Once Upon a Prince ~ Review

About the Book:

Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series by best-selling author Rachel Hauck, treats you to a modern-day fairy tale. Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life. The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simons Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family's tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aid under the fabled Lover's Oak, he is blindsided by love. Their lives are worlds apart. He's a royal prince. She's an ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel's coronation. It's the ultimate choice: His kingdom or her heart? God's will or their own? 'This is classic romance at its very best.' ---DEBBIE MACOMBER '[A] surprisingly believable royal-meets-commoner love story. With only a subtle nod to Cinderella, this modern and engaging tale follows the budding relationship of an American Southern girl and a pseudo-Brit prince . . . Hauck fans will find a gem of a tale.' ---Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW for Once Upon a Prince

My thoughts:

Once Upon a Prince is a sweet read and takes you on a fairytale ride, filled with all kinds of twists and turns! Susanna is in love and is sooo hoping for a proposal. Just when she thinks the proposal might happen, she is devastated to learn, after 12 years of friendship, a marriage proposal will NEVER happen. But, life does go on and slowly but surely, others are brought into our lives when we least expect it! This is where Susanna's fairytale begins...

This book made me think so much about "Unanswered Prayers" ... So many times, especially when we are young and in love, we pray the person we are "in LOVE" with, is, "The ONE!" More times than not, it doesn't work out that way, and hearts are broken. But, as time goes by and we begin our new normal, we might just meet that special person when we LEAST EXPECT IT! Now then, we may never meet a "TRUE" Prince like Susanna has, but, you just never know right :)

I LOVED the story of Nate & Susanna and if you want a quick and cute Summer Read, this is the book for you!! Thank you Litfuse for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!



Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of Once Upon a Prince with a fun "Royal Wedding" Giveaway and connecting with readers at her May 28th Facebook Party.

One "royal" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Once Upon a Prince" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 28th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of book chat, wedding trivia, laughter, and more! Rachel will also be sharing a sneak peek at the next book in the series and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Once Upon a Prince and join Rachel on the evening of May 28th 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

A Healing Heart

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Healing HeartAbingdon Press (April 1, 2013)byAngela Breidenbach



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Angela Breidenbach is a speaker/coach in mental and physical health, author of A Healing Heart April 2013 from Abingdon Press in the Quilts of Love series, Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life, Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance, and Creative Cooking for Colitis. Other works by Angela include compilation books and devotionals from Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers. She is certified in mentor/peer counseling as a CTA life coach, as a Stephen Minister, and a weight loss/nutrition coach. Angela serves as an assisting minister (worship/prayer leader) for her congregation in Missoula, MT. Not only did she walk the hard line of deciding to donate her mom’s brain for the study of schizophrenia, but she’s also on the brain donation list at the Brain Bank-Harvard McLean Hospital.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Mara Keegan is an uber-successful mother and a widow of three years. She's been chasing success and all the "good things in life" for her family to make up for the cruel whim God played on them by taking her husband. In an effort to be the perfect mom, she decides to make a photo memory quilt, a graduation present for her daughter, Cadence.




She’s not yet finished when she experiences a heart attack. While Mara recuperates, she revisits the choices she's made that led to this physically and spiritually broken heart. The memory quilt must be finished in time for Cadence's big day, but Mara struggles with her burgeoning feelings for the man who must keep Mara's business going during her recovery, Joel Ryan. Can Joel find his way into Mara's heart and onto Cadence's quilt?




If you would like to read the first chapter of A Healing Heart, go HERE




MY THOUGHTS:

The title of this book couldn't be any more perfect! Mara's heart is broken with the loss of her husband, and carrying the weight of raising her children, and providing for them as well as keeping their business thriving! Mara has a heart attack and is forced to face what is really going on within herself, her family, and with Joel who is not her favorite person in the world. At one point in their lives, He attempted to steal her company but now claims to be a changed man.
Will Mara forgive Joel and believe he has changed? Will she learn now that she has been forced to slow things down, that she simply cannot do it all and be this SuperMom she thinks she needs to be?

A Healing Heart is such a great story and I could relate to all the characters! I HIGHLY recommend this book to any and all!


Happy reading :)

Hidden in the Heart ~ Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Everything Claire wants seems to be beyond her reach…
After losing her mother to cancer and suffering a miscarriage soon after, Claire Ferguson numbs the pain with alcohol and pills, and wonders if her own life is worth living.
Adopted at birth, Claire is convinced she has some unknown genetic flaw that may have been the cause of her miscarriage. She must find a way to deal with the guilt she harbors. But exoneration will come with a price. With her marriage in trouble and her father refusing to answer any questions about her adoption, Claire begins the search for her birth mother. For the first time in her life, she really wants to know where she came from. But what if the woman who gave her life doesn’t want to be found?
Hidden in the Heart has been nominated for a 2013 Grace Award and is on the long list for an INSPY award


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Catherine West is an award-winning author who writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. Her first novel, "Yesterday’s Tomorrow", won the INSPY for Romance, a Silver Medal in the Reader’s Favorite Awards, and was a finalist in the Grace Awards. Catherine’s second novel, "Hidden in the Heart", was also a finalist for a Grace Award. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two college-aged children.

MY THOUGHTS:


WOW! What a story this is! Claire Ferguson is a broken woman. She's lost her Mother, had a miscarriage, and is separated from her husband. Turning to alcohol and drugs is her only way of escaping the pain and the grief. Needless to say, I had a hard time with her in the beginning. She continually pushes everyone away, declines any help her loved ones attempt to give her, and when they ask her to go "get help", well that just isn't going to happen! They say, some just have to reach the bottom before they can even begin to look up, or more importantly, within.

The journey Claire takes is full of up and downs and every emotion I had was touched more than once for sure! Catherine West is such an awesome author and Hidden in the Heart is just a perfect example of how very true that is! Hidden in the Heart is a tough story to read but soooo worth the tears and frustration, because when you see the redemption play out before your eyes, you will be saying Hallelujah!!

Thank you Litfuse for allowing me this amazing book in exchange for my honest review! A 5 Star INDEED!


Happy Reading

Stress Test - Review

About the Book:
Matt Newman is enjoying his last shift in the ER---until he's kidnapped! He escapes, but waking up in the ICU, he discovers he's accused of murder. With his freedom in the hands of a red-headed lawyer who doesn't like doctors, and the kidnappers looking to finish the job, can Matt survive this stress test?

My Thoughts:

I am a HUGE FAN of author Dr. Richard Mabry's books! I really never even question "will his next book be as good as his last one?" and with each new book I read, I can honestly say, they just get better and better!

Stress Test is a fast paced Suspense thriller that will keep you turning pages until there are no more pages to turn! Dr. Matt Newman has finally gotten his life where he wants it...New girlfriend that is most likely "The ONE!" and he has a new job teaching until one day when he is attacked and kidnapped! Matt has no idea how this happened or better yet WHY!! And before you know it, that perfect life is forever changed on that day.

He finds that he is wanted for a murder and looks to lawyer Sandra Murray for help. Will she believe him and will his girlfriend stick with him through all of this? Will he EVER get his life back?

AS usual I give Dr. Mabry 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s !! I LOVED Stress Test and would recommend it to any and ALL!! Be sure to find out how to enter Dr. Mabry's giveaway! All info is just below


Richard Mabry is celebrating the release of Stress Test with a Nook HD Giveaway! Enter today.

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Nook HD
• A $15 gift certificate to BarnesandNoble.com

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 27th. Winner will be announced on 4/29/13 at Richard's blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

The Dance ~ Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Jim Anderson is a successful businessman, and his wife, Marilyn, is the perfect wife. And why wouldn't she be? He gives her everything she needs. That's why Jim never expected to come home one day and find Marilyn gone.
After 27 years of marriage, Marilyn has had enough of feeling unloved and neglected. She wants to experience some measure of happiness before she's too old to enjoy it, even signing up for dance lessons, something Jim would never do. What will it take for Jim to finally become the man Marilyn needs him to be?


MY THOUGHTS:

I was so excited to read Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley's newest book and the 1st in their Restoration Series! With their name on the Front cover, you have high expectations, right!? right!

Jim and Marilyn are sadly, a very common example of many marriages today. Each is set in their "roles" and they have grown further apart as the years go by. For Marilyn, she had been crying out how unhappy she was and Jim just wasn't hearing exactly what she was saying or how serious she was.

The Dance is excellent and portrays a perfect look at what it takes to really work at putting your marriage back together, healing the wounds, and finding love all over again.

I really didn't think Jim was ever going to "get it." He frustrated me immensely! But I loved the journey Jim took and how he had his eyes opened! Marilyn's journey was totally different of course, but just as moving. I so appreciated how their children's thoughts and perspectives played a role, because no matter how old they are or even if they have moved out and lead a life on their own, they are still affected.

Overall, The Dance was excellent and I highly recommend it on so many levels! I CANNOT wait until book 2 is out!

Thank you Donna and Revell for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!

Happy Reading :)

The House At The End of Hope Street

About the book:
A magical novel about an enchanted house that offers refuge to women in their time of need

Knocked off-kilter by the Worst Event of Her Life, Alba Ashby finds herself in front of a house in Cambridge, England, that she's never seen before. There, a beautiful older woman invites her to stay on the house's usual conditions -- she'll have ninety-nine nights, and no more, to turn her life around. With nothing left to lose, Alba takes a chance and moves in.

She soon discovers that 11 Hope Street is no ordinary house. Past residents have included Virginia Woolf and Dorothy Parker, who have hung around to help newcomers -- literally, in talking portraits on the wall. Here Alba begins a journey that will heal her wounds -- and maybe even save her life.

The House at the End of Hope Street is a charming, whimsical novel of hope and feminine wisdom that is sure to appeal to fans of bestselling authors Jasper Fforde, Lev Grossman, and especially Sarah Addison Allen.

Author Bio:
Menna van Praag, author of The House at the End of Hope Street, is a freelance writer, journalist and Oxford graduate. She is also the author of Men, Money and Chocolate, an international success, already translated into twenty-six languages. She lives in Cambridge, England, with her husband and son.

My Thoughts:
This is my first time to read a book from Author, Menna van Praag. The House at the end of Hope Street is an interesting read to say the least.

Alba Ashby just experienced the "Worst Event of Her Life," and finds herself drawn to a house she has Never seen before. Alba feels strongly there is something very different about this house! She is welcomed by the caretaker, and is given an opportunity that totally intrigues Alba..."You can stay here for ninety-nine nights & then you must go... No rent & no bills. Your room is yours, to do with it as you please, but know this...You take care of the house and it'll take care of you." And so begins Alba's journey.

As I said, The House at the End of Hope Street is interesting. Alba drove me crazy at times but overall I still liked her and enjoyed watching her journey unfold with each page turned. So many intriguing women "live" in the house and I really enjoyed most of them and looked forward to who we might meet next as the story went on.

Sometimes you just have to step out of your comfort zone and do something different. I did that in reading "The House at the end of Hope Street." How was it outside of my "Normal" subject matter? I can say I did enjoy reading Van Praag and am glad I stepped outside of my norm. I give "The House at the End of Hope Street" 3 ♥ ♥ ♥'s

Thank you FSB Associates for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review.

Happy Reading!

BEST READ of the Year SO FAR! Wings of Glass ~ Review

I could not have been anymore excited to learn Gina Holmes had a new book coming out! When it arrived I looked at my schedule to see when I could clear a day to read, because listen,... When reading Gina Holmes, you just CANNOT put her books down!

Wings of Glass touched each and every emotion I have, and at times, I would have given anything to shake Penny and/or do worse than that to her husband, Trent. It is written from a Mothers Heart and I believe that it is why this book is so amazing and able to take such difficult subject matter and turn it into such an incredible story.

Wings of glass is a story of physical and emotional abuse, and the cycles that the abuser and his victim go through, and the grace of God that only HE can give, if only we can accept it, and believe it's freely ours to take. Penny begins her relationship with Trent as a young teen, without any self esteem, and a rather bad example of what love looks like from her parents. Trent is an alcoholic and is very controlling and manipulative, not to mention, no concern about being an adulterer. Sadly, when that is all you have ever known, the idea that things COULD be different don't often enter into your mind, and if they do, fear will typically keep you paralyzed and unable to believe you can do anything differently.

An accident happens and Trent & Penny's life changes dramatically. Penny finds herself in a place she never dreamed, let alone believed, would come. During this time, she also finds the gift of friendship in Callie Mae and Fatima. Together, these women form a bond with one another and Penny's eyes are opened in countless ways. The love and support given to Penny slowly strengthens her but will it be enough to help her finally stand up for herself?

Thank you Gina Holmes, for sharing your gift with all of us.

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingWings of GlassTyndale House Publishers (March 1, 2013)
byGina Holmes



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gina Holmes began her career in 1998, penning articles and short stories. In 2005 she founded the influential literary blog, Novel Journey now called Novel Rocket and she is also the founder of Inspire The Fire.




Her debut, Crossing Oceans, was a Christy and Gold Medallion finalist and winner of the Carol Award, INSPY, and RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice, as well as being a CBA, ECPA, Amazon and PW Religion bestseller. Her sophomore novel, Dry as Rain, was also named a Christy finalist. Her upcoming novel, Wings of Glass will releases this month. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her family in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose.









ABOUT THE BOOK

From the bestselling author of Crossing Oceans comes a heart-rending yet uplifting story of friendship and redemption. On the cusp of womanhood, Penny is swept off her feet by a handsome farmhand with a confident swagger. Though Trent Taylor seems like Prince Charming and offers an escape from her one-stop-sign-town, Penny’s happily ever after lasts no longer than their breakneck courtship. Before the ink even dries on their marriage certificate, he hits her for the first time. It isn’t the last, yet the bruises that can’t be seen are the most painful of all.




When Trent is injured in a welding accident and his paycheck stops, he has no choice but to finally allow Penny to take a job cleaning houses. Here she meets two women from very different worlds who will teach her to live and laugh again, and lend her their backbones just long enough for her to grow her own.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Wings of Glass, go HERE.





Happy Reading!