Gone South by Meg Moseley

About the Book
The charm of the South drew her back to her family’s roots. But when the town’s old resentments turn the sweet tea bitter, can Tish find a welcome anywhere?
Leaving frosty Michigan for the Deep South was never a blip in the simple plans Tish McComb imagined for her life, dreams of marriage and family that were dashed five years earlier in a tragic accident. Now an opportunity to buy her great-great-great-grandparents’ Civil War era home beckons Tish to Noble, Alabama, a Southern town in every sense of the word. She wonders if God has given her a new dream— the old house filled with friends, her vintage percolator bubbling on the sideboard.
When Tish discovers that McCombs aren’t welcome in town, she feels like a Yankee behind enemy lines. Only local antiques dealer George Zorbas seems willing to give her a chance. What’s a lonely outcast to do but take in Noble’s resident prodigal, Melanie Hamilton, and hope that the two can find some much needed acceptance in each other.

Problem is, old habits die hard, and Mel is quite set in her destructive ways. With Melanie blocked from going home, Tish must try to manage her incorrigible houseguest as she attempts to prove her own worth in a town that seems to have forgotten that every sinner needs God-given mercy, love and forgiveness.

My Thoughts
What first attracted me to this book was the cover, I think I fell in love from the first moment I saw it. And while the plot of the book didn't thrill me I decided to give it a shot. I am definitely not sorry that I did. This story was well written and it was neat to watch both Tish and Mel work to overcome the challenges they faced as well as proving people wrong in their opinions of them. There were quite a few times where I was disappointed in the character's choices but that only served to show how no one is perfect and I think it made them more real. In the end I was pleased with the way things turned out and rather enjoyed this book!

About the Author
Meg Moseley is still a Californian at heart although she's lived more than half her life in other states. Holding
jobs that ranged from candle-maker to administrative assistant, Meg also contributed human-interest pieces for a suburban edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Contemporary fiction remains her real love, and she's the author of When Sparrows Fall. She lives in Atlanta near the foothills of the Southern Appalachians with her husband.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

Friday Memes 5/31

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

What is your favorite series that you've finished all the books (more than 3 books) to? 

My Answer:

Well since most of my favorite series only have 3 books or aren't finished yet this question turned out to be pretty easy to answer! My favorite would be The O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson and a close second would be The Californians by Lori Wick

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Eylse McCord guided her Jeep down the gravel road for another slow pass. The white frame house on the corner lot hid it's secrets well. Just as the guy at the cafe said, the tall privacy fence didn't allow even a peek of the backyard. And driving back and forth all day wasn't going to change that. 
Cowgirl at Heart by Christine Lynwiler

My Thoughts
Intriguing beginning!

Afloat by Erin Healy

About the Book
Who will you trust when dark waters rise?
Eagle’s Talon is an architectural marvel—shining residential units afloat in a protected cove of the gorgeous Rondeau River. The project is nearly complete, partially occupied, and ready to make investors rich when a sinkhole gives way. Then torrential rains and a flood leave a ragged collection of builders, investors, and residents stranded in one floating building, cut off from the rest of the world.
They’re bitterly divided over what to do next.
Architect Vance Nolan insists they should sit tight and wait for rescue. Developer Tony Dean wants to strike out into the darkness. And single mom Danielle Clement, desperate to protect her young son, Simeon, struggles to hold their motley band together.
Power failure, a pall of unnatural daytime darkness, explosions in the distance, then a murder ratchet tensions to a boiling point. But Danielle’s young son, Simeon, has spotted something strange underwater—beautiful, shifting lights in the dark water below.
In this watery world where everyone’s secrets will eventually come to light, salvation may mean more than just getting out alive.
Another stunning exploration of the human spirit and supernatural possibilities from best-selling author Erin Healy.
Purchase a copy here.

My Thoughts
It's kinda hard to really give words to my thoughts about this book but here goes! The storyline was definitely unique and interesting. The beginning was rather slow and I had a hard time getting into the story but as it progressed it got better.  There were quite a few twists and turns along the way most of which I didn't see coming. The characters were insanely diverse and they were well written. Vance was by far my favorite, I loved how he was always trying to do what was best for everyone with little to no thought to himself. Overall it was intriguing read but not one that I think I'll read again.

About the Author
Erin Healy is the best-selling co-author of "Burn" and "Kiss" (with Ted Dekker) and an award-winning editor
for numerous best-selling authors. She has received wide acclaim for her novels "Never Let You Go", "The Baker's Wife", "House of Mercy", and "Afloat". She and her family live in Colorado. Erin can be contacted through her website ErinHealy.com or through Facebook at erinhealybooks.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Erin Healy is celebrating the release of her latest novel Afloat (Thomas Nelson) with an iPad Mini giveaway.

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini 
• iTunes gift card
• Afloat by Erin Healy 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 15th. Winner will be announced on Erin's blog on June 17th. Save the date and click HERE to see if YOU won the iPad Mini!

Don't miss a moment of the fun; ENTER today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Visit Erin's blog on the 17th!

Waiting on Wednesday #64: Trapped

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Trapped by Irene Hannon
Revell-September 1, 2013

About the Book

When librarian Laura Griffith's sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned PI James "Dev" Devlin to help. But the deeper he digs, the more he begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl's disappearance. And the closer he gets to uncovering the truth, the clearer it becomes that the situation isn't just dangerous--it's deadly.

Chilling and at times terrifying, Trapped is the latest thrilling read from Irene Hannon, the queen of romantic suspense. Hannon outdoes herself with this fast-paced tale of fear, deception, and just the right dose of romance.

Why I Want It

Well first off I want it simply because Irene Hannon is an amazing author, secondly I want it because Dev was awesome in Vanished, and lastly I want it because it sounds good!

Top Ten Book Spine Malfunctions/Pet Peeves

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

So I have this slight obsession with how a series looks together on my shelf, I like them to match perfectly. But quite often there are little things that keep series from looking uniform. Here are ten of the ones I see the most and that bother me. I have pictures of examples from my shelves but this in no way reflects my opinion of the books themselves!

 When a series has been republished several times so you end up with a hodge-podge of editions.

 When two books aren't a series but are connected yet their covers don't match.

 When the design is the same it's just not the same size on all of the books.

When all of the books are not the same size.

 When you have some in paperback and some in hardback.

 When one book just doesn't match the others and for no apparent reason.

 When some of the books are mass market and the others aren't.

 When the publisher changed the design after the first book came out.

 When an author's books aren't connected yet some match and some don't.

When you have ARC's and normal books.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #72

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:

After last week read-a-thon I slowed down a bit so I only managed to finish these two books this week but they were both really good!

What I am currently reading:

Halfway through both of these!

What I hope to read this week:

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #71 & Bout of Books 7.0 Wrap-Up
Follow the Heart by Kaye Dacus
Top Ten Book Covers of Books I've Read
Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck
Waiting on Wednesday #63: Love's Awakening
Beyond Heaven's Door by Max Lucado
Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

Friday Memes 5/24
Catch A Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt
Eyes on Him: Spring Love by Cynthia Marcano

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!

Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Eyes on Him: Spring Love by Cynthia Marcano

About the Book
Spring was the season of new beginnings. Flowers and romance were blooming and the excitement of Summer was looming. At least for Tamryn Davidson it was. Her Junior year at Barredale Christian Academy was coming to an end and the potential for Spring love filled the air, more than she could have imagined.
Her recent high school crush was constantly on her mind except when the new stranger in town was within view. High school drama was in full swing and the junior prom was hot topic of discussion amongst all the juniors.
As she balances school, friends, family and her Christian life, Tamryn confronts life as a teenager with her heart being tugged in opposite directions. How will she decide who and what is right for her heart and her life?

My Thoughts
This was a really cute YA story! The characters were fun and had me smiling a lot. Many of Tamyrn's exchanges with her brother I could easily see me having with my siblings and I loved how their love for each other showed even through their teasing. I really liked Tamyrn's character with the exclusion of her bad habit of jumping to conclusions and then refusing to let the person explain-that drove me crazy. And the last thing I need to mention is the fact that this book really needs a lot of editing, and I mean a lot. I feel like if that got fixed this book would be a million times better but if you can look past that this book really is a great read!

About the Author
Cynthia Marcano was born and raised in New Jersey. In 2003 she became the happy wife of Phil. She is the
loving mother of Cailyn and Christian. In 2008, she was born again and has happily served God since. She and her family are faithful members of their local church and serve devotedly since 2009, where they serve as Marriage Ministry directors and Cynthia as a teacher. Since giving her life to Christ, she has been in love with clean, romance novels like those of Jane Austen, exposing herself only to movies and books that promote lifestyles pleasing to God. In 2011, she became the bible study teacher of high school girls and found that more than ever she wanted to help promote a Christian lifestyle in all genres of life including romance novels. With the inspiration of her student and niece, she embarked on bringing clean Christian romance novels to teen girls.


I received this book free from the author in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Catch A Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt

About the Book
Is life about accomplishing plans . . . or wishes coming true . . . or something more?
Dr. Kendall Haynes’s plans to have it all—a career, a husband, a family—are eluding her. Now that she’s thirty-six, she needs to stop wishing upon a star and face reality: Some dreams just never come true.
Air Force pilot Griffin Walker prefers flying solo in the air and on the ground—until a dangerous choice ejects him from the cockpit. His life becomes even more complicated after the sudden death of his parents makes him the guardian of his sixteen-year-old brother. There’s no way his life will ever get back on course now.
When their lives collide during a near tragedy, Kendall and Griffin must decide if they can embrace the unexpected changes God has waiting for them.

My Thoughts
Having heard many good things about this author's first book, when this one came up for review I jumped at the chance to review it. The characters were all very interesting and unique as were their stories. I don't think I've ever read about a character who was an allergy doctor so that was neat and was made even more so due to the fact that my younger siblings all have allergies of some sort. I really like Kendall's personality and her way with people. Griffin was probably the most interesting of all of the characters, with how much he had dealt with and was dealing with, but I liked how he turned out. (For some reason, even though I'd seen that the author used Mark Harmon as the model for him, I couldn't get the image of Dermot Mulroney out of my head the whole time I was reading so that is forever how I will imagine him!) The plot was also very well done and kept me guessing as to how it was going to turn out.


About the Author
Beth K. Vogt is a nonfiction author and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an air force physician who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four who said she’d never have kids. She’s discovered that God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Celebrate the release of Catch a Falling Star (Howard Books) with Beth K. Vogt by entering to win a Romantic Weekend Getaway and RSVPing for her June 4th Author Chat Party.

  One "lucky" winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Perfect for a weekend stay at a hotel or B&B!)
• Catch a Falling Star and Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt (Swoon-worthy!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Catch a Falling Star" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 4th. Connect with Beth for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Beth will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Catch a Falling Star and join Beth on the evening of June 4th 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 4th!

Friday Memes 5/24

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Have you ever been to BEA?

My Answer:

Nope!

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

The wetsuit and the water are black, and after the man slips into both, he seems to vanish from the world. He has come on a starless night to avoid being seen, to hide a few containers where they won't be found. 

My Thoughts
This guy is definitely up to something bad! So many questions come as you read this; Who is he? Why doesn't he want to be seen? What's in the containers? 

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

About the Book
When Meg Cole's father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted--more interested in art than in oil--she's forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father's empire.
The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father's thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.
Bo's determined to resent the woman who's decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them--her wealth, his unworthiness, her family's outrage--and earn the right to love her.
But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg's past. Can their love--and their belief that God can work through every circumstance--survive?

My Thoughts 
So this review is rather hard to write, partially because I couldn't finish this book but mainly because I can't figure out why. I read Becky Wade's first novel last year and liked it so I was interested to read her newest book. That being said as I started to read I just could not get into it no matter how hard I tried. I can't put my finger on why I wasn't enjoying  it I just wasn't. And I'm really the only one with this opinion which confuses me all the more. Because honestly it appears that everyone else is loving it. So please don't just take my opinion and go check out some of the other great reviews!

About the Author
Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas. Learn more at www.beckywade.com.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


Becky Wade is celebrating her latest swoon-worthy novel, Undeniably Yours (Bethany House), with a Kindle Fire giveaway and hosting an Author Chat party on Facebook {5/29}!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Undeniably Yours and My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Undeniably Yours" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 29th. Connect with Becky for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Becky will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Undeniably Yours and join Becky on the evening of May 29th 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 29th!

Beyond Heaven's Door by Max Lucado

About the Book

Thoughts of heaven can be unsettling. Life with no end? Space with no bounds? Are we supposed to feel good about these things?
Bestselling author Max Lucado assures us that we can. There is much about heaven that we don't yet understand. And while thoughts on our final destiny may stir questions, they needn't stir our fears.
In Beyond Heaven's Door Max takes us on a journey from finding certainty in our destination to God's great promises of the hereafter. Open the door and catch a glimpse of the joy that awaits you in heaven—and find hope for today in the process.

My Thoughts
This book was really good! Having been raised in a Christian home and finding Christ at an early age Heaven has always been an accepted fact for me. But even though I've heard about it my whole life this book really helped pull it all together. I would highly recommend this book for long-time Christians, new believers, and even those who don't know where they stand. If you've ever wondered about what will happen when you get to heaven this book is the perfect book to help answer your questions!

About the Author
More than 100 million readers have found comfort in the writings of Max Lucado. He ministers at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt, Andy.


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Waiting on Wednesday #63: Love's Awakening

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz
Revell-September 15, 2013

About the Book

Ellie Ballantyne, youngest child of Silas and Eden, has left finishing school. But back at her family home in Pittsburgh, Ellie finds that her parents are away on a long trip and her siblings don't seem to want her to stay. When she opens a day school for young ladies, she begins tutoring the incorrigible daughter of the enemy Turlock clan. The Turlocks are slaveholders and whiskey magnates, envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly tangled with the Turlocks, she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future--and Jack Turlock, a young man striving to free himself from his family's violent legacy. How can she betray her family and side with the enemy? And will Jack ever allow her into his world?

Why I Want It

 I loved Love's Reckoning as well as the other Laura Frantz book I read so I'm really looking forward to reading this story!

Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck

About the Book
Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.
The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon's Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family's tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aid under the fabled Lover's Oak, he is blindsided by love.
Their lives are worlds apart. He's a royal prince. She's a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel's coronation.
It's the ultimate choice. His kingdom or her heart? God's will or their own?
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/kFb0Y

Watch the Trailer:


My Thoughts
I was very excited about this book when I first heard about it. I loved the synopsis and the cover and I enjoyed the author's previous book, so I was set to fall in love. And I was not disappointed! Though the circumstances were a little different this book really reminded me of The Princess by Lori Wick which I love, so that was cool!
I absolutely loved all the characters (well except one but we weren't supposed to like her!). Nathaniel was completely awesome and I think one of my favorite things about him was how even though he was a prince about to become king he never acted better than anyone and wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. Susanna was also great and I loved how she was always putting others above herself. The secondary characters were really fun especially Susanna's family.
I loved how the story played out in a realistic manner and was believable while still giving the feeling of a fairy-tale! Another thing I just wanted to mention was that I've seen a couple other reviews that said that there was a little too much of the kingdom's politics in the book but I didn't find that to be the case and felt like it was well balanced!


About the Author
Rachel Hauck is the bestselling author of Carol Award winner "Sweet Caroline", and RITA Finalist "Love
Starts With Elle", and of the critically acclaimed fiction collaboration with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, "The Songbird Novels". She lives in sunny, though sometimes hurricane plagued, central Florida with her husband and their ornery pets. Rachel earned a degree in Journalism from Ohio State University and is a huge Buckeyes football fan. She is the past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and now sits on the board as an Advisor.
Find out more about Rachel at: http://RachelHauck.com


I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of Once Upon a Prince with a fun "Royal Wedding" Giveaway and connecting with readers at her May 28th Facebook Party.

One "royal" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Once Upon a Prince" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 28th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of book chat, wedding trivia, laughter, and more! Rachel will also be sharing a sneak peek at the next book in the series and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Once Upon a Prince and join Rachel on the evening of May 28th 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 28th!