Denise Hunter’s “The Trouble with Cowboys” Facebook Party & Kindle Fire Giveaway

About The Trouble with Cowboys:

Only one pair of boots-and the cowboy wearing them-can get Annie out of the mess she's in. ""

Annie Wilkerson is Moose Creek's premiere horse trainer and equine columnist for "Montana Living." Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister through college and provide for her young nephew.

When Annie's column is cancelled, she's given first shot at a new lovelorn column-and she can't afford to turn it down. Only problem is . . . Annie's never been in love.

Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal with the town's smooth-talking ladies' man Dylan Taylor: She'll work with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he'll help her answer the reader letters.

Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her heart safe for years. And she can't risk getting hurt now.

The more Annie tries to control things, the more they fall apart. Her feelings are spinning out of control, and her sister's antics are making life increasingly more difficult. Annie knows she needs to turn the reins over to God, but surrender has never come easily.

When Dylan reveals his feelings for her, Annie doesn't know what to trust-her head or her heart.

The trouble with "this" cowboy is that he might just be exactly what she needs.

My Review:
5 STARS

Nothing feels worse that rushing to a conclusion about someone based off of an old experience and then finding out that not only were you wrong and misjudged that person but you wasted a lot of your time with a wrong opinion.  I feel like that is what exactly happens with Annie Wilkerson from The Trouble with Cowboys! She had a bad experience with cowboys in her past and then comes to this irrational conclusion that all cowboys are trouble!  She thinks she knows what Dylan the cowboy is all about and boy does he get on her last nerves.  Even more frustrating than that is that she can’t stop this growing attraction to him and she is determined to NEVER date a cowboy!!

Isn’t it funny how God will seemingly make a joke out of one of our biggest judgments?  I love how because Annie doesn’t want anything to do with a cowboy so God says I’m going to put cowboys all around you and make your daily life include a cowboy! I found that a really funny aspect of the story because so often it does seem like God does those kinds of things. 

My favorite character in the story is Dylan.  He sounds like a handsome and confident cowboy just like Annie fears.  However beneath the surface is this sweet, caring family guy that is just trying to protect his heart.  Annie on the other hand was not as enjoyable as a character.  She’s a bit stubborn in her stereotypes of cowboys and way too controlling. 

The best part of The Trouble with Cowboys has got to be the dialogue between Annie and Dylan.  Their banter and flirting is just hilarious and kept me smiling throughout the entire book.   I also love the forbidden romance idea to it and the secondary store going on with Annie’s sister!! Lots of things to keep ya entertained!

If you have not gotten the chance to read anything by Denise Hunter you need to change that and I say starting with The Trouble with Cowboys is a great start!  This is a third book in a series but I believe it stands on its own great and it is by far my favorite of the three. 

I received this book free from the Litfuse Publicity Tours in exchange for my personal and honest opinion.  All opinions are my own.

To celebrate the release of The Trouble with Cowboys Denise is hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. She'll connect with readers and give away some amazing prizes - including a Kindle Fire! 

Save the Date for October 11th!

Grab your copy of Denise Hunter’s latest book and join her for an Author Chat Party on October 11th at 8:00 PM EST (that’s 7:00 Central, 6:00 MST, & 5:00 PST)! Haven’t read The Trouble with Cowboys yet? That’s okay, don’t let that stop you from coming to the party! (You may win a copy!)

During the evening she’ll be sharing the story behind the book, posting discussion questions, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of chatting and fun giveaways – books, gift certificates and – a Kindle Fire! She’ll also be giving you a sneak peek of her next book too!

RSVP today and then come back on the 11th … and bring your friends!

Over the Edge by Mary Connealy

About the book:
 
Bestselling Author Mary Connealy Delivers Her Trademark Historical Romantic Comedy 
Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever. 
After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband. 
Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her. 

Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth's pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can't sort things out. It's enough to drive a man insane--but somehow it's all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.

My Review:
4 STARS

If you've been reading the Kincaid Brides right along since book one like I have then are sure to be satisfied and happy at the ending and last book of the series with Over the Edge.  I have anxiously been waiting for the book about Seth Kincaid since I was first introduced to him in the beginning of the series.  Seth is a bit on the crazy side and I was curious how Mary Connealy would give him his "happily ever-after".   Just like always Connealy does not disappoint and we get to continue the story in Over the Edge with Seth's wild adventures.  I highly recommend that if you haven't read the first two books in the series yet that you should.  It is my opinion that there is way too much going on to fully appreciate the story without knowing all the background information.

Right from the beginning of Over the Edge we get to meet Callie, Seth's wife in a very unusual and terrifying setting.  The best part though is when Seth meets Callie and finds out she is his wife and he has a son he never knew.  I found it a bit hilarious that Seth had no clue who she was but was just as attracted to her as ever. 

When the Kincaid Bride series first came out Seth Kincaid has always intrigued me the most.  He had been through some outrageously awful experiences and it turned him in to a nut! I enjoyed how God began a new work within Seth and started to shape and mold him in to a man to be proud of again.  His story is a great example of how God can make something beautiful out of awful things.

My favorite part of the story is when Seth begins to remember Callie all over again.  The way he describes the memories was undeniably sweet and romantic and I really felt like I was there reliving the moment with him and Callie.  I also really enjoyed that although this story was focused on Seth and Callie we still had plenty of interactions with our previous favorite characters Ethan, Audra, Rafe and Julia.  It was like one big family reunion  that I got to be a part of.

Just like in all of Mary Connealy's books we wouldn't have a good ol' western without the danger lurking, the bad guys and a good ol' shootout!! On top of the evil, we have redemption and forgiveness, laughter and kisses galore!! Great series for any fans of Mary Connealy or fans of Christian Westerns!!

I was given a paperback copy of Over The Edge by Bethany House in order to read it and give my honest opinion.  All opinions are my own.

About Mary Connealy:

I wrote my first book when I was about twelve. A romance novel. I shudder to think what a twelve year old could know about romance. I have no idea what happened to the manuscript. I suppose my mother found it, and burned it while screaming in horror, but I’ve always been afraid to ask. Was it a hundred pages? Two? I have no idea, but I seem to remember just writing FOREVER! So I’m guessing two pages long at least.

As a new bride I marched straight out of journalism school and into the kitchen, I did a lot of scribbling. I still have those heartbreaking works of staggering genius, Ode to Roast Beef, things like that, all born out of the ‘Write What You Know’ school of literature.

I began writing more seriously when my baby went to kindergarten. Not writing well of course, but just putting words on paper. No one does anything well the first time. I’m sure Babe Ruth missed the first ball pitched to him. I’m sure Picasso smeared pages with paint-y fingers when he was a kid—as I remember he went back to that later in life. I’m sure Beethoven played the eighteenth century version of Chopsticks before went for the sonatas.

My writing journey is similar to a lot of others. Boil it down to persistence, oh, go ahead and call it stubbornness. I just kept typing away. I think the reason I did it was because I’m more or less a dunce around people—prone to sit silently when I really ought to speak up(or far worse, speak up when I ought to sit silently).

So, I have all these things, I want to say, in my head; the perfect zinger to the rude cashier, which you think of an hour after you’ve left the store, the perfect bit of wisdom when someone needs help, which doesn’t occur to you until they solve their problems themselves, the perfect guilt trip for the kids, which you don’t say because you’re not an idiot. I keep all this wit to myself, much to the relief of all who know me, and then I write all my great ideas into books. It’s therapeutic if nothing else, and more affordable than a psychiatrist.

So then a very nice, oh so nice publishing company like Barbour Heartsong comes along and says, “Hey, we’ll pay you money for this 45,000 word therapy session.” That’s as sweet as it gets.

My journey to publication is the same as everyone’s except for a few geniuses out there who make it hard for all of us. And even they probably have an Ode to Roast Beef or two in their past. 

Conquer Your Fears and “Live to Give” Webcast

 
Thomas Nelson Author and Hoops of Hope founder, Austin Gutwein, to host September 6 online event to focusing on themes his latest release, Live to Give.

On September 6 at 8 PM EDT, Austin Gutwein will be hosting a live Facebook web event to encourage participants to conquer their fears and use their talents to help others. The webcast will center on the themes Gutwein writes about in his latest release “Live to Give: Letting God Turn Your Talents into Miracles” (Thomas Nelson/August, 2012). At the conclusion of the webcast, the winners of a month-long social media fueled “Get and Give” contest will be announced, including the winner of a Kindle Fire and $250 donated to the winner’s charity of choice.

 Join Austin on the evening of Thursday, September 6th as he shares about his own experiences and encourages others to conquers their fears and “live to give”. Austin will also be taking audience questions and interacting with participants. PLUS – there will be several “Live to Give” giveaways – books, gift certificates and much more! RSVP today and tell your friends.

Based on the John 6 story of Jesus feeding the 5000, in “Live to Give” Gutwein challenges his readers that regardless of age and talent, God can use them to make a difference. Even though God could take care of everything Himself and doesn’t really need our help, He desperately WANTS us to help Him care for others. Gutwein walks young people through discovering and embracing their unique God-given strengths and abilities, then figuring out how to use those talents to help others. Sometimes doing that takes a leap of faith on our part, and often becoming fearless in the process.  

More about Austin: At eighteen years old, Gutwein speaks with wisdom and has the experience to reinforce his message. When Austin was just nine years old, he watched a video that showed children in Africa who had lost their parents to AIDS. Gutwein realized these kids weren’t any different from him—except they were suffering. Feeling called to help, he took his love of basketball and decided to shoot free throws to raise money for orphans in Zambia. On World AIDS Day in 2004, he shot 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during his day at school. Through sponsorship from parents and friends, Gutwein raised over $3,000 that day to give hope to eight orphans in Zambia.

Over the past eight years, Gutwein’s efforts have created Hoops of Hope, the largest free throw marathon in the world. With an estimated 40,000 people in more than 25 countries participating, Hoops of Hope has raised more than $2.5 million to build schools, medical clinics, dormitories for orphanages, and the only computer lab in Zambia.  

Enter to win a Kindle Fire and have $250 donated to your favorite charity. Click for the banner for details and entry or visit http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13528976/livetogive.

 

Learn more about Austin and Hoops of Hope at www.AustinGutwein.com and www.HoopsOfHope.org.

Inescapable By Nancy Mehl

About Inescapable:

Page-Turning Romantic Suspense Set Against the Backdrop of a Small Mennonite Town
Lizzie Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, her family, and her faith with plans never to return. Five years later, Lizzie finds she'll have to run again. False accusations at her job, a stalker, and a string of anonymous threatening letters have left her with no other options. This time, however, her escape is back to Kingdom, her hometown. 

As Lizzie becomes reacquainted with Kingdom, she realizes she may not have left her Mennonite roots and her faith as firmly in the past as she thought. She draws on the support of Noah Housler, an old friend, as she hides out and attempts to plan her next steps. 

When it becomes painfully clear that the danger has followed Lizzie to Kingdom, suspicions and tensions run high, and she no longer knows who to trust. With her life and the lives of those she loves at risk, Lizzie will have to run one last time--to a Father whose love is inescapable.
 
My Review:
4 STARS

When circumstances force Lizzie to return to her hometown that had once turned their backs on her with the birth of her daughter Charity, emotion that she thought was buried bubbles to the surface. She is running to her hometown to escape many issues that led her to fear the safety of her job and her life. Yet she doesn't exactly get a warm hug when she gets back home. Her dad is still refusing to talk to her and her mom seems unhappy. However, Lizzie and her daughter Charity find that not all the people in Kingdom are bad but there are some things in her life that are truly inescapable!

Right from the beginning you are sucked in to the story trying to figure out what is happening to Lizzie, and why she is running. It's all a bit confusing and your desire to uncover the truth of why she left Kingdom in the first place makes this book hard to put down. I found Lizzie and Charity to be delightful characters that I fell in love with right along with the other characters in the book.

Inescapable is full of great moments that keep you on your toes. There is danger, mystery, romance and heartbreak, lies and forgiveness. The ending in unpredictable and very satisfying! I love the message in this book about forgiveness and limiting God. It seems like the older people of Kingdom wanted to limit God or those that can worship God or how you can worship God and this book was a great reminder that you can put limits on God. He is the almighty and all he wants is your worship, prayers and relationship with him, no matter what you've done or how you choose to worship!

Overall I was very pleased with this book. There were many moments I loved and only a few I got slightly bored with and skimmed but I would definitely read it again and recommend it to those that love Christian fiction, mystery and romance!

I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my personal and honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About Nancy Mehl:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband, Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson. First published in 2001, she has now authored nine books, including an omnibus mystery collection, Cozy in Kansas, which contains three of her previously published Ivy Towers mysteries. Book three in the series, For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls, won the American Christian Fiction Writers Mystery Book of the Year award. Nancys main writing interests lie in mystery although her new Harmony Series leans more toward the romantic suspense genre. Nancy runs a HUD program for the city of Wichita and is president of a volunteer organization, Wichita Homebound Outreach. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Kansas Authors Club. You can find out more about Nancy by visiting her Web site at: www.nancymehl.com  

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

 About Short-Straw Bride:

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?

My Review:
5 STARS +++

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book!!! I have already been a huge fan of Karen Witemeyer but this one has got to be my favorite of hers!!  This book is jammed with yummy chemistry and tension that had me devouring the book in a day!! I thought it would take me a few days to read but I HAD to read it in one setting!!

Meredith has always held a place in her heart for Travis Archer, the young man that saved her when she was younger from an injury on his property.  She will never forget how handsome he was and the tender way he cared for her.  Now when she hears someone is set out to hurt him she can't let it go.  She has to go warn Travis and seeing him one more time will be the bonus!! Things don't go according to plan and the next thing you know Meredith is caught in a compromising position and forced in to a marriage with one of the Archer men, which brother drew the short straw to loose or win that debate?

I loved the characters in this book.   Karen always writes characters that I love but man oh man I can't get enough of those Archer boys! They are great, I loved them all.  They put on this big show of how tough they are but they have a soft side.  And Meredith is a hoot! She is feisty, passionate and romantic.  There is mention of God and faith but it is not overbearing and it adds just the right touch to the story.  I strongly recommend Short-Straw Bride to all fans of Witemeyer or Historical romance fans!!

I received this book free from Bethany House and was not required to give a positive review, all opinions are my own!

About Karen Witemeyer:

CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. In 2011, her debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, was a finalist in the Best First Book categories for both the prestigious RITA® award and the National Reader's Choice Award. Karen holds a master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and her local writers' guild. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. 

Love Finds You in MacKina Island Michigan

About Love Finds You in MacKinac Island, Michigan:

 It's the height of the Gilded Age, but Elena Bissette's family has lost most of its fortune. The Bissettes still own a home on fashionable Mackinac Island, and they spend summers there in hopes of introducing Elena to a wealthy suitor. Quickly tiring of the extravagant balls at the Grand Hotel, she spends her days walking along the island's rugged coastline. There she meets Chase, a young fisherman who invites her to watch the ships from an abandoned lighthouse. The two begin to meet there in secret, hoping to solve a decades-old mystery. Meanwhile, Elena's mother contrives introductions between Elena and the island's most eligible bachelor, an elusive millionaire named Chester Darrington. When Elena's two worlds unexpectedly collide, she will be in for the surprise of her life.

My Review:
5 STARS

This is the first time that I have read a book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the story.  I also have never read a Love Finds You book even though I have probably about 3 on my shelf currently.  In this story we meet a young girl that has an obligation to marry a wealthy man to save her family from financial ruins.  This scenario is probably one of my favorite settings.  For some reason I am fascinated with the Victorian theme and this idea of marrying for status.  I am thankful that is not a idea we support today though.

There are so many things I loved about this book but probably my favorite aspect is the meeting place of the two main characters.  They meet in a lighthouse and the setting just sounds so romantic and mysterious.  They don't give out their real names and they meet in the dead of night!  I instantly fell in love with both the hero and the heroin although sometimes I was a little irritated with Chase's behavior outside the lighthouse.  Another great aspect of the book is the diary they find in the lighthouse.  I wish they went a little deeper in to that story but it added a great element to everything.

This book reminds me a lot of Cara Lynn James and her summer series.  Both books the wealthy families all summer at some waterfront property and there is gossip, romance, and a bit of mystery to solve!  There is lots of detail, history and spiritual tones throughout the book that just add to this great story!  I loved the ending and the struggle the two characters faced on forgiveness, truth and grace!! Amazing example of allowing God to heal you!  Even though this is my first book by Melanie Dobson, it won't be my last!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

About Melanie Dobson:

Writing novels is a fun excuse for Melanie to explore ghost towns and old houses, travel to unusual places, and spend hours reading dusty books and journals. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction with threads of romance and suspense.

Two of Melanie's books recently won a Carol Award (The Silent Order and Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa), and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won an award for best fiction set in Indiana. She has written eleven novels and is currently working on a story set on the Oregon Trail. She and her family make their home in the rainy but very green Pacific Northwest.  

link to buy book:  http://ow.ly/ceeZA