Welcome to the Christian Women Writers' Christmas Event Dec10 - 21.19

12 DAYS of CHRISTMAS !

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Thanks for Hosting this Christmas FuN,
  Christian Women Writers gals!

Authors of Books from Regency to Contemporary  -
something for everyone
and all easily located.

Party goes ALL day Each day
December 10 - 21 2018

Jump in to the conversations, games, book offers + freebies,
 and enter the giveaways.

See YOU there!

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FIND MORE FHC on BOOK DEPOSITORY | PINTEREST | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | NETWORKED BLOGS | LIBRARYTHING | Follow |

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BOOK REVIEW: ONE PERFECT SPRING by Irene Hannon

ONE PERFECT SPRING

Irene Hannon

Claire Summers is a determined, independent single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local philanthropic businessman, he’s used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. 

The girl isn’t asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbour.
As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire’s will become–nor how one little girl’s kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.
Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms often come only after the harshest winters.        ~ publisher

Publisher: Revell Published: May 6.2014 Length: pb 380 pgs | kindle 368
* MY THOUGHTS?

Contemporary story revealing poignancy of past regrets and the miracles of restoration that result from one eleven year old girl's letter of compassion for her neighbour.  One perfect spring pastime. 

Timed with spring's arrival of lilacs after a record breaking severe winter, I was delighted to read lilacs have the biggest blooms after just such a winter - picturing the overall theme of the novel.

The distractions and disturbing interruptions of the life these characters would choose, work their own results and more fragrant bouquets in the end.  Serious life issues encountered by each of the main characters - from 11 year old Haley, daughter to single mom and teacher, Claire, working to renovate an aging home rather than paying rent; middle aged neighbour, Maureen, having recently battled cancer and carrying inner regrets of earlier life decisions; influential philanthropic business owner, David, having lost his wife and working to regain an adult daughter he'd lost in the process of building his wealth; and Keith.  Employee of David's and current charitable project manager, who is struggling with memories of rejection by his birth mother and her various drug dependent alliances.

Quite the tableau into which Ms Hannon immerses readers.  One that kept both my fascination and curiosity piqued.  Development of the dual relationships were unique and authentic to their ages.  Haley was a treasure to story and reader alike.  Sugar, sweetness and bringer of light into many lives, Ms Hannon captivates readers with the charm of this child.

The issues are resolved in various degrees and outcomes, not all as anyone would hope, but realistic to life in sorrows and joys enough to relieve and reassure of life's worth.

A beautifully romantic book that would make an ideal movie!
Ms Hannon is a welcome addition to my library. 
I definitely recommend
ONE PERFECT SPRING for your spring/summer reading.

* Author Bio:

Irene Hannon, who writes both romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 45 novels. Her books have been honoured with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romantic fiction), a National Readers' Choice Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award, a Retailers Choice Award and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. 

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, long walks, cooking, gardening, travelling and spending time with family. She and her husband make their home in Missouri.

To learn more about Irene and her books, visit irenehannon.

Follow @IreneHannon on twitter

Like and follow Irene's FB page

Fan, friend and follow Irene on Goodreads 

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*Appreciation to Revell for providing an ecopy to read for review without cost or obligation.

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BOOK REVIEW: THE ART OF ARRANGING FLOWERS by Lynne Branard 3.6.14

The Art of Arranging Flowers by Lynne Branard
A moving and eloquent novel about love, grief, renewal—and the powerful language of flowers.
Ruby Jewell knows flowers. In her twenty years as a florist she has stood behind the counter at the Flower Shoppe with her faithful dog, Clementine, resting at her feet. A customer can walk in, and with just a glance or a few words, Ruby can throw together the perfect arrangement for any occasion.

Whether intended to rekindle a romance, mark a celebration, offer sympathy, or heal a broken heart, her expressive floral designs mark the moments and milestones in the lives of her neighbors. It’s as though she knows just what they want to say, just what they need.

Yet Ruby’s own heart’s desires have gone ignored since the death of her beloved sister. It will take an invitation from a man who’s flown to the moon, the arrival of a unique little boy, and concern from a charming veterinarian to reawaken her wounded spirit. Any life can be derailed, but there is healing that can put it right again.
Length: pb and kindle 320 pgs Published: June 3.2014 Publisher: Berkley Trade * My Thoughts?

"I want to unfold. I don't want to stay folded anywhere,
because where I am folded, there I am a lie." -- Rilke

An endearing story that begins with Ruby at the furthest point from the above quote, bringing her to this new perspective in the process of the book's journey.  Ruby is insightful and creative in relational advice to customers of her flower shop, yet, when we first meet her, entirely disconnected from her own heart.  She has hurdles to overcome from her past and whilst she has no problem in instructing others, she remains at arms length from others' advice. Each customer to her florist shop is an influencer as Ruby herself is an influence on them with her ready chat and personal creative floral selections.  It would be an interesting place to live if the town was a reality!  People with real needs, hopes, and dreams - from a perceptive young boy with family losses, a new-in-town vet with relational upheaval, to a celebrated astronaut facing health concerns - we come to know and care about the unique characters Ms Branard has skillfully created. Relational discoveries and interventions kept my interest. Floral interpretations in arrangements sounded beautiful and the entire florist shop business was obviously well researched.  Perhaps, a bit more than  necessary for the novice flower lover?  Magical powers ascribed to colour selections or particular flowers caused some suspension of belief  seemingly offering quite a cross pollination of spirituality throughout. Although I really enjoyed the various relational connections developed throughout the novel, I wasn't emotionally engaged with Ruby.  A consistent distance separated us, as though I too was held at arms length. I really wanted more romance between Ruby and her obvious love interest and at a particular story point  - I refer to Ruby's dog, Clementine's, escape from a porcupine -   it felt as though the ball had been dropped without explanation.   It could have taken a much different direction providing resolution  both sooner and sweeter. Thankfully the epilogue brought a greater sense of satisfaction to the reading.  Authentic situations, quirky characters, and unusual responses, The Art of Arranging Flowers is a contemporary story revealing poignancy of past regrets and the miracles of restoration...   { and a very lovely cover to whet your appetite for reading!} * Author Bio:

Lynne Hinton [aka Branard] was born and raised in North Carolina. She attended Wake Forest University and is a graduate of UNC-Greensboro. She also attended NC School of the Arts, School of Filmmaking and graduated with her Masters of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and has served as a hospice chaplain and as a senior pastor in Guilford County and Asheboro, North Carolina and in Rio Rancho, New Mexico and as the interim pastor in northeastern Washington.

Lynne is the author of sixteen books, including the NY Times Bestseller,Friendship Cake and Pie Town, the 2011 NM Book of the Year: Fiction/Adventure, Drama Category and 2011 National Federation of Press Women’s Fiction Book of the Year. She has penned a mystery series under the name, Jackie Lynn and has one nonfiction collection of essays. She is a regular guest columnist in the Faith and Values Section for The Charlotte Observer and was the 2008 Lucy B. Patterson Author of the Year by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in NC. In 2010, she was the recipient of a Louisville Institute Pastoral Study Grant and was named 2012 Favorite Local Writer in Albuquerque, New Mexico by Albuquerque, The Magazine.

She has been endorsed by authors Sue Monk Kidd, Rita Mae Brown, Silas House, Malachy McCourt, Jacquelyn Mitchard, and her favorite, Dr. Maya Angelou, who wrote about the novel, Friendship Cake, “I would welcome a friendship with Lynne Hinton. I would welcome an invitation to sit down at her table, but mostly I would welcome her next book.”

Publishers Weekly has written, “Hinton has a knack in her novels for tapping into a woman’s longings for lifelong, authentic, messy friendships.”

Lynne and her husband, Bob Branard, live in Albuquerque, New Mexico where Lynne works as a hospice chaplain and continues to write as well as teach classes and lead retreats on writing as a spiritual and healing practice.

Find Lynne online at Lynne Hinton * *My appreciation to Berkley for providing an ecopy for reading without cost or compensation in exchange for my review . * Tweet *

REVIEW: LOVE'S REFUGE [audiobook] by Sandra Leesmith

Skye Larsen loves her peaceful life on Leeza Island in Puget Sound – the tranquility, the friendly neighbors, and especially the safety from big-city dangers. So when cruel pranks start to escalate and changes threaten to overtake the island, Skye is determined to fight for her haven. The presence of a handsome vacationer and the unexpected feelings he awakens can’t distract her from her goal.

Danny Fraser doesn’t realize how desperately he needs a rest until he meets Skye. By allowing him to glimpse her simple way of life, she helps him reorient his priorities – and steals his heart in the process. But his work and home in Seattle keep Skye at bay. 

An isolated island girl with painful memories. A dedicated city boy with a wild past. 

What will it cost for them both to find a refuge from their storms?                                      

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Kindle Edition: 321 pages Published: November 9th 2013
PB Edition: 300 pages
Published: December 10th 2013

Audible Audio Edition: 9 hrs 10 min Unabridged
Narrator: Rachel Fulginiti

Published:  January 20th 2014
Publisher: Amber Press

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My Thoughts? A unique story on many levels. Island life, reclusive living, living without conveniences, all intriguing approaches to life in our contemporary society of full on convenience. Leesmith gives us a taste of a different world.   Add living with loss in the aftermath of violence and you have the full picture of our main character's reasons for choosing this unconventional life.
A fascinating tale of two worlds colliding with the arrival of an outsider come to take a rest at the insistence of his employer at the same time a development company sets its sights on the value of this pristine environment. Add the suspense of intrusive actions by parties unknown and you have more than a few mysteries to solve. This was my favourite part of the story as it challenged me.  I appreciated the romantic relational development between our main characters that didn't overpower the story neither  push the boundaries of appropriate physical attraction. Yet whilst enjoying the story I never did develop enough of a personal connection with Skye. She remained aloof to me as did the romance between her and Danny.  Skye's sister was annoying and I never did reconcile her spiritual talk with her reality as a person. The airstrip manager and his wife were the most authentic characters,
exhibiting care and concern in both speech and action. Definitely good variety in characterization that will meet different readers and listeners at different levels of involvement.
Leesmith builds tension with the concluding scene of each chapter, keeping attention and increasing curiosity of the listener.
The narrator, Rachel Fulginiti, has a unique voice and I'm not sure if she was chosen specifically for a west coast personalization of characters or other story based reason.   The narration was steady and well paced. Personalization of characters was achieved by emphasis on words, tone, and tempo. The difficulty for me in listening to this narrator was the perceived age difference with the more youthful main characters.  In my opinion, Fulginiti, though professionally adept, would have been better suited for older characters than  the cast of Love's Refuge. The story itself would  have benefited from a lighter voice more appropriate for  listener age and novel content. Production was clear providing technically uninterrupted listening without flaws keeping listener interest in Love's Refuge .
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Author Bio: Retired from teaching, Sandra Leesmith is pursuing a career in writing.  Sandra began writing in the eighties and was multi-published in category romance, contemporary fiction, and teenage self-help books.  She adores a good romantic tale and strives to tell them as well.  During the hot summers, she and her husband travel throughout the United States in their motorhome. Her favorite travel experiences are to see and enjoy God's beautiful creation. She loves the national parks and monuments where nature is preserved for all to see and enjoy.

Find Sandra online at Sandra Leesmith and on twitter @SLeesmithAuthor 




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*Appreciation to Amber Press for an audiobook copy to review
without obligation or compensation. * Find and follow FHC online:   @_eHope - Goodreads - Facebook - Pinterest
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REVIEW: A MARRIAGE IN MIDDLEBURY by Anita Higman

What happens when the matchmaker finds a match for herself?Charlotte Rose Hill has been serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky but beloved customers for more than 10 years. But for her, marriage seems like an elusive butterfly, always out of reach. At 18, Charlotte fell in love with a young man, Sam Wilder, but his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. She did, and then became engaged to another man, who later died before they were married. Now, more than a decade later, Charlotte finds that she still has feelings for her first love. Initially thrilled to learn that Sam has come home to Middlebury, Texas, Charlotte is devastated to learn that he’s brought someone with him: his fiancée. But all is not lost when the townsfolk decide to get involved. Will Charlotte and Sam find their way back to each other?                                                                 ~goodreads

Length: 302 pgs Kindle 304 PB Published: Nov 5 kindle Nov 1 PB Publisher: Abingdon Press

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My thoughts? From the welcoming hospitality of the cover to the end of the book,
I loved this story. Having first met author, Anita Higman, via her standout book of 2013, Winter in Full Bloom [my review HERE]
I was quick to snap up  Higman's next novel.
No disappoints. Captivating contemporary storyline -
anytime there's a tearoom involved my interest engages. Imagine having tea blended for your personality! But this was much more than homey. Authenticity in personalizing characters, yes.  Creative characters, yes. And some deeply engaging relationships develop that kept me engaged in these multiple connections.  Fascinating subplot dealing with contemporary issues of parenting  results in multiple complications needing some great resolutions.
Ms Higman handles her story and relationships with a deft hand.
I was keenly aware of the romance of this tale of love lost for a woman past the typical 20s. Not a common story when youth is the prized commodity in novels, but definitely endearing for this reader.  And realistically written. The romance element fulfills on its promise leaving not a few sighs of satisfaction!
Many scenarios that intrigued and inspired me.  As do the characters.
Higman 's style of writing faith is unobtrusive - a natural component of life.
Highly recommended for your reading enjoyment! 
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Author bio: Anita Higman

CBA best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has twenty-nine books published (several co-authored) for adults and children, and she has seven books coming out in the next two years.  She won a 2011 RWA Readers Choice Award (first place) and has been honored in the past as a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston.  Ms Higman was named a Favourite New Author in the 15th Annual Heartsong Presents Awards, and in the 16th Annual Heartsong Presents Awards her co-authored novel, Castles in the Air, was one of the winners in the Favourite Contemporary Romance category. Anita contributed to an animation script that won a Gold Remi Award.                       Find AnitaHigman online and on twitter @ anitahigman * * My appreciation for an ecopy to read and review without compensation or obligation. * Find and follow FHC online:

@_eHope - Goodreads - Facebook - Pinterest

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Fall into Reading Read-a-thon - Poetry Day 23.9.13

 Day 2 of our 1st week of Autumn Read-a-Thon

Here's today's challenge from the sisters: "Today’s challenge is a Fall poem. There is so much inspiration for poetry in the fall, and  we know that readers are especially creative people so we expect some good ideas."
Confident, aren't they?
Anything inspiring you'd like to share?

My contribution is in response to
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's inspiring quote.
* Thinking mine would go something like this -

the bush afire

the holy ground

with shoes removed

my heart resounds

to autumn's glory that surrounds…

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As to my reading ?  Having finished 2 books yesterday,  I am still ahead of my goal being 1/2 way through book 3,  Mary Manners, Tender Mercies, highschool sweeties who fallout, reconnecting 6 years later via a fundraising auction... {contemporary romantic reunion in the making}

* And how is your Fall into Reading going today?
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The Promise of Provence - Book Tour Stop 9.7.13

One of Today's Tour Stops for The Promise of Provence by Canadian author, Patricia Sands

Welcome!
Today we have the vicarious pleasure of enjoying the gifts of Provence provided through Patricia Sands' storytelling...
"Surprise, shock, and a shift in her comfortable life tumble into Katherine Price’s world when least expected. The future she has imagined suddenly vanishes, leaving little to focus  upon beyond her career and the caregiving her elderly  widowed mother might require. * June in Provence is full of promise when Katherine arrives from Canada, eager to feel renewed by her surroundings. Endless rows of lavender prepare to burst into pink and purple blooms. Fields of sunflowers flow in golden waves among vineyards and olive groves. Ancient hilltop villages beckon. It’s the postcard setting she envisioned, but is that all she needs?
*
After a year of heartbreak, Katherine has impulsively agreed to a home exchange in the south of France. Colorful locals, a yellow lab named Picasso, and the inspiring beauty of the countryside breathe new life into her days.
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Seeking to shed the pain of betrayal and loss, she struggles to recapture her joie de vivre and searches for the answer to a haunting question: is it too late to begin again?
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As Katherine explores the romantic cobblestone lanes of medieval towns, discovers the intoxicating pleasures of Paris and savours the sun-kissed Côte d'Azur, she begins redefining the possibilities in her life. 
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An enduring story of hope and change in life’s later years is woven through the author’s love-letter to France. Like a well-travelled friend, Patricia Sands invites readers into a world she loves and entices them to linger."  ~ Goodreads * ~~~~~~ * ~~~~~~ My thoughts? Patricia writes knowledgeably about Toronto, Canada, and surrounding area of St Jacobs, home territory of our MC, as well as her travels to Provence, France. Descriptions have piqued my interest in both travel in France and the home exchange program that brought the book's protagonist to discover its joys. Informative descriptives of France's foods, locales, markets, and practices, all serve up a warm and inviting picture of  the land and its people. *
Secondary characters and subplots in abundance for this 450 page contemporary women's first in a series of fiction novels. It provides a requisite lengthy summer read.  Dealing with a continuum of several weighty topics - divorce, job loss, aging, familial relationships, romantic relationships [both flings and established].   * A fascinating personal WWII story adds intrigue and adventure as it solves some previous unknowns, relative to Katherine's heritage.  * We follow Katherine in her life journey from the moment of discovering her husband's disclosure of infidelity through its aftermath in Katherine's life. Reactions and actions of characters keep the story realistic.  Katherine's introduction to overseas home exchange brings a note of excitement to lighten the weighty discussions dealt with to this point of the story.
* The book is contemporary in thought and action, with language to match, which I must address to honestly inform anyone considering the book. Hopefully this informs readers personal choices regarding   The Promise of Provence.
*

I appreciate Ms Sands tackling the issue of life after fifty. 

While I wouldn't agree with all the recommendations Katherine receives from her friends, the book does encourage women to grab hold of their life, choosing to make decisions rather than

obliviously allowing life to drift past them.  

A very good thing indeed.

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About today's author?

Family, writing and travel are my passions ... okay, and chocolate ... and I'm seldom without a camera. Toronto, Canada is home for me most of the time, Florida some of the time, and the south of France whenever possible. There are benefits to getting older!

Beginning with my first Kodak Brownie camera at the age of six, it seems I have told stories all of my life through photography. With our happily blended family of seven adult children and, at last count, six grandchildren, life is full and time is short.

Becoming an author in my ... gasp ... 60's ... (I'm too young to be this old!) was not on my agenda. But here I certainly am and writing is what I will continue to do. My debut novel, The Bridge Club, was published through iUniverse in August 2010 and my second novel, The Promise Of Provence, was released in April, 2013. Readers are asking when the next book will be out so I'm back at the drawing board!

My stories celebrate the rewarding friendships and bonds women share and examine the challenges life often throws in our paths.

One of the great pleasures of being published is being asked to speak with women's groups on the subjects of writing and self-publishing as well as the importance of valuing our personal stories. At other events (as one half of Sommers & Sands) along with my speaking partner, author Susan Sommers, through keynotes, workshops and conferences, audiences are encouraged to embrace change and see challenges as opportunities.

I live by the philosophy that it's never too late to begin something new, to seize each day and be a possibilitarian! As the saying goes, just do it!

* Thank you, Patricia, for being our guest today and sharing your thoughts and yourself  with us through your writing.  It's been a pleasure to get to know the woman behind the story.
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Pop in to visit Patricia at:

http://www.patriciasands.wordpress.com

http://www.patriciasandsauthor.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/patricia.sands.9

and https://www.facebook.com/AuthorPatriciaSands

Twitter https://twitter.com/patricia_sands

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4381348.Patricia_Sands

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Publication Date: May 30, 2013

457 pages,  ISBN 9780991931316    Published through CreateSpace

Available on Amazon worldwide     USA   Canada   UK    FR and may be ordered at any bookstore.

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I received an ecopy with appreciation to Patricia and France 
Book Tours for reading and review for  today's book tour. *

Monday, July 1
Giveaway at Vvb32 Reads

Tuesday, July 2
Review + Giveaway at Chocolate & Croissants

Wednesday, July 3
Review + Giveaway at The French Village Diaries
Interview + Giveaway at An Accidental Blog

Thursday, July 4
Review at The Most Happy Reader

Friday, July 5
Interview at The French Village Diaries

Saturday, July 6
Excerpt posted by Helena Fairfax

Sunday, July 7
Review + Giveaway at Walkie Talkie Book Club

Monday, July 8
Review at Vvb32 Reads
Review + Giveaway at Words And Peace

Tuesday, July 9
Review at Faith Hope & Cherrytea
Giveaway at Walkie Talkie Book Club

Wednesday, July 10
Review at Impressions In Ink
Review + Giveaway at Queen Of All She Reads
Review + Giveaway at The Redlady’s Reading Room

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Patricia will be co-leading an 11-day tour of 14 women
to Nice and the countryside of Provence in June 2014.
Come join in the magic!

http://womenstravelnetwork.ca/promenade-en-provence/

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