The Pretender By TA’MARA HANSCOM

The Pretender

By TA’MARA HANSCOM

The Pretender: A Blackguard in Disguise (Reata Publishing, September 2017)
Set in South Dakota in 1975, where eighteen-year-olds could order 3.2 beer in a bar, and loaded guns were kept under the counter.
Frankie Valli sang “My Eyes Adored You,” and American soldiers returning from Vietnam struggled with their new reality.
It’s within this tumultuous season of American history that Tillie Caselli meets Noah Hansen, and they are never the same again. Their lives were mysteriously intertwined—and had been for many years—yet they had no idea.
​
From the moment they met, Tillie and Noah wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, but a deliberate omission will keep them apart—and that same omission will be responsible for the escape of a murderer, and a bride’s deception.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

The 1975 Rapid City and Sioux Falls, South Dakota setting of The Pretender was interesting. I don’t remember reading a book set in this area, and I enjoyed the descriptions of the area and getting to know this part of South Dakota. The book started of ok for me, but Tillie is a most confusing character. To be in the situation she is in, she just doesn’t seem mature enough for what she is doing. I was just really frustrated from the beginning with Tillie, from the artwork, to her reactions to the situation she witnessed, it was just all something that just left my head spinning. Though through all this, the storyline is good, a good clean story to read. I encourage readers to check this one out, your opinion may very well be different from mine!

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Group and the author to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

TA’MARA HANSCOM
Ta’Mara Hanscom
Born and raised in South Dakota, Ta`Mara loves to write about the Great Plains and the beauty and people of Italia. While her husband and children manage their two pizza ristoranti, Ta`Mara works full time on The Caselli Family Series, and ministers to women. It is Ta`Mara s prayer that as the readers explore the truths in these volumes, they will come away with a new perspective on love, forgiveness, obedience, and God’s plan for marriage

A Spoonful of Grace by Annette Hubbell

New book offers families a fresh resource to recapture an old tradition

For Immediate Release (San Diego, CA) – According to a Pew Research Study, only 59% of parents of children under 18 pray on a daily basis, and 19% seldom or never pray. Though recent statistics show that a majority of families eat together at least most nights of the week, there continues to be a disconnect between family time and spiritual growth. With her new book, “A Spoonful of Grace: Mealtime Blessings in Bite-Sized Pieces,” author and actor Annette Hubbell seeks to bridge that gap.

“A Spoonful of Grace” is a collection of 366 evening meal graces taken from all 66 books of the Bible. They are designed to provide meaningful exposure to prayer and the Bible at a most opportune time: the family meal. Each one is inspired by its companion Bible verse(s), designed to be read in its entirety in about two minutes, and enhanced by a section called “Grace Notes” which are quotations and ideas to further illustrate the theme of the verse, promote more conversation, and to even answer questions generated by the Scripture. Hubbell says the idea for the book came about during lunch with friends.

“During lunch our host led us in a Lutheran grace prayer before the meal,” says Hubbell, “and the idea struck me like a bolt of lightning. I had grown up with the Catholic grace, and that was the only formal grace I knew. There must be others I don’t know about, I concluded. What if I were to collect them—from all over the world—and create a book out of it? I began to imagine the diversity of prayers said by families from across the globe. What I got back surprised me. It seemed there were, in fact, only a very few standard graces; most of them are made up every evening according to how the day unfolds. Even more surprising were the responses of those who never said grace but wished they did, and would if they had some structure.”

The graces and devotionals on Sundays in “A Spoonful of Grace” are celebrated with readings that are a bit longer to allow for favorite stories such as David and Goliath, Daniel in the lions’ den, or Jonah and the big fish. There is also a “Special Graces” section for celebrations such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthdays. Hubbell says early responses to the book have been positive.

“Mealtime conversation can often take on an intermission-like quality in a busy day, or saying grace can easily fall into an uninspiring routine, or something to get over with quickly,” says Hubbell. “Designed to capture a young person’s interest, especially in response to the social media evolution, these graces are witty and to the point. With minimal effort, mealtime conversation is refocused into conversations about faith and values such as sharing, honesty, friendship, and honorable conduct. When I tested A Spoonful of Grace with some families, one said, “This consumed the entire conversation during dinner.” Another family told me that their 15-year-old appreciated his family more because they spend quality time together.”

For more information, visit http://www.AnnetteHubbell.com or http://www.SpoonfulOfGrace.com.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

A

 

About Annette Hubbell:
Annette Hubbell earned her undergraduate degree in Marketing from San Diego State University, her M.B.A. from Cal State University in San Marcos, and a Certificate in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. She has been featured in over 160 performances, and starred in the DVD, of “Witness to Gettysburg” edited by 33-time Emmy Award winner, Robert Gardner. She was awarded Presenter of the Year twice at the Civil War Round Table of San Diego, and is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Hubbell lives in San Diego, California with her husband of 33 years, Monte. They have a daughter, Amy, who lives with her husband, Scott.

Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

ABOUT THE BOOK

Bringing Maggie Home (WaterBrook, September 2017)
Decades of loss, an unsolved mystery, and a rift spanning three generations
Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.
Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can’t understand her mother’s overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish attention and affection.
When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that’s been lost?
Learn more and purchase a copy.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

One thing I appreciate about Kim Vogel Sawyers books is the way she weaves living a Christian life in the lives of her characters. In Bringing Maggie Home, I love the way she eased the Gospel into her story, especially in the life of Sean. I really like Sean, the Christian that stood up for his faith and his God, but didn’t act holier than thou! He was just a nice guy and I was really rooting for him and Meghan to get together. Hazel was the sweetest old lady and my heart ached for her and the heartache she lived for 70 years. Diane was a little different. I did not like her and her arrogant ways and attitude. In the end, I warmed up to her more.

Hazel’s sister Maggie has disappeared when their mother sent Hazel blackberry picking and sent three year old Maggie with her. Despite the community searching effortlessly, Maggie was never found. Hazel and her parents were never the same. Life was hard, bitter and so sad from that day on. Hazel went through life with Maggie’s lost a secret from her family. It was when her granddaughter came to stay with Hazel to heal from an accident that the secret was accidentally brought to surface. Follow the journey of Hazel, her daughter Margaret Diane, her granddaughter Meghan and Meghan Cold Case Crime partner Sean as they investigate this seventy year old case of missing persons.

I received this book from Litfuse Tours Group to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

KIM VOGEL SAWYER

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a highly acclaimed, best-selling author with more than one million books in print, in several different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the lGayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope and redemption. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and grandchildren.

 

 

 

 

 

All She Left Behind by Jane Kirkpatrick

ABOUT THIS BOOK

“Once again, Jane Kirkpatrick creates a bold and inspiring woman out of the dust of history. Jennie’s triumph, in the skilled hands of one of the West’s most beloved writers, leaves its mark on your heart.”–Sandra Dallas, New York Times bestselling author

Already well-versed in the natural healing properties of herbs and oils, Jennie Pickett longs to become a doctor. But the Oregon frontier of the 1870s is an unforgiving place–especially for a single mother. To support herself and her young son, Jennie finds work caring for an older woman. When her patient dies, Jennie discovers that her heart has become entangled with the woman’s widowed husband, a man many years her senior. Their unlikely romance may lead her to her ultimate goal–but the road forward is uncertain.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

This was a good story, it started out with Jennie’s husband trying to make a life for his family. But unbeknown to Jennie, he filed for divorce, giving her the papers months after he did so. Jennie, enjoying her knowledge of herbs and their healing finds work caring for an older woman. By the time the woman passed on, Jennie and her very much old husband had fell in love.

The first of this story was heartbreaking for Jennie and I felt sorry for her, was really happy she could find work to support she and her son. But then the story changes and Jennie’s life is better than it has ever been. And this is where I really didn’t care for Jennie’s character. I felt like her dreams to be a Dr was so strong she gave up her family to do so. Her son was giving her so much trouble, her smaller children were hers to take care of, but she was more interested in her career as a Dr than she was taking care of her family. The story has a sad ending, I wasn’t expecting that. And I don’t want to go into anything else because I will be giving away too much. I encourage you to read this story. Your feeling about it may be completely different! Jane Kirkpatrick is a great author, I have read and loved many of her books. This is just not my favorite.

I received this book from Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

Litfuse presents Rule of Law by Randy Singer

Litfuse presents

Rule of Law by Randy Singer

What did the president know? And when did she know it?
For the members of SEAL Team Six, it was a rare mission ordered by the president, monitored in real time from the Situation Room. The Houthi rebels in Yemen had captured an American journalist and a member of the Saudi royal family. Their executions were scheduled for Easter Sunday. The SEAL team would break them out.
But when the mission results in spectacular failure, the finger-pointing goes all the way to the top.
Did the president play political games with the lives of U.S. service members?
Paige Chambers, a determined young lawyer, has a very personal reason for wanting to know the answer. The case she files will polarize the nation and test the resiliency of the Constitution. The stakes are huge, the alliances shaky, and she will be left to wonder if the saying on the Supreme Court building still holds true.
Equal justice under law.
It makes a nice motto. But will it work when one of the most powerful people on the planet is also a defendant?
Learn more and purchase a copy.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

WOW! Just WOW! Reading Rule Of Law was like reading the headline news, or watching a news channel. I love reading Randy Singer’s legal fiction because being a lawyer, he knows everything about the law, and knowing and working with SEALs and other military personnel, he has a pretty good knowledge about the government. Rule of Law was kind of scary to read because I kept going back reading pages, and wondering if things like this is happening today among our leaders. Have there always been the Philip Kilpatrick’s and John Morcano’s in Washington running our country? It’s a lot to think about!

I really like Paige. Her integrity, her knowledge of government affairs, and her strength and courage is the kind of people we need leading our country. And I really grew to respect the character of the president, and her integrity and willingness to admit her mistakes and failures in front of all America. Kristen was wonderful, and the characters of Tony and Patrick really showed me the character of a SEAL, and the danger of their missions, as well and the courage and love they have for their country. I’ve always had a special love and respect for the military, but after reading this book, that love and respect has hit a high level. Also, I realize how much we all need to really be praying daily for those who sacrifice their lives of our safety. And have committed to pray even more to our president and leaders and all of our military. Oh and I can’t forget Wyatt, who I grew to respect, to my surprise, and of course Clients was adorable. And Wellington did an awesome job of backing up Wyatt.

Randy Singer in just one if the best of the best writers. Rule of Law is so real, the characters are so realistic, I was actually looking up pictures of the various places described in scenes throughout to book so I could imagine myself being there in the story. The events, the knowledge, the settings in Virginia Beach and Yemen, all described so vividly by Mr. Singer will stay with me for a long time. Well, really the entire book, even the credits, authors notes and praises for Mr. singer will stay with me for a long while.

This book is so full of events, twists and turns at every angle, you just have to read it for yourself. If you love a good clean legal fiction, you need this book! I received this book from Litfuse Tours Group and the publisher, Tyndale House to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

 

Randy Singer is a critically acclaimed author and veteran trial attorney. He has penned more than ten legal thrillers, including his award-winning debut novel “Directed Verdict.” In addition to his law practice and writing, he serves as a teaching pastor for Trinity Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He also teaches classes in advocacy and ethics at Regent Law School and serves on the school’s Board of Visit

An Amish Christmas… Love Four Novellas, By: Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, Kelly Irvin

An Amish Christmas Love

Four Novellas
By Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, Kelly Irvin

Book Description

1. Winter Kisses by Beth Wiseman

Three generations of Stoltzfus women are all living under the same roof. At twenty-five, Naomi has never been married, and both her mother, Barbara, and her grandmother, Ruth, have recently been widowed. Each nursing broken or lonely hearts, they also each have potential suitors. When a storm on Christmas Eve forces the three couples to take shelter in the basement of the Stotlzfus homestead, secrets are revealed, hearts are opened, and all three potential grooms drop to their knees for very different reasons—a proposal, a prayer, and an epiphany.

My Thoughts On This Story

What a sweet story to read during the Christmas Season. The story is sad because two of these women lost their husbands, but God is in control of their lives. Author Beth Wiseman weaves together a story of love, strength, and grace in the lives of this family. A story you want to be sure to read this Christmas!

2. The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston

Emma Bontrager is spending her first Christmas alone after her husband of 45 years, Henry, passed away in July. Although the Amish don’t normally allow animals in their homes, a big, fat, orange barn cat keeps coming into Emma’s house. She shoos the cat away, but it continues to appear in her house, settling on Henry’s favorite wingchair. But the cat isn’t the only Christmas visitor: a group of young people help bring the Christmas spirit to Emma, reminding her that love and hope abide.

My Thoughts On This Story

Another story that starts sad because of loss, and again, God is in control and shows His love and grace to Emma Bontrager. This time through a big, fat, cozy orange cat that doesn’t take no for an answer when Emma tells this furry friend to go outside. I love my furry gray cat, so Emma’s story was special! Cats can be a lot of comfort when we need a friend, just as this orange ball of fur was to Emma. And Emma’s surprise group of young people was like icing on the cake to make her Christmas special. Author Amy Clipston shows her excellent writing skills as she pins this heartwarming Christmas story that you are sure to love in this next Christmas season.

3. Snow Angels by Kelly Irvin

As a young man enjoying his rumspringa, David Byler gave his heart to an Englisch girl, but he eventually realized he couldn’t give up his Plain faith and family for her, so he let her go. He’s found a new love in his Bee County Plain community, Molly Shrock. Molly has been patient, waiting for the man she loves to love her back. Just as he is ready to propose, David makes a startling discovery: Bobbie McGregor, his Englisch love, is back. Will Molly’s prayers for a Christmas love be answered?

My Thoughts On This Story

Sometimes our past has a way of showing up unwanted, just as David Baylee’s did. Things were going well for David and Molly Shrock, but would David’s friend from the past ruin his and Molly’s relationship? Find out if Molly’s Christmas prayers will be answered her way in this third and wonderful Christmas story.

4. Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid

When a misdirected GPS sends Ellie Whetstone to the wrong address, she inadvertently finds herself breaking into the home of Amish man, Ezra Mast. Ellie hopes to fix up the house left by her aenti and sell it quickly, but a series of run-ins with Ezra and his young daughter have her questioning whether a hasty sale is the right move. Could this new place with its slower pace be the right home for Ellie?

My Thoughts On This Story

Ellie Whetstone has some explaining to do after her GOD sends her the wrong way! Ezra Mast is the man with the property Ellis is lead to. But what will Ellie do? Will she find a real chr surprise for herself? This last Christmas story in this book is another one you definitely don’t want to miss.

My Overall Thoughts On This Book 

I really enjoy reading these books of short Novella’s. And Amish Christmas Love is a book everyone who loves Amish stories will love to have during the Christmas Holidays. Each of the four stories only take a few hours to read, so you won’t have to read an entire book to find out the ending. A perfect book to have during Christmas. And four of my favorite Amish authors as well!

I received this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson and BookLook Blogger Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

Wheresoever They May Be by Terri Wangard

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

Book title: Wheresoever They May Be

Author: Terri Wangard

Release date: August 31, 2017

Genre: Historical – World War II

Lily Swanson longs to be a mother. Soon Frank should be home for good and they can furnish a nursery. Maybe even find a bigger house.

Joe Gallagher grew up in a small house with plenty of siblings. He loves the solitude of flying, but the war has dragged on for so long. He’s ready to go home.

Susan Talbot has a bad attitude. She’s estranged from her family and she doesn’t attract friends. But war can bring out the best in people and Susan’s surprised to realize she’s happy.

They all do their part in striving for victory in World War II. Sometimes, though, the danger can be hard to identify.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

For a WWII book to be good, attention to detail is a must, and historical scenes and events accurately displayed and Terri Wangard does just that in her book, ‘Wheresoever They May Be.’  And as the story unfolds, I really enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and their journey and struggles as their story of the war was told. And if you are a WWII buff, you will love all of the history throughout this book in the scenes so vividly described by the author. Ms. was able to take the struggles and events in the lives of  Frank, Lily, Joe and Susan and weave together a compelling story that will stay with me for a while.

I rec’d this book through Celebration Lit Tours to read and review. This review is my honest opinion, mine words only.

 

About the Author

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.

Guest Post from Terri Wangard

After eight years of thinking, breathing, researching B-17s, I was ready to disembark and concentrate on something else. But what? I had a vague idea of three friends who joined the WAC, the WAVES, and the WASPs, but nothing crystalized. Except for the WAC.

I didn’t want to completely turn away from flying, and I prefer topics that aren’t commonly known. How about a grasshopper pilot? My second character was on board.

I had toyed with the idea of a family generational series. A World War II story paired with a World War I story. But no, too unwieldy.

The WAC could have a sister, though, who stayed on the home front and did factory work. Oh, dear. I couldn’t completely stay away from B-17s. She’s building them.

She also needs a husband. He’ll be in the navy, and not on an aircraft carrier. A destroyer! (This was in the works before Sarah Sundin signed a contract for her just-concluded series about destroyer men. I checked with her: She was writing about the Atlantic war; my guy’s in the Pacific. No problem.) I studied the list of Pacific destroyers and, oooh, the Spence. All kinds of possibilities there.

So there I had it: a sailor, his Rosie-the-Riveter wife, her WAC sister, and a grasshopper pilot. They’re all doing their part to help win the war, but sometimes the enemy isn’t obvious.

Blog Stops

August 31: A Baker’s Perspective

August 31: Connie’s History Classroom

September 1: Bibliophile Reviews

September 1: Red Headed Book Lady

September 2: Just the Write Escape

September 2: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

September 3: Zerina Blossom’s Books

September 3: Janices book reviews

September 4: Live. Love. Read.

September 4: Jeanette’s Thoughts

September 5: Reading Is My SuperPower

September 5: Carpe Diem

September 6: Lock, Hooks and Books

September 6: Neverending Stories

September 7: Christian Bookaholic

September 7: Splashes of Joy

September 8: Bigreadersite

September 8: My Crazy Life as a Scholar

September 9: Have A Wonderful Day

September 9: Novels Corner

September 10: Radiant Light

September 10: History, Mystery & Faith

September 11: Daysong Reflections

September 11: Pursuing Stacie

September 12: God’s Little Bookworm

September 12: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

September 13: Blossoms and Blessings

September 13: Marry Hake

 

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away:

Grand Prize of $25 Amazon Gift Card
1st Place prize of the Wheresoever They May Be – eBook

and
2nd Place prize of the Wheresoever They May Be – eBook!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bd12

The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck

ABOUT THIS BOOK 

Book Description

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress comes a new captivating novel of secrets, romance, and two women bound together across time by a shared dream.

Tenley Roth’s first book was a runaway bestseller. Now that her second book is due, she’s locked in fear. Can she repeat her earlier success or is she a fraud who has run out of inspiration?

With pressure mounting from her publisher, Tenley is weighted with writer’s block. But when her estranged mother calls asking Tenley to help her through chemotherapy, she packs up for Florida where she meets handsome furniture designer Jonas Sullivan and discovers the story her heart’s been missing.

A century earlier, another woman wrote at the same desk with hopes and fears of her own. Born during the Gilded Age, Birdie Shehorn is the daughter of the old money Knickerbockers. Under the strict control of her mother, her every move is decided ahead of time, even whom she’ll marry. But Birdie has dreams she doesn’t know how to realize. She wants to tell stories, write novels, make an impact on the world. When she discovers her mother has taken extreme measures to manipulate her future, she must choose between submission and security or forging a brand new way all on her own.

Tenley and Birdie are from two very different worlds, but fate has bound them together in a way time cannot erase.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Tenley and Birdie, two beautiful women, centuries apart, same Writing Desk, both authors dealing with writers block, and a story that will have you coming back for more from author Rachel Hauck. This is one of those WOW books, one you want to shout from the rooftops ‘This book is amazing,’ one you will read over and over again!

I was captured from the first page of The Writing Desk. I wanted to rush through the book, yet I kept going back and re-read a page or a chapter because I wanted to know every word of the book. The characters, I loved. I wasn’t sure about Tenley’s mom, but I grew to love her as I got to know her character. I love Tenley and Birdie, and though they made mistakes, their love of writing would shine through. And Jonas Sullivan is a dream come true. After meeting him, I forgot all about the what’s his name Tenley was supposedly engaged to. But then Tenley had to make the final decision on that.

If you love historical fiction, this is a must read for you. The historical scenes so vividly described by Ms. Hauck takes you back a century ago to the Guilded age. And my grandmother was born in 1903 so every time I saw that date I had fun imaging her in her infant years. There’s so much to say about this amazing read, but the rest is for you to know for yourself as you read The Writing Desk.

I give this book a high 5 STARS. I would definitely give it more if I could!!

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author.

She is a Christy Award Winner and a double RITA finalist. Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Club.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, and a former sorority girl, Rachel and her husband live in central Florida. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

Visit her at http://www.rachelhauck.com or http://www.facebook.com/rachelhauck

 

On Love’s Gentle Shores by Liz Johnson plus Giveaway

On Love’s Gentle Shores

by Liz Johnson

Author Liz Johnson has graciously offering a copy of On Love’s Gental Shores to one person in the US who comments on my blog! Scroll to the end for more info!

About

Fifteen years after she left Prince Edward Island, Natalie O’Ryan had no plans to return. But when her fiancé, music producer Russell Jacobs, books their wedding in her hometown and schedules a summer at Rose’s Red Door Inn, she sets out to put the finishing touches on the perfect wedding. But she can’t possibly prepare for a run-in with Justin Kane–the best friend she left behind all those years ago after promising to stay.

Justin’s never forgotten Natalie or the music career he always dreamed of pursuing. He’d been prepared to follow her off the island until his dad died and he was left to run the family dairy farm. He’s done the best he can with the life that was thrust upon him–but with Natalie back in the picture, he begins to realize just how much joy he’s been missing.

After Natalie’s reception venue falls through, she must scramble to find an alternative, and the only option seems to be a barn on Justin’s property. As they work together to get the dilapidated building ready for the party, Natalie and Justin discover the groundwork for forgiveness–and that there may be more than an old friendship between them.

 

My THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

I just finished reading On Love’s Gentle Shores and Wow, Liz Johnson is an amazing writer! From the beautiful shores of PEI to the personal secret feelings of its characters, Ms. Johnson describes every little detail in a way that you feel you are living in the story as one of the characters.

The very last person Natalie O’Ryan wanted to see when she came back to PEI after 15 years was her one time best friend, Justin Kane. But wouldn’t you know he would be one of the first people she would see. And if she didn’t want to see Justin, well, he was more adamant about seeing her! Eventually emotions explode, and not in a good way, one letting the other know they had been severely hurt. But when Natalie’s fiancé has to go back to his job for weeks leaving her alone to plan the wedding, Russell suggests that Natalie’s friend Justin help her. But if Russell only knew, and if course he didn’t because Natalie hadn’t told him.

I so much enjoyed this whirlwind of a journey as the story plays out and emotions and tensions grow stronger every day between Natalie and Justin. And Liz Johnson makes sure we as readers feel every ounce of those feelings. Of course I fell in love with Justin, and Natalie was just the sweetest, but my reason for wanting them together so much was the past they had shared as best friends. And I’m going to stop at that because I don’t want to give away anything else. It will ruin everything for you, so you really need to read this one for yourself. Natalie, Russell and Justin’s story can be read as a stand alone, but it will much more interesting if you read the first two books in the series.

This book was given to me by the author, Lis Johnson. I was not required to write a review of this book. I chose to write this review, and the opinions are mine alone!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

By day Liz Johnson is a marketing manager for a Christian publisher. By night she makes up her own love stories. She is the author of seven novels, a New York Times bestselling novella, and a handful of short Christmas stories. She’s also a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist.

Liz is a graduate of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, where she earned a degree in public relations.

Now a resident of Nashville, she enjoys exploring local music, theater, and history of Middle Tennesee. She also takes every chance she can to visit Arizona to dote on her nieces and nephews. She writes stories filled with heart, humor, and happily ever afters.

http://www.LizJohnsonBooks.com.

 

A LITTLE MORE INFO ON LIZ JOHNSON

 

About Liz Johnson
How long have you been writing?
I wrote my first short story when I was seven and signed my first book contract when I was 27. In those years I kept writing and writing. I wrote my first novel when I was twelve, and it was a terrible western romance. I continued writing stories throughout high school and tried my hand at another novel in college. It was also really terrible. But I kept taking classes and learning and growing as a writer. And then when I was twenty-five I told a friend of mine about a book idea I had. She told me to set up a writing calendar, and then she checked with me every day to make sure I’d written the night before. That book—after many rounds of revisions—became my first published novel, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn.

Why do you write?
Writing is a necessity for me. If I go too long without writing, the voices in my head start getting rowdy.

What’s the hardest thing about writing?
Overcoming distractions and fear. Like the dog who sees a squirrel, I’m easily distracted by interesting things. A new bit of research. A funny video. Pictures on Facebook. Pushing the distractions aside is hard but an essential part of writing. And the same is true of silencing the voices of doubt that I hear every time I sit down to start a new chapter. It’s easier to listen to that fear than it is to tell it it’s wrong and trust that you have an important message to share.

How long does it take you to write a book?
Every book is different, and I give myself enough time to write each one to the best of my ability. But my last couple Love Inspired Suspense books have each taken me about three months to finish.

What do you like to read?
I love to read just about anything I can get my hands on! Lately I’ve been reading a lot of Regency era romances by authors like Julie Klassen. I also love westerns by Karen Witemeyer and Regina Jennings. Sandra Orchard is a favorite in the romantic suspense genre. I also love general market favorites like The Princess Bride, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. I wish I had more time to read, as there are so many good books releasing every day. But if I read as much I’d like to, then I’d never write!

What’s the best advice you have for aspiring writers?
Finish your manuscript. It’s hard work. It takes a long time, but there’s nothing like writing your first manuscript to practice writing. One of the best ways to get better at writing is by writing. So get your seat in a chair and your fingers on a keyboard (or pencil to paper) and get writing.

Is it true you once worked at Walt Disney World?
That is true.

What was it like?
It was the hardest job I’ve ever loved. There’s something amazingly wonderful about taking personal responsibility for giving every guest a great day.

What’s your least favorite household chore?
Getting my car cleaned. I’m terrified of being stuck in the carwash, so I avoid it at all costs.

What’s your favorite food?
My dad’s hamburgers. They’re always perfect and so tasty.

How can I get in touch with you?
Hop on over to the contact page and shoot me a note. Or visit me on Facebook or twitter. I try to respond to everyone who contacts me.

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One entry for commenting on my review. Additional entry if you like my post. And another entry for following my blog.

Three entries in all. And please tell me in the comments if you do the additional entries.

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