guest Post Once Upon an Ordinary-Author Interview Wednesday, October 5 Rachel John Reviews- Book Review Thursday, October 6 Bookish Orchestrations-Giveaway Winner Have you ever felt like too much was going on and you just couldn't handle anything more? Or maybe someone has bothered you so much that you avoid them as much as you can, but they still keep coming back. David felt that way in Faith Blum's short story, Faith is the Victory, and she's here today to tell us more about her book. About the Book ![]()
Winning story in Perry Elisabeth Design’s short story contest.
I don’t like change. I know most people get used to it, but I have never been able to. When Dad announced their move and I couldn’t go with them, I didn’t handle it well. Would I ever find the faith to be victorious? Content warning: A character does attempt suicide, so please read with caution. Available on Amazon and other platforms such as Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and Scribd. Paperback coming soon!
About the Author
![]()
Faith Blum started writing at an early age. She started even before she could read! She even thought she could write better than Dr. Seuss. (The picture doesn’t show it well, but there are scribblings on the page of Green Eggs and Ham). Now that she has grown up a little more, she knows she will probably never reach the success of Dr. Seuss, but that doesn’t stop her from trying.
When she isn’t writing, Faith enjoys doing many right-brained activities such as reading, crafting, playing piano, and playing games with her family. One of her dreams is to visit Castle City, Montana. She currently lives on a hobby farm with her family in Wisconsin. There are many ways to connect with Faith online. All of them can be found in one convenient place: http://www.faithblum.com. On her website you can find links to her various social media sites and both of her blogs.
Sale
This book doesn’t have much to do with Faith is the Victory, but if you like Westerns or stories about mail order brides, you might just like this novella. And it’s written by Faith Blum.
Book Excerpt
My dad is the manager at a big department store, and I think he does a great job. You can probably guess what Mom’s job is. A few years ago, I saw a neat job title for what she does and have told her a few times that she should get a diploma made up or something. The title is: Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations. Pretty neat, don’t you think?
During my high school years, I had the opportunity to take a couple of math classes at the local high school. With my interest in engineering, I needed some higher math that Mom wasn’t comfortable teaching me. While there, I got teased quite a bit for only attending a few classes, but could ignore that. What was harder to ignore was Carl Matthews. He was a senior when I was a sophomore and loved to rub it in that he was athletic and I was a nerd. I tried to ignore him, too, but he wouldn’t let me. One thing about me. I stutter when I’m nervous or scared, so I try to avoid situations where I might become one or the other. Or I just don’t talk which has also worked well. When Carl talked to me, I ignored him and got labeled the most unfriendly, unsociable kid in school. I tried not to care, but every name drove deep down into me, hurting me more and more until for once, I couldn’t wait for school to end. Three years passed and I’d just started attending the local community college to get a degree in Engineering. I planned to go to the community college until I could afford to transfer to a better one in a year or two. My first day of classes started out great! My professors were helpful and I learned quite a bit from them, even just after one day. Everything was perfect until one of the older students ran into me. I tried to avoid him, but it didn’t work and all of my books flew around the sidewalk. “Watch where you’re going!” he yelled. “What are you? A clumsy fool?” I gulped when I saw the size of him. Then I recognized him. This was the star quarterback for the college football team and the most popular guy at school. “I’m s-s-sorry. I tried to s-s-stay out of your way, but—” Carl burst out laughing. “What’s the matter? Can’t s-s-say your s’s? What’s your name?” He paused. “Wait, you look familiar. Aren’t you the mute kid from high school?” My face burned. He had remembered. I knelt down to pick up my books and muttered, “David Conyers.”
Facebook Party
Faith and her friend, Amanda Tero, are hosting a Facebook party on September 30th to celebrate their new releases! There will be giveaways, games, fun times, and a grand prize. They are also giving away a set of 4 eBooks to the person who invites the most guests. So head on over, invite some friends and then ask them to vote for you in the poll. The Party link is here and the link to the poll can be found here. They are also doing some fun pre-party posts and on September 26th and 27th, they are taking questions from the guests.
Tour Schedule
September 26
Bookish Orchestrations-Tour Introduction Ember's Reviews-Author Interview Zerina Blossom's Books-Excerpt Karan Eleni-Excerpt September 27 God's Peculiar Treasure Rae-Excerpt Melanie Snitker, Author-Excerpt In the Bookcase-Book Review September 28 Keturah's Korner-Book Review and Author Interview Letters from Annie Douglass Lima-Excerpt Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections-Why this story and theme? September 29 Bookish Orchestrations-Tour Wrap-up
I'm excited to welcome Faith Blum. She joins us today to talk about her new Christian Western, The Solid Rock. It's about a talented detective with a mission to locate his kidnapped colleague. He finds himself working undercover with a heinous outlaw who has more plans than he ever realized.
About the Book
Joshua woke with a quiet groan. As his senses woke up one at a time, he cracked his eyelids open. Sure enough, there was a silhouetted form standing at the foot of the bed. From the smell, the person was either from the brothel down the street or had recently left one.
He forced himself to breathe evenly and reached for the knife in his thigh holster. With as tough and evil a voice as he could imitate, he spoke, “State your intentions.” Pinkerton detective, Joshua Brookings, is sent on a job that seems simple on the surface. His fellow detective has been kidnapped and his boss, William Pinkerton senses foul play. Joshua is sent to investigate Edward's case in hopes of finding the kidnapped detective and helping solve the case that has taken over ten years to investigate. Arriving in Cheyenne, Joshua finds much more than a simple kidnapping. Yet again, he must go undercover, something he made his boss promise never to make him do again. The only Christian in the outlaw group, Joshua falters and almost loses faith in God’s providence. Will he stand on the solid Rock or drown in the sinking sand?
You can also preorder a paperback copy here for $14.00 plus shipping.
Excerpt
Giveaway
Faith is giving away a full set of paperback books! Fill out this form to earn entries to the giveaway. Each entry gives you one point, plus there are opportunities for bonus entries.
If you haven't read any of my books and would like to try one for free, I am working on getting A Mighty Fortress available for free on all formats. It is currently free on Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Kobo. If you also wouldn't mind helping me get it free on Amazon, I would appreciate that. To help, all you have to do is grab 1, 2, or 3 of the links where it is free and go to AMF's Amazon page, click on "tell us about a lower price" and submit a link or three. Thank you!
Facebook Party
To celebrate her release, Faith is holding a Facebook party on March 31st from 2-4 Central time. You can join her and 3 other authors here. There will be fun, games, giveaways, excerpts, and more. Some of the giveaways will stay open through Friday evening, April 1st. Fun fact: the other three authors are all homeschool moms.
About the Author
![]()
Faith Blum started writing at an early age. She started even before she could read! She even thought she could write better than Dr. Seuss. Now that she's grown up a little more, she knows she will probably never reach the success of Dr. Seuss, but that doesn't stop her from trying.
When she isn't writing, Faith enjoys doing many right-brained activities such as reading, crafting, writing, playing piano, and playing games with her family. One of her dreams is to visit Castle City, Montana someday to see the ghost town she chose for her characters to live in. She currently lives on a hobby farm with her family in Wisconsin.
Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Faith-Blum/e/B00GSPBHW6
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HymnsoftheWest Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Faith_Blum Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/FaithBlumAuthor Website: http://www.FaithBlum.com Blog: http://www.FaithBlum.wordpress.com
Tour Schedule
March 26
Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections-Tour Introduction Writing Dreams-Excerpt and Spotlight God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae-Spotlight Tee Garner-Excerpt, Spotlight, Interview March 28 George's Shorts-Spotlight, Review Karan Eleni-Excerpt, Spotlight, Review BlondeRJ-Excerpt Rebekah Lyn Books-Excerpt Zerina Blossom's Books-Excerpt, Spotlight Life is a Four-Letter Word-Spotlight March 29 In the Bookcase-Excerpt, Review Ruth's Real Life-Excerpt Kelsey's Notebook-Review, Interview Shire Reviews-Review With a Joyful Noise-Excerpt, Spotlight Melanie D. Snitker, Author-Excerpt, Spotlight Wildflower Acres-Spotlight March 30 Clean Indie Reads-Spotlight Jaye L. Knight-Excerpt, Spotlight Stories by Firefly-Excerpt, Spotlight, Interview Chess Desalls-Excerpt Kendra’s Thoughts-Excerpt, Interview Frances Hoelsma-Excerpt, Spotlight March 31 Prairie Dust Trail-Review David Todd-Interview The Overactive Imagination-Excerpt Reading in June-Excerpt, Spotlight Rachel Rossano’s Words-Excerpt, Spotlight Trust and Obey-Guest Post, Spotlight April 1 Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections-Tour Wrap-up, giveaway announcement I'm excited to have Author L. R. W. Lee on my blog today. I haven't read these books yet, but they're definitely on my TBR list. They look amazing and the reviews speak for themselves. JUST RELEASED! Vision of the Griffin’s Heart, Andy Smithson, Book 5 ![]() Four years ago, Andy Smithson discovered he is the Chosen one to break a 500-yr-old curse plaguing the land of Oomaldee when he unexpectedly and mysteriously found himself there. To do so, he must collect ingredients for a magical potion. Thus far he has gathered the scale of a red dragon, venom from a giant serpent, a unicorn’s horn, and the tail feather of a phoenix. Now he must ask a griffin for one of its talons. There’s just one problem…humans have poached griffin treasure, causing these mythical creatures to attack on sight. Complicating matters, the evil Abaddon, sovereign of Oomaldee’s northern neighbor, is turning more and more citizens into zolt in his ongoing campaign of terror as he sets in motion the final steps of his plan to conquer the land. Things really start to heat up in book five! If you loved Harry Potter, you’ll love the Andy Smithson series chalk full of mythical creatures, newly invented animals like zolt, herewolves, and therewolves, a complex plot with evolving characters, and positive themes including responsibility, diligence, dignity, friendship and more. Purchase Kindle and Paperback THE DEPTH OF THE ANDY SMITHSON SERIES If you’re an adult looking for a clean series you can sink your teeth into, Andy Smithson is definitely it! In it I develop four layers simultaneously: 1) Andy Smithson in Lakehills, TX 2) Andy in Oomaldee 3) the Afterlife 4) a meaning layer. A few examples to demonstrate the depth… Symbolism is used extensively (a couple examples):
Names are also important in this series (a few examples):
Alchemy used throughout the series (a few examples):
The titles of the books manifest yet another layer of meaning and reveal Imogenia’s evolution.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR ![]() L. R. W. Lee credits her love of fantasy with her introduction to C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. Later on, she enjoyed the complex world of Middle Earth brought to life by J. R. R. Tolkien in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The multiple dimensions of the worlds mixed with a layer of meaning, captivated her and made her desire to invent Young Adult Fantasy and Epic Fantasy worlds others could get lost in, but also take meaning away from. More recently, L. R. W. Lee has found inspiration from J. K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series as well as Brandon Mull and his best selling Fablehaven, Beyonders and Five Kingdoms series. L. R. W. Lee writes to teach her readers principles that can transform their lives – overcoming frustration, impatience, fear and more. She also shows why responsibility, diligence and dignity are the keys to true success in life. She lives in scenic Austin, TX with her husband. Their daughter is a Computer Engineer for Microsoft and their son serves in the Air Force.
I'm so excited to welcome Shanna Hatfield back this year with her 2nd Annual Cowboys and Christmas Blog Tour. She has a lot of fun lined up for you all! There's the blog tour, a Facebook party, giveaways, and don't forget her two new releases. Check it all out below!
Welcome to the 2nd annualCowboys and ChristmasBlog Tour!Raising funds and awareness for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund Ring in the Holidays with a Helping HandNovember 1 through Dec. 24, 10 percent of the net proceeds from all Shanna Hatfield book sales will be donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. The JCCF is a non-profit organization that assists rodeo athletes who’ve sustained catastrophic injuries and are unable to work for an extended period. Every book purchased during this promotional period adds to the donation total. Don't forget to add books to your Christmas lists! USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
Growing up on a farm twenty miles from the closest town, we generally took our excitement anywhere we could get it.
Author with the neighbor's pet fawn.
Each summer, I eagerly anticipated our small town’s biggest event of the year - the Fourth of July Rodeo.
Back in those days, it was a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association-sanctioned rodeo. Some of the top names in the circuit would join hundreds of rodeo fans for four days of rodeo, events in the park, a parade through town, and the annual Suicide Race (a crazy horseback race down a steep butte, across the highway, through the river, and into the rodeo arena). The whole family looked forward to the celebration. My oldest brother regularly rode in the Suicide Race and some of my cousins often competed in the rodeo. For a horse-crazy little girl who loved the smell of leather and the sight of cowboy hats, it was amazing. From an early age, I had a romance with the rodeo. One of the few stores we had in town was a saddle-maker with a boot shop. When I was five, my dad took me to Leroy’s shop to pick out a new belt for the rodeo. It was the first time I could choose my own. Talk about excited! As we walked inside, the welcoming aroma of leather filled the air. Dad led me to where Leroy worked on saddle at the back of the shop and they talked a few minutes. Impatiently waiting, they finally told me to go see what I could find. My gaze - and heart - immediately settled on a hand-tooled belt with little flowers stamped into the leather and a silver buckle with a gold saddle that glistened in the overhead lights. I still have that little belt today along with my love of rodeo. It’s because of how much I enjoy watching rodeos that led to the creation of my Rodeo Romance series. Tate Morgan is a saddle bronc rider out to claim a championship title and the girl he loves inThe Christmas Cowboy, the first book in the series. Wrestlin’ Christmas, the second installment, shares Cort McGraw’sstory as a sidelined steer wrestler who falls for a widow down on her luck. In Capturing Christmas, Kash Kressley is a rodeo stock contractor who falls for a feisty rodeo photographer. New Releases
To kick off the second annual Cowboys and Christmas Blog Tour and the JCCF campaign, two brand new holiday romances will release Nov. 12! Capturing Christmas is the third installment in the sweet holiday western Rodeo Romance series.
Life is hectic on a good day for rodeo stock contractor Kash Kressley. Between dodging flying hooves and babying cranky bulls, he barely has time to sleep. The last thing Kash needs is the entanglement of a sweet romance, especially with a woman as full of fire and sass as the redheaded photographer he rescues at a rodeo. Determined to capture the best images possible, rodeo photographer Celia McGraw is fearless and feisty. Not one to back down from a challenge, her biggest risk isn’t in her work. Danger lurks in the way her heart responds to one incredibly handsome stock contractor. Will Kash and Celia capture the spirit of the season? Pre-order your copy today!
The Christmas Vow is the fourth book in the Hardman Holidays sweet Victorian romance series.
Columbia River Pilot Adam Guthry returns to his hometown of Hardman, Oregon, after the sudden death of his best friend. Emotions he can’t contain bubble to the surface the moment he sees the girl who shattered his heart eleven years ago. Widow Tia Devereux escapes her restrictive life in Portland, returning to the home she knew and adored as a girl in Hardman. She and her four-year-old son, Toby, settle into the small Eastern Oregon community, eager for the holiday season. Unfortunately, the only man she’s ever loved shows up, stirring the embers of a long-dead romance into a blazing flame. When her former father-in-law, a corrupt judge, decides he wants to raise Toby, Adam may be the only hope she has of keeping her son. You can pre-order your copy today for only $2.99! ![]()
You’re invited to join in the online Cowboys & Christmas Facebook Party, Thursday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (PST). Drop in anytime during those four hours to enter to win great prizes, chat with guest authors, and more (many of the giveaways will stay open until the following morning)!
Here’s the link to the party:
http://tinyurl.com/cowboychristmasparty2 The talented guest authors joining in the celebration include: 10 a.m. - Carmen Peone 10:30 - Kayla Dawn Thomas 11 a.m. - Melanie D. Snitker, Author 11:30 - Julie Cerniglia Lence Noon - Author CJ Samuels 12:30 - Rachel Rossano 1 p.m. -Author Kristin Holt 1:30 - Dani Harper
To enter the drawing for an Amazon gift card, Wrangler Tote Bag, Rock & Roll Cowgirl T-shirt, autographed books, chocolates, and more fun goodies, fill out this form. Winners will be randomly drawn and announced Nov. 16.
Travel back to a time of grandeur in the old west
with the Hardman Holidays series. The Christmas Bargain begins the popular series and is available free for a very limited time! Kindle | Amazon
Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield is out to make it happen, one story at a time. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances combine humor and heart-pumping moments with characters that seem incredibly real.
When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. This USA Today bestselling author is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Romance Writers of America, Sweet Romance Reads, and Pioneer Hearts. Find Shanna’s books at: Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble |Smashwords | Apple Shanna loves to hear from readers! Follow her online: ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Pinterest |Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter Make sure you sign up for her newsletter to get the latest on new releases and exclusive giveaways! Newsletter
I'm very happy to have Author Faith Blum as a guest on my blog today. She's celebrating her three Hymns of the West Novellas with a fun tour, sales, and a couple of prizes as well.
So read on to learn more and make sure to enter the contests at the bottom as well!
Don't Miss Out on the Sales!
From August 24-28 only, I Love Thee will be free!
Also on sale during the blog tour are A Mighty Fortress which will be $0.99 from August 23-30 and Be Thou My Vision which will be $0.99 from August 30-September 6.
Pass Me Not - My Review
![]()
Book Blurb:
Let me at Thy throne of mercy/Find a sweet relief/Kneeling there in deep contrition/Help my unbelief Timothy is at his wit's end. His twelve year old half-sister has run off five housekeepers in almost a year. Since their parents died, she has grown wilder than ever. What can he do? As he looks for a new housekeeper, his eye catches sight of a mail order bride advertisement. One young lady has a younger sister and sounds like a God-fearing woman. Could this be the answer to his dilemma or will Louise run her off, too? My Review: I've read a number of mail order bride stories. Typically, they center around men and women who are single or the couple involved is getting re-married because one spouse or the other has passed away. The widow or widower is then left to care for their child as a single parent. I like how Faith changed it up. Both Timothy and Abigail are raising a younger sibling after their own parents have passed. This makes the story unique and also gives the two of them some common ground to start their marriage off with. I especially liked Abigail. I thought Faith did a fantastic job of developing her character and making her someone we care about immediately. While I found myself wanting to read more about how Timothy and Abigail's relationship developed over time. I think this novella will encourage the reader to check out Faith's Hymns of the West full-length novels. ![]()
Faith Blum is a 24 year old home school graduate who enjoys doing many right-brained activities such as reading, crafting, writing, and playing piano. Her favorite genre to read and write is Historical Fiction, more specifically, Westerns. In the Hymns of the West series, she has endeavored to create clean, fun, and challenging Western stories for the whole family. She currently has three novels and one novella published or available for preorder.
Meet the Novellas in the Series
![]()
I Love Thee
Mom and Dad dead STOP Please come STOP Gage When his sister dies, leaving him with four children ages 8 and under, Cole Baxter gets desperate. He decides he needs a wife. He writes to a mail order bride before realizing he almost through away the best woman he could have. Approximately 18,000 words ![]()
Pass Me Not
Let me at Thy throne of mercy/Find a sweet relief/Kneeling there in deep contrition/Help my unbelief Timothy is at his wit's end. His twelve year old half-sister has run off five housekeepers in almost a year. Since their parents died, she has grown wilder than ever. What can he do? As he looks for a new housekeeper, his eye catches sight of a mail order bride advertisement. One young lady has a younger sister and sounds like a God-fearing woman. Could this be the answer to his dilemma or will Louise run her off, too? Approximately 18,000 words ![]()
Redeemed
Mail Order bride seeks wealthy Western man. Write Mona Sommers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Alexander Granger is tired of his father’s lectures and sermons. It’s time for payback. His plan is to pretend to marry a woman and scandalize his father when he finds out they aren’t really married. Will Mona accept his offer? Can Alex get away with his plan? Approximately 14,000 words.
Giveaway Time!
![]()
First Prize:
The first prize winner will receive: ~A paperback of the novel that started the novellas, Amazing Grace (or novel of choice) ~One handpainted bookmark (painted by the author’s sister) ~A silver pen nib bookmark ![]()
Second Prize:
The second prize winner will receive: ~An ebook copy of Amazing Grace (or ebook of choice by Faith Blum) ~Two handpainted bookmarks (painted by the author’s sister)
Click below for your chance to win
Blog Tour Schedule - Be sure to stop by the other sites!
Monday, August 24
|
ACFW Member
Archives
July 2023
Categories
All
|