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Book Recommendation – True North by Susan Diane Johnson

Book Description:

Several months after a tragic accident that claimed their son, Lisa and Joe Kendall’s marriage has fallen apart. Feeling guilt over the death of their son, Joe has decided that the best thing for Lisa is for him to be out of her life. But, his marriage isn’t the only thing suffering, and Joe is forced into a leave of absence from work so he can find closure. Unsure where to spend the forced vacation, Joe decides to go alone on the Alaskan cruise he and Lisa had planned to take with their son. The last person he expects to see once the ship is well away from Seattle is Lisa. Lisa has prayed every day for Joe to reclaim his faith in God and come home so they can grieve together and rebuild the relationship they once shared. In hopes that two weeks alone with Joe will help save their marriage, she boards the ship. Little does she know that Joe has already decided to file for divorce. How will she convince him before the ship docks that they can still have a happy marriage even though their child is gone?

Narelle’s Thoughts:

I really enjoyed reading True North. The author is one of my critique partners and I’ve had the pleasure of watching this story grow and evolve. The premise is different to the typical inspirational romance because it’s a reunion romance story with a married hero and heroine. The tragedy of losing their only child has ripped apart Lisa and Joe’s marriage. At the start of the story they’re estranged and living apart, their relationship with God challenged by the unexpected loss of their son, Cody.

Lisa arranges, without Joe’s knowledge, to join him on the Alaskan cruise that was supposed to be a family birthday celebration for Cody. Their son’s dream had been to see the whales. The story has many emotional highs and lows as both Lisa and Joe deal with their grief , their faith crises, and their crumbing marriage. A couple of fascinating minor characters on the cruise play a critical role in helping Joe and Lisa heal and face their marital problems.

I loved the depth of emotion experienced by the characters as they worked through their very real issues. The Alaskan scenery was gorgeous and the close proximity of the cruise ship heightened the romantic tension in the story. I highly recommend True North for those looking for a deep and compelling contemporary romance story.

Friday Weekend Escape to the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA with Davalynn Spencer

Today we’re escaping for the weekend to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, USA, with my author friend Davalynn Spencer. Davalynn is giving us a tour of the high-country ranchland in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and sharing her love of cowboy country. Enjoy!

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Cowboy Country

As an author of historical western romance, one of my favorite places is the high-country ranchland of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. It is in just such a setting that I chose to place the second in my 3-book series, Branding the Wrangler’s Heart.

When my husband and I came upon this little valley one summer day, I wanted to send down roots and stay right there forever. The low slopes surrounding the grazing land are covered with scrub oak, piñon, and juniper trees.

The log cabin has been refurbished with all the comforts of a modern home, including indoor plumbing. Originally, a hand pump in the yard and a privy beyond the fence met the needs of ranchers and cowboys. One thing that remains the same is the presence of rattle snakes in the tall grass. Wanderers beware!

If these old cedar-post corrals could talk, what a tale we might have heard of busting broncs and branding calves. I could almost pick up the hoots and hollers of a rousing family roundup.

This old wagon bore witness to a simpler way of life. Harder, yes, but simpler. Sometimes I think I would welcome the change.

Clusters of bright Indian paintbrush edged the road on our way back to the city. I didn’t want to leave, but my next book beckoned. So many stories remain to be told of these beautiful, secluded mountain valleys and the lives that once flourished in them.

Thanks for coming along with me on this day-trip through cowboy country. I may not get to live there, but it’s satisfying to know that my characters do.

Wife and mother of professional rodeo bullfighters, DAVALYNN SPENCER began her writing journey in the national rodeo market, winning awards in the process. Today she writes inspirational western romance – both historical and contemporary – and teaches writing at Pueblo Community College. She and her handsome cowboy have three children and four grandchildren and make their home on Colorado’s Front Range with a Queensland heeler named Blue. Connect with her online at www.davalynnspencer.com, www.Facebook.com/AuthorDavalynnSpencer and on Twitter @davalynnspencer.

Whitaker Hutton always gets his way, and when cattle go missing from the Bar-HB Ranch, the tenacious foreman will stop at nothing to find them. But his boss’s granddaughter, Livvy, is more than Whit bargained for. Once the victim of Whit’s childhood pranks, Livvy has grown into a feisty beauty.

Olivia Hartman can’t forget the way Whit used to tease her. Even worse, he doesn’t think she’s capable of helping in the roundup. She could stay mad at him forever—if he wouldn’t act all sweet toward her. But when he literally rides to her rescue, Livvy starts to wonder whether her old enemy might turn out to be much more than just a friend.

Read a free sample of Branding the Wrangler’s Heart here.

Book Recommendation – Wild Mint Tea by Valerie Comer

Book Description:

Don’t disrupt a woman who finally has what she’s dreamed of most — a place to call home — but does she want security more than love?

Chef Claire Halford and her friends are rejuvenating their old farm and creating a destination wedding venue. Why does the first bride come with a ruggedly handsome brother who has everything a girl could want… except a fixed address?

Noel Kenzie loves the freedom his reforestation company affords him. He works hard and plays hard with no encumbrances. Until he meets Claire, he didn’t think there was a woman alive worth giving up his freedom for. Claire’s roots are deep into both her land and her faith, and now they’re twining around Noel’s heart.

Why does he have to be the one to give up everything? Maybe she should be the one to spread her wings instead.

“Deliciously tense moments!”
“Clever and perfect for today!”

WILD MINT TEA is the second story in Valerie Comer’s debut series, the Farm Fresh Romances. If you love Christian contemporary romance series that focus on engaging characters, strong communities, and deep faith — clean, wholesome, sweet, and inspirational romances — you’ve come to the right place!

Narelle’s Thoughts:

I really enjoyed reading Wild Mint Tea. Claire and her friends, Sierra and Jo, are working hard to create their dream of sustainable living on their farm. Claire dislikes her job at a restaurant in town and applies for a high paying short term cook position with Noel’s reforestation company. Sparks fly when Claire and Noel meet at the job interview.

Despite Claire’s excellent credentials, including her previous chef position at a top Seattle restaurant, Noel overlooks Claire for the job. Feeling bad when he calls her to break the news, he learns she’s building a wedding business at the farm and recommends the venue to his sister.

Noel and Claire are thrown together when his sister plans her wedding at Green Acres Farm, which happens to be located near his short term work camp in the mountains. Claire can’t imagine life away from Green Acres. Noel loves travelling and exploring the world. I was impressed to learn he has ridden horses in the Snowy Mountains in Australia. But, despite his attraction and growing feelings for Claire, he can’t see himself settling down in one place.

I loved the authenticity of the characters and I understood why they held certain beliefs and ideas. I enjoyed reading Raspberries and Vinegar (Jo and Zach’s story) which provided helpful background for this story. The stories can be read as stand alone novels. Personally, I prefer to read series books in order because I can gain extra insights into the characters from the previous books.

Noel has ignored his childhood upbringing in the church for years, and he is challenged by Claire’s strong faith. Claire struggles with her attraction to a man who isn’t walking close with the Lord. The story is fun, engaging, and deals with real issues in a contemporary setting. I highly recommend Wild Mint Tea to readers who are looking for an exciting and inspiring contemporary romance.

Friday Weekend Escape to the USA: Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July to my American friends! I’m looking forward to visiting San Antonio in a few weeks time for the Romance Writers of America conference. It’s winter in Australia and I can see snow on the Brindabella Ranges from the front of my house in Canberra. I can’t wait to visit Texas and enjoy a brief taste of hot summer weather.

Today I’m sharing photos from some of the places I visited during my 2013 USA trip. Enjoy your weekend!

2013-09 September USA trip Waikiki, Hawaii 027 — Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

Heartsong Presents July New Releases

My second fiction book release with Harlequin’s Love Inspired Heartsong Presents line, The Nurse’s Perfect Match, was released in May 2014. Today I’m posting information on the new Heartsong Presents releases for July.

Four Heartsong Presents books are released each month under the Love Inspired brand: two contemporary inspirational romances and two historical inspirational romances. The Love Inspired range of books include contemporary romance (Love Inspired), historical romance (Love Inspired Historical) and romantic suspense (Love Inspired Suspense).

North American readers can purchase books from the Harlequin Reader Service. International readers outside the USA and Canada can purchase the print books online from Amazon and The Book Depository (free international shipping). If you’re looking for inspirational (Christian) romances to read, please check out the Heartsong Presents and Love Inspired books.

ISABELLA ROMANO HAS GIVEN UP ON LOVE

Between her demanding work as a nurse and her father’s poor health, Isabella has no time for distractions. So when a handsome firefighter practically falls at her feet, she keeps him at arm’s length. But Ethan Carter is determined to win her over.

Orphaned at a young age, Ethan longs for a family of his own—and he’s sure Isabella is his match. But when he opens a café near his firehouse, Isabella is less than thrilled. She knows firsthand the strain of being a restaurant owner, and she wants no part of that life. Can Ethan convince the busy nurse they can overcome any obstacle and have their happily ever after together?

Read a FREE sample at Amazon.com

DAVE DUCHARME IS A MAN OF MYSTERY

Dave’s heart is captured from the moment he lays eyes on Ashley Kruger. Too bad it’s while he’s saving her from a bank robbery! When Ashley is injured, Dave promises to stay close. He’s determined to take care of her—and to win her trust.

Ashley can’t believe she was rescued by such a gentle and handsome man. As she gets to know her dashing hero, hope grows that he may be the one for her. But when dangerous secrets from his past come to light, Ashley will have to choose between safety…and love.

Read a FREE sample at Amazon.com

LOVE ISN’T IN CAPTAIN WYATT DARLING’S LOGBOOK

After a violent robbery, Wyatt is left bereft, broken and looking for answers. Solace comes in the form of beautiful Mercy Hastings, who insists he must recuperate at her family’s home. Mercy doesn’t anticipate her pure act of charity will endanger both their lives.

Wyatt’s always been married to his first love: the sea. Resigned to forever being alone, his resolve is severely tested by his captivating rescuer. As Wyatt works with Mercy to identify his attackers, will he find a way to make her his first mate forever?

Read a FREE sample at Amazon.com

KATIE GAMBLE IS ON THE RUN

After her unscrupulous stepfather accuses her of being a thief, a horrified Katie hopes to hide out until she can prove otherwise. But slipping into obscurity in a small Texas town isn’t so easy. Not with Texas Ranger Ward Alston on her tail.

Ward’s used to getting his man—or woman. But he’s not used to the accused being so resolute in her innocence or so beautifully appealing. As he uncovers the truth, Ward realizes this Harvey Girl isn’t all she seems. Together, can they evade danger and obey the law of their own hearts?

Read a FREE sample at Amazon.com

Friday Weekend Escape to Mt. Britton, Queensland, Australia with Rose Dee

Today we’re escaping for the weekend to Mt. Britton in Queensland, Australia, with my author friend Rose Dee. Rose is giving us a tour of a historic outback mining town in her home state of Queensland and sharing one of her family camping spots with us. Enjoy!

Today I am taking you to the Mount Britton Township Flat. Situated in central Queensland, Australia, this historic place is a wonderful spot to visit or camp. We have a mining camp close by, so we spend a lot of time up here in the bush.

It’s hard to imagine that this flat piece of land was once a thriving metropolis. The gold rush era in Australia saw towns popping up all over the country. When the gold dried up, the towns died.

Tully at the Mt. Britton School of the Arts Sign.

Signs are positioned all over the township flat. Each one details a building that stood on that particular spot. This is my son, Tully at the Mt. Britton School of the Arts sign. Apart from the usual town businesses – hotels, butcher, doctor and school, the town had a photographic studio, and an apiary (bee hives) that doubled as a very well attended church.

This huge fig tree is one of the few reminders left of the townsfolk. The tree was planted to honour the first baby born in the community. These days it makes the perfect camping spot.

Apart from learning all about our rich history, the children had fun exploring the old mining equipment and digging up forgotten treasures the town had left behind. Tully found an old horse buckle, some pieces of china from a Chinese tea set, and the rims of an old pair of glasses.

Photo 6. Creek to sit by. — A cool creek to sit by.

There is even a cool creek to sit by. We took our chances panning for some gold here, but unfortunately the ‘diggers’ (miners) had beaten us to it over 130 years ago.

ROSE DEE, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, was born in North Queensland, Australia. Her childhood experiences growing up in a small beach community would later provide inspiration for her first novel, Back to Resolution.

Her novels are inspired by the love of her coastal home and desire to produce exciting and contemporary stories of faith for women.

Beyond Resolution, and A New Resolution are the second and third books in the ‘Resolution’ series.

Rose’s debut novel Back to Resolution won Bookseller’s Choice at the CALEB Awards 2012. A New Resolution won the Fiction Prize, CALEB 2013.

She has also released The Greenfield Legacy, a collaborative novel, written in conjunction with three other outstanding Australian authors.

Rose resides in Mackay, North Queensland with her husband, young son, and mischievous pup, Noodle.

Her novels at available at DeeperShopping and you can learn more about Rose at her website. http://rosedee.com/

She embarks upon a search for her father that leads her to his island home, into a hazardous melting pot of hostile locals and a mystery – her father’s disappearance. The only person who can help her is a strong, self-assured and intensely magnetic man. Bay must fight an overwhelming attraction to stay focused on her goal.

Flynn McKenna is hiding from the world. A past filled with mistakes drove him to withdraw from society and live in seclusion. But the arrival of a woman he cannot avoid shatters his solitary existence. As the search for Bay’s father unites them, can he resist his desire for her?

Book Recommendation – Back to Resolution by Rose Dee

Book Description:

Bay Anders is lost. She enjoys every privilege a wealthy upbringing affords, but the void in her soul refuses to be filled. Her mother’s dying revelation drives Bay to the brink of self-destruction, before a move to Australia changes everything. She embarks upon a search for her father that leads her to his island home, into a hazardous melting pot of hostile locals and a mystery – her father’s disappearance. The only person who can help her is a strong, self-assured and intensely magnetic man. Bay must fight an overwhelming attraction to stay focused on her goal. From the glittering streets of L.A, to the beautiful Daintree rainforest of North Queensland, to the idyllic tropical island ‘Resolution’, Back to Resolution is a romantic mystery that shows how far a little faith can go.

Originally published by Even Before Publishing in Australia, 2011. Revised and edited for US market, 2016.

Narelle’s Thoughts:

I enjoyed reading this book. Bay and Flynn are fascinating characters who you’ll want to get to know as their relationship develops throughout the story. There are a number of humourous moments as city girl Bay adapts to life on a remote North Queensland island. There was also an honesty in the way the author portrayed the growing attraction between Bay and Flynn and this book could be considered ‘edgy’ by more conservative readers.

The setting is gorgeous and I became absorbed in an idyllic tropical island setting that I didn’t want to leave when the book ended. Back to Resolution is Book 1 in Rose Dee’s series, followed by Beyond Resolution and A New Resolution. I recommend this book to those looking for a fun and romantic contemporary story set in Australia.

Friday Weekend Escape to Colorado, USA with Brandy Bruce

Today we’re escaping for the weekend to Colorado, USA, with my author friend Brandy Bruce. Brandy’s giving us a tour of her home state of Colorado and sharing her love of romance set in the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy!

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Romance in the Mountains

After growing up in Texas and then going to college in Virginia, work brought my husband and me to Colorado, which is where I promptly fell in love with the mountains. There’s nothing quite like the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains or the deep red rocks of Garden of the Gods. Below is a picture of my husband and me at the Garden of the Gods when I was pregnant with my son! It’s a tourist hot spot so we go there nearly every time we have friends or family come visit us.

Colorado is such a beautiful place that I decided to make it the setting for my three-book series with Heartsong Presents. Books one and two take place in Denver, the mile high city. My heroine rides the train from Union Station to her office in the tech center. Downtown Denver is such a fun and vibrant place. (By the way, this photo was taken downtown on my tenth wedding anniversary! I donned my wedding dress and we did an anniversary photo shoot. So much fun!)

Book three takes place in Estes Park, Colorado, a little town up in the mountains right by Rocky Mountain National Park. I absolutely love Estes Park. My hero in that novel is a chef who likes to fly-fish in his spare time. The rivers here in Colorado are wonderful for fly-fishing (or so my husband tells me! He loves to fly-fish). The picture below was taken of my sister and me near Estes Park at Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a gorgeous place for hiking or camping.

In book two of my series (which releases this July!) one of the main characters purchases a café. I was inspired by the cafés in Manitou Springs, Colorado. From Manitou Springs, you can take a train ride up to Pikes Peak. There are gift shops and restaurants and an old outdoor arcade for kids in Manitou; it’s a super fun place right by Colorado Springs. Speaking of the springs, I love Colorado Springs because there’s so much to do! From the building where I work, you have an incredible view of the mountains, including Pikes Peak. Below is a picture I took on my way into the office. It was a dark, stormy day and I love the look of a storm brewing over the mountains.

There’s something soothing and peaceful to me about looking out and seeing the beauty of the mountains. I so enjoy living in Colorado with my family. And there’s plenty of inspiration for romance! A night out in downtown Denver—perhaps dinner on Sixteenth Street and then catching a play in the theater district. A hike up to a river and a picnic for two, with the sound of water rushing and wind blowing through the Aspen trees. The stars looks endless when you’re in a small mountain town. Ideal settings for a Heartsong Presents novel!

BRANDY BRUCE holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Liberty University. She’s worked as a book editor for more than eight years. Looks Like Love is her first novel. Brandy makes her home in Colorado with her husband and two children. When she’s not editing manuscripts or writing, she’s usually reading–anything from books about vampires to quiet Amish life. She also loves watching movies, talking on the phone with her sisters, blogging, or baking any kind of cheesecake.

Visit her website at http://brandybruce.blogspot.com

ISABELLA ROMANO HAS GIVEN UP ON LOVE

ACRBA Tour Dear God It’s Me and It’s Urgent by Marion Stroud

16th – 20th June 2014

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

‘Dear God It’s Me and It’s Urgent’

(Monarch, October 2013)

By

Marion Stroud

About the Book

‘Dear God It’s Me and It’s Urgent’ provides prayers for private devotion and meditation, or for sharing with other women. Inspiring and challenging they are rooted firmly in everyday life. Topics range from A Bride’s Prayer on the Eve of her Wedding,Reluctant Hospitality and After Chemotherapy, mixing wisdom and compassion with a touch of humour.In a world where people often seem too busy to listen or care God is always available. No appointment is required.

About the Author

Marion Stroud has written 3 children’s books, and 23 non-fiction titles. She lives in Bedford UK the town in which John Bunyan wrote his famous Pilgrim’s Progress. She is a cross cultural trainer for Media Associates International [www.littworld.org] which works to help Christian writers, editors and publishers write and publish culturally appropriate material in the ‘spiritually hard places’ of the world. You can contact marion at www.marionstroud.com

Narelle: My book recommendation can be found at the following link:

http://narelleatkins.wordpress.com/2014/05/29/book-recommendation-dear-god-its-me-and-its-urgent-by-marion-stroud/

Friday Weekend Escape to Atkins, Arkansas, USA with Cynthia Hickey

Today we’re escaping for the weekend to Arkansas, USA, with my author friend Cynthia Hickey. Cynthia’s giving us a tour of her hometown of Atkins (great name!) and sharing her vacation with her family. Enjoy!

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In June of 2014, I visited my home town of Atkins to visit my family. While there, we attended Homecoming at the town of Appleton, where my father grew up. The church was built in 1912.

We also hiked my favorite mountain, Petit Jean, where I found my grandfather’s name carved into a rock. We estimate the year to be 1917, right before he shipped off to war. Me and my granddaughter are pointing out his name.

Here is a picture of my great grandmother’s name, carved the same year. I love history, don’t you? Many of my historical romances have a trace of my family history in them.

When we left the house cave where these photos were taken, I managed to fall and hurt my leg pretty severely, but that did not stop me from heading to one of the most beautiful waterfalls. This is also on Petit Jean Mountain.

This picture shows my son, grandchildren, and niece and nephew in front of the falls.

And the real reason we head home to Atkins, Arkansas … family. Here is my mother, me, and my two sisters.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into my vacation.

Multi-published and Best-Selling author CYNTHIA HICKEY had three cozy mysteries and two novellas published through Barbour Publishing. Her first mystery, Fudge-Laced Felonies, won first place in the inspirational category of the Great Expectations contest in 2007. Her third cozy, Chocolate-Covered Crime, received a four-star review from Romantic Times. All three cozies have been re-released as ebooks through the MacGregor Literary Agency, along with a new cozy series, all of which stay in the top 50 of Amazon’s ebooks for their genre. She has several historical romances releasing in 2013 and 2014 through Harlequin’s Heartsong Presents, and has sold more than 160,000 copies of her works. She is active on FB, twitter, and Goodreads. She lives in Arizona with her husband, one of their seven children, two dogs and two cats. She has five grandchildren who keep her busy and tell everyone they know that “Nana is a writer”.

Visit her website at www.cynthiahickey.com

ANNIE ROLLINS LONGS FOR ADVENTURE

But her strict mother keeps her close to home, working as a Harvey Girl waitress. Until Dallas Baker shows up in town and takes the job Annie really wants—leading tours through the Grand Canyon. Annie’s frustrated, but finds it impossible to ignore the handsome outdoorsman.

With her split skirts and modern hairdo, Annie challenges Dallas’s old-fashioned notions of what makes a lady. To his surprise, he finds her delightful, until he learns she has no interest in settling down. Dallas is ready to win her heart, but is Annie willing to fall in love?