Excited about Reading: From Russia with Love by Susan May Warren

The Cover Story ~ 
Kat Moore can’t believe that 24 hours after landing in Moscow, she’s on the run from the KGB. But after receiving a mysterious key, and an invitation to Russia, Kat can’t stop herself from hunting for her past. With her parents long gone, and her grandfather, Edward, strangely quiet about her identity, she knows there are clues to who she is that only she can unearth.

Decorated FSB agent Vadeem Spasonov lives for his job. And he’s good at it – so good, he can nearly predict the movements of the international smuggler, Grazovich. Which is why Vadeem intercepts American “tourist” Kat Moore before she is snatched. Kat might not be working for Grazovich, but Vadeem knows she has something the smuggler wants. Unfortunately, she’s only made it worse by escaping protective custody. Now he has to not only track her down, but keep her safe long enough to get her safely home.

Sharing my takeaway ~

"Life would improve about three thousand percent when he shoved her on an airplane for America."

That sums up Kat's initial response to Vadeem. After all, she traveled all the way to Russia to find answers about her heritage. Did the FSB agent really think she'd turn around and leave so quickly? Vadeem wants to trust her, especially when she unleashes those amber eyes on him, but trust doesn't come easy after she escapes his protective custody.

"Faith, indeed. Oh, yes, he knew all about faith. How it deceived and hurt. How it killed."

The occasional lapses into Vadeem's past pulled my heartstrings. And he allows Kat (and, by default, us readers) glimpses of his vulnerability. A strong hero who's not afraid to show his heart? Sigh...

I have to admit From Russia with Love got off to a slow start. It was tough to keep up with all the unusual names, and at times, this non-historical buff waded through too many historical details. But I'm glad I persevered because it wasn't long before the pace rocketed into Warren's typical bite-your-fingernails, heart-thumping action. 

"You will suffer in this life. It's your choice to suffer trusting in God's plan or to turn away and walk alone."

A powerful faith thread. Fast-paced action. A bit of mystery. A strong, vulnerable hero and a gutsy, sometimes impetuous heroine who just screamed for a happily-ever-after. All components that kept me glued to my kindle all afternoon. :)

I'm curious about your reading style. If a book starts off slow for you, how long before you give up? Or do you feel compelled to keep reading to the end?

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book while it was offered free on Amazon. I was in no way compensated for my fair and unbiased review.

Excited about Reading: SHE'S MINE by Tammy Doherty

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The cover story~
Caitlin Harrington has a new job and a new life away from her menacing ex-boyfriend, Adam. Issues with her parents, losing her previous job and the death of her beloved grandmother leave her wondering if God has abandoned her. Two things she is sure of: she’s a lousy judge of character and men just can’t be trusted. Now a volunteer firefighter who has come to her rescue more than once is dangerously close to breaking through her defenses.

And not everyone in sleepy Naultag, Massachusetts is welcoming. Someone is leaving ominous notes on her door.

Sean Taggart likes being a rescuer. But a failed engagement has taught him to be cautious with his heart and Caitlin is a threat. Women just can’t be trusted. Still, he’d like to save Caitlin from whatever demons have her so spooked. If only she’d let him.

Threatening notes. Scratching at the windows during the night. A shadowy figure lurking in her yard. Caitlin must tell the police about Adam, but everything he told her was a lie. Who is Adam? And if Caitlin trusts Sean to protect her, will his life be in danger?

Can Sean rescue Caitlin before the stalker becomes a killer?

Sharing my takeaway~
After reading Celtic Cross (FREE as of the date of this post) by Tammy Doherty, I couldn't wait to dive into She's Mine. Settling back with a book by Tammy Doherty is a lot like chatting with a dear friend over coffee. :)

Such three dimensional characters with emotional and physical scars! Caitlin Harrington. Math lover, teacher, taking up residence in her beloved Grandmother's house back in Naultag. She learned from her mother's promiscuous relationships and avoids egotistical, controlling men. Most men, actually, except a couple friends from her past.

Mom driving away, leaving me behind as if I was nothing more than a piece of furniture. Except Mom came back for the furniture. 

Hero Sean Taggart, firefighter and campground owner. Recovering from physical injuries sustained during the story, he battles depression, insecurity and even jealousy. 

Caitlin was like a late-night fire--you saw the flames but the full extent was hard to judge and there was a high risk of getting burned.

I really appreciated the genuineness of the characters. Both struggled with failures and asked some tough questions, which made the faith thread flow naturally. The pages were filled with flirty, witty dialog, with a bit of sarcasm thrown in occasionally. Awesome descriptions transported me into the New England area of Naultag. More than one person wasn't happy that Caitlin returned to Naultag. I had an inkling about creepy Adam but never would've guessed the actual scenario that played out, a palm-slicker for sure. Be sure to grab your copy of She's Mine, a perfect book to laze away a rainy weekend afternoon!

Romance, love and marriage--and divorce--had no clean, easily solved equations.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book while it was listed free on Amazon. I was in no way compensated for my fair and unbiased review. 

Excited about Reading: Sweetwater Gap by Denise Hunter

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The Cover Story ~

A story of love and second chances. She wished she could go back and change things . . . but life doesn't give do-overs. Could anything but good-byes be waiting on the other side of Sweetwater Gap?

Josie Mitchell's sister Laurel thinks she's come home to pitch in with the apple harvest and save the family orchard. Her brother-in-law Nate thinks she's there to talk the overworked, very pregnant Laurel into finally selling the family business. The orchard's new manager Grady Mackenzie just thinks she's trouble with a capital T. They're all right . . . and all wrong. Because no one really knows what drove Josie from home in the first place. Why she's never come home before, even for her own father's funeral. Why she pushes herself so hard . . . and what she's running from. And nobody, not even Josie, is prepared for the surprising new fruit she'll find on her last trip home.

Sharing my takeaway ~

A guilt-inducing phone call from her brother-in-law brings Josie Mitchell back home to Sweetwater Gap to help with the apple harvest. Orchard Manager Grady Mackenzie doesn't appreciate the help, especially when Josie admits she came home to convince her sister to sell the orchard.

Relating to Josie was a challenge. She carried a staggering amount of guilt for years, choosing to bottle it up inside rather than talk about it with her sister or aunt, and wrestled with low self-esteem. She made a conscious decision before the story started that I didn't understand (no spoilers). Maybe she had too many issues. On the other hand, Grady, aka Marlboro Man, was easy to like. Betrayed by his ex-wife, he's vulnerable and lonely, and fears that Josie only cozies up to him to convince him to sell his small share of the orchard. Even so, he's kind and sweet, regardless of how she treats him.

Usually, Hunter's true-to-life characters and oh-so-delectable romance jerk me right into the story until I lose all track of time. But for me, Josie's heavy unresolved issues overwhelmed the actual romance in this book. That said, Sweetwater Gap is definitely one of those books that will leave you pondering long after you turn the last page. 

Disclaimer: I purchased Sweetwater Gap. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I received no monetary compensation.

Excited about Reading: Love Arrives in Pieces by Betsy St. Amant

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The Cover Story:

Former pageant queen Stella Varland doesn’t trust beauty anymore after her divorce. Her appearance betrayed her and led to her brokenness—so instead of being beautiful, now she tries to make beautiful things, but always falls short. So she keeps her passion for her secret art to herself and focuses on her interior design work. But if she doesn’t get another job soon, she’ll be stuck living with her parents.

Contractor Chase Taylor is determined to live a life of no regrets after losing his fiancée in a car crash. Now he lives life at full speed, striving to see how much he can accomplish. He knows if he slows down, he’ll fall apart. So he returns home to Bayou Bend to renovate the town’s old theater, and is shocked to learn former flame Stella is the designer for the project.

Forced to work together, Chase and Stella battle their chemistry and their pasts as they struggle to compromise and come together on a vision for the theater. Chase doesn’t understand why Stella is such a subdued version of herself, while Stella doesn’t get Chase’s constant need for productivity and speed. Their wills clash as they attempt to hide their brokenness—and their unresolved feelings for each other—until Chase breaks through Stella’s walls and convinces her to enter her mosaic tile art in a contest.

A near catastrophe, a fire, and a small-town gossip mill finally force both Stella and Chase to realize that they have a choice—to hold on to the shards of their pasts, or surrender their fragmented pieces to the One who makes a beautiful masterpiece from the broken.

Sharing my takeaway:

Back home in Bayou Bend after the death of his fiancee, Contractor Chase was hired to restore the town's old theater. From the blurb, I expected him to be a risk taker, but he wasn't that way at all. He was steady and kind, quite the hero, coming to Stella's rescue several times. Recently divorced Stella, a preacher's daughter and ex-pageant queen, is trying to make a living as an interior designer, but will soon be evicted if she can't work with Chase on the theater's design. She hides her pain behind a fake pageant smile, baggy jeans, and no makeup. I could relate to Stella's feelings of inadequacy and loss of self-esteem from divorce. 

The cover is stunning, a perfect match to the inside! The writing was exceptional. The author dug deep into relationships, and this book was so much more than a romance. It's about people and pain, and how we hide it, and how a person so broken can find their beauty or, in Stella's case, her "colors" again. It's about loving people through their brokenness. The story kept me flipping pages, but some threads just didn't come together as neatly or as satisfying as that last piece in a jigsaw puzzle. As the title implies, Love Arrives in Pieces seemed a bit fragmented, but maybe that's by author design.

This is the first book I have read by Betsy St. Amant. Readers who appreciate a hefty dose of drama in their stories will enjoy Love Arrives in Pieces. This isn't a book you'll whiz through in a couple hours. Set aside a few nights to really dig in. :)

Disclaimer: Sending my thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction for the privilege of reading and reviewing Love Arrives in Pieces. I was provided a free copy of the book in exchange for my fair and unbiased review. I was in no way compensated for my review.

Welcome Ane Mulligan and Chapel Springs Revival

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When I joined ACFW, Ane Mulligan was a name and face that kept popping up. As zone coordinator, she was the go-to resource for everything while I was the treasurer for our local chapter, and she's a mentor and encourager to many. Please join me in welcoming Ane Mulligan and her debut, Chapel Springs Revival, to Fiction Faith & Foodies!

***

Chapel Springs Revival is a work of fiction, and if you like to laugh, you’ll it. After all, laughter is good medicine, and we should indulge often. Best friends Claire and Patsy get in and out of more pickles than a Vlasic cucumber. It’s a little bit like Lucy and Ethel go to Mitford.

But lest you think it’s all silliness, Chapel Springs Revival is also a book with a message about faith and commitment in marriage.

And for the Foodies, there are a few recipes in the back of the book. Poor Claire can’t cook. Her expertise maxed out at jello jigglers, but her husband and friends are great cooks.

Here’s a short synopsis of Chapel Springs Revival:

With a friend like Claire, you'll need a gurney, a mop, and a guardian angel

Everybody in the small town of Chapel Springs, Georgia, knows best friends Claire Bennett and Patsy Kowalski. It's impossible not to, what with Claire's zany antics and Patsy's self-appointed mission to keep her friend out of trouble. And trouble abounds.

During an early morning discussion at Dees 'n' Doughs bakery with their ladies group, all Chapel Springs entrepreneurs, attention is drawn to the slackened tourist trade. With their livelihoods threatened, they join forces to address the town's revitalization in hopes of drawing back the tourists. No one could have guessed the real issue needing restoration is their marriages.

Claire, a pottery artist, stumbles through life with her foot in her mouth. When she became a Christian, she thought life and her marriage would be included in the new creation part. But her thighs are just as big and her husband, Joel, is as ornery as ever. She's become nothing more than a sheet-changer, a towel-folder, a pancake-flipper. Her life is humdrum and she's tired of being taken for granted.

Patsy has plans for her empty nest, plans that include a cruise ship. However, her husband, Nathan, continues to work long hours, and he's not talking about slowing down. In fact, he's not talking much at all. She's asleep long before he comes home each night. At first she thought it was just because of tax season, but now she's not so sure. Something other than work seems to keep him late at the office every night. With the lines of communication closed, she'll have to find another way to reach him.

With their marriages as much in need of restoration as the town, Claire and Patsy embark on a mission of mishaps and miscommunication, determined to restore warmth to Chapel Springs —and their lives. That is if they can convince their husbands and the town council, led by two curmudgeons who would prefer to see Chapel Springs left in the fifties and closed to traffic.

Chapel Springs Revival is available in print and e-book.

Ane can be found on her website, Southern-fried Fiction, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter,

Pinterest and Google+.

Excited about Reading: A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

Amazon Buy Link

The Cover Story~

Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily's mother she'd keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily's legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he's been led to believe. Is she villain or victim?

Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he's ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte's heart.

Sharing my takeaway~

Sitting down to read a Karen Witemeyer book is like settling back on the couch and chatting with a friend or loved one who I haven't seen in awhile over a cup of coffee. Exciting, comfortable, and over way too soon!

What a great cast of characters! Charlotte, aka Miss Lottie, former headmistress who creates her own family of abandoned students. Lily, an orphan entrusted to her care by Lily's mother, Lottie's best friend. Stephen, left behind by parents who travel extensively in Europe, and John, an orphan with musical gifts. Stone calls himself a "retriever," hired by Lily's grandfather to bring her back. And the gnome gave me laughing fits!

The plot moves along at a fast clip. Romancing man-shy Charlotte takes a little longer, but the sigh-worthy hero vows not to give up. A gentle faith thread addresses topics like discerning God's path for our lives and choosing joy over our circumstances, and music lovers will appreciate the musical theme. A Worthy Pursuit is definitely worthy of a few hours of your time. :)

Disclaimer: Sending my thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the privilege of reading and reviewing A Worthy Pursuit. I was provided a free copy of the book in exchange for my fair and unbiased review. I was in no way compensated for my review.

Excited about Reading: Married 'til Monday by Denise Hunter

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With a big anniversary party in the works for her parents, Ryan will pretend to be Abby's husband for just one last weekend.

The Cover Story~ 
Ryan McKinley has tried to move on from his ex-wife, Abby. He’s sulked, he’s gotten angry, and ultimately he bought her dream house. Big mistake. Living alone in the massive 2-story has only made him miss her more. When her parents call him out of the blue about their anniversary party in Summer Harbor, Maine, Ryan believes God has dropped a golden opportunity straight in his lap.

Abby McKinley never exactly told her parents about the divorce. A strained relationship with her dad has culminated in a distant relationship with her parents, but she’s finally succumbed to her mom’s pressure to make the drive for their 35th-anniversary party.

Then Ryan shows up on her doorstep, looking as devastatingly handsome as ever. When he insists he’s going to Seabrook, with or without her, Abby knows she can’t say no. Her parents still think they’re married and now Ryan knows it too. Besides, he only wants to check in with his best friend from college—her cousin Beau, who just lost his dad. It’s just a one-week road-trip with the man who broke her heart. What could possibly go wrong?

My takeaway~
Yeah. What could go wrong? lol.

"There's no if. I'll be back next Monday, and everything will be exactly like it is now. You'll see."

I was soooo looking forward to Ryan's story after reading all the other books in the Chapel Springs series. The poor guy has been pining for his ex-wife, Abby, and I couldn't wait to hear their story. This restoration romance didn't disappoint!

Full of angst, the remnants of a emotionally and physically abusive childhood:

It's not true. Nothing he said is true. I'm not stupid. I'm not worthless. I'm not unlovable.

A faith thread that asks some tough questions:
 Thank You, God, he'd said. Where was God now? And how come He only got credit for the good stuff?

Sprinkled with light, playful moments like this:

She suddenly realized it had been quiet a moment. Her eyes shot up to find him watching her, gun lowered. She wiped the appreciation from her face. "Not bad," she said, stepping up to take her turn.
He smirked. "My aim or...?"
"Your aim, smart aleck." She reloaded the gun, her face heating.
"If I didn't know any better, Abby McKinley, I'd think you were checking out my form."

Sigh...
Married 'til Monday has all the components that a romance lover craves, including a hero that digs deeper than the exterior to reveal a soft, hurting woman underneath the tough, you-don't-want-to-love-me, I've-got-too-much-baggage facade. Save a chunk of time because you won't want to put this gem down!

Disclaimer: Sending a big thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Denise Hunter for the privilege of reviewing Married 'til Monday. I was provided a free copy of the book in exchange for my fair and unbiased review.

Excited about Reading ~ Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin

Purchase Link

The Cover Story~
Finding each other was only the beginning . . . 

When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life.

It's Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate's rescue. Nick is handsome and confident, and he seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She's not planning to get involved with one of the locals.

Nick is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn't expect to be swept off his feet by the car's occupant. He's made a vow--no dating for a year--but keeping that vow is going to be a lot more difficult now that he's met Kate Darby.

My takeaway~
Kate Darby's career is on the fast track until her grandmother's stroke. Leona is all the family she has left, and she's determined to help her grandmother until she's back on her feet. But she has a hard time accepting her grandmother's faith, and has lived her adult life making "safe" choices and being independent, relying only on herself. Travel writer Nick Sheridan has always lived life on the edge until a tragedy sends him to the top of Mount Abel to wrestle with God. He came off that mountain a new man, vowing a year of not dating.

Kate laid her head on his shoulder. "I'm scared."
"Of what?"
"Everything," she said in a whisper. "I don't know how to live like this, how to mix the old and the new."
The black and white balloons were more fitting than he had imagined. An artist blended the two colors to make shades of gray. People compromised. But some decisions really were black and white. A person couldn't go east and west at the same time, but two people could walk side by side in the same direction. At some point, though, they had to agree which way to walk. If they couldn't and they still wanted to be together, someone had to make a sacrifice.

That excerpt pretty much sums up the book for me. Nick and Kate were attracted to each other immediately, and the story was a romance from the first page to the last, but that doesn't mean they didn't have to work through their share of problems. I felt that Nick's love for Kate was a symbol of Christ's love for us. Saddened and distressed by the gulf widening between them, he woos and loves her back.

I thoroughly enjoyed Until I Found You. Bursting with emotional depth, packed with a spiritual punch, it also carried just the right amount of sizzle for me. The parallel between human relationships and condors, rare birds who mate for life, was a bonus. Definitely a keeper!

"Faith is what allows us to see the daffodil in an ugly seed, the chick in an egg. We don't understand how God works, but if we look, we see His handiwork everywhere--even in the mirror." ~Leona

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Amazon. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I received no monetary compensation.

Excited about Reading: Just the Way You Are by Jessica R. Patch

Free for a limited time
when you sign up for her Patched In Newsletter

The Cover Story~

When Pastor Gabe asks Audrey Gilbraith to use her mad florist skills to help him design a prayer garden, she’s all in, especially since it helps take her mind off the fact she’s about to lose her job and her apartment. But working closely with Gabe and not falling for him is complicated. She’s not pastor’s wife material, and she has the past to prove it.

Gabriel Brookson wants out of Audrey’s friend-zone, but when he pursues her romantically, he ruffles more than a few feathers in his congregation. How much is he willing to give up for this wonderful, quirky woman, and will Audrey accept him if he risks it all?

My Takeaway~
Have you ever been in a situation, or worse, in a relationship, where you didn't feel like anything you did was good enough? Where no matter how much you tried to fit in or how much you attempted to be that person nothing worked? It's no fun. And that's Aubry. Loud and boisterous, she cracks yo-mama jokes and is chronically late to everything, including church. She's also hiding a tremendous amount of pain and guilt from her past.

"People dressed up hurt in all sorts of ways. Dresses and heels, a grin and witty words didn't mean it wasn't simmering under the surface, ready to explode..."

None of that matters to Pastor Gabe, who finds Aubry refreshing and honest, and has loved her for the past two years. When he finally woos her to move past friends, certain members of his church force him to choose between staying at the church or loving Aubry.

The underlying theme shines throughout this book like a lighthouse on a foggy night. Aubry didn't have to change for Pastor Gabe to love her anymore, just like we don't have to change for God to love us anymore. He loves us exactly as we are, where we are, even if we have a past we're ashamed of.

I read Hope Under Mistletoe and loved it, so I was excited to snatch up another book by Jessica R. Patch. I love how she writes grace into her stories using real-to-life characters and witty dialog without being preachy. Just the Way You Are is a quick read, a wonderful book for a lazy weekend afternoon. I'm definitely a new fan!

Disclaimer: I received this novella free by signing up for Jessica's Patched In newsletter. I received no compensation for my fair and unbiased review.

Excited about Reading: A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

Amazon Purchase Link

The Cover Story~
Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake's childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion's reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake's will, Lyndie's sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he's built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he'd thought he'd lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

My Takeaway~
Since reading Meant to be Mine, I couldn't wait to read Jake's story in A Love Like Ours. If you'd like to read about Ty and Celia's story in Meant to be Mine, you can read my review here. How did I miss Undeniably Yours, book #1 in the Porter Family series? Will have to remedy that!

A Love Like Ours is one of those books that leaves you thinking about it long after you're finished reading. The cover is cute, but it doesn't give you a real inkling to the depth of this story. Jake struggles with PTSD. He lost his faith in Iraq along with his buddies, and horrific nightmares and survivor's guilt chains him to a solitary lifestyle. Lyndie's determined to help her childhood best friend heal, but along the way, she starts to view him differently...not so much as her childhood friend anymore.

"I think that God empowered him with the ability to run...for your sake."
"Why would God do that?"
"Because it's one of the only avenues of communication He has left with you. You've shut Him out, but I think He wanted to show you that He hasn't shut you out."

There were so many aspects of this book to savor and chew on. The strong faith thread with a "God is good" mantra even through hardships. Lyndie's perseverance and determination to save Mr. Tall Dark and Brooding when most women would've given up. Her creative spirit, not only illustrating and writing whimsical fairy stories, but also building and decorating a "hero" house with her neighbor's son. Cheering for Silver Leaf to win his race because their healing was so entwined. The powerful theme of hope and restoration woven throughout. What's not to love about A Love Like Ours?

Disclaimer: Sending a big thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for allowing me the privilege of reviewing A Love Like Ours and for the free copy I received in exchange for my fair and unbiased review. This opinion is my own, and I received no compensation.

Crazy about Writing!

With the exception of promoting blog posts, I've been somewhat MIA on social media these days. I blame it on marketing for four releases this year. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)

When I received my promotional copies for When Hope Rises, I realized that I pumped the bulk of my efforts into my Harmon Heritage series and Rori's Healing, which releases on June 5th. But When Hope Rises releases on May 1st as part of Pelican's Pure Amore subscription. What does that mean?

It means I have five pdf copies of When Hope Rises to give away! 

Pelican Pure Amore's May release

Art teacher Shelby Coltman transforms junk into treasure and longs for a place to showcase her creations. She’s thrilled when her friend volunteers to room with her. Shelby can finally buy a storefront. Unfortunately, Kennedi’s brother can't seem to let go.

Abandoned as a teenager, guidance counselor Tate Malone has become surrogate and over-protective father to his sister. Life is great until Shelby Coltman wheedles his impressionable sister into sharing an apartment. Raised in wealth, the beautiful Shelby could never understand poverty or rejection, and Tate doesn't appreciate her uprooting his sister.

When Shelby hands over her savings to a homeless student, will God obliterate Tate's fears and deliver all of Shelby’s dreams...when hope rises?

Want one? Here's your chance!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excited about Reading ~ His Wounded Heart By R. L. Syme

Purchase Link

The cover story:

Sean Raleigh has fired every nurse and physical therapist within firing radius. He wants to be left alone in his invalid despair. But when his best friend hires the beautiful Jaclyn Dalton, Sean's curiosity about her selflessness and unwavering faith keeps him from sending her away.

Jaclyn needs this job to stay in Montana, but Sean's icy heart and raging bitterness threaten to drive her away.

He believes his immobility is a punishment from some controlling but distant deity, yet she sees him crying out for a compassionate God he doesn't believe in. Jaclyn wants to help Sean recognize the grace that can be his, even if she has to leave him to do it, which draws her into a surprising level of emotional vulnerability-a vulnerability that will be the key to healing Sean's wounded heart.

My takeaway:

I must admit that initially I wasn’t too fond of Sean, the shoe-throwing jerk who refused to do physical therapy or hang onto a nurse. But as the story progressed and the details of his accident emerged, he grew on me, and I appreciated how much courage and strength it took for him to change over the course of the book.

The moment he touched her soft skin, he forgot all about his knee injuries, his braces, and the fact that he couldn’t stand on his own legs yet. Her smooth hand in his own, combined with the solid strength of her grip, produced a heavy thud in his chest. For one glorious moment, he could have been a whole, healthy man again, able to climb a mountain. ~Sean Raleigh

Sean labels Christians based on his experience with his father, but Carter and Jaclyn’s selfless actions slowly erode his opinion. Faced with an angry and bitter former athlete, I’m not sure I would’ve showered him with unending grace and generous love like Carter and Jaclyn, but it was a great picture of how God loves us, despite our bitterness and brokenness and in the midst of our pain and struggles. Sean also questions whether he could believe in a God who allowed bad things like his accident to happen.

Jaclyn loved a God who was real. His dad used religion to get obedience from his children, or his employees, or his wife. He used a set of beliefs to get what he wanted out of other people. He had no concept of who God really was.

It was hard to separate the two, since they claimed to worship the same God. But they didn’t. A blind fool could see the difference.

Although Sean did the most growing in His Wounded Heart, Jaclyn struggled through a rough patch herself. I appreciated that she didn’t waver in her faith, but I actually doubted if this book would deliver a happily-ever-after.

A warm, peaceful feeling spread through her chest, and she closed her eyes. As she often did when she felt God’s presence, she opened her imagination, and let the Holy Spirit comfort her. She imagined herself as a little girl, sitting on her father’s lap, held safely in his powerful arms. The peace deepened. God was at her side, and no matter what happened, He would always be with her like this.

With so much depth, physical, emotional, and spiritual, this isn’t a fluffy romance to scurry through in a couple hours. I savored this one over a few hours, rooting for Sean to be physically healed and for both of them to be emotionally whole so they could be together. Overall, I really enjoyed His Wounded Heart and would definitely pick up another book by R. L. Syme.

Disclaimer: I received His Wounded Heart free from Pelican Book Group as part of their 40 days of Lent free e-book program.

Excited about Reading ~ Her Nerdy Cowboy by Annette M. Irby

Purchase Link ~ FREE through Lent

The Cover Story~

Whoever heard of a bookish cowboy? When Logan McDaniel’s brother-in-law dies, he steps in to help his beloved sister run her ranch. But what does a city boy know of herding cattle? Claire Langley loved her cousin. After he dies, she agrees to serve as a temporary nanny for two heartbroken children. Claire and Logan find they share a love of books, and Claire can’t resist the nerdy uncle who is great with children, and who reads to her of pirate romance. Claire’s ailing mother needs her in Seattle. Can she break away? And if she does, can there ever be a future for Logan and her?

My takeaway~
Chunky black eyeglasses and a book lover? Awesome! So Logan McDaniel isn't your typical cowboy hero, but I admired him anyway. Not only did he put his career on hold to help his recently widowed sister with the kids, but horseback riding and ranching isn't his thing. 

He was not up to this filling-another-man's-shoes task, no matter what his mother said or Macy thought. He wasn't heroic, as Claire and his sister declared. Just woefully nerdy and inadequate. But he'd try. Beginning in just a few hours at four-dark-nasty in the morning.

And what woman wouldn't love a man who's good with kids? Of course, that endears him to Nanny Claire. But when Claire becomes ill, and he brings dinner and reads to her...insert dreamy sigh. Yeah. Hero, right?

I can understand being reluctant to pick up a dollar download, but this petite thirty seven pages covers two years, from the cute meet to the...well, let's just say it covers two years, so you won't feel short-changed. Her Nerdy Cowboy is flirty and light, and is the perfect size and flavor to read during your lunch break or in the pick-up line at school. And did I mention that it's FREE all through Lent? Don't wait! But even if you can't scoop it up before the sale ends, it's only $1. :) 

Disclaimer: I received Her Nerdy Cowboy FREE from Pelican Book Group as part of their 40 days of Lent free e-book program.

On My Kindle ~ BETTING ON HOPE by Debra Clopton

Pre-Order Link

The Cover Story~

Book 1 of FOUR OF HEARTS ROMANCE series

A bet gone wrong. A small town’s meddling. And a cowboy intent on saving his ranch.

Maggie Hope is an advice columnist whose background leaves her with little advice to give . . . and it’s beginning to show. When Maggie fills in at an interview with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan, the on-camera chemistry between them is undeniable. Maggie’s bosses know this is the opportunity she’s been looking for to launch her career—and their bank accounts. In order to save her column, Maggie takes Tru up on the bet that he can teach her to ride a quick-stepping cutting horse like any cowgirl, despite the fact that she has never been on a horse. And in the meantime, she can get the scoop on the man under the cowboy hat.

Tru has been on the competition circuit for longer than he’d like, but he knows it’s the only way he can afford to keep the Four of Hearts Ranch that means so much to his ailing grandfather. So when his sponsors see the opportunity for Tru’s fans to get to know the star on a more intimate level, he knows he must oblige. To his dismay, Maggie not only invades his small town of Wishing Springs, but she also invades his heart, and that is something he cannot let any woman do—for her own good.

In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart’s desires.

My takeaway~ 
Horse Trainer Tru Monahan's life is more public right now than he'd like, but those endorsements help pay off the staggering debt on his beloved Four of Hearts Ranch. Advice Columnist Maggie Hope longs for a family, but that would involve trusting a man, something her father taught her not to do from an early age. It wouldn't be a Debra Clopton book without town matchmakers, and Reba and Clara Lyn, co-owners of the Cut Up and Roll Salon, fill that role nicely. Also, just like the Mule Hollow series, Wishing Springs becomes the new "dating destination."

Betting on Hope packed in plenty of real life issues like Alzheimer's, teen pregnancy, adoption, sterility, and a main character hoping to keep an unsavory past hidden. While I cared about the three-dimensional characters and the story kept me turning pages, I would have preferred more, um, sizzle in the actual romance, but that's just me. I bet (lol, pun intended) fans of the popular Mule Hollow series will enjoy Betting on Hope, available 2/15/15 with Thomas Nelson Fiction.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the purpose of sharing my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I received no monetary compensation.

On My Kindle ~ Jingle Belle by Delia Latham

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What happens when you cross an ambitious chauvinistic Italian restaurateur with a successful ad writer? A spectacular fireworks display followed by a romance sweeter than Cannoli.

Nick Santini locks wills with jingle writer, Belle Knowles, when her catchy promo isn't up to his standard. How dare he insinuate her work isn't good enough! With her reputation on the line, Belle gets to work, determined to satisfy every customer, even one as stubborn as Nick. Each deals with different issues: Nick, lingering effects of a childhood trauma, and Belle, pride. 

Just like I'd savor a serving of lasagna, taking one delicious bite after another, the onions and tomato sauce, the cheeses and pasta melting in my mouth, I enjoyed peeling back the emotional layers of Nick and Belle, whose chemistry sparkled and danced from the very first page. 

With a playful cover and catchy title, three-dimensional characters, and an enchanting story weaved with a strong faith message, Jingle Belle is a fabulous book to curl up with over the holidays! 

Disclaimer: I purchased Jingle Belle. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I received no monetary compensation.

Curl up with this holiday romance...

Purchase Link

Louisiana Chef Leona Buquet agrees to cook for CG Fleming Jr, movie producer at his mountain lodge in the Colorado Mountains during the Christmas holiday.

When Leona meets handsome Cameron, CG's son, she is taken by his striking good looks and warm personality, but with the glamorous actress, Marissa Madison, clamoring for his attention will he even notice Leona?

Cameron struggles with being in a career he hates only to please his father. When he meets Leona he feels he's known her all his life. He wants an opportunity to get to know her, but she keeps avoiding him. When they become stranded in a hunter's cabin, will she lower her guard and open her heart to Cameron?

Can love sizzle, along with the Cajun dishes, in subzero temperatures?

Available now with Pelican Book Group/Christmas Extravaganza ~ Buy Link

Marian Pellegrin Merritt writes stories that blend her love of the mountains with her deep Southern roots. She is an author and freelance writer with over ten years experience. Her work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, online websites, and garnered a first place award in ACFW's Genesis contest.

Marian is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Women's Fiction Writers Association.She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy and an accounting certificate from the University of South Alabama. This Louisiana native writes from the Northwest Colorado home she shares with her husband and a very spoiled Labradoodle. Connect with her through Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter

Spreading some holiday cheer, er...reading!

11 Christmas Extravaganza Romance Novellas
by some of your favorite Pelican Book Group Authors

To celebrate my two most recent releases and in the spirit of giving, I'm GIVING AWAY a 
2014 Christmas Extravaganza postcard 
with eleven holiday-themed romance novellas, including Christmas in the Rink. 
The postcard comes with a redeemable code to enjoy these eleven (yes, that's right, friends, 11!) e-books on your preferred electronic reader.

The 4 x 6 1/2 inch size makes this a perfect stocking stuffer for the romance reader on your holiday list! Or perhaps you'd like to unwind from the stress of the season by curling up in the evenings in front of a glowing fireplace to read some short stories bursting with family and laughter, sprinkled with grace and forgiveness, and weaved with reclaimed joy and rekindled faith? If so, here's your chance! Just a few clicks and you could win these eleven delicious romances!

The winner will be announced here on Monday, 12/15/14, so make sure you come back by.

Oops, almost forgot! I'm also spreading some holiday cheer on Goodreads by giving away a print copy of 
When Love Triumphs. You can enter that giveaway here. :)

Wishing you a joyous holiday season! And Happy Reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On My Kindle ~ Vegas Vacation by Clare Revell

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Sharing my review~
I always look forward to reading Clare Revell's latest romantic suspense, so I was thrilled to load Vegas Vacation on my kindle. Who wouldn't love reading about an English heiress who vacations in Vegas, becomes the target of an unknown assassin, and falls in love with a law enforcement hero? I was all over it.

Sgt. Martin Ames has just filed his retirement papers after an on-the-job incident robs him of his self esteem as well as other medical issues when the boss orders him to babysit spoiled Lady Tamlyn Bradshaw. Tamlyn's in Vegas vacationing, her first without her overprotective father, when her bodyguard ends up in the hospital with food poisoning. Personalities clash while Martin tries to protect her, which isn't easy. Tamlyn's used to having her way, but soon realizes that Martin's way is better, safer, and definitely more enjoyable. Tamlyn's attraction and encouragement is just what Martin needs to feel whole again.

Just 154 pages, I found myself wishing Vegas Vacation was a few pages longer, for the romance to blossom and old friendships (like Lia) to deepen as much as the action popped. Did I mention the action popped?? lol. Still, I wasn't disappointed especially with a twist I hadn't seen coming. While some events seemed a tad rushed, the intense action, budding romance, and a "relationship not religion" theme kept me turning pages. Definitely a book that'll be hard to put down!

Disclaimer: Sending a big thank you to the author for allowing me the privilege of reviewing Vegas Vacation and for the free copy I received in exchange for my fair and unbiased review. This opinion is my own, and I received no compensation.

If you enjoy curling up in front of the fireplace with stories like this...

She gazed up at him, those luscious, forest-green eyes trusting, glowing with pleasure. Her spicy fruit and floral scent drifted up to him, and suddenly, he wanted nothing more than to kiss those strawberry red lips.

His arm tightened around her, and he tugged her up, bringing their torsos together so close that their breaths mingled and they became one form against the ice. Her eyes widened, and then her dark lashes rested against ivory cheeks.

Was she really inviting him to kiss her? But she didn’t know…didn’t know what he did for a living now. And shouldn’t he apologize first for stealing her dreams with his impetuous choice?

“I’m sorry, Chaney.” His voice came out husky, overflowing with broken dreams and pent-up longing. All he’d ever really wanted in life had been his faith, Chaney, and skating.

He had reconciled with God over the lost years. Had even picked up his skates again, and this time, no one could stop him from skating. But Chaney? He was probably the last person she wanted in her life right now.

Her lids flashed open, and her chest lifted with a sigh. Her hand floated up to cradle his cheek, her palm smooth against the rough smattering of whiskers. “It’s OK, Conner. You need to let it go. I have.”

“Have you? Really?”

That little gem is from Christmas in the Rink, a Christmas Extravaganza romance available on December 1st with Pelican Book Group. 

It’s bursting with family and laughter, sprinkled with grace and forgiveness, and weaved with reclaimed joy and rekindled faith. If you enjoy curling up in front of the fireplace with stories like this and you'd be willing to post an honest review at your favorite online hangouts, email me at Dora(at)DoraHiers(dot)com for a PDF copy. I only have a handful of review copies, so don't wait! 

Purchase Link

“Washed up Olympic hopeful looking for part time mechanic's job.”

Not quite the glamorous life Conner Weddington envisioned during those countless hours of high school skating practices; but after his mother’s untimely death on Christmas Day, Conner joined the Army and left everything behind, including the father who despised his dreams, and his beautiful skate partner, Chaney Mitchum.

Chaney Mitchum understands why Conner left, but he stole her Olympic aspirations along with her heart. She's never matched that graceful rhythm with another partner, so with her dreams squelched and an adorable niece who requires her attention, Chaney fills her days with diapers and students, not pleasure skating or romance.

Now that Conner's back in town, will he reclaim the joy he once felt about Christmas and faith? Can Chaney and Conner rediscover their poetic elegance on the ice?