Book Review - Red Sky Over America by Tamera Lynn Kraft + Giveaway

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In 1857, slavery is still common and accepted practice in the South. However, William and America are abolitionists and want to confront and end the evil practice. America is the daughter of a prominent slave owner. She believes owning slaves is immoral and want to become a missionary to spread her faith in China. William travels around the country preaching the evils of slavery. Together William and America find themselves struggling to spread the abolitionist idea. Will she be able to help slaves escape if it means going against her father? Will William and America be able to put their differences aside and work together to spread the message?

The novel portrayed a vivid experience of two different people with the same ideals. America's family has owned slaves her entire life. She is torn between the life she knew from birth and the ideals she wants. William's family has always followed the path of abolition. It was interesting to see two people who like each other try to accept each other different point of views while trying to compromise their own beliefs. While the book was an enjoyable read, I found it to be a bit of a slower cozy read than I normally read.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book

Title: Red Sky over America
Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: February 11, 2018

In 1857, America, the daughter of a slave owner, is an abolitionist and a student at Oberlin College, a school known for its radical ideas. America goes home to Kentucky during school break to confront her father about freeing his slaves.

America’s classmate, William, goes to Kentucky to preach abolition to churches that condone slavery. America and William find themselves in the center of the approaching storm sweeping the nation and may not make it home to Ohio or live through the struggle.

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About the Author

Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2^nd place in the NOCW contest, 3^rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 39 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren.

Tamera has been a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire For Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away a themed basket with autographed books of Resurrection of Hope, Alice’s Notions, Red Sky Over America, a copy of Uncle Tom’s Cabin (the book is mentioned in the novel) and a copy of Then Sings My Soul (stories about the hymns), plus a $10 Amazon Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cebb/red-sky-over-america-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - Treacherous Trails by Dana Mentink + Giveaway

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Ella Cahill is working hard to support herself and her sister who is living with a disability. The last thing she needs is more drama in her life. When taking care of one her horses, she passes out and wakes up accused of murder. Her brother's best friend and former marine, Owen Thorn believe her but someone is trying to keep them both quiet. Who is trying to hurt Ella and Owen?

This book went right into the drama and the murder aspect. Some readers might prefer being eased into the storyline but I enjoyed that the novel started that way. I liked that the book was action packed but I wish the "murderer" was a bit more of a mystery. However, I enjoyed the book and I look forward to reading more from the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book

Title: Treacherous Trails
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Inspy Romanctic Suspense
Release Date: March, 2018
Falsely accused…
Can she escape the real killer?
In this second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series, farrier Ella Cahill is accused of murder—and only former marine Owen Thorn, her brother’s best friend, can help clear her name. Now with someone trying to kill Ella, Owen must protect her…despite his promise to her brother to stay away from her. But can they work together to find the true killer before she becomes the next to die?

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, Cornbread Mix, and Cowboy Caviar Salsa!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ca46

Book Review - The Soldier's Homecoming (Home to Covenant Falls #5) by Patricia Potter + Giveaway

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Travis Hammond is an Army Ranger that suffered both physical and emotional wounds. Uncertain what his future holds, he accepts a friend's offer for a job in a little town called Covenant Falls. The job, though temporary, is for helping veterans using equine therapy. Jennifer Talbot is a wartime correspondent and like Travis suffered both physically and emotionally. Jenny takes an interest in equine therapy and travels to Covenant Falls to learn more about it. The two notice a spark between each other but have different goals. Will Jenny and Travis be able to find a middle ground for both of them?

I found the book to be a fun an interesting read. The characters were refreshing and nor were they portrayed as perfect people but as people who are trying to make the most of their circumstances. I like that the story focuses on a therapy that is both beneficial for the animals and humans and they can work together in harmony to help and rely on each other.  My only qualm is that the story was a bit to slow at some parts, but that could be because I am just impatient to see if Jenny and Travis get their happy ever after. It was a good read and I would definitely read other books by the author.

  **Disclosure - I receieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

The Soldier's Homecoming

(Home to Covenant Falls #5)

by Patricia Potter

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

April 1st 2018 by Harlequin Superromance

He’s looking for roots. She won’t be tied down.

Army ranger Travis Hammond needs to heal physical and emotional wounds. A job in Covenant Falls checking out equine therapy programs for veterans is a start, but it’s only temporary. And he doesn’t need a partner, especially some reporter with the persistence of a terrier and irresistible green eyes. Like Travis, Jenny Talbot’s just passing through town. Unlike Travis, Jenny knows exactly where she’s going next—back to the Middle East, as soon as she recovers from her own war injury. But there’s a bend in the road for both of them.

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Patricia Potter is the USA Today Bestselling Author of more than fifty books. She has received numerous writing awards, including RT Storyteller of the Year, its Career Achievement Award for Western Historical Romance and its Best Hero of the Year Award. She is a seven-time RITA finalist and three-time Maggie Award winner. She has served as president of Romance Writers of America.The Soldier's Homecoming is her fifteenth book for Harlequin.

Prior to writing fiction, she was a reporter for the Atlanta Journal and president of a public relations firm.

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Book Review - To Wager Her Heart (Belle Meade Plantation, #3) by Tamera Alexander

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Alexandra was like every other girl until a deadly train accident changes the course of her life. The Dutchman Curve accident claimed the life of Alexandra's beloved finance. When her father declares she must marry an older gentleman, Alexandra must make a choice -- will she marry according to her father's wish or will she marry for love?

Sylas Rutledge is the owner of the Northeast Line Railroad but also his father was one of the conductors involved in the train accident. He is determined to make his new venture a success and provide his father's innocence. However, since Sylas is from Colorado he has trouble with the Southern etiquette and enlists Alexandra's help. Will Alexandra be able to forget that Sylas's dad is responsible for her fiancee's death? Will Sylas's be able to prove his father's innocence?

When I first read the summary for the novel, it seem like the novel was going to be based more around Sylas's business venture and Alexandra teaching him the Southern ways. However, I felt that portion of the story took the back burner and it became more focused on Alexandra's life at the Fisk University. The novel had a lot of mini stories going on and I felt the author left the ending open for another novel to follow but I felt the novel lacked depth for me to continue reading more. I felt that the novel was longer by several chapters than it needed to be and some aspects of the novel was given a few words while other mini stories had unnecessary chapters dedicated to it.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Elusive Miss Ellison (Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace, #1) by Carolyn Miller

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The ailing owner of Hampton Hall has passed away but when the new young Earl takes over, all the villagers are excited. Except, for the reverend's daughter, Lavinia Ellison. She believes in taking care of the poor and the sick while the Earl of Hawkesbury is the exact opposite. He refuses to take his responsibilities seriously instead pushes it off to an incompetent assistant along with nodding off in church.  When Nicholas Stamford arrived at Gloucestershire, his main goal was taking care of his obligations and not to get invested in the country bumpkins. However, when he meets Lavinia, he is starts to realize he cares but in his heart he is overrun by guilt. Can Lavinia and Nicholas put aside their past to find happiness? Will Nicholas be able to find redemption and Lavinia be able to forgive?

The novel which takes place in 19th century England was an interesting read. While I enjoyed the writer's writing, I found the story to be quite frustrating and boring. For a woman, who people claim to be a "superior woman", she acts rather dumb and when she doesn't get her way; a spoiled child.  The plot seemed repetitive and seemed like the two main characters kept putting their ego over their hearts.

Book Review - Home to Paradise by Barbara Cameron

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The third book in the "Coming Home" series, is about the youngest Zook daughter wanting to marry the third Stolzfus brother. Rose Anna and John had dated before John left their Amish settlement for rumschringe. John unwillingly returns to their Amish settlement but still keeps some of his English ways. Will Rose Anna be able to change John's mind about marriage? What is preventing John from settling down?

I have read a few Amish romance novels and nothing in this book sets it apart from other books in the genre. Like many of the novels, it has a brief translation guide, recipes and gives a brief glimpse of the Amish life. Personally, I didn't care much about the characters but I did enjoy the interactions with John and his employer. John short live bond with short lived and although, took a backseat to the main story, it served as a perfect vehicle to move the story between John and Rose Anna. The book is an easy read and is a good book for those who like the genre.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Kissed by a Cowboy by Debra Clopton

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After eight years of a tumultuous marriage, Cassidy was looking for a new start in life. Her parents' having a knack of marriages going wrong and having her husband cheat on her more times she can count, Cassidy has given up on love. She moves into her great aunt Roxie's house and hopes she can live a content life alone. However, her life is turn upside down when her childhood crush lives next door and stirs up memory from the past. Will Cassidy be able to open her heart again to love?

The book was a quick and interesting read. It was packed with quirky sayings and catchphrases like "She wanted to lose her cream cheese bagel thinking how close that horse hoof had come to his temple". It was a bit annoying that Cassidy kept flip flopping on her heart's desire and what she thinks she really needs. She would "crave" Jarrod but then push him away, after the first 3 times it got annoying. As with most romance novels, it had a predictable ending but it was a good read overall.

**Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**