A Season to Wed

A Season to Wed
Rachel Hauck, Cindy Kirk, Cheryl Wyatt
(Harper Collins/Zondervan)
ISBN: 978-0310395881
Novermber 2015/336 pages/$12.99
They've helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

Love at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk

Sometimes the road to happiness is paved with youthful mistakes.

Ten years after what she thought was her almost-wedding, Hope Prentiss discovers that the ceremony counted-and, as fate would have it, the jilted John Burke has just ridden back into town. After spending some time with John and helping plan a Christmas wedding for a mystery couple, Hope begins to wonder if she really wants a divorce . . . or a real wedding of her own.

A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck

Revealing the beauty in other women might be Ginger Winters's specialty-but it will take an unexpected kind of love to help Ginger see the beauty in herself.

Ginger Winters will be the "beauty-maker" for the Alabama society wedding of the decade.

But when high-school crush Tom Wells shows up looking for a haircut, Ginger's thinly veiled insecurities threaten to keep her from love once again . . . despite Tom's best efforts.

Serving Up a Sweetheart by Cheryl Wyatt

Meadow knows how to serve delicious food to match any wedding theme. But can she accept love when it's served up on a silver platter?

Meadow Larson is having the mother of all Mondays when her roof caves in during a blizzard, right before the most important wedding contract of her career.

Renovation contractor Colin McGrath offers to fix Meadow's roof, even though he knows he is the last person she would accept help from.

But the more Meadow gets to know the new Colin, the more she realizes God may have something more permanent in store than a new catering kitchen.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

RITA Finalist and Carol Award winner Rachel Hauck, named by Family Fiction readers as one of the top five romance authors in CBA, is the author of more than seventeen novels, including the acclaimed Songbird novels with multi-platinum country singer Sara Evans and the EPCA/CBA best-selling novel The Wedding Dress. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and writes from her ivory tower (really, a tower, and it's painted ivory!).

Cindy Kirk learned the value of having an active imagination at an early age. If she didn’t like the ending of a television show or movie, she simply thought of a different one. Or if she had difficulty falling asleep, instead of counting sheep, she made up a story. When she was sixteen she penned these words in her diary: "I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t be a writer." But it would be several decades before her dream would become a reality. Now a wife and mother, Cindy is a writer of contemporary sensual romance.

Multi-award-winning author Cheryl Wyatt writes romance with virtue for the Christian market. A busy mom, wife, humanitarian RN and orphan advocate, joyful chaos rules her home and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room.

MY THOUGHTS

If you are looking for a fun read for the waning holidays, look no further than A Season to Wed. Although set around Christmas, these stories are perfect for any time of the year. While each of the novellas and writing styles differ, they all share a commonality: faith, love, and romance! Available for your e-reader or as a print book, A Season to Wed will lift you up and put a smile on your face! Grab your copy today.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from Harper Collins Christian Publishing/Zondervan. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Until the Dawn

Until the Dawn
Elizabeth Camden
(Bethany House)
ISBN: 978-0764217203
December 2015/352 pages/$14.99
Fascinated by Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion high atop a windswept cliff in the Hudson River Valley, Sophie van Riijn sees no harm in setting up a rooftop weather station for her work with the newly established Weather Bureau. While the villagers are suspicious of the mysterious estate and its tragic history, Sophie has come to see it as her own enchanted piece of paradise.

The first Vandermark to return to the area in sixty years, Quentin intends to put an end to the shadowy rumors about the property that has brought nothing but trouble upon his family. Ready to tear down the mansion, he is furious to discover Sophie trespassing on his land.

Instantly at odds, Quentin and Sophie yet find common ground when she is the only one who can reach his troubled son. There's a light within Sophie that Quentin has never known, and a small spark of the hope that left him years ago begins to grow. But when the secrets of Dierenpark can no longer be kept in the past, will tragedy triumph or can their tenuous hope prevail?


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Camden is the author of eight historical novels and has been honored with a RITA Award, Christy Award, and Daphne du Maurier Award. With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. She lives with her husband in Florida. Learn more at www.elizabethcamden.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Camden always weaves an engrossing story and Until the Dawn drew me in from the opening sentence. Sophie and Quentin are complex characters who clash from the moment they meet yet are inexplicably drawn to one another. Quentin's son, Pieter, tuggged at my heart as he longed for attention, care, and security. An ancient family mystery, a cloud of impending doom, and a reluctant romance intertwine to provide plenty of hold-your-breath as well as sigh-worthy moments. A perfect last-minute gift or addition to your winter reading list, this book is highly recommended. Fair warning, though: don't start reading it in the evening; it just might keep you up Until the Dawn!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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The Mountain Midwife

The Mountain Midwife
Laurie Alice Eakes
(Harper Collins/Zondervan)
ISBN: 978-0310333449
December 2015/352 pages/$15.99
For nearly two hundred years, women in Ashley Tolliver’s family have practiced the art of midwifery in their mountain community. Now she wants to take her skills a step further, but attending medical school means abandoning those women to whom she has dedicated her life, the mountains she loves, and the awakening of her heart.

Ashley Tolliver has tended to the women of her small Appalachian community for years. As their midwife, she thinks she has seen it all. Until a young woman gives birth at Ashley’s home and is abducted just as Ashley tries to take the dangerously bleeding mother to the nearest hospital. Now Ashley is on a mission to find the woman and her newborn baby . . . before it’s too late.

Hunter McDermott is on a quest—to track down his birth mother. After receiving more media attention than he could ever want for being in the right place at the right time, he receives a mysterious phone call from a woman claiming to be his mother. Hunter seeks out the aid of the local midwife in the mountain town where the phone call originated—surely she can shed some light on his own family background.

Ashley isn’t prepared for the way Hunter’s entrance into her world affects her heart and her future. He reignites dreams of having her own family that she has long put aside in favor of earning her medical degree and being able to do even more for her community. But is it commitment to her calling or fear of the unknown that keeps her feet firmly planted in the Appalachian soil? Or is it something more—fear of her growing feelings for Hunter—that makes her hesitant to explore the world beyond the mountains?

Read an excerpt.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Since she lay in bed as a child telling herself stories, bestselling, award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes has fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author, with a degree in English and French from Asbury University and a master’s degree in writing fiction from Seton Hill University. She now has nearly two dozen books in print. Laurie Alice lives with her husband in Houston, Texas, with sundry lovable dogs and cats.

MY THOUGHTS

A gifted author of historical novels, Laurie Alice Eakes demonstrates she is equally adept in the contemporary genre with the release of The Mountain Midwife. Faithful readers will enjoy discovering that Ashley and her best friend, Heather, are descendants of characters in three of Eakes's earlier novels, although this novel stands alone. Beginning with the heart-pounding opening scene and continuing with each chapter, this book drew me in and transported me to the Blue Ridge Mountains and into the lives of Ashley and Hunter. Eakes weaves a powerful story with multiple layers. Family issues, faith, a thread of romance, and not a little suspense are wrapped together in this compelling tale. Add this one to your TBR pile and grab a second one for a gift. The Mountain Midwife is highly recommended!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Harper Collins Christian Publishing/Zondervan. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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One Enchanted Christmas

Once Enchanted Christmas
Melissa Tagg
ASIN: B017V6PZGO
December 2015/423 KB/113 pages/$0.99
Last December, mystery author Maren Grant had the most perfect night of her life. On a glimmering winter evening, she got to watch the photo shoot for her very first book and ended up on a magical date with the cover model himself—Colin Renwycke.

Fast forward one year. This December, with a looming deadline, restless spirit and her creative spark long since gone, Maren is desperate to get unstuck. And she can’t get Colin out of her head…or his year-old open invitation to spend a couple weeks writing at his family’s farm.

Drew Renwycke never planned to come home and take over the Renwycke family farm. But he’s spent too many years watching his siblings unravel, including his brother, Colin, after one terrible family mistake. If moving to Maple Valley, Iowa, renovating an old farmhouse and switching careers is what it takes to put the Renwycke family back together, he’ll do it.

But his simple plan upends when a scrappy author lands on his doorstep. And she just might be the key to coaxing his brother home. But what if he wants her all to himself? Drew will have to choose between his Christmas wish and the enchantment of a holiday romance that just might be the happy ending they all long for.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Tagg is a former reporter, current nonprofit grant writer and total Iowa girl. She writes romantic comedies in the banter-filled style of her favorite 1930s and 40s classic films. When she's not writing she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. Melissa loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com and on Facebook and Instagram.


MY THOUGHTS

Charming. Delightful. Winsome. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of Melissa Tagg's writing, and they definitely describe One Enchanted Christmas. Once again, Tagg has released an adorable story written in her unique and enchanting style. Few authors write Rom-Com (romantic comedy) as well as she does, with the perfect blend of sweetness and sass and characters that walk off the page and into the reader's heart. Beneath the lighthearted banter and romance, however, Tagg weaves a subtle but sure thread addressing the deeper issues of the heart. I preordered this novella, impatiently awaited its arrival on my Kindle, and read it in one sitting. The only thing that would have made it better is if it had been a full-length novel. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in Tagg's Walker Family series, coming in Spring 2016. In the meantime, don't miss this wonderful story at an incredible price!

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ACFW December New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.


Contemporary Romance:

nutcrACKer stroll by RC Atchisson -- As the annual Nantucket Noel kicks into high gear, Joe Thornton needs a miracle to save the White Goose Vineyard from competitors and more than a little Divine help to protect new friends, support old friends, and -- most importantly -- help him answer the question everyone is asking...What's next? (Contemporary Romance from Stingy Brim)

Christmas Mittens by Laura V. Hilton -- Gracia Dykstra enjoys her job at the Senior Center, especially at Christmas time when the seniors have an annual craft shop. Desperate to raise funds Gracia asks for donations of Christmas trees to sell, but donations are scarce. Jake Trivett quit his job in California and comes home to help save his dad's struggling tree farm. Gracia's heart flutters with more than Christmas spirit when Jake, an old flame, answers her phone call regarding tree donations. Will Gracia receive more than Christmas trees this year? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Rocky Mountain Reunion by Tina Radcliffe -- Nurse Anne Matson's structured life derails when her ex-husband's daughter falls ill, and Anne volunteers to help with her care. Matt recognizes he's never stopped loving the spirited beauty, but any plans to regain her love stop get complicated when her Victorian home gets in the way of his town expansion project. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

An Amish Year by Beth Wiseman -- In Rooted in Love, Saul Petersheim has pursued Rosemary Lantz for years, but Rosemary keeps turning him down because of a secret she's vowed he'll never know. In A Love for Irma Rose, young Irma Rose makes a choice between the man who is “right” for her and the wild and reckless Jonas, but when she loses her footing, she is forced to rethink her decision. In Patchwork Perfect, , unconventional Miriam Fisher is not the type Eli Byler is looking for, but she's everything the widower wants. Only Miriam has no plans to marry-ever. In When Christmas Comes Again, when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of Katherine's late husband, she begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])

Contemporary:

Chapel Springs Survival by Ane Mulligan -- Claire and her friends try to regroup as Chapel Springs is overrun with tourists. But everything takes a backseat when she finds out her nineteen year old son has taken a foreign mail order bride. (Women's Fiction from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

Historical Fiction:

The Calling of Ella McFarland by Linda Brooks Davis -- A historical about a young woman who dreams of being a teacher in 1905 Oklahoma. (Historical Fiction from Mountainview Books LLC)

Historical Romance:

The Rancher Takes a Cowgirl by Misty M. Beller -- Hunted because of her recent inheritance, Grace Harper goes into hiding, working at a Texas ranch like the one she and her late father ran. Danger soon finds her anyway, but not before she falls for ranch foreman Monty Dominguez. Grace must find the courage for the ultimate sacrifice to protect those she's come to love. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden -- A volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau, Sophie van Riijn needs access to the highest spot in her village to report the most accurate readings. This takes her to Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion high atop a windswept cliff, despite lacking permission from the absent owners. Ready to tear down the mansion, Quentin Vandermark is furious to discover a local woman has been trespassing on his land. Instantly at odds, Quentin and Sophie find common ground when she is the only one who can reach his troubled son. But when past secrets resurrect, will tragedy triumph or hope prevail? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

Mail-Order Marriage by Mary Davis, Denise Hunter, Judith Mccoy Miller, DiAnn Mills, and Tracie Peterson -- Escape into the history of the American West along with five of today's leading inspirational fiction authors who deliver exciting historical romances begun from advertisements for mail-order marriages. Placing their dreams for new beginnings in the hands of a stranger, will Cinda, Emily, Maura, Gabe, and Daughtry each be disappointed, or will some find true love? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Memoir of Johnny Devine by Camille Eide -- A young WWII widow hired to write an exclusive memoir lands on McCarthy's Communist hit list and must clear her name while trying not to fall in love with the born-again, ex-Hollywood heartthrob she's writing about, one whose scandalous past keeps him too busy to notice her. Or does it? (Historical Romance from Ashberry Lane)

Romantic Suspense:

Silent Night Pursuit by Katy Lee -- On Christmas Eve, Lacey Phillips tracks down Captain Wade Spencer, looking for answers about her brother's death. Searching his guilt-ridden past for his own answers to the tragedy, Wade tries to turn her away—until bullets start to fly. With killers lurking everywhere, he has to protect her—especially when she breaches the walls around his heart. Can Wade and his faithful service dog keep Lacey alive long enough to figure out who's targeting them? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Yuletide Fugitive Threat by Sandra Robbins -- The man who killed Mia Fletcher's husband is stalking her—he's dangerously intent on searching for something in her possession. But Mia doesn't know what he wants or how to stop him, so she turns to Lucas Knight, fugitive hunter extraordinaire—and her former college boyfriend. When Lucas is pulled from sleep by a pounding on his door, Mia is the last person he expects to see. But after he hears about the killer who jumped bail, he has to help her…even if it means risking falling for her all over again. Can the bounty hunter capture the fugitive—and Mia's heart—in time for Christmas? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Young Adult:

The Volk Advent by Kristen Joy Wilks -- An orphaned Siberian teen faces murder charges and an escaped pack of pet wolves. (Young Adult from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

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Whispers in the Reading Room

Whispers in the Reading Room
(The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series)
Shelley Gray
(Zondervan)
ISBN: 978-0310338499
November 2015/352 pages/$15.99
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.

Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.

Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.

Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), “The Protector,” recently made the New York Times best seller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado and taught school for ten years. She and her husband have two children and live in Southern Ohio. Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.



MY THOUGHTS

Shelly Gray is well-known for her Amish novels, but she is multi-talented and this book and series is a keeper! She has created an intriguing plot with captivating characters. The charm of this story lies in the interactions between Lydia and Sebastian. Clever dialogue, romantic tension, and escalating danger completely engrossed me in this tale, and I couldn't put it down. This is a thoroughly delightful novel. Highly recommended.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harper Collins/Zondervan and Litfuse Publicity Group as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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The Wedding Chapel

The Wedding Chapel
Rachel Hauck
(Zondervan)
ISBN: 978-0310341529
November 2015/384 pages/$15.99

For sixty years, a wedding chapel sat silent, waiting for love. But times have changed and the hour has come when it just might be too late.

Retired hall-of-fame football coach Jimmy “Coach” Westbrook never imagined anything would come of his labor of love—the wedding chapel he built for Collette Greer, the woman he fell for back in ‘49. But now an offer has come to turn the chapel into what it was meant to be—a place for love—and Jimmy sees no reason to hang onto his dream any longer.

Photographer Taylor Branson is trying to make a life for herself in New York. Leaving her hometown of Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, she put a lot of things behind her, including her family’s abysmal marriage rate. But love surprises her when she falls head-over-heels for Jack Forester, a top ad man. Their whirlwind romance results in an elopement, and a mountain of doubt. Jack, while genuine in his love for Taylor, can never seem to overcome his own demons to find the words of his heart.

When Taylor takes an assignment in Heart’s Bend, the job does more than send her back to her hometown, but into a world of family secrets buried beneath the sands of time.

When Taylor’s journey intersects with Coach’s, they rediscover the heartbeat of their dreams and that the love they long to hold is right in front of them. And worth every waiting moment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as “The Wedding Dress,” “Love Starts with Elle,” and “Once Upon A Prince.” She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, “Softly and Tenderly,” one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets. Find out more about Rachel at http://www.rachelhauck.com/.



MY THOUGHTS

The past and the present intertwine in this stirring novel that swept me in from the opening pages. Rachel Hauck creates compelling characters and a multi-dimensional story pulsing with love, loss, and hope. Although varying between points of view and even decades, the tale flows smoothly thanks to Hauck's creative talents. The differing perspectives add depth to the story and in the case of Jack, paint him in a more sympathetic light than some of his actions deserve at face value. Hauck weaves a tender message of faith, forgiveness, and new beginnings in this not-to-be-missed book. Get your copy of The Wedding Chapel today!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harper Collins/Zondervan and Litfuse Publicity Group as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



Is sixty years too long to wait for love? Two stories of romance, one in 1949 and one in the modern day, meet in Rachel Hauck's The Wedding Chapel. When Taylor Branson takes an assignment in Heart’s Bend, the job does more than send her back to her hometown, but into a world of family secrets buried beneath the sands of time. When Taylor’s journey intersects with Jimmy “Coach” Westbrook's, they rediscover the heartbeat of their dreams and that the love they long to hold is right in front of them. And worth every waiting moment.

Join Rachel in celebrating the release of The Wedding Chapel by entering to win a copy and a $100 cash card—perfect for finishing up your Christmas gift shopping!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The Wedding Chapel
• A $100 cash card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 31st. The winner will be announced January 4th on Rachel's blog.

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