Happy New Year 2013 Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Happy New Year Giveaway Hop!

This hop is hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and Babs Book Bistro.

Each participating blog has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one. This giveaway is open to US residents only and starts December 31 and runs through January 8 at midnight.

I'm giving away a box of books. You won't know what they are until you open the box!

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Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop!

This hop is hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and Oasis for YA.

Each participating blog has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one. This giveaway is open to US residents only and starts December 21 and runs through December 27 at midnight.

I'm giving away a box of books. You won't know what they are until you open the box!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Leaves by Michael Baron

Welcome to Oldham, CT, a small town rich in Colonial heritage while being utterly contemporary. Situated along the Connecticut River Valley, Oldham bursts with color every fall, as the leaves on its trees evolve into an unmatched palette of scarlet, orange, purple, yellow, and bronze. For more than three decades, the Gold family has been a central part of Oldham in the fall, its Sugar Maple Inn a destination for “leaf-peepers” from all over the country, and its annual Halloween party a stirring way to punctuate the town’s most active month.

But this year, more than just the leaves are changing. With the death of their parents, the Gold siblings, Maria, Maxwell, Deborah, Corrina, and Tyler, have decided to sell the Sugar Maple Inn, and this year’s Halloween party will be the last.

As October begins, the Golds contend with the finality that faces them, and the implications it has for a family that has always been so close. For some, it means embracing new challenges and new love. For others, it means taking on unimagined roles. And for others, it means considering the inconceivable. Complicating it all is a series of “hauntings” that touch each of the Gold siblings, a series of benign interventions that will remain a mystery until October draws to a close.

Filled with romance, tension, and unforgettable family drama, LEAVES is the first in a series of novels about a world and a family that readers will want to make their own.

My thoughts...

Five siblings are gathering together one last time before the family Inn becomes Corporate property. Having lost their parents and now the Inn is like losing part of their childhood. A party has been planned and strange things begin to happen as the day draws near.

I enjoyed getting to know each and every member of this family. Each one is as different as apples and oranges. There's enough family drama it left me shaking my head and not wanting to put the book down. Baron has given us a well written, fast paced, novel with enough drama and mystery that it definitely leaves me wanting more!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Plum Tree by Ellen Marie Wiseman

A deeply moving and masterfully written story of human resilience and enduring love, The Plum Tree follows a young German woman through the chaos of World War II and its aftermath.

"Bloom where you're planted," is the advice Christine Bolz receives from her beloved Oma. But seventeen-year-old domestic Christine knows there is a whole world waiting beyond her small German village. It's a world she's begun to glimpse through music, books--and through Isaac Bauerman, the cultured son of the wealthy Jewish family she works for.

Yet the future she and Isaac dream of sharing faces greater challenges than their difference in stations. In the fall of 1938, Germany is changing rapidly under Hitler's regime. Anti-Jewish posters are everywhere, dissenting talk is silenced, and a new law forbids Christine from returning to her job--and from having any relationship with Isaac. In the months and years that follow, Christine will confront the Gestapo's wrath and the horrors of Dachau, desperate to be with the man she loves, to survive--and finally, to speak out.

Set against the backdrop of the German homefront, this is an unforgettable novel of courage and resolve, of the inhumanity of war, and the heartbreak and hope left in its wake.

My thoughts...

I highly recommend this book, quite a testamonial to the compassionate German people. Christine's story is one of survival and loss, the heart wrenching pain of being in love with a young German Jew. It's hard to put down, the details are fascinating and the sweet romance will break your heart. The characters are wonderful.

4 out of 5 stars from me. I received an ecopy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

All She Ever Wanted

For years, Chelsea Maynard has longed to be a mother. She's imagined caring for a new baby in the lovely house she shares with her husband, Leo, fondly planning every detail. But after a difficult birth, those dreams of blissful bonding evaporate.

Chelsea battles sleep deprivation and feelings of isolation. Little Annabelle cries constantly, and Chelsea has dark visions fuelled by exhaustion and self-doubt. Her sister, Emma, insists she gets help for postpartum depression, but Chelsea's doctor dismisses her worries as self-indulgent. Doubting her ability to parent - even doubting her own sanity - Chelsea is close to collapse. Then an unthinkable crisis hits.

My thoughts...

Noonan has written an amazing novel that is filled with intense emotion and suspense that kept me in Chelsea's world more than mine until I finished it. I didn't want to put it down. My heart went out to her, I couldn't imagine being in that situation, it was painful to read.

Chelsea suffers through many sleepless nights as she deals with a newborn, her perfect life has certainly changed after the birth of the baby. The doctor dismisses her depression as the baby blues and then the unthinkable happens. The rest of the story is one that will keep you reading.

I received an ecopy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

An Amish Christmas

Enjoy this Amish Christmas bestseller with an additional new novella from romance author Kelly Long.

"Christmas Cradles" by Kelly Long -- When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local Amish midwife in Paradise, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and the help from resourceful and strong Asa Lapp, whose job it is to get Anna through a dangerous blizzard to complete her midwifery rounds.

“A Miracle for Miriam” by Kathleen Fuller: This Christmas, Miriam must decide whether to guard herself or accept the love of a man who once broke her heart.

“A Choice to Forgive” by Beth Wiseman: Lydia, a widow who has given up on love, is shocked when Daniel-- a past love-- returns to the Order, and her life.

“One Child” by Barbara Cameron: This snowy Lancaster Christmas Eve will see two couples’ lives changed by the birth of one child.

My thoughts...

Three Amish Christmas novella's, typical but still enjoyable. It's easy to get into the lives of each couple as they work out their issues and fall in love. The book starts with Miriam's story, next comes her younger sister, Lydia's, and then her friend, Sarah. Each woman's story is written by a different author yet they fit together beautifully.

Nicely written stories that will put you in the Christmas spirit. This book would be a good read for teens also.

I received an ecopy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A Christmas Homecoming by Maryann Diorio

Seven Christmases have passed since Sonia Pettit last heard from her daughter Jody. Since Jody’s departure, Sonia’s world has been turned upside down. Her husband has died of a broken heart, and her son, bitter over his sister’s destructive actions, has become rebellious.

Her greatest desire is to have her family together at Christmas, but after what Jody has put them all through, can Sonia truly forgive her daughter?

Jody Pettit O’Dair ran away to experience a life of adventure and excitement, but since her departure, her world has been turned upside down. She’s been abandoned by the man she met and married, lost her job, and is unable to care for her two children. With nowhere else to turn, this prodigal daughter begins the long journey home and prays she will be welcomed after walking away so long ago.

Will Jody find forgiveness in the arms of her family as easily as she received it from God?

My thoughts...

This is a busy time of year but try to make time for a book or two. This is one that is short but full of so much of the Christmas spirit it's perfect. Grab a tissue and start reading, you won't be disappointed. Of course, there is a lot of drama at the beginning but as the story progresses issues get worked out and family is reunited.

Diorio has given us a well written novella that makes you feel good inside as you close the book and ponder what you've read. Forgiveness is such a powerful thing, hard to do sometimes but lifts your burdens once you give it. I highly recommend this wonderful book!

I received an ecopy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Grab a copy of MaryAnn Diorio's "A Christmas Homecoming" for JUST .99! MaryAnn is celebrating by giving away a Paperwhite Kindle! Details below!

One "merry" winner will receive:

• A Paperwhite Kindle
• A Christmas Homecoming by MaryAnn Diorio

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 22nd. Winner will be announced on 12/23/12 at MaryAnn's Blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Betrayal by Robin Hatcher w/Giveaway!

It’s the turn of the twentieth century and drifter Hugh Brennan is a man well acquainted with betrayal. Hugh finds himself drawn to the attractive widow, Julia, yet when he looks into her eyes, he recognizes the same hurt that haunts him.

Julia Grace has little reason to trust men, but she’s going to have to trust someone if she’s to keep her ranch from the clutches of her dead husband’s half-brother. Is it possible God had a hand in bringing Hugh to her door?

The latest historical romance from award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher and the second book in the Where the Heart Lives series, Betrayal will take you to the high desert of western Wyoming, through the crags of the Rocky Mountains, and into the hearts of two seekers learning to trust God’s love no matter the circumstances.

My thoughts...

A wonderfully written, well paced novel with plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested. The characters are sincere and delightful, loved the way their faith grew after being hurt badly. I'm so glad they found romance again and dealt with forgiveness. Plenty of drama, mystery, and romance here!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I'm giving away copies of both books in the series. Belonging and Betrayal.

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On the Road to Winterhaven by Geoff Nolan

Christmas 1928. A mysterious man emerges from a blizzard and arrives at the hopeless town of Winterhaven. When he tries to rekindle lost hope, change the lives of the townsfolk and turn around the fortunes of the town, one stubborn problem remains: greed. Only the mysterious man can stand in greed’s way and save Winterhaven from eternal despair…

A delicate blend of blossoming love, humour and intrigue, On the Road to Winterhaven is a ‘feel-good’ novel which serves to thrill and inspire the reader. And keep them guessing until the last word…

My thoughts...

If you like a good Christmas story this one won't disappoint. I was drawn in at the beginning with the homeless man trudging miles in the snow to make it to Winterhaven, he had to make it! Only then would things get better. How and why is something you'll have to find out for yourself.

On the Road to Winterhaven is a delight, it's well written for a first book. I enjoyed the storyline and even came to like all the characters eventually.

I received an ecopy of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop!

This hop is hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer.

Each participating blog has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one. This giveaway is open to US residents only. This hop starts December 4 and runs through December 10 at midnight.

I'm giving away a copy of The Christmas Star by Ace Collins. Enter using the Rafflecopter below.

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More chances to win!