ACRBA Tour Unnoticed by Amanda Deed

5 - 9 May 2017

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is Introducing 

Unnoticed

(By Rhiza Press, 1 March, 2017)

By 

Amanda Deed

About the Book:

Plain Jane O’Reilly is good at being unnoticed. Detested by her stepmother and teased by her stepsisters, Jane has learned the art of avoiding attention. That is until Price Moreland, an American with big dreams, arrives in her small town.

Does she dare to hope someone might notice her?

However, Price Moreland may not be the prince that the whole town thinks him to be. Was his desire to be a missionary a God-given call, or just a good excuse to run from his past?

Complete with an evil stepmother, a missing shoe and a grand ball, Unnoticed takes the time-old Cinderella fairy tale and gives it an Australian twist.

About the Author:

Amanda Deed has penned several Australian Historical Romances, including The Game, winner of the CALEB Prize for Fiction in 2010. She resides in the South Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne with her family, where she works full-time in her local church office.

Outside of work and family, Amanda loves to write stories filled with intrigue and adventure using her favourite themes as a backdrop: Australia, heritage, romance and faith. Her books include Unnoticed, Ellenvale Gold, Black Forest Redemption and Henry's Run. For more information, go to www.amandadeed.com.au.

ACRBA Blog Tour Activate by Adele Jones

3 - 7 April 2017

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is Introducing 

Activate

(By the Rhiza Press, 1 November 2016)

By Adele Jones

About the Book:

Josh Hammond’s not who he says he is. To stay alive, he must guard his identity, existing isolated from his former life and those he loves. The one enemy he can’t outrun is his failing health, and time is short. Desperate for a solution, Josh leaves the protection of his safe house unapproved. Instead of a cure, he’s left powerless against a cunning adversary. Determined to reclaim his life, he grasps an opportunity for escape, but things go drastically wrong. Can he find a way to expose the lies of a criminal mastermind, or will he be silenced? Forever.

About the Author:

Adele Jones lives in Queensland, Australia. Her writing is inspired by a passion for family, faith, friends, music and science – and her broad ranging imagination.

A strong believer in embracing life's journey, Adele delights in sharing that adventure with others, be that through the pages of a story or engaging in a social or professional context. Through her broad personal and professional interests, she has welcomed diverse engagement opportunities, including science based student experience sessions, conference presentations, literary readings and musical exploits.

With a long standing interest in historical fiction, Adele based her Master's dissertation on this topic and is currently anticipating release of her first novel in this genre, A Devil's Ransom (www.roseandcrownbooks.com). She has also had a variety of poems, short stories, inspirational meditations, devotions and magazine articles published. Her first YA novel Integrate was awarded the 2013 Caleb Prize for unpublished manuscript, and is due to for release in September 2014. Replicate is the second book in this series and was released in October 2015.   

More information:
Adele Jones: www.adelejonesauthor.com

Book Review A Cowboy's Dare by Lucy Thompson

A Cowboy's Dare

By

Lucy Thompson

Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications (December 30, 2016)

Book Description:

Tyrone woke up with a headache—and a wife. And he’s never been so scared in his life. 

Mayor’s daughter Jane Montgomery has always wanted to be more than a social ornament, and now that her father has given her a three-month deadline to find a suitable husband, she’s desperate. Desperate enough to run away from her pampered life of ribbons and bows to pursue her dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. 

But right before her planned escape, she’s the victim of a matchmaking prank involving spiked punch and a certain local rancher. 

Ever since he failed to stop his mother from going mad, Tyrone Harding — local daredevil rancher who runs hunting expeditions under the banner of “Female-Free Adventures” — has shied away from females, feelings, and anything inhibiting his freedom. Wanting to avoid his family’s questions and his own feelings for Jane, he proposes they fake being in love until she leaves for college, thereby freeing them both. 

Their playacting doesn’t fool Tyrone’s brother who challenges him to prove he truly loves Jane. Never one to back down, he accepts the dare: do something loving for her every day — and to record it in a special Cowboy’s Dare book. 

The dare has unexpected consequences, and as the sparks fly between them, Tyrone and Jane begin to wonder if they’ll lose more than they gain when Jane departs for school. 

My Review

Firstly thanks to Lucy Thompson for my copy of this book.

I enjoyed the first book in this series and was looking forward to book 2. I wasn't disappointed. I think this book was even better than the first one. It was different in that Tyrone winds up with a wife at the beginning of the book. The last think both Tyrone and Jane want is to be married. Tyrone has a lot of baggage thinking he is not good enough to have a wife and Jane wants so desperately to go to college to by a mechanical engineer.

I enjoyed finding out more about how they ended up married and the different things that happened. Tyrone's Little sister had something to do with it. I also enjoyed seeing how the story would unfold and would they stayed married, would Jane go to college etc. If you enjoy Western Fiction I am sure you will enjoy this book. I look forward to the next book in this series.

ACRBA Blog tour Mail Order Bride by Lucy Thompson

5 - 9 September 2016

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is Introducing 

Mail Order Surprise

( Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications (April 19, 2016)

By Lucy Thompson

About the Book:

Colorado, 1881. Lydia Walsh is on the run. The quiet rancher she marries and expected to find safety and protection with turns out to have three siblings, next to nothing to live on, and is a crack shot who may or may not be one of the states best cattle rustlers.

Beau Harding wants to keep his family together and do the right thing by them. His mail order bride comes with her own set of baggage: two more mouths to feed and empty hearts begging him to fill. The job he took for some quick money gets him thrown in jail for rustling, and then to clear his name he takes on another job--and learns that his wife may have been the one plotting his family’s downfall all along.

About the Author:

Hi! My name is Lucy Thompson. I’m a stay-at-home mum to five precocious children and wife to the ultra-handy Dave by day and a snoop by night, stalking interesting characters through historical settings, and writing about their exploits.

I enjoy meeting new people from all over the world and learning about the craft of writing. When I can be separated from my laptop, I’m a professional time waster on facebook (really!), a slave to the towering stack of books on my bedside table, and a bottler, preserving fruit the old fashioned way so I can swap recipes and tips with my characters. 

My home is in central Queensland, Australia where I do not ride a kangaroo to the shops, mainly because my children won’t fit.

Represented by the fabulous Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary, I’m a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America.

You can find my review here

ACRBA Tour Ehvah After by Rose Dee

1 - 5 August 2016

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is Introducing

Ehvah After

( August 25, 2015)

By Rose Dee

About the Book:

Ehvah Rowe’s life is in freefall. Her teen queen status is long forgotten, and with a childhood of tragic loss, no family save a diabolical aunt, and no career prospects, her L.A. celebrity world holds no future.
It will take a murder, an escape to the Australian tropics, and the friendship of an Aussie bodyguard, for her to discover healing, faith, and a way forward.

David Blake knows how to be a soldier. His army training equipped him to fight and protect. But when it comes to helping a fear-filled celebrity navigate the same post-traumatic stress symptoms he has suffered, David discovers the challenge in forsaking his own strength for God’s plan.

Rose Dee weaves a story of mystery, drama and romance, in her trademark tropical North Queensland Australian style.

About the Author:

Rose Dee was born in Ingham, North Queensland, Australia. Her childhood experiences growing up in a small beach community would later provide inspiration for her first novel. Rose, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, decided to try her hand at writing two years ago. The result of that attempt is her first novel, Back to Resolution. Her novels are inspired by the love of her coastal home and desire to produce exciting and contemporary stories of faith for women. Rose's other releases include Beyond Resolution - the second book in the 'Resolution' series. And A New Resolution the final book in the series. Rose has also co-written a novel in conjunction with three other outstanding Australian Authors: The Greenfield Legacy. Rose resides in Mackay, North Queensland with her husband, young son, and mischievous pup, Noodle.

Book Review Mail Order Surprise by Lucy Thompson

Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications (April 19, 2016)

 

Blurb

Colorado, 1881. Lydia Walsh is on the run. The quiet rancher she marries and expected to find safety and protection with turns out to have three siblings, next to nothing to live on, and is a crack shot who may or may not be one of the states best cattle rustlers.

Beau Harding wants to keep his family together and do the right thing by them. His mail order bride comes with her own set of baggage: two more mouths to feed and empty hearts begging him to fill. The job he took for some quick money gets him thrown in jail for rustling, and then to clear his name he takes on another job--and learns that his wife may have been the one plotting his family’s downfall all along.

Review

Firstly thanks to Lucy for my copy for an honest review.

I have to say wow what a great debut novel by Australian writer Lucy Thompson. I was hooked from the beginning. We start with Lydia and her two children running for a train trying to avoid someone following her. She is off to become a mail order bride in the hopes of safety and a new life. What happens when she arrives is interesting. She finds Beau has left a few things out of the letters he wrote her like siblings.

I love the different twist and turns in the book. I really felt for Lydia I could feel her pain and wanted to know what was going to happen as I was reading. There were times I just needed to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. Lucy had me on the edge of my seat several times. This is an excellent debut noveI and if you like Mary Coneally's books you will enjoy this story. I eagerly await the next book in the series.

ACRBA tour Twice Stolen by Susanne Timpani

4 - 8 April, 2016

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Twice Stolen

(Armour Books, 14 February 2016)

Susanne Timpani

About the Book:

After the death of his grandmother, Dimitri finds he's been lied to most of his life. His journey into the Outback to unravel the mystery of his identity leads to an encounter with Leah, a nurse with a tragic secret.

About the Author

Susanne is married, has four beautiful children and works as a community nurse with children and families. Themes of her work and her faith appear in her writing. 

Susanne is the author of the blog, 10 Minute Daily Retreat. These twice weekly reflections on scripture can be read via:

http://susannetimpani.blogspot.com.au/ 
https://www.facebook.com/10MinuteDailyRetreat

Her first novel, Twice Stolen, was released in February 2016. It fits the genre of Inspirational Fiction, has Australian Aboriginal themes and is flavoured with a sprinkling of Medical Romance.

Twice stolen won the CALEB prize for an unpublished manuscript.  The book is published by Armour Books

Getting to know Rebecca Hayman

Getting to know Rebecca Hayman

 

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am nearly 45, which seems quite old. I appear to have spent those years either writing, travelling or studying. I have no career to look back on as such, just a series of ‘nothing’ jobs to finance my expensive habits. I have two lovely daughters and one lovely husband, two dogs, several chooks and (guilty pleasure) a number of horses.

 


2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

I loved reading as a child (still do). It’s hard to pick a favourite but I remember being so lost in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ one day that I came back to the real world with quite a start.

 

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?

I actually love to both read and write Young Adult fiction. I was so impressionable at that age, I remember how good books could inspire me and ‘bad’ ones could really drag me down. I would love to inspire young people with my writing.

 

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?
I expect every author has influenced me. I know when I was a young writer, my writing would change to mirror the style of whatever author I was reading. It was very dismaying and thankfully doesn’t happen anymore! To pick a favourite, I think I would choose Jessica Anderson.

 

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I don’t think I’ve ever known that. But from the age of 10 I knew I wanted to write. My teacher praised one of my pieces of writing and something about her turn of phrase (which of course I can remember to this day) made me think that this was something I would pursue.

 

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I wrote and I read. There’s no other way.

 

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

I would be a gardener, growing food because it makes so much sense.

 

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I like to ride horses with my family in the Strezlekis.

 

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

The Strezlekis. And also I would like to sit on a pebbled beach in Ireland because I fancy that is where all the best writers have sat to craft their work.

 

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why? I would choose Julia Gillard because I respect her greatly and because I figure that anyone who can get herself elected to government must be a good conversationalist; Pope Francis because it takes courage and integrity to cast off the trappings of his position and champion for the poor and my husband because he’ll always be my best friend.

Pastor Lydia Waters has a career plan.it is straight-forward, logical and more than likely to succeed. That is until she is stymied by her boss, the slightly sinister, can’t-quite-put-my-finger-on-it-but-I-wish-he’d-stop-smiling-at-me-like-that- Reverend Gordon Bates.

Lydia flounders and she doesn’t have a plan for floundering. Loss of a job she can handle, but loss of belief in the job she is qualified to do? What does it mean to pastor a church anyway?

In the lull answers come unexpectantly. Sid and Viv Vincent, with their awkward kindness, reinstate church as that place where you get a cuppa and bikky afterwards (sometimes even cake). Her mother Phyllis Waters leads Lydia into the wide expanse of Australia’s interior, where Luke’s Gospel demands of her an exploration of self. And then there is Malcolm Preston who can’t be dimissed quite as easily as she first though.

Getting to know you with Narelle Atkins with giveaway

Getting to know you with debut and Aussie author Narelle Atkins. With giveaway.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I live in Canberra, Australia with my husband and children. I also work ten hours a week as a retail service supervisor. It’s a job that provides endless people watching opportunities. I write during school hours, and all the time when I’m on deadline. My kids cope because we consume copious amounts of chocolate and I don’t notice if their bedrooms are untidy.

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

I loved reading Enid Blyton books. The Faraway Tree, The Famous Five, and The Secret Seven series were my favourites. I also liked the Narnia books and the Anne of Green Gables series. (Jenny here I loved Enid Blyton and the Magic Faraway tree series was one of my favourites I so wanted a tree like that to climb, I use to pretend I was in those strange lands)

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and write?

Romance is my favourite genre to read and write. I write contemporary romance set in Australia. I read across genres, mainly Christian fiction, but I always gravitate back to romance. Contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense, I read them all.

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women series inspired me to think about writing. Jo was a writer and I thought that would be a cool job. I remember tears pouring down my face when I read the part where Beth died. Years later, when my son was five, he contracted scarlet fever. My first thought after receiving the diagnosis from my doctor was Beth died from scarlet fever complications. My son was fine, the antibiotics did their job, and I was thankful for modern medicine.

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I’ve always loved writing stories. I was the pre-school kid who had numerous imaginary friends and thought that was normal. I found the high school English curriculum dry and boring, for the most part. There wasn’t a lot of opportunity to explore creative writing. Pride and Prejudice was the novel we studied for my HSC final year exams, and a definite highlight of the English curriculum.

I went to university and gained an Economics Degree. I was an avid reader but didn’t think about writing as a career. In my mid 20’s, a few years after I married my husband, I started thinking about writing romance. My husband is my biggest supporter. I started writing my first book which will be released in November 2014, sixteen years after I started writing it.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I always wanted to write sweet category romance. I contacted Harlequin Mills and Boon in Australia and they mailed out a copy of their submission guidelines. This was back in the days before I had internet access at home. The guidelines included a recommendation to join Romance Writers of Australia (RWAust), so I joined RWAust and a local in-person monthly critique group.

I was brand new to fiction writing and soon realized I had a lot to learn. I read an article by Mary Hawkins in HeartsTalk, the RWAust newsletter, and discovered the inspirational romance genre. I went on to join Romance Writers of America and their Faith, Hope and Love inspirational chapter.

I took a long break from writing when my children were small. I admire anyone who can write around small children. One of my kids didn’t sleep well for years, and sleep deprivation drained my creative energy. I didn’t lose my burning desire to write, and if anything it grew stronger during those years. In 2006 I was more determined than ever to revise my first book and start my second book.

In 2007 I entered and finaled in a number of romance writing contests. I started critiquing with other writers, joined ACFW, devoured writing craft books and attended writing conferences. I sold my first book, the one I started writing in 1998, to Harlequin Love Inspired Heartsong Presents in September 2012.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

I should say an economist, because that’s what I trained to do.

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I like to travel and explore new places. Road trips are fun and I’d love to travel more overseas.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

I love visiting the northern beaches in Sydney. I grew up in a house on the northern beaches with ocean views and I spent my summers at the beach.

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

I’d like to have a meal with Francine Rivers because I love her writing and books. Roger Federer because he’s my favourite tennis player. I’m watching him play at the Australian Open as I’m answering these questions. Steve Waugh because he’s one of my long-time favourite Aussie cricket players and I’m reading his latest book, The Meaning of Luck.

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will
be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web?

I have six upcoming releases with Love Inspired Heartsong Presents. My debut book, Falling for the Farmer, is a February release. The Nurse’s Perfect Match will be released in May 2014, followed by the Doctor’s Return in August 2014. These books are set in the fictitious town of Snowgum Creek near the Snowy Mountains in Australia. My series set in Sydney, Australia will be released in November 2014, February and May 2015.

KATE LAWSON IS A RUNAWAY BRIDE

And she’s incredibly grateful when Jack Bradley offers her a job on his apple farm. Working side by side in the orchards with her best friend’s brother seems like the perfect way to get over her disastrous engagement. Until Kate finds herself falling hard for the handsome farmer.

Jack Bradley knows city-girl Kate isn’t here to stay. Yet suddenly he’s imagining a life with her in the country. When Kate considers going back to the city, can Jack find a way to show her that her real home is here on the farm, by his side?

I can be found online at http://www.narelleatkins.com

GIVEAWAY

Narelle is offering one copy of her new book to someone who leaves a comment on the blog. This is an international giveaway and ends next Thursday Feb 6.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ACRBA Blog tour of Firelight of Heaven by Lizabeth Klein

20 - 24 January 2014

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Firelight of Heaven 

Wombat Books Oct 2013

By

Lizabeth Klein

About the Book
While he searches for the last king to gain total control, two orphaned brothers and an Elf girl begin a quest to locate the seven lost crystals of the Morning Star. This jewel alone holds the key to Morgran's overthrow. Their journey leads them through the perilous land of Gardenia, where their friendship is tested. But one dark secret threatens to tear them apart altogether ... Firelight of Heaven is the first volume in the Bethloria fantasy series. Greenheart of the Forest, Book 2 is due for release 2014.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Elizabeth (Lizbeth) Klein and I live in the Sutherland Shire with my husband, Malcolm. I have over 19 years experience in the classroom and 6 years as Tutor of English for both Primary and High School students. Four of my students have completed actual novels (unpublished).

I have published several stories for the Yellow Box, a reading kit for early readers in Primary School. I have also had many on-line Educational articles and lessons published as well as poetry and stories in two anthologies. Currently I am writing a fantasy series and have almost completed the fourth book. There are three to go in the Bethloria series.

My website is: Bethloria.com.au

I have this book and will put up a review. I am still struggling to read much but it does look interesting.

ACRBA Tour A New Resolution by Rose Dee with Giveaway

2 - 6 December 2013

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is Introducing 

A New Resolution

( Even Before Publishers Oct 2012)

By Rose Dee

About the Book:

Resolution Island is a safe haven for Anika Demeur - a chance to fulfil dreams, find her place in the world, and a new life for her and young son, Kye. But her dreams of a future are shattered when her son's security is challenged, and the rich and privileged Texan, Nate Hollingsworth sails into the bay. Now Ani must not only fight for her son, but also a growing attraction she has to the one type of man she loathes.

Nate is on a mission - to fulfill his mother's last wish, and change his life. Dropping anchor in the idyllic Resolution harbor, he didn't anticipate becoming involved in illegal fishing, a murder, or an unexpected attraction to the most exasperating woman he has ever met.

The Australian tropical Island, Resolution, sets the scene again for adventures, dreams, and new beginnings. A New Resolution is the final book in the 'Resolution' trilogy, following Back to Resolution and Beyond Resolution.

About the Author:

Rose Dee was born in Ingham, North Queensland, Australia. Her childhood experiences growing up in a small beach community would later provide inspiration for her first novel. Rose, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, decided to try her hand at writing two years ago. The result of that attempt is her first novel, Back to Resolution. Her novels are inspired by the love of her coastal home and desire to produce exciting and contemporary stories of faith for women. Rose's other releases include Beyond Resolution - the second book in the 'Resolution' series. And A New Resolution  the final book in the series. Rose has also co-written a novel in conjunction with three other outstanding Australian Authors: The Greenfield Legacy. Rose resides in Mackay, North Queensland with her husband, young son, and mischievous pup, Noodle.

Giveaway:

For all ACRBA members who post the will get an entry into this giveaway. All who leave a comment on any blogs will get an entry into the giveaway. The more blogs you comment on the more entries. This giveaway is open to Australian readers. To enter you need to answer a question about what part of North Queensland you would like to see or leave a comment with a question for Rose. Comments saying sounds interesting enter me will not be equate to an entry. Also leave a way to contact you if you win for example myemail at mymail dot com. entries open til Thursday 12 Dec.

FIRST PRIZE:

E-Reader (Details below) AND: an e-reader version of each one of my 4 novels – the 3 ‘Resolution’ series novels, and The Greenfield Legacy (gifted via email).

E-Reader:

Reader™ with 6.0" paper-like touch screen (Red)

Model:

PRST2RC

This slim and light Reader with touch screen puts thousands of your favourite stories at your fingertips. Effortlessly turn the page with a swipe of your finger and the glare-free screen reads just like a real book, even under direct sunlight.

•         6" E-Ink® Pearl is designed to feel like a real book with a glare-free paper-like screen for reading

•         Battery life of up to 2 months with wireless off and up to 1.5 months with wireless on. Up to 30,000 continuous page turns when reading only

•         Let your friends and family know what you are reading and share excerpts up to 140 characters with Facebook® built into the Reader™

•         Store posts, articles, and text-based webpages all in your Reader™ with Evernote’s integrated services

•         Access public library eBooks and PDF files through the integrated OverDrive® service

•         eBook purchases will need to be completed via computer

SECOND PRIZE:

A copy of ‘The Greenfield Legacy’, and a Silver and Amber Grapevine inspired pendant. Really pretty, and ties in nicely with TGL as it is set on a vineyard in the McLaren Vale region. Also the cover is pendant inspired.

THIRD PRIZE:

A personalised sign copy of each books in my ‘Resolution’ Series. 3 hard copy books in total.