That Certain Summer

I have always enjoyed Irene Hannon's books.  In That Certain Summer, she veers from her normal romantic suspense genre.  I was eager to see how she handled this new direction, and I was not disappointed.  This is a story about two sisters who are reunited to care for their mother after a stroke.  Val and Karen are very different and not close as sister, but as they spend time together and cooperate in their mother's care they learn more about each other and grow individually as well as in their relationship with each other.  This is a story of forgiveness and personal growth.  It is filled with hope. The characters and situations are realistic and believable.  Descriptions are vivid and the story flows well.  Though quite different from her previous series, I still enjoyed Irene Hannon's newest novel.

I did receive a free copy in exchange for this honest review.

The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer

Tricia Goyer's latest novel, The Promise Box is book two in Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors.  The series is set in West Kootenai, Montana, a small Amish community known for the large amount of bachelors who visit each year for hunting of both game and brides.  The first book in the series is The Memory Jar, and you can read my review here.  This second addition centers around a bachelor named Gideon Hooley, who has returned to West Kootenai for his own reasons.  His interest is piqued when Lydia Wyse, an Englisch girl, returns home after the death of her mother--her Amish mother.  Lydia soon remembers all that she has missed about the community, but more important is how she learns and grows in her faith.  Lydia and Gideon are instantly drawn to each other; however, each has to work through the past and its implications.

The faith aspect of this novel is strong, and I truly enjoyed the character growth and many of the promises and discussions shared.  There were a couple times that I felt the sentiment indicated earning your salvation, which I do not believe; however overall I appreciated the focus on a relationship with the Lord.  The characters were original and three-dimensional.  There was some predictability, but the story flowed quickly.  I am really enjoying this series and look forward to the next one!
I did receive a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Afloat by Erin Healy

Erin Healy is celebrating the release of her latest novel Afloat (Thomas Nelson) with an iPad Mini giveaway.

Afloat is a novel centered on a floating apartment complex.  After a couple of crazy disasters, both man-made and natural, a handful of people are stranded in a floating apartment building.  Vance Nolan, is not only a man with a past, but also a man trying to follow the Lord.  Danielle Clement is a single mom who is doing whatever she can to give her son, Simeon, everything he needs.  Tony Dean is a wealthy businessman who uses his money to get what he wants.  These three, along with a number of other minor characters must work together through the chaos.  Not everyone survives.  Not everyone chooses wisely, but some will grow through the experience.
Erin Healy's books always have a unique aspect to them.  She often writes of the supernatural world, including angels, visions, and God's power.  This novel has an extremely original setting, a character who receives visions, and an angel delivering messages and helping when needed.  It kept me extremely engaged. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Afloat as well as Healy's other books.  Check out my reviews of The Baker's Wife or House of Mercy.
I did receive a free e-copy in exchange for my honest review.

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini 
• iTunes gift card
• Afloat by Erin Healy 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 15th. Winner will be announced on Erin's blog on June 17th. Save the date and click HERE to see if YOU won the iPad Mini!

Don't miss a moment of the fun; ENTER today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Visit Erin's blog on the 17th!

The Offering by Angela Hunt

Angela Hunt is celebrating the release of The Offering with a Nook HD Giveaway and an Author Chat Party on Facebook {6/5}.

  "While searching for a way to help support her young family, Amanda Lisandra decides to act as a gestational carrier for a childless couple. After she finally establishes a pregnancy with another couple’s embryo, her soldier husband is killed on a special forces mission. Devastated by grief, she surrenders the child she was carrying and struggles to regain her emotional equilibrium.

Two years later she studies a photograph of the child she bore and wonders if the unthinkable has happened—could she have given birth to her own biological child and inadvertently given him away? Over the next few months Amanda struggles to decide between the desires of her grief-stricken heart and what’s best for the little boy she has never known."  

Angela Hunt tackles a difficult and emotional topic with creativity and empathy.  This book centers around real characters with real emotions and struggles.  The descriptions are vivid and placed me right in the middle of the turmoil.  I love books like this that make me wrestle with all of the "what ifs."  Wow!  I am a huge fan of Angela Hunt and would strongly recommend "The Offering" or any of her other books.  I did receive this book free in exchange for my honest review.  







One winner will receive:


• A Nook HD
  


• The Offering by Angela Hunt 
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 4th. Winner will be announced at the "The Offering" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 5th. Connect with Angela for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Angela will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.






So grab your copy of The Offering and join Angela on the evening of June 5th 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 5th!