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Love Finds You in Sugarcreek Ohio

By Serena B. Miller

A mysterious outsider casts a long shadow on Ohio’s Amish country. Policewoman Rachel Troyer has always looked after her three elderly Amish aunts, proprietors of a farmhouse inn near Sugarcreek, Ohio. The idyllic town is popular with tourists, who come to sample its famous Amish goods. But one thing is clear to Rachel — Joe Matthews is no tourist. When the bearded stranger lands on her aunts’ doorstep, begging shelter for himself and his young son, Rachel is suspicious.

Will she be able to uncover Joe’s secrets despite her aunts’ — and her own — growing affection for him?

ISLAND BREEZES

Rachel Troyer is a police officer who is just trying to look out for the welfare of her three elderly Amish aunts. There’s a problem. They just won’t cooperate. How can you expect these women who have worked hard all their live to slow down and relax a little? They don’t know how to relax.

Rachel finally convinces them to close down their bed and breakfast, but they refuse to promise not to take in strays. Along comes Joe and his son – down on their luck from the looks of them. Of course, the sisters put them up overnight in one of their small cabins.

Joe and Bobby stay on longer than overnight, and this has Rachel confused and a bit steamed. The aunts refuse to throw them out. They are sure the Lord sent the two so the sisters could take care of them. Rachel thinks Joe is a con artist and doesn’t trust him.

Eventually Rachel has to admit her feelings for Joe are growing (and that she’s fallen totally in love with little Bobby). But she still doesn’t trust him. She knows he’s hiding a secret. It gets very interesting when she finds out the secret.

I’ve enjoyed all the Love Finds You books that I’ve read, but I especially grew attached to the people in Sugarcreek. Thank you, Ms Miller.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.”

Prior to writing novels, Serena Miller wrote for many periodicals, including Woman’s World, Guideposts, Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine, Reader’s Digest, Focus on the Family, Christian Woman, and The Detroit Free Press Magazine. She has spent many years partnering with her husband in full-time ministry and lives on a farm in southern Ohio near a thriving Amish community.

One More Last Chance

By Cathleen Armstrong

Some things never change . . . and some things change you forever.

Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason–because it doesn’t change. After a relationship gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip ‘n’ Dine, he’s shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.

As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance–just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.

With the same evocative writing and charming characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites you back to Last Chance for a heartwarming, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of life in a small town.

ISLAND BREEZES

Sarah came home to Last Chance because it doesn’t change. Newcomer Chris has purchased a local restaurant precisely because he wants to make changes in Last Chance.

Everyone loves the Dip ‘n’ Dine, especially the daily specials. Why would he want to mess with that? Not even the cook wants to try something new.

It’s highly unlikely that those two could ever get together, but Sarah’s Aunt Elizabeth seems determined to push them into a relationship. Chris doesn’t seem to mind the idea, but Sarah – no way, Jose. She has her own little house and a job teaching when school starts in the fall. She doesn’t need anything else.

As usual in life, it’s not all smooth sailing, especially for Chris. He needs more customers. Plus he has to deal with his sister and his niece. He definitely does not have a run-of-the-mill family.

I’d like to be able to show up in Last Chance and drop in the diner. I really like these people. Please take us back to Last Chance again in your next book, Ms Armstrong.

***A special thank you to Lanette Haskins for providing a review copy.***

Cathleen Armstrong is the award-winning author of Welcome to Last Chance. Though she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. Learn more at www.cathleenarmstrong.com.

Pressed Pennies

By Steven Manchester

Rick and Abby grew up together, became best friends, and ultimately fell in love. Circumstance tore them apart in their early teens, though, and they went on to lives less idyllic than they dreamed about in those early days. Rick has had a very successful career, but his marriage flat-lined. Abby has a magical daughter, Paige, but Paige’s father nearly destroyed Abby’s spirit.

Now fate has thrown Rick and Abby together again. In their early thirties, they are more world-weary than they were as kids. But their relationship still shimmers, and they’re hungry to make up for lost time. However, Paige, now nine, is not nearly as enthusiastic. She’s very protective of the life she’s made with her mother and not open to the duo becoming a trio. Meanwhile, Rick has very little experience dealing with kids and doesn’t know how to handle Paige. This leaves Abby caught between the two people who matter the most to her. What happens when the life you’ve dreamed of remains just inches from your grasp?

Pressed Pennies is a nuanced, intensely romantic, deeply heartfelt story of love it its many incarnations, relationships in their many guises, and family in its many meanings. It is the most accomplished and moving novel yet from a truly great storyteller of the heart.

ISLAND BREEZES

Abby’s husband is a verbally abusive drunk who makes life miserable for her and her daughter Paige. Eventually Abby quits trying to fight it. After the divorce she and Paige move a couple towns away.

In the mean time, Rick is seeing his “perfect” life as a meaningless burden, and moves on from the marriage that leaves him empty.

by chance, these two childhood friends run into each other. Their renewed friendship blossoms into something more romantic. Well, as romantic as it can be with an eight year old child who is obsessive in her dislike of Rick. Will this romance ever get off the ground when Rick is continually put in last place? There are many ups and downs in this romance, with what appears to be more downs than ups.

I really like Mr. Manchester’s books. He knows how to turn a phrase and touch a heart. I’m looking forward to reading many more of his books.

BTW You’ll need that box of tissues.

***A special thank you to Mr. Manchester for providing a review copy.***

Steven Manchester is the author of the #1 bestsellers, Twelve Months and The Rockin’ Chair. He is also the author of the critically-acclaimed, award-winning novel, Goodnight, Brian, as well as A Christmas Wish (Kindle exclusive), Pressed Pennies (due out May 2014) and Gooseberry Island (due out January 2015). His work has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CBS’s The Early Show, CNN’s American Morning and BET’s Nightly News. Three of Steven’s short stories were selected “101 Best” for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or their four children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing. Visit: www.StevenManchester.com

In Thankful, New York Times bestselling author, Shelley Shepard Gray captures the beauty, devotion, and warmth of Amish life in this engaging tale of family, commitment, trust, and love set in the beloved community of Sugarcreek.

Enter to win the first two books in Shelley’s Return to Sugarcreek series, Hopeful & Thankful.
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Thankful

By Shelley Shepard Gray

Thankful, Book Two in the Return to Sugarcreek series

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray captures the beauty, devotion, and warmth of Amish life in this engaging tale of family, commitment, trust, and love set in the beloved community of Sugarcreek.

Christina Kempf has always known that God chose Aden Reese to be her husband. As children, he was there to save her when she fell through the ice, and he’s been by her side ever since. After his parents died in a car accident ten years ago, the Kempfs raised Aden as one of their own, and everyone sees Aden and Christina as brother and sister. But Christina has never given up hope that Aden will one day ask her to be his wife.

Aden always planned to court Christina. But losing his mother and father changed everything—except his love for her. Her parents generously welcomed him into their home and treated him like a son. He can’t betray their kindness by admitting his feelings for the girl who is like a sister . . . yet so much more.

Pressured by her parents to court, Christina begins to accept the attentions of Sugarcreek’s young men, and now, Aden must make a choice. Will he stand by and watch the love of his life slip away? Or will he risk losing the love and trust of the family he holds dear to tell Christina how he truly feels?

Thankful includes a P.S. section with additional insights from the author, background material, suggestions for further reading, and more.

ISLAND BREEZES

What are you supposed to do when you’re in love with your “brother”? Aden isn’t Christina’s flesh and blood brother, but her parents took him in and raised him as their own when he became an orphan ten years prior.

Aden’s on the hotspot, too. How can he tell these two wonderful people that he wants to marry their daughter – his “sister”? It feels all wrong to him, and the only thing he can think of to do is move away.

It was good to return to Sugarcreek Inn and revisit some of the characters I met previously. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. I see the potential for so many more stories with the people in Sugarcreek. Thank you, Ms Gray.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Friday Night Love

By Tia McCollors

Zenja Maxwell was widowed in her twenties; she never thought she’d be a divorcée, too. Yet that’s the destiny she resigns herself to after learning of her second husband’s infidelity and kicking him out of the house. She plans a cruise with her best friend, Caprice, to take her mind off Roman and celebrate moving on with her life.

But Caprice won’t let her give up that easily, especially when Roman seems committed to reconciling. Caprice and her husband invite Zenja and Roman to Friday Night Love, a weekly event for couples. Zenja hesitates, but the promise of food and fellowship prevails. She figures she can put up with Roman for one night.

At the events, the women are issued a series of Bible-based challenges designed to help them cultivate respect for their husband. Zenja struggles at first; she isn’t even sure she wants to rekindle the relationship. But Roman is persistent in his pursuit of her, even when he discovers that she dallied with cheating herself. Through tragedies, triumphs, and trusted friends, the couple learns never to underestimate the Author of marriage when husbands and wives surrender to Him.

ISLAND BREEZES

Marriage isn’t easy. Zenja can attest to that. Then again, divorce isn’t easy either. All she’s interested in right now is a cruise with her best friend.

Now, we’re talking one interesting cruise. An old school friend just happens to be on the same cruise, and he’s interested in heating up the action.

Back on land she’s being pursued by this man and also by her estranged husband. Zenga finally caves and attends this Friday Night Love thing with her soon to be ex. This weekly get together at the church may just be the thing to get her marriage together. Or not.

I enjoyed this book and have only one minor complaint. That’s trying to figure out how to pronounce the Z names. I ended up just thinking of them as Z and Z girl as I read.

I’m looking forward to Ms McCollors next book in the Days of Grace series.

***A special thank you to Cathy Hickling of Whitaker House for providing a review copy.***

Tia McCollors used to dream of being a television news anchor, but her destiny led her behind the pages instead of in front of the cameras. After earning a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications from UNC-Chapel Hill, she went on to work several jobs in the public relations industry. In 1999, a job layoff prompted Tia to discover and pursue a writing career. Following the birth of her son in 2006, she left the corporate arena to focus on raising her children and her burgeoning writing career.

In addition to being an author, Tia is an inspirational speaker and instructor for writing workshops. She particularly enjoys coaching women of faith, female entrepreneurs, and stay-at-home mothers.

A native of Greensboro, NC, she now lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area with her husband and children.

Fatal Exchange

By Lisa Harris

Desperate times create desperate people. And desperate people are dangerous . . .

Though Emily Hunt comes from a family of cops, the relatively quiet life of a high school teacher suits her just fine. She’s saving up to buy a house, slowly moving forward after her brother’s death, and settling into a life she loves. So the last person she wants to spend time with is Mason Taylor.

An undercover cop, Mason is enemy number one as far as her family is concerned. His involvement in the death of Emily’s brother is still up in the air, and now he expects her to help him with a case. Mason has been working with one of her students, Rafael Cerda, whose brother has been kidnapped by a drug cartel. And with time running out to meet their demands, Rafael is getting desperate.

Emily will have to draw on all of her strength to handle what happens next . . .

Fatal Exchange will draw you into a complex matrix of intertwining lives, unraveling secrets, and unexpected love.

ISLAND BREEZES

Her family might be full of cops, but Emily is quite happy being a school teacher, thank you.

Then Mason, an undercover cop who might be involved in her brother’s death, comes along and has the nerve to ask her to help out in his case. That’s a definite no until she finds out the brother of one of her students has been kidnapped.

That’s just the beginning. Emily and family members end up having their lives endangered. It’s like running through a rat’s maze trying to find the answers.

This is another of those books that you won’t want to put down. And then there’s the ending.

It is going to leave you hanging big time. There’s a short teaser at the end from book three of the Southern Crimes series due out in the spring of 2015. Ms Harris, can you please write a little faster? I don’t think I can wait a year.

***A special thank you to Lanette Haskins for providing a review copy.***

Lisa Harris is a Christy Award finalist and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. The author of more than twenty books, including Dangerous Passage, Harris has spent over ten years living with her family as missionaries in Africa. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.com.

One Perfect Spring

By Irene Hannon

Independent single mom Claire Summers is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Workaholic Keith Watson is interested only in the bottom line–until a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk and changes everything.

As the executive assistant to a philanthropic businessman, Keith is used to fielding requests for donations. But the girl isn’t asking for money. She wants help finding the long-lost son of a neighbor. As Keith reluctantly digs into this assignment in his usual results-oriented style, he has no idea how involved he and Claire will become–nor how unusual the results will actually be. Who could have guessed that a child’s kindhearted request would bring love and hope to so many lives . . . including his own?

Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, fan favorite Irene Hannon offers this tenderhearted story that demonstrates how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms come only after the harshest winters.

ISLAND BREEZES

Claire’s daughter writes a letter to the head of a foundation asking help for her neighbor. Neither Claire nor her daughter have any idea what this letter might stir up.

This turns into a search for an adoptive son who doesn’t want to be found.by Keith, a man with his own issues.You’re going to be blessed with surprises in this book as well as a couple romances.

Be prepared with tissues.You’ll need them towards the end of the book.

This is not the type of Irene Hannon book I usually read. I’m used to those adrenalin filled page turners, but Ms. Hannon has proven she’s not a one genre writer.

Thank you, Ms Hannon, I’m looking forward to your next book, no matter what the genre.

***A special thank you to Lanette Haskins for providing a review copy.***

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of over forty-five books, including That Certain Summer. Her romance and suspense fiction has won many awards, including two coveted RITAs, a Carol, two HOLT Medallions, a National Readers’ Choice, a Daphne du Maurier, a Retailers Choice, and two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its “Top 10 Inspirational Fiction” list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

The latest Quilts of Love release, A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga is receiving glowing reviews.

Emily is celebrating the release of her debut novel with a “Women Helping Women” shopping spree giveaway.

One winner will receive:

• $200 to spend at Emily’s favorite shops, Noonday Collection & Vibella (Click through to learn more about how these companies exist to make a difference in the lives of women!)
• A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga
• A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva Gibson
• Rival Hearts by Tara Randel

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 10th. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog on May 12th. Then be sure to stop by the Quilts of Love Facebook page on May 29th for the “Quilting Bee” Facebook party with Emily and other Quilts of Love authors. RSVP for an evening of book chat, quilting tips & tricks, prizes, and more!

Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

A Promise in Pieces

By Emily T. Wierenga

Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women’s fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories.

A baby quilt touches many hearts as it travels from family-to-family and through generations.

After the end of World War II, Clara Kirkpatrick returns from the Women’s Army Corp to deliver a dying soldier’s last wishes: convey his love to his young widow, Mattie, with apologies for the missed life they had planned to share.

Struggling with her own post-war trauma, Clara thinks she’s not prepared to handle the grief of this broken family. Yet upon meeting Mattie, and receiving a baby quilt that will never cuddle the soldier’s baby, Clara vows to honor the sacrifices that family made.

Now a labor and delivery nurse in her rural hometown, Clara wraps each new babe in the gifted quilt and later stitches the child’s name into the cloth. As each new child is welcomed by the quilt, Clara begins to wonder whatever happened to Mattie—and if her own life would ever experience the love of a newborn. Little does she know that she will have the opportunity to re-gift the special quilt—years later and carrying even greater significance than when it was first bestowed.

ISLAND BREEZES

All I can say is you’d better have that box of tissues handy, because you can’t get through this book without them.

Clara began her nursing career caring for wounded WWII soldiers, but after the war, the only way she could use her skills was as a midwife assisting the local doctor.

In between those two professions she delivered a note from a dying soldier to his widow. She came back home with a baby quilt that would never see it’s original purpose.

Clara gave this quilt to the used with each new baby she delivered. She embroidered every baby’s name on it. Along the way this led into the founding of an organization to memorialize deceased veterans.

On a trip to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, life makes a significant detour for Clara and her family.

Ms Wierenga gives us food for thought on many levels in this touching novel.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Emily Wierenga is a former editor, ghostwriter, freelance writer and staff journalist, a monthly columnist for The Christian Courier, and the author of Save My Children (Castle Quay Books, 2008), Chasing Silhouettes (Ampelon Publishing, 2012) and Mom in the Mirror (Rowman & Littlefield, 2013). Emily resides in Alberta, Canada. This is her first novel.