Counting on a Cowboy by Debra Clopton (Blog Tour Review & Giveaway)



Welcome to my tour stop for Debra Clopton's newest, Counting on a Cowboy! Check out all the info, my full review, and a fabulous giveaway below...

Counting on a Cowboy (Four of Hearts Ranch #2)Counting on a Cowboy
(Four of Hearts Ranch #2)
by Debra Clopton
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 320 Pages
August 11th 2015 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk.

Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she’s brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins.

Bo Monahan isn’t interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become—or the women who might be looking at him like he’s their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn’t looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down.

This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs help. Even Abby can see that, and despite her best efforts to keep her distance, she can’t help but be drawn to this new father-son duo. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.


  
(Only $7 at Amazon and B&N for a paperback copy!)

Sweet Mountain Rancher by Loree Lough (Blog Tour Launch)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

We're launching the Book Tour for
Sweet Mountain Rancher
By Loree Lough

Come along on Loree's tour to find out a little bit more about her, writing, plus some fabulous reviews!

Tour Schedule
9/6 - Grand Finale

Interview with Author Loree Lough

What can you tell about yourself, Loree?

Well, I’m married to my real life hero and the proud mother of two beautiful and wonderful grown daughters who have blessed me with 7 amazing and sweet grandorables. I live in Maryland and spend about 1/3 of my days in our humble little cabin in the Allegheny Mountains (where I spend about 1/3 of my time honing my “Identify the Critter Tracks” skills).

Did you always have dreams of becoming an author? If so, how did you become a novelist?

As a kid, my first dream was of becoming a ballerina, but when every dance instructor said “Sorry, you’re too short,”, I focused on a future as a flight attendant. “Sorry, you wear glasses” sent me on a potential career in law enforcement, where I was told “Sorry, you’re too short and you wear glasses.” I loved to read, and dreamed away my share of hours, lost in the pages of books…but never saw myself writing one of those stories until our family was transferred from Baltimore, Maryland to Richmond, Virginia, where I accepted a job as a freelance neighborhood correspondent for the local paper. Soon, other papers were making assignments. Yet another job transfer brought us back to Baltimore, where I showed my clip book to editors, and began taking assignments from the print media here. Years passed, and I’d accumulated about 2,500 articles as a ‘stringer’ and/or ‘beat reporter.’ Working on that last hundred or so, I began to notice a disturbing trend: Editors, changing salient facts to appease advertisers (or, in some cases, politicians). I figured if I was gonna write fiction, I might as well try my hand at a novel. The result? Pocketful of Love, released by Barbour Publishing in 1994.

What’s your ‘take’ on Christian fiction?

Though it’s called a lot of things—Christian, inspirational, faith-based—this area of the fiction market stands apart from others because in each story, scripture plays a key role. Plotlines shore up the faith of characters that start out on shaky ground, or turn doubters into believers…and in many cases, the stories do the same thing for readers! (I’ll bet there are 40,000 letters in my files, written by people who tell me how closely they identified with a character, situation, or both.

Do you start out hoping your readers will take something special with them after reading one of your books?

I’ve long believed that God guides the careers of authors who write faith-based fiction, and that He does it to reach people who might otherwise be unreachable…or to lead someone who’s searching to an answer or solution to a problem in their lives. Another important our of authors is to deliver entertaining stories that transport our readers to new and different places, far from the pressures and stresses of the real world.

Do any of those letters you’ve received affect you, long-term?

My favorite story comes from the letter written by a 13 year old girl in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Amy lived in a house with an assortment of cousins, her grandmother, mother, and two aunts—all divorced—who didn’t believe in God or the possibility of a normal, healthy love relationship. The girl wrote to say that while spending the night at a friend’s house, she picked up a novel “because it had a pretty blond on the cover.” She stayed up all night, and by morning, had finished reading it. The plan had been to return home before her friend’s family went to church. Instead, she accepted their invitation to services “because I wanted to see if real ‘church people’ were as friendly in church as they were in that book.” Amy said her life changed that day, because she realized that “having God in your life is better than not having Him in it.” Week after week, she told me, she attended services with the family…and attended on her own when vacations or illnesses kept her friend’s family away. She fell in love with a young man, there among the congregation. Today, many years later, they’re married with four rosy-cheeked children, who attend services at that same church. “All because of one line in your book,” she said: “’God knows who is best for you, and if you let Him, He will make sure you meet him.’” The book? Priscilla Hires a Husband.

Has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?

Oh yes, in many ways! Researching scripture that I’ll include in the story always adds a layer of comprehension to my former understanding of the verses.

Other than writing great novels, do you have other goals for your life?

To make gnocchi that’s as good as my Italian grandmother’s was!

What do you do in your spare time?

Few things soothe my soul more than spending time with my grandorables. They’re all growing up so fast that I grab every moment with them that I can! I love to garden, sketch and paint, make things from wood. In short: If it gets me sweaty and dirty and breaks my fingernails, I’m sure to enjoy it!

What can you tell us about your latest novel?

Sweet Mountain Rancher,  #2 in Harlequin Heartwarming’s “Those Marshall Boys” series is set on a sprawling ranch just outside Denver. Former major league pitcher Nate Marshall is seriously injured in the fiery crash that killed his fiancé. Though his body is mostly healed, his heart has a long way to go when he returns to the family ranch. Enter Eden Quinn, administrator of Latimer House, home to a dozen wayward boys. When she brings the troubled teens to the Double M for some fresh air and real-life experiences, everyone faces new challenges that have the power to destroy…of improve their lives.

What’s next for you?

Every time I give a speech, teach a workshop, or lead a seminar, someone asks “Will you ever retire, Loree?” The answer is always, word for word, the same (and a couple of years ago, I the words printed on a t-shirt): “I’ll retire when they pry the keyboard from my cold, dead hands.” So I guess readers can expect more of the same!

Any parting words?

I hope everyone has enjoyed the summer, and that they’ll have a happy, healthy year-end as well. If you’re so inclined, I’d love for you to connect with on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram! 

Weekly Update #130


Welcome to my Weekly Update where I post my blog's schedule for the week! I'm linking up to The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer, as well as to Tynga's Reviews and Talk Supe for showcasing the books I added to my shelves or Kindle this week.

What a week! And it's not quite over... We found out our shower was leaking through the wall into our living room and had some lovely mold to clean up. Really not cool. Shower has to be replaced. Then the washing machine broke so I've got mounds of clothes to wash. Hopefully this week we'll get another one. I'll be visiting my mom with the loads that must be done. We thought we could fix it, but no such luck. Finally Saturday our van that holds all of us got a flat tire. That doesn't include being worried about my grandpa who has been in the hospital for about a week. I've been tired and stressed and have hit a record for late posts and being behind this week. I'm hoping this week will be better.

If I can get back on top of things, here's what you'll see this week:

Joni, Underway by Kelly Oram and Jonathan Harrow (Blog Tour Review & Giveaway)


Welcome to my tour stop for the newest release from best-selling Author Kelly Oram and her talented husband, Jonathan Harrow! Check out all the info, the giveaway, and my full review below...

Joni, UnderwayJoni, Underway
by Kelly Oram & Jonathan Harrow
New Adult
Ebook, 269 Pages
August 22nd 2015 by Bluefields

Summary

Nineteen year old Joni is loving life as an adult—living on her own, dealing with grown-up things like jobs, hook-ups, and doing her own laundry. Best of all: after finishing her first year at ASU, she will never again be called a freshman.

But when her brother is suddenly killed in a car accident, Joni’s adult life is turned upside down. Struggling to cope with loss, guilt, and anger—not to mention the meddling of friends and family trying to “fix” her—Joni is relieved to be presented with an escape in the form of a sailing trip her brother had been planning for months before he died.

With her first step onto the sailing vessel Lady Marguerite, Joni plunges into an adventure that will mark the beginning of her real adult life—a journey across the ominous dark blue of the Atlantic Ocean with a small, eccentric crew, and the young Captain Reid, whose gorgeous looks are only outmatched by his talent for care and kindness. Unfolding through the ups and downs of life at sea is an unforgettable story reminding us that love will always be a work-in-progress and coming of age never gets old.

Flim Flam & Other Such Gobbledygook by Melica Hudgens and Jay Fontano (Blog Tour Review)

Flim Flam blog tour

Welcome to my tour stop for Flim Flam & Other Such Gobbledygook by Melica Hudgens and Jay Fontano! The illustrations in this book were fabulous! Check out all the info and my review below...

Flim Flam and Other Such GobbledygookFlim Flam
& Other Such Gobbledygook
Written by Melica Hudgens
Illustrated by Jay Fontano
Children's Book
Hardcover & ebook, 32 Pages
August 11th 2015 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media

It’s party time in the barnyard! But some of the animals don’t want to invite everyone. This adorable rhyming children’s book reminds us that little differences don’t matter and that we can be friends with everyone, even if we don’t all look the same. Contains fun words to read and has colorful illustrations. It’s a perfect bedtime book to enjoy again and again!

  

The Lemorian Crest by Hannah L. Clark (Blog Tour Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway) @hannieclark


Welcome to my tour stop for The Lemorian Crest by Hannah L. Clark! I read the first book in this series last year and was curious enough about what would happen next to want to read this one. Check out all the usual info below, including an excerpt, my full review, and a giveaway...

The Lemorian Crest
(Cobbogoth #2)
Urban Fantasy
Paperback, 436 pages
August 23rd 2015 by KinStone Publishing, LLC

Summary

After being raised from infancy in Boston, Mass., Noria (a.k.a Norah Lukens) has no idea what to expect upon entering New Cobbogoth, where she never would have guessed that paths of light can make you vanish; doors can lead to realms both near and far; myths and legends are actual history; a mere kiss can seal two souls as one; and, of course, a stone is never “just a stone.” Her Uncle Jack’s stories never could have prepared her for the magical and dangerous place her native realm is turning out to be.

When the Gihara’s promises begin to crumble, her best friend and soul-mate Jamus (a.k.a. James Riley) is in more danger than ever. Then when his father Lylend abandons her to search for an ancient relic called The Lemorian Crest and she is taken captive by the very people she’s risked everything to save, Noria begins to lose faith in the Cobbogothian gods and the mission they sent her home to accomplish.

Only when a series of new friendships and loyalties are forged in the most peculiar of places, does Noria dare hope again. Hope for Jamus’ safety, for their future together, and for the survival of the entire Cobbogothian race.

Book 1: Uncovering Cobbogoth was published in 2014 by Cedar Fort Publishing.

First Book in the Series


(Cover linked to Goodreads)

The Hungry Missionary by Tracy Ballard (Blog Tour Review)

Hungry-Missionary-Blog-Banner

Welcome to my tour stop for The Hungry Missionary by Tracy Ballard! Check out all the book and author info as well as my full review below...

The Hungry Missionary: Quick and Easy Recipes to Keep Missionaries Healthy, Happy, and Well FedThe Hungry Missionary
by Tracy Ballard
Cookbook, LDS, Christian
Paperback & ebook, 160 Pages
August 11th 2015 by Cedar Fort, Inc.

Summary

Take the tastes of home on your mission with this easy-to-use cookbook full of traditional comfort foods and classic family favorites.

Try the . . .

Italian Pasta Soup
Chinese Chicken Salad
Skirt steak
Homemade Pizza Dough
Pumpkin Cookies with caramel frosting

Perfect for the first-time chef, this cookbook also contains substitutions and measurement equivalents. And its small size makes it ideal to take with you wherever you go! Enjoy world-class meals with your companion no matter where in the world you’re called to serve.
  

Under Construction...

Not the blog, but my house, which means no posts today. I found my bathroom leaking through to my living room yesterday with some lovely mold and a huge bookcase on the path to ruin. A slow leak, but I'm putting blogging on hold today because I had to take care of it. I'll be back on Friday.

Have a fabulous day!

The Lemorian Crest by Hannah L. Clark (Book Blitz)


I'll be reviewing this one on Thursday...

The Lemorian Crest
(Cobbogoth #2)
Urban Fantasy
Paperback, 436 pages
August 23rd 2015 by KinStone Publishing, LLC

Summary

After being raised from infancy in Boston, Mass., Noria (a.k.a Norah Lukens) has no idea what to expect upon entering New Cobbogoth, where she never would have guessed that paths of light can make you vanish; doors can lead to realms both near and far; myths and legends are actual history; a mere kiss can seal two souls as one; and, of course, a stone is never “just a stone.” Her Uncle Jack’s stories never could have prepared her for the magical and dangerous place her native realm is turning out to be.

When the Gihara’s promises begin to crumble, her best friend and soul-mate Jamus (a.k.a. James Riley) is in more danger than ever. Then when his father Lylend abandons her to search for an ancient relic called The Lemorian Crest and she is taken captive by the very people she’s risked everything to save, Noria begins to lose faith in the Cobbogothian gods and the mission they sent her home to accomplish.

Only when a series of new friendships and loyalties are forged in the most peculiar of places, does Noria dare hope again. Hope for Jamus’ safety, for their future together, and for the survival of the entire Cobbogothian race.

Book 1: Uncovering Cobbogoth was published in 2014 by Cedar Fort Publishing.

First Book in the Series


(Cover linked to Goodreads)

About the Author

Hannah L. Clark lives with her husband and two children in the Rocky Mountains. She has always known she would be a storyteller. In 2006 she graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor's degree in English and immediately began writing her first novel.

Uncovering Cobbogoth was Clark's first book in the seven book Cobbogoth series based on her mythological brain-child, The Legend of the Cobbogothians. It was released in May 2014 through Cedar Fort Publishing. Book 2 in the series, The Lemorian Crest will be released in Summer 2015.

Clark loves running, mythology, singing while playing the guitar, herbal tea, escaping into imaginary worlds, and being with her peeps. Like her heroine Norah, she also kind of believes that trees might have souls, but must clarify that she has never actually hugged a tree. The closest she has ever come to that kind of bizarre behavior was the time she hugged the pillars outside Harry Potter Land. Which, all things considered, is not bizarre at all if you take into account how exquisitely happy she was to finally be there. ;-)


Author Links:
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Giveaway

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Winter by Marissa Meyer (Waiting on Wednesday)


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I think everyone I know is waiting for this one. I've had it pre-ordered for forever. I'm trying not to have too high of expectations even though I'm pretty sure it's going to be epic...

The Throne of David by Ann Farnsworth (Blog Tour Review & Giveaway)

Throne of David blog tour

Welcome to my tour stop for The Throne of David by Ann Farnsworth! Check out the book info, my full review, and an ebook giveaway below...

The Throne of DavidThe Throne of David
by Ann Farnsworth
Fiction, Christian
Paperback & ebook, 288 Pages
August 11th 2015 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media

Summary

The book begins when a mysterious letter is delivered to the Prince of Wales 32 years after it was posted. Hinting of a secret royal marriage, the letter raises the specter of an unknown heir to the British throne and sets in motion a desperate race for the truth. The search sets David Lord, an American accountant, against the unlimited resources of the Royal Protection Service (the SO14) who do whatever it takes to protect the King of England.

Critical to settling the issues spawned by the letter is locating the coronation stone, one of the holiest artifacts of the Hebrew nation and a companion to the Ark of the Covenant, of ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ fame. The coronation stone legend originates in ancient Israel and travels, over time, to Ireland, Scotland and London. The revered stone is currently on display in Edinburgh castle.

Or is it?

Mounting evidence indicates that the genuine coronation stone disappeared before it ever reached Westminster Abbey. The sacred stone Mr. Lord uncovers could prove the downfall of the House of Windsor or validate their divine right to rule through the ancient Throne of David.

  

Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason (Blog Tour Review & Giveaway)


Welcome to my tour stop for Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason! I really enjoyed this one! Check out all the book and author info, my full review, and the upcoming Facebook event with a fabulous giveaway below...

Irish Meadows (Courage to Dream #1)Irish Meadows
(Courage to Dream #1)
by Susan Anne Mason
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
July 7th 2015 by Bethany House Publisher

Summary

Faced with an uncertain future, sometimes all you have left is the courage to dream.

Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he’s put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry—as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans.

As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O’Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?