MAYBELLE IN STITCHES

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Maybelle In Stitches Abingdon Press (March 18, 2014) by Joyce Magnin

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from the Author:

I am the author of seven novels. Five adult novels and two middle grade readers. I never wanted to do anything else but write and every day I wake up astonished that I get to do what I always dreamed about. My days are filled with words and images along with the usual family stuff. I have three children, Rebekah who is married to Joshua. They have three of the most adorable boys on the planet, Lemuel, Cedar and Soren. My daughter Emily Kate is a lovely young woman anthropologist and my son Adam is fourteen and a student--he's a genius who loves frogs and lizards and fish and plants. He amazes me.

I have never eaten a scallop. I love cream soda. Drink way too much coffee. I do not like elevators but I do enjoy needle arts and of course books. I prefer jazz over country (no offense), milk chocolate over dark, but not roller coasters although my life has often resembled a roller coaster ride.

One of my life's desires is to meet Amy Grant so I can tell her she saved my life.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Maybelle can’t sew. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house, she gets the crazy idea to complete it. At first, it’s just a way to fill the lonely nights while her husband, staff sergeant Holden Kanzinzki, is away fighting in World War II.

Yet when Maybelle discovers that the quilt is made from scraps of material that can be traced back through her family heritage, the project is suddenly much more important. Then word comes that Holden is missing in action, and with little else to do, Maybelle clings to the quilt as much as to the hope that her husband is still alive. As neighborhood friends gather around Maybelle to help her through the unknown days and nights ahead, it is the quilt that becomes a symbol of her unflagging belief that Holden will return—to her, to their home, and to their quilt-covered bed.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Maybelle In Stitches, go HERE.

My thoughts...

The Quilts of Love series are really good books. Joyce Magnin is such a talented writer, I've enjoyed all her books. In this series the books are written by different authors with a variety of topics. Set during WWII Maybelle's husband is MIA. She has an unfinished quilt started by her mother and together with other wives decide to finish it. There are many difficulties and bad news that arise, during each quilting session the ladies depend on each other for support.

So well written, the wives are trying to be strong through this horrible time, I felt their pain & grief. I enjoyed the book very much.

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

DANCING WITH FIREFLIES

Jade returns home to Chapel Springs after years of protecting her fragile heart. Then along comes Daniel, making her long to dance again.

Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she'd never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.

The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He's loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she's back, his feelings are stronger than ever.

As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she's hiding secrets from her family, and she's strangely attracted to the man who's always called her "squirt." Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.

Note: This book is part of A Chapel Springs Romance series. While it does stand alone, feel free to check out Barefoot Summer, the first Chapel Springs Romance book.



My thoughts...

5 stars for this heartwarming beautiful light romance! Superbly written, certain romantic scenes handled well though this author goes further than most christian writers. Love the ending, these two characters are loveable and the storyline is one of sweet conflict.

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

A BROKEN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL

Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four-year-old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she's learned a sacred truth -- appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows -- so when it starts to unravel, she'll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother's bridal wear line -- an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.



My thoughts...

I really like Katie Ganshert's books, this is her third and each is better than than the last. Very well written with intriguing characters (each have a story) and a great setting. The effects modeling has on young girls is saddening and the dejection as they age can be devastating.

A heartwarming story yet kind of heartbreaking at the same time. Ganshert shows how God's love can change a person. Loved this book and the beautiful cover!

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

THE DEVIL WALKS IN MATTINGLY

For the three people tortured by their secret complicity in a young man's untimely death, redemption is what they most long for . . . and the last thing they expect to receive. Find out the secrets surrounding this untimely death in Billy Coffey's newest novel, The Devil Walks in Mattingly, from Thomas Nelson.

It has been twenty years since Philip McBride's body was found along the riverbank in the dark woods known as Happy Hollow. His death was ruled a suicide. But three people have carried the truth ever since---Philip didn't kill himself that day. He was murdered.

Each of the three have wilted in the shadow of their sins. Jake Barnett is Mattingly's sheriff, where he spends his days polishing the fragile shell of the man he pretends to be. His wife, Kate, has convinced herself the good she does for the poor will someday wash the blood from her hands. And high in the mountains, Taylor Hathcock lives in seclusion and fear, fueled by madness and hatred.

Yet what cannot be laid to rest is bound to rise again. Philip McBride has haunted Jake's dreams for weeks, warning that he is coming back for them all. When Taylor finds mysterious footprints leading from the Hollow, he believes his redemption has come. His actions will plunge the quiet town of Mattingly into darkness. These three will be drawn together for a final confrontation between life and death . . . between truth and lies.

My thoughts...

What a novel! I'm ready for another supernatural thriller by Billy Coffey, his style of writing is amazing. The ending is just as amazing.

Something terrible happened in the past and it's effecting people years later. Set in the charming south this secret has taken its toll on those who know the truth. This is more than a murder mystery, my heart was touched throughout the book. Read it!

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

POISON TOWN

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Poison Town David C. Cook (February 1, 2014) by Creston Mapes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Creston has fond memories of his boyhood in Bath, Ohio, where he became enchanted with his future wife, way back in the fourth grade. His father, Bernie, owned and operated The Weathervane Furniture Shop in town. The whole family lived right upstairs in the century-old house known as "The Shop."

Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University, then began his writing career. During the past 30 years, he has worked as a reporter, corporate copywriter, creative director, freelance writer, and author.


ABOUT THE BOOK

There's More Than One Kind of Poison in This Town

People are sick and dying. Rumors are swirling. Some claim chemicals leaking from a manufacturing plant are causing the cancer that's crippling people on the poor side of Trenton City, Ohio. Yet nothing at the plant appears amiss.

  The problem remains a mystery until reporter Jack Crittendon's long-time mechanic falls ill and he investigates. Soon Jack becomes engulfed in a smokescreen of lies, setups, greed, and scandal.

The deeper he digs, the more toxic the corruption he uncovers. As he faces off with the big-time players behind the scenes and tries to beat the clock before more people die, he realizes the chillingly unthinkable--he knows too much.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Poison Town, go HERE.

My thoughts...

This is an exciting book full of suspense. People are getting sick and dying, Jack begins an investigation and opens the doors of danger to himself and his family. I especially liked that you don't know who you can trust, who the bad guys are. Makes for a great read! Poison Town doesn't disappoint, the author does a wonderful job of describing situations that causes goose bumps. Can't wait for the next book! I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

FIRST KISSES

For a limited time only - Six unforgettable love stories 

99 cents! 

Buy now at Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Kobo - iBooks - Google Play

A brand new anthology from six of your favorite inspirational romance authors - no reprints here!

About the novellas:

From New York Times bestselling author Linda Goodnight, historical romance The Rambler's Bride: The kissing cowboy Jericho is bent on revenge, but discovers the truth and falls in love with widow Esther.

From USA Today bestselling author Janet Tronstad, retro romance Lovebirds at the Heartbreak Cafe: Truck driver Buddy wasn't looking for love, but waitress Penny and her quirky family take over the cafe and his heart.

From bestselling author Debra Clopton, contemporary cowboy romance Her Mule Hollow Cowboy: Independent cowgirl Maddie swears she doesn't need help from bull rider Cliff. But the Mule Hollow Matchmakers seem to have other plans...

From bestselling author Margaret Daley, romantic suspense Deadly Hunt: Bodyguard Tess rescues wounded businessman Shane from dying in the wilderness, but can she protect her heart when Shane gets too close?

From fan favorite Camy Tang, romantic suspense Necessary Proof: Reformed ex-con Alex is on the run from those who have set him up to take the blame for a cop-killing. Will tech-expert Jane be able to prove him innocent?

From fan favorite Lacy Williams, contemporary cowboy romance Kissed by a Cowboy: Maddox has given up all his big dreams to care for his niece. When Haley returns to her hometown, will Maddox find a new dream with her?

Special promo - March 17-19 - #SENDAKISS

If you purchase First Kisses during our promo dates and send a special tweet, we'll gift a copy to a friend, absolutely free! Find out more at bit.ly/sendakiss .

What readers are saying:

 Six amazing books from six different authors. They are all Christian fiction set from the 1800’s to present time. Each is a stand alone book with great settings, story lines and characters. All the books had family and faith. Some of the authors were known to me and some I was unfamiliar with. I really enjoyed each book. I can not wait to check out books from these new authors. - Amazon reader

 I didn't know what to expect - I am not a fan of anthologies. Usually I find that the stories are too brief and the plots move too fast and don't go into any detail and don't make a lot of sense. Well, let me tell you that this anthology is not like this, not at all. It is wonderful! I enjoyed each of the novellas immensely. Each one has well developed, thought out characters and detailed plots that move at exactly the right pace. You have suspense, romance - everything in each of the novels. I enjoyed reading each of the novellas and couldn't put the book down. Even though I have about 15 other books waiting to be read - I plan on reading this book all over again in the next week or so - it is just that good. - Amazon reader

A visual look at the collection:





Interact with the authors:
www.inspykisses.com
facebook.com/inspykisses
@inspykisses

Buy now at Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Kobo - iBooks - Google Play

WATCHING THE DARK ~ 3 Winners!!

DCI Alan Banks reluctantly investigates DI Bill Quinn with Inspector Joanna Passero. Quinn, convalescing at St Peter’s Police Treatment Centre, was killed by a crossbow on the tranquil grounds, and left compromising photos. Quinn may be disreputable, linked to a vicious crime in Yorkshire and to a cold case – English Rachel Hewitt 19 vanished in Estonia six years ago.

My thoughts...

The plot lines drew me to this book, it sounded like an interesting mysterious suspenseful novel. I am disappointed though, most of the book bored me. Slow going, no real suspense, long drawn out conversations being repeated over & over. It was like reading a debut novel that hadn't been edited.

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

WATCHING THE DARK is available now at Amazon | B&N | IndieBound a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sound of Broken Glass

by Deborah Crombie

on Tour Feb 24th - March 31st, 2014

Book Details:

Genre: Mystery
Published by: William Morrow
Publication Date: February 25, 2014
Number of Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780061990649
Purchase Links:

Synopsis:

In the past. . .home to the tragically destroyed Great Exhibition, a solitary thirteen-year-old boy meets his next-door neighbor, a recently widowed young teacher hoping to make a new start in the tight-knit South London community. Drawn together by loneliness, the unlikely pair forms a deep connection that ends in a shattering act of betrayal.

In the present. . .On a cold January morning in London, Detective Inspector Gemma James is back on the job while her husband, Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid, is at home caring for their three-year-old foster daughter. Assigned to lead a Murder Investigation Team in South London, she's assisted by her trusted colleague, newly promoted Detective Sergeant Melody Talbot. Their first case: a crime scene at a seedy hotel in Crystal Palace. The victim: a well-respected barrister, found naked, trussed, and apparently strangled. Is it an unsavory accident or murder? In either case, he was not alone, and Gemma's team must find his companion—a search that takes them into unexpected corners and forces them to contemplate unsettling truths about the weaknesses and passions that lead to murder. Ultimately, they will question everything they think they know about their world and those they trust most.

Read an excerpt:

Browse Inside The Sound of Broken Glass: A Novel by Deborah Crombie

Author Bio:

Deborah Crombie is a native Texan who has lived in both England and Scotland. She lives in McKinney, Texas, sharing a house that is more than one hundred years old with her husband, three cats, and two German shepherds. Visit Deborah at her website, connect with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Catch Up With the Author:

My thoughts...

An interesting mystery with enough twists to keep you engaged. We get more than a glimpse into Kincaid's personal life which tells us how it can affect your time on the job. Past and present are weaved together which normally I don't care for that in a book but this helped the story along. The author's writing style is good, the pages flowed with a plot that is pleasing and well paced. Overall, I liked this book a lot.

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

Colgate Optic White

Everyone wants a whiter smile. This is an easy way to get it. Colgate Optic White does work, I've used it for 5 days and see a difference already. Can't wait to see how much brighter after a few weeks!!

DEATH BED

The battered bodies of two young girls are discovered in North London, one shortly after the other.

Desperate to avoid hysteria in the community, the police struggle to make a quick arrest before the deranged killer can strike again. Not having any luck, Detective Geraldine Steel, recently moved to London, is called in to make sense of brutal murders and the killers’ unusual signature: he extracts two teeth from each of his victims.

With the death toll mounting, Geraldine is running out of time as she hunts for the elusive killer the papers have dubbed “The Dentist.”

STRANGER THINGS

In the forest’s burned-out hollow, a house of dark secrets also glows with bright promise.

Serena’s career as a high school biology teacher comes to a halt when an angry student makes shocking accusations. Stunned and suspended, Serena retreats to the forest where she usually finds peace of mind. But on this day she encounters a killer and his prisoner—as well as a stranger who dies to save Serena’s life.

The stranger, Christopher, had dedicated his life to rescuing girls from forced prostitution—starting with his sister Amber. They formed a tiny nonprofit organization to protect girls and have been working furiously to bring down John Roman, the powerful criminal who first took Amber and has ruined scores of young women's lives since.

When Christopher’s grieving colleagues suspect Serena of being in league with Roman, her life spirals further out of control. How will she clear her name? Why did this stranger protect her with his life? And what is the meaning of the visions she sees every time she visits the gutted house where he died?



My thoughts...

If you like suspense you'll love this book. Imagine being wrongly accused of molesting one of your students in retaliation for a bad grade? This is what happens to teacher Serena Diaz. If that wasn't enough she stumbles upon something that will put her life in grave danger.

The subject matter is hard to read at times, the kidnapping of girls and the maltreatment they endure. These things do happen in our society and people need to be made aware. This book is a good place to start. Healy is a wonderful writer.

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

A STILLNESS OF CHIMES

About This Book

What if the pain of the past revealed an unknown sacrifice that changes everything?

When teacher Laura Gantt comes home to Prospect, Georgia to settle her recently-deceased mother’s household, the last thing she expects to encounter is a swirl of rumors about the father she lost to the lake twelve years ago—that he has reportedly been seen around town. Elliott Gantt’s body was never found and he was presumed dead.

Reeling from the sharp loss of a parent, Laura must now grapple with painful memories surrounding her father’s disappearance and the sense of abandonment she experienced after his death. Life-long friend and former beau Sean Halloran wants nothing more than to protect Laura from the far-fetched stories of Elliott’s resurrection and to care for her, but he has his own reasons, troubling echoes from his childhood, to put Elliott’s disappearance to rest.

Working together, Laura and Sean begin to uncover the truth, one mired in the wooded peaks and deep waters of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Prospect. Can they fathom how many secrets the steep hills hold? With surprising facts revealed, will Laura be able to understand the sacrificial choices made that forever changed her life? And can love and a peace with God be rekindled in her heart after so much time has passed?



My thoughts...

Don't you just love the cover? The title is also pretty. Meg Moseley writes good books, the plots are interesting and very well told. It didn't take me long to finish once I got started, I wanted to see how it ended but also hated to see it end. I loved the mountain setting as well as the characters and the secrets. A good mystery and light romance written by this author always makes for a good read.

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

RUNAWAY SAINT

Book Description

When her aunt shows up homeless on her doorstep, Sara suspects anything but a miracle.

Sara’s an artist with a supportive husband and a house that folks on her block admire outright. But she’s restless and bored with life.

Then her legendary Aunt Bel shows up, wearing a smile after years without a word.

Twenty years ago, fresh out of college, Bel left for a summer missions trip and never returned. Now she’s on Sara’s doorstep, looking for a place to crash. Sara can’t say no to family, even if she hasn’t seen Bel since she was a nine-year-old girl. But saying yes to Bel turns Sara’s whole precariously-balanced life upside down.

The enigmatic Bel gives Sara’s family and their community a jolt of fresh thinking and clarity.

But Bel is hiding something. Though she won’t talk about it, Sara soon learns that Bel has been through a hellish ordeal. And she has the burn marks to prove it.



My thoughts...

Runaway Saint is a delightful read with characters that are likeable and even quirky. There's skeletons in everyone's closet and it's interesting to see how people handle them when these secrets are revealed. Rebuilding relationships when truth tears them apart. Bel is an unusual person & that's what I liked about her. Sara is sweet and has a lot to learn, Bel is just the person to teach her.

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

DISTORTION

What would you do if you found out your murdered husband had been keeping life-threatening secrets from you? Book two, Distortion, in Terri Blackstock's The Moonlighter series will keep you on the edge of you seat until the very end.

Juliet Cole's life has been dismantled by the murder of her husband. She doesn't know who---or what---to trust when everything she has believed to be true about her marriage has been a lie.

When Juliet Cole's husband of fifteen years is murdered before her eyes, she thinks it was a random shooting. Devastated and traumatized, she answers hours of questioning, then returns home to break the tragic news to her boys. But a threatening voicemail takes this from a random shooting to a planned, deliberate attack.

Juliet realizes that she and her children are in danger too, unless she meets the killers' demands. But as she and her sisters untangle the clues, her husband's dark secrets come to light. The more she learns, the more of her life is dismantled. Was her husband an innocent victim or a hardened criminal?



My thoughts...

Oh, how I always look forward to another Blackstock book! Such talent in bringing the reader into the characters lives and making you feel what they're experiencing. Distortion is a well written suspense novel that you can get lost in... the best kind of book.

This is the story of a woman whose husband was living a double life, she was married to a man she didn't really know after all. Can you imagine? You're in for an exciting tale of discovery and danger with this one!

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



Don't miss Terri Blackstock's latest release in the Moonlighters series, Distortion.

The book releases March 11th, and Terri will be kicking off the release with a fun Facebook Distortion party and giving away a Kindle Fire HDX. PLUS readers can pre-order the ebook for just $4.99 between now and 3/11 everywhere ebooks are sold.

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
• Distortion and Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 11th. Winner will be announced at the Distortion Facebook Party on March 11th. Connect with Terri for a "suspenseful" book launch party with prizes, a book chat, and more.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!