GRAVE CONSEQUENCES: Grand Tour Series Book 2 by Lisa T Bergren

ABOUT THE BOOK

For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future-her very life-depends on the decisions she'll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone's plans in danger.

And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences.

LINK TO BUY THE BOOK

READ AN EXCERPT HERE! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  

Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs. 

Visit her website here: http://lisatawnbergren.com/ 

MY REVIEW 

Continuing the Grand Tour Series, Lisa Bergren takes her readers through France, Austria and Italy with Cora and Will and Cora's siblings. Lisa's ability to not just create scenes of a different time and place with words but bring alive the emotions of her characters in this second book is outstanding.

She stays true to her characters that we got to know in her first book of this series, Glamorous Illusions. In Grave Consequences, Cora becomes stronger in who she is and what she believes through a series of events that have the potential to tear apart the fragile cord that binds her to her siblings. 

This is another excellent novel by Lisa. My heart would cheer on Cora when it came to her relationship with her siblings and with Will. It would weep with her when she would hurt and laugh with her when she braved to leap..... Oh, wait, I can't tell you that part. You will just have to read the book. 

Written from Cora's viewpoint and from Will's viewpoint, the reader really gets a good look and feel for each of their hearts and fears. I really like how Lisa is able to write in this manner. You get a much better understanding of the workings of Cora and Will's mind and heart.   

Full of twists and turns and suspense, not to mention possible romance, Grave Consequences is another great novel that leaves you excited to read the third book in this wonderful series.

Litfuse Publicity Group made this review possible by providing me with a free copy for the purpose of writing this review. 

  
READ MORE REVIEWS HERE! 

Celebrate the release of Grave Consequences with Lisa T. Bergren by entering to win an iPad Mini!

One "grand" winner receive:

• A brand new iPad Mini
• Grave Consequences and Glamorous Illusions will be pre-loaded onto the Mini!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced on March 25th at Lisa's website.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

 

 

”The Tutor’s Daughter” by Julie Klassen! Enter to win a “Downton Abbey” Kindle Prize Pack

Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor's Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast-a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions-where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits.

Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementoes?

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems-and secrets-of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her...

When suspicious acts escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart?

LINK TO BUY THE BOOK http://ow.ly/gI7qC

WATCH THE BOOK TRAILER 

READ AN EXCERPT HERE! 

ABOUT JULIE KLASSEN

  

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.  

JULIE'S WEBSITE 

MY REVIEW

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to review The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen. I have read a few of her other books and was very much entertained by her works so I knew this one would be another great novel.

I wasn't disappointed. Julie's diligent research in historical background and settings combined with her talent in writing a compelling story kept me glued to The Tutor's Daughter. Set in the early 1800's in Cornwall, I learned about the people who made a living off of freight scavenged from shipwrecks that were common on the coasts of Cornwall. 

Julie also drew me into the life and trials of Emma and her father as they traveled to Cornwall to tutor a baron's younger sons. Emma's sweet temperament combined with her intelligence and tenderheart make her appear soft at first. However, with further reading I found her to be of strong character and determination. In spite of eerie happenings and mysterious piano-playing, Emma stands true for truth and love.

Julie is definitely one of my favorite historical romance/suspense authors. Her style of writing echoes that of Jane Austen (who is one of the best authors for her era). Attention to details, strong characters, excellent suspense with enough romance to keep things exciting makes The Tutor's Daughter another winner for Julie Klassen.

Litfuse Publicity Group provided me with a free e-book copy for the purpose of writing this review.

 

    

Julie is celebrating by giving away one of the new Paperwhite Kindles, Downton Abbey (season 3) and hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. (January 31st)

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Paperwhite
• Downton Abbey, Season 3
• A Julie Klassen library (The Tutor’s Daughter, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 30th. Winner will be announced at "The Tutor's Daughter Author Chat Party on January 31st. Connect with Julie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be great giveaways - gift certificates, books and season 3 of Downton Abbey!

So grab your copy of The Tutor's Daughter and join Julie on the evening of the January 31st for a chance to connect with Julie 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!

NO SAFE HARBOR by Elizabeth Ludwig and KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY

ABOUT THE BOOK

She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she's found is a web of danger.

Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend-Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother's warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.

She's then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother-but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.

With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke... a man she's grown to love? 

BUY THE BOOK HERE!

ABOUT ELIZABETH 

Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Journey, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Janelle Mowery, earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year honors. This book was followed in 2009 by “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” part of a Christmas anthology collection called Christmas Homecoming, also from Barbour Publishing. 

In 2010, her first full-length historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned Four Stars from the Romantic Times. Books two and three of Elizabeth’s mystery series, Died in the Wool (Barbour Publishing) and Inn Plain Sight (Spyglass Lane), respectively, released in 2011.

Coming in 2012 is Elizabeth’s newest historical series from Bethany House Publishers. No Safe Harbor, the first book in the Edge of Freedom Series, will release in October, with two more books following in 2013 and 2014.

Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, and often attends conferences and seminars, where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoyed a wide readership in its first full year, with more than 17,000 visitors in 2011. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in the great state of Texas.

VISIT HER WEBSITE! 

MY REVIEW 

I was trying to remember if I had read any of Elizabeth's books, but I don't think I have. However, that is going to change.

Elizabeth is a wonderful writer. I truly enjoyed her characters in this book, No Safe Harbor. They are dynamic and personable. They hum with the life Elizabeth has given them.

Cara is an amazing young woman in search for her brother. Crossing the Atlantic ocean in those times was a difficult journey at best if not harrowing for a young woman alone. It showed her moxie and determination to locate her brother in a foreign land.

The story, set in a time of chaos and subterfuge for many in Ireland, revealed how that unrest came to the shores of America. Between the potato famine, the battling between Catholics and Protestants and the hapless caught in between, those seeking refuge in the arms of Lady Liberty came accompanied with those seeking Cara's brother and his death.

Cara finds her faith tested on many levels and her heart opens to a man that she isn't sure she can trust. In spite of her naivety, she searches for answers in order to find her brother. She is such an awesome young woman.

Rourke is one of those looking for her brother, as well. Only he doesn't intend to hug him. Strong, handsome, and secretive, he finds himself caught in the web that was suppose to trap Cara's brother. His desire for truth has him rethinking some things.

This is a wonderful story worth reading again and again, at least until the next one of the series is available. I for one am looking forward to reading the next book from The Edge of Freedom series.

READ MORE REVIEWS HERE

I received this review copy from Litfuse Publicity Group for the purpose of writing this review.

 

Elizabeth Ludwig is celebrating her new book with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at a Facebook Author Chat party on 12/6.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 5th. Winner will be announced at the "No Safe Harbor" Author Chat Facebook Party on 12/6. Connect with Elizabeth, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Edge of Freedom series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and win some great prizes—gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of No Safe Harbor and join Elizabeth on the evening of the December 6th for a chance to connect with her 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

 

 

UNENDING DEVOTION by Jody Hedlund AND GIVEAWAY!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Michigan, 1883

In Her Darkest Hours, Is He the Man She Needs?

Lily Young longs to find her lost sister or will die trying. Heedless of any danger, she searches logging camps and towns, posing as a photographer’s assistant. And then she arrives in Harrison, Michigan–and the sights of Connell McCormick.

Connell is determined to increase the fortune of his lumber-baron father and figures as long as he’s living an upright life, that’s what matters. But when Lily arrives in town she upends his world, forcing him to confront the truth that dangerous men have gained too much power while good men turn a blind eye.

Vexing but persuasive, Lily soon secures Connell’s help, drawing them ever closer to each other. Will standing for what’s right cost them both everything?

LINK TO BUY THE BOOK

http://ow.ly/dihgn 

ABOUT JODY HEDLUND

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of "The Doctor's Lady" and "The Preacher's Bride". She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.

Visit her website: http://jodyhedlund.com

MY REVIEW

I really enjoy historical novels. So reading Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund was a treat indeed. I had read a previous book by her, The Preacher's Bride, and enjoyed it as well.

One of things I like about how she writes, is the research she does for her books. Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, timber country, I was aware of some of the things she talked about in Unending Devotion, but not to the extent she brought out in her book. 

The opening of the story is what caught my attention. Lily Young, the main character, is on her way to rescue a young girl caught in prostitution in one of the logging towns. She wasn't the first girl Lily rescued.

Lily and her friend, Oren travel from one logging town and logging camp to another, taking pictures of the men who work in them and hopefully, find her missing sister, Daisy.

The conditions are not just rough, they are dangerous, especially for a young, pretty girl, like Lily. If it wasn't for Oren, her friend, protector and father-figure, she wouldn't have gotten very far.

Strong characters and real stories interwoven in this fictional piece make for a fascinating story. Then throw in Connell McCormick, son of a lumber-baron, things really get interesting.

Connell knows things aren't good in Harrison, yet, he doesn't dare rock the boat against the man who has the law in his pocket. However, Lily challenges his fence-riding. Will he stand up to one of the most evilest men in the state? Will he stand up for what he knows is right? Will Lily find her sister? You will just have to read the book to find out!

Unending Devotion isn't just about a missing sister, or Lily's unending love for her. Nor is it just about the wretched conditions of the logging camps and towns filled with the depravities of man. Throughout it all, we see the unending devotion God has for each one of us. Though we may try to run and hide and even try to do things our way, He still loves us. He loves us enough to let us come to the end of ourselves, so we will turn to Him. That is unending devotion. 

This review was made possible through Litfuse Publicity Group. They freely provided a review copy for reviewing only. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. 

READ MORE REVIEWS HERE!

http://litfusegroup.com/author/JHedlund

UNENDING DEVOTION BY JODY HEDLUND / NIKON CAMERA GIVEAWAY AND FACEBOOK PARTY 9/18/2012! ENTER AND RSVP TODAY!

Celebrate with Jody by entering to win a Nikon Camera Prize Pack!

See what folks are saying about Unending Devotion!

One “devoted” winner will receive:

• A Nikon COOLPIX Digital Camera
• $25 Shutterfly gift certficate
• Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 17th. Winner will be announced at the “Unending Deovtion” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/18. Connect with Jody, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Unending Devotion and join Jody on the evening of the September 18th for a chance to connect with Jody 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 18th!

FLAME OF RESISTANCE by Tracy Groot

Christy Award Winner Tracy Groot Revitalizes World War II History with “Impressionistic Retelling” of the Story of Rahab

Tyndale House Releases Flame of Resistance in June.

Nazi occupation has stolen much from Brigitte Durand. Family. Freedom. Hope for a future, especially for a woman like her. Forced to turn her home into a Germans-only brothel to survive, Brigitte clings to patriotism by sneaking bits of food to the French Resistance and the downed airmen they’re hiding nearby.

When American fighter pilot Tom Jaeger is shot down over France and picked up by the Resistance, he becomes the linchpin in their plan to leverage Brigitte’s sympathy. By posing as a German officer, Tom can smuggle out critical intel she acquires from other soldiers about the nearby bridges, whose capture and defense will be crucial to Allied forces.

D-Day looms, and everyone knows invasion is imminent. But so is treachery. When loyalties are betrayed, the life of one American pilot unexpectedly jeopardizes everything. He becomes more important than the mission to a man who cannot bear to lose another agent . . . and to a woman who is more than just a prostitute, who finally realizes her courage could change the course of history.

Tyndale House Publishers presents Flame of Resistance, a stand-alone novel by Christy Award winner Tracy Groot. The novel, set in Normandy on the brink of D-Day, is an “impressionistic retelling” of the story of Rahab from the Bible (Joshua 2). Spies, prostitutes, Nazis, and Milice (the French equivalent of Gestapo) mix with calls of duty, crises of conscience, romance, and bombs bursting in air for a story centered on D-Day’s spearhead action: the Allied capture of Pegasus Bridge. A series of events calls forth depth of character, demonstrating that “people come forward to show who they are in war.” As the anniversary of D-Day approaches on June 6, Tracy Groot presents a moving work of historical fiction.

About the Author

Tracy Groot lives in Michigan with her husband and three sons. She is the author of The Brother’s Keeper and Stones of My Accusers—which both received starred Booklist reviews—and Madman, a Christy Award winner that also received a starred Publishers Weekly review. Luckily, she and her husband own a coffee shop in Holland, Michigan, where a caffeine junkie can find acceptability and safe haven. Visit Tracy online at www.tracygroot.com.

Don't forget to "like" her on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/tracy.groot

Praise for Tracy Groot

“Beautifully written. . . . [An] entertaining and compelling book.” Publishers Weekly, starred review of Madman “A gripping tale. . . . Her characters are exquisitely drawn, and the complex and convincing plot will mesmerize readers.” Library Journal on Madman “Lyrical and affecting . . .” Booklist, starred review of The Brother’s Keeper “Allusive and thoughtful. . . . A subtle tale that cleverly avoids retelling New Testament stories, instead forming a sort of commentary by telling parallel stories.” Booklist, starred review of Stones of My Accusers

Read the first chapter! You'll be hooked! 

http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/FirstChapters/978-1-4143-5947-2.pdf

My Review

Can I say riveting? awesome? exciting? suspenseful? How about Don't start this book unless you have time to finish it in one reading; because once you start you won't be able to put it down!

Tracy Groot had me spell-bound from the first page and kept me that way until the end. Her characters are powerful, alive and breathing. Brigitte Durand and Tom Jaeger are so realistic that you almost expect to go back in your history books and find them listed with other heroes of WWII. 

I have been reading a lot of historical fictional works based on WWII and I have to say this is one of the best ones I have read. Well.... next to Tracy Goyer's work. Okay, okay, they are equally wonderful.

I wonder if I would perform as admirably as Brigitte does in a difficult time and situation, minus the brothel. She really stands up in the face of danger and possible death to help out Tom Jaeger secure vital information that will help the resistance against the Nazis. 

All of the other supporting characters are strong and realistic as well, without being over-powering. They help round out the story with their personal stories and emotions that bring to life the French resistance against the Nazis and their pride in their beloved country. A simple wedge of cheese not only brings tears to the eyes of those who are going to partake of it but help bring unity to the most unlikely group of individuals. (You will just have to read the book to know what I'm talking about.)

A family home turned into a brothel for German officers becomes a place of espionage and danger for those who are part of the French resistance group Flame. And Brigitte finds help from those she never expected help from. 

Flame of Resistance is truly a wonderful novel well worth reading over and over again. The discussion questions in the back of the book are great as well. They are a wonderful way to not only discuss the characters of the book but talk about personal reactions with your book club. 

This review was made possible by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. They freely provided me with this review copy. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

 

 

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen and Kindle Fire Giveaway

A Little About The Book, THE MAID OF FAIRBOURNE HALL:

To escape a scheme to marry her off to a dishonorable man, Margaret Macy flees London disguised as a housemaid. If she can remain unwed until her next birthday, she will receive an inheritance, and with it, sweet independence. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not in the home of Nathaniel and Lewis Upchurch--both former suitors.

As she fumbles through the first real work of her life, Margaret struggles to keep her identity secret when suspicions arise and prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall. Can she avoid a trap meant to force her from hiding?

Here is some information about the author, Julie Klassen:

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com

Want to buy the book? Click here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764207091/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0764207091&adid=1TCYV1DRSTV23NKEQ170


My Review:

This is the first time I have ever read one of Julie Klassen's books, so I was pleased with The Maid of Fairbourne Hall. 

Julie's characters are strong without being overwhelming. Her plot was solid and I was easily caught up in the story. Using just the right amount of details and historical background, I could "see" Margaret and her fellow servants in Fairbourne Hall. 

I enjoyed how at the beginning of each chapter and throughout the book, Julie used various quotes from Jane Austin (one of my favorite authors) and various sources that were apropos to the time of the story. One of my favorite quotes she used was:

"A good character is valuable to everyone, but especially to servants. For it is their bread and butter and without it they cannot be admitted into a creditable family, and happy it is that the best of characters is in everyone's power to deserve."    [pg 86]

In following the story, I watched a spoiled girl in a bad situation change into someone who was deserving of a good character. I found myself cheering Margaret on when she was faced with difficult situations in her new position as a maid. 

Filled with danger and romance, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, opened to doors to the belowstairs world of a 19th century English manor. Julie wrote a wonderful book that kept me intrigued and hopeful and rooting for Margaret. 

Julie Klassen is a fine writer and I will be looking forward to more of her work. If you are looking for a book similar to Jane Austin's style, then you definitely won't be disappointed in Julie Klassen and her work.

This book was provided free to me for the purpose of review through Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House.  

CONTEST INFORMATION!

Don't miss the perfect blend of Regency-era romance and mystery in The Maid of Fairbourne Hall! Grab a copy and then be sure to enter Julie's Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVP for her Author Chat party on Facebook! Swoon.

One fortunate winner will receive:

*A brand new Kindle Fire

*A Julie Klassen Library (The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/14. Winner will be announced at Julie's "Fairbourne Hall" Facebook Party on 3/15 . Julie will be hosting an evening of chat, trivia and a sneak peek at her next book - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Downton Abbey Prize Pack!

So grab your copy of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and join Julie and friends on the evening of March 15th 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 15th!

Blog Tour Schedule:  http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13456522/julieklassen