"Rosemary Cottage" by Colleen Coble

Two people drawn together by deaths of siblings; drawn to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Are the deaths connected in some way? Can Amy and Curtis remain safe while investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths? In her second book of the Hope Island series, Colleen Coble answers some of our questions.

Amy has come back to Rosemary Cottage to find more information about the death of her brother. His untimely death leaves so much unresolved, and Amy doesn't trust the "accident" report she was given. While Curtis, a Coast Guard officer, has agreed to help find the truth, there are things he is keeping secret too. His sister was killed and left behind a baby daughter for him to care for. (And the father is?) He doesn't want to lose her or endanger her life in any way. The delicate balance between investigation, secrecy, and blooming love brings the story to life, with mystery and intrigue propelling it forward.

I love the way Colleen Coble writes. Her stories and characters come alive with her touch, and the reader becomes drawn in more closely as the pages turn. I enjoyed the first of this series, "Tidewater Inn," and found this second book very good as well. If you are looking for a mystery with a romantic twist, this series is for you. I received my free review copy from Litfuse Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Water can be calming and healing, but it can also be dangerous, as Amy Lange and Curtis Ireland both found out. Both lost their siblings to the sea, and they hope to find healing on Hope Island. But will they find it, or will their quest to find answers set them at odds with each other and with those who have secrets that need to stay hidden?

Find out in Colleen Coble’s latest book, Rosemary Cottage, which released July 9. To celebrate, Colleen is hosting a 12-day Nautical Summer Giveaway. From July 16-27, Colleen will be giving away a new nautical prize every day. She’ll announce the winners on July 29 on her website, so mark your calendars for that date to see if you were picked as a lucky winner!

Not on Facebook? Enter here.

{MORE ABOUT ROSEMARY COTTAGE}

Amy came to Rosemary Cottage to grieve, to heal, maybe even find love. But there’s a deadly undertow of secrets around Hope Island….

The charming Rosemary Cottage on the beach offers Amy Lange respite she needs to mourn her brother, Ben. She’s even thinking of moving her midwife practice to the Outer Banks community. It’s always been a refuge for her and her family. She also wants to investigate Ben’s disappearance at sea. Everyone blames a surfing accident, but Amy has reason to wonder.

Coast Guard officer Curtis Ireland has lost a sibling too. His sister, Gina, was run down by a boat, leaving him to raise her infant daughter. If anyone knew who little Raine’s father was, Curtis could lose his beloved niece. Yet he can’t help being drawn to Hope Beach’s new midwife, Amy. He even agrees to help her investigate what happened to both Ben and Gina.

Can two grieving people with secrets find healing on beautiful Hope Island? Or will their quest for truth set them at odds with each other…and with those who will go to any length to keep hidden things hidden?

Purchase a copy here.

Learn more at Colleen’s website.

{MORE ABOUT COLLEEN COBLE}

Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.

"Gone South" by Meg Moseley

Noble, Alabama, a southern town with all the charm and rich history Tish McComb would expect. But there is another side of Noble, a cold and angry side. How will Tish deal with feeling unwelcome and unwanted?

Tish was ready for a new start. Her life plans had been changed by tragedy five years earlier, and it was time to move on. What better way than to buy an old family home in Alabama and leave, Michigan and its ghosts, behind? What she didn't know is that there was a history that left the McComb family unwelcome in Noble, but the townspeople let her know that quickly. Time for a new plan! She has one "friend" - George Zorbas - and decides to take in a troubled youngster, Melanie. Will things go from bad to worse, or will Tish be able to show God's love and mercy through her actions and words? Can Tish and the people of the town find a way to make a fresh start and mend fences? 

This is a wonderfully written book full of rich characters and images. The story draws in the reader and sweeps you into the old South. I recommend it to readers of all types and think book groups would have fun discussing the topics presented (such as: second chances, judging others, forgiveness, mercy, etc.). I received my free review copy from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.

“Anomaly” iPad Mini Giveaway from Krista McGee

ANOMALY BY KRISTA MCGEE | IPAD MINI GIVEAWAY, FACEBOOK PARTY AND BLOG TOUR Author: Krista McGee Welcome to the launch for author Krista McGee’s smashing YA release,Anomaly (Thomas Nelson), the debut novel in her new dystopian trilogy. Publishers Weekly says, “McGee successfully asks readers to consider both what it means to act (or not act) on human emotions and the role such emotions play in relationships with God.” Krista is celebrating the release with an iPad Mini Giveaway! One winner will receive: An iPad Mini A $25 iTunes gift card (download Anomaly to the iPad!) Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced at Krista’s website on August 2nd.

Book Info

About Anomaly: Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds left to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid. Decades before Thalli's birth, the world ended in a nuclear war. But life went on deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. Since then, they have genetically engineered humans to be free from emotions in the hopes that war won't threaten their lives again. But Thalli was born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far thanks to her ability to hide those differences. But Thalli's secret is discovered when she is overwhelmed by the emotion in an ancient piece of music. She is quickly scheduled for annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk, convinces The Ten to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the scientists' Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance in the pods. As her life ticks away, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer---someone even more powerful than The Ten. What's more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she's been looking for all along. Thalli must sort out what to believe and who she can trust, before her time runs out . . . Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/mLetn Meet Krista: When Krista McGee isn't living in fictional worlds of her own creation, she lives in Tampa and spends her days as a wife, mom, teacher, and coffee snob. She is also the author of "Anomaly", "First Date", "Starring Me", and "Right Where I Belong".  Connect with Kristahttp://www.kristamcgeebooks.com

Blog Tour Schedule
Landing page:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/kmcgee

"Anomaly" by Krista McGee

An anomaly is something different from the normal, a deviation. What if you were that Anomaly? What if you had to hide what you were feeling and who you really were? This is Thalli's story. Is she alone?

Thalli lives underground in a post-apocalyptic world. The lives of all in the community are controlled by "The Ten.," scientists who survived the nuclear holocaust. In their haste to prevent future catastrophic events, these scientists created a world devoid of feeling. No one fell in love, and new people were created in the lab. Each designed with a specific purpose and job. What happened when someone became sick or showed signs for feeling something? They were labeled an anomaly and separated from the others. Ultimately.....

Thalli has learned what love is, not just for another person, but through her music. She feels what she plays, her thoughts and dreams are her music. Music leads her to God's peace. Come meet April, Berk, Rhen, John, and the others in this world. Come read about Thalli's journey in finding God and her future.

I really enjoyed this book and hope there are more! Krista McGee put together a realistic scenario with believable characters. I was drawn in immediately and couldn't put the book down. This book is a great read for an individual, but I also think it would be a fun one to discuss in a group. I know I would love to talk with someone else who has read it.  =)

"My Beloved World" by Sonia Sotomayor

Sonia Sotomayor had a difficult childhood, but has shown that persistance and perseverance will enable you to reach your goals. How did a child overcome the influences for a Bronx housing project, an alcoholic father, and juvenile diabetes rise to be a prestigious lawyer? In her new book, Justice Sotomayor lets her readers get a real look at what made her the person she is today.

Sonia grew up in a home with a big extended family. Her father was an alcoholic who died before she was nine, and her mother was a nurse. Growing up was hard in the projects - good role models can be so very hard to find. But Sonia was determined, and with the love of her extended family, she made the most of the opportunities given her. In the end, she was able to fulfil her dream of becoming a lawyer and making a better life for herself and her family. While the book does not discuss her selection, or work, as a Suipreme Court Justice, it does give the reader insight into the strength of character and conviction that have made her what she is today.

Whether you agree or disagree with Justice Sotomayor's political opinions, this book is a good read. It is inspiring to read about hard work and perseverance paying off. The book begins with a little girl (age seven) having to tell her parents to teach her how to take care of needles and give herself a shot, and ends with her law career. In between is a life with many problems and bumps along the way. This book is good for individual readers, as well as a good choice for book groups. The information at the back of the book helps the reader understand the Puerto Rican Spanish used through out the book.

"The Point" by William Jefferson

The sketch of a child, the search for peace during physical turmoil, and an unwelcoming recluse combine to form the story of William Jefferson's new book, "The Point." The Isle of Estillyen should be a place of peace and refuge, but is it?

Hollie and Goodwin Macbreeze are looking for some refreshment in their lives. Hollie is newly diagnosed with a disease that has her questioning things and Goodwin wants to revisit a place he hasn't been since he was little. But once there, they meet a grumpy man named Oban Ironbout, who lives on The Point. Little do they know what has caused Oban to be so unhappy and unwelcoming. Little do they know the impact of their visits to him. Nor do they anticipate the ways in which the readings by the monks on the island affect them. Is this the place for healing and redemption, or is it just another wasted trip? Can they help each other?

I gave this book three stars because while I thought some parts were difficult to get through, I also think the story works in so many places. I would read more by Mr. Jefferson. If you enjoy stories about hope and redemption, this book is for you. I received my copy from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

"Anselm of Canterbury" by 'Simonetta Carr

Anselm was a man whose only desire was to learn more about, and serve, God. While his life led him through many struggles and obstacles, his story lives on through his writings and testimony.

Anselm lived during the time of the 11th and 12th centuries. He loved God and wanted to spend his time learning more about Him, studying the Scriptures. Anselm's reputation got him noticed by powerful people, and even though he didn't want to be noticed, they found him. He became and Archbishop and worked with kings, but his heart longed for the close communion he had felt in the past with God and the people. He wanted his life to count for God, to encourage others, and to answer questions like, "Why did God have to become a man?" Come along with Simonetta Carr and learn more about Anselm of Canterbury.

This is the first "Christian Biographies for Young People" that I have read, but it won't be the last. The pictures are vivid and illustrate the easy to understand story that unfolds; the cover grabs your eye and begs you to open the book. Ms. Carr takes care to appeal to children of all ages, and parents will enjoy reading this book with their children. The end of the book also contains a timeline, a "Did You Know" section, and some "Words from Anselm." Many thanks to Cross Focused Reviews for my copy and the opportunity to recommend this book to others!

• Author's Website:  http://simonettacarr.com/
• Publisher's Website:  http://heritagebooks.org/
• Book Trailer for Christian Biographies for Young Readers series:  http://youtu.be/sr-IWTHyRck
• Simonetta interviewed by Carl Trueman on the Mortification of Spin Podcast:  http://info.alliancenet.org/mos/podcast/creating-young-and-old-theologians