Getting to Know you with Kimberley Rose Johnson

Please welcome Kimberley Johnson to my blog today. Kimberley is a Heartsong Presents author and she has a new book coming out in June.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a mom of two teen boys, I’ve been married to my college sweetheart for 23 years and I live in the Pacific NW.

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

I had a couple of favorites. When I was under the age of six I loved Sammy the Seal. I can’t tell you how many times I checked it out from the library. Then I’m guessing around the third grade I read a book call Can I Get there by Candlelight. I still have that on my bookshelf. Once I hit middle school I started reading romance books and have enjoyed them ever sense. (Jenny here love you mentioning a book from when you were so young. One of my favourites I still have is a book with 3 fairy tales and it introduced me to The Snow Queen which I loved.)

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

My favorite genre to write is contemporary Christian romance, and I like to mix up reading between romantic suspense and contemporary romance.

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

Let me preface this with I never imagined I’d be a writer, so there is no one writer that influenced my writing directly. I read a ton of Grace Livingston Hill books growing up. I also really enjoyed a Christian book club that mailed out novels that are about the length of Heartsong Presents books, but I’m pretty sure they were a different Publisher—the name escapes me.

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

About ten years ago.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I didn’t have a clue about how to write, or get published. In fact, I didn’t know writer’s groups like American Christian Fiction Writers existed.  LOL, I didn’t even know how to send an email back then.

What I did know was that I had a story to write, so over the course of a year during snippets of time, I wrote. When the story was complete I started researching how to get a book published. Long story short I self published and in the process that company taught me how to get my feet wet in the world of publishing. I discovered writers groups and attended my first writer’s conference in 2006.

I studied the craft, wrote every day, and eventually acquired my agent who sold my first series to Heartsong Presents. A Romance Rekindled is the second book in that series, but each book stands alone.

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

Before I was a writer I taught piano lessons. I imagine if I wasn’t writing fulltime I would still be teaching piano.

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

You mean there is more to life than reading and writing? LOL

I enjoy walks with my husband and yellow lab, coffee with friends, and attending my son’s band concerts. There really isn’t time for much else outside of my normal routine.

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

This past year my husband and I went to Orland Florida. That had been on my bucket list since I was a young girl. I need to come up with someplace new now.

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

Debbie Macomber because I admire her writing and all that she has accomplished. I’d also choose my two critique partners I’ve never met in person, Margaret Daley and Vickie McDonough. I think these three writers would make for a very interesting and fun dinner party. (Jenny again, I would love to meet Margaret and Vickie also they both write books I love and contributed to my album I made for my birthday).

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.

You can find me at http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

I have a series with Heartsong Presents that takes place in Leavenworth, WA. Leavenworth is a Bavarian themed village nested in the Washington Cascades. The first book, A Christmas Promise, released this past November. Book two, A Romance Rekindled, releases in June. Here’s the back cover blurb.

SUSAN HILL ISN'T READY TO FORGIVE 
The small-town CPA can't forget how Blake Mitchell jilted her and left their hometown without an explanation. But when her first love returns to Leavenworth, the ruggedly handsome writer evokes conflicting emotions, especially when Susan meets the child she assumes is his daughter. 
Since his parents' deaths six years ago, Blake's been raising his little sister on his own. But he's never forgotten the woman he left behind. Now, he can't undo the past, but maybe he can change the future…if he can convince Susan to give him one more chance.

Thanks again for your time and agreeing to be on my blog. Thanks for having me!.

Getting to know you with Narelle Atkins with a giveaway.

Please welcome Narelle Atkins back to my blog today. Her new book The Nurse's Perfect Match has just released. She is also offering a giveaway.

(Thought it would be nice to include one of when I met

Narelle in April)

How does it feel to have your second book just released?

Book releases are exciting! The first one is special, but I feel more relaxed with my second book release because I know what to expect. I really love this story, and I’m thrilled to see The Nurse’s Perfect Match in print. It doesn’t feel like three months since my debut book, Falling for the Farmer, was first released. This year is flying by too fast!

What was your reaction the first time you saw a physical copy of your first book in Australia, did it make it feel more real?

It was an emotional moment when I first opened the box of books from my publisher. To see, hold, touch, and smell the books. Yes, I’m one of those people who likes the smell of print books, and the tactile experience of reading a physical book rather than reading on a screen.

A very special moment was seeing Falling for the Farmer on the shelf for the first time in the Koorong book store in Adelaide. It was wonderful to share that moment with you, and my husband. That’s when I felt like I was a real author. (Jenny here I was there and I can vouch for her excitement. Also a sales girl got quite excited when she saw our excitement and I told her Narelle had just seen her book for the first time in a store in Australia. She was jumping out of her skin I think more to meet an author than anything).

Does this book have a theme?

The Nurse’s Perfect Match is the second book in a continuity series set in Snowgum Creek, a fictitious town in Australia. The series theme is coming home, and finding love in the small town community near the Snowy Mountains. The Nurse’s Perfect Match is a single dad romance story. Amy and Ben come from different worlds, and Amy’s heart’s desire is to have a family of her own to love.  

Your latest book The Nurse’s Perfect Match has just been released. What do you hope readers take out of this book?

I hope readers will find the story entertaining and inspiring. I hope they’ll enjoy journeying with Ben and Amy as they fall in love, and overcome obstacles to achieve their romantic happily-ever-after ending.

Can you tell us a little about the hero and heroine?

Ben Morton, my hero in The Nurse’s Perfect Match, is an apple farmer and single dad who lost his wife to cancer. He struggles to understand why a loving God would take away the mother of his children. He shared a strong marriage with his late wife, who was also a Christian. My heroine, Amy Wilkins, is a widow who lost her husband when her marriage was in crisis. Amy moves back home to Snowgum Creek, and works as a nurse in the medical clinic owned by Ben’s younger brother, Luke.

Have you got a fun tibit you can tell us about this book?

My sister has an adorable dog named Lily. In my story, Ben and his children also have a dog called Lily. She is based on the real Lily, although my sister’s dog is better behaved than my Lily in the story.

What will be happening next for Narelle Atkins?

I have four upcoming releases over the next twelve months. The Doctor’s Return, the third book in my Snowgum Creek series, will be released in August 2014. Her Tycoon Hero, the first book in my Sydney series, will be released in November 2014, followed by two more books in the series, releasing in February and May 2015.

http://www.narelleatkins.com/

NURSE AMY WILKINS HAS COME HOME

After her marriage ends in tragedy, Amy returns to Snowgum Creek to rebuild her life. There she meets widower Ben Morton, who's not looking for romance, though his young children are eager for Amy's attention. She's given up on her dream of being a mother, but can't ignore how she's drawn to Ben's little ones, and to their handsome farmer dad.

As love kindles between Ben and Amy, she worries how she'll ever measure up to the wife he lost. And Ben is concerned about how Amy will ever truly fit into life on the farm. They could be the answer to each other's prayers--if the secret Amy is keeping doesn't tear them apart.

Narelle is offering one copy of her book to one of my readers you can enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review Falling for the Farmer by Narelle Atkins

About the Book

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?

My Review:

I finally read a book this year. This is my first book book for the year and by debut author Narelle Atkins. I really enjoyed this book. I love the country setting. We start with Kate running away from her wedding and finding a place to think in the country working for her best friend's brother.  Kate and Jacks come from different worlds and backgrounds so its interesting to see how this plays out. I could identify with Jack and many of his traits. I was interested to find out why Kate ran from her wedding and why she needed to get away. We see at the beginning her mother really wanted her to marry Rodney and that is another reason Kate wants to get away. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more books by Narelle.

ACBRA Tour Rocky Mountain Romance by Lesley Ann McDaniel

7th - 11th  April  2014

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Rocky Mountain Romance

by

Lesley Ann McDaniel

About the Book

SHEILA MACINTOSH IS HEAD OVER HEELS FOR BEN JACOBS

But they haven't spoken since his sister Courtney's wedding last summer. Now that they're back together again on Courtney's Montana ranch, Sheila's wondering if she only imagined that Ben cared for her—and their time together was just a beautiful dream.

Ben's crazy about Sheila, but he's too shy to tell her, and he's praying for another chance to win her affections. Can this sweet computer expert overcome his shyness and show her that sometimes dreams really do come true?

About the Author

While earning a degree in acting, Lesley Ann McDaniel fell in love with theatrical costuming, and pursued that as a career while nurturing her passion for writing on the side. Through God’s guidance, she has shifted her focus to honing her skills as a writer of women’s and young adult fiction. She is a member of the Northwest Christian Writers Association and of a wonderful critique group. A native Montanan and a Big Sky girl at heart, Lesley now resides in the Seattle area.

My Review

I am so behind in reading due to my medical issues when I finish I will add my review.

Falling for the Farmer Blog Chase plus giveaway opportunity

Jenny here. Welcome to the stop 4 of the Falling for the Farmer blog chase. I hope you'll join us in celebrating the release of Narelle's debut novel. We will visit 6 blogs in Australia and New Zealand during the chase, ending at  Narelle Atkins blog where you'll find the entry form and giveaway information. 

She is giving away three print copies of Falling for the Farmer to three lucky readers who provide the correct answers to all five blog chase questions. Each stop in the blog chase has a question. If you follow the blog chase in order, you can read the opening pages of Falling for the Farmer. I hope you enjoy the ride!

Back cover blurb:

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? 

CHAPTER ONE excerpt:

He pulled up at a traffic light and she flicked her veil back over her shoulder, meeting Jack’s speculative gaze.

His mouth curved up in a slight smile. “I guess you’re not having a good day.”

She lowered her lashes, certain she was experiencing one of the worst days of her twenty-three years. “What do you think?”

“Your mother looked furious. Are you sure you want to do this? I could turn around—”

“No!” Her hands trembled in her lap. “It’s too late now to change my mind.”

What had she done? Running from the church on her wedding day wasn’t something she’d ever thought she’d be capable of doing. Or want to do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If Kate ran away to the Limestone Coast, South Australia, where could she go? 

Kate had always wanted to see the area after having a pen pal from there as a child. She wanted to see if the Blue Lake was actually Blue. Wanted to see the possums at the Umphetston caves at night. Then she would go to Naracoorte and see the World Heritage Caves she had heard so much about. She would tour the fossil cave and see all the fossils found over the years. 

She would then go to the coast and spend some time in the coastal towns of Robe and Kingston enjoying the fresh seafood and the beach. 

My question for the blog chase: Where are the World Heritage Caves located.?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You're at Stop 4 on the Falling for the Farmer blog chase. 

Please fill in your answers to the questions located on each of the participating blogs when you reach Narelle’s blog at Stop 6. 

If you have five correct answers, you'll receive an entry in the drawing to win one of three print copies of Falling for the Farmer. 

You can gain a bonus entry in the drawing if you have five correct answers and leave a comment below on this post.  

Current and new subscribers to Narelle’s email list will automatically receive an extra entry if they correctly answer all five questions. The giveaway entry form and terms and conditions are included with Narelle’s post at Stop 6. The winners will be announced in a comment on this post on Wednesday, February 12.

Your next stop on the blog chase is Soul Inspirationz

The full blog chase itinerary is listed below.

Stop 1: Australasian Christian Writers (ACW) http://australasianchristianwriters.blogspot.com.au/ 

Stop 2: Iola’s Christian Reads http://christianreads.blogspot.com/ 

Stop 3: Ink Dots http://dorothyadamek.blogspot.com.au/ 

Stop 4: Come Meet Ausjenny http://ausjenny.blogspot.com/

Stop 5: Soul Inspirationz http://soulinspirationz.blogspot.com/ 

Stop 6: Narelle Atkins http://narelleatkins.wordpress.com/



Text Copyright © 2014 by Narelle Atkins 
Cover Art Copyright © 2014 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited 
Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. 
Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. 
All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.
Copyright© 2014 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited 
Cover copy used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited

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

Christmas Memories with Helen Gray and link to giveaway

Please Welcome Helen Gray to my blog today. Her debut book is out next March with Hearsong Presents. I got to know Helen at Seekerville. Also dont forget this weeks giveaway.

1.  What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

Here in the Missouri Ozarks the things I associate with Christmas are cold weather, programs at church. lots of bright lights, and lots of church and civic groups reaching out in various ways to the needy. 

2. Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

We have a lot of fun with the goofy little stocking stuffer gifts we exchange. Other than that, our traditions are --well, traditional. Lots of food and just enjoying being together as a family. (Jenny here, today I was visiting my dr and for the first time on an appointment was really sick, I have a fever etc. well we were talking Christmas as I will be alone and I mentioned bacon and she looked I said you have to have bacon on Christmas its a tradition to which she looked at me again and I explained. When we were little we would open our gifts then go to Church Christmas day. Dad would make bacon for breakfast and it was a treat as we rarely had bacon and even when he was gone we kept up the tradition.)

3. Do you have a favorite Christmas carol and if so do you know why?

O Holy Night is my favorite. It paints such a beautiful picture, both lyrically and musically. (Jenny here this is one of my all time favourties song by a male tenor. Michael Crawford or someone else in that vain)

4. If you could spend Christmas any way you could, how would you celebrate?

At home and church with my family.

5. Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

Poverty meant very little in the way of gifts, but we always had a good time. There were always nuts and candy in our hung stockings. (While we were not the poorest we never had a lot but like you Helen we always had a good time and loved our gifts, Christmas isn't about expensive gifts its about the love that goes into them. I remember one year getting a special shell and thinking it was the best gift ever infact I still have that shell)

6. What is a typical Christmas Eve and or Christmas Day for you?

Christmas Eve is usually visiting time with the family, sometimes including some times playing board games. Christmas morning we have our gift exchange, followed by the big meal.

7. Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year?

When the kids were home, they always watched the Snoopy and Rudolph movies. Ken and I aren't big movie watchers. I read whatever Christmas books my writer friends have releasing near the holiday.

8. Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

Don't get so caught up in the hoopla of Christmas that we short-change the time with our families--and the TRUE REASON for Christmas, Christ's birth and death here on earth.

My debut book, Ozark Sweetheart, is scheduled to release on March 1 in digital and March 4 in print. The characters are drawn from my mother's background and the notes she made for me about growing up in the Great Depression.

Book Review Bound by Grace by Amber Stockton

Book Description:
Unlike other young ladies, Charlotte Pringle would rather run her bookshop than pursue eligible gentlemen. But when her parents pressure her to agree to an advantageous match, she fears she'll be trapped in a loveless marriage. Richard Baxton feels pressure at every turn in the wake of his brother and sister-in-law's accidental death. Now he's responsible for the family business and his niece Grace, who is unable to walk. When Grace's love for books leads him to Charlotte's bookshop, Richard is drawn to Charlotte's sweet spirit. But with endless problems on the horizon, will God's grace enable them to accept the hardship with dignity and strength?


My Review:
Firstly thanks to Amber for my copy, I won this in a contest.


This is a good read. I have read other books by Amber and her first series feature earlier generations of Charlotte the heroine. Charlotte has a love of books and runs her own bookshop. Her mother wants her to be like the other girls her age going to the social events and finding a husband. Richard is the guardian of his niece Grace after the death of her parents and meets Charlotte when he is looking for books for Grace who is also a book lover. What I enjoyed about the book is the way Charlotte has a brain and uses it, rather than settling for any man she wants a man who will love her and accept her for who she is. She is happy to run her bookshop and help others find the books they want. I like Richard also as he is working out how to be a guardian and wants to do the best he can for Grace and his family. I have to say Charlotte's younger sisters are also fun in this story especially the youngest one. This was a good read and I do look forward to the next one in the series.

Book Review The Engineered Engagement by Erica Vetsch

Book Description:

A Kennebrae keeps his word...

But Grandfather made the promise, and Eli Kennebrae is expected to carry it out.

Josie Zahn has admired Eli from a distance for years, but Eli hardly knows she exists other than as just "one of the Zahn girls." If only she could get his attention...

When Father announces her older sister Clarice's engagement to Eli, both girls are crushed. Is there no way out of this nightmare?

Deception, intrigue, and danger make life miserable for the Zahns and the Kennebraes as they learn that Divine enginneering is far better than human manipulation.


Book Review:
This is another book I bought the end of last year. After reading the second in this series I was interested in reading more. This book features Eli the third Kennebrae son and Josie Zahn. Josie's father and Eli's grandfather join forces to manipulate Eli and Josie's older sister to marry. Josie has loved Eli from afar and accepts she isn't the bride for Eli. Eli also is not keen on the arrangement as he doesn't want to be married. We also see Josie wants to learn more, she is an expert at maths and wants nothing more than to go to college and study but her father had different ideas as to what a women should be able to do. The book shows how women at the time were starting to want to to be more than just wives and homemakers.  I loved Josies spirit and and courage. Josie has two little sisters who steal some scenes and a strong grandmother who I just love. I enjoyed this book.

Book Review Polar Opposites by Susan Page Davis

Blog Description:
After her husband died tragically, Cheryl Holland accepted she would never love again. She finds contentment in her family and in her new career at a veterinary office. But when she meets Dr. Oz  Thormond, the new vet for her son-in-law’s practice, she can’t deny the sparks—or the reality that they seem to have nothing in common. Will Cheryl and Oz allow God to reveal His plan for these polar opposites, that theirs is more than just a magnetic attraction?


Book Review:
This is one of the books I bought the end of last year and have been slowly reading. (well not so slow). I picked this one cos of the location. Something about sitting in the warm sun reading about the cold of Alaska. Cheryl works as a office manager for her son in law  after the death of her husband a few years back. Oz has accepted a job with her son in law as long as he can still take time of to partake in polar bear studies. Cheryl feels a spark when she first meets Oz but there lives are so different with nothing in common that she can't see him lasting. I love the fact we have slightly older hero and heroine in this book. Watching the book unfold was page turning. We also have the rugged back drop of Alaska and polar bears. This is a good read and I now want to read the other 2 in the series.  It is also a stand alone book.

Book Review The Mockingbird's Call by Diane Ashley and AAron McCarver

Product Description:
Amelia Montgomery never would have planned to become a notorious agent on the Underground Railroad; it just happened. Someone needed help, and she helped. Before she knew it, she had acquired the code name Mockingbird, and the whole Confederate army was looking for her---including her bard new fiancé, Captain Luke Talbot. Jared Stuart finds himself torn between his convictions and his duty as a Tennessean. While he can no longer support slavery, he will not fight against his friends and neighbors. Instead, Jared chooses to use his talent as a writer to prove that pen is mightier that the sword. When Luke arrests Jared, accusing him of being the Mockingbird, Amelia must face herself and make difficult decisions. Will she admit to her actions, freeing Jared and destroying her own engagement, or will she play it safe and stay silent?


My Review:
Another book I picked up last year. I enjoyed this story. It during an era I am really interested in and hearing about the Underground Railroad is also an area that interests me. Amelia is a southern belle but she feels for the slaves. She is sent to stay with her aunt and uncle and it is here she unwittingly gets involved with the Underground Railroad. Jared is a young man who feels torn with duty and his convictions. He also feels for the slaves. He proves to be a writer and it is this that leads to Amelia's Fiance accusing him of being the Mockingbird. I didn't realise Knoxville was a divided city with some for the South and some for the North. I love books that not only tell a story but teach real history. I would have loved this book to continue on to learn more of what happened, but at the same time I loved the ending. Great read.

Book Review Clara and the Cowboy by Erica Vetsch

From his abusive, alcoholic father to the townspeople who treat him as if he's cut from the same cloth, to the insecurities that fill his own head, nothing Alec ever does is good enough. So how can he possibly let himself be in love with the boss's daughter? Any why on earth would she have declared her love for him? When Clara's life is threatened by dangerous cattle rustlers, will Alec finally discover the answers he's been seeking? If he lets go of the past, can he trust God for the future?


My Review:
I got this book last year when in Adelaide in a bundle of 10 heartsong present books. I had read another one by Erica and enjoyed it so was keen to read this one. I loved it from page one. I really felt for Alec he has had a hard life with his father being the town drunk and always in trouble. The town brands Alec and his brothers with the same brush as his father. He feels he is not good enough for Clara who has just come back from Boston. Things change when they find cattle are missing and Clara gets into trouble.  There were times I wanted to shake some sense into Alec and make him see he isn't his father and he has changed. The book deals with self worth, stubbornness, trust. It was a book I didn't want to put down and really loved. 

Book Review By the Beckoning Sea by Carole Gift Page

By the Beckoning Sea

Carole Gift Page

Is she on the rebound, or has Ashley found the man of her dreams? When Ben left her at the altar, Ashley was sure her heart was broken, sure life would never be the same again. So when famous author Anthony Adler asks her to help him finish up his latest novel, she leaves her editorial position in New York and moves to Hawaii. Life in Hawaii is everything Ashley imagined and more. She finds herself irresistibly drawn to Anthony despite his dark obsession with his deceased wife. Secrets and uncertainties keep distance between them, and when Ben shows up again, Ashley finds herself torn between the man she loved and the one she loves now. Only God can make this twisted path straight, but will anyone let Him? his dark obsession with his deceased wife. Secrets and uncertainties keep distance between them, and when Ben shows up again, Ashley finds herself torn between the man she loved and the one she loves now. Only God can make this twisted path straight, but will anyone let Him?

My Review:

I bought this book because it was in Hawaii. I was there 12 months ago and would love to go back. Having been there several of the places mentioned in the book, I had visited or remember being told about, this made the book come more alive to me. I enjoyed the story of Ashley who has been left at the alter and is looking for something different. Anthony offers Ashley a job helping edit his new book on the Big Island. It was interesting reading what happened and seeing the familiar landmarks. The book deals with forgiveness, moving forward, trust and communication. There were times if the two communicated there thoughts it would have saved some misconceptions. Of course having her ex fiance turning up adds some drama to the story.  I enjoyed this story and am have heard Barbour put this book and two others by Carole into one book as part of its romancing America series. This one being Hawaii. Good read.

Book Review Special Mission by Debby Mayne

Book Description:
Kim thought David was her knight in shining armor. But can she compete with the blinding passion he has for his military career?


Brian and Kim have been best friends since childhood, but as he watches her romance fall apart, Brian finds his own heart changing. How can he continue to comfort and support her only as a friend when he longs to love her fully instead?


All three must examine the true meaning of loyalty, of friendship, and of love—and whether being “honorable” means being false to oneself.


My Review:
This is another book I picked up recently on my trip to Adelaide. It was also one of the states that was causing me trouble to find. Kim and Brian have been friends since they were children and have a special connection. When Brians wedding falls apart Kim is there to help him. Kim is engaged to David who seems to be putting his military career first. He asks them both to look after each other while he's away. I found David to be quite selfish in many ways but he didn't seem to realise he was which was interesting. Brian can see it and it frustrates him. Kim is also sensing things are not quite right. I enjoyed the friendship Kim and David have and watching the story develop was fun. The book deals with holding back emotions and not saying things we should. It also shows that by not being honest with our feelings we can sometimes deny ourselves something beautiful and end up making a mistake that may cause other issues. 
A good read.

Book Review Disarming Andi by Elizabeth Gooddard

Disarming Andi by Elizabeth Goddard
HS 893
978-1-60260-756-9
Romance


Vance never expected this.

Vance Young inherits a missile launch site - a relic from the cold war buried beneath the plains of North Dakota - from his great-uncle, a man he never knew. An astronomy fanatic, Vance needs free access to the night skies, so he doesn't consider staying in the underground dwelling until he meets Andi Nielsen, the woman responsible for remodeling it into a lavish home.

Upon meeting Vance, Andi may have gotten her second chance to discover what her grandfather hid inside the old missile base decades before when he served as a missileer. Is she prepared to detonate her growing feelings for the new owner in order to find the hidden treasure? And when Vance remotely discovers a cybercrime involving his classified software, can he solve the crime and keep the woman he loves safe?

Have you ever inherited something fascinating with a historical background?


My Review: I finished this book last night and did enjoy it. I bought it recently in Adelaide and choose to read it as I needed to still read a book set in North Dakota for the year. Vance is a young man who works with computers and feels women are turned of because he's a geek where as Andi is working for herself after having to leave college but feels no one will want her cos she doesn't have a college education. Both have there issues to deal with especially insecurity. Andi is also looking after a younger sister. What I found interesting is the fact about the missile launch sites and how they were turning it into a home underground. Vance has a few issues with the lack of windows and I am sure I would too. There is also the mystery of what Andi's grandfather has hidden. A good read.

Book Review White Roses by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

White Roses
HS #902

Pastor Grayson Sterling loves his wife. But Sara was killed two years ago. Grayson knows that the continuing depth of his grief is not healthy. Desperate, he convinces his church to hire Mark Welch as associate pastor to relieve some of his load. When Adrea Welch arrives at church with her brother, Grayson cannot deny his attraction to her. For years, florist Adrea Welch has been arranging white roses for Sara Sterling. Now those flowers are carried to the cemetery by a grieving husband. How can Adrea be so attracted to a man still devoted to his dead wife?

Pastor Grayson Sterling loves his wife.

The problem is, Sara was killed by a hit-and-run driver two years ago. Grayson knows he needs to move on, that the continuing depth of his grief is not healthy for him or his young son. Desperate, he convinces his church to hire Mark Welch as associate pastor to relieve him of some of his load. When Adrea Welch arrives at his church with her brother, Grayson cannot deny his attraction to her.

For years, florist Adrea Welch has been artfully arranging white roses for Sara Sterling. Now those flowers are carried to the cemetery by a faithful, grieving husband. How can Adrea be so attracted to a man still devoted to his dead wife? When secrets from Adrea’s past collide with their budding relationship, both she and Grayson must learn to lean on God’s abiding wisdom.


My Review:
This is yet another book I bought in the city. This is a book I couldn't put down and wanted to keep reading. I love the story. Grayson is still grieving his wife's death and Sara has her own issues she is dealing with. I love how their paths seem cross in different ways. Seeing the story unfold with both having to deal with different issues. One dealing with grief and one with guilt. Throw into the mix a little boy and a couple of pets lead to some interesting situations. This is a touching story.

Book Review In Search of a Dream by Pamela Griffin

In Search of a Dream by Pamela Griffin

Heartsong Presents #908

Historical Romance

ISBN 978-1-60260-881-8

From the Back Cover:

 

Clemmie Needs To Let Go.

After three years with no contact from him, Clemmie Lyons needs to put her dream of marrying Joel Litton behind her. To make the transition easier, Clemmie leaves Lyons’ Refuge with all its memories of Joel and visits a friend for the summer. But nothing prepares her for the moment she discovers Joel living nearby, trying to hide a terrible secret from all who knew him.

Joel is consumed with guilt and is sure God can never forgive him. He can’t let the Lyons family learn what has happened and be disappointed in and ashamed of him. But when Clemmie reenters his life and insists that God isn’t through with him, Joel finds himself strangely tempted to hope again.

Will these two friends find a way to make their dreams reality, or will guilt over the past ultimately drive them apart?

My Review:

Another book I bought in the city and loved the story. Clemmie has gone to visit a friend for summer and finds the boy she has loved since she was a child is living in the same area but he doesn't want anyone knowing where he is. Its hard to say to much without giving parts of the story away but I did like how Pamela handled the story. The book deals with forgiving oneself, accepting God's forgiveness, guilt and courage. Another really good read.