Thursday, December 27, 2012

Waiting For Spring by Amanda Cabot

 

 

 

Waiting for Spring is the second book in Amanda Cabot's Westward Winds series. Charlotte Harding, a widow who uses her skills as a seamstress to support her blind child moves to Cheyenne, to hide from an evil man.

Barrett Landry gets to know Charlotte and he finds himself  drawn to the well liked dressmaker. Romance isn't possible as Landry is running for political office and is expected to wed another. 

Amanda Cabot is a skilled author who's stories keep the reader's interest and present a real picture of the old west. I enjoyed this book and believe it is an excellent choice for those who love to read Christian fiction.

 

Publisher's Description

After the loss of her husband and the birth of her baby, Charlotte has had a long, hard year. But when a notorious robber believes she knows the location of a long-lost treasure, she flees to Cheyenne and opens a dressmaker's shop to lie low and make a living. When wealthy cattle baron and political hopeful Barrett Landry enters the shop to visit her best customer, Charlotte feels drawn to him. If Barrett is to be a senator of the soon-to-be state of Wyoming, he must make a sensible match, and Miriam has all the right connections. Yet he can't shake the feeling that Charlotte holds the key to his heart and his future. Soon the past comes to call, and Barrett's plans crumble around him. Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Secretly Smitten

I've been looking forward to returning to Smitten, Vermont ever since I finished the first book in the series. Sometimes the second book's a disappointment but not when you have four talented writers who know their craft well. 
Once again I was transported to a town I'd jump at the chance to live in surrounded by characters I grew to love.  Tess, Clare and Zoe as well as their extended family are people I know I'd like to know. The only drawback is the book comes to an end (a very satisfy one at that) ... but I believe there's more in the works. When the next Smitten book is available you can bet I'll be one of the first to get a copy.  Thank you Colleen, Kristin, Diann and Denise for creating this continuing community of romance and faith.

 

Book Description

Summer, fall, winter, spring—Smitten, Vermont, is the place for love . . . and mystery!
There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic—a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?
The mystery intrigues Rose’s three granddaughters—Tess, Clare, and Zoe—and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?
Join popular romance novelists—and real-life BFFs—Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for four delightful intertwined tales of mystery and sweet intrigue.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

An Angel by Her Side

 

To be honest I knew when I picked up this book I would like it. Ruth Reid is a very good writer. Her Heaven on Earth series is one of the best Amish series I've read. She adds a twist to a popular genre that keeps it fresh.

An Angel by Her Side hooked me in from the first sentence and did not let me go until the end.  I could not put this book down. I was so caught up in the story of Katie and Seth that I shed happy tears at the end. I love to read a book that's so well written the characters seem not only real but like people you would love to have in your life.

Book Description

Please note that this is Book 3 in the A Heaven on Earth series
Katie has lived through tragedy and heartache. But with the angel Elias by her side, the best years of her life are just ahead.
When Katie Bender’s fiancĂ© died in a tragic accident, so did her hope of finding love. Though heartbroken, Katie is also practical. In the years since the accident she has discovered her gift for teaching. But when a tornado destroys her small Amish settlement, including the schoolhouse, Katie doesn’t know how she will provide for herself.
Seth Stutzman arrived in Hope Falls days before the storm. And when he helps usher Katie and the children to safety, sparks fly. But Seth is only in town to help his brother, Amos, get back on his feet following the death of his wife. He can’t afford to have feelings for Katie.
Rebuilding the community is a huge task, and soon, Katie and Seth are working side by side. As they privately wrestle with their feelings for each other, another silent—and ultimate—battle for their hearts rages unseen.
Sworn to protect what God has ordained, the mighty angel Elias appears to them as a mysterious visitor. And with his guidance, Katie and Seth find the courage to take the first small steps toward the life, and love, they were destined for.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

 
 
In An Amish Kitchen three talented writers join together to give us three lovely stories of faith and love. The stories are well written and short but sweet. I highly recommend this book to those that share my fascination with the Amish.

  

Book Description

The Amish Kitchen is the Heart of the Home – and the Ideal Setting for Stories of Love and Hope.
Fall in Paradise, Pennsylvania, always brings a brisk change in the weather. This season also ushers in unexpected visitors, new love, and renewed hope for three women.
Fern has a green thumb for growing healing herbs, but longs for love to bloom in her life. Then the next-door neighbor’s oldest son, Abram, comes running into Fern’s kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance—until mistrust threatens to end the growing attraction.
Nearby, Hannah runs her parents’ bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn—but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?
When a storm blows a tree onto Eve’s farmhouse, she has little choice but to temporarily move her family into her parents’ home. Outside of cooking together in the kitchen, Eve and her mother can’t agree on anything. But this may be just the recipe for hope in healing old wounds.
Three Amish stories—each celebrating love, family, and faith—all taking place in a tight-knit community where the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.
Also Includes Reading Group Guide and 45 Old Order Amish Recipes

Friday, November 9, 2012

 

 

 Recently I have become swept up by the Amish Fiction movement. Good thing too, since Amish stories are in great demand right now. Kelly Long's A Marriage of the Heart kept me turning the pages.  Three stories in one book is a bonus any time, but this one is outstanding!  I especially enjoyed the second book: Christmas Cradles. I did not put the book down once I started.  Up all night but worth every moment.

 

Book Description

Three Stories That Share the Adventures of First Love and Second Chances.
A Perfect Secret—Rose Bender’s betrothed, Luke Lantz, is safe and dependable, maybe a little too much so. Or so she thinks until she sees him in the woods one night and discovers a secret he’s been keeping. Now his secret haunts her. She wasn’t sure about marrying a man she knew too well. But should she marry a man she doesn’t understand at all?
Christmas Cradles—When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local midwife, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers’ quilts, and unexpected help from the handsome and brooding Asa Lapp.
A Marriage of the Heart—Since her mother’s death, Abigail Kauffman has lived alone with her father. She longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after suddenly marrying do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Dead Wrong by Susan Sleeman




Dead Wrong is the second book in the Justice Agency series. Susan Sleeman does an excellent job of creating characters the reader can't help but care for.  I actually found myself forgetting these aren't real people. Susan's a gifted writer and has given us another book full of suspense that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Kat Justice and Mitch Elliot both have painful experiences from their past they need to overcome to be able to have a happy relationship. With a killer hot on the their trail it isn't easy. I enjoyed  the fast pace and inspirational quality. Full of twist, I was completely surprised at the ending. Well Done!

Back of the Book
When her client and old college friend is murdered, P.I. Kat Justice knows the killer will come for her next. Her survival depends on finding her unknown enemy first…and working with homicide detective Mitch Elliot, her onetime crush. It'll take all her professional skills to ignore the sparks between them, but Kat can't allow the handsome cop to get close. She's seen too many people she loves die, so she vows just to do her job without getting emotionally involved. Yet keeping her distance may not be the best way to protect her heart—or their lives.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

 
 
 
I have enjoyed the Land of Canaan series and looked forward to this newest addition. It's more than your typical Amish story. At first I questioned the idea of an Amish man being willing to leave his faith for an Englisher he isn't in love with. As the story unfolds I found it to be one of the best reads I've had in a long time. I read 4-5 books a week so that says a lot. I did not put the book down until I reached the last page. Beth Wiseman had me in the palm of her hand the entire time.

Book Description

An unplanned pregnancy. An absent father. Can love really endure all things?
Danielle Kent is anything but Amish. But as destiny would have it, she has fallen in love with an Amish man.
Now she’s 18, pregnant, and hopeful that the child’s Amish father—Matthew Lapp—will do the right thing and marry her. She knows Matthew plans to leave his Colorado settlement for a life in the Englisch world. But that plan never included a baby.
When Matthew walks away from her and their unborn child, she has nowhere to turn. Her unlikely friendship with Levi offers some comfort—yet they have so little in common. This wasn’t the plan she had for her life, and she has never felt so alone. She doesn’t want to be pregnant. Doesn’t want to be Amish. Doesn’t want to trust God.
And yet.
God has plans beyond what her mind can imagine . . . loving plans to show a lost young woman that His love never fails but endures forever.

Thursday, October 4, 2012







Faithful to Laura, by Kathleen Fuller is the story of an Amish girl who has suffered physical and emotional trauma from the man she thought she loved. She struggles to forgive him as is the Amish way but she instead seeks revenge. She meets an Englisher who's been adopted by an Amish family as a teenager. Their painful pasts bring them together. I would recommend to anyone that enjoys reading Amish romances.

Book Description

Laura’s Amish faith requires her to forgive, but she can only think of revenge.
Laura Stutzman leaves her Kentucky community for Middlefield, Ohio, with one purpose: to find Mark King, the man who pledged his love to her, then left. She can’t move on with her life until he explains why.
Sawyer Thompson is a Yankee who spent his teen years in an Amish home. Now an adult, he has to make a decision—go back to the life he knew as a child or join the church. Having suffered loss at a young age, he understands Laura’s anger, but is determined to follow God’s will and forgive. As their friendship grows, Laura begins to let her guard down.
New information about Sawyer’s past threatens the couple’s budding relationship. Both Laura and Sawyer will need to release the anger they’re storing in their hearts and forgive the people who’ve harmed them. As Laura struggles to trust God, will Sawyer do whatever it takes to remain faithful to Laura?

Monday, September 3, 2012


This is the first of Cara Lynn James' books I've read but not the last. I happy to discover a new author that I plan to keep on my must read list.

Set in the 19th century, A Path Toward Love, is well written and hard to put down. Through Katherine and Andrew's journey we are reminded of forgiveness, and accepting God's will for our lives! Independent and widowed after a bad marriage Katherine is determination to keep her orchard in Florida - something that just isn't done back when women were expected to know their place.Her wealthy parents try to keep her from her dream as well as the man she loves. 


Book Description

Katherine came home to forget her past.
The last thing she expected is a hopeful future.
Young widow Katherine Osborne returns to her family’s rustic camp on Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. She’s determined to live a quiet life, but her socialite mother is equally determined to push her into a new marriage while she’s still young.
Andrew Townsend has known Katherine since they were children. An attorney who is successful, but not wealthy, he knows she is socially out of his reach. But he’s curious what changed the free-spirited girl he once knew into this private, somber young woman.
Katherine has kept hidden the details of her unsuccessful marriage. When past sins come to light, she must turn to God for the courage to be honest. But how can she trust the God she feels has let her down? When she confides in Andrew, their relationship takes a dramatic turn into uncharted territory.
Amid impossible obstacles, two young people must learn to trust enough to walk the path that God has cleared for them. A path that leads to healing and restoration. A path toward love.


Saturday, July 28, 2012

A Promise for Miriam by Vannetta Chapman


I enjoy reading stories about the Amish and though familiar with Vannetta Chapman's work, A Promise for Miriam is the first of her books I've had the pleasure of reading. I'm hooked. The characters and backdrop for the story are skillfully written and draw the reader into the story. I found the book both enchanting and hard to put down. The best part - it's the first of a series so I get to go back!


 Book Description:

A Promise for Miriam, the first book in a brand-new romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, introduces the Amish community of Pebble Creek and some of the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.

Amish schoolteacher Miriam King loves her students. At 26, most women her age are married with children of their own, but she hasn't yet met anyone who can convince her to give up the Plain school that sits along the banks of Pebble Creek. Then newcomer Gabriel Miller steps into her life, bringing his daughter, an air of mystery, and challenges Miriam has never faced before.

Will Gabe be able to let go of the past that haunts him? He thinks he just wants to be left alone, but the loving and warm community he and his daughter have moved to has other plans for him. After a near tragedy is averted, he hesitantly returns offers of help and friendship, and he discovers he can make a difference to the people of Pebble Creek--and maybe find love again.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Groom Wanted by Debra Ullrick

Love Inspired Historical author Debra Ullrick has once again created a delightful tale of romance in the old west. I love books that take us back to an era when family and faith were foremost. Leah and Jake are best friends searching for love through the mail. They grow closer, feelings change and we meet some very interesting characters in this sweet mail-order bride story.

As in any well-written romance there  are obstacles to overcome and Leah and Jake both have past experiences that need to be resolved before they can truly be happy. The book had me rooting for them to find their way and cheering by the time I reached the happy ending.

From the back cover:

It's a perfect plan—best friends Leah Bowen and Jake Lure will each advertise for mail-order spouses in the papers, and then Jake will help select Leah's future husband, while Leah picks Jake's bride-to-be! Surely the ads will find them what they seek: a wife who'll appreciate Jake's shy charm and a groom who'll take Leah away from the Idaho Territory she detests. When the responses to the postings pour in, it seems all Leah's and Jake's dreams will soon come true. But the closer they each get to the altar, the less appealing marrying a stranger becomes. Is it too late to turn back—or to turn around and find the happiness they truly seek together, at last?

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond

Don't you just love the cover! Through Rushing Water is one of the best books I've read in a while. This is the first of Catherine Richmond's books that I've read and I was impressed with her writing skills. As a reader I was pulled right into the story and enjoyed every word. The characters growth throughout the story is believable and commendable. The love story is sweet and touching.

Book Description

Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory.
Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.
With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.
It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When U.S. policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Tapestry of Trust by Mary Annslee Urban

This is a well written love story that I would highly recommend. Young lovers kept apart by those who believed they know best are reunited years later but not until dealing with the pain from the past and correcting misunderstandings. I loved the strong believable characters and cheered for them to find
their way back to one another. Great ending to a story I fully enjoyed.

Surrendered Hearts. Interwoven Grace

Isabelle had always envisioned Charlie Hamilton as the hero depicted in the romantic tapestry hanging in the Hamilton home. Then Charlie abandoned her to make decisions no one should make alone. Now, six years later, Charlie's back, and despite Isabelle's best efforts, she can't ignore the longing his presence reignites. Charlie wants a second chance, but can Isabelle trust the man he's become? Can she surrender her threadbare heart long enough for God to weave Isabelle's own happily-ever-after tapestry?

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Another excellent book by Susan Sleeman

When photographer Jennie Buchanan's life becomes threatened she has to rely on an old flame to keep her safe. From the first chapter, no first page, you are pulled into the breath taking chase. As Jennie discovers who is after her and why she becomes more dependent on the Justice Agency to keep her alive.

The Justice Agency is a family dedicated to law enforcement and they work together to protect their client. Ethan Justice takes the lead in this case and he's determined to keep Jennie safe at all cost. He's just one of the five member team, I can't wait to see what Susan Sleeman has in store for us in the next addition to this excellent series.

Overview


Photographer Jennie Buchanan unknowingly captures a drug-cartel meeting on film. And now she has become a killer's next target. Even worse, her only protection from the danger that threatens her life is the man who threatens her heart. Dodging bullets almost seems safer than facing the feelings stirred up by seeing former FBI agent and ex-boyfriend Ethan Justice again. Ethan vows to safeguard Jennie from the deadly men on her trail. And for a second chance at Jennie's love, he's willing to risk anything to expose the truth—about the drug smugglers, the past and the future together he still wants.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Arms of Love by Kelly Long



"Arms of Love" by best-selling author Kelly Long is not your typical Amish novel. Set in Lancaster Pennsylvania during the American Revolution of 1771 Ms. Long gives us real life problems that people dealt with at the time. The gripping writing lets the reader feel the character’s pain as they keep promises that go against their hearts true desire. Their faith strengthens as they deal with the turmoil of war and faith.

As a fan of historical fiction and Amish stories I highly recommend this book.
 

Book Description

The year is 1777. America is in turmoil. And Amish life is far different than today.
Pennsylvania in the late 18th century, once called William Penn’s Woods, was an assortment of different faiths living together for the first time in American history. Included in this tapestry was a small and struggling population called Amish.
Surrounding this peaceful people were unavoidable threats: both Patriots and the British were pillaging land and goods for the sake of the war, young Amishmen were leaving the faith to take up arms and defend freedom. A simple walk in the untamed forests could result in death, if not from bullet or arrow, then from an encounter with a wild animal.
Amid this time of tumult, Adam Wyse is fighting a personal battle. To possibly join the war efforts and leave his faith, which would mean walking away from the only woman he’s ever loved: Lena Yoder. But for that love he’s made a promise that may keep them apart permanently.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Need You Now by Beth Wiseman



Need You Now by Beth Wiseman is a spellbinding book. Darlene, the mother of three teenagers struggles with a sense of failure while trying to help one of her children fight emotional problems. Her marriage is affected and even her faith.

The real life issues covered in this fiction story will pull you in from the start. Darlene faces real challenges and needs many women deal with daily. Her search for answers keeps the reader rooting for the family until the tender conclusion.  

Book Description

The first installment of Beth Wiseman’s new women’s fiction novel, Need You Now.
When big-city life threatens the safety of one of their children, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their three teenagers from Houston to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas.
Adjusting to small-town life is difficult for the kids, especially fifteen-year-old Grace who is coping in a dangerous way.
Married life hasn't always been bliss, but their strong faith has carried them through the difficult times. When Darlene takes a job outside the home for the first time in their marriage, the domestic tension rises.
While working with special needs children at her new job, the widowed father of one of Darlene’s students starts paying more attention to her than is appropriate. Problem is, she feels like someone is listening to her for the first time in a long time.
If Darlene ever needed God . . . it’s now.
Experience a family’s triumphant defeat over lies, betrayal, and loss while still clinging to the One who matters most.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Race Against Time



This newest suspense novel from Christy Barritt is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from the start. I could not put it down. Well written, this suspense novel kept me guessing till the very end.

Book Description
:
Were it not for her cop neighbor, widowed mother Madison Jacobs would be dead. Thankfully, Detective Brody Philips interrupts an attempt on her life in the nick of time. But the would-be killer hasn't given up, and each tick of the clock brings the madman closer to finishing what he started. Brady vows to catch the serial killer plaguing the sleepy Virginia town…especially when he realizes the danger has followed him from the big city. With everyone around him at risk, it'll take everything Brody's got to do his duty and keep Madison and her son safe.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Brush of Angel's Wings


Brush of Angel's Wings by Ruth Reid is a unique Amish novel. Rachel, trying to fill in after the loss of the family's only son is not your typical Amish girl. When Jordan, who's mother was Amish visits the community sparks fly. Rachel and Jordan both need help in the romance department and they get it with the help of a guardian angel, Nathaniel.

I enjoyed the story a great deal. It made me laugh, cry and rejoice. Well written an entertaining.

Book Description

Rachel and Jordan's feelings for each other are hostile at first, but angelic intervention helps the two discover peace . . . and perhaps love.

The youngest and last unmarried of four sisters, Rachel Hartlzer spends most of her time helping with barn chores. Her role abruptly changes when her father hires Jordan Engles, the son he always wanted.

As Jordan takes on brotherly roles around the house, like escorting Rachel to the youth singing, the enmity between the two grows. Besides, Jordan has one foot in the Englisch world and is determined not to get involved with an Amish girl.

Neither realizes that God has sent an angel, Nathaniel, to help mend their hearts. The angel’s intervention helps them find peace and healing in accepting God's will for their lives.

Friday, March 16, 2012

The Wedding Dress


The story captures the readers attention from the start with a mysterious trunk and doesn't let go. Inside the trunk is a wedding dress with a history that spans a century. The dress finds its way to four different brides each in need of wisdom. The women's lives are weaved together in to an intriguing way. This blend of historical fiction, modern fiction and suspense made it hard to put the book down. From start to end this well-written tale is very compelling leaving the characters planted in the readers mind.

Book Description

Four brides. One dress.

A tale of faith, redemption, and timeless love.

Charlotte owns a chic Birmingham bridal boutique. Dressing brides for their big day is her gift—and her passion. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can’t she find the perfect dress—or feel certain she should marry Tim?

Then Charlotte purchases a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new, shimmering with pearls and satin, hand-stitched and timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it? Who welded the lock shut and tucked the dog tags in that little sachet? Who left it in the basement for a ten-year-old girl? And what about the mysterious man in the purple vest who insists the dress had been “redeemed”?

Charlotte’s search for the gown’s history—and its new bride—begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily from 1912. Mary Grace from 1939. Hillary from 1968. Each with her own story of promise, pain, and destiny. And each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte’s heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the beauty of finding true love.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Meet S. Dionne Moore and win a free book!



Today we’re going to sit down and chat with inspirational writer, S. Dionne Moore. Sandra is the author of Promise Brides. This three in one collection includes 2011 Carol Award Finalist Promise of Tomorrow. Each story takes place in historical Pennsylvania
Sandra is an award winning author having finaled in the ACFW Genesis in 2008, and is a Carol Award Finalist for both 2010 and 2011. In 2011 she was voted a Heartsong Presents Favorite New Author.
On her webpage http://www.sdionnemoore.com/p/books.html you’ll find she has not only Promise Brides, but a new series of historical romances set in the state of Wyoming. Her cozy mysteries are also releasing as ebooks beginning with Murder on the Ol’ Bunions, March 24, 2012.

Sandra, what is it that draws you write historicals? My father. I lost him when I was only 23 and it hurt so very much. My husband and I were in the middle of moving to Pennsylvania, an area rich with Civil War history, and I was looking forward to feeding my father’s insatiable passion for all things Civil War. He was an avid reader of history and had a great mind for facts. I inherited his passion and enjoy ferreting out little known historical facts that I can then fashion into a romance.
The Johnstown Flood was my first foray into writing historical romances. I found the subject of the flood tragic and had never read a work of fiction using that tragedy as the setting. After that book was complete, I knew I wanted to continue to highlight historical events within the state of PA. The Civil War seemed a natural and solid starting point. I stumbled upon the true story of a Confederate captain riding through the town of Greencastle upon retreat from Gettysburg with a wagon full of slaves he intended to return to the south. The citizens of the small town were outraged and released the slaves. The Captain threatened to burn the town to the ground unless he was reimbursed for his loss of “property.” This became the backstory for Marylu, heroine of Promise of Yesterday. Last of all, Gettysburg. Who can write about the history of PA and not include a story that takes place in Gettysburg? Promise of Time begins just as Abraham Lincoln is giving the Gettysburg Address. It follows the story of Theodore Lester as he arrives in the north to tell his cousin’s widow the hard truth behind her husband’s death.

Have you always known you wanted to be a writer? Not always. I wrote when I was a teen but not seriously. When my daughter was born prematurely, I turned to writing as a way to release my emotions: disappointment, fear, you name it. That first piece, a poem of sorts, can be found as the introduction for Living Miracles: Stories of Hope from Parent’s of Premature Babies. Things took off from there and I became more interested in studying writing and, specifically, the rules of writing fiction. I joined ACRW (now ACFW: American Christian Fiction Writers) to learn from already published authors who were willing to share all that they had gleaned in their publishing journey. I think I’m member number 64 or something like that. Now membership is well over 3K!

Can you tell us what you’re working on now?
Currently I’m working on A Heartbeat Away for Abingdon Press’s Quilts of Love series. This book is also historical romance, centered in Sharpsburg, MD, the town whose surrounding fields became the backdrop for the Battle of Antietam (or the Battle of Sharpsburg if your southern). I’m more than halfway through writing the story, which is a good thing since my deadline is May 1, 2012! The book releases in May of 2013 and is the story of a young woman’s heartbreak, a soldier’s disillusionment, and the secret message hidden in the pattern of a beautiful quilt.


Sandra has graciously offered to give away a copy of Promise Brides to one lucky reader.

Love is the same, no matter when, no matter where—it never comes without sacrifice. Theodore risks capture for Ellie, but will their hope for a future together be defeated? Can Marylu trust Chester, or is she asking for another broken heart? Will Alaina and Jack find common ground, or will flood waters destroy any possible future? Enjoy three romances from the historic state of Pennsylvania.

Just leave a comment to have your name put in the drawing. Thank you for taking time to share with us today, Sandra. You can learn more about Sandra and her books at http://www.sdionnemoore.com. Join her on Twitter: @sdionnemoore. Find her hanging out at The Borrowed Book where she is Senior Editor and posts on Tuesdays: http://www.theborrowedbook.blogspot.com.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Hardcover Feedback giveaway

Hardcover Feedback has a great interview with one of my favorite historical romance authors - Cheryl St. John! Go on over and read the You can win a copy of Cheryl's book: The Wedding Journey.

Monday, February 13, 2012

A NEW LINE OF MYSTERIES FOR YOUR E-READER

Susan Sleeman here. Do you have an e-reader or maybe an iPad? Then I'd like to tell you about a line of cozy mysteries that has recently released with most books retailing for only .99 for a limited time.

Spyglass Lane Mysteries are published by a group of cozy mystery authors who have joined together to bring you a new cozy mystery every week. Currently, there are over 25 wonderful mysteries in this line.

Stop by the website to view all of the available books and while you're there, be sure to sign up for our email newsletter where we announce each new book that releases and our authors share behind the scenes stories about the books.

I'd also like to share a little bit about my Garden Gate Mystery Series that is releasing as part of this line. The first book, Nipped in the Bud has already released and book two, Read Between the Tines will release in February 23rd. Here's a little bit about both books.

style=" color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:14px;">NIPPED IN THE BUD

WHEN YOU FIND YOUR BOSS PUSHING UP DAISIES. . .

Life in full bloom, landscape designer, Paige Turner, scores her first landscaping contract to spruce up the park, her radio talk show shoots to number one, and her retail shop is simply blossoming. Yes, her life is a bed of roses. Until she finds the city manager served up on the blade of her favorite shovel mere hours after she’s threatened to have his head on a platter, then the thorns come out. And there is none thornier than the local police chief declaring Paige the one and only suspect and threatening to plow her under.

YOU’VE GOT TO FORMULATE A PLANT OF ATTACK . . .

Paige teams up with dashing attorney, Adam Hayes to weed through the list of suspects, and clear her soiled reputation. And along the way, discovers that Adam just may be the man of her dreams.

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style=" text-align: left; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:14px;" align="center">READ BETWEEN THE TINES

IF YOUR LIFE IS A BED OF ROSES. . .

Recovered from her near death at the hand of a killer, landscape designer Paige Turner is certain her life will soon be a bed of roses. That is, until her employee, Daisy Rose Plante, finds a dead body, and the thorny police chief looks no further than Daisy for a suspect. Paige digs in and weeds through the list of potential killers, and before long, her sweet smelling rose of a life is soundly trampled.

YOU’LL HAVE TO SURVIVE THE THORNS. . .

Paige would be much happier working over-thyme on her budding relationship with handsome attorney, Adam Hayes, but it soon becomes clear she’ll be in a hoe lot of trouble with him if she continues digging for the killer. Does Paige risk all and try to unearth the killer? Or does she settle down in peaceful bliss with the man of her dreams?

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SUSAN SLEEMAN is a best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense and mystery novels. She grew up in a small Wisconsin town where she spent her summers reading Nancy Drew and developing a love of mystery and suspense books. Today, she channels this enthusiasm into writing romantic suspense and mystery novels and hosting the popular internet website TheSuspenseZone.com.

Susan currently lives in Florida, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Her husband is a church music director and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law and an adorable grandson.

To learn more about Susan visit: Website, her Facebook page, or on Twitter

It's 2012!

I've had a slow start this year, but have several reviews to add. Last week I wrote THE END to my second novel and sent a proposal to the editor. My first book is being reviewed by another publishing house even as I type!

There's an exciting book give away in the works, so stay tuned for an update. Just a hint... I'm so bad at keeping a secret... it's a historical (imagine that) written by a multi-published, award winning author. As with most of the books I review it has not been released yet! Trust me you'll want to have your name in this drawing.

Enough of that or I'll end up spilling the beans.

Heart of Gold


For those who enjoy reading historical romances, you will love this book. Set in the old west, it's rich with information on gold fever, Wells Fargo and the struggles endured by those loyal to the north and south during the civil war era.

The characters in Robin Hatcher’s book grow spiritually as they develop friendships with people they would not have under different circumstances. The story is full of details and descriptions that bring it to life. I would suggest this book to anyone looking for a love story that you don’t want to put down until you’ve reached the happy ending.


Book Description

Against Shannon's wishes, love stakes its claim in her heart. Will she discover treasure or treachery?

When Shannon Adair accompanies her minister father to the western gold rush town of Grand Coeur, she's certain she'll never be happy away from her beloved Virginia, even though the South is still gripped in civil war.

Wells Fargo driver Matthew Dubois isn't sure the lovely Shannon belongs in Idaho Territory either, but he is a desperate man. His widowed sister is dying and leaving her young son, Todd, in his care. Matthew wants to return to driving coach for the express company soon—so he'll have to find a wife to look after the boy when he's away.

Shannon is determined not to lose her heart to a man who is neither a Southerner nor a gentleman. But love stakes its claim. Now, will her heart survive learning the truth behind the courtship?