Trouble In Store by Carol Cox

Melanie Rose has little options before her after being fired from her position as a governess. With only the promise that a deceased cousin left an inheritance for her, she travels to Arizona not knowing what she'll find.

Caleb Nelson takes offense when Melanie shows up in town and claims that half of the mercantile he owns belongs to her.  He tries whatever he can to persuade her to leave, but she isn't convinced and keeps coming up with ways to improve business.

But as time passes, they both are threatened by someone who doesn't want the store to succeed. Will Melanie stay and fight or will she run for safety in Caleb's arms?

This book was provided free for review by Bethany House Publishers.

Threads of Love by Andrea Boeshaar

Emily Sundberg likes to be in control of her life. It's taken many years to shed the tomboy stigma of her past and instead be known as a proper young lady and schoolteacher.

Jake Edgerton returns to Manitowoc, Wisconsin to bury his grandfather. What he hadn't counted on was meeting his childhood playmate.

Threads of Love is a delightful turn of the century tale that will sweep you away on a current of excitement as Emily and Jake butt heads and rekindle an old friendship.

This book was provided free for review by the author and Realms.

Book Giveaway

Here's your opportunity to escape the heat of summer and settle down with a wonderful book. Any comments posted from July 15-31 will be entered into a book giveaway of A Bride For All Seasons. The winner will be announced on August 1st.


Limited to United States residents only.

Congratulations, Holly, you are the winner! :)

A Bride For All Seasons - The Mail-Order Bride Collection

Are you tired of hot, summer days and need an excuse to stay in an air-conditioned house with a good book? A Bride For All Seasons by Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Mary Connealy, and Robin Lee Hatcher will provide an opportunity to be swept to Kansas in the spring, Texas in the summer, Idaho in autumn, and winter in Wyoming.

Melvin Hitchcock is a matchmaker at heart and sole proprietor of The Hitching Post - a mail-order catalogue for the discerning, lonely or desperate. If the entrant's letters don't suit Melvin, he tweaks them to make them more desirable to the recipient. After all, the success of his business is at stake.

Each of the stories by these well known authors makes for an opportunity to escape to a simpler era. So pick up a glass of iced tea and settle down for a year's worth of mail-order bride stories. You won't be disappointed.

This book was provided free for review by Thomas Nelson,

Book Info

More about A Bride For All Seasons: It All Started with an Ad in a Mail Order Bride Catalogue . . . Melvin Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalog isn't dishonest---not exactly. If he tweaks his clients' applications a bit, it's because he's looking out for their best interests. This charming bouquet of novellas introduces four Hitching Post prospects in the year 1870, each one eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they'll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages. And Then Came Spring by Margaret Brownley Mary-Jo has been unlucky all her life. But who would guess she'd travel halfway across the country to meet her match . . . only to find him dead! An Ever-After Summer by Debra Clopton Ellie had no idea she's not what Matthew ordered. And what's wrong with being a "Bible thumper" anyway? She's determined to show him she's tougher than she looks---and just the girl he needs. Autumn's Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn't come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. The trouble is, there's no money to send them back. . . Winter Wedding Bells by Mary Connealy David's convinced he's not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he's gone---nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying? Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/mL2Ln Meet the Authors: Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than twenty-five historical and contemporary novels. @margaretbrownley  Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. Her books often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher  Mary Connealy is a Carol Award winner, an a RITA, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. @MaryConnealy  Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra has her first book coming as a movie starring LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton A Bride for All Seasons | Enter to win something new each day!   http://bit.ly/12xZ4SJ http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/BrideBlogButton.png

Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

Time to get away from the heat and settle down with a great summer read. Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard is sure to keep you turning page after page in this recently released romantic suspense from Revell.

Research scientist Kate Adams is convinced her partner's death was not self-inflicted suicide but murder instead. Now if only she can persuade former FBI agent, now turned local police officer, Tom Parker to re-open the case. If he won't take her concerns seriously, she will take matters into her own hands until the crime is solved, even if it means putting her own life in danger.

This fast-paced novel is sure to keep you up at night and wanting more. Kudos to Sandra for what's sure to be an award winning book.

This book was provided free for review by the author and Revell.

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Just in time for the beginning of summer is Karen Witemeyer's Stealing the Preacher. Set in 1885 Texas, the book has a delightful start as Crockett Archer is forced from a train at gun point on his way to interview for a preaching position in order to fulfill a birthday wish. Surely this wasn't part of God's plan for his life.

Joanna Robbins has been praying for a preacher to come and minister to the needs of her community and bring life back into the church that has been abandoned. Maybe in the process a man of God can also help her to accomplish the promise she made to her mother. If only she can convince Crockett that God may have different plans in mind for him.

I always enjoy reading Karen's books, and Stealing the Preacher was no exception. If you need a break from the heat of the summer, this book will provide the enjoyment you need.

This book was provided free for review by the author and Bethany House Publishers.

A Single Act of Obedience - Part One

An impression. A prompting. A thought. A single step of faith. An act of obedience. As Christians, we often have them throughout the day. Times where we feel God (the Holy Spirit) is prompting us to do something. It could be as simple as expressing a word of encouragement, praying for someone, moving in a direction He is showing you to go. It can be a reminder to call someone.

I often have said to the ladies in the Bible study I lead that the more you obey those prompts from the Holy Spirit, the more He has to show you. Obey when He calls to you.

I had such an opportunity a week ago. I felt prompted to ask a question concerning a contest that was held just days before. I figured it was closed since it was to take place over the weekend and that entries were no longer accepted, but I couldn't get past the feeling that I still needed to ask.

The answer came back, yes the contest was closed, but the blogger was open to still taking a look at my writing pitch. I debated and prayed and almost didn't send back what was requested. But I couldn't deny the overwhelming sense to follow through.

Only God knew that my single act of obedience would provide so much more. He used that step of faith and multiplied it to something I never imagined. Because of following the prompt to send an email God provided a writing goal that I've had for quite some time.

Only God...


Here's the rest of the story.
http://shininggodslightthroughhistory.blogspot.com/2013/05/waves-of-grace-single-act-of-obedience.html

Roses Have Thorns by Sandra Byrd

Sandra Byrd's Roses Have Thorns tells the tale of seventeen-year-old Elin von Snakenborg. This plucky young Swedish woman leaves her homeland to set sail for England in 1565 realizing the unlikelihood of ever seeing her loved ones again. Running away from the knowledge that her fiance has fallen in love with her sister, she welcomes the unknown adventure.

Once in England, her circumstances change allowing Elin to serve in the court of Queen Elizabeth. In an era of uncertain times, political unrest, and never knowing who one can trust, the heroine strives toward a close relationship with the monarch.

Sandra's love for the time period and her interest in detailing the events shines through in each scene. Kudos for a well written and meticulous novel.

This book was provided free for review by the author and Howard Books.

Whispers on the Prairie by Vickie McDonough

Whispers on the Prairie by Vickie McDonough tells the saga of young, Sarah Marshall, who has no intention of ever leaving her home in Chicago. Raised by her uncle and aunt, she finds herself in a position of accompanying them for a short time on a wagon train with every intention to return to her beloved city.

Circumstances and obstacles arise causing Sarah to delay her plans. Instead she finds herself thrown into a situation of staying at the Harpers' Stage Stop with her aunt. Three eligible Harper men are eager to persuade her to find a reason to stay in Kansas.

Whispers on the Prairie is the first book in the Pioneer Promises series by Vickie McDonough (due out in July 2013) and is sure to please readers.


This book was provided free for review by the author and Whitaker House Publishers.

Love in the Balance by Regina Jennings

Molly Lovelace is in love with a penniless wrangler, only her well-to-do parents don't approve of their match. She longs for a life without concerns, but unfortunately Bailey Garner isn't the man to fill that role, despite her affection for him.

When an interesting, wealthy stranger stirs her interest, will she follow after wealth and prestige or find predilection in the simple, home-spun love of a good man?

Love in the Balance is not your typical 'formula' romance novel. It is a tale of love, loss, poor choices, mercy, redemption and second chances.

This book was provided free for review by Bethany House Publishers.

Book Info

About Love in the Balance:    Handsome Cowboy or Debonair Tycoon. How's a Girl to Choose? Molly Lovelace dreams of a life without cares in Lockhart, Texas. She also dreams of handsome wrangler Bailey Garner, her ardent but inconsistent beau. The problem is, with Bailey's poor prospects, she just can't fit the two dreams together. Then mysterious stranger Edward Pierrepont sweeps into town-and her life-and for the first time Molly wonders if she's met the man who can give her everything. But he won't be in Lockhart long and while it certainly seems like he talks about their glorious future together, she can't quite get Bailey out of her mind. What's a girl to do with all these decisions when love is in the balance?    Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/iTdiA             Meet Regina:      Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.    Find out more about Regina at  http://www.reginajennings.com/.

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/rjennings