Summer Lovin' Read-a-thon ... July 1-7

The Summer Lovin’ Readathon is a week-long readathon event hosted by seven independent bloggers! (Oh, Chrys!, Tumbling Books, Effortlessly Reading, Love Life Read, Shelf Addiction, Read Sleep Repeat, and Reviewing Wonderland)

Spend the week reading at your own pace, when and how you want too. There will be daily challenges for awesome prizes and opportunities to get points toward the Grand Prize Packs.

As if that weren’t enough – the week will end with a 24-hr marathon readathon! Twitter parties, mini-challenges, games, prizes given EVERY HOUR, and more chances to get points toward the Grand Prize Packs.

I'll be updating daily on Goodreads and Twitter, so check in with me to see how things are going.

Sign-ups will be open through July 6th. I’m in, are you?!

Road to the Christys | The Winners!

As I mentioned earlier this week, the Christy Award winners were announced on Monday night! Congrats to each of these incredible authors!!! I thought it was interesting that of all of the nominated books that I've read previously, I've only read two of the winning selections. I guess I have some reading to do! :)

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann (Bethany House Publishers)

CONTEMPORARY SERIES, SEQUELS, AND NOVELLAS
You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren (Tyndale House Publishers)

CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE
Not in the Heart by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)

FIRST NOVEL
Into the Free by Julie Cantrell (David C. Cook)

HISTORICAL
Flame of Resistance by Tracy Groot (Tyndale House Publishers)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House Publishers)

SUSPENSE
Rare Earth by Davis Bunn (Bethany House Publishers)

VISIONARY
Soul's Gate by James L. Rubart (Thomas Nelson)

YOUNG ADULT
Child of the Mountain by Marilyn Sue Shank (Delacorte Press)

Waiting on Wednesday | Rosemary Cottage

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is ... 

Rosemary Cottage by Colleen Coble

Thomas Nelson | July 9, 2013

About the Book

Amy came to Rosemary Cottage to grieve, to heal, maybe even find love. But there’s a deadly undertow of secrets around Hope Island….

The charming Rosemary Cottage on the beach offers Amy Lange respite she needs to mourn her brother, Ben. She’s even thinking of moving her midwife practice to the Outer Banks community. It’s always been a refuge for her and her family. She also wants to investigate Ben’s disappearance at sea. Everyone blames a surfing accident, but Amy has reason to wonder.

Coast Guard officer Curtis Ireland has lost a sibling too. His sister, Gina, was run down by a boat, leaving him to raise her infant daughter. If anyone knew who little Raine’s father was, Curtis could lose his beloved niece. Yet he can’t help being drawn to Hope Beach’s new midwife, Amy. He even agrees to help her investigate what happened to both Ben and Gina.

Can two grieving people with secrets find healing on beautiful Hope Island? Or will their quest for truth set them at odds with each other…and with those who will go to any length to keep hidden things hidden?

Why I Can't Wait to Read It
Rosemary Cottage is the second book in Coble's new series. I loved the first book and am excited about reading this one! Plus, I love that these books are all set on a somewhat remote island ... sort of my dream for a little getaway. :)

Teaser Tuesday | Anomaly by Krista McGee

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly post hosted by MizB on her blog Should Be Reading. 

Hop over for details or to link up!

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Fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds. That's how long I have to live. (p. 1)

Anomaly by Krista McGee

Seriously, what a great beginning! I received Anomaly in the mail yesterday (for review) and am already about one-third of the way through! AND ... I love the cover! Totally different from the others on my shelf right now. That green eye really pops!

Road to the Christy's | The Finalists!

The 2013 Christy Awards are being presented tonight! Before I comment on the winners, though, I thought I should post all of the nominees. :) I've read many of these ... and almost all of the rest are on my TBR list. I don't envy the judges one bit!

Congratulations to the finalists!!

(Click the links for my reviews.)

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Lethal Legacy by Irene Hannon (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)

CONTEMPORARY SERIES, SEQUELS, AND NOVELLAS
Two Destinies by Elizabeth Musser (David C. Cook)
You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren (Tyndale House Publishers)
Waiting for Sunrise by Eva Marie Everson (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE
The Air We Breathe by Gina Holmes (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Borders of the Heart by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)
Not in the Heart by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)

FIRST NOVEL
Into the Free by Julie Cantrell (David C. Cook)
Tangled Ashes by Michele Phoenix (Tyndale House Publishers)
Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green (River North, an imprint of Moody Press)

HISTORICAL
Flame of Resistance by Tracy Groot (Tyndale House Publishers)
Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green (River North, an imprint of Moody Press)
A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Be Still My Soul by Joanne Bischof (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)
Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

SUSPENSE
Downfall by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
The Last Plea Bargain by Randy Singer (Tyndale House Publishers)
Rare Earth by Davis Bunn (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Submerged by Dani Pettrey (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

VISIONARY
Daughter of Light by Morgan L. Busse (Marcher Lord Press)
Soul's Gate by James L. Rubart (Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

YOUNG ADULT
Child of the Mountain by Marilyn Sue Shank (Delacorte Press, a division of Random House)
Failstate by John W. Otte (Marcher Lord Press)
Interrupted: A Life Beyond Words by Rachel Coker (Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Do you see any favorites on this list? Which books/authors are you rooting for?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

"It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey where we share what we're reading and our goals for the week.

What I Read Last Week ...

Believe it or not, I didn't read ANYTHING last week! Hubs and I were serving in NYC with our church all week, and there wasn't a lot of down time. :) Great week, though ... even without books!

What I'm Reading Now ...

I started a children's chapter book on the plane and hope to finish it today.

What I Hope to Read This Week ...

Ummm ... what to read, what to read?! Let's stick with the books I posted last week and see what happens. I got several in the mail while we were away, so I may be tempted to dive into one of those first. :)

That's what I'm hoping to read this week. What are you reading?

Denise Hunter's Summer Fun Giveaway!

Denise Hunter is celebrating her new Chapel Springs Romance series with a Summer Fun Giveaway. The first book, Barefoot Summer, is already a favorite with readers. “Hold-your-breath romance, heartache, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s more than a good read. It’s a delight.” -- Lisa

Summer: it’s all about sunny skies, star-gazing, swimming, spending time with loved ones, and living as if a small part of the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.

Get ready for some serious summer fun with Denise’s 12-Day Summer Fun giveaway. From June 10-21, keep your computer near as you head to the lake or your friend’s barbecue because Denise will be giving away a summer essential each day!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

"It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey where we share what we're reading and our goals for the week.

What I Read Last Week ...

Two completely different books ... but enjoyed them both!

What I'm Reading Now ...

What I Hope to Read This Week ...

This week will be a bit more busy than usual, so I may not get to read much. Here are a couple that I may pick up if I find some time.

That's what I'm hoping to read this week. What are you reading?

Barefoot Summer: Great Book for a Lazy Summer Day!

Barefoot Summer
by Denise Hunter
Chapel Springs series, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available June 1
Thomas Nelson
336 pages

Buy a copy
Find out what others think

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About the Book
Madison’s heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.

In the years since her twin brother’s drowning, Madison McKinley has struggled to put it behind her. Despite the support of her close-knit family and her gratifying job as a veterinarian in their riverside town, the loss still haunts her.

To find closure, Madison sets out to fulfill her brother’s dream of winning the town’s annual regatta. But first she has to learn to sail, and fast.

Beckett O’Reilly knows Madison is out of his league, but someone neglected to tell his heart. Now she needs his help—and he’ll give it, because he owes her far more than she’ll ever know.
Madison will do anything—even work with the infamous Beckett O’Reilly—to reach her goal. And as much as she’d like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying. As summer wanes, her feelings for him grow and a fledgling faith takes root in her heart.

But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their new love. Can their romance survive summer’s challenges? And will achieving her brother’s dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?

My Thoughts
If you're looking for a book that will sweep you off your feet this summer, Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter is the perfect choice! The plot intrigued me before I ever began reading the book. It just seemed like a unique mix of "issues" and challenges for two people to overcome. As I began reading, though, it sucked me in and I did NOT want to stop reading!!

Beckett was a little ... dreamy, shall we say? Sure, he's got this "bad boy" persona left over from high school, but he's misunderstood by a lot of people. When he offers to help Madison, I just knew I was in for a treat. I think it was about the time he began teaching her to swim—and so patiently!—that I knew we had a real "hero" on our hands!

Madison was an interesting character. I liked her right off the bat and really felt sorry for her at times. I can't imagine what it would be like to lose a sibling, much less a twin. She's tried to move past it, but hasn't really been able to overcome her grief. At times she grated on my nerves because she was so judgmental and a little harsh. But there were other moments when I really connected with her. As I kept reading, I realized that the author really did write Madison well ... even when I was annoyed with her, there were reasons for her behavior/attitudes, and I ended up really liking her.

As you might be able to tell, the characters really drive this book. They made the story for me! The romance was perfect. Plus, there's a great family dynamic that I'm hoping we get to see more of in the rest of the series.

By the end, Barefoot Summer had me itching for a lazy day at the lake (or on the river), which makes this the perfect book for summer! [5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author
Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Denise Hunter Online

Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

Deadly Devotion
by Sandra Orchard
Port Aster series, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Suspense / Romance
Available June 2013
Revell Books
384 pages

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About the Book
Kate knows the truth is out there--but if she's right, that means a killer is out there too.
Research scientists Kate Adams and Daisy Leacock were on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy was suddenly found dead. Kate knows that her mentor's death wasn't suicide or a careless accident--and she's determined to do whatever it takes to unearth the truth about what happened to the woman who changed her life.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker is finding it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gave him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom's just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation into her friend's death, he knows his job is at stake. But despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate may have something to hide.

As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?

My Thoughts
I typically love romantic suspense and have been reading tons of it this year! I was excited to read Deadly Devotion ... and just knew I would love it. Unfortunately, after reading the first 90 pages, I'm still not into the story. I've picked it up and put it back down several times over the past couple of weeks and have decided to move on.

There were two main issues for me ... One, I just didn't connect with Kate. At all. She seemed prone to jumping to conclusions and was all over the place with her "investigation." Two, the story felt a little stilted. At times I wondered if it was supposed to be for a younger audience. It just didn't grip me the way I had hoped it would.

It seems that others have enjoyed the book, so be sure to check out other reviews if you think you might enjoy reading Deadly Devotion. [DNF]

I received a free copy of this book from Revell Books in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author
Sandra Orchard is an active member in American Christian Fiction Writers, The Word Guild, Romance Writers of America, and a local writing group. She recently participated in the Writers' Police Academy for hands-on training and simulations at a police training facility. She is the author of Shades of Truth, Critical Condition, and Deep Cover, which won the Canadian Christian Writing Award for romance in June 2012 and was recognized as one of the top five novels of the year by Family Fiction magazine. Sandra has also received a Daphne DuMaurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense in both the inspirational category and for best score overall. She lives in Niagara, Ontario, Canada. To find out more, please visit www.sandraorchard.com.

An Open Heart by Harry Kraus

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
An Open Heart
by
Harry Kraus

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An Open Heart
by Harry Kraus
Christian Fiction / Contemporary
Available June 2013
David C. Cook Publishers
448 pages

Buy a copy
Read an excerpt
Find out what others think

About the Book
Their Messages—From Beyond the Grave—Might Destroy Him

They hover between life and death, their hearts stopped on the surgery table. And the messages Dr. Jace Rawlings’ open-heart surgery patients bring back from beyond the grave cannot be ignored. For they predict the deaths of people around him, and point a finger of suspicion straight at him.

It thrusts Jace into a firestorm of controversy and danger. A maeltsrom blown by the darker winds of political intrigue and spiritual warfare. And the forces working against him will do anything to stop him from uncovering a truth they will kill to hide. He’d come to Kenya to establish a heart-surgery program for the poor. But what he will find in that place where he grew up will put everything at risk–his marriage, his career . . . his life.

My Thoughts
To be honest, I haven't finished reading this book yet. I've been in a terrible "reading slump" for the past two weeks and sort of took a break altogether. However, I'm about 150 pages in and it's pretty interesting so far. Jace (the main character) is not the most likeable guy, but I'm definitely interested enough in the story to keep reading. I'm hoping that he's going to eventually come around!

I plan to pick this book back up in the next week or two and will update to let you know my thoughts!

I received a free copy of this book from David C. Cook Publishers via CFBA in exchange for my fair and honest review.

A Word from the Author
I started writing my first novel during my last year of surgery training at UK. I was a chief resident, and started writing Stainless Steal Hearts in a call room at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Lexington. It was a crazy time to write! I had a very demanding schedule, often spending days and nights in the hospital. I had two sons at that time, and I recognized the wisdom in my wife's urging: "Now doesn't seem the right time for this dream."

My experience as a writer is far from typical. Having received my formal training in biology and chemistry and medicine, my only preparation for a writing career was a love for reading. The longest thing I'd written before my first novel was a term paper in undergraduate school. My first novel was accepted by Crossway Books and published in 1994, and it wasn't until after I had FOUR published novels that I even opened a book of instruction about the craft of writing fiction. This is not what I recommend to others! Yes, I was successful, but I was bending the "rules" without knowing it. I had a natural talent for plotting, but I realize my initial success may have stunted my growth as a writer. I'd have made faster progress if I'd have gone to the fiction teachers sooner.

I have three sons: Joel, Evan, and Samuel. Look closely in all of my books and you'll see them there. My lovely wife, Kris, provides the basic composition for all those beautiful, athletic, dedicated women in my novels.

Harry Kraus Online

Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook

Character Meet & Greet | Claire Gibson

It's time for a Character Meet & Greet, and I'm excited to welcome Claire Gibson from Deep Haven, Minneosta to i blog 4 books! Claire is featured in Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren.

Claire, I'm so glad you could stop by! Will you introduce yourself to my friends and let them know a little bit about your story?

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Hi. I’m Claire. You might have already seen me at the Deep Haven pizza joint – Pierre’s Pizza.

I make a mean Spinach Pizza. I also tend the flowers at the Deep Haven Community Gardens.

Yeah, that’s right, exciting stuff.

I’m going places.

Actually, okay, I know that’s not funny. My entire life seems to be on hold since I graduated from high school seven years ago. It’s not that I don’t want to do something amazing or exciting. It’s just that…well, I don’t know what that might be.

See, since my best friend, Felicity, died, I seem to be stuck in Deep Haven. I can’t seem to find my groove. I spend most of my time watching over my grandfather, Gibs, and looking in on Tiger and Darek. And Jensen – yes, I see him hanging around also. My heart just hurts for him, even though I can’t bring myself to talk to him.

I know the accident wasn’t his fault. Exactly. No, he has other reasons to feel guilty. And it’s for those reasons I can’t forgive him.

Even if I’ve never stopped loving him. But, he never loved me, so I’m not sure why I’m still pining for him.

No. Not pining. Just…wishing life could have been different for all of us. Wishing that once upon a time Jensen had possessed the courage to could take a chance on me. Then, maybe everything would have been different.

Maybe we all would have had a happily ever after.

So, I’m stuck here in the no-man’s land of grief, regret…confusion, and unless something changes, I guess I’ll be in Deep Haven forever, making pizza, playing in the Blue Monkeys and tending the garden.

And really, nothing exciting ever happens in Deep Haven, right?

Think you'd like to get to know Claire better? Read more of her story in Take a Chance on Me, available now from Tyndale House.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

"It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey where we share what we're reading and our goals for the week.

What I Read Last Week ...

I've been in a DREADFUL reading slump this week! I suppose I knew it was coming; I've been reading at a pretty furious pace for me. I managed to finish one book and a novella, and start several others. It seems that I Really Do Miss Your Smile may have pushed me over the edge ... finally! Hopefully, next week will be a little better. :)

What I'm Reading Now ...

What I Hope to Read This Week ...

Well ... it's hard to say what I hope to read this week. I'm going to try to finish some of the books I started last week, at least start a new non-fiction, and who knows what else?!

That's what I'm hoping to read this week. What are you reading?

Wishing on Willows Is a Stellar Sophomore Novel!

Wishing on Willows
by Katie Ganshert
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available March 2013
WaterBrook Multnomah
320 pages

Buy a copy
Read an excerpt
Find out what others think

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About the Book
Does a second chance at life and love always involve surrender?

A three-year old son, a struggling café, and fading memories are all Robin Price has left of her late husband. As the proud owner of Willow Tree Café in small town Peaks, Iowa,  she pours her heart into every muffin she bakes and espresso she pulls, thankful for the sense of purpose and community the work provides.
                                     
So when developer Ian McKay shows up in Peaks with plans to build condos where her café and a vital town ministry are located, she isn’t about to let go without a fight.

As stubborn as he is handsome, Ian won’t give up easily. His family’s business depends on his success in Peaks. But as Ian pushes to seal the deal, he wonders if he has met his match. Robin’s gracious spirit threatens to undo his resolve, especially when he discovers the beautiful widow harbors a grief that resonates with his own.

With polarized opinions forming all over town, business becomes unavoidably personal and Robin and Ian must decide whether to cling to the familiar or surrender their plans to the God of Second Chances.

My Thoughts
It's not often that I sit down and read books in a series or even just books by the same author back to back. I just like a little variety in my reading. However, about a week after reading Ganshert's debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, I couldn't stand to wait any longer. I HAD to read Wishing on Willows. It was calling to me!

I was excited to learn that this book would indeed be Robin's story. After meeting her in Wildflowers from Winter—immediately following the unexpected death of her husband and following her surprise pregnancy, I almost felt like I needed some closure with Robin. And thankfully, Katie agreed and gave it to readers in Wishing on Willows! The story picks up three years later, and Robin's dream of owning a cafe is proving to be more difficult than she imagined. When Ian shows up and offers to buy it, everyone thinks she should sell. But selling her dream just isn't in the mix for Robin.

Again, the tension between the main characters crackles from the beginning. Ian and Robin seem like they would be great friends, but there's this huge elephant in the room whenever they're together. He wants to buy her cafe ... she doesn't want to sell ... and they're pitted against each other. Plus, they each have pretty tremendous baggage from their marriages. It was interesting to see how they worked through their individual grief. It was a good reminder that things cannot just continue on unsaid and undealt with (is that even a word?). Eventually, we have to deal with things and move on.

It was fun to reconnect with Bethany and Evan three years later as well. And Robin's son is a great addition to the book ... often providing a lighthearted moment when the tension or grief looks like it might get too intense. My fingers are crossed to read more about the Price family ... perhaps Amanda's story could be next?

Katie Ganshert's sophomore release was just as impressive as her debut. It seems I've found a new author to love. Now the big question is ... when will her next book be released?! [5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program in exchange for my fair and honest review.

If you thought this review was helpful, would you please rate it?

About the Author
Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband and their young son. She is the author of Wildflowers from Winter.

Katie Ganshert Online

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