Secretly Smitten, Love Changes Everything, Book review

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

ISBN-13: 978-1401687137

Synopsis:

Summer, fall, winter, spring—Smitten, Vermont, is the place for love . . . and mystery!

There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic—a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?

The mystery intrigues Rose’s three granddaughters—Tess, Clare, and Zoe—and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own.

 Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?

My thoughts:

Secretly Smitten offers readers four contemporary stories in one book written by four delightful authors! 
If you like romance novels and you are looking for a novel to tuck in your vacation tote or to savour during this upcoming Valentine day, this could be the one!

Four Christian novellas complimenting each other, and one mystery: the dog tags of a US soldier reported MIA found in the attic of Rose Thomas, septuagenarian living with her two eccentric sisters in Smitten, Vermont.
Whilst it is the mystery portion which enticed me to read the novel there is little doubt that Rose's granddaughters Tess, Zoe, Clare and their mother, Anna Thomas' romantic entanglements will make this book a sure hit and provide readers with a sigh or two! 

The setting: Smitten, Vermont, a mining town whose popularity's resurge is due partly to the love affair of a well known singer, making it the Romance capital of the US (at least in the book Folks) and its citizens' hardwork.  
Romance is in the air as you read each story, at least for each of the three sisters and their lovely Mum as they find their heart touched by love even when it is least expected!

Love Between The Lines ~ Collen Cobble
Make Me A Match ~Kritisn Billerbeck
Knit One Love Two ~ Diann Hunt
Love Blooms ~ Denise Hunter

The storylines are perfectly tied up with each other and sure to provide good entertainment!

As to the mystery...let's just say when GrandMa Rose's first love comes to light, her family have confused feelings about it but their resolve to uncover the truth leads to a surprise (or two...)

Lighthearted and just the thing to read when life gets boring!(My favourite is Love Blooms!)

A good Christian novel to share with anyone, 4 stars!

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE AND ADDITIONAL REVIEWS:
 
http://litfusegroup.com/author/Smittenhttp://litfusegroup.com/author/Smitten


About the Authors:

 RITA-finalist Colleen Coble is the author of several best-selling romantic suspense novels, including “Tidewater Inn”, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series.

* Christy Award finalist and two-time winner of the ACFW Book of the Year award, Kristin Billerbeck has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times. Her books include “A Billion Reasons Why” and “What a Girl Wants.”

* Denise Hunter is the award-winning and best-selling author of several novels, including “A Cowboy’s Touch” and “Sweetwater Gap.” She and her husband are raising three boys in Indiana.

* Diann Hunt has lived in Indiana forever, been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, her dog, and, well, chocolate.

JOIN THE AUTHORS ON 5TH FEBRUARY 2013 AS THEY GIVE TONS OF PRIZES!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The "gals" are celebrating the release of Secretly Smitten with a fun Live Webcast on February 5th.

They'll be debuting the *NEW* animated Smitten trailer, giving away tons of prizes, dishing on the book and their friendship.
They'll also be wrapping up the Secretly Smitten blog tour, answering audience questions and testing your trivia skills.

 Don't miss the fun and bring your friends.
Click here to RSVP and set up a reminder.

I received this ARC free from LITFUSE GROUP  as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

And The WINNER Is...

The winner of ABEL'S FIELD DVD GIVEAWAY is...

~Lavender Dreamer~
 January 23, 2013 at 4:03 PM

This sounds like a movie I would enjoy! Thanks for a chance to win it! Hugs!

 (see review here)

Dear Lavender Dreamer, I will contact you shortly to request your postal address and forward it to the sponsor! I sincerely hope you will enjoy it as much as my family and I did! It is truly a great movie!

CONGRATULATIONS  AND A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED !

Note: This giveaway was made possible thanks to PROPELLER! MANY THANKS!!

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen, Book review

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

ISBN-13: 978-0764210693

Synopsis:

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?
 

My thoughts:

Julie Klassen shines in The Tutor's Daughter, giving her readers a great plot, intriguing characters, a 'view' on 19th Century English customs and as we have learned to expect, a multi faceted series of gothic mystery and romance! 
All is not as it seems! Hang on to your hats ladies, this is a great book to tuck in your beach/travel bag, this novel being perhaps her best, in my opinion of course!

Leaving nothing to details, Julie brings a masterful storyline to life set in Cornwall thanks to her exquisite research and you will find this one yet again a page turner! I found myself reading 'just one more page' countless evenings to the amusement of my family! 

With a flair for accurate English phrases and an abundance of local historical facts, Julie describes Emma Smallwood, the Tutor's daughter as 'someone who guards her reactions and words as though she wears bit and bridlle and God himself holds the reins.' 

Emma accompanies her father to the Weston Estate where with her help, he endeavours to tutor the youngest sons of the Baronet, unlike their oldest brothers, Henry and Philip, who were pupils at the, now floundering, Smallwood Academy.
There is a mysterious atmosphere surrounding the Weston family and father and daughter are bewildered by their lukewarm reception. Even the village people are not all they seem. 

Upon his unexpected arrival from school, Emma renews her friendship with Philip whom she has not seen in three years but finds herself drawn to the oldest of the Weston brothers, her nemesis, Henry. As a pupil boarding at her father's school Henry proved himself not trustworthy yet Emma discovers an older wiser young man who must shoulders many family responsabilities.

Mr. Darcy, move over! Anyone with a romantic soul will be captivated by Julie Klassen's description of Henry Weston making this Christian novel a perfect book for giving this Valentine's Day! 

5 Stars for a delightful story to enjoy with a few chocolates and a cuppa!

"Then let the wildest storms arise,

Let tempests mingle earth and skies;

No fatal shipwreck shall I fear,

But all my treasures with me bear.

If Thou, my Jesus, still be nigh,

Cheerful I live, and joyful die:

Secure, when mortal comforts flee,

To find ten thousand words in Thee."

(Philip Doddrige - Old English Hymn)


As part of the BLOG TOUR, please find below a link to the schedule for additional reviews!

 http://litfusegroup.com/author/JKlassen


About the Author:

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. 

Vist her website (HERE) for additional information including a video trailer of The Tutor's Daughter and photos of Julie's inspiration for her book in Good Ol' England!

JULIE KLASSEN 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!

I received this book free from LITFUSE GROUP  as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Les Miserables, Radio Theatre CD review (Focus on the Family)

Publisher: Tyndale Entertainment

ISBN-13: 978-1589973947

Synopsis:

The story that has thrilled millions comes to life in a brand new way in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre's Les Miserables. This audio drama beautifully portrays the redeeming power of forgiveness through the story of Jean Valjean, an embittered convict whose life is changed by a single act of kindness. Recorded in London with some of England's finest actors, it will mesmerize adults and families alike.

My thoughts:

Victor Hugo's masterpiece 'Les Miserables' has captivated countless generations with its dark tale of Christian love, atonement and forgiveness in spite of the cruel injustice of the legal system of the epoch.
 Focus on the Family Radio Theatre's fresh perspective on the fascinating recount of one man's trials after 19 years of inhuman captivity brings to life the story of Jean Valjean, Javert and Fantine!

There have been many movies made of this heartbreaking story of hardships and redemption set in tumultuous France 19th century but Radio Theatre gives yet again a remarkable approach to humanity's frailness in the face of adversity.

As some of you remember I had the opportunity to review another well known title from Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, Oliver Twist (see review HERE) and both offers a remarkable cast. 
British finest talents such as actors Brian Blessed, Leo McKern and Geoffrey Palmer's are lending their voices to 'Les Miserables' in an unforgettable reenactment of the well known tale.

The culmination of the story of Jean Valjean hiding from his tumultuous past and Javert's oppressive hunt is the triumph of good over evil despite the many obstacles in his intended path.

It is important to add Radio Theatre's at times graphic details of life in Jean Valjean's era is absolutely stunning. There is little need of visual special Fx to imagine the poverty and degradation in that timeline period!
That said, Focus on the Family took pains in producing a story fitting for an audience of age 12 and over. Whilst some might argue specific elements have been removed for family concerns, the endeavour is to be applauded, particularly for its haunting musical score!

5 Stars!!

About Focus on the Family:

Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive. Providing help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect God’s design, and for parents to raise their children according to morals and values grounded in biblical principles.

Read more about their passion and purpose on their website (HERE) and their partnership with CBD store (HERE).


I received this RADIO THEATRE CD  free from TYNDALE as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Forgive But Never Forget...

Some photos need no explanations...

Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day...
On this Sunday, with solemn prayers and the now oft-repeated warnings to never let such horrors happen again, we pray...

Forgive but never forget...

(Source HERE)

Believe And Take The Leap...

Perhaps it is partially due to the long Winter season, but lately I have wanted to air out the house, clean the cupboards and closets! 
Some might call this 'Cabin Fever' and suggest a new hairdo, something new to spruce up the boring wardrobe or even go off on holiday...

I am not so interested in the first (grey & French twist remains), I recently splurged on a few lacy pieces of lingerie and the 'holiday' calls for some overdue trips to our mountain cabin this year!

Thus with (limited) resources, I decided to do the next best thing and... changed the look of my blog! Or rather I believed it was time for changes, trusted my feelings and inspired by fond memories, took a big leap! 

Voila! What do you think? 
I imagine you will want to know whom is in the photograph taken in 1928...That's a story for another day! As for the background, it called to me immediately being from the Flanders...

This look is what I had in mind months ago, but being seriously computer challenged, it necessasited some precious help from my children! THANK YOU!!!!!!

Life is about trusting our feelings and taking chances, losing and finding happiness, appreciating the memories and learning from the past...

In the end, we regret only the chances we did not take...

Australia Day...

(Source here)

Let's give a big round of applauds to friends and neighbours Down Under! 
Today is Australia Day and it is raining folks! Wonderful news when you consider the heat and wild land fires most folks over there have endured these last few weeks, especially in Tasmania!

Two great blogs of note to learn a tad more about living in the land of Wallabies...

Meet TANIA @  http://outbacktania.blogspot.com/ 
Check out her Lamingstons recipe!

and FIONA @ http://cattle-kids-chaos.blogspot.com/
'Ask and you shall receive'. 
So happy for you Fiona!! I hope it is not too late for your garden Tania!

God is good, God is great!

Abel's Field, DVD review & GIVEAWAY

ASIN: B009XJVKKS

Rated PG

Synopsis:

Left motherless by tragedy and abandoned by his father, high school senior Seth McArdle (Samuel Davis) has been put under enormous pressure to support his little sisters. 

At school, he endures the daily bullying of the football team. When he fights back, he's singled out for punishment, assigned to an after-school work detail under the supervision of a reserved groundskeeper, Abel (Kevin Sorbo). 

Much to his surprise, Seth discovers that Abel may be the only one who truly understands his struggles.

As dark times lure Seth towards desperate measures, the reluctant Abel may be the one person who can point him back towards the light. 

My thoughts:

Let me say this first and foremost: this is a wonderful family movie! I rated this a big 5 stars Folks!!

There are very few movies these days produced without extraneous special FX, portaying real life people with real life challenges. When a producer, director and actors are willing to go forth with a message of faith, in this case, forgiveness, I for one applaud their efforts.  
My family and I were very happy to hear of Abel's Field release on the 22 January 2013 and enjoyed a great movie!
Cast with good, clean, faith driven talent, Abel's Field carries a message of hope and forgiveness that you will not soon forget!

Samuel Davis in the role of Seth is mesmerizing as a seventeen years old who single handed raises his younger sisters, goes to school and holds two jobs!
When he is faced with after school work detail following a fight with bullies, he meets the school groundskeeper, a loner named Abel, played by Kevin Sorbo. 
Their combined efforts in putting a new sprinkler system in the football field enables each one to learn a valuable lesson from the other whilst ultimately placing their faith in God's hands.
When Seth's home is about to be foreclosed on, he learns to trust and aks for help whilst Abel learns to accept forgiveness. 
Heartwarming! 

A movie you will not want to miss and your family will love!

VISIT ABEL'S FIELD WEBSITE (HERE) AND DON'T MISS THE TRAILER!

AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!!

Would you like the opportunity to own your very own copy of this amazing movie?

If so, place a comment on this blog post until 29th January 2013 at midnight (leaving of course a way to contact you!)
Using Random.org, the winner will be selected and winner's name will be posted on the 30th!
Don't miss this opportunity! It is a wonderful movie Folks!
Giveaway open to US and Canada only, apologies!


I received this book free from PROPELLER  as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

First Imagine, Then Believe...

The soul without imagination is what an observatory would be without a telescope...
(H. Ward Beecher)

Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see...
(W. Newton Clark)

First, imagine then, believe...
Grab a good book and read!

Off Island For Some Much Needed Supplies...

One cannot live without food after all so off to town we go...(Corgi biscuits needed!!)

In this case lack of new books  is also becoming an emergency...Horror!

Snow in the Olympics...Glad we have our own atmospheric environment on the island...

Until tomorrow Folks!

Oh and before I close, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BAILEY THE CORGI!!

http://baileythecorgi.blogspot.com/

I Am That I am, Tracing The Footprints Of God, Book review

Publisher: CrossLink Publishing

ISBN-13: 978-1936746101

Synopsis:

I AM THAT I AM, Tracing the Footprints of God is a book that you've always wanted to have in your library but could never find.
I AM THAT I AM provides a biblically based, theologically sound narration of all eight covenants of God-presents main themes and summaries of over forty-five of Jesus' timeless parables-describes over fifty supernatural miracles that God executed through the hands of Jesus-and traces over fifty divine names and titles reflecting different facets of God's nature, character, and personality. 
The captivating pages offer commentaries by over seventy-five renowned bible scholars, includes archeological images of recent excavation findings of biblical events, and historical illustrations and map images showing relevance to contemporary locations-all uniquely woven into one convenient reader-friendly volume.

My thoughts:

One of the (many) joys in reading books is to find 'above 5 stars rating' works, particularly when reviewing Christian material and this one truly is!
'I Am That I Am, Tracing the footprints of God' is a rare pearl amongst those and I count myself blessed to have the opportunity to not only read it but to now own a copy of this book!

Thoroughly researched and extensively documented amongst its 469 pages, I Am That I Am is written in laymen words and is probably the single best source of information any Bible student might need. Judy Azar Leblanc' compilation reminds us that we have much still to discover about our faith! 
As a mere student, I stand in awe of all that I just learned!

Divided in four parts this book covers not just the Old and New covenants best known but all eight actually! I found myself mesmerized by the sheer research extent this renown author has perfected in order to bring us a clearer understanding of this God we revere. 
God's covenants with Humanity, including the Edenic convenant, the Adamic covenant , the Post-Diluvian Noahic convenant, the Abrahamic covenant, the Palestinian Deutoronomic land convenant and the Davidic covenant combined with the Old and New covenants (Old and New Testaments) reminds us since Jesus Christ's birth more than two thousand years ago we will never see another one!

In Part one, along with wonderful detailed maps and interesting photographs you will find for i.e. information on the Call of Moses, Egypt and the Plagues, the Ten Commandments not forgetting Moses' Discourses and more.

In Part two, items such as the Parabolic Ministry of Christ including some interesting material on the Seven Mystery Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven as recorded faithfully by Matthew and Luke.

In Part three you will find ample discussions on the Healing Ministry of Jesus whilst Part four covers the names and titles of the Great I Am.

"I AM HE that liveth, and was dead; and, behold I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death". (Revelation 1:18)

In a nutshell, this is a book to experience with heart and soul, a great addition to any library and most valuable for a student of The Word or a Pastor! A great gift Folks!!
Judging by its extensive bibliography contents alone, unlike anything you have seen in terms of references!
Magnificent! 

5 Stars as there is no higher rating (and worth so much more!!)

About the Author:

Honored Member of the Cambridge Who's Who, Toastmasters International, and the East Texas Writer's Guild, Award Winning Author; Judy Azar LeBlanc was born in Raton, New Mexico, and was raised and educated in Albuquerque. She is a graduate of San Jose University, in San Jose, California, where she did graduate work in Industrial Psychology.

Her sixth title "I AM THAT I AM, Tracing the Footprints of God" is proceeded by the international award winning title "Theology 101 in Bite-Size Pieces", and "Many Faces to Many Places". Other works include "Things My Father Never Taught Me", "The Compromise," and "The Unveiling." Judy Azar LeBlanc is internationally published in the FONATUR Tourist Magazine sponsored by the federal government of Mexico.

Additional information on this interesting author can be found (HERE).


I received this book free from BOOKCRASH as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Choices Of The Heart by Laurie Alice Eakes, Book review

Publisher: Revell 

ISBN-13: 978-0800719869

Synopsis: 

Esther Cherrett comes from a proud line of midwives and was trained by her mother to take over the family calling. But when a scandal threatens all she holds dear, Esther takes a position as a teacher in the western mountains of Virginia instead. There she finds herself in the midst of a deadly family feud and courted by two men on opposite sides of the conflict. When it seems as though her past has followed her all the way into the mountains, all she wants is to run away again.

In this gripping story of trust, deception, and bittersweet loss, a young woman learns the true meaning of choices of the heart.

 My thoughts:

I anticipated  this book for its subject, that of midwifing set in the 19th Century Appalachian mountains. 'Choices of the Heart' is book 3 in the Midwives series written by author Laurie Alice Eakes and a page turner for anyone interested in the past. She has proven herself an excellent researcher and never disappoints with her historical facts. There is still something intriguing in the profession of midwives and whilst having met with controversy often in the past, there is no doubt there is to date much of a demand for such skills. 

Laurie Alice Eakes' writing is full of life and there is no denying she brings to her readers a vivid image of the Appalachian people who moved to these mountains long ago, a large portion of them having crossed the Atlantic from the green hills of Ireland and the Highlands of Scotland. They brought with them little more than the clothes on their back and their amazing survival skills. 
The richness of their music, folk tales, herbal doctoring and their legendary feuds still fascinates people to this day. This author found the ideal way to weave a good story amongst all these with 'Choices of the Heart'!

 
Esther is the belle of Seabourne until a dreadful event occurs and she finds herself subject to shunning. Despite her family's heartfelt support, she seeks new beginnings and accepts a post as teacher to the youngest children of two families in the Mountains. Her task is to help them to fit in society befitting their newest financial status. 
There however she meets two men, both attractive, yet her heart belongs to no one as her shame is a constant reminder of her past. Esther believes God has forsaken her and shies away from any physical contact with her admirers.

For all that I was fascinated by the author's descriptions of this beautiful land and its inhabitants, their folklore and skills, the many period details, I was not so enamoured of her main protagonist. I felt something missing in this bittersweet story, too many characters however colourful and not enough consistency in the overall story line. At the end, I still had questions, to be answered in yet another chapter of the 'Midwives series', this one about a doctor perhaps?

4 Stars!

 

About the Author:

Laurie Alice Eakes is the author of Lady in the Mist, Heart's Safe Passage, A Necessary Deception, A Flight of Fancy, and several other novels. She won a National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency in 2007 for Family Guardian. Laurie Alice writes full-time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband and sundry dogs and cats. 

Find out more about this author on her website (HERE) including an excerpt of her novel!

I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Waiting For Spring by Amanda Cabot, Book review

Publisher: Revell 

ISBN-13: 978-0800734602

Synopsis:

After the loss of her husband and the birth of her baby, Charlotte has had a long, hard year. But when a notorious robber believes she knows the location of a long-lost treasure, she flees to Cheyenne and opens a dressmaker's shop to lie low and make a living. When wealthy cattle baron and political hopeful Barrett Landry enters the shop to visit her best customer, Charlotte feels drawn to him.

If Barrett is to be a senator of the soon-to-be state of Wyoming, he must make a sensible match, and Miriam has all the right connections. Yet he can't shake the feeling that Charlotte holds the key to his heart and his future.

Soon the past comes to call, and Barrett's plans crumble around him. Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?


My thoughts:

'Waiting For Spring' is Book 2 in the Westward Winds series and worth waiting for, no pun intended!
As we have learned to expect, Amanda Cabot brings us well researched history, warm romance, good solid faith whilst introducing yet another aspect of life challenges for a young widow in the 1800's Wyoming, that of caring for an handicapped child. She also balances her characters, main or sub characters, daily life routine, unexpected challenges and hardships thus giving us a great plot to enjoy. The heartfelt dedication of one mother who refuses to place her sight impaired toddler in an institution is guaranteed to reach out to anyone!

'Summer of Promise' was the first chapter in Charlotte Harding Crowley's life, then living in Fort Laramie's Army outpost ( see review here) but I can attest this second book can easily be read on its own. 
For those of us who have read however the first book, it is interesting to see where Amanda Cabot is taking her young protagonist, now a widow hiding in Cheyenne with her son from a past haunting her still.

Charlotte has established a successful seamstress shoppe and is only too happy to find a helping hand in Rose, another young widow. Rose has a young daughter and can keep an eye on David and help in the shoppe as well. 

Whilst fitting a friend and customer Charlotte meets Barrett Landry a wealthy cattle baron who aspires to  the world of politics, even becoming the next governor of Wyoming. It is soon apparent however neither one can deny their feelings for each other yet Barrett's successful future demands a wife and companion without a shady past and Charlotte is hiding from something or someone...

Then again, perhaps politics is not a guarantee of Barrett's happiness..His cattle are facing a bitter winter and his heart is not in it.
Will each of the protagonists listen to his/her heart despite the rough road ahead?

This is another historical romance you may recommend to any one, no matter the age! Amanda Cabot is certain to entertain any romantic soul or even the most skeptic of heart!

4 Stars!


About the Author:

Amanda Cabot is an accomplished author under various pen names and a popular speaker. The author of Paper Roses, Scattered Petals, Tomorrow's Garden, and Summer of Promise, she is also a charter member of Romance Writers of America, the co founder of its New Jersey chapter, a member of the ACFW, and an avid traveler.

For more on this author (including the story behind the dress shown on the cover) please visit her website (HERE).

Talented designer, Sally Clark of Sally C Designs made the dress and Amanda Cabot chose the colour!

Stunning! Who would not dream of wearing something like this at least once in their life?!

I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.