Saturday, June 30, 2018

The Love Letter FB Banner copy

About the Book

The Love Letter
Title: The Love Letter
Author: Rachel Hauck
Release Date: June 12, 2018
Genre: Contemporary
Tour Dates: June 21 – July 4
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress comes a story of long-lost love and its redemption in future generations.
Romance has never been actress Chloe Daschle’s forte—in life or on screen. But everyone knows who to call for a convincing death scene . . . and it might be killing her career.
When Chloe is given a peek at the script for an epic love story, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands and request an audition for the lead female role, Esther Kingsley. The compelling tale, inspired by family lore and a one-page letter from the colonial ancestor of scriptwriter Jesse Gates, just might break her out of this career-crippling rut. Jesse would rather write about romance than live through it after his past relationship ended in disaster. But once on-set together, the chemistry between Jesse and his leading lady is hard to deny.
Centuries earlier, in the heart of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow wrote their saga off the silver screen. Esther’s Loyalist father opposes any relationship with Hamilton, but Esther must face her beloved father’s disapproval and the dangers of war in order to convince Hamilton of their future together. Hamilton has loved Esther for years, and on the eve of battle pens the love letter she’s always wanted—something straight from the heart.
Set in stunning upcountry South Carolina, The Love Letter is a beautifully-crafted story of the courage it takes to face down fear and chase after love, even in the darkest of times. And just maybe, all these generations later, love can come home in a way not even Hollywood could imagine.


About the Author

Rachel HauckRachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times. She is a double RITA finalist, a Christy and Carol Award Winner.
Rachel sits on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, and is the comical sidekick to Susan May Warren at the amazing My Book Therapy. She is a worship leader and speaker.
A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel is a devoted Ohio State football fan. She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.

Guest Post from Rachel Hauck

I’m always looking for story ideas. My husband does a standard disclaimer when I start drilling into a conversation with questions like:
“Really? So why did you do that?”
“Have you sought help?”
“Was it love at first sight?”
Hubster says, “Warning, anything you say can end up in a book.”

Of course, stories abound! Interesting people abound! 

Then again, sometimes ideas just hit out of the blue. A few years ago I had the idea of a young, contemporary couple meeting by “accident” only to learn that their great grandparents were in love but time, life, family, war, or society made their love impossible.

I suppose there are a hundred ways to tell such a story but when it came time to write The Love Letter, I was slightly infatuated with the Poldark series on PBS.

Set in 18th century Cornwall, the story and the characters were so dynamic I had to write my own version of Poldark. 

But could I write a split time with a 240 year difference? I mean, they didn’t have electricity or phones in 1780! They didn’t even have a postal system. Letters were carried by traveling friends or family.

What possible conflicts could my historical characters face? What event could be so dark and tragic to keep them apart?

The Revolutionary War created a perfect backdrop for my young lovers.

I set the story in upcountry South Carolina not realizing the battle I chose for the back drop, the Battle of Cowpens, was the inspiration for the movie The Patriot. (A fav movie of mine!) 

For the contemporary story, I started with shoes. I mean, doesn’t every thing start with shoes? 

“Nice outfit but what shoes are you wearing?”

“You’re going on a date? You need new shoes.”

What we “walk in” can either empower or defeat us. There’s a spiritual metaphor I’ll mediate on for awhile.

However the shoe angle didn’t quite work so the contemporary story ended up in Hollywood with an actor/screenwriter and an actress.

Both worlds—1780 upcountry South Carolina and contemporary Hollywood—were a bit out of my southern bailiwick.

I did a lot of research on the war and the colonial south. Where I couldn’t find details, I filled in with my imagination.

As for Hollywood, I talked with a screenwriter friend, read books, watched interviews, and then, you know, made the rest up. Don’t you know I eventually ended up on a movie set—Once Upon A Prince—four days after I finished reading the galley proofs for The Love Letter! 

One of the hardest parts of the story was the actual love letter. What did it say? Who wrote it and why? Was there more than one? No, only one. But why only one?
I must have written and rewritten the letter five different ways to Sunday before I settled on the magical one.

During the course of the book, I realized I’d never written a love letter. Have you?

I’ve written sentiments to my husband on an anniversary or birthday card. I speak my love and affection out loud all the time. But a bonafide love letter? 

A love letter is it’s own art form. They range from sickly sweet with a lot of “darlings” and “sweethearts” to Shakespearean sonnets.

There’s a vulnerability that comes with writing a love letter. Putting one’s heart on the page creates a new level of commitment with your affections.
Will the reader receive your words? Will the reader respond in kind? 
It’s fascinating to consider the purpose of a love letter. Have we lost something intrinsic to the human heart with our instant texting and email society.

Can you imagine Romeo texting to Juliet in 2018? 
Saw you at your window. You looked hot.
Doesn’t quite have the same ring as: “But soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east and Juliet is the sun.”
Scripture is a continuous love letter. “For God so loved the world—”
Whether you write love letters or poems, or quick texts, or put XO’s on cards to loved ones, write a love letter this month. 
Write one to yourself, to Jesus, a spouse, child, parent, friend, foe—
See how it will bless your heart! Off to write my love letter…
Review.jpg

This is a beautiful love story that reaches into the depths of your soul. It lingers there as you feel the emotions and become one with the characters. I loved the transition from present day with Jesse and Chloe to  the past with Esther and Hamilton. The author does an amazing job of transporting readers to the Revolutionary War where we find two people deeply in love. I wanted Chloe to have her forever soul mate so bad I cried though each scene. Have you ever loved someone so much it hurt to be away from them? That is what Esther felt each time she was apart from Hamilton. Their story is powerful and I loved how the author captured their feelings with words, looks and a special letter. Do you know what it is like to want to be with someone you love, but obstacles get in the way?  The author makes Esther and Hamilton come alive with her compassionate  writing style. 

Jesse and Chloe are in the present and their story is just as fierce as Esther and Hamilton's. Chloe has had a hard time as an actress and finally finds a part in a film that could boost her career. This is where the story for me really made an impact. I can't tell you how many times I have lost at love and had my heart broken. When Jesse and Chloe share intimate moments from their past, their vulnerability was the meat of the story. To trust someone so completely with pain from your past, is the start of a true relationship. I loved how their story ran parallel with Esther and Hamilton's.

The story is emotional and one that captures you with a quiet peace. The author explores what happens when pride overtakes you and forgiveness is hard to accept. I loved how the characters were easy to connect with. This is in my opinion the best book the author has ever written. There are so many lessons to be learned throughout the story and shows how love is one of the most treasured feelings we can have and receive.


"When a man loves a woman, nothing can hold him back. The same is true of women. When she is in love, there is no force more powerful."

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


Blog Stops

Among the Reads, June 21
The Avid Reader, June 21
Genesis 5020, June 21
ansel book blog, June 22
C Jane Read, June 24
By The Book, June 25
Carpe Diem, June 26
Mommynificent , June 27
Radiant Light, June 28
Novels corner, June 29
Bigreadersite, June 29
Pause for Tales, June 30
Splashes of Joy, June 30
Remembrancy, July 2
amandainpa, July 2

Giveaway

1e65427e-33ac-4955-a6ee-529c217f6bb1
To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away
Grand prize of a Kindle Fire 7
Semi-Grand prize of a book basket
2nd – 4th place prize of a copy of The Love Letter!!

at 3 comments:

Monday, June 25, 2018

KAPPY KING and the PICKLE KAPER by AMY LIILLARD

I am so excited to read the next book in this series. Kappy is a hoot and I love her devotion to making kapps for the women in the community. I never really thought much about where the kapps came from. Kappy has a special gift for making them and is kept very busy with orders.

Kappy's neighbor Edie is back as well and still just as spunky and curious as ever. When they happen upon an accident , they are saddened to see that a buggy is involved. The smell of vinegar is everywhere and pickles are spread all over the street. It is a real tragedy when it is discovered that Sally June Esh has passed away from the accident. She was young at only nineteen years old and the community is saddened by the loss.

Kappy and Edie crash the funeral looking to find any information about the accident. I had to laugh at these two sneaking around like two detectives looking for clues. They are too funny at times and it makes the story so enjoyable to read. I wonder if the author had two people she knew in mind when she wrote these two characters? When Edie starts getting strange texts on her phone about the buggy accident, questions start popping in Kappy and Edie's head? Was it an accident or did someone deliberately cause the accident ? I love how the two women work together and are not afraid to investigate on their own. The banter between Kappy and Edie is hilarious. It is a miracle they agree on anything. One thing is for sure though, Sally June was murdered and they are convinced they will find out who did it.

As I continued to read the story I couldn't wait to see what shenanigans our two female  "detectives" would get into next. They aren't real detectives, but they sure are better about finding clues than the police are. They know just the right questions to ask and have a knack for getting people's trust. I loved how the women didn't stop snooping and sure found themselves in trouble at times. It is a great story with an ending that I really enjoyed. I can't wait for the next book in the series to find out what kind of trouble Kappy and Edie get into next.  Just a thought; this series would make a great TV show. I wonder who would play the lead female characters?

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
at No comments:
A CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA by MELODY CARLSON

This enchanting story will be coming out in September but it's worth getting excited about. The author writes with such compassion for her characters. Wendy has just discovered that she has inherited her family's picturesque cottage by the beach. Wendy can remember all the fun times she had there as a kid and it brings back fond memories.

She packs up her twelve year old son, Jackson and takes a trip to see the cottage in Seaside, Maine. I could easily hear the waves as she got closer to the cottage. It was a glorious sight to take in. I loved Jackson's excitement as he got closer to what he thought was going to be his new home. I wonder when Wendy will tell Jackson they are only there long enough to fix the place up and sell it?

I'm sure Wendy is a bit surprised to see how much work needs to be down on the place. She finds a very helpful person at the hardware place who is an expert it seems in paint and floors. Caleb knows his way around since he  is a craftsman. With an overwhelming amount of work to get done, Wendy and Jackson get to work on the cottage. I liked that Wendy took time to go shell hunting with Jackson. Jackson has so much energy and happiness is written all over himself. He loves the new place and is hoping his mom will change her mind about moving. Will the sea call Wendy to stay and make new memories with her son? Can Caleb convince Wendy to spend Christmas there or will she leave and go back to her home in Ohio? This is a short book, but it has so many great qualities that make the story flow with hope and a promise of a wonderful Christmas that feels your heart with family and love.

I received a copy of this book from the Early Reader Program from The LibraryThing. The review is my own opinion.
at No comments:

Sunday, June 24, 2018


A VAST AND GRACIOUS TIDE by LISA CARTER

This has been a great story to read. The author delivers a great cast of characters with intense drama and intrigue. I loved Caden right away. He has a lot to deal with since his accident while serving his country. His adjustment to a prosthetic leg has really been hard on him. He finds himself on Hatteras Island with a mission to complete. What does he need to give to someone?

McKenna is a person everyone loves. She has a big heart and is always rescuing animals and sometimes people. I loved how she reached out to Caden and helped him find a place to belong even if it's for a short period. He is determined to do what he set out to do and then leave. But where would he go? The author makes Hatteras sound like a picturesque place that I would love to visit.

The story takes on a mystery when bodies start piling up and drugs are being smuggled into the area. I wasn't surprised that Caden would be the first suspect. After all he is new to the community and there happens to be a certain person who wants him gone. I loved how the author talked about several issues that veterans have. PTSD is not easy to cope with and I liked how the author brought attention to it in the story. Caden's childhood was another interesting part of the story. I know what it's like to not have parents who love you and my heart went out to Caden. He is guarded with his emotions at times and that causes tension between him and McKenna.

The action heats up when buildings start burning in the town. Danger is just around the corner for McKenna when her life is in danger. Can Caden save her in time? Who is behind all this chaos going on in town? I am very pleased with the author's ability to write with such depth and intrigue. I was kept on my toes and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I loved watching Caden start to trust people and believe that he has a purpose in life.

The excitement builds when something from a different era brings danger to the town. What happens when rumors of a submarine from the 1940s start circulating in the town? Is there treasure on the submarine worth killing for? This is a powerful story about trust, redemption, self worth and love. The ending is wonderful and one you won't forget. We all belong somewhere but sometimes we have to let go of the past, to find our future.

" You have to grieve what you lost before you can embrace what you still have left."


I received a copy of this book from Gilead Publishing. The review is my own opinion.








at No comments:



A PLACE TO CALL HOME BY MERRILLEE WHREN PROMOTIONAL BOOK BLAST 
PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIt





STARTING OVER
After serving six years in prison for the false charge of manslaughter in the death of his wife, Kurt Jansen must overcome a world of bitterness if he wants to start a new life. But his first priority is securing a restoration job to pay a private investigator to find the real killer and a lawyer to get his kids back.

Hiring a convicted wife-killer isn't what kind-hearted Molly Finnerty bargains for as part of the prison ministry she supports. However, she begins to believe Kurt's claim of innocence and gradually finds a great deal to like about him—perhaps more to like than she should. 

Can they overcome the past and find forgiveness and love?

BOOKS IN THE FRONT PORCH PROMISES SERIES

1. A Place to Call Home
2. A Love to Call Mine
3. A Family to Call Ours 

Each book stands alone, but the stories are connected through setting or characters.




Author bio:

Merrillee Whren is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author who writes inspirational romance. She is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award for best inspirational romance manuscript presented by Romance Writers of America. She has also been the recipient of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of forty- plus years, and has two grown daughters. She has lived in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Florida but now makes her home in the Arizona desert. She spends her free time playing tennis or walking while she does the plotting for her novels. Please visit her Website and signup for her newsletter and connect with her on Facebook.

Social Media links:

Connect with Merrillee:  Website  Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest  Google +

Amazon Link:

https://amzn.to/2Gwk7zZ

Review.jpg

What would it be like to be accused of a murder? How would you react when you are sentenced to prison knowing you are innocent? Kurt has lived that nightmare and now finds himself finally free from prison. He has a lot to deal with but his first priority is to find a job. When he gets hired by Molly to restore her Victorian home he seems to have hope. I liked that he was determined to prove his innocence and try to win custody of his children.

I understood why Molly was a little apprehensive about hiring Kurt . The story is really intense at times and I could feel both characters holding back their feelings for each other. It would be hard to believe someone you don't know telling you that they are not guilty.  I loved how the author slowly draws Molly and Kurt together. They both have trust issues and will need to learn to overcome that. It was nice to read that faith helped them deal with past issues. I was surprised at the secret Molly was hiding. How will Kurt react when she tells him about her past?

The story is beautifully written and easy to like the main characters. I love second chance stories and always like to see how it gets resolved. We all make mistakes but sometimes people won't forgive.  I loved how forgiveness was a main theme in the story. It made me think about times I wouldn't forgive and how I missed a chance to repair a relationship. Will Molly and Kurt be able to forgive and trust each other? Don't miss this charming book that reminds us that everyone deserves a second chance.

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







at No comments:

1 Vote

Murder Made to Order (All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery)
by Lena Gregory

Murder Made to Order is easy to read and has a steady pace throughout . . . I like the small-town atmosphere of Boggy Creek.
~The Avid Reader
This is a fast-paced mystery with a wide array of characters. Gia and her friends began to feel like old friends.
~Socrates’ Book Reviews…
I do believe I enjoyed this book even more than I enjoyed the first! The story again is fast-paced and lively and characters that make you feel like you have known them for, forever.
~The Montana Bookaholic

About the Book

Murder Made to Order (All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Lyrical Underground (June 19, 2018)
Paperback: 196 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1516104666
Digital ASIN: B075WBZH6L
To save her cozy Florida diner, Gia Morelli must choke down a heaping helping of murder . . .
New York native Gia Morelli is just getting used to life in Florida when she gets word that the town government wants to shut down her pride and joy: the charming little diner known as the All-Day Breakfast Café. A forgotten zoning regulation means that the café was opened illegally, and hardboiled council president Marcia Steers refuses to budge. Gia is considering hanging up her apron and going back to New York, but before she gives up on her dream, she discovers something shocking in the local swamp: Marcia Steers, dead in the water. There’s a secret buried in the books at town hall, and someone killed to keep it hidden. To save her café and bring a killer to justice, Gia and her friends will have to figure out a killer’s recipe for murder . . .

About the Author

Lena Gregory lives in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island with her husband and three children.
When she was growing up, she spent many lazy afternoons on the beach, in the yard, anywhere she could find to curl up with a good book. She loves reading as much now as she did then, but she now enjoys the added pleasure of creating her own stories.
Author Links:
Purchase Links
Review.jpg

This is the second book in the series which has really caught my attention. I like the author's writing style that is a mix of snarky comments to intense drama from the characters. Gia is a wonderful character and adds a lot of excitement to the story. As you will find out, she has a big phobia of insects, snakes well most anything not human.  I would love to visit her cafe and sit and chat with her. The aroma of bacon sizzling on the grill and the smell of fresh coffee would invite anyone into her charming cafe. When Gia gets a visit from Marcia who happens to be the president of the city council, her world turns upside down. Why is there a threat to shut down the cafe? Marcia certainly isn't a nice person and seems to enjoy watching Gia squirm with the shattering news. 

 The mystery really begins when Marcia is discovered dead by Gia. It's a shame that Gia and her dog Thor can't take a nice stroll or run in the woods without a dead body in their pathway. There is a funny scene in the book I must mention. If you are going to try to hide under a bed, be sure no part of your body can be seen. Gia and her friend learn the hard way that they need to be more aware of where they try to hide. 

 The story is well written and I loved the twists the author puts in to keep readers on their toes. Who killed Marcia and why? Can Gia find the killer before it is too late?  There is a lot happening in the story which definitely kept my attention. With fires, storms, mysterious deaths from the past and Gia's cafe trying to be shut down, the author really has a hit on her hands. I have to say I loved the mysterious woman Gia runs into and hope we find out more about her in the next book. I would also like to see Gia and Hunt's relationship develop more. Overall great story and I loved the ending and how the mystery was solved. 

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

  



TOUR PARTICIPANTS
June 20 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW
June 20 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – REVIEW
June 20 – The Self-Rescue Princess – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
June 21 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW
June 21 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
June 22 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
June 22 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – REVIEW
June 22 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 23 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW
June 23 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 24 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
June 24 – Ruff Drafts – GUEST POST
June 25 – Varietats – REVIEW, GUEST POST
June 25 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – SPOTLIGHT
June 26 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
June 26 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
June 27 – Readeropolis – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
June 27 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
June 28 – MJB Reviewers – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 28 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
June 29 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 29 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW
June 30 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
June 30 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
July 1 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW
July 1 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
July 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW
July 2 – A Blue Million Books –  AUTHOR INTERVIEW
July 3 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
July 3 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

at 4 comments: