Saturday, May 26, 2018

Blitz: Loving Grace

loving grace blitz banner

Welcome to the Loving Grace blog blitz and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

loving grace Title: Loving Grace  
Author: April Smith  
Publisher: Ambassador International  
Release Date: March 20, 2018  
Genre: Christian Fiction, Young Adult Romance

Grace Summer lands herself in a melon load of trouble when she becomes torn between the boy of her dreams and the boy almost next door.

As the newly crowned Watermelon Queen, she is thrust into the spotlight, meets the dreamy Warren Hartley, and continues trying to get over an accident that rocked her world. Mix in working with Beau Baron who Grace happens to fight with just about as much as breathing and the metaphorical sparks fly.

Like most things in life, Grace must learn to take the good with the bad. While the good is the handsome and fun Warren Hartley, the bad is Beau Baron—or at least being around his annoying and rude self way more than she would like. For Beau, Grace is nothing more than aggravating and an irritating reminder from the night of the accident.

Tensions soar as Grace and Beau fight to love themselves and maybe, just maybe, each other.

PURCHASE A COPY: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | CBD
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SONY DSC

April Smith grew up spending summers working on her best friend’s family watermelon farm and she was one of those watermelon queens she writes about. She has her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in the Art of Teaching.  

CONNECT WITH APRIL: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Loving Grace blitz giveaway

GIVEAWAY

Ambassador International is giving away:  

Grand Prize: (1) print copy of Loving Grace (US Only)  
PLUS 4 more winners will receive an ebook copy of Loving Grace (open internationally, except where prohibited by law)  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 26, 2018 and last through 11:59pm June 2, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

 
tour schedule

Check out the schedule at JustRead for a full list of stops & more chances to win! 

cropped-justread-logo.png

Friday, May 25, 2018

Review: Cowboys of Summer

Cowboys of Summer

"As the summer weather sizzles, relax by the pool with stirring tales of handsome cowboys and the spirited ladies who wrangle them into romance. Six of Christian fiction's most beloved authors join forces to bring you a collection of humorous, romantic and heartfelt novellas set against the sultry heat of summer."


"In Mary Connealy's, "Dr. Tess and the Cowboy", sparks fly when Dr. Tessa Rhoades discovers dinosaur bones on Joe Holt's ranch and decides to excavate-even if that means kicking Joe off his own land. 
In "Hometown Girl" by Cheryl St.John, injured rodeo champion Justin Cooper returns to the sleepy Oklahoma town he escaped for fame and fortune--and takes his biggest tumble yet--straight into the arms of Stevie Marshall, his first love who soon has him questioning his life choices. 

In Tina Radcliffe's, "Lake Effect", cynical cowboy Tucker Jackson knows he's in trouble when he starts counting the days until the end of summer and praying 'summer girl' Jessica Richards will find a home for her heart in Paradise. 
In "His Lone Star Heart" by Missy Tippens, rancher Zeb West tries hard not to fall for Beecher Brown, the feisty but off-limits sister of his best friend. As she tries to prove she's capable of running her family's ranch--the one he's trying to buy--he might just find he's met his match...for life. 
Will Lorna Seilstad's characters make "Great Strides" when Dana Etherton, the owner of a horse therapy ranch, must choose between the kids she serves and Adam Malone, the embezzler who's been assigned to do community service there?
When Paige Monroe agrees to draw the press away from a country star's wedding by pretending to be the look-alike bride, she wasn't counting on having very real feeling for her decoy fiancé, Sterling Tanner. 
Sherri Shackelford's, "The Decoy Bride", shows what happens when two people feigning love forget they're acting."

Author(s): Mary Connealy, Cheryl St.John, Tina Radcliffe, Missy Tippens, Lorna Seilstad, Sherri Shackelford
Length: 512 pages
Format: e-book


What do an archaeologist, bull rider, 'summer girl', 
rancher, embezzler, and accountant have in common?
TRUE LOVE! 


"Dr. Tess & the Cowboy" by Mary Connealy 

I was honestly surprised that I didn't really care for this story. I love everything Mary writes.

The romance seemed fast, kind of superficial and a tad touchy. I didn't really see a foundation building throughout the story. They meet, instantly attracted, make out a few times then BAM engaged. 

Again, I take novellas with a grain of salt timeline wise. I completely understand A LOT of stuff needs to take place in a short amount of time. I've just seen way to many done to near perfection that sometimes "quick romances" feel rushed.

I really enjoyed the main and side characters, they were well written. I can't deny Mary has a way with words, this just wasn't what I'm used to from her.

I rated it 3.5/5 stars.

"Hometown Girl" by Cheryl St. John

I'll always agree to read a story that includes anybody in the rodeo circuit! Hand me one with a former bull rider home because of an injury and his high school sweetheart, YES PLEASE! (Remember, I'm all for Hallmark/cheesey romances! I LIVE for it)

I loved the relationship between Stevie and Justin. There was definitely attraction, but there was also doubt and fear. They both had been hurt before, could they make it work this time around?

It was paced wonderfully, nothing felt rushed and the end had me swooning.

I rated this a 5/5 stars.

"Lake Effect" by Tina Radcliffe

I loved this story. Beginning of the story gave me "Beauty and the Beast" feels.
And just like in that fairytale a bubbly ray of sunshine turned our beast to a prince.

Jessica was a real character. She had fears and doubts about the future, but she trusted everything would work out. Through it all she never lost her spirit or spunk. She was just what Tucker and Libby needed in their lives.

From "bear" to "beau". A cute small tourist town romance.
I rated this a 4.5/5 stars

"His Lone Star Heart" by Missy Tippens

Aaaa a favorite troupe. (One I don't talk about much since I haven't seen it a ton)
Falling for a siblings' best friend. Oh the trouble this troupe can bring to a story...😏*insert evil laugh*

Zeb was super reluctant to love Beecher.
1) He was honoring a promise to his best friend and Beecher's older brother.
2) He did't know HOW to love Beecher.
His past kept him from truly knowing what real love was and how to accept it. Even so Beecher kept a pushin' and chippin' away at the wall around his heart and in the end the cement crumbled.

I loved the tenacity and strength of Beecher's character. She knew what she wanted and didn't let a single thing stop her from getting it.

I rated this a 4/5 stars.

"Great Strides" by Lorna Seilstad

An convicted criminal and a non-profit organization. What could go wrong?

I loved this redemption/second chance story. This story was a great reminder that God looks on the heart and everyone deserves a second chance!

Dana's attitude in the beginning, though understandable, got under my skin really fast. I'm so glad she had a chance of heart and recognized Adam for the man he was not his past decisions.

I loved the hippotherapy plot to this story. This branch of therapy has a place in my heart, and it does work.

I rated this a 4/5 stars.

"The Decoy Bride" by Sherri Shackelford

Oh my baby hippos...the attraction of this romance was the foundation for this romance. (see above for my disclaimer) I get timelines, I truly do! But these people "feel in love" in less than 24 hours. I guess a near death experience could do that to you? 🤷

How I WANTED to enjoy this story, the plot was FABULOUS! C'mon decoy brides?! (Another favorite troupe) It just really did not work for me. *There were some mentions of very sexual thoughts and cuss words.* I personally did not feel like it needed to be in the story, it didn't add to the plot in any way. As always this is my PERSONAL OPINION!

I did enjoy the writing voice, it was humorous and there was some great dialogue. I have enjoyed this authors' work for a different publisher and will stick to reading those.

I rated this 2/5 stars.


I rated the ENTIRE collection a 3.5/5 stars.

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to leave a positive review**All opinions are my own*

Friday, May 18, 2018

Review: Never Doubt a Duke

Never Doubt a Duke

"After spending the last ten years following her late husband on campaign, the irrepressible Jane Kimball finds herself badly in need of a position to support herself. Marriage holds no appeal; she’s not likely to find a husband like her Jimmy again. But when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her a post with the Duke of Wey, Jane feels drawn to help the lonely widower with his three daughters. He may seem a bit aloof, but Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune approved of him. Why should Jane doubt a duke?

Alaric, Duke of Wey, commands his staff, his tenants, and the halls of Parliament, managing vast holdings in England and across the seas. Why is it he cannot manage his own daughters? As an old danger rears its head, he comes to rely on Jane’s practical nature, her outspoken ways to navigate the waters of fatherhood. And when necessity dictates he take a wife, thoughts turn to an unlikely governess who might make the perfect bride."


Author: Regina Scott
Length: 298 pages
Format: e-book, paperback


A cat with a knack for matchmaking.
A cavalry officer's widow in need of a position.
A distant duke in need of a governess.
Could Fortune be smiling upon an unlikely match?


I was so excited when I found out Regina was still going to write after the closing of the Love Inspired historical line, for she is a favorite of mine.
She has written both western and Regency for that line, and, though I LOVE a good cowboy, Regina can truly write aristocracy. To hear her next work was a Regency period MATCHMAKING series -- I was ALL in!

This book did not disappoint, and oh how I loathe having to wait for book two.

I loved Jane's character. Even though she was considered an "unusual governess" for this time period, no one could claim she wasn't great with the girls. She loved them and wanted only the best for them. She wanted them to succeed at life, to have thoughts and opinions for themselves, to be more than dolls on a shelf. They were daughters of a duke, but she wanted them to know they were more than just a title. She came into their lives in a whirlwind of sass and it was GREAT! (Love a sassy female lead!) Being a cavalry officer's widow, she had an independent, strong attitude that was cultivated by following the drum for many years. She was not a push over, nor was she rude. The perfect mix of brain and beauty. Jane quickly gained the respect and trust of Alaric and his mother with her wit and her charm: This was tested multiple times throughout the story.

Alaric was a strong, distant duke who cared more about duty than most things. Until Jane came into his life. She flipped his world on its head, and boy did he need it. He turned from this cold, proper duke to a loving father and gentle aristocrat.
He battled duty over heart through the entire story, but in the end...well they lived happily ever after. ;)ᅠ

There was a great mystery subplot with an interesting, if not predictable, villain. Honestly, that was fine with me since it was not the main theme of the story. It did its job by helping accompany a thought and push it into a tale.

The duke's daughters were sweet. Well, two out of three were anyway. The oldest was snobby and pretentious, but thank God for character development. She never really hated Jane; she just wasn't her biggest fan.

I hope these characters make another appearance in the series, even if it’s a small cameo. I'd love to check up on the Duke and Duchess of Wey.

Oh! The ending of this book...seriously is book two out yet?! I cannot wait for the rest of this series to be published. This series reminded me of Jen Turano's series, and c'mon now -- you know I'm all about that life!

I rate this book 4.5/5 stars. I’ll follow Regina wherever she goes!

Quotes:

"And I would like them to learn to ride, provided we can find a unicorn."

"If only I could convince Lady Larissa that there is more to life than her come out."
He pressed a hand to chest in mock dismay. "No. How can you possibly say so?"
Her mouth twitched. "Perhaps because I've lived so much longer than she has."
"Yes I can see you are ancient."
She gave it up and grinned. "Takes one to know one, Your Grace."

He finally understood the choice of certain ladies to hide behind potted palms, for if his mother had consented to bring a tree into the withdrawing room. he'd have been sorely tempted to take refuge.

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review**All opinions are my own*

Friday, May 11, 2018

Review: The Backcountry Brides Collection

The Backcountry Brides blog tour

Welcome to the blog tour and giveaway for The Backcountry Brides Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
  

ABOUT THE BOOK

the backcountry brides collection Title: The Backcountry Brides Collection  
Author: Angela K. Couch, Debra E. Marvin, Shannon McNear, Gabrielle Meyer, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Pegg Thomas, and Denise Weimer 
Publisher: Barbour Books  
Release Date: May 1, 2018  
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction collection  

Travel into Colonial America where eight women seek love, but they each know a future husband requires the necessary skills to survive in the backcountry. Living in areas exposed to nature’s ferocity, prone to Indian attack, and cut off from regular supplies, can hearts overcome the dangers to find lasting love?  

PURCHASE A COPY: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository 





______________________________________________________________

MY THOUGHTS

I love these collections so much, and got so excited to sign up for this tour!

"Shenandoah Hearts" 
This story had such a sweet romance, and such strong family bonds running throughout.
I will say the brothers started to get under my skin as the story progressed, but I think they filled their roles well. 
In all honesty I felt like I was missing half the story, it seemed disjointed and a touch choppy. I did read in the way beginning that it is paired with another story, so I think that if I had picked that one up first I might have enjoyed this particular overall story a bit more. 

I rated it a 3/5 stars.

"Heart of Nantahala"
There aren't many fictional books that have a super "realistic" feel to them. (At least not much in the romance section) This story however had a very authentic aspect about it. Neither one of the main characters had "fairytale dream" love expectation. 

Mabel was a very strong, independent female who knew she was not going to marry just anyone so they could help run the mill.

Joe was such a gentleman, and a great business man. He was very patient and understanding and willing to lend a helping hand to a fellow business owner in need.

The secondary characters were fun and I liked seeing them. However, there was a secondary plot twisting through the story and it never panned out. We never saw how it ended,so I don't know if the story continues in another collection or if we're left to wonder.

I rated this a 3.5/5 stars.

"Her Redcoat"
Oh the controversy of this story. A Métis falling in love with a British redcoat. Oh but what a love story. It was so innocent born from time spent learning necessary life lessons from one another. 

Laurette feels she doesn't belong anywhere because of her breeding, but she still longs for more in life. Her knowledge of wilderness living and surviving made me wish I knew how to do all the things. 
And she had a faithful animal sidekick, so technically she was a Disney princess... 

Henry Bedlow was such a sweet character. Not your normal hero since he preferred books to all the other things. Such a gentleman and he loved this beautiful young lady with his whole being, but he was still loyal to his country. (Though he really didn't want to be there) 

The ending was kind of bittersweet, but I'm glad our couple got their happily ever after.

I rated this a 4/5 stars.

"A Heart So Tender"

I LOVED this story! The romance was so cute and ALL of the characters! 
The story moved at a rapid fire pace, but I didn't really feel like I was being drug through the dirt.

I have so much to say about it, that I don't know how to put it in words...
I really wish this was a full length novel so I could see more character development! It has all the potential to be a full length, suspense, plot twisty, sweet romance novel. But this length was perfect to get my toes wet. 

I rated this a 4/5 stars. 

"A Worthy Groom"

Angela is now a new favorite author of mine!! I've read a few of her novellas now and man are they always GREAT!
They never feel rushed, though a lot happens in the few pages we have in her worlds. So much suspense and waves of mystery. So fun to read and guess about the bad guys in the background. She always bring the story full circle, ending both main and secondary plot lines in harmony.

I really enjoyed that this one wasn't SUPER based around any battles. It was a nice little break from the bloodshed.

The characters were great and there was a lot of character development and character changes through the story. 

I rated it a 4.5/5 stars. (My favorite of the collection)

"Across Three Autumns" 

Every good collection has one story that didn't really clicked for you. That was this story for me. All of the war talk kinda had my eyes glazing over and skimming. 

The entire story is told from Jenny's perspective, which was kind of a bummer in my opinion because I felt like this story had a cool premise. I would have loved to maybe see Caylan's perspective. Since it was all from Jenny's point of view the romance happened even faster than it normally does and seemed really rushed. 

While reading, the story of Mary & Martha from the bible kept coming to mind. Jenny being Martha. It got old after a few pages. I just wish Jenny would have relaxed just a bit.

The way Caylan's character was painted was a bit weird. One minute he's making googly eyes at Jenny's little sister Hester, then saying he's in love with Jenny. I don't know...the one viewpoint probably didn't help him any.

There was a RIDICULOUS amount of loss in this story. Which I know happened in real life, but I don't really care to read about it in fiction! 

I rated this a 2.5/5 stars.

"The Counterfeit Tory"

This was a cute fast romance, but oh so sweet. The characters were just ordinary people who found hope and love in God and in each other. 

This was a very dangerous love story since we had an infiltration troupe. (Which I love by the way)
The question of loyalty was a huge thing during this time. 

This also had a bit of sad underlying elements, and a TON of bloodshed. HOWEVER, there was the greatest ending for this happy couple.

I rated this 3/5 stars.

"Love's Undoing"

I loved this book! It reminded me a bit of Tracie Peterson's work, and I was not mad about it. 

There was great eye-opening/character change for Henry Kingsley when he met and got to know the beautiful Abi, who happened to be a Métis. Her pedigree didn;t bother him overall, but he realized that the life he had wasn't the one he wanted in the end. 

Both the characters were strong in their own ways. 
Abi was strong in her lifestyle and what she knew.
Henry was strong in his convictions and what he believed in.
Both were strong in their love for each other.

I rated it a 4/5 stars.

*

Overall I enjoyed this collection. The stories brought so many memories of watching old western shows with my grandma, Shirley Temple movies, movies with Indian attacks. So I had good thoughts while reading it. 
All in all I rated the whole collection a 4/5 stars, and found some new favorite authors in the bargain. 

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review* *All opinions are my own*

______________________________________________________________


ABOUT THE NOVELLAS

Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels 1754 - Great Wagon Road, into the Shenandoah Valley (Virginia) As the French-Indian War commences, Magda Sehler wonders if Jacob Owens lost his mind to have abandoned his Philadelphia business and moved to the Shenandoah Valley. Or has he lost his heart?  

Heart of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor 1757 - (North Carolina) Joseph Gregory plans to buy a lumber mill, but Mabel Walker becomes a formidable opponent. When she’s forced to make a painful decision, she must choose between survival and love.
  
Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas 1763 - Fort Michilimackinac (Michigan) during Pontiac’s Rebellion Laurette Pettigrew grew up in the northern frontier. Henry Bedlow arrived against his will. Their chance meeting changes everything. Will a deadly clash of cultures keep them from finding happiness?  

A Heart So Tender by Debra E. Marvin 1764 – (New York) As thousands of Native warriors converge on Fort Niagara, jaded British Lieutenant Archibald Walsh and idealistic schoolmistress Susannah Kimball learn the greatest risk lies in guarding their hearts.

A Worthy Groom by Angela K. Couch 1771 - Sapling Grove settlement on the Holston River (Tennessee) The Cowden temper has been Marcus’s lifelong bane. A trait Lorinda Cowden curses. Now, winning the heart of his bride hinges on fighting a war without raising a fist.

Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer 1778-1780 – (Georgia) Fighting Loyalists and Indians, Jenny White settles for strength over love . . .until Scottish scout Caylan McIntosh leads her family on a harrowing exodus out of Georgia’s Revolutionary “Hornet’s Nest.”  

The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear 1781 – (South Carolina) Tasked with infiltrating an infamous Tory gang, Jed Wheeler has no wish to endanger the leader’s cousin, Lizzy Cunningham. He risks not only his life. . .but his heart.  

Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer 1792 - Fur Post on the Upper Mississippi River (Minnesota) When Englishman Henry Kingsley meets Abi McCrea, the daughter of a Scottish fur trader and Indian mother, will their worlds keep them apart, or have they finally found somewhere they truly belong?


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

b390c-carrie2bfancett2bpagels 

Carrie Fancett Pagels is an ECPA bestselling and award-winning author of Christian historical romance. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn’t “cure” her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!

 TO CONNECT WITH CARRIE: websitefacebooktwitter

jennifer hudson taylor 

Jennifer Hudson Taylor is an award winning author of inspirational fiction set in historical Europe & the Carolinas. She provides keynotes and presentations on the publishing industry, the craft of writing, building an author platform & digital marketing. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Communications/Journalism. When she isn't writing, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, visiting historical sites, horseback riding, cycling, long walks, genealogy and reading.

 TO CONNECT WITH JENNIFER: website | facebook | twitter

pegg thomas 

Pegg Thomas lives on a hobby farm in Northern Michigan with Michael, her husband of *mumble* years. A life-long history geek, she writes “History with a Touch of Humor.” An avid reader and writer, she enjoys fiction stories threaded through historical events and around historical figures. Civil War and Colonial are her favorite eras. Pegg is a regular blogger at both QuidProQuills.com and ColonialQuills.com. When not working on her latest novel, Pegg can be found in her garden, in her kitchen, at her spinning wheel, tending her sheep, or on her trusty old horse, Trooper. See more at PeggThomas.com.

TO CONNECT WITH PEGG: website | facebook | twitter

Debra E Marvin photo 2016 

Debra E. Marvin tries not to run too far from real life but the imagination born out of being an only child has a powerful draw. Besides, the voices in her head tend to agree with all the sensible things she says. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and serves on the board of Bridges Ministry in Seneca Falls, NY. She is published with WhiteFire Publishing, Forget Me Not Romances, Journey Fiction, and Barbour Publishing…and a judge for the Grace Awards for many years. Debra works as a program assistant at Cornell University, and enjoys her family and grandchildren, obsessively buying fabric, watching British programming and traveling with her childhood friends

 TO CONNECT WITH DEBRA: website | facebook | twitter

angela couch

To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after three munchkins.

TO CONNECT WITH ANGELA: website | facebook | twitter

denise weimer 

Denise Weimer holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. She writes time slip romantic suspense, as well as both contemporary and historical romance. A wife and swim mom of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, old houses, and to write any story God lays on her heart. 

TO CONNECT WITH DENISE: website | twitter | facebook

shannon mcnear

After more than two decades in the South, Shannon McNear now makes her home on the windy northern plains with her husband, four of their eight children, two German Shepherds, four cats, several chickens, and a noisy flock of guinea fowl. She serves in worship and youth ministry, and has been writing novel-length fiction since age 15. Her first novella, Defending Truth, from A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® nominee. When not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the Dakota prairies

TO CONNECT WITH SHANNON: website | facebook | twitter

gabe 

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people, places, and events. She loves connecting with readers! 

TO CONNECT WITH GABRIELLE: website | facebook | twitter


GIVEAWAY

backcountry brides blog tour giveaway

(1) Winner will win a prize pack consisting of one print copy of The Backcountry Brides Collection, a pair of handmade earrings from Carrie Fancett Pagels and book swag plus CHOICE of (1) copy of any book by Carrie Fancett Pagels OR a $25 Amazon (or Barnes & Noble) gift card. (US only, however the gift card is also open to international winners except where prohibited by law. Giveaway is subject to policies found here.

To Enter, use the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Be sure to stop at every post on the tour for additional entries!


During the month of May 2018, the authors of The Backcountry Brides Collection are also hosting a giveaway that includes a print copy of the novel, a Kindle Paperwhite, and lots of Colonial-themed goodies!

To enter click on the image below.


tour schedule 


Saturday, May 5, 2018

Blitz: The Leader's Wife

the leader's wife blitz

Welcome to The Leader's Wife blog blitz and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Leader's Wife
Author:
Debby Thompson
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: May 11, 2018
Genre:
Christian NonFiction, Marriage

As a woman leading a life of influence, you may find yourself without sufficient clarity or equipping for the challenges you face. For many, the role of wife of a leader is one thrust upon, rather than chosen. For others, it is a responsibility embraced but no less complicated to navigate. In either case, as one sharing a journey with a world-changer, this book is for you.

Debby Thompson has spent decades listening to the voices of tried and tested women, and her experiences have instilled a sense of urgency in her to pass on the insights she has gleaned. Within The Leader’s Wife, she addresses some of the most difficult questions facing wives of leaders. With vulnerability and candor, Debby speaks from her own mistakes and discoveries.

The Leader’s Wife offers not a job description but a GPS. It is a blueprint—without how-to’s and ought-to’s—for igniting within you what the Creator has already designed. The Biblical teaching, personal stories, and hard-won lessons Debby communicates will guide and empower you to live with eternal intentionality.

 PURCHASE A COPY: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

________________________________________________________________

EXPERT

Buckingham Palace, here we come!
The summer conference was over, and privileges of the empty nest prevailed. After all, who needed us back at home in Budapest?
Energized by our awareness of freedom, Larry and I emphatically hit the pause button on life, donned our walking shoes, and set out like two newlyweds. An exhibition at Buckingham Palace caught our attention.
In honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s eightieth birthday, the Palace offered a rare public viewing—inclusive of a descriptive history—of eighty royal gowns and personal jewelry. Together we toured the spectacular exhibit, and then Larry left for his favorite art museum. I remained behind; I wanted more time to study the gorgeous dresses.
Listening yet again to the audio headset, I gazed at the glitter and glamor, and I read and reread every description provided with each elaborate dress: state dinners, visits with foreign dignitaries, official tours to other nations. As the hour for closing approached, and other tourists slowly exited, I enjoyed the hall all to myself. Only the security guards remained. Wow . . . alone and surrounded by exquisite splendor on display. I yearned to absorb every detail to recall and savor for a lifetime.
Suddenly, in this setting of grandeur and without warning, God intervened with a strong sense of His presence. Amid the soft lights, quiet music, and superb representation of royalty, I heard the strains of Edward Mote’s aged hymn play out in my head: “Clothed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before His throne.”
Debby, your beauty in Christ supersedes all the beauty displayed before you. Nothing compares to the magnificence of your righteousness in Christ. Nothing. Your true identity as My child is royalty, and you are adorned in My garments of salvation, arrayed in holy attire. I stopped. Overwhelmed with wonder, I marveled at the breathtaking encounter. I stood completely still and absorbed this amazing moment with my heavenly Father.

(from page 29 of The Leader’s Wife by Debby Thompson)



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

debby thompson


Debby Thompson and her husband Larry have served in global missions with Campus Crusade for Christ International since 1974, and are counted among the pioneers of Western missionaries who lived covertly behind the Iron Curtain in communist Poland. In total, the Thompsons spent 33 years in Eastern Europe, witnesses to a period of dramatic social, political and spiritual change. Now living in Cincinnati, Debby is a speaker, writer, and mentor for women around the world.

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram



GIVEAWAY

the leader's wife blitz giveaway


Ambassador International is giving away:  

Grand Prize: (1) print copy of The Leader's Wife (US Only)
PLUS 5 more winners will receive an ebook copy of The Leader's Wife (open internationally, except where prohibited by law)  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 5, 2018 and last through 11:59pm May 12, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

 
tour schedule

cropped-justread-logo.png

Friday, May 4, 2018

Review: Last Chance Wife

Last Chance Wife

"When six-time mail-order bride Winifred Sattler is stranded in Deadwood, Dakota Territory, she’s grateful to find a temporary position at Mr. Ewan Burke’s business until she can return home. Ewan is handsome, but stuffy and serious—her complete opposite. Unlike her new anonymous correspondent, Mr. Businessman, who appreciates her bubbly optimism.

To keep his mining company afloat, Ewan can’t be distracted by Winifred’s vivacious beauty. He needs a no-nonsense wife. Someone like Miss Thoroughly Disgruntled, the only respondent to his recent ad with whom he truly connected. In person, Winifred and Ewan don’t get along, but in their letters they’re falling in love. Will they discover a perfect match in each other?"

Author: Janette Foreman
Length: 288 pages
Format: mass market paperback, e-book


"I know his type. 
He's smart and serious, and he'd be better off with a woman exactly like him."
"Haven't you ever heard that opposites attract?"


If you know me you know I LOVE the Love Inspired Historical line! *Moment of silence for the line shutting down in June*
To be honest I rarely read the synopsis' anymore because I am really never disappointed...I was right again! This book was so cute!

All I knew about this book was it had one of my favorite troupes. Wanna take a guess at what that is?? 😉😉 MAIL ORDER BRIDE! 

The book opens with Winifred in a mining town looking for a family friend. COOOMMMEE to find out...she was "running" from failed mail-order marriage número 6.
Now this was new for me, I don't think I've ever read a LIH mail-order story with so many "mail-order stories" but I enjoyed it! It was new, it was fresh, it was nice!

This as a whole shapes the character we see. Winifred battles a lot of self doubt because of it, but at the same time it made her stronger, independent. Through it all she never lost her bubble. She was a ball of energy, a ray of sunshine. So cute and so fun to watch her adapt to mining life, but also changing the mining town. She was such a determined character, who was a lot smarter than you would think.

Ewan was the complete opposite. He liked order and practicality. He was fueled by his desire to show his dad he was not a failure, so it kept him very hard. It was such a joy to literally watch his character transform from stone to man. With Winnie's ray of pure sunshine, he melted a little everyday.

The on going mail-order letter aspect was so unique! It was fun to be an outsider watching these two fall in love in person...and on paper.

The secondary characters were so fun! It was seriously like a big ole family. And I LOVE that in books. I wish wholeheartedly that we'd see a story about Delia, but since the line is closing I think I'll have to imagine my own happy ending for her.

This was such a cute book and I am beyond thankful to Janette for letting me read it. Please, go pick this book up, you won't regret it. I rated this a 4/5 stars, and can't wait to see where Janette goes after LIH is done.

Quotes:

"Mr. Burke strikes me as the pragmatic type."
"Which tells me you're not." Granna Cass didn't hide the grin spreading her brown cheeks. "Yes, Ewan Burke is the pragmatic type. But underneath that practical exterior, he's got one of the warmest hearts I've ever known. You'll see."

Funny how a man could be handsome and yet as stuffy as freshly starched shirt.

"What kind is this?"
"Rhubarab."
Bringing the pie close to his nose, he inhaled. "One of my favorite flavors."
"I don't care much for it." "Too sour for my taste."
"I suppose you like the really sweet, fruity flavors like raspberry or strawberry."
"With ice cream, of course. What girl doesn't like sweet things?"

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review* *All opinions are my own*

_________________________________________________________________

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janette Foreman:
A former high school English teacher, turned stay-at-home mom, I’m passionate about inspirational, God-centered romances and teaching people to see themselves as having worth in God’s eyes.


I am a proud member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), secretary of the ACFW Dakotas chapter, and am represented by Tamela Hancock Murray at the Steve Laube Agency.

When I sneak in time for my extra hobbies, I love to read, quilt, make cloth dolls, and draw. A graduate of York College and Black Hills State University, I make my home in the northern Midwest with my amazing husband, polydactyl cat, bird-hunting dog, and the most adorable baby twin boys on the planet.


Connect with Janette: Facebook | Website | Twitter