Once Upon An Irish Summer | Blog Tour | Review + Giveaway!

Welcome to my stop in the Once Upon An Irish Summer Blog Tour! Read all the way until the end to find out about an amazing giveaway!

ABOUT THE BOOK: 

You Can’t Embrace Your Future Until You Deal With Your Past... 

Fiona Burke has long been obsessed with Ireland’s famed, sixteenth-century pirate queen, Grace O’Malley. Now that she’s on the final stretch of earning her PhD in history, all she needs to do is finish her dissertation—with Grace O’Malley as her subject—then return home to Boston to defend it. Once that’s done she can compete for a highly coveted history professor position. 

Fiona arrives in western Ireland aiming to interview the locals and find additional folklore to flesh out her work. But when she encounters Grace’s distant relative— the handsome, commanding Rory O’Malley—she gets seriously distracted. Rory shares her passion for history and Ireland, and cares for his grandfather and great-uncle in a winsome way. Unfortunately he also carries wounds beyond his injured leg...wounds that threaten to dismantle every little bit of a relationship that he and Fiona begin to build. 

As a famed TV host becomes intrigued with Fiona—as well as convinced she should do guest appearances on his show—Rory starts to figure out that he might be as interested in his own personal romantic future as he is in Ireland’s epic past. But can he take the steps toward the healing he needs before it’s too late? It all remains to be seen...Once Upon an Irish Summer. 

PURCHASE LINKS: 

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | CHRISTIANBOOK | INDIEBOUND 

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My rating:
4.5 stars
(View my rating system) 

My thoughts:

Once Upon An Irish Summer was such a fun and adventurous read. I loved the setting in which the story took place (Ireland!) and the Grace O’Malley history/treasure was SO interesting. 

I thought the characters were really well written and I found Fiona and Rory's romance to be sweet. The ending was wonderful and tied things up nicely.

All in all, Once Upon An Irish Summer is a book you should add to your summer TBR if you enjoy sweet contemporary romances with a little bit of adventure. It was really good! 

*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/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and 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.*

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AUTHOR BIO: 

Lisa T. Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books in a variety of genres, that have sold over three million copies combined. She lives in Colorado Springs, CO with her husband and three big kids. You can find out more about her at LisaTawnBergren.com. 

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS 

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ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER REVIEW BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE: 

June 15 | All of a Kind Mom 

June 17 | Relz Reviewz 

June 19 | Among the Reads 

June 22 | Fiction Aficionado 

June 24 | Woven by Words 

June 26 | The Green Mockingbird 

June 29 | Books, Life, and Christ

July 1 | Hallie Reads 

July 3 | Christian Chick’s Thoughts 

July 6 | Bringing Up Books 

July 8 | Christian Bookshelf Reviews

July 10 | The Writer’s Soul 

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Giveaway!!

Lisa is giving away a signed copy of (1) of the books pictured above (winner's choice!)! Ends 7/22

How to enter: Sign into the Giveaway Tools form below (it might take a moment to load) and submit each entry you complete. Commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form. Happy entering!

Entry-Form

Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Giveaway Tools and announced here as well as emailed and will have up to one week to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Giveaway Tools or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. I am not responsible for any packages lost or damaged in the mail. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren

About the book:

In 1773 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it flies against all the conventions, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, conventions are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined--and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this harsh and unfamiliar world.

Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.

To keep her family together and save the plantation that is her last chance at providing for them, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

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7-Year Blogoversary Party - Interview with Lisa T. Bergren + Giveaway!

Week two of the 7-Year Blogoversary Party! I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to interview Lisa T. Bergren (the author of two of my favorite series -- The River of Time & The Grand Tour) and give away a signed copy of her BRAND NEW release, Keturah.

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Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Lisa!! Will you tell us a little about yourself? 

Hi! I’m a mom of three big kids, wife to one, and writer of all kinds of books. I love people and my God.

What is your novel, Keturah, about?

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"Waiting On" Wednesday: Three Wishes by Lisa T. Bergren

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're

eagerly anticipating.

 This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Publisher: Bergren Creative Group, Inc. / ASIN#B01C32F3A4
Expected Publication Date: April 8, 2016
216 pages
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR. BECAUSE YOU JUST MIGHT GET IT.

Zara Ruiz is a normal California girl on the verge of graduating from high school and thinking about her dawning future. But when dusk brings a shattering loss—and she discovers a priceless object in the shallows of a tide pool—she is thrust a hundred-and-eighty years into the past. There she meets handsome ranchero Javier de la Ventura—who has big dreams and secret sorrows—along with his enchanting family, in a land that is at once familiar, and yet utterly foreign.

Between cattle rustlers, pirates and a growing call for statehood, it is not a peaceful time to be a Mexican settler in young Alta California. But Zara must decide if she's discovered what she longs for most in the past, or if her heart's THREE WISHES can only be found in the present.

Why I want to read this book:

A NEW RIVER OF TIME BOOK!! Enough said ;)

What's your "Waiting On" Wednesday selection this week?

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: Claim by Lisa T. Bergren

About the book:

Sent west by their father to make a new life, the St. Clair siblings have done so—but hardly as he’d wished. Beautiful, headstrong Moira, after pursuing a career on the Paris stage, has returned to Colorado Springs—older, wiser, and certainly much poorer—to see if there’s anything left of a relationship she’d left behind. Older sister Odessa and her husband, Bryce, are struggling to rebuild their ranch after a devastating winter. And then Nic, the prodigal son, turns up—broken, haunted, and sick about leaving his sisters.

At last the family is reunited. But Dominic is still at loose ends, seeking a peace that has always eluded him. Only as he mines an old claim deep in the Rocky Mountains and begins a romance with a local schoolteacher does he begin to understand how passionately he is loved—by God, his family, and a good woman. But even as he relinquishes his fury, Nic discovers there is one last battle to fight…

My rating:

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My thoughts:

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Review: Sing by Lisa T. Bergren

About the book:

Moira St. Clair has done exactly what her father forbade her to do: chased her dreams to sing on the stage. But even as her star rises, she becomes more vulnerable to those who wish to use her—or bring her down….

It is 1886, and the St. Clairs are living out their dreams in three very separate parts of the world—Paris, Brazil and Colorado. And while each has found a measure of success and joy, each is haunted by past sins and secrets.

Once home in Colorado, the St. Clairs struggle to learn what it means to sing praise to God—even in the face of tremendous loss—and trust Him in all things, even when forced to fight for their very lives.

My rating:

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My thoughts:

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End of Summer Birthday Bash | Final Day ~ Interview with Lisa T. Bergren & Giveaway!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Lisa!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a mom, wife and friend living in Colorado Springs. In between “life things,” I write books. Over forty so far!

What is your latest book, Deluge, about?

It’s the 5th in the River of Time Series, which follows the Betarrini and Forelli families in medieval Italy, after two girls time-travel back. In this book, they all face the Black Plague, which was grueling.

You also released the first book in your new Dystopian series, Remnants: Season of Wonder, this year. Was it harder or easier to write a book set in a post-apocalyptic future vs. Medieval Italy?

Medieval. Because with futuristic, you’re just making it all up—tons of world building. With medieval, you have SOME facts to undergird your fiction.

Do you outline your stories or are you more of a "panther"?

Used to be an outliner, chapter by chapter. Now I know the chief event that happens in each “act” of the book, and I pants my way to each of them.

What are your favorite and least favorite genres to read and why?

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Review: Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren

About the book:

WARNING TO MY BELOVED RIVER TRIBE: HARD THINGS HAPPEN IN THIS BOOK. Get your Kleenex ready...If you're not ready for some special characters to perish from plague and in battle, you won't want to read it. Seriously. You can walk away now and we can part as friends. BUT, that said, there's also a ton of romance and suspense and fun too! To embrace life, and live it to the fullest, we must appreciate the day--and occasionally face down death--and our beloved Forellis and Betarrinis learn that all over again. Ready? Ready. We can DO this... --Lisa

IT'S ONE THING TO BATTLE FOR LIFE...BUT WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN DEATH ITSELF COMES HUNTING?

The Bettarinis and Forellis have found rich fulfillment together in medieval Italia. But after fighting off countless enemies, they now must face the worst foe of all. As the Black Death closes in upon them, threatening everything and everyone they hold dear, Lia and Gabi–and the knights they love–must dig deep within to decide how they might remain safe…and if they need to risk it all in order to truly live as they’re called.

My rating:

 
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My thoughts:

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Guest Post: 10 Things I’d Be Glad to Ditch in a Dystopian Future by Lisa T. Bergren + Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway!!

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Review & Giveaway: Remnants: Season of Wonder by Lisa T. Bergren

Remnants: Season of Wonder by Lisa T. Bergren
Blink / 2014

About the book:

Our coming was foretold by the elders--- Those who would change the future, just as the planet teetered on the edge of darkness.
Born on the prophesied day with birthmarks in the form of a crescent moon, they knew us immediately. Swaddled and screaming, we were spirited away by those who hid us, trained us, and kept us safe until our time came.
They poured their lives into us. Some died to save us.
And now we, the Remnants, protected by Knights of the Last Order, have gathered.
Called until we breathe our last ... to save the world.

Book Trailer:

 

My rating:

My thoughts:

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Review: Glittering Promises by Lisa T. Bergren

Glittering Promises by Lisa T. Bergren
The Grand Tour series: Book Three
David C. Cook / 2013
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Wealth cannot buy peace … or direction.

For Cora Kensington, the Grand Tour was to be the trip of a lifetime. She discovered the family she never knew she had, and may have even found the love she longs for in Will. And yet her life has just become infinitely more challenging …

Hounded by journalists chasing the beguiling story of the newest American heiress, Cora fights to remain true to her past, reconcile her present, and still embrace her future. But as Will struggles with her newfound wealth, she begins to wonder if their love is strong enough to withstand all that threatens to pull them apart.

Complicating matters is the stubborn pursuit of Pierre de Richelieu and the increased demands on her time and attention. Cora must stand up for what she believes—regardless of how that might challenge current family and cultural norms—in order to remain true to who she really is.

And as she glimpses the end of the tour, Cora knows it’s time to decide Who and what defines her … and who and what does not.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Out of all the books I've anticipated reading this fall, Glittering Promises was at or near the top. I have loved reading Lisa Bergren's Grand Tour series - the characters are just fantastic and I love all the rich locations and history in the books. Glittering Promises completely met my expectations and I just loved it!

Right from the beginning, Glittering Promises drew me back into Cora's journey. While I did see some of the things coming in this story, there were still so many twists and turns, and one thing in particular that happened mid-story shocked me. Absolutely shocked me!

The only thing that kind of bugged me about Glittering Promises was how certain characters kept going back and forth between feeling jealousy and then trusting the person they loved. It seemed realistic, but just sort of frustrated me.

Overall, I loved Glittering Promises! I loved the history, characters, and romance story. The ending was so sweet and I couldn't help smiling while reading it. I most definitely recommend this book, but you should probably read books one and two first.

*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/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and 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.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks!

~Litfuse Tour Page~

Lisa T. Bergren is celebrating the release of her new book, Glittering Promises, by giving away a $200 Italian feast from Williams-Sonoma and hosting a fun Facebook party on October 29th.

 
  One winner will receive:

• A $200 Italian feast from Williams-Sonoma delivered to your door
• The three-book Grand Tour set

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 29th. Winner will be announced at the "Glittering Promises" Facebook Author Chat Party on October 29th. Connect with Lisa for an evening of book chat, European trivia, and prizes, and get an exclusive look Lisa's next book.

So grab your copies of the Grand Tour series and join Lisa on the evening of October 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 29th!

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