The Measure of Success Blog Tour ~ Plus a $25 Amazon Giveaway

The Measure of Success
Carolyn McCulley and Nora Shank

Nonfiction/Women/Leadership

About the book:

Carolyn and Nora-a single business owner and a stay at home mom-tackle the stereotypes and one-size-fits-all thinking that have left women struggling to understand how to balance roles in the home and work place for generations.

Should a woman work? Can a woman be feminine, godly, and ambitious? Is work only for women who need the income? Is there any sanctified ground between the stay-at-home mom and the aspiring executive?

Whether you are married or single, young or old, and whether you work inside the home or in the marketplace, Carolyn and Nora create a rich vision for fulfillment through an understanding of the compelling foundation for the biblical call of productivity.

Far from the stone-throwing arguments that often occupy the discussion around women, work, and the home, Carolyn and Nora show how the redemptive message of the gospel allows the Bible’s teaching on the role of women to coexist with ambition. It creates a fresh vision for the profit we all gain from encouraging female contribution in the home, society, and church.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re living the life that most glorifies God, The Measure of Success will help you answer that question.

My thoughts:
As part of the Measure of Success Blog Tour, I am excited to be writing alongside hundreds of other inspiring authors about what success looks like. Learn more and join in the blog tour – CLICK HERE!
When it comes to measuring success as a woman it can be frustrating. The infamous mommy wars in the media can take one woman's hard work and diminish it to nothing. What one woman deems as the perfect life choice another will state is ungodly. Why in the world do we do this to each other? Why can't we just celebrate that we were given another day of life and what was accomplished was enough?
I just saw a pre-release screening of Mom's Night Out and towards the end of the film there is a line that just keeps resonating with me. "You be you and let Him take care of the rest." Can you just imagine the power we would have as women if we did that? If God has created you to do or be something or someone do it. 
I've been a working mother, a stay at home mother, and a work from home mother. Each position came at a different stage of my life. Each position was right for me and my family, until it was time to move into a different position. I'm thrilled that God gave me the chance to experience all of those situations and that in His wisdom He moved me from one to the other in just the right timing.
Being a woman is no piece of cake. Whether you are young or old, married or single, a mother or not, there is so much that should bind us together. Let's start a movement that supports each other and builds the other up. Let's begin to measure our successes by God's standard and not our own!
Connect with the authors:

www.CarolynMcCulley.com

Twitter ~ @CarolynMcCulley

Facebook

www.noraeshank.blogspot.com

Facebook

Twitter ~ @NoraEShank

Pinterest

Instagram

The Giveaway:

We have partnered with B&H Publishing to offer you a fabulous giveaway! One winner will receive a copy of The Measure of Success and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. We're kind of bored with the usual Rafflecopter entries so we've changed it up a bit. Come join the fun! (Offer open to U.S. residents only.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour and Facebook Party for Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble @colleencoble

Tidewater Inn

Colleen Coble

Hope Beach, Book 1
Buy the book on Thomas Nelson

Back of the book:

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby’s under suspicion for the crime.

Libby’s dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.

About the author:

Email: colleen@colleencoble.com

Blog: www.GirlsWriteOut.blogspot.com

Twitter: @ColleenCoble

Website: www.ColleenCoble.com

Born and raised in the Midwest (Indiana), I grew up on a farm with horses, pigs and chickens. I had plenty of adventure–from being dragged by my pony to running my brother Randy’s motorcycle through a fence. Maybe that’s why all my stories have action and adventure in them.

How I Started Writing:

I think only God knows what really makes a writer. He gave me the upbringing I would need and the voracious reading appetite necessary to understand what makes a story. I remember the night I finished a book and told the Lord how tired I was of reading books that assumed He didn’t exist. I told God I’d do my best to write for Him, but He would have to open the doors. I waited and nothing happened. I couldn’t think of a thing worth saying.

Then one night in August 1990 everything changed. My brother, Randy, the oldest of my three younger brothers, was killed by lightning on August 28, 1990. That tragedy showed me I didn’t have time to wait to do what God was calling me to do. During a visit to Wyoming to see where Randy had lived for a time, the first idea for a book came to me, fully conceived. I was working full time, so it took a year to write it. Then seven years to sell it.

In the years since then, God has been faithful, though the path has not been easy. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. God wouldn’t let me give up, and I like to think the struggle made me stronger. God has given me so much in my life, most importantly my great family, a loving church family at New Life Baptist Church, and my wonderful publishing family at Thomas Nelson Fiction.

My thoughts:

Tidewater Inn begins a new series for Colleen Coble. The setting and characters are new but the story is quintessentially Colleen. Within the first eight pages our main character Libby finds out that her father didn’t die when she was five. In fact he has been alive and well up until a month ago. With his death she inherits an amazing estate and gains two siblings and an aunt. Libby’s beloved business partner and friend is kidnapped right before her eyes and she is helpless to do anything about it. Whew! Did I mention all of this happens in the first EIGHT pages?!!

As with all of her work, Tidewater Inn, moves at a pretty fast pace. It can be detrimental to any other project you have going on. If you are like me you’ll find yourself sneaking in reading moments when you shouldn’t just so you can see what is happening.

For all of you that are fans of the Rock Harbor series, you will be pleasantly surprised that Bree (Nichols) Mathews and her search dog Samson show up in Hope Beach. It was a delight to get a peek at what had been going on in Bree’s life since we last saw her.

I’m anxiously looking forward to the next installment in this wonderful new series. It is called Rosemary Cottage and is due out in July 2013. If you just can’t stand to wait a year for Colleen’s next book, don’t forget about her recently released Blue Moon Promise. Read our review of Blue Moon Promise.

Follow the Blog Tour

Celebrate with Colleen by entering to win a $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com!

Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com
• A copy of Tidewater Inn.

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 22nd. Winner will be announced at Colleen's "Tidewater Inn" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/23. Colleen will be sharing the story behind the book, hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways - books, gift certificates and a Book Club Prize Pack! She’ll also be giving a sneak peak of her next book too!

So grab your copy of Tidewater Inn and join Colleen on the evening of the August 23rd  for a chance to connect with Colleen 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 and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER about Colleen's giveaway and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

Blog Tour for Inescapable by Nancy Mehl @NancyMehl @litfuse

Inescapable

Nancy Mehl

Romantic Suspense

Buy the book on Amazon

Back of the book:

Lizzie Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, Kingdom, Kansas, with plans never to return.

But five years later, the new life she built is falling apart. Lizzie knows she's being followed, and she's certain the same mysterious stranger is behind the threatening letters she's received. Realizing she'll have to run again, the only escape Lizzie can manage is a return to the last place she wants to go.

Once she arrives in Kingdom, Lizzie is confident she'll be safe until she comes up with a new plan. In reacquainting herself with the town and its people--especially her old friend, Noah Housler--she wonders if she judged her hometown and her Mennonite faith too harshly. However, just as she begins to come to terms with her roots, Lizzie is horrified to discover the danger she ran from is closer than ever.

No longer sure who to trust and fearful for her life and the lives of those around her, Lizzie finds she has only one place left to run--to the Father whose love is inescapable.

About the author:

Nancy Mehl, the author of 12 books, received an ACFW Carol Award in 2009 for her novel For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Wichita, Kansas, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. Visit her website at www.nancymehl.com.

My thoughts:

I am a Kansas girl so I was tickled to read the back cover and find out that this story was set in my beloved homeland. Right from the beginning I was biased towards this book. Probably because I lived the majority of my life there and because the author lives there too, it was easy for me to picture the setting.

The narrative begins in Kansas City where Lizzie has just lost her job and been accused of embezzlement. There is someone stalking her. She has seen him watching her apartment from across the street on numerous occasions. Mysterious and threatening notes keep appearing on her door.

In order to escape this crazed person she decides to leave Kansas City and return home. Home is in Kingdom, Kansas, an Old Order Mennonite community. The hitch in the plan is that she left Kingdom five years before as an eighteen year old unwed mother. She wasn’t expecting an overly warm welcome from her father, and she didn’t get it.

She settles in with a family friend and life seems to be turning out better than she expected. That is until she realizes that the danger has followed her home to Kingdom.

I enjoyed reading Nancy’s novel. I would not personally consider it in the suspense category. I thought it was more of a mystery type. Regardless of that, the story is intriguing and the characters are endearing (well most of them are). I think you’ll be glad you picked this one up. 

Follow the Blog Tour

 Celebrate with Nancy by entering her "Inescapable" Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 7/26!

One winner will receive: A Handmade Mennonite Quilt A copy of Inescapable by Nancy Mehl Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 25th. Winner will be announced at the "Inescapable" Author Chat Facebook Party on 7/26. Nancy will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills (how much do you know about the Mennonites?) and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of Inescapable and join Nancy on the evening of the July 26th for a chance to connect with Nancy 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 RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 26th!

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

Blog Tour for Lucy Come Home by Dave and Neta Jackson

Lucy Come Home

Dave and Neta Jackson

Fiction/Christian/General

Back of the book:

Fifteen-year old Cindy worked long days beside her migrant worker family in Michigan’s sugar beet fields in the early 1940s—the “war years”—until she met a dashing young man from a traveling carnival, bringing some joy and fun into her hard-scrabble life. But a tragic twist of fate—and a dead field boss—sent the two young people on the run, leaving behind a family and everything she’d ever known.

Lucy Tucker, the crotchety old bag lady from the popular Yada Yada House of Hope series, is a veteran of the Chicago streets and not about to give up her independence, even as she approaches her 80^th birthday. Until, that is, a young displaced woman with her gentle ageing mother and a dog named Dandy seem to need her—unsettling the secretive Lucy, who doesn’t let anyone get too close. But just when it seems her past is catching up with her to bring her in out of the cold … Lucy disappears again.

How these two tales intersect and intertwine between past and present gradually shines light into the dark corners of Lucy’s murky past. But … why won’t Lucy come home?

About Dave and Neta: 

Dave and Neta Jackson are award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set.

As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books.

Visit http://www.daveneta.com for more info.

My thoughts:

For fans of the Yada Yada series and its spin offs you are in for a complete treat with this one! If you’ve not read that series don’t worry, you can still enjoy this story as a stand-alone.  You won’t have all the background that will make the story richer, but it will still be an excellent read. If I could make the decision for you I’d say read them all in order. Dave and Neta Jackson are master storytellers and you won’t be disappointed you took the time to meet all of the characters.

We met Lucy for the first time in Where Do I Go? She shows up as a homeless bag lady that is ill and in need of attention. She’s feisty, fearless and determined. From that time on I began to wonder just how she wound up on the streets. The answer to that is found in the pages of Lucy Come Home.

Lucy starts out as Lucinda Tucker, the daughter of migrant workers. While her family is in Michigan picking sugar beets she meets James Bodeen, also known as Bo. A sudden death changes her world completely. At fifteen years of age she is on the run with Bo just trying to eke out a meager existence.

Lucy’s story flashes back and forth from the present day to the past. It is a story full of lessons about faith, love and hope. We also learn about the cost of carrying burdens that are too big for us to bear. Through Lucy we are taught that the Truth really can set you free.

Follow the Blog Tour

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

Blog Tour For Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T Bergren

Glamorous Illusions

Lisa T. Bergren

The Grand Tour Series, Book 1

Historical Fiction

Back of the book:

It’s the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington’s life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, but someone dear to Cora is failing as well.

One fateful afternoon, a stranger comes to call, and Cora discovers a terrible secret about her past . . . a secret that will radically change her future.

Cora is invited to take the “Grand Tour” of Europe, a trip intended to finish a person’s education and solidify an understanding of refinement and ancient culture. As she travels from England to France with kin she’s never known, Cora encounters the blessings of a family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes there are far greater challenges ahead . . .

The first book in the Grand Tour series will take you on a journey of cultural refinement—but, moreover, on an inner journey of self-discovery.

About the Author:

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 30 books, with more than 1.5 million copies sold. She just finished writing a Colorado historical trilogy (the first book,Breathe, Sing and Claim), and has begun a teen series called River of Time.

Lisa's time is split between managing home base, writing (including a fair amount of travel writing), consulting and freelance editing (with a little speaking here and there). She's married to Tim, a liturgical sculptor, graphic designer and musician. They have three kids-Olivia (15), Emma (12) and Jack (7).

All five of the Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

For more information on Lisa and to view other books written, please visit her website: http://lisatawnbergren.com

My thoughts:

Can you imagine waking up one day and finding out that everything that you thought you knew about your past was false? This is what happens to Cora Diehl. It’s not bad enough that her father has had a stroke and the crops on the family farm are failing, but now a stranger appears and turns Cora’s world upside down.

Through Cora’s story we are taken from a hard scrabble existence into unbelievable opulence. One day she is worried about how they will survive tomorrow and the next she has more than she can ever imagine at her fingertips.

This is a wonderful story about the gritty dynamics of blended families. Some days you stick together like glue because you share a common bond and other days you tear each other apart in order to keep what you perceive as rightfully yours. Add all of that to the glamorous backdrop of a European tour and you have the makings of a powerful story full of intrigue, romance and the search for significance.

Lisa Bergren does historical fiction well. Through her characters’ dialogs and descriptions you are transported into the past where you can practically see, hear, taste and smell the essence of all that surrounds the scene. My only complaint is that there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good thing…I just need the next installment to come quickly!

Follow the Blog Tour

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

Blog Tour for Wish You Were Here by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

Wish You Were Here

Beth K. Vogt

Fiction/Christian/Romance

Buy the book onAmazon 

Back of the book:

Allison Denman is supposed to get married in five days, but everything is all wrong. The huge wedding. The frothy dress. And the groom.

Still, kissing the groom’s brother, Daniel, in an unguarded moment is decidedly not the right thing to do. How could she have made such a mistake? It seems Allison’s life is nothing but mistakes at this point. Daniel’s adventures—chronicled through a collection of postcards—have always appealed to Allison’s well-hidden desire for something more. But how can betraying her fiancé’s trust lead to a true happily ever after?

Can Allison find her way out of this mess? Recognizing she doesn’t have all the answers won’t be easy because she’s used to being in control. To find her way again, she will have to believe that God has a plan for her—one outside her carefully defined comfort zone—and find the strength to let Him lead.

My thoughts:

Wish You Were Here is Beth Vogt’s debut novel. It is definitely a book that you should not judge by its cover. Nor should you judge it by the back cover or the first few chapters. From those aspects I perceived that this was going to be a nice little romance.

In the beginning of the book there are several references to the movie Runaway Bride starring Julia Roberts. Does she leave her groom standing at the alter? Yes, but that is just the icebreaker in this complex story. There are some very serious subjects that are covered in this work. Beth delves into feelings of abandonment, cutting oneself to relieve anxiety, not feeling worthy and other subjects that are not usually included in a light romance.

I enjoyed the very real struggles that the characters went through. Life can be very messy and misunderstandings can cloud our perceptions. In this story we get to come alongside and see the struggles from both sides. For instance it is easy to not like Seth, but the author takes us deeper and helps us to see and understand that actions are many times a result of experiences.

If you are looking for a great read for a lazy spring afternoon take a chance and pick up Wish You Were Here. After reading it you will be eagerly anticipating Beth’s next novel.

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

Blog Tour for My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade @beckywadewriter

My Stubborn Heart

Becky Wade 

Fiction/Contemporary Romance

Buy: My Stubborn Heart on Amazon  

Back of the book:

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in. Kate jumps at the chance.

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can’t help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can’t quite put her finger on. He’s clearly wounded—hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light. . . whether he likes it or not.

When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?

About Becky Wade:

During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She's been a fan of all things romantic ever since.

Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky's passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances with Avon Books, then put her career on hold for several years to care for her kids, then recently returned to writing sheerly for the love of it. She felt led to move to the genre of contemporary Christian romance and couldn't be more thrilled with it.

These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband.

My thoughts:

When you are a book addict like me there are some things that you just get excited about. One of the big ones is finding a new author that you enjoy. Becky Wade is that for me. Another thing that really thrills me is a book that hooks me from the opening paragraph. My Stubborn Heart grabbed me on page one.

The prologue is awesome. In fact it was so good I had to read it out loud to my daughter. (Then we argued over who was going to get to read the book first!) Ms. Wade sets the stage by giving very important background information on the two main characters in a very clever way. You get all the details that you need to know what is going on without having to slog through chapter after chapter of tedious (but necessary) material.

You are going to be amused at Kate’s tenacity. Kate and Matt are older than your usual contemporary romance characters. They are in their 30s, but the nice part about that is it gives both of the individuals an aura of settled maturity about them. Kate isn’t easily put off by Matt’s rebuffs. It was a sheer delight to follow along as she slowly chipped away at the armor he had erected about himself.

Becky Wade’s My Stubborn Heart is a debut novel worth taking a chance on. I can almost guarantee that you are going to love it. I know I’m going to be eagerly anticipating her next novel.

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

Celebrate with Becky by entering her My Stubborn Heart Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 5/24!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Brand New Nook Simple Touch™ with GlowLight™
• A $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Certificate
• A copy of My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on May 24th. Winner will be announced at the "My Stubborn Heart" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/24. Becky will be hosting an book chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of My Stubborn Heart and join Becky on the evening of the May 24th for a chance to meet Becky 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 and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 24th!

Blog Tour for Forever Hilltop by Judy Baer @JudyKBaer

Forever Hilltop

Judy Baer

Hilltop series, Books 1 & 2

Fiction/Christian/General

Buy the Book on Amazon

Back of the book:

 

 

An Unlikely Blessing – Meet Alex Armstrong, former city dweller who has just accepted his first parish assignment to a small community in the wilds of North Dakota. In Hilltop Township, Alex becomes familiar with the colorful residents and their odd traditions, from rommegrot to lutefisk. And then there’s the excitement the single pastor creates among the unmarried women in the community! Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he has to teach them, providing all with An Unlikely Blessing.

Surprising Grace – Alex Armstrong is settling into his new role as pastor of Hilltop Church, and he’s even starting to understand the strange ways of the people who populate this barren stretch of North Dakota prairie. But he also finds that his flock needs help and counsel like he never imagined. In this cozy and entertaining read. Alex must choose between the woman he once planned to marry—and the home he’s come to love.

My thoughts:

 

 

If you loved Jan Karon’s Mitford or Philip Gulley’s Harmony, you are going to be delighted with Judy Baer’s Hilltop. The adjustments from city life to rural community that single pastor, Alex Armstrong has to make are laugh out loud funny! It was very easy to picture him walking around town scratching his head thinking, “what are they doing?”

 

 

The author has nailed the dynamics of small town life. Growing up in a very small town myself, I enjoyed reading about the little idiosyncrasies that are common to a small community. What makes perfect sense to someone from that area can be completely baffling to someone that isn’t from there.

 

 

The appeal of Alex to all the single women and their well-meaning friends and relatives was amusing. Poor Alex, you couldn’t help but feel just a bit sorry for him as you were chuckling at the antics of the townspeople.

 

 

The second book continues the saga of single Alex, but with a twist. Who will he choose? Both books in the series are fun but also contain a surprising amount of depth. I’m crossing my fingers that there will be a third installment in the near future.

 

 

This Forever Hilltop edition of the series is perfect. For those that have already read book one you can just skip ahead to book two. Or do like I did and skim back through book one to refresh your memory  of where book two picks up. For those that haven’t read either book you’ll be able to read it from start to finish without waiting for the next book. Either way, I recommend you grab a tall glass of iced tea and go sit out on the porch and enjoy the community of Hilltop.

 

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

Celebrate with Judy by entering to win a Kindle for you and a friend!

One lucky winner will receive:

• Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi
• Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi to Giveaway to a Friend!
• Forever Hilltop by Judy K Baer for you and a one for a friend
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 22nd. Winner will be announced 5/24/12 on Judy's Blog.

 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!

Blog Tour for The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

The Wedding Dress

Rachel Hauck

Fiction/Christian/Romance

Buy the book from Thomas Nelson 

Back of the book:

Charlotte owns a chic Birmingham bridal boutique. Dressing brides for their big day is her gift—and her passion. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can’t she find the perfect dress—or feel certain she should marry Tim?

Then Charlotte purchases a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new, shimmering with pearls and satin, hand-stitched and timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it? Who welded the lock shut and tucked the dog tags in that little sachet? Who left it in the basement for a ten-year-old girl? And what about the mysterious man in the purple vest who insists the dress had been “redeemed”?

Charlotte’s search for the gown’s history—and its new bride—begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily from 1912. Mary Grace from 1939. Hillary from 1968. Each with her own story of promise, pain, and destiny. And each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte’s heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the beauty of finding true love.

 

About the Author:

Rachel earned a degree in Journalism from Ohio State University and is a huge Buckeyes football fan. She is the past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and now sits on the board as an Advisor. Visit her web site at www.rachelhauck.com to reader her blog, and to follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

My thoughts:

When I was growing up my grandfather liked to frequent auctions. Nothing was more exciting than when he would come home with a locked suitcase or a sealed container. What could possibly be inside? That is where The Wedding Dress begins. Charlotte has unwittingly stumbled into an auction and finds herself bidding on and winning an old locked truck.

The story jumps back and forth between modern day Charlotte’s life and Emily Canton’s life in 1912. I love how the author wove the tale between the two with all the subtle similarities in the women’s lives. The stories of Mary Grace and Hillary come toward then end and help to round out the story into a complete account of the lives of these four fascinating women. There is even a wonderful mystery of exactly who is that man dressed in purple.

As with other pieces of Ms. Hauck’s work there is a deeper meaning in this tale. It is a great surface read, but the underlying story just puts it over the top. The discussion questions in the back of the book are a great addition as well. In them we get a glimpse of what the author intended for the reader to take away from the story.  I highly recommend this amazing story of redemption.

Follow the blog tour:

What is "true" beauty? Join the conversation at Rachel's Author Chat Party Event Page. On the eventing of 4/19 we'll gather to talk about inner and outer beauty and share moments of beauty in our lives.

In the meantime, celebrate with Rachel by entering her True Beauty Giveaway!

One "beautiful" winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Treat yourself to a spa day or weekend get-away!)
• The Wedding Dress (by Rachel Hauck)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 4/18/12. Winner will be announced at Rachel's "True Beauty" Facebook Party on  4/19. Rachel will be hosting an evening of beauty (inner/outer) chat, fun trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Rachel via Skype.)



So grab a few of your friends and your copy of The Wedding Dress and join Rachel on the evening of April 19th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19!

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Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”