Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio by Serena Miller~~A Litfuse Publicity Group Book Review, Blog Tour and Giveaway

Love and Mystery in Sugarcreek

Rachel Troyer, lives in the middle of Sugarcreek, Ohio's Amish community. Although she is not Amish, her father was, before he chose to leave the Amish faith. After she was left orphaned when she was eleven years old, her three Amish aunts (Bertha, Lydia, and Anna) had taken her in and raised her. Now an adult, she is a police officer in the small town of Sugarcreek, and feels that it is her responsibility to take care of her elderly aunts. The problem is, they are not cooperating with her plan. They own and run a bed and breakfast style inn and they do not understand why Rachel insists they stop taking in guests.
After an accident leaves Aunt Bertha injured, Rachel insists no more guests, and they agree, but because they are strong believers in Hebrews 13:2 (KJV)  -- Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. -- they insist that they will continue to provide shelter to those that they feel that the Lord has brought to their door.

When Joe Mathews and his young son, Bobby, appear on their doorstep they desperately seem to need the help of the aunts. They allow them to stay in one of the cabins, much to Rachel's consternation. In exchange for room and board,  Joe makes himself very useful, by doing much of the work that has been needing to be done. Because of this the aunts ask him to stay and continue to work for them.

Rachel feels uneasy about Joe, and senses that something is not right about him, but just can't put her finger on what it is. Although she intends to find out. Her investigation turns up nothing and as she spends time with him she discovers that she likes Joe and his son. When she finally figures out who Joe really is, she knows her world is going to be turned upside down, and to make matters worse she has fallen in love with Joe.

The book is full of forgiveness, love, hope, romance and mystery. There were even a few surprises thrown in. Now that I have finished reading the book, I really would like to see the movie.

About the Book:

Guideposts Books is excited to announce the premiere of a new film based on the book Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio (Summerside Press) by Serena Miller.

A mysterious outsider casts a long shadow on Ohio’s Amish country. Policewoman Rachel Troyer has always looked after her three elderly Amish aunts, proprietors of a farmhouse inn near Sugarcreek, Ohio. The idyllic town is popular with tourists, who come to sample its famous Amish goods. But one thing is clear to Rachel – Joe Matthews is no tourist. When the bearded stranger lands on her aunts’ doorstep, begging shelter for himself and his young son, Rachel is suspicious.

Will she be able to uncover Joe’s secrets despite her aunts’ – and her own – growing affection for him?

Would you like to purchase the book?

Meet Serena:

 

 

 

Prior to writing novels, Serena Miller wrote for many periodicals, including Woman’s World, Guideposts, Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine, Reader’s Digest, Focus on the Family, Christian Woman, and The Detroit Free Press Magazine. She has spent many years partnering with her husband in full-time ministry and lives on a farm in southern Ohio near a thriving Amish community.

Serena invites you to visit her website to learn more.

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Guideposts Books is excited to announce the premiere of a new film based on the book Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio (Summerside Press) by Serena Miller. The movie, produced by Mission Pictures International and filmed last fall in the actual town of Sugarcreek, will premiere on Sunday, June 1, 2014, at 7:00 PM EDT on Up TV (formerly the Gospel Music Channel). Visit the movie website for more information.

Serena and Guideposts will be celebrating with a Facebook viewing party!

Join Serena and readers on Facebook while you tune in to watch Love Finds You in Sugarcreek to share your thoughts about the movie, chat with other viewers, and win fun prizes. Just use hashtag #LFYSugarcreek to join the discussion on June 1st.

Check your local listing for UpTV (http://up.viewerlink.tv) to find out when it airs in your timezone.

Excited? Help me spread the word! Just share this link and information on your social media along with the hashtag #LFYSugarcreek! Plus, we'll be tracking the hashtag and giving away Amazon & Starbucks cards to people at random who help to promote all throughout the month of May. Winners announced at the Love Finds You in Sugarcreek viewing party on June 1st.
 

"This is so exciting for Serena Miller and Guideposts! We are thrilled that Up TV has chosen Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio to make into a movie,” said Lenore Lelah Person, vice president and editorial director of Guideposts Books and Inspirational Media. “With Serena’s wonderful story and a beautiful backdrop in Ohio Amish country, fans of the story and the series will enjoy seeing it on screen. For more information read the media release.

For those who are not familiar with the Love Finds You™ series, this will be a great opportunity to introduce them to these uplifting and engaging romances." Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio is one of more than 50 releases in the popular Love Finds You™ series uniquely titled after actual American towns with unusual but intriguing names and combines travel, romance and faith in one package. The series includes both historical and contemporary releases, and each fictional story draws on compelling history or the unique character of a real place. Stories center on romances kindled in small towns, old loves lost and found again on the high plains, and new loves discovered at exciting vacation getaways. Mission Pictures has purchased the movie rights to the entire series and plans to produce additional films based on the series in the future.

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Blessings,

**Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio by Serena Miller was provided for me free by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.

Happy Mother’s Day 2014

To My Mother

For all the times you gently picked me up,
When I fell down,
For all the times you tied my shoes
And tucked me into bed,
Or needed something
But put me first instead.
For everything we shared,
The dreams, the laughter,
And the tears,
I love you with a "Special Love"
That deepens every year.
~Author Unknown

Source

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Blessings,

Critical Condition by Richard L. Mabry, M.D~~A Litfuse Publicity Group Book Review, Blog Tour and Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway

Diagnosis Murder?

Dr. Shannon Fraiser and her guests, Dr. Mark Gilbert, Shannon’s “almost fiancé,” and Ann Kai, were in the middle of their celebration party honoring the newest graduate from Southwestern Medical School residency program, Dr. Le Duan (Lee) Kai. When she heard what sounded like three firecrackers being set off, Shannon decided to check and see what was happening and discovered what looked like a pile of old clothes. Only it wasn't old clothes, but an injured man. She quickly realized that the man had been shot and was bleeding profusely and that she was helpless to save him. The man was mumbling something unintelligible before he died. Instantly the scene was déjà vu to Shannon and she felt defeat once more as the decade old memory of her former fiancé Todd Gunderson crumpled at her feet from a gunshot wound and died before her eyes. Todd's death turned her future upside-down, by ending their plans of a life together.

It seemed that Dr. Frasier’s troubles kept multiplying. Her sister, Megan, who had been recently released from rehab, moved in with her, ... but only until she could find a job, and an apartment. Megan also was keeping secrets and fleeing from an abusive relationship. Then Megan was arrested as a suspect in the victim’s murder, as well as, a suspect to her former boyfriend's murder. In addition to all of this were the mysterious and threatening phone calls that Shannon received demanding to know what the dying man had said to her.

I couldn't turn the pages fast enough as I read this mystery/thriller by Dr. Mabry. I just had to find out who had committed the crimes and why? Were Shannon and Megan involved, or just convenient scapegoats? I won't reveal the answers so that you will enjoy finding out for yourself when you read Critical Condition.

About the Book:

Dr. Frasier couldn’t save the gunshot victim on her front lawn. Now she’s fighting for her own life.
It began as a quiet dinner party honoring Dr. Shannon Frasier’s colleague, but became a nightmare when a man was shot on her lawn, reviving emotions from a similar episode a decade ago. Then a midnight call from her sister, Megan, causes Shannon to fear that her sister is on drugs again.
Her “almost-fiancé” Dr. Mark Gilbert’s support only adds to Shannon’s feelings of guilt, since she can’t bring herself to fully commit to him. She turns for help to her pastor-father, only to learn that he’s just been diagnosed with leukemia.
Shannon thought it couldn’t get any worse. Then the late-night, threatening phone calls begin, the rough voice asking, “What did he say before he died?”
With everything around her in a critical state, simply staying alive will require all the resources and focus Shannon has.
 
Would you like to purchase the book?


Meet Richard:

A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader’s Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.

Richard invites you to visit his website to learn more.

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Richard Mabry's latest medical suspense, Critical Condition, is receiving high praise. USA TODAY says, "Mabry combines his medical expertise with a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat."
Richard is celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Critical Condition by Richard Mabry
  

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 11th. Winner will be announced May 13th on Richard's blog.

 

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Richard's blog on May 13^thto see if you won.

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Blessings,

**Critical Condition by Richard L. Mabry, M.D was provided for me free by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.

A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson~~A Litfuse Publicity Group Book Review, Blog Tour and An iPad Mini Giveaway

  

Learning to Love Again

Tracie is one of my favorite authors and I've always enjoyed her stories. Her newest book, which just happens to be her 100th novel, A Sensible Arrangement is the first in Tracie's newest series the Lone Star Brides. It was certainly worth waiting for.

Denver, Colorado, 1893

Jake Wyeth, a bank manager, needs a wife in order to satisfy his boss at Morgan Bank. He has decided that a marriage of convenience will satisfy Mr. Morgan's desire for him to blend into the highest echelons of Denver's society. Marty Olson wants (needs, really) to escape from the loneliness of her Texas ranch where her husband died. She has resolved that answering Jake's ad for a mail order bride is just what she needs in order to escape the memories. Although, she has decided to keep the plans  for her upcoming marriage to Jake a secret from her sister.

Both Marty and Jake have been hurt in the past, and although they have become friends, they each find it difficult to love and trust again. As Marty acquaints herself to  life in Denver's society, she begins to see through their charade and their uncaring attitudes toward those less fortunate then themselves. At the same time, Jake finds himself immersed in his job at the bank and the seemingly inevitable failure of the economy; and therefore Morgan Bank.

As Marty struggles with her disappointment in God's sovereignty over the death of her first husband, the servants in the house, especially Alice (Marty's lady's maid) and Mrs. Landry (the staff overseer), help her rediscover her faith and the power of prayer. As Marty and Jake's feelings for each other grow, I wondered if Marty's lies would ruin

As Marty struggles with her disappointment in God's sovereignty over the death of her first husband, the servants in the house, especially Alice (Marty's lady's maid) and Mrs. Landry (the staff overseer), help her rediscover her faith and the power of prayer. As Marty and Jake's feelings for each other grow, I wondered if Marty's lies would ruin their tender relationship.

Tracie Peterson, as I have already mentioned, is a favorite of mine. I loved how she brought Marty, Jake , Mrs. Landry, Anna, and a whole host of other characters to life. I cheered the characters on, scolded them, and cried with them. And now I look forward to meeting them again in her her next book in the Lone Star Bride series, A Moment in Time.

About the Book:

A Lone Star Brides book.

Marty Dandridge Olson is ready to leave behind the pain of the past.
Answering an advertisement for a “Lone Star bride,” she leaves her Texas ranch and heads to Denver to marry a man she doesn’t know.

Jake Wythe is the man waiting for her.
Burned by love, he marries now simply to satisfy the board of Morgan Bank, which believes a man of his standing in society should be wed. Together Jake and Marty agree they are done with romance and love and will make this nothing more than a marriage of convenience.

When missing money and a collapsing economy threaten his job, Jake’s yearning to return to ranching grows ever stronger, much to Marty’s dismay. But a fondness has grown between them, as well, further complicating matters.

What will happen when their relationship shifts in unexpected ways… and dreams and secrets collide?

Would you like to read an excerpt?

Would you like to read an interview with Tracie about A Sensible Arrangement?

Would you like to purchase the book?

Meet Tracie:

 

 

 

 

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.

 

Tracie invites you to visit her website to learn more.

  ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Contest Information*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 Welcome to the campaign launch for Tracie Peterson's 100th book! A Sensible Arrangement launches Tracie's new Texas-based series, Lone Star Brides, that’s sure to please. As a special treat, devoted fans will be able to catch a glimpse of several popular characters from previous series.

Tracie is celebrating by giving away an iPad Mini and hosting a LIVE webcast event on 4/29.

 

  One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 29th. Winner will be announced at the A Sensible Arrangement Live Webcast Event on April 29th. Connect with Tracie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tracie will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of A Sensible Arrangement and join Tracie and friends on the evening of April 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

 

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Blessings,

**A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson was provided for me free by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.

Claiming Mariah by Pam Hillman~~A Litfuse Publicity Group Book Review, Blog Tour and Kindle Fire HD Giveaway

Cowboys, Romance and Mystery...Oh My!

Claiming Mariah is the first book that I have read by Pam Hillman; I wasn't disappointed.

After Mariah Malone's father had passed away, she discovered that her father had been involved in theft. In order to right the wrong her father had committed, Mariah wrote a letter of apology to the Donovan's, the family who was wronged. What Mariah didn't expect was for Slade Donovan to appear on her doorstep demanding that she relinquish her childhood home and ranch to him. Losing her ranch is only half of her problems. Mariah soon discovers that not everyone is who they seem to be and she finds herself needing to find someone that she can trust.

From page one, I was drawn into the story wanting to learn what is going to happen to Mariah, her grandmother, and their beloved ranch. I also wanted to understand the reason why Slade was so determined to take the ranch from Mariah and her family. As the story progressed, the answers to my questions were answered.

I liked the characters in this book. I found Mariah to be a strong, honest, and God-fearing woman. I understood why she chose not to correct the assumptions that Slade chose to make. I also understood why she didn't want to lose her childhood home, but that she would do what was right. Slade was a great cowboy, a true man of honor. I also liked the slow progression of feelings between Slade and Mariah that grew as they began to become friends. Woven in between the romance there is mystery and suspense that made the story even more interesting! I will definitely chose to read a book by Pam Hillman again.

About the Book:

After her father's death, Mariah Malone sends a letter that will forever alter the lives of her family. When Slade Donovan, strong willed and eager for vengeance, shows up on her front porch, Mariah is not ready to hear his truths: her father's farm, the only home she's ever known, was bought with stolen gold. With Slade ready to collect his father's rightful claim and force Mariah and her family out on the streets, Mariah must turn to God for guidance. Though Mr. Frederick Cooper, a local landowner, promises to answer her financial woes if she agrees to be his bride, Mariah finds herself drawn instead to the angry young man demanding her home.
With the ranch now under Slade's careful eye, he unearths more than he ever imagined as a devious plot of thievery, betrayal, and murder threatens the well-being of the ranch, endangering those who hold it dear. As the days dwindle until the rest of the Donovan clan arrives at the Lazy M ranch, Mariah and Slade must rise above the resentment of their fathers and see their true feelings before greed changes their futures forever.

Would you like to purchase a copy?

Meet Pam:

 

 

 

 

Pam Hillman was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn't afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove the Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn't mind raking. Raking hay doesn't take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that's the kind of life every girl should dream of!

Pam invites you to visit her website to learn more.

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Claiming Mariah released February 1st, and Pam Hillman hosting a cool Giveaway during the month of April. Visit Pam’s website to sign up to win a Kindle Fire!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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Blessings,

**Claiming Mariah by Pam Hillman was provided for me free by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.

Come Awake! Christ is Risen!

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

-- John 11:25-26 (KJV)

 

 

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

-- 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (KJV)

 

He Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed!

Happy Resurrection Day!

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Blessings,

The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley~~A Litfuse Publicity Group Book Review, Blog Tour and Kindle HDX Giveaway!

Impeccable History Brought to Life

I have been wanting to read Tracy L. Higley's books for awhile now. So when her newest book, The Queen's Handmaid, came up for review I didn't hesitate to request it. I wasn't disappointed.

The year is 39 BC when we meet Lydia. Cleopatra is the current Queen ruling over Egypt while Lydia is nurse to her son, Caesarion. Lydia is a beautiful, and unpretentious, young woman who knows nothing of her family or life outside the palace walls. Her heart belongs to Caesarion and her friend, Samuel.
Samuel, a Jewish man, has done his best to teach Lydia about his God and his heritage. He didn't have any children of his own, so he taught everything that he could to Lydia. When Herod arrives to visit the queen, things become complicated. Deciding that Lydia would be better suited to serve his future wife, Herod chose to take Lydia to Jerusalem with him.

Wanting to say goodbye to Samuel, Lydia discovers that he had been attacked and is close to death. Using the last of his strength, Samuel tells Lydia about the scrolls that he has been hiding; and instructs her to carefully hide and guard them until she could get them to the Chakkiym. They’ve cost Samuel his life and now Lydia is charged with smuggling them out of Egypt in order to get them into the proper hands in Jerusalem.

Lydia made the decision to accept Herod's offer because it was the perfect opportunity for her to get the scrolls out of Egypt. Arriving in Jerusalem wasn't an easy task, especially with the scrolls, which she wasn't even sure what was written in them. Uncertain of what exactly these scrolls held, Lydia knows her life is in danger. Not only that but she’ll be living in Herod's home where she'll have to deal with jealous servants, political tensions, fickle diplomats, as well as her own emotions. All she’s ever wanted was a place to belong... a family.

Tracy's storytelling is fantastic! She pulled me into Lydia's world, where I met people I fell in love with. People like Queen Mariamme, Simon, and, of course, Lydia. I also enjoyed her descriptions of the different scenes, from Egypt to Jerusalem to the palace interior, she made me feel like I was there standing beside Lydia with each turn of the page. Last but not least I liked how impeccably Tracy brought history to life, and that she included "The Story Behind the Story...and Beyond", where she separated fact from fiction; it was well worth reading.

 

About the Book:

From the servant halls of Cleopatra’s Egyptian palace to the courts of Herod the Great, Lydia will serve two queens to see prophecy fulfilled.

Alexandria, Egypt 39 BC

Orphaned at birth, Lydia was raised as a servant in Cleopatra’s palace, working hard to please while keeping everyone at arm’s length. She’s been rejected and left with a broken heart too many times in her short life.

But then her dying mentor entrusts her with secret writings of the prophet Daniel and charges her to deliver this vital information to those watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the nearest thing she’s had to a family and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City, she attaches herself to the newly appointed king, Herod the Great, as handmaid to Queen Mariamme.

Trapped among the scheming women of Herod’s political family—his sister, his wife, and their mothers—and forced to serve in the palace to protect her treasure, Lydia must deliver the scrolls before dark forces warring against the truth destroy all hope of the coming Messiah.

Meet Tracy:

 

 

Tracy L. Higley started her first novel at age eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. She has authored many novels, including “Garden of Madness” and “So Shines the Night.” Tracy is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Ancient History and has traveled through Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Italy, researching her novels and falling into adventures.

Tracy invites you to stop by her website where you’ll be able to see her travel journals and more.

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Tracy L. Higley is celebrating the release of The Queen's Handmaid with a fun giveaway.

Retailers + Resources gave it this glowing review: "Rich in historic detail, Higley’s vivid writing brings to life the plots and intrigues that swirled through the ancient world as alliances were built and broken on the calculated schemes of power-mad monarchs." 

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 19th. Winner will be announced April 21st on Tracy's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Tracy's blog on April 21st to see if you won.

 

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Blessings,

**The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley was provided for me free by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.