"Not This Time" by Vicki Hinze

The day started as a celebration to a loving couple, but was interrupted by a terrorist attack resulting in at least one death. Why would NINA want to attack anyone in the small town of Seagrove Village? Someone(s) is not what they seem. Police make a troublesome find in a building in the woods - a mattress soaked in blood. Is it human? If so, whose blood is it?  Thus begins the third book in the Crossroads Crisis Center series by Vicki Hinze.

Sue and Beth have made a lot of money together and are best friends, but when Sue married a man Beth couldn't trust, their relationship is put to the test. When Sue's husband is kidnapped, some suspect on Beth. Could Beth have orchestrated the kidnapping and ransom demand? Meanwhile, the Shadow Watchers are trying to take down the terrorists (NINA) and keep the people of Seagrove safe. Beth's relationship with one of them, Joe, can bring her happiness or pain. Will she trust her heart or put up a roadblock? Who is Raven? Who has duped everyone and infiltrated the town? Will the terrorists be taken down, or will the attacks continue? Come along and meet the people of Seagrove and the Crossroads Crisis Center. There is a lot more here than meets the eye.

I have read the other two books in this series, "Forget Me Not," and "Deadly Ties," so it was easy to relate to the characters and continued story line. The story is realistic and reads like something out of today's news, the characters real and likeable (for the most part). I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves action/suspense/thriller novels. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages! I received my free review copy from the Blogging for Books program and thank them for the opportunity to read it and offer my honest review.

"The Maid of Fairbourne Hall" by Julie Klassen

What do you do when you are being forced into a distasteful marriage? Run away, of course. At least, that is what Margaret Macy did and it changed her life. Margaret lived a lifestyle that others dreamed of - pampered and wealthy. Was it really worth giving all of that up just to find love. Margaret said yes, and found a real job for the first time in her life. As the housemaid, Margaret works diligently, but at first she can't understand the pride others show in menial labor. Then, there are two brothers she works for, each bringing a unique set of problems to her life. And, she was always looking over her shoulder for someone coming after her. How can she continue hiding from those of Fairbourne Hall who would bring her back into the fold? Can Margaret trust anyone enough to find love? Will Margaret find the pride in her work that the others find in theirs?

What a wonderful story of hope and love. I really enjoyed reading the book because the story line was interesting and the characters realistic. It highlights the point that people should have pride in their work, whatever it is, and that honesty and integrity should be valued most highly. This book will definitely be a delight to readers of all types and book groups will have loads of fun discussing the plot and themes. It has been a pleasure to be part of the Litfuse Blog Tour for this book!

About the book:

 

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?

 

 

About Julie:

 

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

 

Link to buy the book:

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

 

About the contest:  If you have a scheduled date that is near the end of the tour, please consider posting twice, once earlier in the month about the contest, and then again later in the month with your review.

 

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) 

"The Founder's Key: The Divine & Natural Connection between the Declaration and the Constitution and What We Risk by Losing It " by Dr. Larry Arnn

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are two of the most vital documents in our society. Today, many in the progressive movement would love to strip them from our conscience and change the way society works. When FDR separated the documents, he began the belief that both of them are powerful and necessary. In this new book, Dr. Larry Arnn shows just how important it is for us to fight to keep them together and useful today. Our Founders knew that the new government was fragile, but they also knew that a solid foundation was vitally important. Who is really supposed to control society and its people? What is the true purpose of government? What did the Founders know that has been lost to many citizens today? Why not pick up this book and re-learn the importance and reason for these two precious documents? It's time to discover, "The Founder's Key."

As a history buff, I was thrilled to receive a free copy of this book from the Book Sneeze program for review. As I listen to the news today, I find it vitally important that our children learn the real importance of our founding documents, and that the rest of us get a big reminder. This is a wonderful book to share and will make a great gift for anyone who wants to know more about what our country was founded on and what we stand to lose.

"Everything You Need to Know About Everything You Need to Know About the Universe" by Chris Cooper

Our universe is a vast area filled with interesting objects. There are planets, stars, galaxies, meteors, moons, and so much more, and we can't possibly understand it all. But, maybe we can get a glimpse into this wonderful territory, maybe get a hint of what lies beyond our own "space" by delving into books such as this. Through the pages of this book, you can learn basic facts and figures about planets, etc., but you can also imagine what it would be like to visit the far off stretches of the universe. Through the graphs, diagrams, and pictures, you can "see" what is beyond the scope of our sight, and begin to understand the vastness of this thing we call space. It is anything but empty, so come along and take a journey into the knowledge about the universe.

This is a fun book filled with interesting facts and figures. Whatever your belief on the creation of the universe, there is information in this book to stimulate your imagination. This book will make a wonderful addition to home libraries and is great for gift giving. I received my free review copy from Net Galley and the publisher, and thank them very much.

"Firethorn" by Ronie Kendig

From the opening shot through the end of the book, the intensity of this novel will keep readers glued to the pages. Someone is out to destroy the Nightshade team, and Griffin Riddell is the current target. As he sits in jail for a murder he didn't commit, Kazi Faron is sent to free him. The success of that mission leads them into a quest for the other members of Nightshade because someone is targeting the entire team for destruction. What may seem to be a pretty easy task isn't. There are explosive surprises awaiting them everywhere. Can they rescue the others? Do their feelings for each other get in the way? Who is behind the attack? Come, take a ride on this roller-coaster of action and adventure, and discover the answers to these questions and so much more!

I really enjoyed this novel and can't wait to read the first two of the series. Ms. Kendig certainly knows how to weave a story and keep this reader enthralled. I recommend this book, and the rest of the series, to anyone who enjoys an intense action and adventure novel. Be prepared - once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down!

"Divergent" by Veronica Roth

The setting is dystopian Chicago, the objective it the perfect society. How do you get a society without war and destruction? It was decided that the people should be divided into essential groups, and that their individual choice would be made at the age of 16. The five groups each embodied a different trait essential to civilization: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite. Beatrice and her brother must make the choice. But what happens when the test administer finds you don't "fit" into one group, but rather into a few. You are Divergent and must keep that hidden. Thus begins the difficult journey Beatrice, "Tris," makes to find where she fits. Her initiation phase brings out strengths she never realized she had or ever thought she would use. How will she handle the competition? How will she handle leaving her family? What is going on with other groups and how will her skills be used?

This is the first book in a new series, and I can't wait for the next one! The plot and characters pulled me in right away and I couldn't put the book down. It is a great YA read that can be enjoyed by older adults as well. If you like to read dystopian style books, or just want to challenge yourself, this is the book for you. It also makes a nice choice for book discussion groups.

"The Beautiful Wife" by Sandy Ralya

Beautiful. The word brings up many images in our society today, but none that really touch the heart of a Christian woman. What does it mean to have a beautiful spirit? to be beautiful to your husband and family? to see yourself through God's eyes? In this wonderful book, Sandy Ralya addresses these questions and more. She equips women with answers so that they can not only help themselves, but also help others to be fulfilled in their marriages. The topics addressed include: finances, sex, diet, style, and so much more. If you want help with how to be balanced and happy in your marriage with God's help in today's world, this book is a great choice for you.

My package also included two companion books - "The Prayer Journal" and the "Mentor's Guide." The "Mentor's Guide" answers the questions women might have before mentoring someone, and also gives ideas on working with a group and how to lead a discussion. It really helps allay some of the fear that accompanies leading a group. The "Prayer Journal" is a wonderful tool to help you stay on track with the lessons and set up invaluable new habits for prayer and Bible study and memorization.

These books are wonderful tools for women's group leaders! The Scripture and lesson/story really attack the topics on the minds of Christian women today. I especially like the "Reflection" and "First Steps" that go along with each lesson and wholeheartedly recommend it to church groups everywhere. My free review copies were made possible by the blog tour from Litfuse, and I thank them and the publisher for the opportunity. This is a set of books I will use over and over, and give as gifts.