Review: A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller

A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller

Revell / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

Can a marriage of convenience ever become one of true love?

Ingrid Larsen arrives in Michigan in 1871 with little more than the clothes on her back and a determination to find her brother, who has disappeared into the dangerous lumber camps. Destitute and barely hanging on to hope, the young Swedish immigrant crosses paths with Joshua Hunter, a newly widowed farmer with eyes the color of the ocean she had crossed and five rambunctious children to raise on his own.

Marriage would solve both of their problems, and Ingrid finds herself proposing in broken English to a man she barely knows. Many difficulties lie ahead--but the hardest battle of all will be winning the heart of her new husband.

My rating:

My thoughts:

A Promise to Love is another hit from Serena B. Miller! I absolutely loved it! I was surprised by the main character, Ingrid, - how strong she was and all the things she endured. There were many times I felt sad for her while reading this book because of things that were said/done to her.

The story was very good and I couldn't help but get caught up in what was happening! There was a little mystery concerning the cause of Joshua's first wife's death - and let me just say, I was shocked when the truth was finally revealed.

I also enjoyed all of the history in A Promise to Love - when I read the "Author's Note" in the back of the book, I was surprised how much stuff from the story actually happened!

I was pleased that some of the characters from The Measure of Katie Calloway made an appearance in A Promise to Love - it was great to get an update on their lives.

The only thing that took some getting used to was Ingrid's broken English, but that did make her character more realistic and after I read a few chapters, it was no longer an issue to me.

If you like historical romances, than I completely recommend A Promise to Love! I loved it and hope these characters will appear in some of Serena's future novels.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. 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.*

“Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Review: You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren

You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren

Deep Haven: Book Six

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

The secret she’s kept to protect her family could be the very thing that tears them apart.

To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.

No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker.

Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to find her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and bent on revenge, Annalise must face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she find the courage to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?

My rating:

My thoughts:

You Don't Know Me is the sixth Deep Haven novel, but the first I've read. I was able to follow along easily and thoroughly enjoyed reading it! I've read many of Susan May Warren's previous books, and I don't think I've ever been disappointed with any of them!

I found it very interesting that the main character in this book (Annalise) is a member of the Witness Security Program and how she never told her husband that in all the years of their marriage.

I loved the characters! Annalise, Nathan, Frank, and Tucker were probably my favorites, but I liked almost all of the main characters.

There was one thing I didn't like in this book. On page 156, Pastor Dan says "I have a word from the Lord for you today, church. I don't know who this is directed to, but someone needs to hear it." He then goes on to say things like, "'I love you', says the Lord. 'I see things, and I know you, and I love you. Period. I know stuff about you that you don't even think I know, and yet I love you...'" - I don't like when books say that God said something that's not in the Bible. It's one of my pet-peeves.

You Don't Know Me's story was really good and I look forward to reading more Deep Haven books in the future! I recommend it if you enjoy books with a little suspense and some romance.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. 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.*

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

Litfuse Contest!

Welcome to the campaign launch for Susan May Warren's latest offering in her beloved Deep Haven series, You Don't Know Me. Susan is celebrating with a $200 Weekend Getaway Giveaway and hosting a fun video Author Chat Party!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one and “Get to Know” your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
• The entire set of Deep Haven Books

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the ”You Don’t Know Me” Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/23. Connect with Susan for an evening of book chat, Deep Haven trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be info about Susan’s BookShout read-along and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of You Don’t Know Me and join Susan on the evening of the October 23rd 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

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Weekend Wrap-up + Giveaway Winners + New Program - Tyndale Rewards!

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and hope to read this coming week, and (when applicable) the current giveaways/giveaway winners. Occasionally I'll post some other stuff as well.

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've accomplished (reading-wise) this past week. :)

 What I've read this week:

What I'm currently reading:

 What I hope to read next week:

I don't think I'll be able to read all of those books this coming week, but I'l try. :)

Reviews posted this week:

A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman

Twice Promised by Maggie Brendan
Unveil by Amber Garza
Echoes of Titanic by Mindy Starns Clark and John Campbell Clark

  Current Giveaways!

Enter to win a Kindle copy of The Unveiling by Tamara Leigh! Open to US and Canada! Ends 10/23



Enter to win a copy of The New Recruit by Jill Williamson! US only. Ends 10/25!



Enter to win a eBook copy of A Light in the Darkness by Heather Sutherlin! Open INT. Ends 10/30

Giveaway Winners!



The winner is...

Kristia! +



The winner is...

Holly! +



The winner is...

Emily+



The original winner failed to claim her prize, so the new winner is...

Tammy (tammycuevas@...)*

+Winner has claimed their prize
*Winner has been contacted via Twitter and has until 10/25 to claim their prize, otherwise another winner will be chosen.

Tyndale Rewards!

Have you heard of Tyndale's new program called "Tyndale Rewards"? If not, you should definitely check it out! You earn points, and then with those points you can redeem books, Bibles, even audiobooks! If you decide to join, please use the following link (I get points when people join with my promo code):

www.tyndalerewards.com/signup/?pc=3trv-n672-9psj-sqqj

Thanks so much for stopping by! That's what I accomplished (reading-wise) this week. What about you?

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Review: Echoes of Titanic by Mindy Starns Clark and John Campbell Clark

Echoes of Titanic by Mindy Starns Clark and John Campbell Clark

Harvest House / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

Kelsey Tate comes from sturdy stock. Her great-grandmother Adele endured the sinking of Titanic and made it safely to America, where she not only survived but thrived. Generations later, Kelsey works for the firm Adele founded nearly 100 years ago. 

Now facing a hostile takeover, the firm’s origins are challenged when new facts emerge about Adele’s actions on the night Titanic sank. Kelsey tries to defend the company and the great-grandmother she has long admired, but the stakes are raised when Kelsey’s boss is murdered and her own life threatened. 

Forced to seek help from Cole Thornton, a man Kelsey once loved—and lost, thanks to her success-at-all-costs mentality—she pursues mysteries both past and present. Aided by Cole and strengthened by the faith she’d all but forgotten in her climb up the corporate ladder, Kelsey races the clock to defend her family legacy, her livelihood, and ultimately her life.

My rating:

My thoughts:


I have read many of Mindy Starns Clark's suspense books and loved most of them, but unfortunately, Echoes of Titanic wasn't that great to me. I found myself easily bored throughout most of the novel (although it did get better later on in the story) and sometimes thought there were too many details.

I did like the mystery, though, of who really survived from the sinking of the Titanic (whether Adele or Jocelyn posing as Adele). There were other things that happened present day that added suspense/mystery, too, which I also enjoyed. I was surprised when it was made known what had happened regarding the person who was found dead - I wasn't expecting it.

Overall, I liked Echoes of Titanic, but because it was somewhat boring at times, I'm giving it 2.5 stars. Even though this book isn't one of my favorites, if it sounds like something you might like (and you like books dealing with the Titanic), you might want to try it.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. 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.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click yes on Amazon. Thanks for stopping by. :)

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