A Lovely Christmas Romance from Brenda Minton

The Cowboy's Christmas Courtship
by Brenda Minton
Cooper Creek series, Book 6
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available October 2013
Harlequin Love Inspired
224 pages

Buy a copy
Read an excerpt
Find out what others think

---

About the Book

With her mortgaged farm, rebellious brother and two jobs, Layla Silver is struggling to keep afloat for the holidays. But does she need Gage Cooper riding to her rescue? Back in high school, Gage was nobody's hero. Now he's an injured bull rider home for Christmas to make amends for his checkered past. And something about the stubborn, beautiful Layla has him wanting more than forgiveness. Can a wandering cowboy turn a Christmas courtship into an everlasting love?

My Thoughts

I LOVED this book … possibly my favorite in the Cooper Creek series so far. Gage makes for a dashing hero, and I enjoyed watching him have to really work to get a girl's attention. :) Layla is such a sweetheart, and I felt bad for the constant struggles she faced. I have a hard time asking for help, too, so I really identified with that aspect of her personality. Perhaps there's a good lesson for me in her story. Every time I read about the Coopers, I wish I had a gigantic family like that. Don't get me wrong, I love my small family, but there's something so appealing about a family with a dozen siblings and spouses and children all piled in together for the holidays. The power of a good story, I guess! [4.5 stars]

I received a temporary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Brenda Minton lives in the Ozarks with her husband, three children, a horse, a few cats and a couple of dogs. What she says about herself probably isn't as important as what others say. Her daughter says she is "coffee crazy." She isn't afraid to share that news with complete strangers. Her middle son thinks she is really embarrassing when she wears fuzzy pink slippers to pick him up at school. Her oldest son doesn't comment. He's a smart kid.

Brenda is a country girl who loves to travel. Her dream home is a house on the beach, waves crashing against the shore and a deck where she can have coffee and watch the sun come up.

What does she do when she's not writing? Her kids say she talks on the phone a lot. That's probably true. She's looking into a twelve-step program, but unfortunately she has a lot of enablers who also like to talk on the phone.

She does have other hobbies. She loves to canoe, camp and hike. And of course, drink coffee on the front porch.

Brenda Minton Online

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Waiting on Wednesday | Promise to Return

"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 ...

A Promise to Return by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Howard Books | October 8, 2013

About the Book

When World War II breaks out, Miriam’s fiancé, Henry, is drafted and sent to a conscientious objector camp. But when Henry feels called to fight on the front lines, he goes against the Amish church to follow God’s will—forcing Miriam to choose between the rules of her religion and the leading of her heart.

It’s 1943 and Miriam Coblentz and Henry Mast are nearing their wedding day when the unthinkable happens—Henry is drafted. However, since he is a part of the pacifist Amish tradition, Henry is sent to a conscientious objector Civilian Public Service camp. When he leaves for the work camp, his gaping absence turns Miriam’s life upside down. Little does she know that it’s only the beginning…

When Henry returns home, he brings news that shakes Miriam and their Amish community to the core. He tells Miriam he believes God has called him to enlist in the Army and fight for his country, leaving her to make an important decision. She soon must choose between loyalty to the peaceful life she’s always known and her love for Henry and her faith in their shared destiny.

Two worlds collide in this unforgettable debut novel, providing a fascinating and rare look into Amish culture during World War II. While Henry is battling enemies across the ocean, Miriam struggles between devotion to Henry and her love of the Amish way of life. One question is at the bottom of it all: will she follow her religion or her heart?

Why I Can't Wait to Read It

I'm very selective in the "Amish fiction" I read. However, this story seems totally different from anything I've read yet, so I'm really looking forward to reading how the author creates a story that combines World War II and the Amish!

Sneak Peek of Stranded by Dani Pettrey (& Giveaway!)

Tour Schedule

Sneak Peek of Stranded by Dani Pettrey

Darcy strode down the eerily silent corridor, heading for the elevator. Where was Abby? Perhaps, after returning from the day’s excursion, she’d been called in to help with the evening’s bash on Deck 9. Whatever the cause of Abby’s delay, Darcy wasn’t going to spend the rest of the night waiting. She had signed on with the Bering to aid Abby in an investigation—an investigation she still knew very little about.

Abby’s calls from various Alaskan ports over the past few weeks had been brief—telling Darcy about an adventure journalist opportunity aboard Destiny Cruise Line’s Bering and encouraging her to apply. The last call—the day before Darcy was scheduled to leave California to join the cruise—had been different. It had lasted less than a minute, and there was a heightened urgency to Abby’s tone, true fear—unlike anything she’d heard in her former undercover investigation partner before. She wouldn’t give any details, only frantically confirmed that Darcy was indeed arriving. Whatever Abby was on to, it was big.

For the first time in three years, the hunger of the hunt was back for her. And the beauty of it was that her adventure journalist “cover” was real.

Her adventure credentials and her ability to be on board the ship within forty-eight hours had impressed Destiny Cruise Line and snagged her the spot. She’d been on board little over twelve hours, and already she was anxious to plunge into whatever Abby needed her help with.

She pressed the Up button, tapping her foot until the elevator doors slid open. She stepped inside, hit the button for level 9, and leaned against the rail. Who would have thought she’d ever be back on a case? When she left undercover investigative reporting three years ago, she’d vowed never to return. But this was different. Abby needed her help, she wasn’t totally undercover, and most importantly she wasn’t working for Kevin—that fact alone made all the difference. Or, at least, she tried to convince herself it did.

The elevator moved slowly, or perhaps the anxiety was getting to her. She’d been so restless since she’d left Alaska last December . .  left the McKenna family . . . left Gage. She’d expected to stay in contact, but nothing had come—five months with no phone calls, no e-mails . . . nothing.

She jiggled her leg as the numbers overhead lit with each deck passed—5. 6. 7.

The elevator jerked to a sudden halt at 8, jarring her hard against the back rail. An alarm whirred and the lights dimmed.

You’ve got to be kidding.
 She pressed the 9 button. Nothing. 
“Oh, come on.” 
Depressing the emergency call button, she held it in, trying to ward off the encroaching panic. She was trapped.

About Stranded

When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn't satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn't lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby's position. Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn't the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances. 

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He's surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report. Something sinister is going on and the deeper they dig the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg. 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

About Dani Pettrey 

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters. 

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Tour Giveaway 

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash 

Ends 10/10/13 

*** Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. ***

 a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Tens List with Kathryn Cushman (& Giveaway)

Tour Schedule

I'm excited to host Kathryn Cushman today as part of the blog tour for her new book, Chasing Hope. I asked Kathryn to share her Top 10 Most Memorable or Surreal Moments as an Author. A huge thanks to Kathryn for sharing these memories with us!

1. When my first book started showing up in stores, my family and I went down to see it on the shelf. My husband said, "I don't want any of your author copies, I want to buy my own copy." My 14 year-old said, "I want to buy my own copy, too." Then my 9 year-old said, "Me, too." So we left the store that night with three purchased copies of A Promise to Remember.
    
2. Getting a call from Diana, a friend who lives nearby, who had gotten an email from one of her friends who lives in South Africa. Seems this friend had bought one of my books (in South Africa!), read it, and then while looking through the acknowledgments, saw Diana's name. It's a small world, even half the world away.
    
3. Calling my mother (who had been my first reader, early editor, and cheerleader for several years) to tell her that I had a book contract.
    
4. My very first hometown book signing, when over 100 people turned out, including former elementary teachers, Sunday School teachers, and high school pals I hadn't seen in a couple of decades.
    
5. Seeing my daughter's homework assignment about what the other members of her family do. For me, the answer was, "My mother doesn't really do anything. She just stays at home and reads and writes."
    
6. Twice being a finalist for the Carol Award.
    
7. Holding my very first copy of my very first book.
    
8. There are several reader's letters that make my "most memorable"-- since these are all highly personal, I won't say more.
    
9. Signing my first contract
    
10. Being featured in "Publishers Weekly".

About Chasing Hope

A Personal Drama of Shattered Dreams and Second Chances 

A talented runner fully committed to Olympic dreams, Sabrina Rice's future was shattered by a devastating diagnosis. One forfeited scholarship and several years later, she has new goals and dreams that have nothing to do with running--something that's become far too painful to think on. 

Until the day she sees Brandy Philip running across the community college campus, easily outpacing security. Sabrina immediately recognizes world-class speed, and it's all the more painful that it belongs to a teenage graffiti artist. When a chance encounter brings the two young women together, Sabrina becomes Brandy's best hope for staying out of juvenile hall. Soon, Sabrina begins to feel an uncomfortable nudge that her new life is just about to be toppled...that God may be calling her to minister to this talented but troubled girl.   

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

About Kathryn Cushman

Author Kathryn "Katie" Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy. She is the author of five novels, including Leaving Yesterday and A Promise to Remember, which were both finalists for the Carol Award in Women's Fiction. She is also the co-author of Angel Song with Sheila Walsh. Kathryn and her family currently live in Santa Barbara, California.

Website * Facebook

Tour Giveaway 

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash 

 Ends 10/17/13 

*** Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. ***   

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Another Fun Read from Cheryl Wyatt

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Nurse's Secret Suitor
by
Cheryl Wyatt

The Nurse's Secret Suitor
by Cheryl Wyatt
Eagle Point Emergency series, Book 3
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available October 2013
Harlequin Love Inspired
224 pages

Buy a copy
Read an excerpt
Find out what others think

About the Book

Trauma nurse Kate Dalton can handle any challenge—except love. The combat veteran dreams of settling down, but heartbreak is one risk she won't take. Then a chance encounter opens her heart to a masked stranger…who might not be a stranger after all! Caleb Landis, the army medic behind the disguise, has always admired Kate, even though she only saw him as her best friend's brother. What will it take for Kate to discard her fears and discover the man she's always hoped to unmask?

My Thoughts

The Nurse's Secret Suitor was a fun read! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Kate better after reading the previous two books in the series. And Caleb wasn't too shabby either. :) They're relationship progressed slowly and was really more of a friendship for most of the book—kind of a nice change from many books when the characters fall in love in a matter of days.

Some of Caleb's choices (mainly to keep his alter-identity a secret) really frustrated me at times. It seemed deceptive, and I couldn't believe how long he kept the charade going on. But I was at least happy that he was struggling with the decision.

All in all, I thought this was a sweet romance, and I'm so glad I found this series! I look forward to reading more books from Cheryl Wyatt in the future!  [4 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from the author and CFBA in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Cheryl Wyatt's closest friends would never dream of the mayhem she plots during announcements at church. A Registered Nurse-turned-Stay-at-Home-Mom, joyful chaos rules her home and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. She's convinced that having been born on a naval base on Valentine's Day destined her to write military romance.

Her debut novels, A Soldier's Promise and A Soldier's Family release from Steeple Hill publishers in January and March 2008. Prior to publication, Cheryl was published in non-fiction and had six manuscripts place in twelve RWA contests.

Cheryl Wyatt Online

Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Cover Reveal | Haunting Joy by Lena Goldfinch

I'm back with a special-edition cover reveal! Lena Goldfinch designs pretty book covers and I've enjoyed highlighting three of them over the last few months. Today I'm excited to highlight the cover of Lena's own book! And what's even more fun is that I'm highlighting TWO covers!

So why two covers? The black & white, special edition cover is for the paperback version of the book only, for some extra “spooky” fun. The pink and purple cover is for the e-book version. I love the idea of having two covers ... and possibly appealing to two different groups of people. And to be honest, I can't decide which one I like better. The pink cover gives a sweeter feel, and the black and white cover is definitely a little more "ghosty." Both are pretty and make me curious about the book itself ... which is the point of a cover after all!

What do you think about the new special edition cover? Which one do you prefer?

About the Book

Joy’s new dress has a secret – one with a little supernatural history, one that’s a little more than she expected.

It all starts one ordinary afternoon, as seventeen-year-old Joy tries on some thrift-store clothes her grandmother gave her. The little white dress fits perfectly. Trouble is, now it won’t leave her alone. Soon Joy is swept up in an extraordinary journey to help a ghost complete some unfinished business. If only that didn’t involve Joy driving through dangerous intersections...or calling up her high-school crush, Nick...or getting stuck at a cemetery after dark.

Will Joy accept this ghostly challenge to be "more"? And just how far will she go to uncover the truth?

Light Paranormal Novella

About the Author & Cover Designer

Lena Goldfinch lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. She writes fiction for young adults, mostly light fantasy with a healthy dose of "sigh-worthy" romance. You can visit her online at her blog.

Blog Tour

Haunting Joy will be released October 20, 2013. To celebrate, there will be a blog tour October 22-31, complete with reviews, giveaways, and Halloween fun! Visit the blog tour page to keep up-to-date on the latest book and blog tour news, including information on how to purchase the special edition paperback when it’s available.

Compassion Prayer Partners | Observant

Compassion sends out a monthly prayer partner newsletter. I love their suggestions of how to pray for our sponsored kids and thought that I would begin sharing these each month. This month's prayer newsletter is from Mark Hanlon, Senior Vice President of Compassion International. Click here to download the October prayer calendar. 

Children notice everything. And I do mean everything! Even when they seem to be innocently playing with their toys, they notice what’s on the television, what’s happening out the window and every word we’re saying. How often have you heard something out of your child’s mouth and realized they were simply imitating you?

As we interact with children, we strive to make sure that the things they notice are positive, life-giving and encouraging. We want to be good role models for the children who are watching and soaking in our every move, every word.

I am especially aware of this when I travel with Compassion. So many of the children we serve have observed tragedy and heartache. But when they come to their child development centers, they quietly observe a different world. I am constantly reminded how our staff demonstrate love and kindness to each child. Little boys who have no father figures watch the staff lead and serve sacrificially. And little girls who grow up thinking they have no value see women who are educated and confident. They observe and notice and soon mirror the love and sacrifice they see in those around them.

This month, join me in praying for positive role models in the lives of the children we serve. Not only in their church-based centers, but in their homes and communities. Pray also for those who are being watched — that the love of God will be seen clearly through them.

And don’t forget, you are being observed too, by the children in your own life! My prayer is that the light and love of God will shine to every person you come in contact with this month!

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 

~ Ephesians 6:18, NIV ~