Over The Edge by Mary Connealy

August 9, 2012April 3, 2022 / christylashea / 4 Comments

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingOver The EdgeBethany House (August 1, 2012)byMary Connealy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie’s Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she’s one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he’s never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he’s gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.

After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he’s got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn’t happy to find out Seth doesn’t remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she’s come to the Kincaid family’s ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.

Callie isn’t a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She’s not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.

Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth’s pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can’t sort things out. It’s enough to drive a man insane–but somehow it’s all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Over The Edge, go HERE.

In Too Deep by Mary Connealy

February 1, 2012February 25, 2023 / christylashea / Leave a comment

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing In Too Deep Bethany House (February 1, 2012) by Mary Connealy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie’s Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1866 Colorado, Ethan Kincaid agrees to a marriage of convenience with the same casual disregard he gives every decision. Audra Gilliland, young mother of two, accepts his proposal because she wants to stop being a burden to her newly married stepdaughter. And suddenly both of them are in far deeper than they’d planned.

Ethan doesn’t expect Audra to affect him so profoundly, and when she begins to, he’s terrified of the pain he’s felt before when someone he loved was seriously injured on his watch. He’s determined that his new wife will do as he says so he can keep her safe from the dangers that lurk on their ranch. Audra has been cared for all her life by one man or another–and they’ve done a poor job of it. Now she’s planning to stand up for herself. And her new husband had better agree or get out of her way!

What will it take to transform two wayward hearts fearful of getting in too deep into two trusting hearts ready to risk falling deeply in love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of In Too Deep, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:

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Christy here. One of my favorite authors is Mary Connealy. There’s always a lot of laugh out loud moments with her down to earth cowboys and their gals. In Too Deep doesn’t disappoint. In this story, we see strong heroines, strong heros who get tamed by their strong heroines, and a whole lotta bad guys. While Connealy keeps the story light, there is a deeper, heavier message the author addresses and I felt she did it quite well. She tackled issues of letting the past rule our present and future. How fear grips you and can hold you back from God’s blessing.

I’m looking forward to Book 3 and hope it will be the romance of younger brother Seth, who’s also known as “loco” throughout Book 2. He may have been “loco” but what happened was his character tugged at my heart strings even more than Hero Ethan. I don’t know how that happened! I loved Ethan too and it’s his journey in which is so profound into overcoming the past.

As noted, this is Book 2 in the Kincaid Brides series. I have not read Book 1. I recommend reading Book 1 first because the characters that are primary in Book 1 play a large part in Book 2. I felt I had missed a piece of the puzzle by not reading Book 1. Book 2 can stand alone, however, but if you are particular about feeling rooted in the characters, read Book 1 first. Just my opinion and advice here. I think Connealy did a good job of giving enough information about Book One’s Hero and Heroine – Rafe and Julia – for us to move forward with the story, but since Julia and Audra had connections that stemmed from Book One, this is part of the reason I would recommend reading the first book first. (And maybe you do that anyway! Normally I do too!!)

I recommend this story and look forward to picking up Book One while I wait for Book Three!

Her Best Catch by Lindi Peterson

December 28, 2011February 25, 2023 / christylashea / 1 Comment

Lindi Peterson’s Her Best Catch is a first person Christian romance. Now, I usually don’t read first person, but this has a romance in the story line, and I LOVE romance.

I started reading this book on Christmas night while I was trying to put my son to bed. Using my SuperNanny techniques, I was waiting for him to get out of bed so I could promplty put him right back in the bed. Since my little man likes to get out of bed on the minute, every minute, I had to be patient, but ready…. So, I’m standing at the kitchen counter, near his bedroom, Her Best Catch open and my book mark ready to be placed in said book as needed.

An hour later, my little man is asleep and I’m thinking I’ll read one more chapter…. One more chapter turned into I’m half way through the book. I can’t stop now!!!

I liked the main character, Allison Doll. She’s a little snarky, in a nice way and I didn’t feel she realized how attractive she was to Ashton Boyd, the relief pitcher for the Braves who happens to visit her Sunday School class. Our hero, Ashton Boyd was a guy I wanted to know more about. What was his story? I mean, a hunky relief pitcher just shows up in Allison’s Sunday School class one day and all of the sudden, he’s calling her and wanting to talk about the Sunday School lesson? Pulleeze, there’s got to be something dark in his past. Then, he shows up at her place of business in his Jag and takes her to lunch. Ohhh, he’s gonna break her heart. Don’t get in the Jag, Allison! Don’t do it… But she does… and I’ve gotta find out what happens next… Plus, Allison’s trying to plan a party for her mother’s 50th birthday and Allison’s dealing with the budding relationship of her two best friends who now are known to Allison as Trelvet (was Trent and Velvet pre-relationship days). No Spoilers here… You’ll have to read the book to find out how everything comes together.

And I did find out how everything ended…. when I finished the book four hours later.

IN ONE SITTING.

I was very satisfied, and had gotten attached to the characters. I hated for the story to end. I’d somehow come to care about Auditor Allison Doll, with her little ponytail her Mom wishes she wouldn’t wear and her glasses. I wanted to know if Ashton was going to break her heart or not, just like her friends said he would.

Haven’t we all been there at sometime in our lives? Suddenly, Allison represented every girl at that single point in her life when it seems everyone else has someone. She represented my family member, my best friend. She represented me at one time, except she had the confidence to say what she wanted and I didn’t obtain that until I was well into my 30s…

This story made me laugh and it made my heart ache at times for Allison’s situation. It made me say “Oh, No!” I sighed at some of the tender love scenes. There is a lot of God talk in this book. There’s a lot of prayer. God is important to the characters. For me, it wasn’t out of the ordinary. I find I’m sending up prayers to God every hour – Hey, He’s there, He hears us, He loves for us to talk to Him. I think your comfort level with the “God talk” in the book will depend on your own walk with Him. But this book is purely for entertainment. Not preachy… it’s simply a book about a Christian woman who’s secure in her walk. Her Best Catch was one of these stories where you truly like the character and you want it to keep going. It’s a light-hearted story with fun characters. I give this debut by Lindi Peterson five stars!!! Loved it!

About the Author:

Along with being one of my best pals, this chick is a great motivator. She’s sensitive to others feelings and she’s David Crowder’s biggest fan! What else about Lindi? Well, you can find her at http://www.lindipeterson.com.  She’s president of our Georgia ACFW Chapter. She blogs on Monday’s on http://www.thefaithgirls.com.
Lindi definitely believes happy endings are just the beginning. She lives out her real life romance with her husband in Georgia. When she’s not writing, she loves to read, bowl and spend time with her family.

A Family for Faith by Missy Tippens

December 7, 2011February 25, 2023 / christylashea / 4 Comments

Today I wanted to share a book I read recently that I really enjoyed. First of all, if you are looking for a story that is short in quantity but not lacking in emotion and story, you can always find it with Harlequin’s Love Inspired line.

Missy Tippen’s book, A Family for Faith, is an emotion packed story about parents watching their kids grow up and letting go. It’s a story about taking second chances at love. I liked how Missy addressed the issues that sometimes come up with divorced couples and a child who clings more to one parent than the other. The interesting part here was instead of the child going toward the mother, Faith’s son had bonded more with his father during his teen years. I couldn’t help feel a pull for Faith, because knowing how it is to love your children so much, then have a separation form is tough. Moms and Dads still love their children even if they don’t see the child daily or if something has happened to put a wall between them. I found myself really rooting for Faith to find happiness.

Gabe’s daughter Chelsea was really cute and likable. The author portrayed this teen girl as fun and loving and trying to speed the growing up process. She tried to do things like her mom, and that made it hard since her mom had passed away several years before. Chelsea’s dad, Gabe, still held on to his wife’s memory. Gabe rang true for me in the way of character because he was an overprotective father, just trying to do right by his child. Add to the fact he was a police officer which increased his protectiveness. Gabe was a lovable hero and it really tugged at my heart strings that he still loved his deceased wife so much. You just wanted him to have a second chance!

The characters were deep, multi-faceted and were easy to bond with. That’s important for me when investing in a story. Missy did a great job in telling this story of these two families and of the romance between Gabe and Faith. I hope you’ll consider picking this book up. It’s been my favorite of all of Missy’s books!

About the Book:

When Faith Hagin sees widower cop Gabe Reynolds every day in her coffee shop, she can’t help but feel for the struggling single dad. She’s raised a teenager of her own—and sadly, knows what not to do. But thanks to his matchmaking preteen daughter, Chelsea, the whole town’s praying for Gabe to find a wife!

Even though Faith thinks she’s content being just friends, spending time with him and Chelsea starts to feel like a fresh start at having a family. And their love may be the answer to everyone’s prayers.

Visit Missy and check out more of her books on her website at http://www.missytippens.com 

Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills

October 24, 2011February 25, 2023 / christylashea / Leave a comment

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Attracted to Fire Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (October 1, 2011)
by DiAnn Mills

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010. DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops. DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website at: www.diannmills.com or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills

ABOUT THE BOOK

Special Agent Meghan Connors’ dream of one day protecting the president of the United States is about to come true. Only one assignment stands in her way. After the vice president’s rebellious daughter is threatened, Meghan is assigned to her protective detail on a secluded ranch in West Texas. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as tough as controlling her charge. Ash has a reputation for being critical and exacting, and he’s also after the same promotion as Meghan. But when the threats escalate and security on the ranch is breached, it becomes clear this isn’t the work of a single suspect—it’s part of a sophisticated plan that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined. And only Ash and Meghan can put the pieces together before it’s too late.

Watch the book trailer:

If you would like to read the first chapter of Attracted to Fire, go HERE.

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Christy here…….I had the pleasure of reading this book. Y’all, this is one to buy. Definitely a keeper. I was drawn to the storyline and the author’s promise to “Expect an Adventure.”

DiAnn Mills definitely takes you on an adventure with this story. Fast paced, interesting, the story is about Secret Service Agents. Not only do you follow the suspense of who is trying to kill the the vice president’s rebellious daughter, Lindsey, and follow her subplot, but the danger extends to the whole crew who is working to protect her.

Soon, you find yourself suspecting Meghan and Ash’s colleaques. Who can they trust? Why can you trust? In the middle of the suspense was a budding romance. As a sucker for a love story, there was strong tension between Meghan and Ash to make you interested in their relationship and stick around to see if either would give into their feelings. Definitely a good romance payoff along with a strong suspense storyline.

Without spoiling the story, there were enough twists and action to keep me guessing. I enjoyed reading it and the book accompanied me when I left the house. When I take a book with me, it’s a sure sign I love it!

Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

October 17, 2011February 25, 2023 / christylashea / Leave a comment

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Love on the Line Bethany House (October 1, 2011) by Deeanne Gist

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After a short career in elementary education, Deeanne Gist retired to raise her four children. Over the course of the next fifteen years, she ran a home accessory and antique business, became a member of the press, wrote freelance journalism for national publications such as People, Parents, Parenting, Family Fun, Houston Chronicle and Orlando Sentinel, and acted as CFO for her husband’s small engineering firm–all from the comforts of home.

Squeezed betwixt-and-between all this, she read romance novels by the truckload and even wrote a couple of her own. While those unpublished manuscripts rested on the shelf, she founded a publishing corporation for the purpose of developing, producing and marketing products that would reinforce family values, teach children responsibility and provide character building activities.

After a few short months of running her publishing company, Gist quickly discovered being a “corporate executive” was not where her gifts and talents lie. In answer to Gist’s fervent prayers, God sent a mainstream publisher to her door who licensed her parenting I Did It!® product line and committed to publish the next generation of her system, thus freeing Gist to return to her writing.

Eight months later, she sold A Bride Most Begrudging to Bethany House Publishers. Since that debut, her very original, very fun romances have rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere. Add to this two consecutive Christy Awards, three RITA nominations, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.

Her latest releases, Beguiled, Maid To Match, and Love on the Line are now available.

Gist lives in Texas with her husband of twenty-eight years and their border collie. They have four grown children. Click here to find out the most up-to-the-minute news about Dee.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man’s world … which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.

Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He’s a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love on the Line, go HERE.

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Christy here……….

Wow, what an introduction for an author & an interesting road to publication!

These books became parts of my life based on good ol’ word of mouth. A friend of mine had already claimed Deanne’s books as her favorite and told me I needed to check her out. Well, I did and I’ve read them all except one of the earlier, Courting Trouble, and her latest with J. Mark Bertrand Beguiled. But these are on the to-be-bought list!!!

Love on the Line was a fun story. Ms. Gist didn’t disappoint with her latest release. As always, there is good humor, high caliber romantic tension and the story is peppered with characters which help make the world come to life. But wait, there’s train robberies, bird watchin’ and bird huntin’ all packed in this story. There’s a story twist, too, that will definitely catch you by surprise.

This is a book I recommend. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads!

Book Review: When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley

April 3, 2011February 25, 2023 / christylashea / 9 Comments

Well, I’ve joined this A-Z blogging challenge. Already, I’ve rebelled against the rules as each day were are to blog for each letter of the alphabet – meaning the topic will start with the letter of the alphabet for whatever day we’re on. Today is B. Today, B is for Book Review! Okay, maybe I am following the rules after all…

When Sparrows Fall. Debut novel from Meg Moseley.

What a book. I won’t spoil this, but I was very worried the book would end sad. I mean, we have a mom and six kids. Miranda, our main character, is faced with a serious choice early on. I couldn’t imagine how this story could turn out good.

Her children are very responsible for their age. For instance, Miranda’s 10-year old daughter can prepare meals and helps look after her younger siblings. After Miranda receives news from her pastor that he is requesting everyone to move out of state, Miranda begins a serious fast and prayer time. Unfortunately, she tends to faint and does just that…. She takes a fall down a nearby cliff – and the children’s Uncle Jack is summoned by Miranda’s oldest son, Timothy, to come, and serve as their temporary guardian.

I couldn’t help but love Jack. A typical guy in many ways. Christian, but loose. Not lukewarm in his beliefs, but I’d say the character is “real.” I chuckled at how he would tease Miranda about her use of herbs, herbal teas, this-that-and other to help calm her nerves, to help her feel better, while Jack was sitting there with a swig of Scotch. What was the difference, he would ask her.

Not to say this is a book that promotes drinking. Not one bit. The book explores our relationship with God. This scene I’m speaking of was on the porch. This porch scene was just a bit of comic relief to an otherwise serious story.

The book looks seriously, though fictionally, at a relationship with God. While the church Miranda was a part of had to dress and act a certain way, it was completely smothering. Through Christ we are not to be smothered, but to be free. So many people don’t “get it” when they view Christianity. They think it’s a bunch of hard rules and do’s and don’ts. The fact is God loves us no matter what we’ve done in the past. And when you learn about why He created us, you want to live a different way, because you want to please Him. Although, He doesn’t ask that of us, but when you learn why Christ went to the cross, you want to do all you can to tell others about him and share the salvation that is so easily offered by the blood of Christ.

I know, I went off on a tangent. When Sparrows Fall is a satisfying story of rules, of rights, of wrongs. It’s about wolves in sheep’s clothing. It’s about overcoming it all and living free in Christ.

Be sure to read yesterday’s post that Debut Author Meg Moseley wrote yesterday. Leave a comment all week long to be entered to win a copy of When Sparrows Fall. I’ll draw the winner on Thursday, April 7th. Be sure to leave your email address… Or, for all of my friends on Facebook, leave a comment in this Note or on my wall – Just let me know you’d like to be entered.

About the Author:
Meg Moseley is a Californian at heart although she’s lived more than half her life in other states.

She formerly wrote human-interest columns for a suburban section of the Atlanta Journal- Constitution, and home schooled for over twenty years.

Meg enjoys books, travel, gardening, her three grown children, and motorcycle rides with her husband Jon. They make their home in northern Georgia.

Digitalis by Ronie Kendig

January 25, 2011February 25, 2023 / christylashea / 8 Comments

If you are looking for an action packed book – one that places you in the center of the event and involves you as if you were watching it take place before your very eyes – then you need to pick up a copy of Digitalis by Ronie Kendig.

Oh my goodness. I had no idea how good this book would be. I wanted to read it for a few reasons. One: the story sounded good. Two: I wanted to write about a special ops soldier but didn’t have any experience and didn’t know any personally. Three: A friend of mine recommended this author to me.

I’m not good at writing book reviews. If you want to read what this story is about, it’s below. But I will highly recommend this book. This is actually Book 2 in the series, but I could not tell a difference. I was introduced to prior characters, but didn’t feel like I needed to read Book 1 first.

I think I connected with Digitalis so well because I was thrown right into Colton’s life – his reservations about getting to know this girl he was attracted to – his reservations about his “real job” and coming clean with her about that. I liked how I was reading a romance one minute and dropped in a thriller novel the next. The scenes were so stealth that we went from one character to the next, flawlessly, just like a reel at a movie.

I can’t brag about this book or this author enough. As a matter of fact, I’m going to offer this book as an incentive to my current writing challenge. If you are participating in my TTIN Challenge, someone is going to be very lucky to get their very own copy of Digitalis.

Ms. Kendig is an author to watch and Digitalis is a story you don’t want to pass up.

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This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Digitalis Barbour Publishing, Inc.(January 1, 2011) by Ronie Kendig

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ronie has been married since 1990 to a man who can easily be defined in classic terms as a hero. She has four beautiful children. Her eldest daughter is 16 this year, her second daughter will be 13, and her twin boys are 10. After having four children, she finally finished her degree in December 2006. She now has a B.S. in Psychology through Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Getting her degree is a huge triumph for both her and her family–they survived!!

This degree has also given her a fabulous perspective on her characters and how to not only make them deeper, stronger, but to make them realistic and know how they’ll respond to each situation. Her debut novel, Dead Reckoning released March 2010 from Abingdon Press. And her Discarded Heroes series began in July 2010 from Barbour with the first book entitled Nightshade.

This is the second book in the series.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Step into the boots of a former Marine in this heart-pounding adventure in life and love. Colton “Cowboy” Neeley is a Marine trying to find his footing as he battles flashbacks now that he’s back home. Piper Blum is a woman in hiding—from life and the assassins bent on destroying her family. When their hearts collide, more than their lives are at stake. Will Colton find a way to forgive Piper’s lies? Can Piper find a way to rescue her father, trapped in Israel? Is there any way their love, founded on her lies, can survive?

If you would like to read an excerpt of Digitalis, go HERE.