Wednesday, February 26, 2014

The Dream Dress by Janice Thompson






 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Description:

A seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. When Jordan Spencer, the editor of Texas Bride magazine visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is devastated to lose her job in his very influential presence. Convinced she'll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement--especially from her friend Bella Neeley--to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well. Could it be that she'll have to design her own wedding dress soon?

As always, Janice Thompson delivers fun, laughter, and romance as she takes readers back to Galveston, Texas, to spend more time with their favorite quirky characters along with fabulous new ones.


  My Review:

Gabi Delgado dreams of being a dress designer, she has the talent but not the confidence. Her boss is a nightmare to work for and fires her at the drop of a hat and then expects her to come back at his beck and call. It seems all the men in her life have let her down, how can she be expected to give her all to a heavenly father when the earthly guys have proved unworthy. Life for Gabi takes an upward turn when Jordan Singer a reporter for Texas Bride Magazine, does a feature article on Haute Couture Bridal the shop she works for and one of there bride’s. With the help of Jordan and good friend Bella, Gabi’s spirit soars and her view of God the Father and men in general become increasingly positive.

This is the first book I have read by author Janice Thompson. I found her writing style to be easy to follow and enjoyable. I fell in love with this storyline. With each book I read I find the author leaves a little part of herself or himself behind. In this case it was the story of creation that touched a part of my inner most being. Like never before I understand the teaching of creation and how God is in the business of creating. With the help Holy Spirit, He stirs within each of us and gives us the ability to create too. I give The Dream Dress five stars. I highly recommend it to all readers who enjoy contemporary, romance, and Christian fiction.

I want to thank the author Janice Thompson and publisher for bringing good clean Christian books like this one to readers like me. I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author:  Janice Thompson

Janice Thompson also writes under the name Janice Hanna. She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children's books and more. In addition, she enjoys editing, ghost-writing, public speaking, and mentoring young writers. Janice currently serves as Vice-President of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She was thrilled to be named the 2010 Barbour/Heartsong Author of the Year, with three books on the top ten list for that house. Janice is active in her local writing group, where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing. Her online course, "Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer" (www.freelancewritingcourses.com) has been helpful to many who want to earn a living with their writing. Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. She does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all. You can find out more about Janice at www.janiceathompson.com or www.freelancewritingcourses.com. Her Facebook page can be located here: https://www.facebook.com/JaniceHannaThompson
 



Wednesday, February 19, 2014

First Kisses - Inspy Kisses Collection 1

                                










 
Six amazing books from six different authors. They are all Christian fiction set from the 1800’s to present time. Each book is a stand alone book with great settings, story lines and characters. All the books had family and faith. Some of the authors were know to me and some I was unfamiliar with. I really enjoyed each book. I can not wait to check out books from these new authors. I want to thank the authors Linda Goodnight, Janet Tronstad, Debra Clapton, Margaret Daley, Camy Tang, Lacy Williams and publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Rambler’s Bride by Linda Goodnight
Jericho North is on the quest to get revenge for the death of his brother. He search’s out his brother widow who he thinks is at fault and finds Ester and infant son. He soon realizes Ester North is not the harlot he thought her to be. She is so much more, hardworking, an upright citizen, Christian and mother. Ester is confused by Jericho he is kind, compassionate but has a deep seated anger just beyond the surface. Read this great story to see if they can overcome the things they thought the other was and find a life of love. The author Linda Goodnight did a fantastic job of showing what can be found in life when the love and forgiveness of Christ is present. I give this book five stars and would recommend it to anyone whom loves Christian historical fiction.
Image of Linda Goodnight

NY Times and USA Bestseller, Linda Goodnight writes novels to touch the heart as well as to entertain. Her emotional stories of hope have won the RITA, the Carol, the Reviewer's Choice, and numerous other industry awards. A small town girl, Linda remains close to her roots, making her home in rural Oklahoma. She and husband have a blended family of eight, including two teenagers recently adopted from Ukraine. Many of her books are about family and children and rightly so, as she draws her deeply emotional stories from her surroundings, her great love of family, and from personal experiences as a nurse and teacher. Connect with Linda on Facebook, Twitter, or at www.lindagoodnight.com

Lovebirds at the Heartbreak Café by Janet Tronstad
In this amazing story a community comes together to help a struggling family. Buddy is the local truck driver and is filled with compassion for the new waitress at the local café. Penny is struggling to raise 6 children and finds herself homeless and out of work. This story demonstrated the true spirit of a Christian. I love how the community pulled together to help Penny and the kids. How Penny, herself was compassionate enough to give up everything to raise her six nieces and nephews. I found Lovebirds at the Heartbreak Café to be an remarkable example of how we all should serve others. The author Janet Tronstad did a great job, the characters are faith filled and believable. Five stars to you and the publisher for this Christian fiction. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
Image of Janet Tronstad

USA TODAY and PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY Bestselling Author, Janet Tronstad, currently lives in Pasadena, California, but she grew up on a farm in central Montana. That community inspired her long-standing Dry Creek series. In addition to contemporary books, she is noted for her mail-order bride stories.

Her Mule Hollow Cowboy by Debra Clapton

Cliff, a pro bull rider comes to Mule Hollow to visit his brother Rafe and do some soul searching. He finds more than he every imagined when he saves Maddie from Buford the bull. Maddie has the walls to her heart up after being raised in foster care. But Cliff is determined to bring down her walls and settle in Mule Hollow. Debra Clapton did a wonderful job with this well written book. If you enjoy Christian fiction with a little romance this is the book for you. I enjoyed the spit fire personalities and the witty characters of Her Mule Hollow Cowboy. I give this novel five stars and highly recommend it.

Image of Debra Clopton

Bestselling author Debra Clopton has sold over 2.5 million books and her holiday story, OPERATION: MARRIED BY CHRISTMAS has been optioned for an ABC Family Movie staring LeAnn Rimes. Debra writes cowboy romances, inspirational, Christian romance, contemporary and western romances set in Texas. She is known for her snappy dialogue, cowboy heroes and spunky heroines. Her awards include: The Book Sellers Best, Romantic Times Magazine's Book of the Year. She's also a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalist, and a triple finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award.
A sixth generation Texan, Debra lives on a ranch in central Texas with her husband Chuck. She loves to travel and spend time with her family. She is the author of the much loved Mule Hollow Matchmakers series where you never know what the Matchmaking "Posse" is going to do next! She writes for Harlequin Love Inspired and Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins Christian. She is currently working on her 25th novel surrounded by cows, dogs and even renegade donkey herds that keep her writing authentic and often find their way into her stories. She loves helping people smile with her fun, fast paced stories.

Deadly Hunt by Margaret Daley
Tess Miller was surprised when a tall dark haired stranger crashed through her front door only to collapse at her feet with a gunshot wound. Shane Burkhart has no idea why someone would be after him. He is a single dad and CEO of DDI. Tess was on much needed vacation from her body guard job but now is guard and nurse over Shane, until she can get him out of her uncles remote cabin. Margaret Daley did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. I love them and the story line. I highly recommend this book for everyone who enjoys Christian fiction, mystery and romance. I give five stars to Deadly Hunt. Image of Margaret Daley
Margaret has been writing for over 30 years. She started writing in the late 1970s because she wanted to see if she could put a whole story down on paper. That book is still in the drawer and will never see the light of day. But she was able to finish a book, which was her goal.
She decided after that to get some help, and joined a writers' roundtable where she met once a week with some fellow writers who went over each other's work. She sold her first book in the early 1980s and has been selling ever since.
She loves to tell a story. When she was a little girl she made up stories while playing with her dolls. On long trips with her family she would weave a story about the surrounding countryside. From those early beginnings grew a love of entertaining people with a story.
When she went away to college, she met her husband, Mike, to whom she has been married for over 40 years. He is her support and her best friend. She has always felt she was the luckiest woman the day she bumped into him on campus.
When they married, they moved to Tulsa, where she finished her degree in special education and began teaching. She loved teaching and working with students with special needs. They helped her remember what is important in life. She also participated in the Special Olympics as a coach with her students and has attended the State Games in May for years. Recently she retired from teaching to write full-time.
Besides teaching and writing, she is also a mother of one. Her son, Shaun, loves animals and there have been times they could have their own zoo at the house. The most interesting pet Shaun had is a leopard tortoise, which could outlive him. She has joked that his children will be inheriting a tortoise. He is married with four daughters.
When she isn't working, she loves to read, travel, and go to lunch and a movie with a friend. She has been to many countries in the world and loves to meet new people. Her favorite place is Tahiti -- Bora Bora. It is as beautiful as all the pictures portray it.
In her travels she has found herself in some interesting situations. Once, in London, she got caught in the middle of a protest that later turned into a riot over poll taxes. In the rain forest of Costa Rica, she was covered from head to toe in mud and ruined a perfectly good outfit. She should have remembered it was going to be wet since it was called a rain forest. In Rio, she and a friend were left with no means to get back to the hotel on the other side of the city. Neither Margaret nor her companion spoke Portuguese and there wasn't a cab in sight. Thankfully one finally pulled up to the curb at the museum because she couldn't see herself hiking across Rio to get back to the hotel at night.


Necessary Proof by Camy Tang
Alex Villa is in a pickle, he is being accused of a crime he did not commit but is determined to prove his innocence. On the run from the bad guys, he asks Jane Lawton for help with a computer. Now both of their lives are in danger and the bad guys are around every corner. Jane’s character developed a back bone and I have to admire her courage to stand up to other’s. I loved the fast pace of this book. Author Camy Tang did a great job of bringing these characters to life. I highly recommend this book to those who love Christian fiction, suspense and a little bit of romance. Necessary Proof is worthy of five stars. Image of Camy Tang

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She grew up in Hawaii and now lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and rambunctious mutt, Snickers. She graduated from Stanford University and worked as a biologist researcher for 9 years, but now she writes full-time. She is a staff worker for her church youth group, and she leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service.
Sushi for One? won first place in the Debut Author category and second place in the Chick lit category of the 2008 ACFW Book of the Year awards, Single Sashimi finaled in the Chick lit category of the 2009 ACFW Book of the Year awards, and Deadly Intent finaled in the Inspirational category of Oklahoma RWA's 2010 National Readers Choice Award.
On her blog, she ponders knitting, spinning wool, dogs, running, the Never Ending Diet, and other frivolous things. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ to read free short stories and subscribe to her quarterly newsletter.

Kissed by a Cowboy by Lacy Williams
As a senior in high school Haley Carston received her first kiss from an older college guy Maddox Michael’s. Years later she returns to Redbud Trails, Oklahoma, still remembering that kiss. She only plans to stay long enough to help Aunt Matilda that is fighting cancer. Things take an interesting turn when she meets Maddox’s young niece Livy at the bank. It seems she rode her bike three and quarter miles in order to get a business loan. Read this great book to see if Haley and Maddox can rekindle the flame from before. This was a extraordinary book. It was well written with believable characters and situations, well worth 5 stars.

Image of Lacy Williams  

Lacy Williams grew up on a farm, which is where her love of cowboys was born. In reality, she's married to a right-brained banker (happily with three kiddos). She gets to express her love of western men by writing historical romance. Her books have finaled in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Awards (2012 & 2013), the Golden Quill and the Booksellers Best Award.
Lacy also writes YA action romance under the pen name Lacy Yager. She has a soft spot for bad boy heroes and heroines with swords. Although her teen years are long behind her, she enjoys writing about the drama and first love that comes with this time in our lives.

 

Monday, February 10, 2014

Poison Town by Creston Mapes


Book Description:
There's More Than One Kind of Poison in This Town
People are sick and dying. Rumors are swirling. Some claim chemicals leaking from a manufacturing plant are causing the cancer that's crippling people on the poor side of Trenton City, Ohio. Yet nothing at the plant appears amiss. The problem remains a mystery until reporter Jack Crittendon's long-time mechanic falls ill and he investigates. Soon Jack becomes engulfed in a smokescreen of lies, setups, greed, and scandal. The deeper he digs, the more toxic the corruption he uncovers. As he faces off with the big-time players behind the scenes and tries to beat the clock before more people die, he realizes the chillingly unthinkable--he knows too much.

My Review: Poison Town, book 2 The Crittendon Files by Creston Mapes
Wow be prepared to be taken on a wild ride with these faith filled characters. Set on the wrong side of the tracks in Trenton City, Ohio, Poison Town will intrigue you. Jack Crittendon a reporter for Trenton City Dispatch the local newspaper finds himself and those most precious to him in grave danger. Investigating the rumors about Demler-Vargus the local fiberglass plant Jack is faced with deception, lies and bribery. Who can he trust; the bad guys and the good guys are hard to tell apart. The further into the investigation he goes the larger the circle of corruption extends. I enjoyed seeing how the characters’ dealt with deception, anger, greed and bitterness. Any seeing the power of forgiveness and love was great.
This book started off with a bang and just kept going. I thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced nature, the suspense and action at every turn. This is the first book I have read by author Creston Mapes but it is sure not to be the last. Poison Town follows Fear Has A Name in The Crittendon Files series but it can be read as a stand along. I have not read the first book and had no trouble keeping up and following along. I give a high five to the author and publisher David C Cook for bringing compelling Christian books that are entertaining and give hope to the reader with stories of faith. The Book Club Network Inc. provided me with this book in exchange for my honest review and I am so grateful for their, the author Creston Mapes and publishers generosity. I definitely am new fan of this author.
Meet the Author:

Creston Mapes Image of Creston Mapes
www.CrestonMapes.com
www.Twitter.com/crestonmapes
www.Facebook.com/creston.mapes

Creston Mapes is the author of the #1 Amazon bestselling Christian fiction mystery, Nobody, along with the bestselling Christian fiction thrillers Fear Has a Name, Dark Star and Full Tilt. His early years as a reporter inspire many of his novels.

A journalist, copywriter, and editor, Creston works from his home-office in Atlanta for some of the nation's top media companies, Christian ministries, and nationally-recognized corporations, including Chick-fil-A, Coke, ABC-TV, and The Weather Channel. In addition to Creston's novels and freelance writing, he has ghostwritten and edited seven non-fiction titles.

Creston is married to his hometown sweetheart, Patty. They have a close-knit family, with four great children, several pets, and a growing number of cars.


 

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Home at Last by Anita Higman

About Home at Last by Anita Higman: Home at Last (Heartsong Presents Series #1076)

Olivia Lamington's never had a home or family
When her late employer leaves Bromfeld Manor to her, Olivia feels secure for the first time in her life. Then Bromfeld's prodigal son returns, challenging her claim to the estate—and everything Olivia understands about family…and love.
The woman his father left his fortune to is as beautiful as she is innocent, which is why Noah Bromfeld offers to let Olivia stay while he settles his father's affairs. The closer he gets to Olivia, though, the more Noah wonders if this sweet beauty is the key to his future. But will his dark past destroy his only hope for happiness?

My Review:
Olivia Lamington inherited Bromfeld Manor from her former employer after he passed away. She dedicated twenty years of service to Finney. Now she finally has a home to call her own after years of abuse in foster care and living as an employee in the attic at the Manor. Now it is all in jeopardy because the prodigal son Noah Bromfeld has returned from the dead.

Noah returns home to Southeast Texas years after leaving home because of a disagreement with his father. Unaware that everyone thought he had passed away years before he takes Olivia by surprise. Sparks fly when Noah and Olivia come together as they look for answers in Finney‘s journals. Can the find lasting love or will it all be destroyed by Noah’s past. Read this great book to see who gets to keep the manor and if secrets of the past destroy them.

The author Anita Higman has done a great job with Home at Last. I loved the innocence of Olivia’s character. You will find this book to display a strong faith, romance and a little mystery. I give 5 stars to Home at Last, it is well written with characters that are enthusiastic, inspiring and full of life. I highly recommend this book to anyone searching for a compelling Christian book that is entertaining and gives hope to the readers with stories of faith. I want to thank the author Anita Higman and publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author Anita Higman: Image of Anita Higman
 Bestselling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has thirty-two books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita love good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Life Support by Candace Calvert


 
About the book:

Nurse Lauren Barclay put her life on hold to keep a watchful eye on her troubled sister. It’s why she’s back in Houston. But that means confronting the brooding physician assistant who caused painful turmoil in her family--and left Lauren with memories her heart can’t forget.

PA and single parent Elijah Landry is no stranger to stormy relationships, including one with his father, who is threatening him with a restraining order. It won’t stop Eli from protecting his disabled brother--or from making peace with Lauren. He wants that and so much more.

But as Lauren and Eli draw closer, a powerful hurricane roars toward Houston. Survival instincts take priority and everything changes. Can hope weather the storm?

My review:
Life Support, A Grace Medical Novel by Candace Calvert

Lauren Barclay is an ER nurse working for Grace Medical when Elijah Landry’s brother Drew is brought in. Elijah and Lauren have a history. Her family believe he is responsible for her sister Jessica’s problems. Because Elijah is a PA at the same hospital their paths continue to cross. Lauren seems to be her sisters keeper, trying to keep her out of trouble, get her to school and work on time and making sure she has eaten. In the mist this chaos a hurricane is soon to hit their area. Elijah wants to be there for his brother who is disabled from a traumatic brain injury he suffered as a child. His father will do everything in his power to keep him away. Lauren and Elijah fight to keep those they love safe and find themselves fighting an attraction to each other.
The author Candace Calvert covered some very difficult subjects. Mental illness, suicide, and long term care were all addressed with love and knowledge. I found I could relate to both Lauren and Elijah because I have a adult child that suffers from mental illness. The author also hinted to Hurricane Katrina that devastated New Orleans a few years ago. Her knowledge of New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina were factual. I love the references to my beloved state.
I want to give a high-five to the author Candace Calvert and publisher Tyndale for bringing compelling Christian books that are entertaining and give hope to the reader with stories of faith. I won a copy of this book through a FaceBook contest it comes out in March and would make a great addition to your to be read pile.


About the author Candace Calvert:
 
Often called the author of "medical hope opera," Candace Calvert is an ER nurse who landed on the other side of the stethoscope after the equestrian accident that broke her neck and convinced her love, laughter--and faith--are the very best medicines of all.
Her popular medical drama series (Mercy Hospital and Grace Medical) offer readers a chance to "scrub in" on the exciting world of emergency medicine, along with charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense--and an encouraging prescription for hope. Think "Grey's Anatomy finds its soul"!

A native northern Californian, mother of two and proud grandmother to seven, Candace is a passionate "foodie," equally at home with a whisk in her hand as she is penning stories. Folks who follow her on Twitter and Facebook will find photo-embellished recipes,funny insights into the writing life, snippets of upcoming work, and a chance at book giveaways. Please visit her website at: www.candacecalvert.com.