Saturday, November 19, 2011

Book Review and Giveaway Info: Remembering You




About the book
35-year-old Ava Andrews' dream job is interrupted by an unusual request--fulfill her 84-year-old grandfather's last wish by joining him on a battle site tour of Europe. Ava is sure her boss will refuse her request. But, instead, he gives her a directive of his own--to videotape the tour and send it back as mini-segments for the show she produces.

As if juggling these two things isn't hard enough, Ava is soon surprised again ... twice. First, Ava and Grandpa Jack arrive in Europe, only to discover the tour is cancelled. Unwilling to let down her grandfather or her boss, Ava and Grandpa Jack head out on their own. Then, while they're on their way, the pair soon meet up with Paul, her grandpa's best friend, and his grandson Dennis. The same Dennis who just happens to be Ava's first love.

Before she knows it, Ava and Dennis are swept down memory lane as they visit the sites that are discussed in the history books. And even though Ava's videotaping old soldiers, she can see their youth, their hopes and fears, and their pride in their eyes. Soon Ava learns the trip isn't just for them ... it's for her too--especially for her heart.
Read an excerpt, watch a video and find out more here. http://www.triciagoyer.com/contemporaryfiction.html#RememberingYou 
My thoughts
Until I read this book, I was only familiar with Tricia Goyer's works regarding the Amish, Beside Still Waters and Along Wooded Paths.  I immensely enjoyed both of these books, but was unsure if I would like one of her "non-Amish" books.  I will admit, I had some difficulty getting into the book in the beginning.  I would read 1 or 2 chapters and then put the book down.  I was afraid it was going to take me quite a while to finish it.  However, towards the middle of the book, I was drawn in so much that I finished it in 2 sittings.  I truly enjoyed watching Ava and Paul rediscover their relationship with God, and seeing Ava begin to view the various people in her life differently than she had before.  For some people, like her grandfather, this was good, for others, such as her former fiancee, not as good.  The part of the book that I enjoyed the most were the stories from World War II that were retold, with some poetic license, but were generally accurate.  The descriptions that the author uses allows the reader to feel as though they are in these places themselves, both currently when the characters are on their trip, but also when they are reminiscing about their war experiences.  I recommend this book to any one who enjoys historical fiction, particularly World War II, and stories of first loves reconnecting. 


About the author
Tricia Goyer is the author of thirty books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. On Tricia's weekly radio show, Living Inspired, she shares stories of inspiration and encouragement. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.
For more about Tricia and her other books visitwww.triciagoyer.com 


About the giveaway

Win a Kindle Touch for YOU and a Friend from Tricia Goyer!
Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her novel, Remembering You, with a KINDLE Touch Giveaway for you ... and for the friend of your choice. Then on 11/29 she'll be wrapping up the release of Remembering You with a Book Chat Party!

During the first half of the party Tricia will be chatting, sharing a sneak peek of her next book, and giving away a ton of great stuff. Then she'll head over to her website for a Live Chat! Readers will be able to chat with Tricia via video or text.

Don't miss your chance to win a Kindle Touch for yourself ... and to "remember" a friend this holiday with a Kindle Touch for them!







One grand prize winner will receive:


  • A Brand New Kindle Touch and a Kindle Touch for a Friend (winner's choice!) 

  • A copy of Remembering You by Tricia Goyer for each


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 29th. Winner will be announced at Remembering You Facebook Party on 11/29. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away copies of her other WWII books and gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com. So grab your copy of Remembering You and join Tricia on the evening of the 29th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How much do you know about WWII?) and lots of giveaways.


Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter





Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!


Disclaimer
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and the author for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes. My opinion is my own and was not influenced by anyone else.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Book Review and Giveaway Info: The Baker's Wife


About the book

To save her husband and son, Audrey Bofinger must rescue her enemy.
 
The Bofinger family has lost their church ministry in a scandal exposed by Officer Jack Mansfield. Hoping to heal and to restore their reputation, Audrey, Geoff, and their son Ed take over a failing bakery in the small community.
 
Driving to the bakery one morning, blinded by fog, Audrey hits a motor scooter owned by Jack’s wife, Julie. The mangled scooter is crushed and bloody. But Julie is nowhere to be found. Her disappearance coincides with a sudden illness that nearly cripples Audrey.
 
Jack believes the Bofingers have hurt Julie to take revenge on him, but the evidence dries up and her trail goes cold. At a breaking point, Jack takes the tiny bakery and its patrons hostage, issuing only one demand: Audrey has six hours to return Julie to him, or lose Geoff and Ed forever.
 
With only an excruciating and intuitive gift, an ex-con, and Julie’s estranged daughter to help search for clues, Audrey starts the search of her life for a woman who has vanished like the fog.
 



My thoughts

This book did a great job of weaving together a bunch of seemingly unrelated lives.  It also showed just how much lives can change over time and how people can be misjudged based simply on a title in their life, such as convict or police officer.  The Baker's Wife was a great read, full of suspense, with an underlying storylines of learning how to forgive oneself and others and how to be resilient when faced with things out of your control.  I had a difficult time putting the book down each night and recommend this to anyone who enjoys books about people changing, resilience, or suspense.




About the author

Well-known to critics and reviewers, Erin Healy has established herself as an award-winning editor and a best-selling co-author with Ted Dekker. Healy received wide acclaim for her two debut novels  Never Let You Go  and  The Promises She Keeps . Her work focuses on the psychological and spiritual, driven by high moral stakes. She lives and writes in Colorado with her family.
 
For more information please  visit www.erinhealy.com .  


 
About the giveaway

Let the flour fly! Beginning October 24th, Erin's celebrating the release of her latest page turner, The Baker's Wife, with an outstanding KitchenAid baking prize package giveaway that includes a brand new KitchenAid Mixer, cook books, and all you need to whip up some fabulous bread or sweets! Then and on November 10th she'll be wrapping up the release of The Baker's Wife with an Author Book Chat Party on Facebook! Don't miss a minute of the fun!



One grand prize winner will receive:
  • Empire Red 4.5 QT Ultra Power KitchenAid Stand Mixer
  • Black & White Kitschy Apron
  • Black Silicone Oven Mitt
  • Black OXO Rolling Pin
  • Wilton 9X5 loaf pan
  • At My Grandmother's Knee Cookbook by Faye Porter
  • Second Helpings with Johnnie Gabriel Cookbook
  • The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th. Winner will be announced at The Baker's Wife Author Book Chat Facebok Party. Erin will be wrapping up the The Baker's Wife celebration with a book club chat and giving away a bunch of "sweet treats"! So grab your copy of The Baker's Wife (it's okay if you don't have one yet- you might win one!) and join Erin on the evening of November 10th for a book chat, some "baking" trivia and lots of "sweet" giveaways (books, and Amazon, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates)!

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter


Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends. Hope to see you on the 10th!
Disclaimer 
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and the author for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes. My opinion is my own and was not influenced by anyone else.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Please come vote for me

Crane USA is hosting a contest right now where, their facebook fans can help name their animal humidifiers.  They just finished naming the finalists for the cow humidifier and I am one of them!  I would love it, if you would go and vote for the finalist you like best, even if it is not me (though I would love it it was me).  I chose the name Bo, short for Bovine. While you are there, you can also submit your idea for a name for the elephant humidifier.  The winner of each naming contest will win that humidifier and their child will be made into a cartoon and featured in a video that will be on the Crane USA facebook page and website in 2012.  Let me know if you make it to the finals in any of the naming contests.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Book Review and Giveaway Info: Love on the Line






About the book

It's a Battle of Wills ... and Love Is on the Line!
 
Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world . . . which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.
 
Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.


My thoughts

I particularly enjoyed the unique setting for this book.  The story line was intriguing, though I had figured out much of it before it was revealed.  This did not make it any easier to actually put the book down though, as there were pieces that I had not figured out and I wanted to confirm my theories :)  

About the author

Deeanne Gist--known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee --has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical & contemporary romances. Add to this three RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you've got one recipe for success.
 
She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/DeesCircle.
 
About the Giveaway
Deeanne is thrilled to introduce Georgie and Luke to the word in her latest novel, Love on the Line. To celebrate Deeanne's publisher, Bethany House, is hosting the Love on the Line iPad2 giveaway an Author Chat on Facebook! Enter today and follow the link below to RSVP for Deeanne's rip-roarin' Facebook Party!



One fortunate winner will receive: 

  • A Brand New iPad2 
  • An Autographed Hardback Copy of Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at Deeanne's Author Chat Facebook Party. Deeanne will be wrapping up the Love on the Line celebration by chatting with friends new and old! So grab your copy of Love on the Line (it's okay if you don't have one yet- you might could win one!) and join Deeanne on the evening of November 8th for a rip roaring book chat, a little trivia and lots of giveaways (books, and Amazon, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates)!
Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter
Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends. Hope to see you on the 8th!
Disclaimer
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and the author for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes.  My opinion is my own and was not influenced by anyone else.