An Amish Cradle: Four Novellas by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller and Vanetta Chapman

Synopsis: Tiny fingers,

Tiny toes,

And lives that will never be the same.

Journey with four families as their lives are about to change forever.

"In His Father's Arms" by Beth Wiseman

Ruth Anne has been dreaming about motherhood her entire life. Now she is doubly excited that she and her best friend are due with their children the same week. But when Ruth Anne's baby is born with Down's syndrome, she and her husband struggle to understand God's plan.

"A Son for Always" by Amy Clipston

Carolyn and Joshua are thrilled to be pregnant with their first child together. Carolyn was just a teenager when she had her son, Benjamin, and she still feels solely responsible to secure his future. As Joshua watches Carolyn struggle to accept his support, he knows he has to find some way to convince her that she--and Ben--will always be taken care of.

"A Heart Full of Love" by Kathleen Fuller

Ellie's mother hasn't stopped meddling in her personal life since Ellie lost her sight--and she's taken it up a notch now that Ellie's pregnant. When Ellie gives birth to twins, her mother insists on moving in to care for them. But when her mother's behavior becomes unbearable, Ellie is forced to take a stand . . . and finally find out why "Mamm" can't let go.

"An Unexpected Blessing" by Vannetta Chapman

At 42, Etta thought she was finished having children, but she's pregnant again. After a frightening labor, Etta finally gives birth, but her constant worry over her estranged grown son, David, haunts her still. As a new mother again, Etta must hold tightly to the promise that God will watch over her children--and that one day David will return.

Thoughts: "In His Father's Arms" by Beth Wiseman

Ruth Ann and Levi's newborn son is diagnosed with Down's Syndrome. Ruth Ann, in typical maternal fashion, is ready to deal with whatever comes with her child, but Levi seems to be avoiding both of them. As you read, you feel for both of them and hope they will find their way back to each other, and to be the best of parents for their son.

"A Son For Always" by Amy Clipston
Carolyn gave birth to her son, Ben, before she married Joshua. Even though Joshua adopted Ben and says he thinks of him as his own child, Carolyn worries that feeling will dwindle after the birth of the baby she is carrying. In order to provide for Ben's future., Carolyn works at the local hotel as well as keeping up with all her responsibilities at home. After her daughter is born, will she return to her job, or will she trust Joshua to provide for their entire family?

"A Heart Full Of Love" by Kathleen Fuller
Ellie and Chris are parents of newborn twin girls, and Ellie's mother has decided that she needs to care for them, as Ellie is blind. When the "help" gets too much to bear, how will Chris and Ellie handle it,and what will Ellie learn about her mother--and herself--in the process?

"An Unexpected Blessing" by Vanetta Chapman
Etta and Mose thought their days of having babies were past, as they were both in their 40s, but God had other plans. As she cared for her new child, Etta longed for news from her oldest son, David. When he shows up unexpectedly, is he there to stay, or will Etta face heartbreak yet again? And will the family find a way to make the mortgage payments on the farm, or will they be forced to move away?

These four writers of Amish fiction provided wonderful stories as usual. I would highly recommend it to everyone, particularly if you are a fan of Amish fiction. 

**I received a copy of this book from Booklookbloggers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

My rating: Five stars 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What I read the last two weeks (since I forgot to post LAST Monday!):
1) Going Organic Can Kill You by Staci McLoughlin
2) The Secret (Seacliff High Mystery #1) by Kathi Daley
3) Brighty's Special Gift by Dee Wallain
4) A Mind Abducted by Corinne Leigh Donovan
5) Himalayas: Through Heaven and Hell in the Hills by Praveen Venkiteswara
6) Maya & Filippo Show Aloha by Alinka Rutkowska
7) Oliver and Jumpy (Stories 10-12) by Werner Stejskal
8) Murder In The Mystery Suite by Ellery Adams
9) Greed In Paradise by Deborah Brown
10) Dollar Daze (Bottom Dollar Series #3) by Karin Gillespie
11) Chorus Lines, Caviar and Corpses (Happy Hoofer Mystery #1) by Mary McHugh
12) An Amish Cradle by Beth Wiseman
13) A Sheetcake Named Desire by Jacklyn Brady
14) The Art Of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein
15) What Happens To Men When They Move To Manhattan? by Jill Knapp
16) A Ghost For Christmas by J.D. Winters
17) Snitch & Sneer-Fairy Tale Crashers: Hit The Hood by Julia Dweck
18) Romancing The Brush by Roslyn Woods
19) A'dab's Gift by Talia Haven
20) Wishing On Baby Dust by Lydia Winters

What I listened to the last two weeks:
1) The Unveiled Wife: Embracing Intimacy With God And Your Husband by Jennifer Smith
2) Biblical by Christopher Galt
3) Fortune's Daughter by Alice Hoffman
4) Arsenic And Old Books (Cat in the Stacks #6) by Miranda James
5) Gallows View (Inspector Banks #1) by Peter Robinson

What I'm currently reading:
1) Lemon Pies And Little White Lies by Ellery Adams
2) Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarity
3) Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang

What I'm currently listening to:
1) Lost Boy by Tim Green

What I plan to read this week:
1) Southern Spirits by Angie Fox
2) An Accidental Murder by Jacquie New

What I plan to listen to this week:
1) A Dedicated Man (Inspector Banks #2) by Peter Robinson

February Releases Clash

In the winter, we all need a pick-me-up, and often, 

a good book does just the trick!

Clash of the Titles is pleased to present these brand new novels.

Which one is calling you? Take a moment to browse, then choose which you're most likely to read first. 

VOTE BELOW

 from now until next Wednesday - tell your friends - then come back and see which book is this month's champion!

Convicted thief and con-woman Teagan Copperfield is willing to do anything to avoid prison--even become an honest woman. She has one chance to redeem her future...if she can escape her past.

~~~~

If Isaac Daniels can catch the pranksters before they ruin Tillgiven Bible School's traditional Christmas Smorgasbord, he can make up for playing hooky in October. It's a great plan--until the pranks take a deadly turn.

~~~~

Has-been hockey player, Knox Everhart, has a reputation for being fast on the ice and with women, but widow Eden Snow has always been a fascinating mystery to him, which is why he agrees to let her use the back room of his bar for her church. But when Eden brings the church to the bar, it offers something the bottle can’t--hope--and Knox finds himself falling in love with a woman and a Savior he feels unworthy to pursue. 

~~~~

When the Broussard family secrets are revealed, can Cheryl deal with the truth and accept the blessing of a second chance for relationships with her family, old friends, and with the God she never really knew?

~~~~

 

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Romancing The Brush (Michelle Hodge #2), by Roslyn Woods

Synopsis: Thirty-year-old Shell Hodge seems to have it all: a great life with Dean, the man of her dreams, and an art career that is taking off. But when one of the partners in her gallery, Garrett Hall, is murdered, Shell’s life seems to go into a tailspin. She is thrown into a fearful state as memories of her parents’ deaths surface, and she finds herself worrying about her relationship with Dean while she puzzles over Garrett’s murder. To make matters worse, Shell’s ex-boyfriend intrudes into a family visit at just the wrong moment, causing a rift between herself and Dean just when she needs him most. She is on her own again, and a killer is on the loose. Will she and Dean work out their troubles before something worse happens, or will it be too late? Shell has gone missing.

Thoughts: Romancing The Brush is a mystery which delves into the world of art forgery, while also telling a story of family, friends, and romance. Shell and Dean, the main characters, are in a fairly new relationship and are both dealing with issues of trust and insecurity. 

There are a lot of subplots throughout the story which leave you wondering about the identity of the murderer, but in the end it turned out to be the person I had suspected all along. That did not in any way detract from my enjoyment of the book, however. 

While this is the second book in a series, it easily stands on its own, and gives you enough information about the first story that you don't feel lost if you haven't read it, like me. I do look forward to reading future installments in the story.

**I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

My rating: Four stars

A Ghost For Christmas, by J.D. Winters

Synopsis: Be careful what you wish for 
Mele Keahi wasn't looking for excitement when she came to Destiny Bay. She'd just lost her man, her job and her self esteem, and she needed comfort. Instead, she found herself involved in a murder, sparring with a suspicious detective and coming face to face with a ghost from her Hawaiian childhood. Not what she'd bargained for--but then--sometimes you just have to deal with what the cat dragged in. 

Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters are very well defined, most of them are immediately likable, and the ones who aren't so likable are that way for a reason. 

There is action, humor, romance and a bit of the paranormal to this story. I look forward to reading more of this series in the future, and hope it continues for a long time to come.

**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

My rating: Four stars

What Happens To Men When They Move To Manhattan? (What Happens To Men #1), by Jill Knapp

Synopsis: The question that 23-year old Amalia Hastings wants the answer to is: What happens to men when they move to Manhattan? 
Life in the big city gives Amalia a ride she is not expecting. As she tries to find her way on the little island that never sleeps, she discovers she has a harder time navigating through life then she does the streets of Greenwich Village and finds herself truly lost in the complex world of men, graduate school, money, family, and friendship.

She thought she had everything she wanted – a new apartment in Manhattan, a first-rate education at NYU, a group of trusted friends and Nicholas, a boyfriend who she once believed was her soul-mate. But somehow, it isn’t enough.

Stumbling through her relationships, Amalia encounters Michael. An attractive classmate who quickly moves from being one of her close friends, to an inconsistent friend-with-benefits. After all, the only thing consistent about New York is its beauty.

After getting terribly lost searching for love in all the wrong places, Amalia finds herself torn between the possibility of a relationship, and an adventure she's been planning all along.

She eventually realizes that solely chasing love closes her off to all of the other good things life has to offer. Now she must decide – what is worth the chase? 

My thoughts:  I LOVED this book. It was so fun to read about Amalia's adventures in Manhattan, in school and in her personal life. She gets involved with several different men along the way, has serious break-ups, and then has serious doubts about the break-ups. There were times I wanted to smack some sense into her, and other times when her behavior truly resonated with me. I enjoyed the characters of her friends Cassandra and Olivia, but was disappointed that her roommates were barely even part of the story. Nicholas is selfish and manipulative, and Michael just made me angry. I was actually hoping that Amalia would eventually end up with Alex, but I'm pleased with the way this story ended. I can hardly wait to read the second book in the series, We've Always Got New York.

My rating: Four stars

COVER REVEAL: Saving Marilee by Annette K. Larsen

Coming May 1, 2015 - Saving Marilee by Annette K. Larsen

  Saving Marilee by Annette K. Larsen
Marriage wasn’t bliss—not for Marilee. Instead of finding contentment with the handsome son of a sovereign duke, she found betrayal and neglect. And fear. A fear that finally lifts when her husband dies, freeing her from his domineering hand. But freedom alone can't give her peace, and she must battle to regain her love for life, rebuild her happiness, and reclaim the ability to trust. When her charming neighbor intrudes on her quiet life, offering his friendship (and a dog, of all things), she must determine whether his interest is genuine, whether he is a friend or foe, and whether he deserves the fragile bit of trust she has managed to scrape together.

Preorder on

Amazon

Author Annette K. Larsen 

I was born in Utah, part of a crazy, fun family of nine. I grew up in Flagstaff, AZ and St. Louis, MO before striking out on my own college adventure in Virginia. I decided to try my hand at writing novels after I was married and living in Idaho. I write clean romance because it’s my favorite genre, but often difficult to find.

I have Charlotte Brontë to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally, a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to face the reality of sacrificing what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but in the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it. I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.

Website; * Twitter * Facebook

;

Cover Reveal Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 4/8/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.
Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author.
VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Blog Tour: Greed In Paradise (Paradise Series #5), by Deborah Brown

Tears will fall, hearts will pound, and bullets will fly in Greed in Paradise...

Just when Madison and Fab think it's safe to dip their sexy bodies into the cool tropical waters of paradise, they get the shock of their lives when a friend and business partner turns up dead and they discover they've been written into his will. But nothing is what it seems, as the women find out.

There are deadly secrets brewing beneath the surface of Tarpon Cove. Come along on a steamy, thrilling adventure as the two try to find out why their friend suddenly died--seemingly, without cause.

The fifth book in the series finds our sleuths waist deep in sexual tension, flinging barbs, and dodging bullets.

Deborah Brown's Paradise series is packed with Action, Romance, Intrigue, Mystery and Suspense. Oh... did I forget to mention the humor makes for a fast and enjoyable read? These books will be difficult to put down!

Greed in Paradise, is the fifth novel in Deborah Brown's Paradise series, which can be also read as a stand alone book.

My review: This is the fifth installment in the series, and I love it more with every book. Madison and Fabiana are in fine form once again, bumbling their way through solving cases. 

Madison is between boyfriends, so the coziness of Fab and Didier sometimes makes her sick to her stomach--but that's before things start to heat up with Creole. I look forward to seeing how THAT relationship progresses in the next book.

The girls interact with many of the characters from previous books, including Tolbert, Harder, Kevin, Johnson, and Mac. The residents of The Cottages provide plenty of action, especially a shady new couple, Ron and Kathy Stone.

The major mystery this time around surrounds the death of Gus Ivers, the fact that both girls are mentioned in his will, and the attitude of his daughter, Violet, regarding that news. 

As always, the story is very well written, with a mix of humor, suspense and action. The main characters are becoming even more well-developed, especially Madison. It was great to see her becoming more self-confident, standing up to her mother and to Fabiana in this book. Hope we'll see her continue to grow in the future.

**I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.**

My rating: Five stars

Available to buy from.....

Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk

"If you have a broken heart and want to eat a bag of Kit-Kats while wishing for someone else's life, then you need this book." 

"Well written, a wide-range of unforgettable characters, heat and sex, then add a slice of humor that makes the romp an even cheekier ride." 

"If you're lying by a pool somewhere in the Florida Keys...you'll want this book to take your mind off the mosquitoes." 

About the Author

I've been writing, in one way or another for as long as I can remember; writing poetry, short stories, a romance novel secretly stashed under the bed and sappy love letters. Fiction should be fun. I wanted to create the perfect beach book, to make the reader laugh, cry and cheer... and then run out and tell their friends about it.

My love of reading began when I was seven, the day I opened the cover of my first Mrs. Piggle Wiggle book. Mrs. P gave lessons to other children in how to behave and to me I learned to love the written word. I live with my family and demon children aka rescue cats in South Florida.

Find the author on the following sites....

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   Google+   Goodreads 

Also available in the Paradise Series

Follow the Book Tour

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

Win a $25 Amazon.com Giftcard or Paypal Cash
(winners choice)
Open Worldwide

Ending on Sunday 12th April at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below and Good Luck !!
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AtoZ Challenge Theme Reveal

This is my third year to compete in the challenge, but the first time on this blog rather than on my personal blog, Snapshots Of A Life. I decided to go literary this year, and will be featuring cozy mystery writers all month. Most of them are authors I've read, but a few are new to me as well, and have caused me to add to my TBR list.

I hope you will stop by every day to see what mysteries we are discussing.

Featuring Julie Cosgrove's Christian Suspense Series

From the first clap of thunder to the conclusion of the book,

Julie B. Cosgrove holds the reader in the palm of her hand.

                                               --Author Victoria Pitt Caine

About Hush in the Storm:

Jen, a young widow floundering in the storm of mourning, whose only lifeline is her humdrum job, is tossed into a maze of deceit and intrigue by a coworker named Tom...at the request of her late husband, or so Tom says. He kidnaps her and fakes her death to keep her safe from the cartel who he thinks caused her husband's "accident." Together, they are thrust into a tempest of danger and deceit where no one is whom they claim to be. The list of people Jen can believe in keeps diminishing. Who can she trust while dodging the Feds, human traffickers and the press who've discovered she's alive? How will Jen rescue the two held-captive girls she befriends without drowning them, Tom, and herself in the waves of betrayal, especially when she's begun to suspect her husband may not be as dead as everyone thinks...

PURCHASE

Amazon

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~~~~

About Legitimate Lies:

Jen assumes she can escape her past after she testifies against Robert, her human trafficking mogul husband, and enters into witness protection under a new identity. That is until a baby shows up on the stoop of the library where she works, and another man from her past, Tom, appears in her living room. Now she must relocate again under yet another name and memorize a new set of legitimate lies to explain who she is.

When Robert discovers her latest identity, he has other plans for her, such as enslaving her in a Tudor manor in Southern England. The scandalous family secrets she discovers may hold the key to her and the daughter of the manor’s freedom. But first she must tunnel through a myriad of lies, including the dark sin which has held her own heart captive. If the truth is revealed, will it hinder her one chance for happiness?

PURCHASE

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What COTT Voters Had to Say:

--I have loved all of Julie Cosgroves books . Always waiting for the next one!!!
--I was eager to read Legitimate Lies and found it to be that most rare of all books. ..a sequel that is even better than the first in the Series! Author Julie Cosgrove tells a tight, well paced story which sweeps the readers along in a swirl of suspense. A protagonist in Witness Protection needs to learn to rely on the Lord s she seeks to discern whom she can trust and what is true, when her life seems to depend on a fragile web of legitimate -and not -so -legitimate -- lies. Her personal and spiritual growth made this a powerful and enjoyable book to read. I loved it and recommend it whole heartedly!
--Julie, this is one of the best books I've read. Can't wait for the sequel.
--Julie Cosgrove writes non-stop action and deeper meaning into her plot. Legitimate Lies is a good read.
--Great job, Julie! Keep up the good work. Proud of you :-)
--Julie Cosgrove is an excellent writer.
--Every book looks inviting, but Legitimate Lies captures my curiosity. Good job, Julie!
--Really enjoying Julie's latest!

About Julie:

Freelance writer, author and professional speaker Julie B Cosgrove leads retreats, workshops, and

Bible studies. She writes regularly for several Christian websites and publications and has been published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul, Faith Filled Family Magazine, Upper Room's Devozine and Alive Now, The Secret Place, Light from the Word, The Journey and Good News Daily.
Julie has published three Bible studies, an inspirational, a devotional and several novels - Focused (2012), Hush in the Storm (2014) and Legitimate Lies (2015). She is contracted for two more novels: Freed to Forgive (2015) and Navy Blues (2016), with two more in process.

Julie has one grown son and lives in Fort Worth, TX with two cats.

Visit her website at www.juliebcosgrove.com or her blog: WhereDidYouFindGodToday.com.

Dollar Daze by Karin Gillespie

Synopsis: Cupid is running rampant in Cayboo Creek, South Carolina, and all the Bottom Dollar Girls have been struck dizzy with his arrows…

When high school heartthrob Brewster Clark returns to town, both Birdie and Mavis are angling for his affections, threatening their long-term friendship.

Ever-so-proper Gracie Tobias meets Rusty the dreamy doctor of her dreams but soon discovers he’s actually a blue-collar duct doctor. Will their wildly different social positions drive a wedge between them? Meanwhile Elizabeth is trying to put the sizzle back to her marriage. Not even octogenarian Attalee is immune to love’s siren call. She gets engaged to beau Dooley and plans a wild bachelorette party and steamy honeymoon.

Traveling love’s rocky road keeps the Bottom Dollar Girls asking, “Is it ever too late for moons and Junes?” Through much laughter and a few tears the girls discover that the answer is a resounding no.

Thoughts: What a great story about friends, family, romance and love. This is the third offering in the Bottom Dollar series, and the Bottom Dollar Girls are in fine form.

Each of the "girls" has their own story, and they all tie together perfectly. Even though this is my first experience with the group, I fell in love with all of them. I'm going to go back and read the first two books now---and hope there will be more of them in the future.

I would recommend this one to anyone looking for a lighthearted romance that revolves around mature characters.

**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

My rating: Four stars

Blog Tour: To Fall In Love Again, by David Burnett

Drew Nelson did not plan to fall in love that morning!

He did not plan to talk with anyone. He did not plan to make a new friend. He resisted all of Amy’s attempts to draw him out− at the hotel, at the airport, on the airplane− giving hurried responses and burying his face in a pile of papers.

But when the flight attendant offered coffee, and a muscle in Amy’s back twitched as she reached for it, and the cup tipped, and the hot liquid puddled in Drew’s lap, then they began to talk!

Earlier in the year, each had lost a spouse of over thirty years. Drew’s wife had died of a brain tumor, Amy’s husband when his small airplane nose-dived to earth, the engine at full throttle − an accident, it was ruled. They live in the same city. Both have grandchildren. They are about the same age. Consciously, or not, they both are looking to love again.

But relationships do not exist in vacuums. Drew is wealthy, and Amy is middle class. Amy is “new” in town – she and her husband moved to Charleston twenty-five years ago – while Drew’s family has lived there for three centuries. Drew lives below Broad, a code word for high society, old families, power, and money. Amy’s home is across the river.

Class warfare may be less violent than it was in the past, but when Drew invites Amy to the St Cecelia Ball, battle lines are drawn.

In a city in which ancestry is important, the ball’s membership is passed from father to son, and only those from the oldest families are members.

Family, friends, co-workers all weigh in on their relationship and choose sides. Allies are found in unexpected places. Opposition comes from among those who were thought to be friends. Though they are gone, even their spouses − through things they have done and things they have said − wield influence in the conflict that follows.

Is Drew is one of them, the rich snobs who despise Amy? Does he truly love her?

Does Amy care for Drew? Can she trust him, or is he simply using her?

As each questions the other’s motives, their feelings for each other are tested.

Do Drew and Amy truly want to fall in love again?

My thoughts: I love the fact that this romance involves a "mature" couple---people of my own age, who deal with many of the same issues I've faced. Children do play a part in the lives and relationships of their parents, even if the children are adults with families of their own. Amy and Drew are both very likable characters, so I found myself rooting for them to make it through all the obstacles which life and their family and friends throw at them. I laughed, I cried, and I totally loved every minute of this story.  My only disappointment was that Marci didn't really suffer any consequences for her actions.

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

My rating: Five stars

Available to buy from...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble

"To Fall In Love Again is a beautiful and gentle love story that just has to be read." 

- review from Amazon

"The story was heart-warming and touching and showed that differences don’t always have to be that important." - review from Amazon

"It's a breath of fresh air to have a romance that doesn't follow the usual format, the fact that the characters were older and everything didn't just fall into place was very realistic." 

- review from Goodreads

About the author
David Burnett lives in Columbia South Carolina, with his wife and their blue-eyed cat, Bonnie. The Reunion, his first novel, is set in nearby Charleston.

David enjoys traveling, photography, baking bread, and the Carolina beaches. He has photographed subjects as varied as prehistoric ruins on the islands of Scotland, star trails, sea gulls, a Native American powwow, and his grandson, Jack. David and his wife have traveled widely in the United States and the United Kingdom. During one trip to Scotland, they visited Crathes Castle, the ancestral home of the Burnett family near Aberdeen. In The Reunion, Michael's journey through England and Scotland allows him to sketch many places they have visited.

David has graduate degrees in psychology and education and previously was Director of Research for the South Carolina Department of Education. He and his wife have two daughters.

Find the author on the following sites...

Website   Blog   Facebook   Twitter   Goodreads   Amazon 

Follow the Book Tour

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

Win a $15 Amazon.com Giftcard or Paypal Cash
(winners choice)
Open Worldwide

Ending on Sunday 22nd March at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below and Good Luck !!
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Featured Novel: Baxter Road Miracle by Carlene Havel

I read [Baxter Road Miracle] in one day, simply because I really didn't want to stop until I got to the end. Bet you will as well. Kudos to Carlene Havel for sharing this story with the world. 

--Amazon Reviewer

Baxter Road Miracle

by Carlene Havel

About the book: 

Can faith move mountains? The Youngbloods are about to find out.
Henry Youngblood is determined to plant a new church in Buffalo Creek, despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Meanwhile, his pregnant wife worries about paying the bills. One daughter dreams of a college education she cannot afford, and the other wants nothing more than popularity. It will take a miracle for the Youngblood family’s dreams to come true.

PURCHASE

Amazon

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What COTT voters had to say:

--I love covers with churches on them.

--Thank you for well written words that speak truth.

--Keep writing those good books!

--I'm reading it now and can't put it down!

--Excellent book.. wonderful author!

--You are an awesome woman of God. You are an inspiration and a great author.

Q&A with Carlene:

Q: The book is categorized as ‘historical.’ When does it take place?

A: The setting is during the early 1960s, when good girls didn’t kiss on the first date. When smoking a cigarette in the high school bathroom was a huge scandal. When parents disapproved of bleached hair, eye shadow, and short skirts. When an idealistic preacher decided to take on the world to fulfill his calling.

Q: Do you have another book on the horizon?

A: Of course – how nice of you to ask! Joan Alley at Prism Book Group came up with the idea of a series based on the characteristics of love. Each author selected a phrase from the First Corinthians description of love as the theme for a short novel. Mine is entitled “Evidence Not Seen,” based on love keeping no record of wrongs. It’s the story of an attorney whose father is returning home after completing a long prison sentence. If the relationships among the father, mother, and son are to survive, each one must let go of old hurts.

About Carlene:

Carlene Havel is an award-winning writer of Christian-themed fiction. She has lived in Turkey, Republic of the Philippines, and numerous US States. After a career in human resources and software development, she began writing in 2005. The Havels live in Texas, surrounded by their extended family.

Find more great new releases all year at Clash of the Titles!

Book Tour: BOOKER:Streets Of Mayhem, by John Mefford (Booker #1)

NEW RELEASE....
On a cool October afternoon, the majestic blue sky above Dallas is polluted with swells of gray smoke, carrying shattered memories of fifteen people, mostly children, who've just been killed by an explosion on a bus.

A white supremacist group claims responsibility, opening old wounds, turning neighbor against neighbor--fracturing the community. A Southeast Dallas native, Booker T. Adams couldn't be more invested in the city…in the people he'd served for the last seven years as a beat cop for the Dallas Police Department. Without warning, it becomes personal for Booker on so many levels. And as panic grips the city, he must decide how much he's willing to sacrifice to end the chaos.

With his career called into question and his family in the crosshairs of one terrorist act after another, Booker invests every fiber of his being to protect a broken community, and to stop the brutal, senseless slayings.If he fails, terrorism will reign in the city of Dallas.

My thoughts: I'm a huge mystery fan, and there is something about this author which reminds me of James Patterson and his Alex Cross series, which is one of my favorites. One I started reading, i didn't want to put the book down. I just had to know what was going to happen next, and how it was all going to play out. 

Booker, the main character, is a very diverse character. He is multicultural, which makes him able to relate personally to many different parts of the population of Dallas. He's intelligent, has a great sense of humor, and is very attached to his family, particularly his young daughter, Samantha.

I also like the fact that several of the chapters are written from the point of view of the person Booker is trying to catch. That lets us into his thoughts and motivations a little at a time, so that we have some understanding of why he is doing what he does.

I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

My rating: Five stars

Book available from...

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About the Author

A veteran of the corporate wars, former journalist, and true studier of human and social behavior, best-selling author John W. Mefford has been writing novels since he first entered the work force twenty-five years ago, although he never put words on paper until late 2009.

John writes novels full of intrigue, suspense, and thrills, but they also evoke an emotional connection with the characters.

When he’s not writing, he chases three kids around, slaves away in the yard, reads, takes in as many sports as time allows, watches all sorts of movies, and continues to make mental notes of people and societies across the land.

John lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife, three opinionated kids, and a feisty fat cat who rules the world.

Find the author on the following sites...

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Google+   Goodreads

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It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What I read last week:  (48 hrs in the hospital, in a room with a broken TV, left LOTS of reading time!)
1) Love's True Second Chance, by Jeff Dawson
2) Deadly Desires, by Joyce and Jim Lavene
3) Flamenco, Flan and Fatalities, by Mary McHugh
4) Stiff Penalty, by Annelise Ryan
5) Loyalty and Lies, by L.A. Cotton
6) Pretty Maidens All In A Row, by J.M. Brown
7) Organized Blackmail, by Angela Agranoff
8) Ghost Boy, by Martin Pistorius
9) Crossroads, by Cathy Bryant

What I listened to last week:
1)  The King's Secret Matter, by Jean Plaidy

What I'm currently reading:
1) Going Organic Can Kill You, by Staci McLoughlin
2) The Secret, by Kathi Daley
3) Come Ride With Me Along The Big C, by Claire Petretti Marti

What I'm currently listening to:
1) The Unveiled Wife: Embracing Intimacy With God and Your Husband

What I plan to read this week:
1) What Happens To Men When They Move To Manhattan, by Jill Knapp [ebook]
2) Wishing On Baby Dust, by Lydia Winters

What I plan to listen to this week:
1) Fortune's Daughter, by Alice Hoffman
2) Out Of Circulation, by Miranda James

Blog Tour: Chicken Soup and Homicide, by Janel Gradowski

Chicken Soup and Homicide

by Janel Gradowski

Publisher: Gemma Halliday

Published: Feb. 23. 2015

ISBN: 9781940371573

Synopsis: Amy Ridley and her friend, Sophie, have perfected their chicken soup recipe, and the winter-weary residents of Kellerton, Michigan can't wait to watch them compete against other local chefs in the Chicken Soup Showdown. But the charity event starts out with a bang, literally, when one of the rival chefs falls out of a freezer and onto Amy. If it wasn't stressful enough for Amy to catch a dead body, the detective in charge of the investigation targets her best friend, Carla, as the chief suspect in the murder. 

In order to clear her friend's name, Amy does her own investigating. The problem is nobody liked the arrogant murdered celebrity chef, and soon her suspect list is longer than the list of ingredients in her secret chicken soup recipe. Can Amy figure out who killed the celebrity chef? Or will Carla be spending the spring in jail?

**Recipes Included!**

My thoughts: I'm a huge fan of cozy mysteries, and culinary cozies are a close second to my favorite pet cozies. The talk of food was amazing and mouthwatering. Thank goodness for the recipes, which I hope to try out on my own.

The story is very well written, the characters are well defined, and the plot keeps you guessing all the way to the end. 

I haven't read the first book in this series, but now I want to go back and catch up before the next one comes out.  Thanks so much to Janel for giving me the opportunity to discover her wonderful series!.

My rating: Four stars.

About The Author

Janel Gradowski lives in a land that looks like a cold weather fashion accessory, the mitten-shaped state of Michigan. She is a wife and mom to two kids and one Golden Retriever. Her journey to becoming an author is littered with odd jobs like renting apartments to college students and programming commercials for an AM radio station. Somewhere along the way she also became a beadwork designer and teacher. She enjoys cooking recipes found in her formidable cookbook and culinary fiction collection. Searching for unique treasures at art fairs, flea markets and thrift stores is also a favorite pastime. Coffee is an essential part of her life. She writes the Culinary Competition Mystery Series, along with The Bartonville Series (women’s fiction) and the 6:1 Series (flash fiction). She has also had many short stories published in both online and print publications.

Link to giveaway:

http://www.janelgradowski.com/2015/02/22/lets-party-giveaway/ 

Flamenco, Flan and Fatalities (Happy Hoofers #2), by Mary McHugh

Synopsis: Murder is nothing to tap at. . .The high-kicking Happy Hoofers--Tina, Janice, Pat, Mary Louise, and Gini--have been booked to flaunt their fabulous flamenco footwork on a luxury train ride through northern Spain. But when a blowhard talk show host is found deader than four-day-old flan--with Gini as suspect numero uno--the feisty friends waste no time stepping into their sleuthing shoes to protect one of their own. The dynamite dancers will have to step up their game before a clever killer brings the curtain down on one of them . . . for good!

Thoughts: This is the second book in the Happy Hoofer Mystery series. The main characters are five tap dancing ladies--Gini, Pat, Mary Louise, Tina, and Janice. They each have a unique personality, yet they are all the best of friends, and fit together very well.

This time around, Gini finds herself a suspect in a murder, as she was heard to threaten the victim a short time before his death. As she tries to find the real killer, the body count rises, and Gini has to watch out for her life, as well.

I can attest to the fact that this is readable as a stand alone mystery, as I have yet to read the first offering in the series, [book:Chorus Lines, Caviar, and Corpses|20702347] and yet had no problem reading this one. There are a few vague references to the story of the first book, but nothing that impacts the storyline of this one. The first book is now on my nightstand, waiting for me to get to it ASAP...and then I'll be waiting for [book:Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets|22891459] to come out in August.

**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and feelings expressed are entirely my own.**

My rating: Four stars