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Saturday, November 29, 2014

"love without end" by robin lee hatcher

Earlier this year, I read Robin Lee Hatcher's A Promise Kept, the story of a woman who retreats to an inherited mountain cabin following an unwanted divorce. While I absolutely loved the novel, I wondered what happened to some of the people whose stories didn't wrap up—specifically cowboy Chet Leonard. Fortunately, Hatcher didn't make me wait too long to find out, as Love Without End is all about Chet.

Love Without End || A King's Meadow Romance (Thomas Nelson, November 2014)

Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?

Chet Leonard's life was forever changed when his 17-year-old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.

Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious 15-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King's Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of becoming involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.


When octogenarian Anna McKenna returns to King's Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet may discover that true love has no end.


I've reached an age where I really enjoy reading love stories that feature people who are older and have a bit more life under their belts. Love Without End perfectly fits the bill. It's a wonderful "second chance at love" story that grabs the reader from the opening pages and doesn't let go until the end.

Chet, who I loved in A Promise Kept, is a strong and compelling hero, and while Kimberly's constant second-guessing of their relationship gets a bit tiresome, it is understandable. Their romance is sweet, and I pulled for them throughout the novel.

The novel's surprise, though, is Anna McKenna's story, which is told in bits and pieces between chapters. Anna is basically a grandmother to Chet's boys, and the novel is made so much richer by including her backstory. This is a tactic Hatcher employed in A Promise Kept, as well, and it works equally well here.

Love Without End is not technically a sequel to A Promise Kept, and readers who did not read the latter will have no trouble jumping right into Love Without End. Those who did read A Promise Kept will appreciate the continuation of Chet's story and the return to King's Meadow. 4-1/2 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Hatcher's A Promise Kept, The Heart's Pursuit, and Beloved

Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.

Find Robin online: website, Facebook, Twitter



Fire up the romance this holiday with Robin Lee Hatcher's latest offering in the King's Meadow Romance series, Love Without EndFor two single parents with bruised hearts, it’ll take more than a little courage to get back on the horse when it comes to love.

Celebrate love rising from the ashes of tragedy with Robin by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway.
lovewithoutend-400
 One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Love Without End and the rest of the King's Meadow Romance series from Robin Lee Hatcher
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 14th. Winner will be announced December 15th on Robin's blog.
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{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sunday, November 23, 2014

"christmas, actually" grand finale

The Christmas, Actually tour is wrapping up, but you still have time to enter for your chance to win some great items! On your way to the Rafflecopter at the bottom of the post, glance through the reviews, interviews, and other fun things that happened during this tour!

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

It's the MISTLETOE KISSES TOUR Grand Finale for
Christmas, Actually
By Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, and Melinda Curtis
Three Harlequin Heartwarming novellas, where a sweet kiss takes place under the mistletoe.

Did you miss any of the excerpts, guest post, or reviews on the tour?
Feel free to go back and check out all the stops now!

Launch - Intro to the Collection
Christmas, Actually--three holiday stories about three siblings living in Christmas Town, Maine, where tradition has it that a kiss on Christmas Eve in the town square gazebo will lead to wedding bells in the new year!

Christy's Cozy Corners - An Interview with Anna Adams
How was it decided that the story would take place in Christmas Town, Maine?
We were looking for a setting that spoke of the holidays, and I'd lived in Maine in a town that decorated the green for Christmas. I described it, and someone suggested Christmas Town as a name for our fictional village.

Coffee Books & Art - Excerpt
Snowflakes hit the windshield and splayed into star shapes while Bing Crosby crooned his dreams of a white Christmas. Sophie Palmer tried to sing along, but her mind was already racing up the icy interstate to Christmas Town, Maine, where the father of her unborn child now lived. 

christmasTown2
The Book Lovers' Lounge - Christmas Town by Anna Adams
And I imagined my own broken hero, Jack Banning, watching from the sidewalk, there in the town, but watching from the boundaries because he doesn?t belong any more.

Getting Your Read On - Review
"Yeah, I really loved my time in Christmas Town with the Banning family.  Each story was unique and romantic.  I loved all the characters.  They were real and identifiable.  It is the perfect book to curl up with as the days get colder and we get closer to Christmas."

Colorimetry - The Power of a First Kiss by Anna Adams
He?s at her house, killing time because he can?t go home and face his brother?s happiness when another friend calls to offer him an investment opportunity. Mary is leaning against George, also listening on the phone, when finally, he admits to his feelings. He takes her in his arms for a kiss he clearly doesn?t want even as he desires nothing in the whole wide world more than the hometown love of his life. 

Southern Chelle - Review
"I don't think I've read anything by any of these authors before, but these novellas have me falling hard for their work! I used to receive the Harlequin Heartwarming books monthly, but I didn't have room for anymore paperback books in my house and had to give it up. I'm so glad they've continued these offerings!"

Kelly P's Blog - An Interview with Anna J. Stewart
5. What do you hope readers will take with them after reading your story?
There's nothing better than a happily ever after--that's why I write (and read) romance, but that's kind of the easy answer. I think at its core, the story is about learning how to be open with others, to tell them how you're really feeling about situations that are emotionally damaging them.  Dean, Callie and Eliza all have to do this at some point during the story and once they do, the happily ever after is possible.

My Love for Reading Keeps Growing - Excerpt
     "Is this a bad time?" The combination of sympathy and amusement shining in green eyes, along with the tamed Irish lilt, called to mind fields of clover dotting rolling hills. She'd spent many a night and more than a few days dreaming of traveling to the Emerald Isle. Now it seemed as if Ireland had come to her.
     Shoulder-length, golden-streaked hair brushed the worn leather of the bomber jacket he wore over snug jeans, the hint of a plain white T-shirt peeking from under the collar.

Dean Inspired PhotoThe Wonderings Of One Person - Dream Cast for The Christmas Wish
There are some actors who just 'hit' from the second I lay eyes on them. When looking for images of my Dean, I did not have to look much further than Chris Hemsworth.
Callie Inspired Photo
Casting my heroines has always been problematic for me. Typically, I use another medium for inspiration (I'm a doll collector), but when I saw this picture of Nina Dobrev (Vampire Diaries), I knew that was Callie.

"The Christmas Date: The instant I started reading this story, I knew I was going to love it. There's just something about those You've Got Mail-esque stories that I love. Nick and Gina are both so likeable, and their chemistry lept off the page. This was easily my favorite of the three stories!"

Bookworm Lisa - Review
     "Each of the authors did a great job in telling their story. I liked the descriptions and the characters.
     This book is a fun way to get into the holiday season and find a little clean Christmas romance."

fundinmental - My Top Ten Christmas Traditions by Anna J. Stewart
I LOVE Christmas time. Truly, from about Halloween on, I?m all about the tinsel, the trees and the music (why do they have to stop the Xmas carols on the 26th?!). For years now it's just been my mom and me during the holiday season, but we've got our traditions--and they start early--even before we carve the Thanksgiving turkey.

Beck Valley Books - An Interview with Malinda Curtis
What's your favorite aspect of the story?
One of my favorite aspects is Gina's parents. They've tried for years to do what they thought was right and it strained their character and their relationship. This year, they rejoin the pageant and the town's festivities in a very public way. It's a small part of the story, but a set of vignettes that I love.

Mel's Shelves - Review
"I loved seeing the siblings in each other's stories and enjoyed getting to know them. These stories are quick, easy reads which are perfect to get you in the mood for Christmas. I love that they're all clean so I can recommend it to everyone! Christmas Town was a fun place to visit!"

Painted Words - Review
"But what I truly loved about this book was that it didn't feel at all repetitive which can be a big hindrance to books like this especially if written by multiple authors. It was an absolutely beautiful story, one that I look forward to reading again next year at this time and it was the perfect way to start off the season." 

jellominisI Am A Reader - Melinda Curtis's Favorite Treat at Christmas Time (with recipe)
My mom is a fan of Jell-o salad.  At Christmas, she?d serve us a slice of Jello salad on a leaf of lettuce with a dollop of mayonnaise on top.  The first time Mr. Curtis had this dish, he happily took a big bite, expecting it to be whipped cream on top.  Kudos to him for keeping his disappointment to himself. 

Deal Sharing Aunt - Excerpt
In the wee hours of Christmas Eve morning, Gina stood at the edge of the town square and traced the deep, jagged scar that ran from her left temple to her jawline with the tip of a gloved finger, as if her touch could erase the past. The small ball of worry, the one that hadn't let her sleep last night, expanded like bread dough in her chest, pressing against her lungs.
I should have told him.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt (4-star review here)
Are you kidding? You're beautiful. Why would he do that?
You have to say that. You're standing in my kitchen. With me practically in your arms. Nevertheless, she hugged his words to her heart. No one had ever called her beautiful before.

JoJo's Corner - 10 Gifts Ideas for Your Teen/Young Adult Review
I'm a little bit anal about the holidays.  I have a basic list I work from that my kids will enjoy or find useful.  They're all in college now, but that doesn't mean they want a package of socks for Christmas.  Here's a list of 10 suggested gift giving categories for your teen/young adult...

Review: "Christmas, Actually is the perfect collection of stories to cuddle up and enjoy on a cold wintry night!"

"Three stories in one book, a great way to start the Christmas season off! Anna Adams takes you on three separate journeys in the life of Jack, Callie, and Gina as each tells their own story. The plot is good in each one."

What a fun story! The reader is taken on a journey through Christmas Town, Maine and we get to see snippets of what makes this town special through the eyes of three different characters.

Christmas, Actually
Christmas, Actually
by Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, & Melinda Curtis
Clean Contemporary Romance
Paperback & Ebook, 202 pages
November 1st 2014 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Discover the magic of Christmas Town, Maine!

Three lonely strangers come to Christmas Town, Maine, and find love with three Banning siblings in the town that celebrates the holidays by decorating its square with lights and ribbons and a holiday pageant on Christmas Eve. Tradition has it that a kiss beneath the mistletoe that night means marriage for the couple in the new year.

The Christmas Gift by Anna Adams:
Jack Banning promised to support the mother of his unborn child? But she doesn't need money, she only needs him.

The Christmas Wish by Anna J. Stewart:
Callie Banning's student has declared war on Christmas, so it's up to her to help the little girl--and her widowed father--believe again.

The Christmas Date by Melinda Curtis:
Gina Vernay is about to meet her online mystery date--and she's in for the surprise of a lifetime!


About the Authors

Photo 34
Anna Adams wrote her first romance in wet sand. The Atlantic Ocean washed it away, but Anna kept going. Her stories are of love, like the proverbial stone in a lake, making ripples that spread and contract and involve. From Iceland to Hawaii, and points in between, Anna and her own hero share with children and family and friends who've become family. All this living and loving gives Anna plenty of fodder for stories of love set in real life. Come along and live them with her!


Anna J. Stewart can't remember a time she didn't have a book in her hand or a story in her head and credits her mother never saying no to a book for turning her into a writer. Anna lives in Northern California with an overly attentive cat named Snickers and is happiest when setting her heroes and heroines on their road to happily ever after amidst family, fun and laughter.


Melinda Curtis
Melinda Curtis grew up on an isolated sheep ranch, where mountain lions had been seen and yet she roamed unaccompanied. Being a rather optimistic, clueless of danger, sort she took to playing "what if" games that led her to become an author. She spends days trying to figure out new ways to say "He made her heart pound." That might sound boring, but the challenge keeps her mentally ahead of her 3 kids and college sweetheart husband.




Tour-Wide Giveaway

- Gift Card Prize Pack: $20 Amazon gift card and ebook of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)
- US Prize Pack: Paperback of Christmas, Actually and three Christmas ornaments (US only)
- 3 ebooks of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)
Ends November 30th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prism Book Tours

Friday, November 21, 2014

"trading secrets" by melody carlson

Love it or loathe it, the Amish genre has been a mainstay of Christian fiction for several years. In Trading Secrets, Melody Carlson offers a different take on the genre.

The truth may set you free—but it might also land you in some uncomfortably hot water.

Over the years, Micah Knight has exchanged many letters—and many secrets—with her longtime Amish pen pal, Zach. But Micah's kept quiet on the biggest secret of all—the fact that despite her name, she's a girl.

Now Micah finally has the chance to meet her pen pal face-to-face. She wants nothing more than to experience life on Zach's Amish farm, but she's more than a little anxious. Will he be angry at her for deceiving him all these years? And will she risk losing his friendship to find something more?

Trading Secrets is a pretty unique entry in the YA scene, combining teen drama with the Amish lifestyle. Micah's trip to "Amishland" (as her best friend calls it) provides some humorous and touching moments, but I thought the book really took off upon Micah's return home. Zach's confusion about his own future as he contemplated leaving the Amish seemed especially realistic to me, and I appreciated that author Melody Carlson didn't romanticize the Amish life, but she didn't condemn it, either.

A few things did stretch credulity, such as the events surrounding Micah's arrival at the farm and Zach's education. I also wondered what parent would allow his daughter to board a bus and travel alone to stay with a male pen pal—even an Amish one.

Those criticisms aside, Trading Secrets is an enjoyable and clean YA novel, and I think many teen girls will really like it. 3 stars.

Buy the book.
Read my review of Carlson's Shattered.


Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than two hundred books, including the Dating Games series, the Life at Kingston High series, Double Take, A Simple Song, and My Amish Boyfriend. She has received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. Melody and her husband live in Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

"love at mistletoe inn" by cindy kirk

What if an impulsive decision you made as an eighteen-year-old came back to haunt you a decade later?


They've helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

Sometimes the road to happiness is paved with youthful mistakes.


Hope Prentiss didn’t go to the Harmony High School senior prom. Instead, she and John Burke drove to Boise and got married. At eighteen. But when Hope panicked after saying “I do,” the mail-order preacher assured her he just wouldn’t send in the paperwork. No forms, no marriage, no problem. Right?

Well . . .

Now, ten years later, Hope discovers that her prom-night wedding counted—and, as fate would have it, the jilted John Burke has just ridden back into town. And he’s staying with her Aunt Verna at the inn where she and Hope host weddings. After spending some time with John and helping plan a Christmas wedding for a mystery couple, Hope begins to wonder if she really wants a divorce … or a real wedding of her own.


I absolutely love the concept behind Love at Mistletoe Inn. The "secretly still married" trope is one I definitely enjoy. However, while I flew through this novella and think it would make a fantastic movie, the "in print" Hope seemed far too wishy-washy to me, and some of her actions didn't make sense at all. I think this is because the reader is privy to her secret thoughts and emotions, so when her actions contradict what the reader knows about her, she comes off as a bit flaky or indecisive, and that cuts down on her likability. (This problem likely wouldn't exist in film, as Hope's likability would depend on how the actress portrayed her.)

My qualms about Hope as a heroine aside, I did really like this story. I especially enjoyed Hope's aunt and her very obvious scheming to reunite Hope and John. Also, General Hospital viewers of old will appreciate the names of the couple whose wedding Hope has to plan.

Love at Mistletoe Inn has a compelling plot and makes for an enjoyable hour of reading. Though it's not my favorite of the Year of Weddings novellas, it's still pretty good. (And, thanks to the preview at the end, I now cannot wait to get my hands on December's installment!) 3 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the novella.

Cindy Kirk sold her first book in 1999 as a result of a contest win which garnered a critique of the entire manuscript. She’s been writing—and selling—ever since. Cindy has been a Booksellers’ Best Award Winner, a finalist for the National Readers’ Choice Awards and a Publishers Weekly best seller. Cindy has served on the Board of Directors of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) since 2007. In November 2014, she began serving as President of the 10,000+ member organization. She’s a frequent speaker at not only the national RWA conferences, but large regional writing conferences. She has also presented at smaller retreats and conferences across the country. She lives on an acreage in Nebraska with her high school sweetheart husband of too-many-years-to-count and their three “boys” (a shih tzu, a blue heeler and a dorkie). Their daughter lives close by with her wonderful husband and their two little girls.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sunday, November 16, 2014

"christmas, actually" by anna adams, anna j. stewart, & melinda curtis

Christmas, ActuallyThree siblings find love during one magical Christmas season.

Christmas, Actually
by Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, & Melinda Curtis
Clean Contemporary Romance
Paperback and Ebook, 202 pages
November 1st 2014 by Harlequin Heartwarming


Discover the magic of Christmas Town, Maine!


Three lonely strangers come to Christmas Town, Maine, and find love with three Banning siblings in the town that celebrates the holidays by decorating its square with lights and ribbons and a holiday pageant on Christmas Eve. Tradition has it that a kiss beneath the mistletoe that night means marriage for the couple in the new year.

The Christmas Gift by Anna Adams:
Jack Banning promised to support the mother of his unborn child. But she doesn't need money; she only needs him.

The Christmas Wish by Anna J. Stewart:
Callie Banning's student has declared war on Christmas, so it's up to her to help the little girl--and her widowed father--believe again.

The Christmas Date by Melinda Curtis:
Gina Vernay is about to meet her online mystery date--and she's in for the surprise of a lifetime!


The Christmas Gift: This novella provides a nice introduction to Christmas Town and its citizens. While I liked both Jack and Sophie, I did think his behavior was a bit far-fetched, even for someone suffering from PTSD. But it's a sweet novella with a happy ending, and I could easily see it as an entry in Hallmark or Lifetime's Christmas lineup. 3 stars.

The Christmas Wish: I enjoyed The Christmas Wish, a sweet story about Callie, a teacher who takes a troubled student under her wing and ends up falling for the student's single father. 3-1/2 stars.

The Christmas Date: The instant I started reading this story, I knew I was going to love it. There's just something about those You've Got Mail-esque stories that I love. Nick and Gina are both so likeable, and their chemistry lept off the page. This was easily my favorite of the three stories! 5 stars.

As a whole, I think this collection would have worked better if the novellas hadn't been connected. All three of these stories are supposed to take place during the same Christmas season in the same small town to people from the same family. Yet, as a whole, these siblings know nothing about the others' romances. (The exception is Callie's knowledge of Nick's feelings for Gina.) I think the series would have played better had the stories taken place in different years or been connected solely by Christmas Town. Still, the stories are enjoyable, and they're perfect for reading in front of a cozy fire. 3-1/2 stars.




Photo 34
Anna Adams wrote her first romance in wet sand. The Atlantic Ocean washed it away, but Anna kept going. Her stories are of love, like the proverbial stone in a lake, making ripples that spread and contract and involve. From Iceland to Hawaii, and points in between, Anna and her own hero share with children and family and friends who?ve become family. All this living and loving gives Anna plenty of fodder for stories of love set in real life. Come along and live them with her!



Anna J. Stewart can't remember a time she didn't have a book in her hand or a story in her head and credits her mother never saying no to a book for turning her into a writer. Anna lives in Northern California with an overly attentive cat named Snickers and is happiest when setting her heroes and heroines on their road to happily ever after amidst family, fun and laughter.


Melinda Curtis
Melinda Curtis grew up on an isolated sheep ranch, where mountain lions had been seen and yet she roamed unaccompanied. Being a rather optimistic, clueless of danger, sort she took to playing "what if" games that led her to become an author. She spends days trying to figure out new ways to say "He made her heart pound." That might sound boring, but the challenge keeps her mentally ahead of her 3 kids and college sweetheart husband.





A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.
Tour-Wide Giveaway

- Gift Card Prize Pack: $20 Amazon gift card and ebook of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)
- US Prize Pack: Paperback of Christmas, Actually and three Christmas ornaments (US only)
- 3 ebooks of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)
Ends November 30th

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review through Prism Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, November 14, 2014

"where treetops glisten" by tricia goyer, cara putman, & sarah sundin

Christmas novellas set in my favorite historical time period written by some of my favorite authors? Yes, please!


The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime

Siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, filled with the wonder of Christmas

Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America's involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

In Cara Putman's White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements---until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

Abigail's brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theater in Sarah Sundin's I'll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete's friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he's no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer's Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, "Merry" to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that's precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

The Turner family believes in God's providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ's birth and His plan for a future?

Where Treetops Glisten begins at Christmas 1941 with a prologue (written by Sundin) that introduces the reader to the Turner family. Each novella also takes place at Christmas, each one a year later than the previous.

White Christmas is a sweet story about spunky heroine Abigail Turner and her quest to confront her greatest fear. Along the way, she meets Jackson, a man who's desperate to save his family's farm. This novella is charming and heartwarming, and it easily kept my attention from beginning to end. 4 stars.

I'll Be Home For Christmas is a gentle, wonderfully romantic story about a fighter pilot, the woman he used to bully, and her precocious daughter. It's exactly the kind of story Sarah Sundin's fans love, and my only complaint is that it's too short, and I have to wait until next August to read her next novel! 5 stars.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas takes the action to war-torn Europe near the close of World War II. While the romance aspect is there, I most enjoyed Merry's work as a nurse in a field hospital. This is a sweet story about a woman rediscovering her purpose and joy. 4-1/2 stars.

The collection wraps up with an epilogue (written by Putman) set one year after Merry's story, and it nicely updates each sibling's story.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable book, and it's perfect for a snowy day! I would highly recommend it to fans of the World War II era and to fans of these authors. 4-1/2 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of other books by Goyer, Putman, and Sundin.


TRICIA GOYER is a prolific author of nearly forty books, including Chasing Mona Lisa, and a speaker and blogger.
Website, Facebook, Twitter

CARA PUTMAN is the author of twenty books including
Shadowed by Grace. She is the winner of the 2008 Carol Award for historical fiction.
Website, Facebook, Twitter

SARAH SUNDIN is the critically-acclaimed author of the Wings of the Nightingale series, the Wings of Glory series, and the forthcoming Waves of Freedom novels.
Website, Facebook, Twitter



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Thursday, November 13, 2014

"surprised by love" by julie lessman

It's bitterly cold outside, at least in my neck of the woods. You know what goes wonderfully with a cold, dreary day? (Besides a steaming latte, of course.) A good book! And I have just the one you need—it'll keep you reading day and night!


She can turn the head of the man who spurned her—but can she turn his heart?

When Megan McClare left San Francisco to study in Paris, no one would accuse her of being poised and pretty. But on the other side of the Atlantic, this wallflower blossomed into a beauty with big dreams. When she returns to California and accepts an internship at the district attorney's office, she's thrilled that her life is taking shape. But the exciting opportunity quickly loses its glow when she discovers she'll be working alongside Devin Caldwell, who mercilessly mocked her at school--and with whom she was hopelessly enamored. 

Bram Hughes is the best friend to whom Megan has always turned for support and advice. But when she seeks his counsel about working with Devin Caldwell, Bram's vision is clouded by his sudden unwelcome attraction to a girl he had always thought of as a little sister. He advises forgiveness, but can he forgive himself for pushing the woman he loves into the arms of another man? 

Author Julie Lessman draws a romantic triangle that will touch your heart in this glittering Gilded Age tale of transforming love.

Several years ago, I read Julie Lessman's A Passion Most Pure, and I liked it quite a bit. (It was a Kindle freebie, and it's free now, too.) Since then, I've picked up the Kindle versions of several of her books, but I haven't read any of them. When her latest release showed up in my inbox as a possible review book, I jumped at the chance to read it.

Surprised by Love is book three in Lessman's "Heart of San Francisco" series, which follows the McClare family. From page one, I was captivated by this novel and its characters. Though I did struggle a bit to keep up at first, due solely to my own lack of knowledge from not having read the first two books in the series, I soon had everything straight and was flying through the pages at warp speed. I simply could not put the book down—I had to know what would happen next—and I read the entire book in one afternoon and evening. (Good thing I didn't have anything important going on!)

While the Megan/Devin/Bram triangle is the heart of the novel, Megan's mother Cait has her own love triangle, which I think will be particularly satisfying to those who have read the first two books in the series. (I enjoyed it, too—but those who have been with the series from the beginning have been waiting a long time for Cait's love story to resolve.)

I also loved the spiritual content of this novel. It's not over the top/in your face, but it feels realistic. Faith plays a large role in Bram's life, and also in Logan's life. (Logan is one of Cait's suitors.) Letting go and trusting God is a prominent theme in the novel, and as I read, I stopped to consider some aspects of my life. I love when fiction becomes more than a story and touches my own life!

Over the years, Lessman has taken some heat for the sensual nature of her books, and while it's true that her books are more passionate than much of what's available in the Christian market, there is nothing in this novel that crosses the line of decency—in my opinion, there's nothing that's even close to the line. I loved Surprised by Love, and I look forward to reading more novels by Lessman. I think I'll start with those books I already have on my Kindle! 5 stars.

Buy the book.



Julie Lessman is an award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston series, the Winds of Change series, and The Heart of San Francisco series. The recipient of seventeen Romance Writers of America and other awards, Lessman was chosen as the #1 Romance Fiction Author of the Year in the Family Fiction magazine 2011 and 2012 Readers' Choice Awards. She resides in Missouri with her family. Learn more at www.julielessman.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

"christmas, actually" blog tour launch

I'm teaming up with Prism Book Tours for the Christmas, Actually blog tour. As the post date for my review is a few days into the tour, I wanted to get this information out to you right away so you can enter the giveaway!

Note: This anthology is part of the Harlequin Heartwarming line, which means that they're not Christian novellas, but they are clean--basically the equivalent of a Hallmark Channel movie.


A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

Welcome to the Launch for the MISTLETOE KISSES TOUR for
Christmas, Actually
Three Harlequin Heartwarming novellas
By Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, and Melinda Curtis

Introducing the Three Stories in Christmas, Actually

The Christmas Gift by Anna Adams

This anthology was born one night in January when Melinda Curtis and Anna J. Stewart and I (Anna Adams) were chatting on Skype, and Melinda suggested a holiday anthology. From there we went to setting, and then to the kind of stories we wanted to write. Christmas Town, Maine came to life and the Banning siblings began living. I hope readers will be moved as I am by Jack and Sophie's story.

Sophie Palmer was confused when the pregnancy test came back positive, but one thing she knew she already loved her unborn child. She didn't expect former Army surgeon, Jack Banning to break all contact with them. He's promised financial support, but he wants no other contact with her or their coming child.

He must have a reason. She'd known him and loved him for two years. At Christmas, she follows him to Maine to tell him she's putting his name on the birth certificate.

She no longer loves him. He's destroyed those feelings, and she will never give their daughter a reason to believe she can expect more than her father's name, but Sophie can't forget the soldier who lived by the code of "Leave no man behind," the doctor who's cared more for his patients than himself, the man who didn't know how to be dishonorable.

Fatherless herself, Sophie doesn't care about the financials. She'll take care of her own, but she needs to understand why Jack's become an impossible-to-love stranger.

The Christmas Wish by Anna J. Stewart

For as long as I've been writing, I never thought I'd ever write a novella. I'm a novel length kinda girl--I just write long books; sometimes very, very long. But when my friend (and writing Yoda) Melinda Curtis proposed the idea of interconnected novellas featuring a set of siblings, I couldn't say no. Especially not when she, Anna Adams and I decided to make it a holiday themed anthology. There's something magical about the holiday season, and writing Callie and Dean's story was a true pleasure. In all honesty, it was also the easiest thing I've ever written; probably because this story comes straight from my heart. 

When Callie Banning's student declares war on Christmas, it's up to her to teach the little girl--and her widowed father--to believe again. 

Normally when I start a story, the heroine is first to pop into my head. This time around, Dean Galloway entered the scene first. I could see him so clearly, shoulder length blonde hair, the brown leather jacket, the haunted twinkle in his eye as he struggled to raise his little girl on his own. And he came with a camera. No idea why, he just arrived that way. Like a gift. There's something incredibly appealing to me (and hopefully to readers) about a father who is so in love with his child he'll do anything--even move them all across the country--to keep them happy. Adding a tinge of grief to their story and Callie Banning was just the healing effect they'd been looking for. There are people who just fit from the moment they meet; not necessarily that cliched "you complete me" fit, but that something special that makes life and love all that more exciting. The Christmas Wish is more than about celebrating the holiday season and rediscovering the magic those months bring--it's about finding where one truly belongs, both in home and heart. So come on, welcome to Christmas Town, Maine and meet the Banning siblings, who have a very special New Year coming their way.

The Christmas Date by Melinda Curtis

The Christmas Date is the third novella in Christmas, Actually--three holiday stories about three siblings living in Christmas Town, Maine, where tradition has it that a kiss on Christmas Eve in the town square gazebo will lead to wedding bells in the new year!

At a critique session, the Annas and I were talking about how we loved holiday stories. It was a natural progression to creating our own special town with heartwarming traditions.


In The Christmas Date, Gina Vernay was in an accident as a child and has a scar down her right cheek. Since then, Gina has always sat on the sidelines, lacking the self-confidence to shine. Wanting what many of her friends have--love, a family--Gina signs up for an online dating account. But her picture doesn't show her scar. And she's always too busy running The Tea Cup in Christmas Town to meet anyone, much less a man to share a kiss under the mistletoe in the town's gazebo. But when one persistent on-line suitor arranges to meet her on Christmas Eve, Gina's life turns upside down.

Will your heart be warmed by a sweet kiss under the mistletoe this year? 
Come along on the tour to find out!

11/11

11/12

11/13

11/14

11/16

11/17

11/18

11/19

11/20

11/21

11/23 - Grand Finale

Christmas, Actually
Christmas, Actually
by Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, & Melinda Curtis
Clean Contemporary Romance
Paperback & Ebook, 202 pages
November 1st 2014 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Discover the magic of Christmas Town, Maine!

Three lonely strangers come to Christmas Town, Maine, and find love with three Banning siblings in the town that celebrates the holidays by decorating its square with lights and ribbons and a holiday pageant on Christmas Eve. Tradition has it that a kiss beneath the mistletoe that night means marriage for the couple in the new year.

The Christmas Gift by Anna Adams:
Jack Banning promised to support the mother of his unborn child. But she doesn't need money, she only needs him.

The Christmas Wish by Anna J. Stewart:
Callie Banning's student has declared war on Christmas, so it's up to her to help the little girl--and her widowed father--believe again.

The Christmas Date by Melinda Curtis:
Gina Vernay is about to meet her online mystery date--and she's in for the surprise of a lifetime!


About the Authors

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Anna Adams wrote her first romance in wet sand. The Atlantic Ocean washed it away, but Anna kept going. Her stories are of love, like the proverbial stone in a lake, making ripples that spread and contract and involve. From Iceland to Hawaii, and points in between, Anna and her own hero share with children and family and friends who've become family. All this living and loving gives Anna plenty of fodder for stories of love set in real life. Come along and live them with her!


Anna J. Stewart can't remember a time she didn't have a book in her hand or a story in her head and credits her mother never saying no to a book for turning her into a writer. Anna lives in Northern California with an overly attentive cat named Snickers and is happiest when setting her heroes and heroines on their road to happily ever after amidst family, fun and laughter.


Melinda Curtis
Melinda Curtis grew up on an isolated sheep ranch, where mountain lions had been seen and yet she roamed unaccompanied. Being a rather optimistic, clueless of danger, sort she took to playing "what if" games that led her to become an author. She spends days trying to figure out new ways to say "He made her heart pound." That might sound boring, but the challenge keeps her mentally ahead of her 3 kids and college sweetheart husband.




Tour-Wide Giveaway

- Gift Card Prize Pack: $20 Amazon gift card and ebook of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)
- US Prize Pack: Paperback of Christmas, Actually and three Christmas ornaments (US only)
- 3 ebooks of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)
Ends November 30th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prism Book Tours