Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson

About the Book
Small-town girl Katie Fisher is planning her wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? But when her boyfriend breaks up with her and takes a job in another town--the very same day Katie wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Should she claim her prize? And will the hunky former pro-basketball player who runs the swanky Dallas bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--catch on to her humiliation if she does?
Janice Thompson designs a romance sure to delight, with plenty of fish-out-of-water moments, a hilarious supporting cast, and more of the wedding biz world her readers adore.

My Thoughts
I can pretty much always count on Janice Thompson for a light and fun read and this book was no different! The characters were all a bit crazy which of course made them hysterical and lovable! I enjoyed watching Katie and Brady's relationship blossom and they were adorable. Though we only really got a teaser for it so I am glad the next book is a continuation of their story! I loved all of the random hi-jinks that occurred and the fun of seeing small town people discover and learn to love the big city. Everything about this book was fun, simple, and light and if you're in the mood for a laugh I definitely recommend it!

Meet the Author
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series, the Backstage Pass series, and the Weddings by Design series. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.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.

Waiting on Wednesday #159: The Choosing

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:

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker
Tyndale House-May 19, 2015

About the Book

Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for―her Choosing ceremony―to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.

But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. Though the whispers contradict everything she’s been told, they resonate deep within.

Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.

Why I Want It

I am a big dystopian fan and this one sounds like it will be amazing!

Bout of Books 13: Sign-Up

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 11th and runs through Sunday, May 17th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 13 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. 
- From the Bout of Books team

So excited to participate in this fun read-a-thon once again!

Top Ten Books Which Feature Characters Who Are/Were in the Military

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

So this week's post took me forever to put together! First I had to settle on a topic then find ten characters to fit that topic! I finally went with guys who had been in the military! These are not in any order! And yes there are a bunch of author repeats but I can't help it if certain authors write brilliant military heroes!


Novak Brothers-Wings of Glory Series by Sarah Sundin

Dean Watters-Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

Roger Cooper-In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin

Heath Daniel-Trinity by Ronie Kendig

Tony VanAllen-Beowulf by Ronie Kendig

Canyon Metcalfe-Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig

Sam Houston-True Honor by Dee Henderson

Mac McGregor-Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon

Aric von Schmidt-For Such A Time by Kate Breslin

Stephen Stratton-How to Catch A Prince by Rachel Hauck

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #171

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:

Finally got some reading in! Double Cross started slow but got better and I loved the other two!

What I am currently reading:

Enjoying all of these!

What I hope to read this week:

Pretty sure the first two are the next up in my review books stack and I need to read To Whisper Her Name so I can read and review book two!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #170
Top Ten All Time Favorite Authors
Waiting on Wednesday #158: Taken
Double Cross by DiAnn Mills
A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron

Friday Memes 4/24

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!

Friday Memes 4/24

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Does the title of a book make or break your choice to read it? 

My Answer:

Really doesn't factor in at all!

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."

That whole thing about being a big fish in a small pond is more than just a saying, at least in my neck of the woods. when you grow up in a sweeter-than-peaches town like Fairfield, Texas, you find yourself captivated by the love of family, friends, and neighbors.
Every Bride Needs A Groom by Janice Thompson

My Thoughts
Sweet and kinda amusing!

A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron

About the Book
Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor's story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.
Present Day—With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she's stumbled into a charmed life—until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she’s planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.
1942—Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.
Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

My Thoughts
Last year I discovered the beautiful gem that was Kristy Cambron's debut release The Butterfly and the Violin and I fell in love. So I absolutely couldn't wait to read her sophomore novel and thankfully I loved it just as much as the first one! This author has a brilliantly beautiful way of weaving past and present while keeping you fully engaged in both stories. I loved reading about the next part of William and Sera's story and watching them work through the problems life gave them as they cemented their relationship. But my favorite part was of course the WWII story. I loved Kája and admired her bravery as she risked her own life to save the lives of those she loved, the same could be said of Liam though we didn't get as much of his story. It is always painful to read about the realities of Nazi prison camps but it's good to have the reminder that such horrors happened and that we should do everything in our power to stop it from happening again.
Both stories were wonderful and I didn't want to put the book down! I loved every second and I highly recommend it!

Meet the Author
Kristy Cambron fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her debut novel, THE BUTTERFLY AND THE VIOLIN (Thomas Nelson) was named to Library Journal Reviews' and RT Reviewers' Choice Awards lists of Best Inspirational Novels of 2014. Her second novel, A SPARROW IN TEREZIN (Hidden Masterpiece #2), was selected as Library Journal's February 2015 Pick of the Month (Christian fiction), and will release from Thomas Nelson in April, 2015.
Kristy holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University, and has nearly 15 years of experience in instructional design and corporate communications for a Fortune-100 Company. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good Christian fiction read.
Website: kristycambron.com Twitter: @KCambronAuthor Facebook: Kristy-Cambron

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.

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection in Kristy Cambron's new book, A Sparrow in Terezin. Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A set of poppy notecards
• A poppy pin
• A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly
• A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD
• Literary tea bags
• Tumbler
• A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy's blog.



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Double Cross by DiAnn Mills

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Double Cross Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (April 1, 2015) by Diann Mills

MY THOUGHTS:
This book took me a little while to get into-the story started off a bit disjointed and slow-and I almost stopped reading but then I read a review that said it got good about 80 pages in. So I decided to read that far and thankfully the reviewer was right and the story did pick up enough that I was able to not only finish the book but also enjoy it.
The author did a great job of keeping me guessing throughout the story as to who could be trusted and who couldn't. And after the initial slowness I was caught up in the plot and kept turning pages to see what would happen next.
All of the characters were pretty great from Laurel and Daniel to Abby and Earl, and I enjoyed watching their stories play out. I especially loved the enduring love that Abby and Earl shared. Laurel and Daniel's relationship didn't always make sense/flow right but in the end it all worked out.
In short this was an entertaining romantic suspense!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at her website.

ABOUT THE BOOK

FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead. Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon. As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Double Cross, go HERE.

Waiting on Wednesday #158: Taken

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:

Taken by Dee Henderson
Bethany House-April 28, 2015

About the Book

An investigator who knows tragic loss firsthand, 

and his new client, missing far too long...

Abducted at the age of sixteen and coerced into assisting the Jacoby crime family, Shannon Bliss has finally found a way out. She desperately wants to resume some semblance of normal life, but she also knows she has some unfinished business to attend to. She might have enough evidence to put her captors behind bars for a very long time. 

When Shannon contacts private investigator Matthew Dane, a former cop, to help her navigate her reentry into society, he quickly discovers that gaining her freedom doesn't mean her troubles are over. If the Jacoby family learns she is still alive, they'll stop at nothing to silence her.

If justice is to be done, and if Shannon's life is ever to get on track again, Matthew will need to discover exactly what happened to her--even if it means stirring up a hornet's nest of secrets.

Why I Want It

I am a huge fan of Dee's O'Malley and Uncommon Heroes series and though I was disappointed with Full Disclosure I love her writing enough to give this one a chance!

Top Ten All Time Favorite Authors

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

#1. Julie Lessman

#2. Melissa Tagg

#3. Susan May Warren

#4. Ronie Kendig

#5. Sarah Sundin

#6. Dani Pettrey

#7. Mary Connealy

#8. Karen Witemeyer

#9. Jen Turano

#10. Irene Hannon

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #170

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:

Sadly I didn't finish any books last week! Part of it was busyness, part of it was lack of sleep, and most of it was that I watched way to much of How I Met Your Mother.

What I am currently reading:

Enjoying Season of Fire and Out of the Storm! I've only read Grace Like Rain from the collection but I loved it! And You're Loved No Matter What has been an amazing read!

What I hope to read this week:

My next two review books!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #169
Top Ten TV Comedies
The Creole Princess by Beth White
Waiting on Wednesday #157: The Art of Losing Yourself
Grace Like Rain by Julie Lessman

Friday Memes 4/17

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!

Friday Memes 4/17

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Ending a book I loved is sad and beginning a new one is apprehensive for me. What about you? 

My Answer:

I always hate ending a book I love but I also love starting a new book!

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."

"Everyone's dead." 
Isabelle Thornton shuddered at her father's words. 
Out of the Storm by Jody Hedlund

My Thoughts
What a chilling beginning!

Grace Like Rain by Julie Lessman

About the Book
*Note: This is part of the With the Kiss Historical Collection. I will review the others when I read them.
Because of Blake “The Rake” McClare’s notorious reputation, receptionist Patience Peabody steers clear of the lovable rogue attorney at the law firm in which they both work. Until a rare thunderstorm brings them together in a love soaked with the grace of God and sparked with a little lightning of its own.

My Thoughts
Anyone who knows anything about my reading habits knows that I am obsessed with Julie Lessman's books! I seriously adore everything that she has written. So it's an understatement to say that I get excited whenever I hear that she has another story releasing. And this time not only was it a new story but it was a story about Blake McClare from her The Heart of San Francisco series. Blake was a bit of a rogue but you could tell that with the right circumstances he could be an awesome hero. And if anyone can turn a rogue into hero it's Julie! Thankfully she listened to us reader's begging and gifted us with this beautiful novella!
We'd briefly met Patience in the other books but she hadn't stuck out to me all that much and I didn't really give her a second thought till I found out she was to be the girl who tamed Blake "The Rake" McClare. Then of course I had to reread the scenes she'd been in and I saw that she was exactly the girl I'd been imagining for Blake. I was so excited to have her character fleshed out more and I loved who she was! Kind, caring, and giving, yet strong and firm enough to stand her ground against Blake until he got his act together. As for Blake, it was so cool to watch his transformation and see him become the man that God had always intended for him to be.
It was also fantastic to catch up with the rest of the McClares! I loved seeing how everyone was progressing in their relationships and it just made me happy to spend more time with them.

From the very beginning I had a huge grin on my face that stayed until awhile after I had finished (except for the twist before the ending that made me a little anxious for a bit)! Honestly the only bad thing I have to say about this book is that it was too short and I wanted to read more of their story!

Meet the Author
Julie Lessman, award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, and Heart of San Francisco series, was named American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine's 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards. Julie has garnered 17 RWA and other awards and made Booklist's 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction. Her latest novel, Surprised by Love, appeared on Family Fiction magazine's list of Top Ten Novels of 2014. Her indie book A Light in the Window is an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner.

You can contact Julie and read excerpts from her books at www.julielessman.com, or through Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, or Pinterest, as well as sign up for her newsletter. Check out Julie's group blog, The Seekers, Writers Digest 2013 and 2014 "Best 101 Websites for Writers," and Julie's own personal blog, Journal Jots, voted blog of the month in the Readers' Choice poll of Book Fun Magazine.

Waiting on Wednesday #157: The Art of Losing Yourself

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:

The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert
Waterbrook Press-April 21, 2015

About the Book

Just like in my dream, I was drowning and nobody even noticed.

Every morning, Carmen Hart pastes on her made-for-TV smile and broadcasts the weather. She’s the Florida panhandle’s favorite meteorologist, married to everyone’s favorite high school football coach. They’re the perfect-looking couple, live in a nice house, and attend church on Sundays. From the outside, she’s a woman who has it all together.  But on the inside, Carmen Hart struggles with doubt. She wonders if she made a mistake when she married her husband. She wonders if God is as powerful as she once believed. Sometimes she wonders if He exists at all. After years of secret losses and empty arms, she’s not so sure anymore.

Until Carmen’s sister—seventeen year old runaway, Gracie Fisher—steps in and changes everything. Gracie is caught squatting at a boarded-up motel that belongs to Carmen’s aunt, and their mother is off on another one of her benders, which means Carmen has no other option but to take Gracie in. Is it possible for God to use a broken teenager and an abandoned motel to bring a woman’s faith and marriage back to life? Can two half-sisters make each other whole?    

Why I Want It

While the plot is not my normal cup of tea I have loved all of Katie's previous novels so I'm sure I will love this one too!

The Creole Princess by Beth White

About the Book
Torn between loyalties to family and flag, one young woman is about to discover that her most important allegiance is to her heart.
It is 1776, and all along the eastern seaboard the American struggle for independence rages. But in the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is much quieter--though no less deadly.
Lyse Lanier may be largely French in heritage, but she spends most of her time in the company of the ebullient daughter of the British commander of Mobile. When a charming young Spanish merchant docks in town, Lyse is immediately struck by his easy wit and flair for the dramatic. But is he truly who he makes himself out to be? Spies abound, and Spain has yet to choose a side in the American conflict. Is Lyse simply an easy mark for Rafael Gonzalez to exploit? Or are his overtures of love as genuine as Spanish gold?

With spectacular detail that brings the cultural gumbo of the Colonial Gulf Coast alive, Beth White invites you to step into a world of intrigue and espionage from a little-known slice of the American Revolutionary War.

My Thoughts 

 This book was an interesting read. This author has a beautiful writing style that just swept me away to another time and place. Usually books set during the Revolutionary War focus on the thirteen colonies so it was really cool to get a look at how the war was affecting other places on the continent. There were several large time jumps which was occasionally confusing, but I understood how it was necessary for the storyline and it didn't detract too much.

Lyse and Rafael were definitely a fun hero and heroine. I loved Lyse's gentle nature and her selfless care for those close to her. Rafael's humor and his confidence that bordered on cockiness made him an endearing hero who you couldn't help but love.

All in all it was a beautiful story that I think historical fiction lovers will thoroughly enjoy!

Meet the Author
Beth White is the award-winning author of The Pelican Bride. A native Mississippian, she teaches music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers' Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers' Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award. Learn more at www.bethwhite.net.

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.

Top Ten TV Comedies

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

So this week's actual topic was something about quotes that inspired us but since I never remember quotes from books that was impossibly hard. I tried to come up with an alternative book topic but my brain is completely dead. Which made me think of what I like to do when I am brain dead, watch comedies. I am a big comedy fan and I'm not all that picky, if it makes me laugh I'm in! But that doesn't mean I don't have favorites, so with out further ado, my top ten TV show comedies!

#1. The Big Bang Theory

#2. Friends

#3. How I Met Your Mother

#4. Enlisted

#5. Last Man Standing

#6. Drake and Josh

#7. Suburgatory

#8. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

#9. The Mindy Project

#10. Melissa & Joey