Welcome to the 12 Days of Christmas with your hosts Colleen Coble, Tricia Goyer, and Beth Wiseman! Learn more about each of their books as well as a host of other titles to ring in the Christmas spirit and warm your heart.
HarperCollins Christian is giving away 10 copies of 12
different books each day between November 1-12th. Then on the 12th join
Colleen, Tricia and Beth for a merry Facebook party {5pm Pacific / 8pm
Eastern} and ring in the holiday season.
ENTER each day’s giveaway here.
RSVP for the Christmas Party here!
Good luck and hope to see you on the evening of the 12th!
Holy Night
by Colleen Coble
Aloha Reef series, Christmas Novella
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romantic Suspense
Available November 2013
Thomas Nelson
80 pages
About the Book
One sinister phone call has derailed their wedding. Will they let it tear them apart forever?
A Christmas wedding on the beach—what could be more perfect? Poinsettias and fragrant pikake blossoms, soft sand and mistletoe, the gentle sound of the surf and the wedding march played on a ukulele. This wedding has been a long time coming, with Bane's trust issues and Leia's worries about her childlike sister, Eva.
Now they can hardly wait for the day to arrive. Thrilled to be a bridesmaid, Eva keeps trying on her ruffled dress. The tent is reserved, the caterers paid. Everything is going as planned—until Leia's phone rings and her world skids out of control. A muffled voice informs Leia that Eva's been kidnapped and will be killed unless Leia calls off the wedding without explanation—and no police! If she disobeys instructions and tells Bane, she'll risk her beloved sister's life. But how can she ever handle this without his help? And how can he ever trust her if she lies to him now?
A Christmas wedding on the beach—what could be more perfect? Poinsettias and fragrant pikake blossoms, soft sand and mistletoe, the gentle sound of the surf and the wedding march played on a ukulele. This wedding has been a long time coming, with Bane's trust issues and Leia's worries about her childlike sister, Eva.
Now they can hardly wait for the day to arrive. Thrilled to be a bridesmaid, Eva keeps trying on her ruffled dress. The tent is reserved, the caterers paid. Everything is going as planned—until Leia's phone rings and her world skids out of control. A muffled voice informs Leia that Eva's been kidnapped and will be killed unless Leia calls off the wedding without explanation—and no police! If she disobeys instructions and tells Bane, she'll risk her beloved sister's life. But how can she ever handle this without his help? And how can he ever trust her if she lies to him now?
My Thoughts
Holy Night is another fun story from Colleen Coble! Although I haven't read the other books in the Aloha Reef series, I was able to jump right in and really enjoyed getting to know Bane, Leia, Eva, and their friends/family. Bane and Leia seemed like such a "power" couple, and I was excited to see how they would respond to everything that was thrown at them. With that said, I was a little disappointed with Bane's reaction to a few things. It just seemed ... insensitive! (Perhaps reading the rest of the series will help me understand better!)
If you're looking for a quick read with a little romance and a little mystery, I'd recommend Holy Night. And I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of this series! [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and Litfuse Publicity via Net Galley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
by Colleen Coble
Rock Harbor series, Christmas Novella
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romantic Suspense
Available November 2012
Thomas Nelson
80 pages
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About the Book
As Christmas day nears, Bree and her
faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling
mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.
Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior's icy shore.
As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she's admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.
Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree's prayer for a baby ever be answered?
Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior's icy shore.
As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she's admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.
Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree's prayer for a baby ever be answered?
My Thoughts
What a fun story! I really liked Bree ... she just seemed so down-to-earth and a little feisty. My kind of woman! The mystery part of the story happened pretty quickly (but the book is only 80 pages!), but it was still an intriguing plot.
I really enjoyed the secondary story as well, which revolved around the relationship between an adoptive mom, a birth mom, and the baby given up for adoption several years prior. It was just a sweet story and really made me think.
If you've read the rest of the Rock Harbor series, I think you'll enjoy this story. If you haven't read the other books in the series (like me!), Silent Night provides a nice introduction to the characters. I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest of the series ... and soon! [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and Litfuse Publicity via Net Galley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards
ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA's
RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers'
Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in
print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice
prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a
member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in
Indiana.
Colleen Coble Online
by Tricia Goyer
Christian Fiction / Historical / Amish / Romance
Available September 2013
Zondervan
192 pages
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About the Book
Inspired by a true story, A Christmas Gift for Rose is a heartwarming novella of sacrifice and deep love.
Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns the truth of her birth. She was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind---Englischers? And was her intended's gift of discovering her birth family given out of love or fear?
Don't miss award-winning author Tricia Goyer's first Christmas novella.
Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns the truth of her birth. She was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind---Englischers? And was her intended's gift of discovering her birth family given out of love or fear?
Don't miss award-winning author Tricia Goyer's first Christmas novella.
My Thoughts
Every time I read a book by Tricia Goyer, I'm amazed by the level of emotion her writing evokes from me. In this story I definitely felt a wide range of emotions—from frustration and sorrow to sympathy and hope. Also, I was impressed by how well she developed each character. At the end of this 192 pages, I felt as though I had truly gotten to know each of the characters. Additionally, this isn't just a simple, sweet Christmas story. Tricia uses this story to talk about tough topics like adoption, what truly makes a family, struggles of soldiers returning home from war, and the need for solid faith in God.
As is true with many books, I wasn't quite ready to put the book down when I finished, but I loved every minute spent with the Rose and her family. I've already thought of several others who are sure to enjoy this book, and I'm thinking this might be the perfect addition to a Christmas gift! [5 stars]
I never know what to expect from a novella. Will the story feel
incomplete? Will it be too short? Will it come off as a bit cheesy? I'm
often surprised (pleasantly), but Tricia Goyer's Christmas novella, A Christmas Gift for Rose, blew me away! If it gives you any indication, I plowed through that sweet story in a day. A day!
Every time I read a book by Tricia Goyer, I'm amazed by the level of emotion her writing evokes from me. In this story I definitely felt a wide range of emotions—from frustration and sorrow to sympathy and hope. Also, I was impressed by how well she developed each character. At the end of this 192 pages, I felt as though I had truly gotten to know each of the characters. Additionally, this isn't just a simple, sweet Christmas story. Tricia uses this story to talk about tough topics like adoption, what truly makes a family, struggles of soldiers returning home from war, and the need for solid faith in God.
As is true with many books, I wasn't quite ready to put the book down when I finished, but I loved every minute spent with the Rose and her family. I've already thought of several others who are sure to enjoy this book, and I'm thinking this might be the perfect addition to a Christmas gift! [5 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35
books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series
and "Lead Your Family Like Jesus," (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She
has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for
high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is
the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live
in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children.
Tricia Goyer Online
by Beth Wiseman
Daughters of the Promise series, Book 6
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Amish / Romance
Available November 2013
Thomas Nelson
320 pages
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About the Book
A Daughters of Promise book.
Anna's grandfather seems determined to ruin her Rumspringa . . . and any hopes she has of finding a husband.
Anna Byler should be enjoying her Rumspringa as allowed by her faith. But because of the strict rules enforced by her grandfather—the bishop—the available suitors in town are afraid to court her. Even Anna's grandmother is keeping a big secret from Anna's grandfather in an effort to keep the peace. Under her grandfather's oppressive watch, Anna begins to feel her faith slipping and wonders if God has forsaken her.
Anna's grandfather seems determined to ruin her Rumspringa . . . and any hopes she has of finding a husband.
Anna Byler should be enjoying her Rumspringa as allowed by her faith. But because of the strict rules enforced by her grandfather—the bishop—the available suitors in town are afraid to court her. Even Anna's grandmother is keeping a big secret from Anna's grandfather in an effort to keep the peace. Under her grandfather's oppressive watch, Anna begins to feel her faith slipping and wonders if God has forsaken her.
Jacob Hostetler and his family have relocated to Lancaster County following a family tragedy in Ohio. As his family struggles to rebuild their lives, Jacob is forced to act as head of the household when his father is unable to cope with recent events. It's been a long time since Jacob has felt any joy. Until he meets Anna Byler. But will Anna's grandfather succeed at keeping them apart? And can Jacob put the past behind him and open his heart?
My Thoughts
I don't read a ton of Amish fiction and am super selective when I do. The premise of Plain Peace intrigued me. For some reason, I don't often think of the Amish as being plagued with family problems. I suppose it has to do with the simple lives they lead. But Plain Peace looks at the problems that two Amish families are facing. Anna struggles with an overly strict grandfather—whom she finds out many of the others in their community either fear or dislike. Jacob's family is wrestling with the repercussions of a terrible tragedy and are trying to rebuild their lives. Anna and Jacob form a special friendship as they both face these difficulties.
I especially liked the two main characters—Anna and Jacob. They're each caught between feelings of loyalty toward their family and the desire for things to change. On the cusp of adulthood, they must figure out how to determine the two. I thoroughly enjoyed Plain Peace and heartily recommend it! [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and Litfuse Publicity via Net Galley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
Beth is a Carol Award Winner, Inspirational Readers Choice Winner, INSPY
Winner, and the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise
series and the Land of Canaan series. All of her books have held spots
on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller
list and the CBA (Christian Book Association) bestseller list. She grew
up in Houston, Texas and now resides in a small town west of Houston
with a population of around 300. She lives with her husband, two dogs,
two cats, two pot bellied pigs, two chickens and a pygmy goat. Her two
grown sons also live in Texas. Beth has been writing in some capacity
for most of her life. She's a former award-winning journalist with
eleven honors, including 'First Place News Writing' for The Texas Press
Association. However, writing love stories with a spiritual message is
where her heart is. When Beth isn't writing (which is seldom these days)
she enjoys traveling, cooking, fishing, reading, or just settling in
for a good movie. Her best times are spent with family and friends!
Beth Wiseman Online
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