Experiencing Some Technical Difficulties

During a recent thunderstorm, lightning struck near my parents' house, and now they are without internet at least until Tuesday. As a result, Abbi won't be able to update this blog for the next couple of days. :( She'll put up any scheduled posts once she's back on!

Hope you all are having a great weekend!

A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano

About the Book
Miss Arabella Beckett has one driving passion: to help the downtrodden women of America. Naturally, she supports the women's suffrage movement and eagerly attends rallies and lectures across the country. On her travels, she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need that goes sadly awry and lands both ladies in more trouble than they can manage. An independent sort, Arabella is loath to admit she needs help and certainly doesn't need help from an arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor.
Mr. Theodore Wilder, private investigator extraordinaire, is on a mission. A mission that began as a favor to his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across the country. By the time he finally tracks down Hamilton's sister, Arabella, he is in a less than pleasant mood. When the lady turns out to have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he soon finds himself at his wit's end.

When they return home to New York, circumstances force their paths to continue to cross, but the most peculiar feelings growing between them certainly can't be love. When the trouble Arabella had accidentally stirred up seems to have followed her to New York and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance of all: love.

My Thoughts
After absolutely loving Jen Turano's novella and first book last year I had extremely high expectations for this book. And it surpassed every one! I loved A Most Peculiar Circumstance as much as A Change of Fortune if not more than! We didn't really get to meet Arabella in the last book but there were some comments about her and the fact that she and Theodore would be quiet fun together and they were! I loved their interactions and banter. Theodore was an awesome hero, funny, smart, kind (when he wanted to be), and just generally a great guy! Arabella was cool too with her perfect mix of sass and sweetness. I also loved the secondary characters many of which were also in A Change of Fortune and it was cool to see them again. Some of my favorites were Agatha and Zayne (can't wait for their story!) and Theodore's grandparents. They were awesome and it was cool how similar they were to Theodore and Arabella. I really want to read the story of how they met because the hints we got sounded so good. (Jen Turano, please write their story!!) There were quite a few things I didn't see coming and the ending was great. So in summary I absolutely adored this book and HIGHLY recommend it, but you should definitely read A Change of Fortune first!
*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.


About the Author
Jen Turano, author of A Change of Fortune, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in
Clothing and Textiles. When she's not writing, Jen can be found watching her teenage son participate in various activities, taking long walks with her husband and dog, socializing with friends, or delving into a good book. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.

Learn more at www.jenturano.com.

Friday Memes 6/28

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

So would you read a book just because of the hype?

My Answer:

I wouldn't read a book just because of the hype, but if there was a bunch of hype I'd look it up, check and see if it was clean and/or sounded like something I'd want to read. 

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."

Crowds swarmed around and jostled against the Whittaker carriage, slowing its progress from a trot to a crawl. Thick, oily smoke from torches penetrated the interior. Velvet curtains and cushions reeking of pitch felt ready to smother Miss Cassandra Bainbridge, who was already hot on this August night.
Flight of Fancy by Laurie Alice Eakes

My Thoughts
Beautifully worded beginning that makes you curious!

Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Paige Torn Think (May 1, 2013) by Erynn Mangum
MY THOUGHTS:
I have been hearing about how good Erynn Mangum's books are for quite awhile now so when this one came up for review I jumped at the chance to read it. My friends were right in saying this author is good! I absolutely loved this book! Paige was a great character that I really could relate to, there were so many things we had in common! I love when I find books like that! The other characters were also pretty cool especially Tyler. He was such an awesome guy, and really he's perfect for Paige! I could not believe all the things Paige had going in her life! Just reading about it was making me slightly crazy, though I could relate to her difficulty with saying no. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can't wait for book two!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A few things about her: So, if we were having this conversation in person, we would probably be hanging out at Starbucks or one of the cute coffeehouses in town. I’m nuts about all things coffee, I’m crazy about all things pink and girly, and I love, love, love the Food Network! I’m married to my best friend and the most amazing guy ever, Jon. He is amiable toward coffee, does not like anything pink or girly and tolerates the Food Network. So, we make a good match! In July 2010, we became parents to one of the funniest, cutest, sweetest little guys in the whole world (and nope, we aren’t biased at all!), our Nater-Tot, who is legally known as Nathan. Most days, I’m cleaning up messes, making goofy faces, trying to fit some writing in, and just LOVING the life that God has given me!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Everyone knows they can count on Paige Alder. But between volunteering at church, putting in overtime at work, and helping her best friend plan an anniversary party, she's lucky to grab a cheese stick for dinner. Paige can't even remember the last time she had a few minutes to relax or dig into God's Word. Then she meets laid-back Tyler, an attractive, Jesus-loving guy. Will he be able to help Paige get her priorities on track?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Paige Torn, go HERE.

Waiting on Wednesday #68: A Bride For Keeps

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:

A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears
Bethany House-October 1, 2013

About the Book

Although Everett Cline can hardly keep up with the demands of his homestead, he won't humiliate himself by looking for a helpmate ever again--not after being jilted by three mail-order brides. When a well-meaning neighbor goes behind his back to bring yet another mail-order bride to town, he has good reason to doubt it will work, especially after getting a glimpse at the woman in question. She's the prettiest woman he's ever seen, and it's just not possible she's there to marry a simple homesteader like him.

Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. Having finally worked up the courage to leave her life in Massachusetts, she's determined to find a place where people will value her for more than her looks. Having run out of all other options, Julia resorts to a mail-order marriage in far-away Kansas.

Everett is skeptical a cultured woman like Julia could be happy in a life on the plains, while Julia, deeply wounded by a past relationship, is skittish at the idea of marriage at all. When, despite their hesitations, they agree to a marriage in name only, neither one is prepared for the feelings that soon arise to complicate their arrangement. Can two people accustomed to keeping their distance let the barricades around their hearts down long enough to fall in love?

Why I Want It

This sounds like such a fun book and I've seen the author around the blogging world and I'm looking forward to reading her debut novel!

Pieces of the Heart by Bonnie S. Calhoun

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Pieces of the Heart Abingdon Press (June 1, 2013) by Bonnie S. Calhoun
This book wasn't quite my cup of tea and I didn't end up finishing it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bonnie S. Calhoun is Owner/Director of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, owner/publisher of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Northeast Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the ACFW ‘2011 Mentor of the Year,” President of (CAN) Christian Authors Network, and Appointment Coordinator for both the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC) and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference(GPCWC).

For the last six years she has taught workshops in Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, and creating Social Media promotions at both CCWC, and GPCWC, and in 2011 at the Montrose, Pa Christian Writers Conference. She also taught a Facebook workshop at the 2012 ACFW conference.

Bonnie and her husband live in a log cabin in upstate area of New York with a dog and cat who think she’s wait-staff.

Her sites are: https://www.facebook.com/bonniescalhounsnarkandsuspense
 https://www.facebook.com/bscalhoun

 ABOUT THE BOOK

Cordelia Grace watched Bernard Howard, the love of her young life, go off to fight for our country in WWII. And she has spent the last three years creating the Pine Cone quilt that will grace their marriage bed when he comes home. Each row of triangles signifies a layer in her life, sets of memories, hopes, dreams, and prayers for her future, enough spoken words to cover them forever. Her image of their “happy-ever-after” grows proportionally as the quilt expands.

But is the man that returns from the war, the same man that she remembered? Are the dark shades of color that she had to use for the outside edges of the beloved quilt prophetic of her life to come? Can love and faith overcome all?

If you would like to read teh first chapter of Pieces of the Heart, go HERE.

Top Twenty+ Books I've Read So Far in 2013

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

So I tried to pick my top ten books but since I've read 123 so far this year 50 some of which I've given 5 stars to. So I decided instead to do top ten historical and top ten contemporary though I fudge a couple by counting a series as one!

Historical Top Ten

Grave Consequences by Lisa T. Bergren
The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson
A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund
A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano
Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker
Duchess by Susan May Warren
Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White
A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin
A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin
Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Contemporary Top Ten-ish

Talon by Ronie Kendig

The Homelanders by Andrew Klaven

When A Heart Stops by Lynette Eason

When A Secret Kills by Lynette Eason

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter

Vanished by Irene Hannon

A Katie Parker Production by Jenny B. Jones

Lethal Legacy by Irene Hannon

Weddings by Bella by Janice Thompson

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #76

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:

I had a great week of reading! So many good books but my favorite was definitely A Most Peculiar Circumstance!

What I am currently reading:

Enjoying Inside Story, Life in Spite of me is really good, and while not my genre Keeper of Reign is still good!

What I hope to read this week:

All of these are pretty quick reads so I'm hoping to get through them all this week!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #75
Top Ten Books on My Summer TBR List
Waiting on Wednesday #66: Glittering Promises
Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson

Friday Memes 6/21

Stacking the Shelves #28

Sunday Songs #3

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!

Sunday Songs #3

I am always at a loss for what to post on Sunday's so I decided to make it a day to share some Christian music that I love!

Hello, My Name Is by Matthew West

Banner of Love by Luminate

Break My Heart by Jonny Diaz

Stacking the Shelves #28

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

  Books to Review
A Bride for All Seasons by Mary Connealy, Debra Clopton, Robin Lee Hatcher,& Margaret Brownley
Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum
Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson
A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turnao
Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

Books I Was Given
Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James

Books I Bought
Life in Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson

Kindle Books
The New Recruit by Jill Williamson
The Five Kisses by Karla Darcy
Keeper of Reign by Emma Right
The Remedy by Serena Chase
The Ryn by Serena Chase
Listen by Rene Gutteridge
A British Bride by Agreement by Therese Stenzel
Fairchild's Lady by Roseanna M. White
Blowing on Dandelions by Miralee Ferrell
Bound by Guilt by C.J. Darlington
Lily by Diane T. Ashley and Aaron McCarver
The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall
Mail Order Millie by Katie Crabapple
Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway
Claim by Lisa T. Bergren
If the Shoe Fits by Sandra D. Bricker
Six Miles From Nashville by Elaine Littau
Deployed by Mel Odom
Ripples Along the Shore by Mona Hodgson
The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet by Stephanie Morril (Won from Writings of Rosie)

I Really Do Miss Your Smile by Susan May Warren

Friday Memes 6/21

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

When you are writing your reviews, do you write them as you are reading or wait until you are completely done with the book?

My Answer:

I typically wait till I am completely done with a book before starting my review though I have occasionally written things down while reading!

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."

Miss Arabella Beckett had always been proud of the fact that she'd never ended up in jail. She could no longer make that claim.
A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano

My Thoughts
A fun and intriguing beginning! Makes you curious as to how she ended up in jail! (Which is quite the amusing story btw!)

Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel B&H Publishing Group (April 30, 2013) by Melody Carlson
MY THOUGHTS
I have read over 30 of Melody Carlson's teen novels but this was my first of her adult fiction. I wasn't sure, going in, how much I'd like it but I shouldn't have worried since I enjoyed it as much as her teen ones! Daphne was a great character and even though we never actually met Aunt Dee she sounded like she was a fun person to know. The conditions of the will and the secrets it revealed were quite interesting but I'm not going to spoil them for you. I loved the whole small town setting and the characters that came with it were quite entertaining. There were quite a few surprises along the way and I don't want to say anything that might give them away so I'm going to end by saying that this was a fun book that I definitely recommend!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.

ABOUT THE BOOK

With high hopes, Daphne Ballinger lands her dream job at The New York Times. But it's not long until writing about weddings becomes a painful reminder of her own failed romance, and her love of the city slowly sours as well. Is it time to give up the Big Apple for her small hometown of Appleton?

When her eccentric Aunt Dee passes away and leaves a sizeable estate to Daphne, going back home is an easy choice. What isn’t easy is coming to terms with the downright odd clauses written into the will.

Daphne only stands to inherit the estate if she agrees to her aunt's very specific posthumous terms -- personal and professional. And if she fails to comply, the sprawling old Victorian house shall be bequeathed to . . . Aunt Dee’s cats.

And if Daphne thinks that’s odd, wait until she finds out an array of secrets about Aunt Dee's life, and how imperfect circumstances can sometimes lead to God's perfect timing.

If you would liketo read the first chapter of Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel, go HERE.

Waiting on Wednesday #67: Glittering Promises

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:

Glittering Promises by Lisa T. Bergren
David C. Cook-October 1, 2013

About the Book

Lisa T. Bergren’s popular Grand Tour series concludes as Cora Kensington journeys farther into Italy, wrestles with a terrible ultimatum from her father, and comes to terms with the Father who will never fail her.

America’s newest heiress must decide if her potential fortune is rationale enough to give up her freedom and all that God is leading her toward. And when her newly-discovered siblings are threatened with ruin, her quandary deepens. Then as Cora nears Rome, more journalists are track the news story of the decade—“Copper Cora,” the rags-to-riches girl—and want to know more about her family and the men vying for her attention. Meanwhile, a charming Italian countess decides that if Cora isn’t going to claim Will’s heart, she might just try...

Why I Want It

Lisa T. Bergren is an amazing author and I have been loving this series so I am really excited to finally have the end of the story! Can't wait!

Top Ten Books On My Summer TBR List

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

#1. Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin
#2. A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano
#3. With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin
#4. Anomaly by Krista McGee
#5. Whispers from the Shadows by Roseanna M. White
#6. Widow of Gettysburg by Jocelyn Green
#7. Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James
#8. The Preacher's Bride by Laurie Kingery
#9. Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum
#10. Flight of Fancy by Laurie Alice Eakes

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #75

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:

I had such a great week of reading! The first two I absolutely loved, the second two I really enjoyed, and the last two were just good!

What I am currently reading:

So far so good!

What I hope to read this week:

Looking forward to all three of these!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #74
Top Ten Beach Reads
Waiting on Wednesday #65: Whispers From the Shadows
Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter
A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

Friday Memes 6/14

Sunday Songs #2

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!

Sunday Songs #2

I am always at a loss for what to post on Sunday's so I decided to make it a day to share some Christian music that I love!

Somebody Tell Them by City Harbor

Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) by Chris Tomlin

Pushing Back the Dark by Josh Wilson

Friday Memes 6/14

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

What is your favorite genre? (genre that you read the most) - Recommend a book!

My Answer:

I'd have to say that Historical Fiction is probably my most read genre and Westerns would be my favorite sub-genre! If I were to pick a Western book to recommend to you it would definitely be Mary Connealy's books!

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."

Old man Hank Applegate should have known trouble was brewing the moment the stagecoach thundered into town one week and two days late.
A Suitor for Jenny by Margaret Brownley

My Thoughts
Good start! Makes you wonder what the trouble is!

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

About the Book
Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge--until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she carries a shameful secret that keeps her from giving her heart to any man. As the danger and tension of World War II rise to a fever pitch, Jack and Ruth will need each other more than ever. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

My Thoughts
Because I adored the first book in this series, A Distant Melody, this book had to meet some very high expectations which turned out to be no problem for it since it met them all with excellence! A Distant Melody is probably my favorite of the two, simply due to the fact that I liked Walter and Allie a little more than Jack and Ruth. But favorites aside this book was just as good as the first one! It amazed me once again, this author's uncanny ability to weave a beautiful story that touched all of my emotions. I was crying, laughing, yelling in anger/frustration, sitting on the edge of my seat in fear, and so much more. The characters were so well written that I felt everything they did. There are very few books that can capture my emotions so fully but Sarah Sundin's definitely do. Jack occasionally made me mad with his actions and other times made my heart melt but watching him mature and learn to rely on God was really cool, and the man he was at the end of the book was a true hero. Ruth's life was a hard one but I loved how she never gave up and kept pushing on, despite all that was going against her. She didn't deserve so much of what happened to her, and more than once I wanted to smack someone for what they did to her. It's hard to put into words just how amazing these books are and my words hardly do them justice. So you should definitely check them out and experience it all for yourself.
I made a playlist on grooveshark with all of the songs mentioned in this book so if you want a soundtrack while you read, check it out! A Memory Between Us Grooveshark Playlist

About the Author
Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. The Wings of the
Nightingale series (With Every Letter, 2012, On Distant Shores, August 2013, and In Perfect Time, August 2014) follows three World War II flight nurses as they find love, friendship, and peril in the skies and on the shores of the Mediterranean. The Wings of Glory series (A Distant Melody, A Memory Between Us, and Blue Skies Tomorrow) follows three brothers who are B-17 bomber pilots during World War II.

Sundin lives in northern California with her husband, three children, an antisocial cat, and a yellow lab bent on destroying her writing career. When she isn't driving kids to tennis and karate, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist and teaches Sunday school and women's Bible studies. She belongs to American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Authors Network, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. In 2011 she received the Writer of the Year Award from the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A Memory Between Us was a finalist in the Inspirational Readers Choice Awards and was featured on Booklist's Top Ten Inspirational Fiction List for 2010. Please visit Sarah's website at http://www.sarahsundin.com

Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

About the Book
Madison’s heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.
In the years since her twin brother’s drowning, Madison McKinley has struggled to put it behind her. Despite the support of her close-knit family and her gratifying job as a veterinarian in their riverside town, the loss still haunts her.
To find closure, Madison sets out to fulfill her brother’s dream of winning the town’s annual regatta. But first she has to learn to sail, and fast.
Beckett O’Reilly knows Madison is out of his league, but someone neglected to tell his heart. Now she needs his help—and he’ll give it, because he owes her far more than she’ll ever know.
Madison will do anything—even work with the infamous Beckett O’Reilly—to reach her goal. And as much as she’d like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying. As summer wanes, her feelings for him grow and a fledgling faith takes root in her heart.
But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their new love. Can their romance survive summer’s challenges? And will achieving her brother’s dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?

My Thoughts
I have enjoyed every book that I've read on Denise Hunter's and Barefoot Summer was no different. Due to a lack of planning on my part I ended up just starting this book last night and since my review was due today I finished it within a twelve hour window. But even if I hadn't been rushed this book would have been hard to put down. This author has a talent for coming up with rather unique story ideas and this book definitely qualified. The sailing aspect was really cool and something I don't think I've seen before. I loved both of the main characters a lot. Beckett (I really like that name btw) was the former not-so-bad "bad boy" who grew up to be a rather remarkable guy. I loved watching him interact with his family members and his care for them no matter how difficult they were, his selflessness was definitely something to be admired. Madison was one of those characters who your heart broke for and I could really feel her emotions. From the raw pain she couldn't shake to the love for Beckett that she was afraid to acknowledge, it all just felt so real. Normally when characters have feelings for each other but are afraid of revealing them it can drive me a little crazy but it worked perfectly in this story and I actually liked that aspect. Overall this book was beautiful and I highly recommend it!

About the Author
Denise Hunter is the nationally published bestselling author of The Convenient Groom and The Trouble with
Cowboys. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.
In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
When Denise isn't writing she's busy raising three heroes-in-the making with her husband.

You can learn more about Denise through her website www.DeniseHunterBooks.com or by visiting her FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/authordenisehunter

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.

Denise Hunter is celebrating her new Chapel Springs Romance series with a Summer Fun Giveaway. The first book, Barefoot Summer, is already a favorite with readers. “Hold-your-breath romance, heartache, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s more than a good read. It’s a delight.” -- Lisa

Summer: it’s all about sunny skies, star-gazing, swimming, spending time with loved ones, and living as if a small part of the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.

Get ready for some serious summer fun with Denise’s 12-Day Summer Sun giveaway. From June 10-21, keep your computer near as you head to the lake or your friend’s barbecue because Denise will be giving away a summer essential each day!

Waiting on Wednesday #66: Whispers from the Shadows

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:

Whispers from the Shadows by Roseanna M. White
Harvest House-August 1, 2013

About the Book

This exciting and adventurous romantic spy novel is the second book in a new series from Roseanna M. White. Whispers from the Shadows combines fascinating cloak-and-dagger secrets with a tale of love and intrigue during the War of 1812.

Treachery causes Gwyneth Fairchild's world to crumble. The daughter of a British general, she barely saves her life by fleeing London aboard a ship to America. Her goal is to find refuge with the Lane family in Maryland, having been told by her father she could implicitly trust Winter and Bennet Lane, even though their nations are once again at war. After meeting their son, Thad, she wonders how safe she truly is when she discovers that the Lanes trade in a dangerous commodity--espionage.

Not long after Gwyneth finds refuge in his city, Thad Lane experiences the tug of love, though he fears it may blur lines of loyalty. With family playing the part of enemies and enemies proving themselves friends, a future with Gwyn is uncertain. But at this moment, with the British advancing on Washington and Baltimore, they have only their shared faith in God as a shield about them.

Why I Want It

So I literally just finished reading the first book in this series as well as the novella between the two books and I absolutely loved them both! I had put off reading the summary of this book so that nothing would be accidentally spoiled (you never know) so I just discovered who exactly this book is about and I am crazy over-the-moon excited! I was anxious to read this book before but now I can't wait! It sounds so good!!!

Top Ten Beach Reads

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

For me a beach read is a fun light book that makes me happy, so usually to hit all of those I turn to YA so this list will mostly be compiled of that genre.

#1. River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren
#2. Jenny B. Jones's books
#3. Hollywood Nobody Series by Lisa Samson
#4. Gallagher Girls and Heist Society Series by Ally Carter*
#5. Melanie Dickerson's books
#6. Melody Carlson's teen books
#7. Mary Connealy's books
#8. Shelley Adina's books
#9. Weddings by Bella Series by Janice Thompson
#10. Much Ado About Nothing by Shakespeare
*Not Christian but clean!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #74

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:

Not a great reading week but not too bad!

What I am currently reading:

Loving all three of these books!

What I hope to read this week:

Yeah I didn't get around to reading any of these this week but I'm going to try again!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #73
Bleeding Heart by Amber Stokes Cover Reveal and Giveaway
Top Ten Books Featuring Travel in Some Way
Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer 
Waiting on Wednesday #65: A Talent for Trouble
Tips, Suggestions, and Opinions Wanted
Ripples Along the Shore by Mona Hodgson

Friday Memes 6/7

Sunday Songs #1

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!

Sunday Songs #1

I am always at a loss for what to post on Sunday's so I decided to make it a day to share some Christian music that I am currently loving!

How Sweet the Sound by Citizen Way

All I Can Do (Thank You) by MIKESCHAIR

Words by Hawk Nelson

Friday Memes 6/7

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

What is your favorite trilogy?

My Answer:

Well since most series these days are trilogies this question is a little harder. Some of my favorite authors who have trilogies are (My favorite trilogy of theirs is in parentheses): Susan May Warren (Team Hope), Mary Connealy(Montana Marriages), Irene Hannon (Guardian's of Justice), and Jenny B. Jones (The Charmed Life & A Katie Parker Production).

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."

Let innocence be your mask. Winter Reeves swished her ivory lace fan and gave Colonel Fairchild the same practiced smile she always did. She squelched the response that wanted to escape, forbade her eyes from so much as flashing. Perhaps her gaze wandered, but he would only think her bored. He thought her very easily bored.
Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White

My Thoughts
A very intriguing beginning! I love how you can tell that she's really rather smart but is just playing the simple girl. Th way it's written is very beautiful too!