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Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Blog Tour - Feasted On: A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn by Shelley Shepard Gray | Review & 5-Book Giveaway(s)

Today I'm turning my blog over to Shelley Shepard Gray, with a review of her recent release "A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn," which happens to be the THIRD BOOK in her Amish Brides of Pinecraft Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAY(s) (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from September 15 - 30, 2015 | Giveaway ends on September 30, 2015]

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 288; Library Binding - Pages: 500; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1576 KB; Audio CD - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: September 15, 2015 | Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers : Avon Books : Inspire | Obtained: Litfuse Publicity Group / edelweiss

"A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn" [Amish Brides of Pinecraft Series, Book 3] by Shelley Shepard Gray (aka Shelley Gray)

Author's Book Description : Beloved bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray returns with the third book in her Amish Brides of Pinecraft series—a story of second chances for two young single parents…and the wedding that brings them together.

Emma Keim was heartbroken when her husband Sanford passed away, leaving her to raise three young daughters alone. In the years since, her relatives have made it no secret that they expect Emma to remain a widow, mourning Sanford indefinitely. But when she meets Jay Hilty—a widower with three young sons of his own—Emma is delighted to have a new friend who understands her struggles. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s also handsome and kind. Still, Emma is dismayed that her family is so opposed to their friendship—and the idea of it ever becoming anything more. She honors her husband’s memory every day, but is she destined to be alone forever?

Jay knows that few people his age understand what it’s like to lose a spouse, and Emma’s gentleness with his boys stirs something in his heart that’s been quiet for far too long. But when Jay’s oldest son becomes engaged to a local woman, suddenly Jay, Emma, and their children are swept up in wedding preparations. Witnessing his son’s joy, Jay wonders if it’s time for him to move forward, too, and find happiness again.

Jay wants to court Emma in earnest, but Emma’s relatives remain troubled by the prospect of her moving on. Once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight?

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! Over a year ago, Jay’s wife passed away, so now he and his sons move to Pinecraft, Florida to make a new life for themselves. While waiting for their new home to be ready Jay meets Emma, an Amish mother of three little girls who is a widower too, who is chasing after her naughty beagle. Has fate/God set them on a path to meet and become something more? Or will moving forward be too hard for them and those around them?

It started and ended with a mischievous dog, named Frankie. He gets into EVERYTHING when it comes to getting the food he wants, and because he’s adorable he gets away with it more than he should. However, if it wasn’t for Frankie’s antics it’s doubtful that Jay and Emma would have gotten as close as they did. Their relationship grows quickly in this novel but I love how it was all handled and the calming effect they have for one another. I could definitely read more about these two if I had the chance. The love that they show for one another and their unique situation kept reminding me of the 1968 version of “Yours, Mine, and Ours,” even though there is a lot more children in the movie.

The other major relationship that comes together in this novel is between Ben, Jay’s eldest son, and Tricia, Beverly’s—the manager of the Orange Blossom Inn—niece. They have a bit of a whirlwind romance but it’s very sweet. Also, I thought it was cute how their relationship grew from a sort of friendship into romance.

Lastly, this novel is the first out of the series to truly update you on all previous main characters! It was fun to see how everyone was up too.

I HIGHLY recommend this novel and series to those looking for an entertainingly sweet contemporary Amish romance!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : The Proposal At Siesta Key (Book 2) | IndieBound (Paperback) : A Wish on Gardenia Street (Novella 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft (Book 4) | IndieBound (MP3 CD) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1) | IndieBound (MP3 CD) : The Proposal At Siesta Key (Book 2) | IndieBound (MP3 CD) : A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft (Book 4) | IndieBound (Library Binding, Large Print) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1) | IndieBound (Library Binding, Large Print) : The Proposal At Siesta Key (Book 2) | IndieBound (Library Binding, Large Print) : A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft (Book 4) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Proposal At Siesta Key (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : A Wish on Gardenia Street (Novella 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft (Book 4) | Alibris (Paperback) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1) | Amazon.com (e-Book) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1) | Amazon.com (e-Book) : The Proposal At Siesta Key (Book 2) | Amazon.com (e-Book) : A Wish on Gardenia Street (Novella 1) | Amazon.com (e-Book) : A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft (Book 4)

IndieBound (Paperback) : A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn (Book 3)	IndieBound (MP3 CD) : A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn (Book 3)	IndieBound (Library Binding, Large Print) : A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn (Book 3)
Kobo (e-Book) : A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn (Book 3)

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1 | Book 2

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Hidden | Joyful

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2015 | Second Sentence Saturday: The Proposal At Siesta Key

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: A WEDDING AT THE ORANGE BLOSSOM INN | A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn - Overview

Posted by Shelley Shepard Gray on Tuesday, August 11, 2015

So happy to be joining my friends over at Amish Wisdom this week! My husband is still shaking his head about the three things I'm passionate about. : )
Posted by Shelley Shepard Gray on Tuesday, September 8, 2015

A WEDDING AT THE ORANGE BLOSSOM INN by Shelley Shepard Gray -- Read my #bookreview, #blogtour, & #giveaway here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Book Preview :
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Shelley, then please check out her website.

About the Author :

Since 2000, Shelley has sold over forty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, and Abingdon Press. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, "The Protector," the final book in her "Families of Honor" series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, "The Survivor," appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, "Forgiven" and "Grace," and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, "Hidden," was an Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist.

Shelley also writes historical, western inspirational romances for Abingdon Press as Shelley Gray. Her first novel with Abingdon, "A Texan’s Promise," was released in October 2011 and has earned glowing reviews.

In addition to her writing as Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley has written a dozen novels for Harlequin American Romance under the pseudonym Shelley Galloway. Her first novel with Harlequin, "Cinderella Christmas," reached number six on the Waldenbooks Bestseller list, and her second book for the American Romance line, Simple Gifts, won RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Harlequin American Romance of 2006.

Her written essays have appeared on CNN.com

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.

When she's not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine's annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.

Shelley is a member of RWA’s Published Author chapter, ACFW, and the Faith Hope and Love Chapter of RWA. Please visit www.shelleyshepardgray.com to learn more about Shelley and her books.

Giveaway(s)!! :

When widow Emma’s family opposes her new friendship with widower Jay, she begins to wonder if she’ll be alone forever. Don't miss Shelley Shepard Gray's third book, "A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn," in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series! A wedding brings together two young widowed parents, and once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight?

Enter to win a copy of A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced October 1 on Shelley’s blog!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Litfuse's other Blog Tour Reviews for this novel!!

Find Shelley Shepard Gray :

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Blog Tour - Idolizing In: A Season of Change by Lynette Sowell | Review & Kindle HDX Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Lynette Sowell, with a review of "A Season of Change," which is the 1st book in her Seasons of Pinecraft Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from May 27 - June 12, 2014 | Giveaway ends on June 12, 2014 | Lynette's "A Season of Change" Author Chat Party on Facebook is on June 12, 2014]

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 322; Kindle Edition - File Size: 2866 KB | Expected Release Date: May 20, 2014 | Publisher: Abingdon Press | Obtained: Litfuse Publicity Group

"A Season of Change" [Seasons of Pinecraft Series, Book 1] by Lynette Sowell

Author's Book Description : An Amish widower finds love in unexpected places

Amish widower Jacob Miller believes it was a mistake to visit the Amish village of Pinecraft for winter vacation, especially after his daughter is struck by a car. Stranded in Sarasota until his daughter recovers, Jacob grows increasingly wary of events that unfold in his unfamiliar surroundings—including the strange curiosity of Englischer Natalie Bennett.

Natalie never thought her circus career as an aerial silks artist would end with a blown-out knee at the age of 25. She also never knew her late mother had a secret—that she was once Amish.

When Natalie meets the Millers at the Sarasota hospital, she is attracted to their warm hospitality and simple ways—and soon wonders if they can help her find her mother’s family. As Jacob and Natalie fall in love, their worlds collide. Will their differences tear them apart? Or will their love be strong enough to blend their clashing cultures?

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! This engaging novel will win you over with it's compelling story, about what your faith really means to you and what you're willing to change about yourself or possibly give up so you can openly love the person your falling for. I really liked how this novel gives you a different look into Amish romance while being as accurate, as can be, about some of the struggles that the Amish have to deal with if they happen to fall in love with someone not of their religion.

I really LOVED all of the characters, even Betsy though she annoyed me at times. Jacob is a nice man who is going through a very hard time, from his wife and baby dying to his daughter getting hurt, so it's the perfect time when Natalie comes into his family's lives. While Natalie is struggling about finding out who she truly is and where she belongs, Jacob and his family make her feel whole and give her life a purpose she never knew she was missing. Together Jacob and Natalie are a perfect pair, if they can over come the judgments that surround them by living in "different worlds."

The only thing that this novel is missing was an epilogue. Because of that I hope Jacob and Natalie will be secondary characters within book 2 of this series, "A Path Made Plain," so I can find out how their doing. =0)

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who enjoys Amish romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: A Season of Change: Seasons in Pinecraft, Book 1 | A Season Of Change - Overview | But I’m Not An Amish Widower!

Author's Series Extras : Welcome to Pinecraft, Florida 34278

Book Teaser(s) :

“We’ve been praying for her. I suppose you’ll be heading back to the hospital later?”
“Yes, I am.” This time he wouldn’t go alone. If Betsy were to happen back to the hospital, he wouldn’t face her by himself. Also, if Natalie Bennett came back, too, in her pink pants with hems skimming her shins, and her long hair swished as she talked.
Like the women of his Order, Natalie Bennett wore her hair long, but unlike the women in his Order, she wore it down, the walnut-colored strands of silk flowing past her shoulders. Rebecca’s face glowed when Natalie had entered the room. Miss Bennett. He reminded himself of her proper name. Even Bubbles the Clown would do. ~ within Chapter 3

“I think you should know something. My family lives but one county over from your grandmother, in Tuscarawas County, not far from the Sugarcreek area.” Rachel adjusted her kapp and gave Natalie a pointed look.
“I didn’t know that. I’m not big on Ohio geography.”
“Well,” Rachel said as she picked up her house key, “if you go to Ohio, you must let me know. I have some of the children’s things to return to them. Clothing, before it’s outgrown.”
“I . . . I’m not sure if I should—”
“Humor an old woman. We Amish honor our elders and listen to them.” Rachel poked Natalie’s shoulder.
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll let you know when I go. Maybe you’d like to ride along with me?”
“Oh, no. Not at all.”
Natalie followed Rachel back into the sunshine. “You’re sure?”
“Pinecraft is my home. I don’t need to travel hither and yon.”
“Well, if I go to Ohio, I will make sure I deliver whatever it is the children have left behind.” ~ within Chapter 22

Could he follow the adage, What happens in Pinecraft, stays in Pinecraft? He’d heard the saying before, which mimicked the Englisch saying about the city of Las Vegas, nicknamed by the Englisch themselves as “sin city.” ~ within Chapter 27

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Lynette, then please check out her website.

About the Author :

Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of over 15 titles for Barbour Publishing, Harlequin, and Abingdon Press. Lynette was born in Western Massachusetts in the shadow of the Berkshire Mountains, raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, but makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country. She loves reading, cooking, watching movies, and is always up for a Texas road trip. When she's not writing fiction, she works as a reporter for her city newspaper and has a weekly column called My Front Porch.

Giveaways!! :

In "A Season of Change," book one of Lynette Sowell's new series, Seasons of Pinecraft, readers will discover a different side of the Amish community. "A Season of Change" follows Natalie and Amish widower Jacob Miller as they each discover the mysterious ways God works. Inspired by the image of a Plain woman sitting on a three-wheeled bicycle by the Pinecraft (an Amish community in Florida) post office, Sowell’s latest is a new take on the popular trend in fiction.

Lynette is celebrating with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on June 12th.

One winner will receive :

A Kindle Fire HDX
A copy of "Season of Change" by Lynette Sowell

To Enter : Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 12th. Winner will be announced at the "Season of Change" Facebook author chat party on June 12th. Connect with Lynette for an evening of fun book chat, Amish-themed trivia, and prizes. Lynette will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in the Seasons of Pinecraft series!

So grab your copy of "A Season of Change" and join Lynette on the evening of June 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP TODAY. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Litfuse's other Blog Tour Reviews for this novel!!

Find Lynette Sowell :

Friday, December 6, 2013

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: A Marriage in Middlebury by Anita Higman | Review & Giveaway

For the next few days I'm turning my blog over to Anita Higman, with a review of "A Marriage in Middlebury!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from November 18 - December 12, 2013 | Giveaway ends on December 12, 2013]

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 290; Kindle Edition - File Size: 2400 KB | Expected Release Date: November 5, 2013 | Publisher: Abingdon Press | Obtained: Litfuse Publicity Group

"A Marriage in Middlebury" by Anita Higman

Author's Book Description : What happens when the matchmaker finds a match for herself? Charlotte Rose Hill has been serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky but beloved customers for more than 10 years. But for her, marriage seems like an elusive butterfly, always out of reach. At 18, Charlotte fell in love with a young man, Sam Wilder, but his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. She did, and then became engaged to another man, who later died before they were married. Now, more than a decade later, Charlotte finds that she still has feelings for her first love. Initially thrilled to learn that Sam has come home to Middlebury, Texas, Charlotte is devastated to learn that he’s brought someone with him: his fiancée. But all is not lost when the townsfolk decide to get involved. Will Charlotte and Sam find their way back to each other?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars --- old flames find each other again, new flames meeting and trying to make everyone else as happy as they are, with unexpected twists and turns thrown in...

Charlotte and Sam are meant for each other no matter how long time has kept them apart. Reading about their pasts and the secrets that Sam's malicious father had, I am very happy with how this novel brings these two kindred spirits together. Nevertheless, I was surprised by how Ms. Higman created the plots in a way that made me still want to root for Sam's current fiancée, Audrey, more so then I ever would have thought especially after all the subtle antics she got into.

Yet, I believe what truly made me like this novel was the town; it's people, and the camaraderie that surrounds Charlotte between her tearoom and her friends. They were all dynamic in their own ways, even the smallest of characters, that I could probably have enjoyed just reading about their constant banter.

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes Christian romances and/or are fans of Ms. Higman.

Purchase This Book Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : A Merry Little Christmas

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Giveaway Winners from my Small Business Saturday/Week Contests | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Book Teaser(s) :

"Thank you for making me feel better." Audrey reached out to Charlotte's hand. "We would like you to join us for Easter dinner too. Wouldn't we, Sam?"
"Yes, of course," Sam said.
If Sam had some uncomfortable twinges about her being at the dinner, he hid them well. She grinned back at him, but she really felt like cringing all the way to her toes.
"Sam lost track of his old friends from high school," Audrey said, "and I don't have any friends except for you and Nelly, so I've invited some of the people we're getting to know from the tearoom. And we'll be inviting Obie and Roberta too. So, what do you think? Will you come?"
Charlotte still felt a "no" on the tip of her tongue, but if Sam and Audrey were going to make their home in Middlebury, she would have to learn to cope with seeing them together. No better time than the present to start dealing with what was obviously meant to be. "Yes, of course. Would you like me to bring something?"
"No, not at all," Audrey said. "I'm sure you'd appreciate a rest from cooking for the day. Nelly will have it all under control."
"Nelly is a terrific cook," Charlotte said. "You're lucky to have her."
Audrey scooted her chair out and started collecting the tea dishes.
"Thank you for inviting me." Charlotte hoped her smile came off as sincere. Then she remembered the promise she'd made to herself to work a little harder at dating and thought of a really nice guy she knew in Houston---one she'd dated on and off again through the years. "I have one question about the dinner. Would you mind if I brought a date?"
The grasp Sam had on his teacup must have loosened, because the fine porcelain cup fell from his fingers to the floor and smashed into a hundred heartbreaking pieces. ~ within Chapter 18

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Anita, then please check out her website.

About the Author :

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children and has four more books releasing in 2013. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends. Please visit her site at www.anitahigman.com.

Giveaways!! :

Anita Higman is celebrating the release of her latest book, "A Marriage in Middlebury," with a double Kindle Fire giveaway (one for you & one to give away!) and a "Tea for Two" Facebook Author Chat Party on December 12th.

One winner will receive :

A Kindle Fire for you AND a friend
A copy of "A Marriage in Middlebury" by Anita Higman (one to keep and one to give away!)

To Enter : Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 12th. Winner will be announced at the "Tea for Two" Facebook Author Chat Party on December 12th. Invite your friends and connect with Anita for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Anita's next book!

So grab your copy of "A Marriage in Middlebury" and join Anita on the evening of December 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on December 12th!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Litfuse's other Blog Tour Reviews for this novel!!

Find Anita Higman :

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