AMONG THE FAIR MAGNOLIAS: BOOK TOUR + GIVEAWAY! 28.7.15

Welcome to Today's Book Tour {with Giveaway!}
featuring the New Release AMONG THE FAIR MAGNOLIAS Four Southern Love Stories by four accomplished authors ~ Tamera Alexander
Shelley Gray
Dorothy Love
Elizabeth Musser

Published July 14.15 by Thomas Nelson Four Southern women stand at a turning point in history and in their own hearts. . .
* Don't miss this unique story collection ~ Highly anticipated,
I loved each author's story telling creativity!

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander

Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home.

When the new owner, Aidan Bedford, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, an unexpected twist offers Savannah her opportunity. But can she find the treasure her father described hiding there during the war?  Before her assignment runs out?  Before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front---this time, a battle of the heart...
After loving Tamera's, TO WIN HER FAVOR, I appreciated being party to Savannah's own story, her siblings care, and the opportunity for both a life and a love of her own.  Definitely a wee bit of love for her worthy hero!  Delightful conclusion to the mystery search as well.

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray

Seven years ago, a young Russell Champion was betrayed by the two most important women in his life. Russell returns home a changed man, but can he prove it to those he loves most?  With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past. 

Is it too late to make amends with his mother and find closure with his true love?  Wonderful story from a male point of view told with spare masculine dialogue I found authentic and refreshing.  The twists were reading pleasure!  And his willingness to act made me a cheerleader.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love

Abigail Clayton hopes to reconcile with Dr. Wade Bennett and become his wife. But her father insists she marry her distant cousin Charles Kittridge so the plantations of the two families will be joined. With her wedding looming, Abby must choose between duty to her family and the yearnings of her own heart.  Such emotional responses to this story I was shocked at her father's actions and more than relieved with the final satisfying reveal... 

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser

Emily Derracott values her childhood friend Thomas McGinnis, but she cannot marry a man who doesn't share her strong convictions about the freedmen. Besides, she harbours a secret love for another. But the prospect of becoming his wife is not only improbable---it is completely impossible.  The war may be over, but Emily faces her own battle in following her heart.  Definitely a satisfying conclusion to this insightful story.  And a delight to read a story by an expat living in Lyon France for our #ParisinJuly theme for this month!  Elizabeth's Lemon Filled Coconut Cake is a sure winner for any patisserie lover [recipe included] Merci Elizabeth!

~*~ I'm drooling over the fabulous Southern recipes from each of the stories. How about a luscious Lemon Filled Coconut Cake ? Southern Peach Cobbler? No, I didn't think it was just me ! Here are the lovely authors offering these temptations... * Left: Tamera Alexander- best-selling author of A Lasting Impression and The Inheritance including many others. Two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. A native of west Tennessee, Tamera is found at her website, Twitter, Facebook  Right: Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero and Chicago World's Fair mystery series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. Connect with Shelley at her website, Twitter, Facebook ~

~ Left: Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. Find more at Dorothy's website, Twitter, Facebook  

Right: Elizabeth Musser, So pleased to find this Georgia expat now living in Lyon France, during our #ParisinJuly theme. Elizabeth is a novelist who writes what she calls 'entertainment with a soul.'  For over 25 years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in mission work with International Teams.  Join more of Elizabeth's adventures at her website, Twitter, Facebook

~*~
Free Delivery when you Order your paperback copy via
  Book Depository  or cd audio via Book Depository 
~*~

Join the authors in celebrating the release of Among the Fair Magnolias by entering to win their
Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway
and RSVPing to their
 August 13th author chat party!
*

 


One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD 6


• One copy of Among the Fair Magnolias


Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/13. The winner will be announced at the
Among the Fair Magnolias Facebook party.
RSVP for a chance to connect with Tamera, Dorothy, Shelley, and Elizabeth,
as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!




~

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the Giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning.
Hoping to see you on the 13th!

~ Thank you to Thomas Nelson  and Litfuse for providing a copy for reading and review without cost or obligation.

~*~ Shared With ~
* 200th Thursday Favorite Things *

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WW TOP TEN AUTHORS & TIMELESS TOUR 13.5.15

May 12: Ten Authors I  Want To Meet theme for today's Top Ten Tuesday at the host blog   The Broke and the Bookish.  A perfect theme for this week's author tour.

The Timeless Tour for two Canadian authors is underway. With a local stop, I was able to attend and meet both Genevieve Graham and Susanna Kearsley.

Genevieve signing her newest, TIDES OF HONOUR,   Susanna signing A DESPERATE FORTUNE. A bit blurry [sorry] both authors read excerpts from their novels

Susanna graciously signed The ROSE GARDEN for me

and a gracious Genevieve took photo timeouts for this fan as well

A wonderful evening of book and writing talk on the process and characters - personal glimpses into themselves and their writing.   Definitely more than a few Top Ten author moments!. ~*~ Other authors rounding out my Top Ten ? [not in any particular order] Top row:  Victoria Connelly,  Jessica Dotta,   Stacy Henrie 2nd row:  L.M. Montgomery ~

~ 3rd row:  George MacDonald Bottom:  CS Lewis, Julianna Deering, Agatha Christie ~*~
Which top ten authors would you wish to meet?
~*~ Upcoming Top Ten themes: May 19:  Top Ten Tuesday Freebie -- YOUR CHOICE OF TOPIC.
May 26: Ten Books I Plan To Have In My Beach Bag This Summer or
Ten Books I Think Make Great Beach Reads
June 2: Top Ten Books I'd Love To See As Movies/Tv Shows 
June 9: Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases For the Rest of 2015
[let's talk about what we are excited about for the rest of the year]
June 16: Top Ten Books On My TBR For Summer 2015
June 23: In honor of 5 years of Top Ten Tuesday ( our first Top Ten Tuesday debuted June 21, 2010) -- My Ten Favourite Top Ten Topics We've Ever Done In The Past 5 Years
June 30: Top Ten Books I've Read So Far In 2015
July 7: Top Ten Hyped Books I've Never Read
~*~ Shared with ~
* Literacy Musing Mondays * Book Nook * 

~*~ FIND MORE FHC on BOOK DEPOSITORY | PINTEREST | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | NETWORKED BLOGS | LIBRARYTHING
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RELEASE WEEK BLITZ: A HOPE REMEMBERED by STACY HENRIE 30.3.15

WELCOME TO TODAY'S RELEASE DAY PARTY! { with * GIVEAWAY * } for
A HOPE REMEMBERED
OF LOVE AND WAR  book 3 
by STACY HENRIE





Title: A Hope Remembered
Series: Of Love and War #3 Author: Stacy Henrie Publisher:  Grand Central Publishing Published:  March 30.2015 Page Count:  384

About: A HOPE REMEMBERED

The final book in Stacy Henrie's sweeping Of Love and War trilogy brings to life the drama of battle torn Europe with emotion, faith, and of course, romance. 

As the war ends, love begins . . .

Nora Lewis just wants an escape after losing her fiancé in the Great War. When she inherits property in England, she boldly packs up and leaves America for a fresh start. But if not for her dashing new neighbor, Colin Ashby, she'd be lost.

Even as their friendship deepens, Nora knows a British aristocrat would never be free to love an American orphan, no matter how much the war has changed the world . . . After his brother's death in the war and his own experiences as a pilot at the front, Colin returns home broken, only to discover his family's estate is also in ruin. The pressure is now on him to save his home and the Ashby's place in society with a well-bred match to a wealthy heiress. 

Too bad he finds more of a kindred spirit in Nora, the beautiful American next door. She, too, has faced the rigors of war and survived. Now the ex-soldier will have one more battle to fight - this time for love.

 Stacy's Treat for FHC readers to celebrate ?
An excerpt straight from the pages of A HOPE REMEMBERED ~

* With a glare at both of them, Jack smashed his cap on his head and stalked from the room. He proceeded to slam the door behind him, but it hit the doorframe and bounced open instead.  Nora pushed out a sigh. “You didn’t have to be rude. Jack’s been very helpful to me this past week.” Maybe a bit too much. But she didn’t voice that thought. Colin needed no further ammunition against Jack. “I’m sure he has,” Colin muttered, his expression as dark as his eyes.  Nora pinned him with a piercing look.  “You’re right.” He finished buttoning his cuffs and slipped on his vest. “That was ungentlemanly of me.”  She ignored his reference to her joke at their first meeting as she put away the corn starch and closed the cupboard. It was easier to keep her heart firmly locked if she held onto her disapproval of Colin’s behavior. Plus it would also stop her from wondering what he’d been about to say before Jack’s arrival.  “How may I redeem myself?” he asked as he pulled on his jacket. The amusement tugging at his mouth contradicted his contrite tone.   Nora folded her arms, contemplating a suitable penance. “I think your punishment needs to be two-fold.” “Very well.” He nodded. “What is your sentence?” “First, you must join me for choir rehearsal at the church tomorrow morning.”

The mirth drained from his face. “Nora.” His voice held a note of warning. “That is entirely—”

“Second, you and Perseus can give me a tour around the lake. I’ve already been here a week and haven’t even seen all of it.”

Colin scowled. “A walk around the lake would be acceptable. But the choir rehearsal . . .”

“Please, Colin.” She hazarded a step toward him, hoping he’d relent. “I sang with them last Sunday and they need more male voices.” 

She had another reason for wanting him there. Everyone had been kind at rehearsal and at church the following day, but Nora still felt uncomfortable with the continued references to her likeness to Eleanor. Apparently their similarities also included their singing voices. With Colin at the rehearsals, she wouldn’t feel as awkward. She was beginning to think he was the only person in Larksbeck who hadn’t known Eleanor. 

Colin’s brow knit in obvious annoyance, while Nora held her breath. Would he accept her proposal? Finally resignation settled over his countenance. “I’ll go, but only once.” He held up a single finger. “Once,” he repeated. “I make no promises after that.”

Grateful, she breached the remaining space between them and put her hand on his sleeve. “I agree to those terms.” She couldn’t hide her smile as she added, “Be careful, though, we might make a regular choir member out of you yet.”

Instead of the light laugh she expected, Colin solemnly watched her. Though he didn’t touch her, she felt as powerless to release his sleeve as if he’d detained her hand. She couldn’t step away—his nearness drew her in like the promising warmth of a fire after being out in a storm. 

“You know,” he murmured, his voice low, “you are rather charming when you jest like that.”

Nora’s pulse stuttered to a stop, then sped up again like a train gaining speed. She tried to remember why she’d been angry with him, tried to remember why she couldn’t allow anything more than friendship to blossom between them. But she couldn’t concentrate on any one thought, except for the growing desire to touch the hint of dark bristles covering his jaw. 

Colin studied her lips as Jack had done last week, but this moment couldn’t be more different. A part of her, one growing more insistent by the second, actually wanted Colin to kiss her. How long had it been since she’d last felt the press of masculine lips against hers?

Not since before Tom left.

The memory crashed over her with all the effect of an ocean wave. She felt suddenly ill and cold. Releasing Colin’s sleeve, she stepped back, crossing her arms over her chest for warmth. 

Forgive me, Tom.

She’d done nothing wrong, but even entertaining the idea of Colin kissing her felt like a betrayal. Her heart could never belong to anyone else. And yet, in this moment, the past felt more like a burden than a boon. 

“I’ll . . . uh . . . just get my sweater, then we can go on that walk.” Nora went to pull the garment off its usual peg. Her hands shook slightly as she slipped the sweater on over her blouse. “Ready?”

A flicker of emotion gleamed in Colin’s dark eyes. Was it disappointment? Frustration? Would he forgive her abruptness or understand the source of her pain? As quickly as it had come, though, the sentiment faded and Colin shot her a carefree grin. “After you, fair lady.”

*
My Thoughts?
Beautifully romantic journey for Nora who leaves her Iowa family home to accept the inheritance of a distant uncle's sheep farm in England's Lake District. Having lost her parents plus fiance during the Great War, Nora wants the offer of a new beginning and bravely takes the challenge set before her. Yet what unsuspected challenges may remain concealed ? 

Stacy Henrie writes a delectably sweet romance that develops despite family interference, incumbent class prejudices and challenges. I longed for hope to prevail and love to overcome. Authentic characters and emotions - both theirs and mine - made for deeply satisfying reading time. 

Well worth the wait, this highly anticipated conclusion Of Love and War trilogy surpassed my expectations . Reader recommendation for Great War and historical romance fans.
Find my review for book #1 HOPE AT DAWN and book #2 HOPE RISING

* It's a delight to honour Stacy today for her writing accomplishment of both this novel and her series.  I appreciate Stacy's authenticity.  CONGRATULATIONS Stacy!

*
Here's a bit more about Stacy....

 

Stacy Henrie has always had an avid appetite for history, fiction and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations and worked in communications before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances.

Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a stay-at-home mom to three, Stacy loves the chance to live out history through her fictional characters, while enjoying the modern conveniences of life in the 21st century.

In addition to author, she is a reader, a road trip enthusiast and a novice interior decorator. Her first novel, Lady Outlaw, released from Harlequin Love Inspired Historical in 2012. 

Connect with Stacy via :

goodreads * Facebook * Pinterest * Stacy's website * twitter @StacyHenrie *

* Purchase A HOPE REMEMBERED at:

* Book Depository * BAM * B&N * IndieBound * Amazon *

* GooglePlay * iTunes * Kobo *

~ * ~ HOPE AT DAWN  and  HOPE RISING  Specially Priced + NO SHIPPING COSTS or minimum order required

* NOW.... Here's your opportunity to Enter to Win ! 5 Winners will each Win the Complete Trilogy
Of Love and War Collection

Click to Enter
GiveAway

*

** Appreciation to Julie of Grand Central for great organization of this Release Week Blitz and for the ecopy for reading and review without cost or compensation.


* FIND MORE FHC on BOOK DEPOSITORY | PINTEREST | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS |  | FACEBOOK | NETWORKED BLOGS | LIBRARYTHING
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BOOK TOUR + GIVEAWAY! : THE SECRET OF PEMBROOKE PARK by Julie Klassen 26.2.15

 WELCOME !
I've looked forward with pleasure to today's
Blog Tour Spotlight for this 5* novel

THE SECRET OF PEMBROOKE PARK Julie Klassen's newest release!
*

* Published by Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group] December 2. 2014  Genres: Regency Romance / Gothic Romance / Historical Fiction / Austenesque / Inspirational Fiction 
*

*

AudioBook Published by Recorded Books December 12. 2014

Narrator: Elizabeth Jasicki  ~  Length: 18 hrs 3 min  unabridged

*

Congratulations, Julie,
on your newest delivery !

* The storyline ...?

In the spring of 1818, twenty-four-year-old Abigail Foster fears she is destined to become a spinster. Her family’s finances are in ruins and the one young man she truly esteems has fallen for another woman — her younger, prettier sister Louisa. Forced to retrench after the bank failure of Austen, Gray & Vincent, the Foster family optimistically pool their resources for another London Season for her sister in hopes of an advantageous alliance. While searching for more affordable lodgings, a surprising offer is presented: one twelvemonth's use of a country manor house in Berkshire, abandoned for eighteen years. Abigail and her father journey to the imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left. Tight-lipped locals and the handsome local curate offer a stern warning: Beware trespassers drawn by rumours of Pembrooke Park's secret room filled with treasure. . . Eager to restore her family fortune - and her dowry - Abigail begins her search into the heavily veiled past with spirited determination and the aid of cryptic journal pages postmarked Brighton from an unnamed resident. But eerie sounds at night and footprints in the dust reveal she isn't the only one secretly searching the house.   As old friends and new foes come calling at Pembrooke Park, secrets come to light. Will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks...or very real danger? *

Here's author, Julie Klassen, hosting a wee tour for us,  providing a peek into Great Chalfield Manor,
the English manor {and church} inspiring the story ...

* I absolutely love the unique oriel and stained glass window features, gardens of wisteria and tulips, pathways, and stairway scenes in the book from  this spectacular property.
What a delight to share the tour with Julie!
Thank you, Julie, for including us in bringing the story to life via your firsthand experiences.

I loved the suspense, romantic twists, and variety of characters in this novel.
Truly a pleasure to read !  and a strong 5* recommendation.

*

AUTHOR BIO: Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her books have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance.  She has also won the Midwest Book Award, Christian Retailing’s BEST Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards, Minnesota Book Awards, and ACFW’s Carol Awards.  Julie blogs at inspiredbylifeandfiction Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of
St. Paul, Minnesota.



* ~ Find and Follow Julie online ~ Julie's Website Julie Klassen Facebook  Julie on Goodreads  Julie Klassen Twitter  @Julie_Klassen, @Bethany_House Tweet the Tour hashtags:
#PembrookeBlogTour, #JaneAusten, #HistoricalFicton, #RegencyRomance, #Reading, #GothicRomance, #Austenesque

* Purchase Links ~ Book Depository  * Barnes & Noble *  ChristianBook *  *   Indie Bound  *  Amazon *  Audible Audiobook * * Add it at Goodreads  + the next 2 due later this year ~ Lady Maybe  and   The Painter's Daughter

My thoughts on Julie's novels include ~ The Maid of Fairbourne Hall   *   The Dancing Master  The Tutor's Daughter
*

* Award winning historical romance author Julie Klassen tours the blogosphere
February 16 through March 2 to share her latest release, The Secret of Pembrooke Park. Twenty five popular book bloggers specializing in historical and Austenesque fiction will feature guest blogs, interviews, book reviews and excerpts of this acclaimed gothic Regency romance novel.
A fabulous giveaway contest, including copies of all of Ms. Klassen’s eight books and other Jane Austen-themed items, is open to those who join the festivities.    * ~ Grand Giveaway Contest ~ *

**Win One of Four Fabulous Prizes** In celebration of the release of The Secret of Pembrooke Park,
4 chances to win copies of Julie’s books and other
Jane Austen-inspired items are being offered.  Three lucky winners will receive one trade paperback or eBook copy of The Secret of Pembrooke Park, and one grand prize winner will receive one copy of all eight of Julie’s novels:
*
Lady of Milkweed Manor
The Apothecary's Daughter
The Silent Governess
The Girl in the Gatehouse
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall
The Tutor’s Daughter
The Dancing Master and
The Secret of Pembrooke Park
one DVD of Northanger Abbey (2007)
and a Jane Austen Action Figure

*

To Enter the giveaway contest :
simply leave a comment on any or all of the blog stops on
The Secret of Pembrooke Park Blog Tour starting
February 16, 2015 through 11:59 pm PT, March 9, 2015. Winners will be drawn at random from all of the comments and announced on Julie Klassen’s website on March 16, 2015. **Winners have until March 22, 2015 to claim their prize. The giveaway contest is open to residents of the US, UK + Canada. [Digital books will be sent through Amazon or Barnes & Noble]. 

Good luck to all!
Be sure to hit the G+ button to spread the word - TY!!
[bottom of post]

*

FIND and FOLLOW 

THE SECRET OF PEMBROOKE PARK
 BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

at

Julie's Events Page

*

And don't forget to comment here at FHC for your 

GIVEAWAY entry

through 11:59 pm PT - March 9. 2015

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