Quilts of Love Blog Tour - Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter and The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter
ISBN: 9781426752735
Trade Paperback

Synopsis: When Laney Carrigan's adoptive parents encourage her as an adult to seek out her birth family, her only clue is the Lokelani quilt in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island, she battles fears of rejection from a family that abandoned her once before while her faith struggles to embrace God's love.

Along the path to her true heritage, she meets Hawaiian cowboy/helicopter pilot, Kai Barnes. Kai is determined to protect the people he's come to regard as family against a woman he suspects of being nothing more than a gold-digger, but he finds himself drawn to Laney in spite of his reservations. He's spent his entire life seeking forgiveness from past mistakes and longs for a second chance at happiness. 

Laney's painstaking journey to find restoration and a place to belong among the breathtaking allure of the Big Island will lead her closer to her past and maybe even something more.

My Review:  This was my first book by this author and it was an enjoyable read for me. I have not read many books set in Hawaii so this was nice for me. I could almost see the places the author described as I was reading. Even though this book had many emotional issues involved with it, adoption, PTSD, and alzheimer's the author did a good job touching on those issues and telling how the characters dealt with each of them. This book sucks you in so that you can read it in a weekend. If you like modern books with some romance, emotional issues and a few twists and turns then this is the book for you. 

Meet the author: Lisa Carter has been published in MomSense andChristian Parenting Today. Lisa is currently teaching music at a preschool and enjoying the enthusiasm and joy for life for which preschoolers are famous. She and David have two beautiful daughters.

Find out more at:http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman

ISBN: 9781426752773

Trade Paperback

Synopsis: Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie's sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined.

My review: Another hit from Vannetta, I can't think of a time when I have read a book by her that I have not enjoyed. I thought it was neat how the Fruits of the Spirit were tied into the quilt story. This was such a nice story to read for the holidays. I am going to give you a warning with this book because it really pulls at your heart strings. It would be nice to see another book with these same characters as they were such nice people that I fell in love with. If you are looking for a nice holiday reads that pulls at your heart strings than this is for you. 

Meet the author: Vannetta Chapman has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather's birthplace in Albion, Pennsylvania. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.

Before to stop by and check out the rest of the stops on the blog tour by clicking here.

Anvil of God by J. Boyce Gleason

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Anvil of God by J. Boyce Gleason
The Carolingian Chronicles - Book 1
ISBN: 9781475990195
Hardback
Published: July 26, 2013

Synopsis: It is 741. After subduing the pagan religions in the east, halting the march of Islam in the west, and conquering the continent for the Merovingian kings, mayor of the palace Charles the Hammer has one final ambition-the throne. Only one thing stands in his way-he is dying.

Charles cobbles together a plan to divide the kingdom among his three sons, betroth his daughter to a Lombard prince to secure his southern border, and keep the Church unified behind them through his friend Bishop Boniface. Despite his best efforts, the only thing to reign after Charles's death is chaos. His daughter has no intention of marrying anyone, let alone a Lombard prince. His two eldest sons question the rights of their younger pagan stepbrother, and the Church demands a steep price for their support. Son battles son, Christianity battles paganism, and Charles's daughter flees his court for an enemy's love.

Based on a true story, Anvil of God is a whirlwind of love, honor, sacrifice, and betrayal that follows a bereaved family's relentless quest for power and destiny.

My review: I have not read anything about this time period before and was a little leary about it - in fact I read what this book was about more than once before I decided to read the book and I was not in the least bit disappointed with it. This is my first book by this author and I have to say that I am impressed. The book itself was very interesting to me. I thought the author did a good job with developing the characters so you could get a real sense of who they are/were. Also for me I really enjoyed the historical detail that was used which to me helped me understand the time period and such. If you like books with religion, action, drama, history, a little romance and so much more than this book is for you. I look forward to the next book in this series. 

About the Author
After a 25-year career in crisis management and public affairs, J. Boyce Gleason began writing historical fiction and is publishing his first novel ANVIL OF GOD, Book One of the Carolingian Chronicles.  With an AB in history from Dartmouth College, Gleason brings a strong understanding of the past to his historical fiction.  He is married, has three sons and lives in Virginia.
For more information please visit www.jboycegleason.com.

To check out the rest of the stops on the tour - click here

Soy L Scent - Candle Gem Giveaway - US Only

Want to win a Candle Gem candle to light up your home for the holidays? Check out the contest below. 

I would like to introduce you to a great company that I have found and enjoy their products. The company is My SoyL Scents. This company has a variety of products that you can use in your home to enjoy throughout the year. All products are made from soy bean wax which means they burn cleaner and to me last longer. Not only that they are American grown soybeans and natural botanical oils are used to create the scents. In my own home I have switched to using their products to refresh my home. In fact I have used the melter pot, melter nightlight, candle, gems, tarts, room spray and soaps. It would be hard for me to say which scent is my favorite but right now I love the fall harvest. 

The candle gems and melter gems each come with a ring in them that can be worth any where from $10 - $1000. My daughter and mother in law have both received a ring in their gems and love them. Here is a picture of just some of the rings found. These would make a great Christmas gift for someone.  

Please check out their website My SoyL Scents to see all of their products and scents. Just click on the shop now button at top to view the catalog. If you have any questions you can contact Sandy through her Facebook page (click here) or by emailing her at mnvikings84 at gmail dot com. Her contact information is also on both her Facebook and website. Sandy is always running specials so if you like the Facebook page that will keep you up to date also you can contact her and let her know you would like to be added to her email list for specials. In fact why not just host a party and tell all of your friends. 

Now for the giveaway. Unfortunately at this time we can only offer this giveaway in the US. My SoyL Scent consultant is giving away a cranberry kettle corn candle for you to enjoy during the holidays. Just check out the rafflecopter form below to enter. I do ask for only one mandatory option and that is you visit the website and tell me what scent you would like to try. If you do not leave the comment here you will not be entered into the contest. Sorry. This contest will run from today through Monday, December 9th that way you have time to tell all of your friends about it. 

Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to enter the contest. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2013 Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge

This is a challenge that is being hosted by The True Book Addict at The Christmas Spirit Blog I thought this would be a fun challenge to join in on as this time of year I like to read Christmas books. I am going for Mistletoe which means I will read 2-4 books. Hopefully I will get more in but just in case I will stick with my goal. Be sure to check out the link above and join in on the fun. 

Here is my list that I hope to get through (now my list may change and hopefully there were be a few more added as I have a ton of Christmas themed books I would like to read):

Merry Ex-Mas by Sheila Roberts 

A Biltmore Christmas by Multiple Authors

Christmas on Nutcracker Court by Jody Duarte

Mistletoe Memories by Multiple Authors

   

Along with this challenge I have done the Christmas Spirit Read-a-thon. 

I did not get as much read yesterday as I wanted but I was able to finish my book which is always good and even though it was not a true Christmas book it did mention Christmas in the book as they were going to be doing a Holiday tour of houses. Today I am starting the first book in my challenge and hope to get quite a bit read on it. If you want to check out the read-a-thon here is the link

I hope you join in and have a little fun. 

Skeleton Letters by Laura Childs (Scrapbooking Mystery # 9)

Skeleton Letters by Laura Childs
Scrapbooking Mystery #9
ISBN: 9780425243893
Hardback

Synopsis: Is nothing sacred? The last thing Carmela Bertrand and her friend Ava expected to bear witness to in St. Tristan's Church was a crime. But now a beloved member of their scrapbooking circle lies lifeless next to a smashed statue of St. Sebastien-and a mysterious hooded figure has absconded with an antique crucifix. 

As Carmela and Ava are drawn deeper into New Orleans' French Quarter in search of the missing crucifix, they may need the help of more than a few patron saints. Because this is one killer they don't want to cross...

My review: I am a big fan of Laura Childs' books especially the scrapbooking ones. This was a fun book to read. If you have not read the rest of this series you can read it as a stand alone book. As always Carmela and Ava find themselves right smack in the middle of a murder scene. Carmela lets her curiosity get the best of her the best of her as she tries to find out who murdered their friend. Along the way you learn some fun scrapbooking ideas and tips that she helps her friends and customers with as she runs her business while trying to solve the murder.  If you want a fun quick read that will make you smile and has a little mystery then this is the book for you. I am looking forward to the next one in the series. 

A Divided Inheritance by Deborah Swift

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A Divided Inheritance by Deborah Swift
Published: October 24, 2013
ISBN: 9780330543446
Paperback

Synposis: A family divided by fortune. A country divided by faith.

London 1609...
Elspet Leviston’s greatest ambition is to continue the success of her father Nathaniel’s lace business. But her dreams are thrown into turmoil with the arrival of her mysterious cousin Zachary Deane – who has his own designs on Leviston’s Lace.
Zachary is a dedicated swordsman with a secret past that seems to invite trouble. So Nathaniel sends him on a Grand Tour, away from the distractions of Jacobean London. Elspet believes herself to be free of her hot-headed relative but when Nathaniel dies her fortunes change dramatically. She is forced to leave her beloved home and go in search of Zachary - determined to claim back from him the inheritance that is rightfully hers.
Under the searing Spanish sun, Elspet and Zachary become locked in a battle of wills. But these are dangerous times and they are soon embroiled in the roar and sweep of something far more threatening, sending them both on an unexpected journey of discovery which finally unlocks the true meaning of family . . 
A Divided Inheritance is a breathtaking adventure set in London just after the Gunpowder Plot and in the bustling courtyards of Golden Age Seville.

My Review: I enjoyed how the author made me feel a part of this book as if I was in London in 1609. I could almost hear all the noise on the city streets as well as being a part of a religious war in Spain. This book gave me another look in London at this time not the kings and queens I am used to reading about, it was nice to read about "everyday" people and how they lived. I felt bad for Elspet after Zachary showed up and I did not like him at all. Can you imagine some stranger showing up "claiming" he is your father's long lost son and your father believing him and then leaving everything to him after you worked so hard to help your father keep the business going. I think the author did a great job in developing the characters so you could really "see" who they are. The descriptions in this book are very good as well as the historical detail, which to me helps me envision the whole story even more. I also liked the action and mystery in the story, it kept the book moving along. If you are a fan of historical fiction then this book is for you. An absolute keeper in my book. 

Be sure to check out the rest of the tour stops here

About the Author

Deborah Swift used to work in the theatre and at the BBC as a set and costume designer, before studying for an MA in Creative Writing in 2007. She lives in a beautiful area of Lancashire near the Lake District National Park.  She is the author of The Lady’s Slipper and is a member of the Historical Writers Association, the Historical Novel Society, and the Romantic Novelists Association.

For more information, please visit Deborah's website. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

Dance for a Dead Princess by Deborah Hawkins

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Dance for a Dead Princess by Deborah Hawkins
ISBN: 9780988934726
Trade Paperback
Published September 2, 1013

Synopsis: In January 1997, Princess Diana received a phone call telling her she would be assassinated. She recorded the information on a secret video tape, naming her killer and gave it to a trusted friend in America for safekeeping. It has never been found.
Diana's close friend, Nicholas Carey, the 18th Duke of Burnham and second richest man in England, has vowed to find the tape and expose her killer. After years of searching, he discovers Diana gave the tape to British socialite Mari Cuniff, who died in New York under mysterious circumstances. He believes Wall Street attorney Taylor Collins, the executor of Mari's estate, has possession of it. He lures Taylor to England by promising to sell his ancestral home in Kent, Burnham Abbey, to one of her clients, a boarding school for American girls. Nicholas has dated actresses and models since the death of his wife, ten years earlier, and has no interest in falling in love again. But he is immediately and unexpectedly overwhelmed with feelings for Taylor at their first meeting.
Taylor, unaware that Diana's tape is in her long-time friend and client's estate and nursing her hurt over her broken engagement to a fellow attorney in her firm, brands Nicholas supremely spoiled and selfish. She is in a hurry to finish the sale of the Abbey and return to New York. But while working in the Abbey's library, Taylor uncovers the diary of Thomas Carey, a knight at the court of Henry VIII and the first Duke of Burnham. As she reads Thomas' agonizing struggle to save the love of his life and the mother of his child from being forced to become Henry's mistress, she begins to see Nicholas in a new light as he battles to save his sixteen-year-old ward Lucy, who is desperately unhappy and addicted to cocaine. But just as Taylor's feelings for Nicholas become clear and at the moment she realizes she is in possession of Diana's voice from the grave, she learns that Nicholas may be Lucy's father and responsible for his wife's death at the Abbey at the time of Lucy's birth. When Nicholas is arrested for Lucy's murder and taken to Wandsworth Prison, Taylor sets out to learn the truth about Nicholas, his late wife, and the death of the Princess of Wales. 
Dance for A Dead Princess is a the story of two great loves that created and preserved a family that has lasted for five hundred years

My review: I chose to read this book as I have always been intrigued by Princess Diana, so I wanted to give this book a try.  I thought it was very interesting the way the author used the Princess in a mystery book. Another thing I enjoyed about this book is that it has both mystery and romance. This book is not just about Diana's death it is so much more as the story of Taylor and Nicholas are the bones of this story. I almost forgot to say that I enjoyed how the author tied historical events into the story and it made sense. This was the first book by this author and I look forward to more by her. I highly recommend this book to fans of history and mystery as well as romance.