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Saturday, June 3, 2017

Return to Huckleberry Hill By Jennifer Beckstrand Book Review! On tour with Celebrate Lit

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Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

Return To Huckleberry HillClick here to purchase
Book: Return to Huckleberry Hill
Author: Jennifer Beckstrand
Genre: Inspirational Amish Romance
Release Date: May 30, 2017
When it comes to matchmaking, Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s unstoppable octogenarians Anna and Felty Helmuth never seem to run out of opportunities—or grandchildren…
Reuben Helmuth is plenty bitter. John King, his best friend—or so he thought—is engaged to the girl Reuben loved. Humiliated, Reuben flees from Ohio to his grandparents’ home on Huckleberry Hill, where he knows he’ll find comfort. He’s enjoying wallowing in his misery—until John’s sister, Fern, shows up. She won’t stop pestering Reuben about forgiveness—or trying to help him find love again. Yet Fern’s efforts only reawaken Reuben’s long-buried feelings—for her…
With her brother too ashamed to face Reuben, it’s fallen to Fern to help mend fences. But as she and the Helmuths do all they can—even organizing a knitting club event filled with eligible girls—it may take one more challenge to inspire Reuben to forget his heartache, recognize his own blunders, and embrace the true love that’s right in front of him…

About the Author

jennifer Beckstrand 1Jennifer Beckstrand is the award winning Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hillseries and The Honeybee Sisters series for Kensington Books. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth and the Honeybee sisters’ aendi Bitsy. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a passion for Jane Austen and Shakespeare. She and her husband have been married for thirty-two years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and soon-to-be six adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Guest post from Jennifer Beckstrand

Anna Helmuth is starting a knitting club, but that’s not all she’s got up her sleeve.
SCAN0129-1
My family. I have five sisters and no brothers. I think my mom made every dress in this photo, including her own.
In Return to Huckleberry Hill, Anna Helmuth and Fern King decide to start a knitting club in order to introduce Anna’s grandson Reuben to some girls from Bonduel, Wisconsin. Anna is a very good knitter, with years of practice making baby blankets, scarves, mittens, and potholders. One of Anna’s scarves actually saved someone’s life, and her potholders have helped her make many a match.
When I was a young teenager, I learned how to knit and crochet. My mom taught me how to sew and quilt, and I made several of my own dresses in high school. I never learned to love sewing, but it was an invaluable skill that I am so grateful to have. Now that I’m a little older, I love putting together simple quilts for baby gifts and making quilts for the local children’s hospital. There is nothing like a homemade gift to say, “I care about you.”
I have a friend who is a wonderful cook. Making a delicious, beautiful meal is how she tells her family she loves them. I don’t consider myself a great cook, but I still take pride in putting something nutritious and satisfying on the table for my family.
It seems to me that some of the “home arts” that our mothers and grandmothers practiced are dying out. Who knows how to tat anymore? Or embroider? Some of these arts have died because of expediency. Who doesn’t think today’s stocking choices are more comfortable and practical than knitted wool ones? Others have died out because so few people want to learn.
What about you? Do you still practice any of the home arts that your grandmother did? What do you want to pass on to the next generation?


MY REVIEW
I really enjoy reading all types of Amish Fiction. I love how with this book the author was very detailed with her descriptions of everything. With all the attention to details I felt like I was in the middle of the story. I loved the characters. Reuben, oh how my heart broke for him when he found out the girl he was going to propose to was going to marry his best friend. His grandparents are such cute and likable characters. They are just the cutest older Amish Couple. Reading about all the cooking made me hungry :). This book is part of a series, but can also be read as a stand a lone. This book made me laugh, smile, and want to read so much more. 
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program for review purposes. All opinions expressed on this book are my own. 

Blog Stops

May 23: cherylbbookblog
May 24: A Greater Yes
May 25: Just Commonly
May 30: Quiet Quilter
May 31: Bigreadersite
June 2: Pause for Tales

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a $15 Amazon gift card to three lucky winners!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b3b2
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Saturday, May 20, 2017

Book Review! The Final Vow by Amanda Flower On tour with Great Escapes

The Final Vow
by Amanda Flower


As we go through the lists of suspects you will be changing your mind and I was really surprised as to whom the culprit was.
~Maureen’s Musings
The Final Vow was a beautiful mystery, yes I did say beautiful.
~Bibliophile Reviews
…you’re turning the pages to find out the answers just to find more twists and surprises you aren’t expecting. Until the end when it all comes to together and leaves you with your mouth wide open in shock.
~Rainy Day Reviews
This is one story that gives readers wonderful characters and a mystery that was hard for me to solve. I was very , very surprised when the killer was revealed.
~Texas Book-aholic
If you enjoy a good mystery, full of romance, humor, and wit, than The Final Vow is one for you!
~A Cozy Experience
I loved the characters they are all likable. The plot is well done and the reader will be kept guessing and shocked to find out who the real killer is.
~Babs Book Bistro
If you like strong friendships with your cozies, this is a series you will enjoy.
~Laura’s Interests
With drama and humor Amanda Flowers provides readers with another enjoyable read.
~Cozy Up With Kathy
There were many twists and turns to keep me guessing, which is what I like in a cozy mystery. The ending came as a total surprise.
~Melina’s Book Blog
Twists and turns I didn’t expect while trying to figure out who the killer was and why it was Vianna that had to die.
~Storeybook Reviews
The pace of the story was very steady until the reveal, then my heart was beating rapidly and invisible steam was coming out of Kindle as I was quickly flipping pages.
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
The Final Vow by Amanda Flower has all the essential ingredients that make for a good cozy mystery – picturesque location, small village setting, likeable characters (with the exception one or two who are frustrating), mystery that quickly hooks you – and I enjoyed it very much.
~The Power of Words
This was a fast paced story filled with twists and turns
and a surprise ending.
~The Journey Back


The Final Vow (A Living History Museum Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Midnight Ink (May 8, 2017)
Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0738745923
E-Book ASIN: B01LWKJTY7

Synopsis

Summer weddings in Barton Farm’s picturesque church are standard procedure for museum director Kelsey Cambridge. At least they were until the Cherry Foundation, which supports the museum, orders Kelsey to host her ex-husband’s wedding on Farm grounds.
Ambitious wedding planner Vianna Pine is determined to make the bride’s Civil War-themed wedding perfect. But each time Vianna’s vision threatens the integrity and safety of the Farm, Kelsey has to intervene.
When Kelsey finds Vianna’s dead body at the foot of the church steps, everyone’s plans fall apart. With both the wedding and Barton Farm at risk of being permanently shut down, Kelsey has to work hard to save her own happily ever after.

About This Author

Amanda Flower, a two-time Agatha Award-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. She also writes mysteries as national bestselling  author Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.
Author Links:
Pen Name Website: http://isabellaalan.com/
Purchase Links



MY REVIEW 

I have not had the pleasure of reading anything by this author before, but now that I have read this book (3rd in the series - but I had no problems following along) I am hooked. This book was easy to read, flowed nicely, well written characters, and a great story line. I love the clues that are left throughout the book - and I enjoyed trying to figure out who did it. There is some background in the book (which is why I did not have a problem following along) There is romance in the book :) Because this is a cozy mystery - no overly graphic or sexual scenes are in this book.  I really enjoyed this book 

I was provided a copy of this book through the Great Escapes Tour - all opinions are my own. 
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Thursday, May 4, 2017

Book review! A GOOD DAY TO BUY by Sherry Harris GREAT ESCAPES TOUR -

A Good Day to Buy
by Sherry Harris

Good Day to Buy is a fantastic cozy mystery that is full of twists, turns, distractions, and red herrings.
~Sapphyria’s Book Reviews
The story moves along at a steady pace and the ending includes a bit of a surprise.
~Christa Reads and Writes
A first rate mystery, and a carefully thought out whodunit, A GOOD DAY TO BUY is the perfect addition to this already fantastic series.
~Lisa Ks Book Reviews
This is definitely a great book for garage sale lovers and those who love a mystery this one was so good I couldn’t put it down!
~Community Bookstop

A Good Day to Buy (A Sarah W. Garage Sale Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Kensington (April 25, 2017)
Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1496707512
E-Book ASIN: B01JEJCA4G

Synopsis

HER BROTHER IS NO BARGAIN
When Sarah Winston’s estranged brother Luke shows up on her doorstep, asking her not to tell anyone he’s in town—especially her ex, the chief of police—the timing is strange, to say the least. Hours earlier, Sarah’s latest garage sale was taped off as a crime scene following the discovery of a murdered Vietnam vet and his gravely injured wife—her clients, the Spencers.
BUT IS HE A KILLER?
All Luke will tell Sarah is that he’s undercover, investigating a story. Before she can learn more, he vanishes as suddenly as he appeared. Rummaging through his things for a clue to his whereabouts, Sarah comes upon a list of veterans and realizes that to find her brother, she’ll have to figure out who killed Mr. Spencer. And all without telling her ex . . .


About The Author

Agatha award nominated author, Sherry Harris, started bargain hunting in second grade at her best friend’s yard sale. She honed her bartering skills as she moved around the country while her husband served in the Air Force. Sherry uses her love of garage sales, her life as a military spouse, and her time living in Massachusetts as inspiration for the Sarah Winston Garage Sale series.
Author Links – 


MY REVIEW 
I have not read anything else by this author, or the first few books in this series - but I really liked this book. I love garage sales (it's that time of the year again!!!) and this book starts off with the garage sale of: Mr. and Mrs. Spencer who are getting ready to move to Florida to be near their son --- during the garage sale - Mr. Spencer turns up dead - and Sarah's brother turns up at her apartment.... coincidence?? 
I liked that this character was real. She had flaws. She kept secrets. I like when I can read "real" characters that others can relate too. I liked trying to solve the mystery as I read along. 
I enjoyed this book very much. 
I received an advance copy of the book through the Great Escapes Book Tours - all opinions are my own 

Enter to win (2) Print Copy - A Good Day to Buy by Sherry Harris 

our Participants
May 1 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
May 1 – Author Annette Drake’s blog – INTERVIEW
May 2 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW
May 2 – View from the Birdhouse– SPOTLIGHT
May 3 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW
May 3 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW
May 4 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW  
May 5 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW
May 6 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT
May 7 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW
May 8 – Michelle’s Romantic Tangle – REVIEW
May 8 – Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST
May 9 – A Cozy Experience – REVIEW
May 9 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
May 10 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW
May 10 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
May 11 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – REVIEW
May 11 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT
May 12 – Rainy Day Reviews – REVIEW
May 12 – Classy Cheapskate – REVIEW, GUEST POST
May 13 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
May 13 – Girl with Book Lungs – INTERVIEW
May 14 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
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Wednesday, May 3, 2017

App Review! Awakening to God (ATG)

Have you ever woken up late? Got stuck in rush hour traffic? Found yourself running from place to place with no break in between? At night you laid your head down - and you finally realize..... I did not get a chance to read my Bible today?

 I have been there. 

 Life happens. 

 While I try and read a chapter or two a day - sometimes life kicks us around, chews us up, consumes us and we forget. 

 We are human. 

 I was recently offered the opportunity to review the app: Awakening to God (ATG) 

 I love little Bible "snacks" throughout the day. I like to see a verse that I am able to pray and meditate over throughout the day. 

 Here is the description of ATG from the website: Website can be found Here
A devotional journal to help you enjoy your walk with God, with thanksgiving from your heart, everyday touches and prayers. Inspiration for 8 minutes with God at the start of your day, learning to hear his voice, memorize scripture, pray and journal. Lots of great ideas to build your faith, share scripture, encourage others and strengthen family devotions.’

 One of the really cool things for this app is: All profits from the App will go toward providing clean water (a well in 100 villages), 40,000 meals, 15,000 mosquito nets and medical services to the poor and suffering in India. For example, your purchase of the App will provide a meal for 5 people
You can set prayer requests, praises, 

 These are some of the screenshots they provide when you look it up in the app store. 



 I liked this app. It was a nice quick way to get a verse, journal what I was praying for (I lose my paper prayer journal all the time), look at praises. 

 Downsides: logging me out (I am horrible at passwords) and app will crash sometimes. (I believe they are working that out) 

 I would recommend this to anyone that just wants some Bible snacks, verse to pray over. 

 4 stars. 

I was given the opportunity to review this app through Flyby Promotions - I purchased and downloaded the app. All opinions are my own. 

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