Sunday, February 25, 2018

Real-Life Romance by Rhonda Stoppe Party and Prize Pack Giveaway BLOG CODE: Whether you're single and looking for a reason to believe in love or a parent watching your own child fall in love, Real-Life Romance by Rhonda Stoppe will inspire you to believe in life-long love. This collection of beautiful, real-life accounts will bring laughter and tears as you enjoy each story of ordinary people who found extraordinary love. Don't let the world define romance for you! See how God is at work in the hearts of His people-knitting together hearts in a love that forever endures.

Do you believe in true love?

In a world of broken relationships and hurting people, it can seem like all we ever see is heartache-that marriages are doomed from the start and romance isn't worth the risk.

But heart-fluttering, long-lasting love is all around us...we just have to look for it!

This collection of beautiful, real-life accounts will bring laughter and tears as you enjoy each story of ordinary people who found extraordinary love. Page after page, you will find inspiration to

-rekindle the romance in your love story

-trust in God's providence and timing

-faithfully hope for your own happily-ever-after

-celebrate true romance

-believe in life-long love

Don't let the world define romance for you! See how God is at work in the hearts of His people-knitting together hearts in a love that forever endures.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the Author:

Rhonda Stoppe is the No Regrets Woman. With more than 20 years of experience as a past

This book is full of treasured stories that encourage, bring a smile and give insight into relationships that made it through good times and bad times. I’m sure we each have our own story of how we met our mate. I know when I first met my husband we didn’t like each other at all. We seemed to clash every time we saw each other. What I really liked about this book was the transparency that the couples shared as they took us on their journey to find the right one. Each story is unique but has one thing in common. They each drew on their faith and strength as they pursued their relationships.

I loved how the book includes a section called “Ponder This” and “Ask Yourself.” These are great tools to use as you soak up each story. As I read each story I began to understand more of the blemishes I still had in my life. Did I really forgive when I said I did? Do I still have insecurity issues? The good news is that I am still a work in progress. This book just reinforces for me how thankful I am that I persevered and continue to be thankful for God’s grace and mercy.

One of the keys points of the book for me was to not have secrets from your mate. One of the stories touched on that and it really hit home. For years I guarded a secret that I didn’t realize was affecting our relationship. As the Bible says, “The truth will set you free,”is such a powerful passage that made me feel like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders. Even though the secret was something from my childhood, I was still fearful of what my husband would think. I am encouraged by this book and the stories that range from sadness to happiness. I loved each story and gathered wisdom from them. My hope is that when you pick up this book to read you “will be better prepared to not only survive life’s storms, but to thrive in times of trouble.”

I received a copy of this book from Lit Fuse. The review is my own opinion.Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/RStoppe

Blog Tour Schedule:

Join Rhonda and other real-life romancers on March 6 for a Facebook Live party, plus enter to win the Make Your Own Real-Life Romance prize pack!

One grand prize winner will receive:

One copy of Real-Life Romance
A $50 restaurant gift card
A $25 movie gift card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 6. The winner will be announced at Rhonda's Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Rhonda and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Death by a Whisker: A Cat Rescue Mystery
by T. C. LoTempio

The opening scene alone will pull cat loving mystery readers right into the book as Syd discovers yet another headless Melvin the Marvelous Mouse toy on the kitchen floor and she threatens to stop buying the expensive toy for Toby if he doesn’t stop mutilating them!
~Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries, and Meows

Full of realistic characters the story has lots of twists and turns until I get only thought I knew who the killer was.
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews

This book has been a quick read, easy to be inside the plot and love the main characters since the beginning . . .
~Varietats

The suspects and motives were varied and believable.
The cats add details to the mystery and helped us better relate to the characters.
~Laura’s Interests

About the Book

Death by a Whisker: A Cat Rescue Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Crooked Lane Books (February 13, 2018)
Hardcover: 320 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1683314875
Digital ASIN: B072395VJN

Getting used to life back home in Deer Park, North Carolina, Sydney McCall and her right-hand tabby, Toby, are helping her sister Kat run the local animal shelter. Syd and Kat are all excited about the prospect of the shelter’s newest fundraiser: shopping channel queen Ulla Townsend. Shelter admin Maggie Shayne vehemently refuses to have anything to do with the woman, but the fundraiser ensues as planned. That is, until Ulla turns up dead in the middle of the event.

The cause of death is determined to be an allergic reaction, but Syd and Toby are sniffing out something fishy. When Syd met Ulla, it was clear she was distasteful and rude. And right before the event, Syd spotted some behind-the-scenes drama between Ulla and her manager. As they begin to investigate, they realize there is no shortage of suspects, and Maggie is at the top of the list.

Now Syd and Toby must claw their way to the truth before everything goes paws up at their animal shelter in Death by a Whisker by national bestselling author T. C. LoTempio.

About the Author

While Toni Lotempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper. Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic. She (and ROCCO, albeit he’s uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime – the first volume, MEOW IF ITS MURDER,

debuted Dec. 2, 2014. Followed by #2, CLAWS FOR ALARM

. #3, CRIME AND CATNIP

, was released in December. She, Rocco and Maxx make their home in Clifton, New Jersey, just twenty minutes from the Big Apple – New York. Catch up with them at www.tclotempio.net and www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com

Where to find them:

ROCCO’s blog:

www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com

Website:

https://www.tclotempio.net/

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toni.lotempio.5

Twitter: @RoccoBlogger – https://twitter.com/@RoccoBlogger

Purchase Links:

Amazon B&N Google Play

Syd McCall is very passionate about animals. With her work at the shelter she keeps herself busy but not busy enough to keep herself out of trouble. It’s a big day in her small town when none other than Ulla Townsend is coming to town to promote her book and give a part of the proceeds to the shelter. I wouldn’t say everyone was thrilled to find out that Ulla was coming back to town. She did become this famous television personality but can it erase all the horrible things she did to some of her classmates in school? I can’t believe how vicious she was. Ulla is what I call a first class bully.

Syd is really a smart person who has a bit of a problem. She doesn’t seem able to keep her nose out of trouble. The author sets readers up for the crime in a setting that is sure to cause a stir among the community. Ulla is all set to sign her new book as a big crowd starts to grow. I was not surprised that Ulla was going to be the victim and I figured out how she was killed. What I couldn’t figure out was who did The dastardly deed. With a room full of suspects and a list a mile long of people she had tortured in the past, I found it hard to narrow it down to just one suspect. I’m not saying she deserved to die, but let’s just say sometimes your past can come back and cause you harm. I wanted to feel sorry for Ulla, but she was just a conceited and mean person.

I thought the story was well written and I loved that the author showcased pet adoptions. The author really made me want to adopt a cat after reading about all the love able ones up for adoption. I as kinda upset that Syd kept going behind her boyfriends back to investigate the crime. After all, Will is a detective and I’m pretty sure he is good at his job. What makes the story so appealing is their relationship. He seems sensible, smart and patient. Syd is none of those things which makes them the perfect couple. It’s a great read and one that I enjoyed with all the shenanigans Syd got involved in. Overall a good book and one I would recommend to all those who like a fast pace mystery.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 12 – Mochas, Mysteries, and Meows – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 12 – Books Direct – GUEST POST

February 13 – Mysteries with Character – INTERVIEW

February 13 – La libreria di Beppe – SPOTLIGHT

February 14 – My Reading Journey – SPOTLIGHT

February 14 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

February 15 – Babs Book Bistro – GUEST POST

February 15 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – GUEST POST

February 16 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST

February 17 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, INTERVIEW

February 18 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

February 18 – Varietats – REVIEW, GUEST POST

February 19 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

February 19 – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – INTERVIEW

February 20 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

February 20 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

February 21 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – GUEST POST

February 22 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

February 22 – Cozy Up With Kathy –REVIEW, GUEST POST

February 23 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW

February 24 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

February 24 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW

February 25 – The Montana Bookaholic – CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 26 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

SWEETWATER RIVER ROMANCE BY
MISTY M. BELLER

Synopsis:

A Christian Historical Romance novel. Taking flight from their quiet Pennsylvania town seems like the only way for Tori Boyd to protect her dearest cousin’s virtue. And the success of their escape may now depend on the man she’s been writing letters to for over a year now in the vast wilds of the Wyoming Territory. Ezra Reid has finally stepped out from under the shadow of his older brother and sister, now having full responsibility to man the Rocky Ridge Stage Stop through the winter. The success or failure of the stage and telegraph contracts falls squarely on his shoulders, and he’s entirely focused on the work – at least until his mysterious correspondence partner shows up on his doorstep. As Ezra takes on the search for a proper situation for Tori and her cousin, there seem to be no good options for the ladies. Especially since Tori won’t even discuss the one option that might succeed – marriage. When the danger chasing the women takes on a form none of them anticipated, how far will Ezra have to go to keep the Tori and her cousin safe? It’ll take a lot more than luck to ensure his heart is the sole casualty.

Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. For a limited time, you can get her bestselling novel, The Lady and the Mountain Man, FREE here: http://eepurl.com/bGt1er She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy. God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family–both immediate and extended–is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream. Learn more at www.MistyMBeller.com.

As I began to read the story, I knew I was in for a grand adventure. I’ve had pen pals before when I was younger. It was fun to read about where they lived . I never once thought to travel to visit my pen pal though. Tori has been corresponding with her pen pal for awhile. With no other option she and her cousin take off to a new territory. They are hoping to find a place that is safe and start over. Tori has endured a tough life and maybe with a fresh start, she can finally find happiness. I admire her bravery for traveling so far without a real plan. I wonder what her mysterious pen pal will think when she shows up in his town? I love how the author gives us a wonderful character who is fierce and determined to make life better for her and her cousin Opal.

Ezra was truly shocked when he realizes who has stepped off the stagecoach. What in the world has he gotten himself into. I could just see his look of utter shock when Tori reveals who she is. Can you imagine what must be going through Ezra’s mind? I loved Ezra and found him to be such a gentle person. Even though he was unprepared for Tori and Opal, he is willing to help them out. The book captured a time when it was hard to make a living. Towns were just beginning to sprout up and families had to find ways to survive. I loved the feel of a good western story mixed with a bit of danger and romance. Will Tori learn to trust a man again? Can she open up to Ezra and allow him to share his faith?

The book is very well written and I loved the description of how a telegraph machine works. We have cell phones and texts that are easily retrieved. What would we do if suddenly we were left with only a telegraph machine to correspond with? Tori and Opal have secrets that hold them back from being happy. Will Ezra be able to convince them that they are safe and that God loves them? I really enjoyed the story and loved how the author allowed readers to be taken back to a time when survival was hard, faith was important and people helped each other.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

About the Book

Title: Love by the Numbers

Author: Laura V. Hilton

Genre: Christian Amish fiction

Release Date: February 6, 2018

After her fiancé dies in a buggy accident, Lydia Hershberger is invited to Jamesport to manage her Mennonite aunt’s gift store while her aunt and uncle are on a mission trip. While there, Lydia gets acquainted with her aentie’s best friend, Bethel Bontrager, and her grown son, Caleb. Lydia is surprised to find herself drawn to handsome clockmaker, Caleb Bontrager. But in spite of an instant flame of attraction between them, he doesn’t seem interested. In fact, pesky Caleb treats her like he doesn’t even like her.

Bright and sparkly. That’s Caleb’s first impression of Lydia. He’s always been attracted to sparkly things. In fact, his affinity for those things, and the trouble they can cause, are exactly why he’s determined to change his ways and settle down. With Lydia’s aentie gone, he is handling the books for the gift shop and is forced to spend too much time in her presence.

When God offers Lydia a second chance at love and family, will she take it? Or will the secret Caleb harbors cause her even more heartbreak?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with almost twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write and Putting on the New.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Guest Post from Laura V. Hilton

Story Behind the Story – Love by the Numbers

Caleb was a minor character in couple of my Amish books – I think he first made a by name appearance in Amish Wanderer and Christmas Admirer. A minor character. Lydia was a very minor one-time appearance in those stories, too, a girl who happened to be in the room with Bethany and Susanna at a wedding. (This story is stand alone!) But I knew when Caleb first saw Lydia that they would end up together by the way he reacted to her presence. I wondered what their story was.

Powerful Tornado - destroying property with lightning in the background

March and April is tornado season in Arkansas (and in many other states) and in 2011 we had a bad one. I was out and about that day, driving to the county seat with my five children, and there was something in the air. It was heavy, hard to breathe, and the sky was black off to the west. I’m sure I broke speed limits racing to Melbourne, and then home again so we wouldn’t be out in the storm.

Later that afternoon, tornado sirens went off. One went over our house – even from the basement we could hear the sound of a train roaring overhead. Scary. And still thanking God it didn’t touch down. Highland, Ash Flat, and Evening Shade, Arkansas were hit hard. Buildings completely gone. When we drove out that way later in the week there were pickup trucks in the tops of trees. Other things in odd and unusual places. I always wondered how they got the treetop pickups down. I would’ve stopped to watch if I’d been out there when it was done. I did hear that some of those trucks weren’t damaged at all. Unreal. My two sons and my husband both helped with clean up and my oldest son went with a crew to Joplin, Missouri, to help with clean up there.

There has been other occasions I’ve been out in tornados. Once I was in the Walmart parking lot when a tornado went through a town west of it. We could see the funnel touching down from where we stood. It did hail when we were on our way home, praying our house was still standing. It was.

Head shot of a blue eyed Siamese cat on a green background

On a different note, in 2016 my oldest son came home with a kitten. She was the sweetest thing ever, and he named her Rosie. Sadly, I was highly allergic to her. I couldn’t even be around the children after they played with her. They’d have to go change clothes and wash their hands, otherwise I couldn’t breathe. Rosie was full Siamese, blue eyes and all, and she was so adorable. I allowed my son to keep her in the shed. I was about four chapters into the story when Rosie found some poison (I think, not sure) and died. We all cried.

Also about the time I was writing this, a very dear friend of a lot of writers died. I told my street team I was going to name a character after her, and was told a lot of writers would be. I agreed. And a lot of their books were released already. But Aenti Judith in this story is named after Judy Burgi. I still miss her and pray for her family.

One of the verses my daughter had to memorize in Sunday School was 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. ‘We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.’ Perfect for the faith message in Love by the Numbers! I love how God always provides the perfect verse for my characters’ faith messages. I’m pretty sure this verse is one I never memorized, and I never would of thought of it on my own, but God put it in my daughter’s lessons for Sunday School, so she had to memorize it – and thus I did too since I help my daughters learn their verses every week.

I hope you’ll enjoy the story!

Because of Him,

Laura V. Hilton

What I liked the most about this book was the details of a shunning. I have often wondered exactly how it works and if everyone is in agreement with it. I loved Lydia and her humbleness. After a tragedy at her hometown , she finds comfort in a new place. Her aunt has graciously asked her to come run her gift shop while she is away. I would be running as fast as I could to get away from all the rumors stirring around me back home.

The question arose for me when I started reading the story, how someone can be shunned without actual proof of what they did? The author does an amazing job of delving into that question with grace and wisdom.I appreciate how griping and honest the story was. I loved that Lydia was welcomed at her new place with warmth and love. There is one person that just got on my nerves. I won’t name who it is because I want you to discover for yourself who it is. I will say this person is vindictive and has a jealous streak that causes a lot of hurt feelings and misguided accusations. I am sure we have all encountered a person like this.

Of course I can’t forget to mention the dashing Caleb. What’s not to like about him? He’s handsome, smart, caring and did I mention handsome. He sure got my attention and believe me I rooted for him the entire story. I understand his hesitation with Lydia, but the author does such a beautiful job of developing their relationship that I wanted to shout from the rooftop. I’m a bit partial to characters who are hurt by gossip and love a knight in shining armor. The details of making a clock was so fascinating I looked up more information on the Internet after I finished the book.

The story is emotional at times and I love how Lydia was willing to help others even when they don’t show grace towards her. This has been one of the best stories I have read about shunning and how God reveals the truth. I asked myself if I have been guilty of blaming someone without giving them a chance? The ending is powerful and I loved how Lydia took comfort knowing that there were people surrounding her that were willing to stand up for her. Don’t miss this story that reminds us that,

"He will never leave you nor forsake you."

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit for free. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Pursuing Stacie, February 13

Quiet Quilter, February 13

Red Headed Book Lady, February 13

Babs Book Bistro, February 13

Blogging With Carol, February 14

Among the Reads, February 14

Reading Is My SuperPower, February 15

Blossoms and Blessings, February 15

SusanLovesBooks, February 16

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 16

Carpe Diem, February 16

A Baker’s Perspective, February 17

Splashes of Joy, February 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 17

Two Points of Interest, February 18

vickysluiter.com, February 18

A Reader’s Brain, February 19

Zerina Blossom’s Books, February 19

C Jane Read, February 20

Daysong Reflections, February 20

margaret kazmierczak, February 20

proud to be an autism mom, February 21

Bibliophile Reviews, February 21

A Greater Yes, February 22

Texas Book-aholic, February 22

Pause for Tales, February 23

Have A Wonderful Day, February 23

cherylbbookblog, February 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 24

Simple Harvest Reads, February 24

Christian Bookaholic, February 25

Janices book reviews, February 25

For The Love of Books, February 26

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 26

Bigreadersite, February 26

Giveaway

In honor of the tour, Whitaker House is giving away

Grand Prize Package: Love By the Numbers, Healing Love (Amish of Webster County #1), and The Snow Globe (The Amish of Jamesport #1) by Laura Hilton; “The Angels Cry Holy” scented candle in tin with lid from Abba Jerusalem

1st Place Package: Love By the Numbers, The Snow Globe (The Amish of Jamesport #1) by Laura Hilton, and Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils

2nd Place Package: Love By the Number by Laura Hilton and Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils!!!

Click the link to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c6ca

Search This Blog

Sunday, February 25, 2018

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Death by a Whisker: A Cat Rescue Mysteryby T. C. LoTempio

About the Book

About the Author

Thursday, February 22, 2018

About the Book

About the Author

Guest Post from Laura V. Hilton

Blog Stops

Giveaway

Death by a Whisker: A Cat Rescue Mystery
by T. C. LoTempio