Tide and Tempest by Elizabeth Ludwig (Edge of Freedom series book #3)

Elizabeth Ludwig's final book in the Edge of Freedom series is out!  Tide and Tempest was definitely worth waiting for and very enjoyable.

From the Back of the Book:

Two years ago, her fiance perished
during their voyage to America.

Now she discovers it may have been murder...Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind and, with her beloved fiance by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of the man she holds dear, she's left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream--to open a home for orphaned children.

Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman's deathbed confession reveals her fiance's demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well--dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiance.

Watch the Edge of Freedom Series Trailer below!

 


My Review:
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series.  The author has a way of pulling you into the story and making the characters feel like old friends.  The action and mystery captivates your attention keeping you turning the pages until the story has resolved.  Tillie's character has faced so much loss in her life and she believes that she is not worthy of having a good man love her.  Many times it is more hard to forgive ourselves than it is to forgive others.  Tillie has to learn that God does love her no matter what she's done in life and wants only the best for her.
This series is definitely one you'll want to add to your library.  It's well written and enjoyable!  You can read more about Elizabeth Ludwig at her website.

***I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

IT HAD TO BE YOU $100 Visa Giveaway from @SusanMayWarren!

Susan May Warren's newest book in the Christiansen family series is out!  Book 2--It Had to be You tells the story of Eden Christiansen, one of six kids in the family.  You can read my review of the first book in the series, Take a Chance on Me, here.

Back of the Book: 
Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.

Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

My Review:
 I read this book in 2 days!  Once I began it, I had to know what was going to happen.  The author did a great job with writing a fun and captivating story.  Both of the main characters, Eden and Jace, have much to learn when it comes to life.  Different fears are holding them both back in their lives.  When God brings circumstances out of their control into their lives, they both begin to see how they have been holding on to their fears instead of trusting in what God has for them.  It's a fun love story that you won't want to put it down! 

Bonus:  Also included in the back of this book is a free novella called I Really Do Miss Your Smile.  This is the story of the Christiansen parents, Ingrid Young and John Christiansen.  This was a fun little add on that gives a little more background to the parents' story.

You can read the first chapter of the book by clicking here.   There is also a group book packet that you can download too by clicking here.
You can also read more blogs that are touring this book by visiting here.

Learn more and purchase a copy at Susan's website.

About the Author: Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more.

Learn more about Susan at: http://www.susanmaywarren.com

Giveaway:

Susan May Warren is celebrating the release of her newest Christiansen Family novel, It Had To Be You, with a $100 Visa cash card giveaway and offering readers a free book club kit.

  One winner will receive:

• $100 Visa cash card
• Take a Chance on Me and It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 29th. Winner will be announced April 1st on Susan's blog. Also, visit her website to learn more about the It Had To Be You backstory and Susan's free book club kit.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Susan's blog on April 1st to see if you won.

***I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate

 Lisa Wingate has added her newest novel to the Moses Lake series called Wildwood Creek.  You can read my reviews of her first three books by clicking on these links:  Book 1-Larkspur Cove, Book 2-Blue Moon Bay and Book 3-Firefly Island.  I've really enjoyed reading these books and this last one was just as exciting!

Back of the Book:

Allie Kirkland has always heard the call of her father's unfinished destiny. When she's offered a production assistant's job on a docudrama filming in the hills near Moses Lake, Texas, the dream of following in her director-father's footsteps suddenly seems within reach. The reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step into the film industry. A summer on set in the wilderness is a small price to pay for a dream.

But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delavan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the region's folk songs. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.

When filming begins, strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, and everyone in Wildwood--including Blake Fulton, Allie's handsome neighbor on the film set--seems to be hiding secrets. Allie doesn't know whom she can trust. If she can't find the answers in time, history may repeat itself...with the most unthinkable results.

My Review:

I liked how this book had two stories going at the same time.  On the one hand, Allie is trying to discover the long lost history of Wildwood Creek and then you also get a glimpse of what really happened there through the story of Bonnie Rose.  The mystery involving this place is quite intriguing and keeps you flipping the pages wondering what will happen next.  I loved seeing some familiar characters from the Moses Lake community involved with this story.  I also liked how the Allie's character grows and changes throughout the story especially since her childhood has been filled with such sadness.  I liked this quote by Allie, "Maybe that was the deepest lesson I'd learned in Wildwood: that life should never be a stagnant thing.  That just like the rivers, we thrive when the water flows in and washes away the silt of the past.  All the debris we cling to doesn't keep us afloat, it kills the life within us."(pg. 353)  If you've enjoyed the other books in the Moses Lake series, make sure to pick this one up.  It's a great, thrilling read!

You can read the first chapter of the book by clicking here.

*** I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Twitter Fiction Festival!

The Twitter Fiction Festival is going on right now.  What is the Twitter Fiction Festival you ask?  Novel Crossing has a great post here telling you all about it.  There is a great giveaway going on too.  Just post a tweet with the hashtags #TwitterFiction and #chrific and you'll be entered to win.  But you have to hurry, there are only 2 more days left. Contest ends March 16th.

It Had To Be You by Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren's newest book in the Christiansen family series is out!  Book 2--It Had to be You tells the story of Eden Christiansen, one of six kids in the family.  You can read my review of the first book in the series, Take a Chance on Me, here.

Back of the Book: 
Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.

Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

My Review:
 I read this book in 2 days!  Once I began it, I had to know what was going to happen.  The author did a great job with writing a fun and captivating story.  Both of the main characters, Eden and Jace, have much to learn when it comes to life.  Different fears are holding them both back in their lives.  When God brings circumstances out of their control into their lives, they both begin to see how they have been holding on to their fears instead of trusting in what God has for them.  It's a fun love story that you won't want to put it down! 

Bonus:  Also included in the back of this book is a free novella called I Really Do Miss Your Smile.  This is the story of the Christiansen parents, Ingrid Young and John Christiansen.  This was a fun little add on that gives a little more background to the parents' story.

You can read the first chapter of the book by clicking here.   There is also a group book packet that you can download too by clicking here.


***I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

The Berenstain Bears Keep the Faith by Mike Berenstain

Mike Berenstain is out with another book to add to the Berenstain series called Keep the Faith.   This children's book is for ages 4-8 years old.

About the Story:
When Sister and Brother encounter one of their friends does not believe in God but trusts in science, they turn to their parents to find answers concerning what it means to have faith in God.

My Thoughts:
I've always enjoyed reading the Berenstain Bear books to my kids.  The illustrations are always fun to look at and the stories include a good Christian message that can be discussed with my kids.  This book was good too in the fact that to understand faith Sister and Brother were pointed to the Bible story of Daniel as an example of what faith looks like in our lives.  My only disappointment is that Mama and Papa bear were not the ones to discuss that with their kids.  The parents suggested that they head over to talk with the Pastor about this issue.  Otherwise, I think that the message in the book is a good one that would create good discussion with your children.  I know for my family that this will be an issue that my child (who is in public school) will have to confront.

***I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Chat with Janette Oke and enter to win an iPad Mini!

Janette Oke has written a new novel with her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan called Where Courage Calls.  This book is a companion story to the Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart TV series.

From the Back Cover:
Her courage and her heart will be tested in ways she never expected...
Beth Thatcher has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her family, her friends, and the social outings her father's wealth provides. But Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father, Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes her way.

But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she'd feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. There isn't even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth's heart is torn between two young men--both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man who comes to her aid more than once.

Despite the many challenges, Beth is determined to make a difference in the rustic frontier town. But when her sister visits from the East, reminding her of all the luxuries she's had to give up, will Beth decide to return to her privileged life as soon as the school year is over?

A special companion story to Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart TV series
Purchase a copy and read an excerpt here.

My Review:
Janette Oke has written another wonderful novel with her daughter, Laurel.  My first Christian fiction novel that I remember reading in junior high was by Janette Oke.  Her books are always classy and clean.  The story is always good, wholesome and brings across some great truth.   This book has quite a story of adventure.  Beth Thatcher has had it easy in her family home, but the adventure that awaits her teaches her a lot about herself and about others who don't have a lot in life.   I think this a something that we have to continually deal with in life.  We can get caught often thinking more of ourselves because of our position in society and looking down on those who don't have much.  This story is a good reminder that what matters is what is in the heart.  If you're looking for a good read with a great story, I would definitely recommend this book.

You can read other reviews of this book by heading over to the blog tour page by clicking here.


About the Authors: 

Janette Oke Celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry, Janette Oke is the recipient of numerous awards. Her novels have sold more than 30 million copies and are beloved by readers around the world. Janette lives with her husband, Edward, in Alberta, Canada.

Laurel Oke Logan is the daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of "Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie," as well as the novel "Dana's Valley," which she co-wrote with her mom. Laurel and her husband have six children and two sons-in-law and live near Indianapolis, Indiana.

Janette Oke's newest book, Where Courage Calls (co-written with her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan), is receiving rave reviews. It is the companion story to Hallmark Channel's TV series When Calls the Heart, set in the Canadian west.

Giveaway:

Janette and Laurel are celebrating with an iPad Mini giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on March 4th.

One winner will receive:

• iPad Mini
• Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan
• When Calls the Heart DVD

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 4th. Winner will be announced at the Where Courage Calls Facebook Party on March 4th. Connect with Janette and Laurel for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more!

So grab your copy of Where Courage Calls and join Janette and Laurel on the evening of March 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

***I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.