From the Start by Melissa Tagg

Melissa Tag has a fun new book out about an unlikely romance between a former NFL quarterback and a girl who writes romantic screenplays. Find out below why you should check out From the Start!

From the Back Cover:

Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after.  While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.
Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he's lost.  Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life.  The only trouble is he's never really done normal before.
While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it's like to desperately need direction in life.  An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore.  Starting over wasn't part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that's ever happened to them?

My Review:
What a cute story!  I really enjoyed reading through this book.  It didn't take long for me to be hooked and not want to put this book down.  The plot is well written and the story keeps you wondering about what has happened in the characters' pasts to make them who they are today.  I also liked that the story was clean and not overly sensual.  Some of the romance novels these days are trying to see how far they can go with their characters before it is really inappropriate. I appreciate it when an author keeps the romance clean. I know that as my own daughter gets older, there are definitely books I don't want her reading even though they say they are written by Christian authors.  So, thank you Melissa Tag for writing a novel that I can loan out with any reservations.   If you're looking for a fun new series to start this summer, pick up From the Start!

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


 From the Start is the first book in the Walker family Series.  You can also read Three Little Words, a Walker Family Series 0.5 novella for free by downloading at any of these links.
Amazon 

Barnes and Noble
ChristianBook.com

Join the Odyssey Adventure Club for a ‘Buck’ (Plus a Summer Challenge)

 

Memorial Day is just around the corner, which means school will be out for the summer! Parents, does that fill you with dread, knowing all you'll hear for the next few months is, "I'm bored!"? Keep reading because we have a deal for you—one that will only cost you a buck and that will keep your kids safe online while allowing them to have fun and to grow in their relationship with Jesus.

Buck Oliver is back in the latest Adventures in Odyssey album, and to celebrate, you can try the Odyssey Adventure Club for just a buck for your first month. Sign up before May 31st using the promo code BUCK! *This deal only applies to first-time accounts and is good the first month only.

Members receive:
—24/7 streaming access to more than 750 Adventures in Odyssey episodes (a $1500 retail value).
—A new, members-only Adventures in Odyssey episode every month.
—A subscription to Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine.
—A web quest of video stories and online activities reflecting the biblical theme of that month's episode.
—On-the-go access with the OAClub mobile iOS app.
—Growing access to Odyssey books, a daily devotion, access to select Radio Theatre dramas and more.

Additionally, a portion of each Odyssey Adventure Club membership benefits Focus on the Family partner organizations, such as Carry the Cure and Mission Aviation Fellowship, providing parents with an opportunity to teach children about the value of serving others. The Odyssey Adventure Club hopes to spend another 25 years hand-in-hand with parents seeking to teach biblical truth to their children while inspiring the theater of their imagination.

 

Your favorite Adventures in Odyssey characters are also Taking the Plunge in Album 59 and now you can, too! This summer, dive into your faith and grow closer to God by joining the Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine Taking The Plunge Summer Challenge. It includes these simple things:

• Learn 5 memory verses
• Get active with 5 family activities together
• Share God’s love and your faith in 5 different ways

When you commit to the Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine Taking The Plunge Summer Challenge, you'll receive:

• A promo code for an exclusive Odyssey Adventure Club first month offer (for new members only)
• Adventures in Odyssey special studio message
• “Strange Journey Back” book excerpt
• “Jones and Parker Mysteries” book excerpt

To learn more about the Odyssey Adventure Club, visit www.oaclub.org, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Whenever You come Around by Robin Lee Hatcher

Robin Lee Hatcher has written another Kings Meadow Romance novel.  Charity Anderson has a couple of past secrets that have haunted her life, and she has lived in fear of discovery.  No one knows the real her or sees how she is covering up the hurt except one man, Buck Malone.  But is she willing to let him in and are her secrets safe with him?

I thought this story was engaging and sweet.  The novel really didn't have a "dry" spot in it, and the story flowed smoothly from cover to cover.  I was able to read it in just a few short days, and anytime that happens, I know it's a keeper!  If you're looking for a fun romance series to take a long on vacation this summer, pick up this easy read and settle in for a sweet romance story.  You can read my thoughts on Robin's first book to mention King's Meadow, A Promise Kept, here.  And the first novel set completely in King's Meadow, Love Without End, here.

**I checked this book out from my local library.  All opinions are my own.

Tamera Alexander’s To Win Her Favor Blog Tour and Kindle Giveaway

Tamera Alexander has quickly become one of my favorite authors.  I was so excited to read her newest novel in the Belle Meade Plantation series, To Win Her Favor.  Take time to read my review, and don't forget to enter the giveaway for a Kindle Fire by clicking on the link at the end of this article!  Giveaway ends tomorrow!!!

About the book:
A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.

An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He's come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he'd wagered, especially when Maggie Linden's father makes him an offer he shouldn't accept yet cannot possibly refuse.

Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance---and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder---Maggie's father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail---Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

My Review:
I have mixed feelings about this book.  On the one hand,  it didn't take long for me to be hook after beginning this novel.  The author does such a wonderful job adding depth to her characters.  It was easy to find myself rooting for the underdog, Cullen McGrath, rejoicing in his triumphs and disheartened in his trials.  Maggie has endured a lot of grief over the years and her heart is far from trusting.  It was encouraging to see her grow as a character throughout the story.  I love learning history this way.  Seeing it displayed in a story always makes the history seem more real to me.  The Irish history was definitely interesting since I myself have Irish ancestors and the red hair to prove it.  The grief they endured when coming to the new world was quite deplorable.  I had no idea how bad they had it.  Tamera Alexander has written a beautiful novel full of hope for the downtrodden.  On the other hand, there was one aspect of this book that left me disappointed.  I felt that the author took too much liberty with writing about the sexual side of Cullen and Maggie's relationship.   I felt that the descriptions of the scenes were too detailed and thus led your mind down a path that is questionable.  So while the story is a good one, be forewarned that some of the scenes in my opinion can be a little too steamy for Christian fiction.  If you want to read what others are saying about this book on the blog tour, head over there by clicking this link!

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

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1OYbn27

About the author:

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville, Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious---and precocious---silky terrier.

Find Tamera online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Giveaway Information:

Can Maggie prove that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America? Find out in Tamera Alexander's To Win Her Favor. To give her that chance—and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder—Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

Celebrate the release of To Win Her Favor with a Kindle Fire and book giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD 6
• A copy of To Win Her Favor

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 10th. Winner will be announced May 11th on Tamera's blog. Plus stay tuned for more opportunities to win after May 11 with a special Pinterest contest—more details coming soon!

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

A Harvest of Hope by Lauraine Snelling (book 2, Song of Blessing series)

Lauraine Snelling continues the Blessing, North Dakota story in book 2, A Harvest of Hope. 

From the Back Cover:
Miriam Hastings has her future plans in place...but Trygve Knutson is intent on changing them. 
Just a few short weeks into her year-long training at the Blessing Hospital, Miriam Hastings is called home to Chicago, where her mother is gravely ill.  With siblings to care for, Miriam pleads to be allowed to finish her training in Chicago.  Her nursing supervisor grants her a brief reprieve but extracts a promise that Miriam will return to Blessing and fulfill her one-year commitment.
While in Chicago, Miriam has tried to get Trygve Knutson and Blessing out of her mind, but his letters make that impossible.  Trygve is busy building a house, hoping he can convince Miriam to return to North Dakota and marry him.  Torn between Trygve's love and her family's needs, she doesn't know what to do.
When Miriam finally returns to Blessing, she buries herself in her work.  But no matter how hard she tries to put it off, she has some life-changing decisions to make about her future, her family...and the man who is never far from her thoughts.
What will it take to convince her to stay?


My Review:
It's always good to read a series where the characters are familiar and you get to see them interact together.  I will say that this book moved a little more slowly for me and I had a hard time finishing it.  Although, after I got through the middle, the pace seemed to pick up and rush toward the end.  I also noticed that there were parts of the story where I felt I should know more of the background then I did.  So, after a little investigation, I saw that there are 2 other series that take place in the little town of Blessing, North Dakota--Home to Blessing and Daughters of Blessing.  It might be good to read those first before this series so that you have all the background information since it is not repeated in this series.  I have enjoyed getting to know the characters and  seeing how their lives play out throughout the trials and circumstances that they encounter.  Looking forward to picking up the next book in the series, Streams of Mercy, coming October 2015.

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

A Heart's Danger (Book 3) by Colleen Coble

This month book 3--A Heart's Danger from the Journey of the Heart series by Colleen Coble releases on May 5th.  Each of these 6 books are only about 100 pages or less.  This newest book continues the story of the love triangle with Sarah, Rand and his new fiancee, Jessica.   Will Sarah be able to just stand by and watch Rand marry someone else?  She is desperately trying to move on with her life, but how can she when her heart still yearns to be with Rand.

My Review:
Colleen Coble's series Journey of the Heart has been releasing each month since March.  It's been fun to get a new book each month, and I like that they are so short.  Being a busy mom it can be hard to find time to read, but with each book being so short, I find that it's not that hard to get through them while taking care of my family.  Sometimes while reading this book, I have wondered how Ben Croftner can get away with doing so much evil.  He never seems to get what he deserves.  Sarah and Rand's relationship can be frustrating at times, and I silently wonder what on earth he sees in a girl like Jessica.  That being said, life can be like this story.  At times we may wonder what on earth someone sees in another person.  And others do seem to get away with doing evil.  Colleen's story draws from the real elements of life.  Life can be frustrating and not at all how you plan for it to go.  I appreciate the realism in her writing.  This book has been a good continuation of the story, and I look forward to the next book out in May, A Heart's Betrayal.

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