A New Jody Hedlund Favorite! ~ A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

Another reader friend of mine told me she read “A Noble Groom” in 24 hours and I was not too far behind her. What. A. Great. Story.

           

From the first page to the last sentence I was completely captivated by the characters, the story of their lives and the romance, oh! The romance! Stand-out writing quality made for a story I literally could not put down.

            

I haven’t fallen in love with a storybook hero in quite a few books; Carl changed that pattern. Talk about a hero to admire. Yes, he had his faults, but what impressed me is while those faults might have made any other character stuck up and unlikeable, with Carl, you knew it was only a matter of time until his transformation changed him.

           

I can’t quite profess my entire love for these characters and book in 250 words. They took over the story, made it come alive in the best possible ways. Descriptions danced across the screen of my mind as much as Gretchen did across the dry Michigan ground.

            

My favorite moment? By far the kiss in the rain. A kiss (and many non kisses) to rival all kisses, “A Noble Groom” had so many unforgettable moments. It’s the kind of story you think about long after that final page is turned. The kind of characters that you want to be become your best friends. And a novel that won’t soon leave my keeper shelf…unless to loan to some other unsuspecting reader sure to fall ever more in love.

          

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review.

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More about the novel...

A New Historical Romance from Fan-Favorite Jody Hedlund 

Recently widowed Annalisa Werner has the feeling her husband was murdered but

can't prove it. Alone with her young daughter in 1881 Michigan, she has six months left to finish raising the money needed to pay back the land contract her husband purchased, and the land is difficult to toil by herself. She needs a husband. With unmarried men scarce, her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.

For nobleman Carl von Reichert, the blade of the guillotine is his fate. He's been accused and convicted of a serious crime he didn't commit, and his only escape is to flee to a small German community in Michigan where he'll be safe. He secures a job on Annalisa's farm but bumbles through learning about farming and manual labor. 

Annalisa senses that Karl is harboring a secret about his past, yet she finds herself drawn to him anyway. He's gentle, kind, and romantic--unlike any of the men she's ever known. He begins to restore her faith in the ability to love--but her true groom is still on his way. And time is running out on them all.

*~Contest Info!*~

Jody Hedlund is celebrating the release of A Noble Groom by giving away a Kindle Fire and hosting a Facebook Author Chat Party {5/8}! 

One "noble" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A copy of A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced at the "A Noble Groom" Author Chat Party on May 8th. Connect with Jody, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of A Noble Groom and join Jody on the evening of May 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!

Giveaway! Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall!

Welcome back to Writing for Christ MaryLu Tyndall, I am excited to have you here for a second time. 

What has changed in your writing life since you were last here?

I’m working on a brand new super exciting trilogy about a group of Southerners who left the South after losing the Civil War and immigrated to Brazil where they hoped to start a new Southern Utopia.  It’s a little-known part of American history that is truly fascinating. The trilogy is called Escape to Paradise, and I pitched it as LOST meets Gone with the Wind. The first book, Forsaken Dreams, releases March 1^st, 2013.

What recent read stood out to you as truly spectacular?

Can I name more than one? A Light in the Window by Julie Lessman, The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah Ladd (she’s a new author.. and fabulous!) and Dreamspell by Tamara Leigh (love time travel stories!)

Do you have favorite authors?

Of course!  Laurie Alice Eakes, Julie Lessman, Laura Frantz are just a few of my favorites. I also love Lisa T. Bergren and Julie Klassen.

What do you find the most enjoyable part of writing or connecting with readers?

The most enjoyable part of writing for me is the actual creation of the characters and the story. I love closing my eyes and transporting myself into a world of my own creation and then forming characters with histories, personalities, families, faults, needs, dreams. And best of all, I have so much fun putting those characters into a world I invent and then throwing them into crisis after crisis and see what they do!!  What fun!

I also love connecting with readers. A writer’s life is a lonely one, so it’s so nice to hear from those who have read and enjoyed my books. It’s especially rewarding when I get a note from someone who tells me that my book really helped them through a rough time, or that my book got them back reading the Bible. Now, that’s what I’m writing for!!

What do you find the most ideal atmosphere for writing? Do you ever get those surroundings? 

I need a lot of peace and quiet. I’m not one of those writers who can write at Starbucks with a thousand people chatting all around me.  My favorite place to write is at home in my writing room. My husband created this gorgeous room that resembles a ship’s cabin, and I stuffed it full of all of my favorite things. It has a library, all my nautical things, a desk, and a lazy boy chair—the perfect ambience for creating my story worlds.

Okay, something fun for those writers out there: In what point of your writing career did you surprise yourself by writing the most words ever in the shortest amount of time?

I joined a small group of writers who were trying to write a full novel in a month. I knew I couldn’t keep up with them, but I thought maybe for a week they could encourage me to write faster. LOL. During that week, I hit my record for most words written in a day and that was 5000!  Of course they weren’t very polished words and there were lots of typos and grammar errors!  But at least I got something down. Writing for speed like that is a good way to shut off the left-logical side of your brain and open up the right, more creative side. When you do that, the story just begins to pour out of you.

Thanks for being here again! It has been a joy and we wish the very best with your novels.

Casey, it’s always a pleasure to visit you!! I wish you the best in your writing as well!

Readers, here is your chance to enter to win MaryLu's book!

Please leave an email address! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.

For extra entries:

~Be a follower
~Be a subscriber

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on May 10th

Attn Readers! If you're struggling to leave a comment on my blog, please email your comment entries (in ONE email) and I will submit it for you. But PLEASE only do this after you've failed to leave a comment. My email is: caseym.writer(@)gmail.com 

Not Always Glitz and Glamour ~ Duchess by Susan May Warren ~ Review

Rich in history, culture and characters “Duchess” is a smashing conclusion to a dramatic and dynamic series.

          

  The third in the series and the conclusion I’ve been waiting for, I was certainly not disappointed with this latest historical novel. If fact, I was beyond intrigued and loved delving into the world of Hollywood, stardom and the human condition. If there is one thing to point out in all of these books that make them, shall we say…grittier? Darker? Deeper? than others is the strong link of the human condition woven through each one.

          

  There aren’t many places this book didn’t go. Hatred. Jealousy. Love. Forgiveness. Redemption. It’s a masterful plot woven with intricacies through the deepest and darkest in the human heart, only to be risen above it all by the redemption of our Savior.

           

I’ve watched this cast of characters across three novels. I’m not sure which remains the “best” or rather the one I liked the strongest, but I can say, I look forward to going back and reading each one over again, closer together this time, so I might better remember all the characters and their roles.

           

I loved the history. I loved that the story was set in Hollywood and we saw under all the glitz and glamour. This and its two preceding titles are powerful stories. Stories that echo and resound within the reader. Recommended for mature readers and lovers of great story!

          

  This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review.

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More about this novel...

 The golden age of Hollywood is in the business of creating stars. Rosie Worth, now starlet Roxy Price

 has found everything she’s wanted in the glamour of the silver screen. With adoring fans and a studio-mogul husband, she’s finally silenced the voices—and grief—of the past. Her future shines bright…until the fated Black Friday when it all comes crashing down. When Roxy loses everything, she finds herself disgraced and penniless. Her only hope is to join forces with Belgian duke Rolfe Van Horne, a longtime film investor. But Rolfe is not who he seems, and he has other plans for Roxy and her movies—plans to support a growing unrest in Europe, plans that could break her heart and endanger her life.

When her country needs her, will she have the courage to surrender her glittering world and her one true love?

*~*~*Contest Info!*~*~*

Susan May Warren is celebrating the release of Duchess with a Kindle Fire HD Giveaway.

One "glam" winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire HD
• Signed copies of Duchess, Baroness and Heiress

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 4th. Winner will be announced on 5/7/13 at Susan's blog.

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

A New Love for Regency Fans ~ The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah E. Ladd ~ Review

A new regency a la Downton Abbey, “The Heiress of Winterwood” combines likeable characters, unique romance and plot line to create a sweet and enjoyable story.

           

Amelia and Graham are two characters thrown into a situation neither one would have chosen if given a choice. Amelia has such a strong love for this little girl that isn’t even hers and drives her to take…an unconditional method to protect her.

            

I liked the flavor of this regency that it didn’t stick with the normal and acceptable route to romance and the regency pattern. It breaks normal clichés and drives forward with a purpose to the story. Subplots blended well to add layers and tension. Descriptions were sweet and inviting, taking the reader into the story until I could close my eyes and see the story.

          

  I thought the first quarter of the story could have used a bit of tightening and tension, but the middle was by no means sagging! I tried to pinpoint what I didn’t immediately connect with while reading the story and I think it was just simply the style. It was by no means anything to dislike, I just struggled to always stay completely invested.

           

A beautiful cover, a good cast of characters and a novel I would definitely recommend to any regency lover.

            

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publisher through Litfuse for my copy to review.

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More about the novel....

Pride goes before the fall . . . but what comes after?

Darbury, England, 1814

Amelia Barrett, heiress to an ancestral estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and

promises to raise her dying friend’s infant baby. She'll risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to the child’s father, Graham, a sea captain she’s never met.

Tragedy strikes when the child vanishes with little more than a sketchy ransom note hinting to her whereabouts. Fear for the child’s safety drives Amelia and Graham to test the boundaries of their love for this infant.

Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she examines her soul and must face her one weakness: pride.

Graham’s strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline.

Both must learn to accept God’s sovereignty and relinquish control so they can grasp the future He has for planned for them.

*~Contest Info!~*

Sarah Ladd is celebrating the release of The Heiress of Winterwood with a Downton Abbey Kindle Prize Pack Giveaway!

 One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Downton Abbey, seasons 1-3

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 30th. Winner will be announced on 5/2/13 {HERE}.

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

A Well Done Story ~ Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer ~ Review

I think I might have found a new World War II historical favorite. Known for her prairie romances, Sawyer has taken a step into a new direction and I completely love it. The novel takes the reader into the heart of the war, the lives it touched and hurt. But it plays more as a backdrop instead for the foreplay of the story and that in and of itself gives the novel a different flavor from similar titles in its genre.

            

A beloved household favorite, Sawyer keeps the reader engaged in her latest title. Typical sweet romance with spurts of humor and combed with genuine concern for what will come of these characters. Some non-Christian readers might find the theology overt and cliché, but as a Christian fan I very much liked how God and His perfect plans were woven through the story.

           

The kids stole the show that is for sure. Nic is definitely a hard character to like, but I liked what became of him through the story. Misunderstandings abound in romance, it’s enough to make the hopeless romantic (and the realist) in me roll my eyes, but it provided a bit of comic relief toward the end of a serious story. And the ending…aw, definitely a sweet one.

           

I’ll be adding this title to my collection and most likely enjoying it again in the future. Loved the change in direction from the norm; well done!

           

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse Publicity for my copy to review.

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More about the novel...

A Story of Hope and Love from Bestselling Author Kim Vogel Sawyer 

Lydia Eldredge longs to provide a sanctuary for her son, Nicky. But a constant threat comes from Nicky's drug-addicted father, who wants the boy and seems willing to do whatever it takes to get him. 

Dr. Micah Hatcher serves the immigrant population in Queens, but under cover of darkness he provides another service that must not be discovered lest his and his brother's lives be in danger. 

When Lydia and Micah's paths cross, they are suddenly wrapped up in each other's callings. Through unforeseen twists and turns, they seek a refuge of safety--for Nicky, for themselves, and for the needy people God unexpectedly puts in their lives.

*~*Contest Info*~*

To celebrate the release of  Sweet Sanctuary Kim Vogel Sawyer is giving away a Cupcake Club membership (monthly cupcake delivery!) from the amazing Magnolia Bakery in New York and hosting a Facebook Author Chat party {4/30}!

One "sweet" winner will receive:

• Cupcakes from NYC’s Magnolia Bakery delivered to your door every month. (Eat them all yourself or share!)
• Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer for you and four of your friends. (Start a book group — cupcakes and a "sweet" read!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 29th. Winner will be announced at the "Sweet Sanctuary" Author Chat Party on 4/30. Connect with Kim, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be fun giveaways - gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Sweet Sanctuary and join Kim on the evening of April 30th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!

Giveaway! A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund!

Welcome back Jody Hedlund! Since this is the third time for you to visit, I thought I would throw in some fun questions, maybe some that aren’t part of the norm in other interviews. :- )

·         If you could go anywhere on vacation where would it be?

 I’d love to take a research trip to England and Germany to visit old castles.

·         Do you have any pets?

A Golden Retriever (Annabelle) and 2 fairly new kittens (Patriot and Petunia) who are all a lot of fun and get more attention than any pets I know!

·         Your favorite book that you have written?

That's a hard one because I fall madly in love with all of my books as I'm writing them! I think they're all SO wonderful–until I beginning editing and then I loathe them. While I can't pick one book, I can say that one of my favorite heroes so far is Carl from A Noble Groom because he's so sweet and caring and funny.

·         What is your favorite pastime?

READING!

·         Favorite book?

Anne of Green Gables because it played a role in developing my creativity as a writer. (Followed closely by A Little Princess and Little Women because they also featured strong, creative girls.)

·         Favorite movie?

The most recent version of The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe because it was a fantastic representation of the book.

·         What person has inspired you in your writing journey?

My mom was the most influential person in my writing career. When I was young, she helped facilitate my love of writing by reading aloud to me, giving me good books to read, and providing the kind of environment that fostered my creativity (in fact we didn’t have a TV for a number of years). She always believed in me, encouraged me to pursue my dreams, and rode alongside me cheering me on.

·         What character in a novel you have read has stood out and seemed to stand the test of time?

I love Sarah Crewe in A Little Princess. My youngest daughter recently got the Veggie Tale version of this story, and so it's very fresh in my mind from all the times she's watched it! But I never get tired of the story or Sarah. She is such a wonderful example of how to not only persevere through difficulties, but to do it with the utmost dignity and grace.

·         If you could meet one person from history who would it be and why?

Of course I would have to say that I'd love to meet Elizabeth Bunyan or Narcissa Whitman mainly because I've used them as main characters of two of my books. I'd love to meet them and see what they think about my version of their stories!

·         Okay, last one and a fun one for our readers today: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing, what would it be? Why?

 I'd take my lap top (assuming that I'd also have free WiFi) so that then I could stay in contact with my wonderful family, continue to write, as well as read my ebooks and listen to my audio books!

Too fun, thanks for joining us for a third time!! It is a privilege. :- )

Readers, here is your chance to enter to win Jody's book! 

Please leave an email address! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.

For extra entries:

~Be a follower
~Be a subscriber

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on May 3rd

Attn Readers! If you're struggling to leave a comment on my blog, please email your comment entries (in ONE email) and I will submit it for you. But PLEASE only do this after you've failed to leave a comment. My email is: caseym.writer(@)gmail.com 

Thoroughly Enjoyable Tale! ~ Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall ~ Review

A tale of romance, intrigue and God’s truth on the high seas.

            

The story has a hint of the “Lord of the Flies” simply because our characters are heading for a Utopian promise only to collide against everything *they* believe should be right. But the similarities end there.

        

    The story captured me within the first chapter. It flipped between past and present and I loved the retrospective style of the chapter crafting. It was always very clear which present I was in, but it gave a delightful flavor to the novel that worked so well.

           

Since the very beginning of Tyndall’s career she has set her books on the seas. Her most recent releases though have been landlubbers, and I have to say it’s great to be back on the open sea. It’s the only way you’re going to get me out there, so as I sailed around the coast with the crew of characters I was taken into a completely different time and place.

         

   Our characters have to come to a new faith and every moment of their journey felt nothing but authentic. The romance was sweet and enticed me to return to the pages over and over again.

           

A captivating story. Characters that grip your heart to an ending that simply made me sigh in delight. It’s that kind of historical novel that will only get better with subsequent readings. And left opened just enough to have this reader chomping for book #2!

            

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.

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More about the novel....

Embark on a seafaring adventure in a brand-new series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall. 

After witnessing the death and destruction caused by the Civil War, Colonel Blake Wallace is eager to leave his once precious Southern homeland for the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new Utopian community. Widow Eliza Crawford seeks passage on Wallace’s ship harboring a dirty secret—and a blossoming hope for a fresh start. 

But will dangers from the sea and from man keep them from the peace and love they long for?

Make that a FUN Author Interview! My Guest? Betsy St. Amant!

Sometimes we just gotta let loose. Have a little fun.  Thus I had this crazy idea…and I’m pretty excited about it. Hope you love it and if you have suggestions for questions, leave them in the comments! :- )

The Basics:

Name: Betsy St. Amant

Home State (completely with address so we can stalk you): Louisiana

(Casey here: has anyone noticed how NONE of these authors are giving us their address?? The nerve...)

Occupation: Author/Freelance Journalist

Height: 5’4

Hair Color: Natural or actually? Hahaha! Brown to Blonde ;)

Released 4/1/13!
Order here

Goin’ Deeper:

Celebrity crush: Matthew McFadden from Pride & Prejudice

#1 favorite pastime: Christmas light looking with my family!

Best book of your childhood: Secret Garden

Go to comfort food: chips and salsa

Worst job you ever had: Insurance company! Blech!!

In Ten Words or Less:

Happiest moment of your life:  Experiencing what freedom in Jesus really feels like!

Released 4/1/12!
Order here

One thing on your bucket list: Traveling to Ireland and Germany

Quirkiest aspect that annoys your spouse/friends: My OCD-ness in things being straight and neat

Greatest dream: Experiencing God’s restoration in a certain ongoing prayer request

Biggest fear: Spiders snakes spiders snakes spiders snakes spiders snakes scorpions spiders

LOL!

Loved getting to know Betsy a little bit better!

FUN NEWS! 

Betsy just signed a two book contract with Zondervan!

((insert happy-dancing))

Be sure and join the conversation in the comments! 

And be sure and be on the look out for next month when I interview 

Melissa Tagg! 

Giveaway! Winds of Freedom by Becky Lyles!

Welcome back to Writing for Christ Becky Lyles, I am excited to have you here for a second time. :- )

What has changed in your writing life since you were last here?

I’ve had several fun speaking, writing and editing opportunities and met lots of interesting writers. I also finished the sequel to “Winds of Wyoming” titled “Winds of Freedom,” which will debut in late spring.

What recent read stood out to you as truly spectacular?

“The Mountain Between Us” by Charles Martin is one of those heart-wrenching books you can’t put down or forget, once you finish it.

Do you have favorite authors?

Friends recently introduced me to Charles Martin and Kristin Hannah. They’re my current favorites. Both are amazing writers who provide depth as well as a good story. My for

Cover for one of Becky's previous releases
Purchase here

mer boss, CJ Box, writes great mysteries that feature a Wyoming game warden. Joe Pickett is a family man and someone who can’t help but delve below the surface of shady circumstances and make things right.

What do you find the most enjoyable part of writing or connecting with readers?

I’m excited when readers are encouraged by the characters’ faith that matures as they face life’s challenges head-on. Regarding writing, I struggle to get the first draft out of my head and into the computer. But I love self-editing and rewriting. My husband calls me a “perpeditor,” his abbreviation for perpetual editor. :- )

What do you find the most ideal atmosphere for writing? Do you ever get those surroundings? :- )

I love to sit at a campsite with a legal pad on my lap and a pencil in my hand, but that doesn’t happen real often (never in winter!). I keep telling my husband we need to buy a cabin in the mountains. Surely that could be a tax write-off, right?

Okay, something fun for those writers out there: In what point of your writing career did you surprise yourself by writing the most words ever in the shortest amount of time?

I’ve participated in ACFW’s Writing Novel Track a couple times and found it a terrific way to spur myself to stay focused and write at least a couple thousand words per day. Seems my high day was around 3500 words. I’m amazing when I hear people say they can write 10,000 words a day. Neither my brain nor my body would cooperate for such a long stint at a computer. Maybe that has something to do with my age…

Thanks for being here again! It has been a joy and we wish the very best with your novels.

Thank you so much for having me, Casey! You always have great questions. Bless you! Becky

Readers, here is your chance to enter to win Becky's book! (winner please note that this title has not yet been released, your novel will arrive sometime next month once Becky has her author copies!)

Cover for one of Becky's previous releases

Please leave an email address! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.For extra entries:

~Be a follower
~Be a subscriber

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on April 26th

Attn Readers! If you're struggling to leave a comment on my blog, please email your comment entries (in ONE email) and I will submit it for you. But PLEASE only do this after you've failed to leave a comment. My email is: caseym.writer(@)gmail.com