Friday, May 18, 2018

The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy Blog Tour & Giveaway!

The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy Blog Tour & Giveaway!

AccidentalGuardian Blog

Welcome to the blog tour and giveaway for The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
9780764219290Title: The Accidental Guardian Series: High Sierra Sweethearts, Book 1 Author: Mary Connealy Publisher: Bethany House Publishers Release Date: April 3, 2018 Genre: Historical Romance / Western +To Read: Goodreads She’s the Only Witness to a Wagon Train Attack. Keeping Her Safe, Though, Means His World Is about to be Turned Upside Down. When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he’s finally carved out a home and started a herd–while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail. He’d hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise. Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling–yet enticing.
Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter–but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.
PURCHASE A COPY: Amazon l ChristianBook l Book Depository 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MaryConnealy by Ginger Murray Photography
Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography
Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. CONNECT WITH MARY:website, facebook, twitter, instagram
You can also find Mary at these sites: Seekerville and Petticoats & Pistols




GIVEAWAY
justread_TAG_BlogGive
(1) Winner will win:
  • The Cimarron Legacy by Mary Connealy (all 3 print books)
  • The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy (print)
(US/Canada Mailing Addresses Only) Full terms & conditions noted on Rafflecopter form. To Enter, use the Rafflecopter giveaway below (or click on the Giveaway banner above). Be sure to stop at every post on the tour for additional entries!

ENTER HERE


Review:  The Accidental Guardian is the first  book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series by Mary Connealy. Mary did a wonderful job writing this story with the way she captivated the reader through intense moments. A story of love, hope, pain and heartache is one that will have you curled up, reading the pages and looking forward to the next book in this series. I enjoyed every minutes of this book and felt like the story went by too fast. I received a complementary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required. I give this book 4.5/ 5 stars.
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Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Character Spotlight - Carrie Pagels Heroine


Character Spotlight – Carrie Pagels’ Heroines


Capturing the past, while capture the attention of the reader immediately from the very start is something Carrie Fancett Pagels does remarkable. Each of her stories will tell the tale of romance, adventure and faith. Her style makes the characters come to life and theme of faith is very strong in her writing. Get ready as we head into an adventure of hearing from a character who comes from Mackinaw Island, Michigan in 1894.
I am honored to have Carrie here today interviewing Sadie Duvall as she talks about her infatuation with Robert Swaine, whose she had a long friendship with for many years. Let read their chat below! 

Interview with Carrie & Sadie: 



Carrie: Hello, Sadie, I hope you'd tell us about you first met Robert.
Sadie: Robert? Do you mean Captain Robert Swaine? (she sniffs)
Carrie: Yes, I do.
Sadie: (She averts her gaze.) I met him through my best friend, Maude Welling. She’s his niece.
Carrie: Wouldn’t that make him almost old enough to be your father?
Sadie: (Eyes wide) Oh, no, it wouldn’t! Robert was much younger than his sister, Maude’s mother, God rest her soul. He’s less than a decade older than me. About eight years difference. Not that it matters. Not really, since he’s only a friend.
Carrie: I see. But when you first met him, through your friend, what did you think of Robert?
Sadie: (Sighs, her eyes become dreamy.) I have to admit he was so very handsome. I was reaching my early teen years when we moved to the island. He was the nicest young man. So kind. Always ferrying me and Maude around places.
Carrie So you developed a crush on him?
Sadie: A crush?

Carrie: Yes, it’s a term meaning an infatuation.
Sadie: Oh, yes, I had many daydreams about Robert marrying me.
Carrie: Even though he was nigh unto his early twenties then?
Sadie: Yes. And even though he had a sweetheart. (Her face turns pensive and she chews her lip.)
Carrie: What happened?
Sadie: I had turned sixteen. A lot of girls at that age do marry, you know.
Carrie: Yes, at that time I believe it was common.
Sadie: Well, I thought Robert would ask me to marry him.
Carrie: Had he begun to court you?
Sadie: (Waves a hand dismissively) Oh heavens no! It was a girlish fantasy that’s all. He asked his sweetheart to marry him. (She frowns)
Carrie: But they didn’t?
Sadie: No, she ran off with another man. A soldier from the fort.
Carrie: Oh my.
Sadie: Yes, she crushed Robert. We didn’t see him much on the island for years after that.
Carrie: And what about yourself. What did you do?
Sadie: (Big sigh) I’m rather embarrassed about how silly I was, but I got it into my head that my way off the island and out of my difficult family situation was to find myself an officer at the fort to marry me.
Carrie: And how did that work out?
Sadie: Oh, I was “courted” by an officer for so long that I was sure I’d be married in 1894. But then Robert ruined everything.
Carrie: Robert?
Sadie: Yes, and just when I had everything sorted out in my head about how I’d like my officer’s family home to look.
Carrie: Back to Robert, what did he do?
Sadie: (Blows out a big breath, which stirs strands of her long blonde hair.) Robert interrupted things before they went any further.
Carrie: Further?
Sadie: You’ll have to read my story to learn more about what Robert did. But suffice it to say, I should be grateful to him. I really should. I am trying to be. But it’s hard. When your “crush” as you say, returns and he’s even more wonderful that you remembered – well, it’s hard to decide what to do. I won’t however, allow him to take any more of my dreams from me.
Carrie: Well, okay then! Thank you!

Thank you Carrie & Sadie for joining us today!


First Love Forever Romance Collection

His Anchor by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1894 – Mackinac Island, Michigan: Robert Swaine, a ship captain, returns to Mackinac Island where his first love, Sadie Duvall struggles to support her siblings. Will she anchor him to the island he has vowed to leave behind?

My Thoughts:
If you enjoy a great novella, get ready to curl up not only with Sadie, but this entire collection. I loved His Anchor by Carrie Fancett Pagels. The setting was perfect, especially on Mackinaw Island. This novella captivated my heart immediately and I could not put the story down. This story also takes place around the time of another book that Carrie wrote, "My Heart Belongs on Mackinaw Island." The writing and characters are fantastic. I give this story 5/5 stars.


Additionally, I recommend this entire novella collection of nine beautifully written stories. They will touch your heart with circumstances that separate love and also as you watch drama unfold. This is a great collection of clean, historical, love stories that I really enjoyed reading!

To purchase your copy head HERE!!!


About the Author:


Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is the award-winning author of fifteen Christian historical romances, including ECPA bestsellers. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! A self-professed “history geek,” she resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia but grew up as a “Yooper,” in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time! You can connect with her at www.CarrieFancettPagels.com.







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Monday, May 14, 2018

The Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd

35560583The Weaver's Daughter

Kate's loyalties bind her to the past. Henry's loyalties compel him to strive for a better future. In a landscape torn between tradition and vision, can two souls find the strength to overcome their preconceptions?

Loyalty has been at the heart of the Dearborne family for as long as Kate can remember, but a war is brewing in their small village, one that has the power to rip families asunder --including her own. As misguided actions are brought to light, she learns how deep her father's pride and bitterness run, and she begins to wonder if her loyalty is well-placed.

Henry Stockton, heir to the Stockton fortune, returns home from three years at war seeking refuge from his haunting memories. Determined to bury the past, he embraces his grandfather's goals to modernize his family's wool mill, regardless of the grumblings from the local weavers. When tragedy strikes shortly after his arrival, Henry must sort truth from suspicion if he is to protect his family's livelihood and legacy.

Henry has been warned about the Dearborne family. Kate, too, has been advised to stay far away from the Stocktons, but chance meetings continue to bring her to Henry's side, blurring the jagged lines between loyalty, justice, and truth. Kate ultimately finds herself with the powerful decision that will forever affect her village's future. As unlikely adversaries, Henry and Kate must come together to find a way to create peace for their families, and their village, and their souls - even if it means risking their hearts in the process. 

My Thoughts:
The Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd is a page turning, intense plot with tight writing. This is a book that has mystery written all over it, with in depth characters and a very engaging plot. This book kept me on edge and had me until the last page. 
I couldn't get enough of Kate Deaborne and Henry Stockton. The tension between both of these characters, the build up and the forbidden romance. Great book!  Kate is a woman who has a mind of her own, but also believes in honoring, however she has been pushed and pulled by her father, friends and brother. Has she been been pulled apart? 
Henry is a surprise to everyone when he comes back into town. However, when he arrives home, things aren't like they used to be and neither are the people. He has changed a lot too. Will he be the threat to the weavers success for his own families legacy? 
The book transitions smoothly and will keep your attention. The setting is excellent with descriptions that will keep you wrapped up in the novel. 
I thought Molly was an interesting character too and I will not mention or give spoilers on who she is, but you'll have to grab a copy to find out about her. Sin and judgement are definitely a theme in this book, but so is forgiveness and salvation, which makes this book a page turner. Overall, I give this book 4/5 stars and a favorable review was not required.

To Purchase A Copy:

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Connect with Sarah:

Website | Facebook | Twitter


About the Author:

Sarah E. Ladd


I would love to connect with you on Facebook and talk about all things Regency! Be sure to like my page for updates: http://www.facebook.com/SarahLaddAuthor






Sarah E. Ladd’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, May 14th: Running Through the Storms
Tuesday,  May 15th: A Bookish Way of Life
Thursday, May 17th: Read. Eat. Repeat.
Friday, May 18th: Laura’s Reviews
Tuesday, May 22nd: Blooming with Books
Wednesday, May 23rd: From the TBR Pile
Thursday, May 24th: View from the Birdhouse
Friday, May 25th: All of a Kind Mom
Monday, May 28th: A Chick Who Reads
Tuesday, May 29th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
Thursday, May 31st: Reviews from the Heart
Friday, June 1st: The Sketchy Reader
Wednesday, June 6th: Girls in Books
Thursday, June 7th: Broken Teepee
Monday, June 11th: What is That Book About
Tuesday, June 12th: By the Book
Wednesday, June 13th: A Holland Reads

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Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Raising World Changers in a Changing World: How One Family Discovered the Beauty of Sacrifice and the Joy of Giving by Kristen Welch

36739678Raising World Changers in a Changing World: How One Family Discovered the Beauty of Sacrifice and the Joy of Giving

by 
Almost any parent you asked would tell you that they want their children to be happy, successful adults. But many of us forget (or never knew to begin with) that lasting personal joy is not necessarily found the way the world says it is--through reaching a certain socioeconomic status, having a certain job, buying a certain house, or having a certain amount in one's bank account. In fact, says Kristen Welch, popular blogger and author of Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World, personal satisfaction comes not from grabbing onto things but from holding them with an open hand and, very often, giving them away.

In this inspiring book, Welch shows parents how to discover for themselves and instill in their kids the profound joy that comes from sharing what we have been given--our time, our talents, and even what's in our wallets--with those who have less. Through powerful personal stories as well as stories from Scripture, Welch offers a tantalizing alternative to status quo parenting that has the power to impact not only our own families but the entire world. At the end of each chapter, one of the author's kids offers their perspective on what it's like to be raised as a world changer.

My Thoughts:
Previously, I have read Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World and I enjoyed that book, so I knew Raising World Changers would be a great book. Kristen writes inspiring books that are straight from the heart and embrace the word of God. 
"Raising World Changers" is challenging and teaches the reader that we need to be people who give, rather than to hold on to things. Often, we get the greatest satisfaction when we sacrifice and help others. We need to live with open hands and give to others. This translates to how we teach our children about being daring enough to be world changers. This book isn't just for children to be world changers, for parents also. Change starts with adults, so we can lay the ground work for our children. 
I cannot say enough good things about this book. It has great truth scriptures, the quotes will make you think. We have the opportunity to impact the Kingdom of God and our children's children. This book is fantastic. I highly recommend this book. A favorable review was not required for a review copy. I give this book 4.5 /5 stars . 

About the Author:
Kristen Welch
Kristen Welch grew up in a suburb of Houston, Texas. In the 1990s she attended a small Bible college, where she met her husband and graduated with degrees in Christian education and English. 

For the first ten years of marriage, she worked alongside her pastor-husband in youth and children’s ministry in Arkansas, New Mexico, and Florida, often writing her own curriculum and resources. During this decade, she endured the ups and downs of life. It wasn’t until she became a busy mother of three that she began to blog about her life on http://wearethatfamily.com. Over the years, Kristen has grown a vast following of moms who identify with her real, often funny, and always inspiring writing.
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Monday, May 7, 2018

Room on the Porch Swing (Amish Homestead #2) by Amy Clipston

35553338Room on the Porch Swing (Amish Homestead #2)

by 
Ever since her best friend died six months ago, Laura Reihl has vowed to make each day count. And that means she should probably break off her relationship with Rudy. They’ve been together for so many years, and his friendship means the world to her. But she knows friendship doesn’t come close to the fireworks of true love, and she’s not really feeling the fireworks.
So when Savilla’s widower, Allen, asks her to help him take care of the baby Savilla left behind, Laura jumps at the chance. Maybe the change of scenery will help her gain perspective on her relationship with Rudy. And she’d do anything to help Allen out—he’s always been a good friend to her, and he’s Rudy’s best friend as well.
When she arrives at Allen’s house, though, she finds a man she barely recognizes. Allen is distraught over his wife’s death, blaming himself for not taking her to the doctor soon enough.
Amy Clipston continues to write amazing amish fiction. Just when I think she has written my favorite book, she writes a new one that you cannot miss! Room on the Porch Swing is one that you cannot put down. Amy captivates you and you will not be able to put this book down. This is a MUST read! 
I cheered for the characters, I had tears in my eyes and boy do I love Laura & Allen. I found the characters to be highly relatable and full of deep emotions.  As the plot unfolded, I found myself in tears, with kleenex at hand and unable to stop reading. 
Grief, the loss of a loved one, faith, friendship, second chances, healing and forgiveness are many of challenges the characters face. Despite these challenges, ultimately Amy writes a story that takes the reader on an unforgettable journey. Even though I am done with the book, I am still thinking about the characters and this amazing story. 
I highly recommend this book. Room on the Porch Swing is the second book in the Amish Homestead series, but can be read as a standalone. This is another outstanding book for readers to enjoy by Amy.  I give this book 5/5 stars.

ut the Author:
Amy ClipstonAmy Clipston has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing "career" began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. She is the author of the bestselling Kauffman Amish Bakery series with Zondervan, which is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. An advocate for organ and blood donation, Amy donated a kidney in 2011 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Through her donation, her husband received a second kidney transplant. Amy and her husband matched another couple and swapped kidneys with them. Amy's memoir, A Gift of Love, will be available in early 2014. She hopes her story inspires others to become organ and blood donors. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and four spoiled rotten cats. You can find her on the web at www.AmyClipston.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmyClipstonBooks

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