Litfuse presents…….Before the Dawn and Sweet September…by Kathleen…Bauer…WIN…WIN

Litfuse

presents

Before the Dawn and Sweet September

by Kathleen Bauer 

About the books: When the world around you falls apart, could it be that God is giving you a second chance? This is just one of the questions on Charlotte Stevenson’s mind as she brings her three grandchildren to live on the family farm in Guidepost Books’ Home to Heather Creek series.

 Before the Dawn begins just one week after the funeral of Charlotte’s daughter, Denise. Denise’s three children barely have time to process the death of their mother before they must move to the Heather Creek Farm they have never visited with grandparents they barely know. At age 16, Sam is fiercely protective of his younger siblings. Emily is 14 and desperately misses her friends. Young Christopher is only 8 and just wants to fit in. While Charlotte tries to help her grandchildren adjust to their new life, she also wrestles with her own grief and the enormous task of bringing her family together. Bob believes the fastest path to adjustment is a firm routine, with structure and chores, the same way they raised their own kids. However, that route led to Denise running away from home as a teenager and an estranged relationship with her family. Charlotte is worried about making the same mistakes she made with Denise. Is this her chance to make things right?

It is spring when the children arrive, and as Charlotte looks around the farm, she hopes the new life around them will signify hope and healing. The miracle of new life, along with God’s healing touch, reminds all of them that it’s always darkest just before the dawn.

 Sweet September picks up at harvest time, as the children are settling into a new school year. While the harvest should be an exciting time, the children don’t seem to be getting into the spirit. Emily is struggling with farm life, Christopher spends most of his time alone, and Sam is failing school. Trying to learn from what did and didn’t work with her own kids, Charlotte is determined to get her grandchildren back on track.

As tenuous family bonds threaten to break apart, a mystery on the farm might be the one thing that can bond the family together. Charlotte sets out to uncover the truth, and as the kids unite to find answers, this cobbled-together family learns more about one another and the love that binds them together.

The lives of the Stevensons and their grandchildren unfold in this captivating story of the remarkable change that comes from the love of family, the kindness of others, sheer persistence and unshakable faith. As readers follow the Stevensons’ inspiring stories, it’s almost impossible not feel a part of this friendly, loving community, where God’s grace can be seen in every circumstance.

Purchase the books here: http://ow.ly/oQGxr

MY THOUGHTS ON THESE BOOKS

Before The Dawn…..Charlotte and her husband had a huge task before them in raising their three grandchildren that they didn’t even know. I really enjoyed seeing this family grow closer to each other as time progressed. The sure had their struggles, and the three grandchildren had one thing in mind when they arrived at the farm, and that was to find a way to leave. As the kids continued to participate in the activities of the farm, it was heartwarming to see them getting more attached to farm life and their new family. The author does a great job of creating characters that are believable and realistic, as well as creating the strained relationship between the grandchildren and grandparents. This makes the book seem so real, because this is really what happens. And I had to smile at the grandmother as she kept coming face to face with the face that kids are different know.

This is a wonderful, heartwarming book to read. It’s a pretty light and fast read, but well worth the time to read it. You will fall in love with this farm family and their way of living.

Sweet September… This book continues the Stevenson’s story, with their grandchildren living with them after their mom’s death. The kids continue to struggle getting use to live on a farm, compared with life in the big city, with their new school, and just all of the surroundings. Charlotte struggles even more to try and reach out to her grandchildren. It finally took an interesting mystery to peak interest for the entire family, bringing them together in ways they didn’t expect. And again, it was so heartwarming to see the family come together in love and acceptance. And for grandma and grandaddy, it was heartwarming to see them recognize a part of their daughter in each of the children. Another wonderful installment into the Home to Heather Creek Series from Guidepost that you sure don’t want to miss.

I received this book from Litfuse 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: Kathleen Bauer is the pen name for a team of writers who have come together to create the Home to Heather Creek series.

WIN********WIN********WIN

Win the All-New Paperwhite Kindle from Guideposts Books in the Home to Heather Creek Giveaway!

Guideposts Books is thrilled to announce their brand new series, Home to Heather Creek, by Kathleen Bauer. The first two books, Before the Dawn and Sweet September, launch this month and Guideposts Books is celebrating with a Paperwhite Kindle Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A Paperwhite Kindle
• Before the Dawn and Sweet September by Kathleen Bauer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th HERE.

Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to their blog [enter your email in the blog sidebar] and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

Litfuse presents Seaside Harmony & Sunflower Summer by Evangeline Kelley…..Plus NOOK HD Giveaway

Litfuse presents Seaside Harmony & Sunflower Summer by Evangeline Kelley…..Plus Giveaway

About these books

The Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series (Guideposts Books) introduces readers to Caroline, Gracie and Sam as they gather for a vacation where they spent the summers as children, and follows their adventures as they fulfill their mother’s dream of opening a bed and breakfast. As the sisters heal from their mother’s passing, they bond in ways they never imagined and discover evidence of God’s hand in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

A team of four authors come together under the pen name of Evangeline Kelley to bring the unique personalities of each sister to vivid life and welcome audiences to the charming and historic island of Nantucket, complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air.

Seaside Harmony: 

Three sisters, a charming inn, hints of mystery and romance, and a gorgeous seaside setting. Summer reading at its finest!

When Caroline Marris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty Harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality? Hand-drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters uncover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880? As Caroline and her sisters work together to make their mom’s dream a reality, they bond in ways they never expected.

Sunflower Summer:

Misty Harbor Inn officially opens, and Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, wrestles with an overwhelming decision. As the sisters learn the day-to-day workings of running an inn, Gracie counsels its first guests, newlyweds whose honeymoon seems to be ending before it begins. Meanwhile, Sam’s discovery of a clue in a secret room sheds unflattering light on Hannah Montague, who vanished from the house more than one hundred years ago. And as Gracie and Caroline welcome guests to the inn, they are delighted to see how God uses it — and them — to deepen relationships and transform lives.

MY THOUGHTS ON THESE BOOKs

Seaside Harmony…..Three sisters trip to a getaway Island would change their lives. Misty Harbor Inn was a place their mother loved very much, and after seeing the Inn for sale, with much thought and many decisions later, the sisters decide to purchase the Inn.

This is a really nice, enjoyable book to read for the summer.  The sisters start a new chapter in their lives and they start fixing up the Inn for reopening. Imagine their surprise when they found old postcards from the widow of the original owner of the inn. These postcards bring up mysteries that the sisters started digging into, wanting to find out what happened with Hannah Montague, who disappeared in 1880. The story is wonderfully written, I love the seaside setting of the homey inn, and the mystery will keep you reading to find out what happens next.

Sunflower Summer….. Sisters Caroline Marris, Gracie Gold and Sam Carte are finally ready to open the end. Their first Inn guest is a newlywed couple that is having marriage problems already, which Gracie tries to help. The sisters find out that there are lots of struggles in running an inn, but they still enjoy the hard work and feel that God has placed them there to help those who visit the inn. And then there is still the mysteries of the disappearance of Hannah Montague. Will they find the answers they are looking for?

A second book in The Misty Harbor Inn Series from four wonderful authors writing under the pen name of Evangeline Kelley. Another visit back to the seaside setting of the Inn, and three sisters that are now working hard to make sure their new place will be a helpful vacation for their guest. I love the homey feeling of the Inn, and would love to visit a place like this. I hope there are more books coming in this series in the future.

I received these books from Litfuse 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 these Authors

Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Hanson & Barbara Andrews, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn. Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together.

AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY and FACEBOOK PARTY

Guideposts Books is celebrating the release of their new Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series with a fun giveaway and a Facebook party on May 9th.

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Nook HD
• Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer by Evangeline Kelley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 8th. Winner will be announced at the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/9. Connect with Patti Berg, Pam Andrews, Barbara Hanson, and Camy Tang (who collaborated together under the pen name, Evangeline Kelley) for an evening of book chat, trivia, and fun! There will also be great giveaways (gift certificates, books, and more) as well as a sneak peek at the next book in the series!

So grab your copies of Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer and join readers just like you on the evening of May 9th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don’t miss the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!

CFBA Presents…..A Sweethaven Homecoming by Courtney Walsh

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Sweethaven HomecomingGuideposts (August 2012)

byCourtney WalshABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Courtney Walsh is a published author, scrapbooking expert, theatre director and playwright. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, was released in February, 2012 by Guideposts Books, and will be followed by two additional novels in the series. She has also written two papercrafting books, Scrapbooking Your Faith and The Busy Scrapper and is currently working on her third, The Scrapcrafter’s Idea Book (F&W Publications, February, 2013.)

Courtney has been a contributing editor for Memory Makers Magazine and Children’s Ministry Magazine and is a frequent contributor to Group Publishing curriculum, newsletters and other publications. She has also written several full-length musicals, including her most recent, The Great American Tall Tales and Hercules for Christian Youth Theatre, Chicago. Courtney is a member of ACFW and is the current PR Manager for Webster’s Pages, a scrapbooking manufacturer. She lives in Colorado with her ultra creative husband and three children.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Suzanne’s daughter, Campbell, journeys there in search of answers to her questions about her mother’s history.

Suzanne’s three friends-Lila, Jane, and Meghan-were torn apart by long-buried secrets and heartbreak. Though they haven’t spoken in years, each has pieces of a scrapbook they made together in Sweethaven.Suzanne’s letters have lured them all back to the idyllic lakeside town, where they meet Campbell and begin to remember what was so special about their long Sweethaven summers.

As the scrapbook reveals secrets one by one, old wounds are mended, lives are changed, and friendships are restored-just as Suzanne intended.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

A Sweethaven Homecoming continues the story of Meghan, Jane, Lila, Adele and Campbell as they work through their differences and friends as well as with their husbands and children. Country Music Star Meghan is shocked that ex-husband Nick wants full custody of their twins, and  flies home immediately after finding out about the custody suit. But why should she be so surprised? She hasn’t seen her twins in two years! Jane still can’t forgive Meghan because she still thinks she is partly responsible for her son, Alex’s death. Lila has filed for divorce from Tom because she can’t forgive him for being the missing father of her childhood friend, Suzanne’s daughter, Campbell. Campbell was excited about spending the summer at Sweethaven because of her budding relationship with Luke, only to find out he is really being distant, and hardly speaks to her. And Adele is finally spending more time with her grandchildren, which is Meghan’s twins. And she wonders if Meghan will ever more back and claim her children.

 

Wow! All of this makes for a novel full of drama, and that is just what this story is! Another Courtney Walsh book that I thoroughly enjoyed. However I did think a little too much emphasis was put on Meghan at times. Even though she’s dealing with a lot, so is Nick and her twins, so at times I really didn’t feel sorry for her. There is so much in this book that I will just say when you start reading, you will not want to put it down until you find out what happens with everyone involved!!

 

Crafted with characters that are so believable and real, this is a story that sticks with you a long time after you finish reading. I only hope for another book in this series. This is truly a book about love and forgiveness, and I appreciate Courtney showing how God’s forgiveness can change hearts and restore love between old friends, husband and wives, mothers and daughters and other family members. This is a book well worth your read and I highly recommend it.

 

This book was provided by Bethany House through Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. I was not required or expected to give a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only

 

 

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Sweethaven Homecoming, go HERE.

LitFuse Tours Featuring Forever Hilltop by Judy Baer

Welcome to LitFuse Tours Featuring

Forever Hilltop

by Judy Baer

Forever Hilltop by Judy Baer

 About the book:

The charming and often hilarious Forever Hilltop series follows the experiences of former city dweller Alex Armstrong as he settles into his new role as pastor of a Scandinavian community in rural North Dakota. Alex is sometimes baffled by his parishioners and their colorful ways, but he comes to appreciate their simple wisdom. One thing’s for sure — life in Hilltop Township is never dull! This new two-in-one format features An Unlikely Blessing along with its sequel, Surprising Grace.

In An Unlikely Blessing, Alex Armstrong is a former city dweller who has just accepted his first parish assignment to a small community in the wilds of North Dakota. In Hilltop Township, Pastor Alex becomes familiar with the residents and their odd traditions, from julebukking to King Oscar’s fish balls. And then there’s the excitement the single pastor creates among the unmarried women in the community! Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he has to teach them.

In Surprising Grace, Alex Armstrong is settling into his new role as pastor of Hilltop Church, and he’s even starting to understand the strange ways of the people who populate this barren stretch of North Dakota prairie. But he also finds that his flock needs help and counsel like he never imagined. In this cozy and entertaining read, Alex must choose between the woman he once loved — and the home he’s come to love.

 

About Judy: Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, experiencing many of the same things as her Hilltop characters. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head. Baer graduated from Concordia College with majors in English and education and a minor in religion. While at the time, she was simply studying what interested her, Baer later realized that she was educating herself for her future career as a Christian writer. She certainly put her education to use as she is the author of more than 75 books. A certified professional life coach now certified in three coaching disciplines, Baer coaches primarily professional and aspiring writers. She is also a faculty advisor in the Department of Human Development at St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis, MN. Baer has two daughters and three step children. She and her husband live in Minnesota. She invites you to visit her at her web site www.judykbaer.com for more information on her and her books.

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/azv7s

Link to other blog’s on tour

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13467681/foreverhilltop

 

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK!

In Judy Baer’s “Forever Hilltop,” Alex Armstrong is trying to settle into his new role as pastor of a Scandinavian community, Hilltop Township, in rural North Dakota. Hilltop is a small community where everyone knows everyone else. A strange and different kind of people for Pastor Armstrong. People who need Alex and his counseling more than he ever thought.

 

When I saw that this was a Guideposts book, I knew I was in for a real treat! I haven’t read anything from Guidepost but awesome books! I was blessed to grow up in a small community like Hilltop Township, where we all knew each other, no matter our role in life, and no matter the color of our skin. We were all friends, sometimes all like one happy family. When someone needed something, someone else was there to help out. And that’s how it was in Hilltop. Judy Baer has created a unique cast of characters that will grip your heart and won’t let go, even after you finish reading the book. This story truly takes you away into another world, pulling you into the pages, giving you a feeling that you are right there in the story. And when you take a break from reading, you feel as though you will miss something.

 

This is a two-in-one deal, with both series books together, which I love. That way you don’t have to wait to find out what’s gonna happen. It’s all there in one big book, but not to big that it’s difficult to handle.

 

I encourage you to run out and grab a copy of this wonderful book, sit down and take a journey to the lovely little Scandinavian community of Hilltop Township, North Dakota. You will be very pleased you met this little community and its lovely people.

 

I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher Thomas Nelson through LitFuse Publicity Group. I want to thank Amy for making sure I rec’d this book, even though the publisher didn’t send it in time for the tour. The opinions in this review are mine only.