It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist

My Thoughts:

It Happened at the Fair, by Deeanne Gist, is a historical romance that takes place during the 1893 World's Fair.  Cullen McNamara is there to showcase his sprinkler system and Della Wentworth is a teacher of the deaf.  Fate brings them together when Cullen rescues Della as she's caught in the middle of a mob of people overly excited to see President Cleveland.  

History lovers will delight in this Christian romance that introduces the reader to famous people such as Grover Cleveland and Helen Keller.  Such an interesting twist combining factual and fictional characters!  It's clear that Deeanne Gist has thoroughly done her historical research- impressive!  I found the pictures of the Chicago World's Fair showcased at the beginning of each chapter to be an interesting touch.  Unfortunately, for much of the book, the main characters were a bit shallow and boring, in my opinion.  I found it difficult to connect with them and longed for more excitement than they could deliver.  My interest waned early on and it was hard for me to stay focused on the story.  It Happened at the Fair does have it's shining moments, though.  For example, the evening when Della thinks Cullen is lying about being a farmer and makes him "prove" it to her by taking off his shirt- gasp!  If history with a bit of romance is your cup of tea, this book should be on your wish list!

Back Cover:

A transporting historical novel about a promising young inventor, his struggle with loss, and the attractive teacher who changes his life, all set against the razzle-dazzle of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.

Gambling everything, including the family farm, Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with his most recent invention. But the noise in the Fair's Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.

The young teacher is reluctant to participate, and Cullen has trouble keeping his mind on his lessons while intently watching her lips. Like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, he is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground, or will he be carried away?  

About the Author:

Deeanne Gist, known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee, has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical & contemporary romances. Add to this three RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you've got one recipe for success.

To learn more visit  http://Iwantherbooks.com  

Deeanne Gist is celebrating the release of It Happened at the Fair with an iPad Mini Giveaway and a Live Author Chat Webcast event {5/22}!

 
One "fair" winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini


• A $25 iTunes gift card
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 21st. Winner will be announced at the "It Happened at the Fair" Live Webcast Event on May 22nd. Connect with Deeanne for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deeanne will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of It Happened at the Fair and join Deeanne and friends on the evening of May 22nd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 22nd!




*I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publications in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Pastors' Wives by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen




My Thoughts:

Pastors' Wives, written by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, is an intriguing peek into the lives of three fictional women.  The book is clever, revealing and often very humorous.  We're all human, and Pastors' Wives allows us a "what if" look into the hearts and minds of "super star" mega church leaders.  To be honest, I was put off a bit at the beginning of this book as it appeared that Mrs. Cullen was slightly critical of the topic of religion, but when I allowed myself to relax I really enjoyed what she had to say.  Her three main characters, Candace, Ginger and Ruthie are women just like you and me.  They have secrets, worries and all have a longing to be loved and accepted.  Lisa Takeuchi Cullen writes with a magnificent sharpness and intelligence that allows her readers to see and almost hear her characters. Ms. Cullen is quite the gifted writer!  For example...

 Here is the first "sight" of the Greenleaf Church:

"We stepped through the sliding glass doors into the lobby of the church.  I sniffed the air.  It smelled not unlike the lobby of a hotel in Manhattan where I'd once met Vivian for drinks.  Like new suits and Christmas.  Then, as if two fingers had hooked into my nostril and given them a yank, the smell of coffee invaded and obliterated all else.  I spied the source: a smoothie bar and cafe, it's line snaking in a neatly squashed M.  Next to it was the bookstore, a cozy Barnes & Noble-type shop with cherrywood shelves and stripy sofas.  At it's entrance stood a life-size cardboard cutout of Aaron and Candace Green, the same image from their latest book cover."

I felt like I was there!

I identified most with the Ginger as she struggles with forgiving herself due to past mistakes (although my past is not quite so interesting or "colorful"!) and speaking up for her needs.  I wish I looked a bit more like her, though!  "...Hair the color of a Miami sunrise, Julie Roberts smile, hand span waist and Barbie doll legs...".   She's a wonderful wife and mother but can't seem to to be able to find her place in the life.  At one point she even runs away from home.  Ginger's journey to discover her voice is both heartbreaking and inspiring.  I was beyond thrilled that Ginger was able to help her broken friend, CeeCee.  Beautiful.  (You'll must read the book to find out about Ginger and CeeCee.;) )

*Please note that Pastors' Wives is not considered to be Christian fiction.  It's rather an interesting and sympathetic look into the lives of women who are, in a way, married to men who are married to the church.  There are a few foul words and unsavory topics (pornography, infidelity, spousal abuse, etc.) but they are presented in a way that showcases forgiveness and fresh starts.  Life is not always Rated G! ;)*

More About Pastors' Wives:

What's it like when the man you married is already married to God? asks Pastors' Wives, an often surprising yet always emotionally true first novel set in a world most of us know only from the outside.

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen's debut novel Pastors' Wives follows three women whose lives converge and intertwine at a Southern evangelical megachurch. Ruthie follows her Wall Street husband from New York to Magnolia, a fictional suburb of Atlanta, when he hears a calling to serve at a megachurch called Greenleaf. Reeling from the death of her mother, Ruthie suffers a crisis of faith-in God, in her marriage, and in herself. Candace is Greenleaf's "First Lady," a force of nature who'll stop at nothing to protect her church and her superstar husband. Ginger, married to Candace's son, struggles to play dutiful wife and mother while burying her calamitous past. All their roads collide in one chaotic event that exposes their true selves. Inspired by Cullen's reporting as a staff writer for Time magazine, Pastors' Wives is a dramatic portrayal of the private lives of pastors' wives, caught between the demands of faith, marriage, duty, and love. 

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen is celebrating the release of her debut novel, Pastors' Wives, with an iPad Mini Giveaway and connecting with readers on Facebook on May 23rd!







One winner will receive:

An iPad Mini

A $25 iTunes gift card

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "Pastors' Wives" Author Chat Party on May 23rd. Connect with Lisa for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Lisa will also be giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.





So grab your copy of Pastors' Wives and join Lisa on the evening of May 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

*I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publications in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

The House that Love Built by Beth Wiseman

My Thoughts:

The House that Love Built  has been proudly placed on my list of most favorite books.  On our last family road trip I shared the story with my family and even read passages to them.  I couldn't help myself!  It would make a heartwarming family movie as the characters stay with you long after the last page.  The House that Love Built is a love story filled with second chances, beautifully flawed characters and a mystery just waiting to be solved!  Reading it is like a summer day at the beach- I never wanted it to end!  I particularly enjoy the way Beth Wiseman wove together the story lines of her characters.  Seemingly unconnected people touch the lives of others in a significant and wonderful way.  The relationship of one of the main characters, Owen, and Hunter, a troubled teenager, is an inspiring leap of faith that thoroughly touched my heart.  Brooke Holloway's parents storyline is filled with grace and forgiveness- a shining example of second chances.  Brooke and Owen, the main characters, are refreshing and, at times, laugh out loud hilarious together!  The passionate spark they share almost leaps off the pages of the book!  

The House that Love Built is filled with humor, love and loss, forgiveness and grace.  I absolutely and completely loved it!

About The House That Love Built:

Brooke has only loved one man, her late husband. Owen’s rebuilding after a painful divorce. Can a mysterious house bring them together for a second chance at love?

In the charming town of Smithville, Texas, Brooke Holloway is raising two young children on her own, supporting them by running the family hardware store. The last thing on her mind is falling in love. But she’s intrigued when a stranger moves to town and buys the old Hadley mansion. She’s always heard that house holds a secret—maybe even a treasure—and she can’t wait to see inside. When she meets the new owner and they spend time together, she can’t deny the attraction. Could God be giving her another chance at happiness? Or is she betraying her late husband’s memory by even thinking that way?

Owen Saunders bought the Hadley place to spite his cheating ex-wife. She’d always wanted to restore an old house in Smithville. Now he’s going to do it without her. But if anything needs restoration, it is Owen’s heart. Then he meets Brooke and her kids and finds himself tempted by love. Can he bring himself to trust a woman again?

Throw an eccentric uncle into the mix, along with the town’s teenage troublemaker, and even a finicky cat—and one thing becomes clear: God is bringing them all together for a reason.

Purchase a copy here.

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! BethWiseman.com

*I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publications in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Hunt for the Devil's Dragon by Marianne Hering (The Imagination Station)

 

My Thoughts:

My 10 year old read Hunt for the Devil's Dragon to me.  She loved it!  In fact, as soon as she finished it, we went right to the library and requested more books from this series.  I enjoyed the story line, as well,  because it was pulse pounding (children being sacrificed to a dragon to save the town!) but also contained a message (finding courage to help others that are being bullied).  It begins and ends at Whit's End but what happens in between is thrilling and even a bit scary at times.  Perfect for keeping children's (and adult's!) attention!  The Imagination Station series is a bit like Magic Treehouse books in that there is mysterious travel to exotic and sometimes historical locations.  My daughter prefers the Imagination Station books as she feels that the main characters are "more fun and exciting" than the ones in Magic Treehouse books.  In fact, I had to give her Magic Treehouse books away last year with many of them unread!  I thought she had just outgrown them and yet she can't get enough of the Imagination Station books.  I know what she'll be reading this summer!

Oh, another thing my daughter really liked about Hunt for the Devil's Dragon was the end of the book. The story was really enjoyable but there was more!  At the back of the book there was a secret word puzzle.  Once she solved it, she went to TheImaginationStation.com and claimed her prize!  I won't tell you what it is as I hate to ruin surprises.  Read this book and see for yourself. ;)

In fact, Read the first chapter here.

Back Cover:

If you’re brave, follow cousins Beth and Patrick to Libya in the 13th century. The town of Silene is being terrorized by a vicious animal that is eating livestock. The townspeople believe it’s a dragon sent by the devil. In order to appease the beast, the people believe they must offer a human sacrifice—a young girl named Sabra. When Beth tries to help Sabra escape, she too is tied up as an offering for the dragon. Meanwhile, Patrick and a new friend named Hazi join Georgius, a Roman knight who is serving in Africa to keep peace. Georgius decides to find the dragon and kill it. Georgius’s plans go awry when Beth and Sabra beg him not to kill the dragon. The girls know the true secret of Silene—the dragon isn’t its worst enemy.

Marianne Hering

Marianne has written for children since 1987 when she joined the editorial staff of Focus on the Family Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines. In the 1990s she wrote six children's mystery books and more than 40 Bible phonic readers (with co-author Margaret Wilber) for Cook Communications. Now a general book editor for Focus on the Family, she has turned her passion for children's fiction into developing a series for beginning readers who love adventure.

*I was given a copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney

My Thoughts:

 This is not a book you put down and forget about.  The Face of the Earth delves deep into your soul and leaves readers guessing, doubting, minds full of questions.  Mitch Brannon's wife, Jill, is returning home from a trip and, get this, she doesn't makes it back.  There are no clues except an ex-boyfriend from high school and some jewelry left at the hotel.  Is she still alive?  Did she run away?  Why can't her car be found?  In the midst of all this, Jill's best friend, Shelley, tries desperately to help in any way she can.  The only problem is that she begins to fall in love with Mitch.  Oops.  I raced to the end of this thriller as I had to find out what happened to Jill.   I thought I knew the answer but...

The storyline in The Face of the Earth is unique and compelling.  What would you do, how would you feel if your best friend, wife or husband just disappeared?  This book would be an excellent selection for a book club as there are no right or wrong answers to these questions.  I really enjoyed Mitch Brennan as he never gave up on his wife, his kids or his life.  The poor man was haunted and broken but He laid it all at the Lord's feet.  I truly couldn't put this book down. 

About The Face of the Earth:

When Mitchell Brannon's beloved wife of twenty years kisses him goodbye one autumn morning, he has little idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised Jill's car isn't in the garage. Her conference in Kansas City is only a few hours' drive from their little town of Sylvia, Missouri. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. "Hey, babe, I'm just now checking out of the hotel, but I'll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you."

Mitch sets the table with their best china and lights some candles, looking forward to their first weekend as empty nesters.

But at eight o'clock, the candles have burned to stubs and Jill still hasn't shown up. Mitch tries her cell phone only to get her voice mail over and over again. Their two college kids haven't heard from their mom either.
At midnight, Mitch's irritation turns to dread. And later, when the police and Missouri Highway Patrol have turned up nothing, the Kansas City hotel calls to say they've found property belonging to Jill in a hotel maid's possession.

Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill's best friend, Shelley, and together they search for clues to Jill's disappearance. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, Mitch and Shelley's friendship grows ever closer--and decidedly complicated with Jill as the tie that binds them together. Just when Shelley decides to finally reveal her feelings for Mitch, a clue to Jill's whereabouts is uncovered. But every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.

Deborah Raney is the award-winning author of several novels, including "A Nest of Sparrows" and the RITA award winning "Beneath a Southern Sky" and its sequel, "After the Rains". Deborah's first novel, "A Vow to Cherish", was the inspiration for World Wide Pictures' highly acclaimed film of the same title, which in December 2004 aired on prime time network TV for the second time. Deb's novella, "Playing by Heart", was a National Readers Choice Award winner and a 2004 Christy Award finalist. Her novel for Howard/Simon & Schuster, "Yesterday's Embers", appeared on the ECPA Christian fiction bestseller list. Known for her sensitive portrayal of family struggles and relationships, Deb has also written nonfiction books and articles and often speaks at women's retreats and writers' conferences around the country. She and her husband, illustrator/author Ken Raney, have four children and make their home in Kansas. 

Find out more at DeborahRaney.com

Deborah is celebrating with a fun "Date Night" Giveaway (win a $200 Visa Cash Card!) and an Author Chat Party on Facebook! {5/30}





 

 One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one – your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)


• The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 29th. Winner will be announced at the "The Face of the Earth" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 30th. Connect with Deborah for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deborah will also be sharing a sneak peek of her next book and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.




So grab your copy of The Face of the Earth and join Deborah on the evening of May 30th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)





Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!




*I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publications in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series by Evangeline Kelley

My Thoughts:

I felt like I was on a dream vacation while reading these books!  Beginning with Seaside Harmony, I found myself in Nantucket, meeting three lovely sisters who discover an old, forgotten inn that overlooks the sea.  There are overgrown flowers everywhere, secrets just waiting to be uncovered and a mystery involving a young lady that suspiciously disappeared years ago.  Do I have your attention yet?:)  This series has everything I love!  If I were a writer, this is the kind of story I would love to tell.  Sisters, secrets, a stunning bed and breakfast and even a bit of romance.  Sunflower Summer continues the delightful story of Caroline, Gracie and Sam.  Misty Harbor Inn has been restored to it's glory and clues are slowly being uncovered in the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner of the inn.  I don't want to tell you too much as I want you to read and discover for yourself!  I can't wait to share these books with my friends and family.  Taking a vacation while simply reading a book is something we all can enjoy.:)

Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn is a delightful series of books that include Seaside Harmony, Sunflower Summer and (soon to be released this summer!  I can't wait!!) Whispers from the Dock.

More about the books:

The Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series (Guideposts Books) introduces readers to Caroline, Gracie and Sam as they gather for a vacation where they spent the summers as children, and follows their adventures as they fulfill their mother's dream of opening a bed and breakfast. As the sisters heal from their mother's passing, they bond in ways they never imagined and discover evidence of God's hand in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

A team of four authors come together under the pen name of Evangeline Kelley to bring the unique personalities of each sister to vivid life and welcome audiences to the charming and historic island of Nantucket, complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air.

Seaside Harmony:

Three sisters, a charming inn, hints of mystery and romance, and a gorgeous seaside setting. Summer reading at its finest!

When Caroline Marris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty Harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality? Hand-drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters uncover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880? As Caroline and her sisters work together to make their mom's dream a reality, they bond in ways they never expected.

Sunflower Summer:

Misty Harbor Inn officially opens, and Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, wrestles with an overwhelming decision. As the sisters learn the day-to-day workings of running an inn, Gracie counsels its first guests, newlyweds whose honeymoon seems to be ending before it begins. Meanwhile, Sam's discovery of a clue in a secret room sheds unflattering light on Hannah Montague, who vanished from the house more than one hundred years ago. And as Gracie and Caroline welcome guests to the inn, they are delighted to see how God uses it --- and them --- to deepen relationships and transform lives.

Meet Evangeline Kelley: Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Andrews & Barbara Hanson, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn. Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together.

Find out more about Evangeline athttp://amzn.to/10d3FZM.

Guideposts Books is celebrating the release of their new Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series with a fun giveaway and a Facebook party on May 9th.




One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Nook HD


• Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer by Evangeline Kelley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 8th. Winner will be announced at the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/9. Connect with Patti Berg, Pam Andrews, Barbara Hanson, and Camy Tang (who collaborated together under the pen name, Evangeline Kelley) for an evening of book chat, trivia, and fun! There will also be great giveaways (gift certificates, books, and more) as well as a sneak peek at the next book in the series!








So grab your copies of Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer and join readers just like you on the evening of May 9th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - don't let that stop you from coming!)









Don't miss the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!


*I was given a copy of these books by Litfuse Publications in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Footloose...

Did I mention that I was also going to the ball?

Bought the highest heels of my life and a sparkly dress to match.

I felt quite pretty but I think I should've taken a class on walking in them.

All joking aside, I'm lucky I made it out alive.

Those suckers were high.

(The things we do to feel glamorous, ladies)

The snow did come, as predicted, so we took pictures at a hotel.

It was... unique.

The models were so pretty that they would've looked lovely anywhere.:)

Yes, that's a penguin.

See, told you it was an interesting place.

He matched Mandy's outfit quite well!

The formal was lovely.

Lots of pretty lights and fabulous music.

The food was cold but no one cared.

The girls dresses were gorgeous!

I was crazy with my camera.

(Had to kick off my shoes for this!)

Cupid Shuffle

Macarena

Cha Cha Slide- they were all there.

YMCA, too!

There was even a bit of swing dancing and waltzing...

and Limbo!

(Picture in the parking lot)

I had doubts about my ability to do hair and make-up, but thankfully everything turned out beautifully.

I wasn't allowed to attend dances growing up (think Footloose here) as my parents wanted to protect me.  Things can get a bit out of hand...

Many years later, I think my parents are fine with the whole idea now.

I know they would've loved this evening as it was filled with well behaved teenagers (a few wilder than others, which only added to the fun), loud, heart pumping music, and, of course, lots of raging hormones. (Oh, to be young again!)

And God was there, too.

We prayed before dinner, guidelines were established (in a fun but clear way) and the evening began.

It was absolutely fabulous and I'm so glad I was there to be a part of it.

I wanted to dance soooooo badly but that may be better suited for the privacy of my home.

Well, perhaps I will at the winter formal.;)