Expedition: Still Life Blog Tour & Giveaway!

UPDATED 5/10/17
WINNER!

Congrats to Laura Waltz! You will be receiving a Lifeway gift card from Dani Pettrey. An email is on its way!

Random Number: 49
Congrats to kim hansen! You will be receiving a Lifeway gift card from Dani Pettrey. Please email me your contact info. Please respond by 11:59 pm CDT Friday, 5/5/17, or another winner will be chosen. Thanks to everyone for entering!

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I am thrilled to welcome author Dani Pettrey to guest blog today and to be part of her Expedition: Still Life blog tour, which began Tuesday! Read about today's special location from Dani's recent release, Still Life, enter the giveaway on this page, and then be sure to click the special link to get your passport stamp. The tour happens each Tuesday and Thursday until May 1, when the winner will be announced via Rafflecopter. And now, grab a cup of your favorite brew and join me in welcoming Dani Pettrey!

Canton

Welcome to the Expedition: Still Life blog tour! Today we’re visiting Canton, a charming waterfront neighborhood founded in the late 19th century.


If you aren't familiar with this exciting blog tour, or the fabulous grand prize you can win by taking part in it, please visit Expedition: Still Life's main contest page for all the details.


Parker Mitchell, the crime scene investigation hero from my latest release, Still Life, lives in Canton. This Baltimore neighborhood includes a quaint village square full of restaurants, pubs, and unique gift shops.


Traditional Baltimore brick row homes with classic marble stoops and painted screens line the main thoroughfare of O’Donnell Street, where you’ll often see people running along the waterfront path or walking their dogs in the fresh harbor air. Boats bob in the two main marinas. While researching my book series, my husband and I spent a long weekend on a boat in one of Canton’s marinas.


Traditional Baltimore brick row homes with classic marble stoops and painted screens line the main thoroughfare of O’Donnell Street, where you’ll often see people running along the waterfront path or walking their dogs in the fresh harbor air. Boats bob in the two main marinas. While researching my book series, my husband and I spent a long weekend on a boat in one of Canton’s marinas.

The video below is an interview I filmed during that weekend of research.





Parker Mitchell lives off the beaten path in the heart of Canton’s industrial area in a renovated brick warehouse where his loft apartment resides on the top two floors. He loves listening to the rhythmic sound of a ship’s wake and the crabby scent of the harbor. Growing up less than an hour away in a small harbor front town, Canton is a perfect fit for him.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Parker’s loft here.


I hope you enjoyed your insider’s peek at Parker’s neighborhood. This is the second stop on the Expedition: Still Life Tour. Be sure to collect your passport stamp to be entered to win the Grand Prize here.

Collect
The Canton Stamp!

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Email Address *

First Name

Last Name

Thanks so much to Linda for hosting me. To also be entered to win a LifeWay gift card, just answer the question below in the comments by midnight PDT April 30. (The randomly drawn winner will be announced on this post on May 1.) After answering the question, visit http://danipettrey.com/stilllife-contest/ to see all the other stops and giveaways on this tour.

What’s your favorite hometown spot and why?

Praised by New York Times bestselling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a sigh-worthy romance novel. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent” of romance (USA Today).

Dani’s adventure-focused Alaskan Courage series climbed the CBA bestseller lists, with Submerged staying in the top twenty for five consecutive months. The five-book series also won multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others. She turns her attention to crime and law enforcement in her home state of Maryland in her new Chesapeake Courage series, starting with Cold Shot, which Library Journal called, “a harrowing and thrilling ride.” For more information about her novels, visit www.danipettrey.com.


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Readers, click on the links below for my reviews of Still Life and the first book in Dani's Chesapeake Courage series, Cold Shot!

Still Life
Cold Shot

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Deadly Diseases and a Fun Giveaway!

Ronie Kendig's latest release, Conspiracy of Silence released earlier this month to rave reviews--including mine! The perfect way to use that gift card you received for Christmas, this inTOXicating novel will keep you turning pages late into the night.

Tox and his team race to find a cure for a deadly, centuries-old disease that has been released. As a nurse, I couldn't resist focusing my feature on the subject of bioterrorism. According to the National Institute of Health, a bioterrorism attack is the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs to cause illness or death. These are generally spread through the air, by contamination of water or food, by animals, or by person-to-person contact.

The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) has an extensive website that provides research, education, scientific publications, and resources regarding biological warfare. I was fascinated by the brief history, which dates as far back as the sixth century BC, when water sources were poisoned with rye ergot by the Assyrians and with the herb hellibore by the Greek general Solon. ("History of Biological Warfare and the Current Threat," USAMRIID's Medical Management of Biological Casualties Handbook--8th Edition, September 2014, p. 3)

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is another resource. A list of specific Bioterrorism Agents/Diseases is available, as well as General Fact Sheets on Specific Agents:

• Anthrax
• Botulism
• Brucellosis
• Plague
• Smallpox
• Tularemia
• Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

The CDC's Bioterrorism Readiness Plan: A Template for Healthcare Facilities details steps to be taken in the event of a a suspected bioterrorism event. While many of their guidelines are general and apply to any situation, they also delineate Agent-Specific Recommendations for the following:

• Anthrax
• Botulism
• Plague
• Smallpox

Biological warfare is a serious subject and one that arises often in the news in today's war-torn world. However, those who place their trust in God and his sovereignty need not fear what man can do on earth.

Don't miss Conspiracy of Silence, and check out this awesome giveaway from Ronie Kendig!

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Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

I loved The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher! My review is coming soon. In the meantime, check out this great author giveaway!

You’re invited back to Stoney Ridge for a story of dreams deferred and hopes fulfilled in The Devoted.

Bright, curious, and restless, Ruthie Stoltzfus loves her family but is stuck in a sea of indecision about her future: Should she stay Amish? Or should she leave? She’s done all she can to prepare to go–passed the GED, saved her money–but she can’t quite set her journey into motion.

Patrick Kelly is a young man on a journey of his own. He’s come to Stoney Ridge to convert to the Amish and has given himself thirty days to learn the language, drive a buggy, and adapt to “everything Plain.” Time, to Patrick, is of the essence. Every moment is to be cherished, especially the hours he spends with Ruthie, his Penn Dutch tutor.

Ruthie’s next-door neighbor and cunning ex-boyfriend, Luke Schrock, is drawn to trouble like a moth to a flame. Rebellious, headstrong, defiant, Luke will do anything to win Ruthie back–anything–and Patrick Kelly is getting in his way.

Suzanne is celebrating the release of The Devoted with a special giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A copy of The Devoted
• An iPad Mini 2 16GB

Enter today, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 2. The winner will be announced November 3 on Suzanne's blog.

Enter to win by filling out the giveaway widget below, or click the graphic above to enter to win.

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Operation Zulu Redemption - GIVEAWAY!

Operation Zulu Redemption
Ronie Kendig
(Shiloh Run Press)
ISBN: 978-1683220640
July 2016/528 pages/$15.99
They never should've existed. Now they don't.

Zulu, the first all-female special ops team, was set up to take a devastating fall. Fearing for their lives, Zulu members vanished with new identities. Isolated and haunted by their past, they are terrified of being discovered. Over the years, the brave women of Zulu have begun to hope they might be safe and the terrible tragedy forgotten. Until two of them are murdered.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author of a dozen novels. She grew up an Army brat. Now, she and her husband, an Army veteran, have an adventurous life in Northern Virginia with their children and two dogs--a Maltese Menace and a retired military working dog, VVolt N629. Ronie's degree in Psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters. Since launching onto the publishing scene in 2010, Ronie and Rapid-Fire Fiction novels have hit bestseller lists and garnered awards and critical acclaim, including The Christy Award (2012 - Wolfsbane), the Selah Award (2013 - Firethorn), the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award (2013 - Trinity: Military War Dog), and FamilyFiction 15 Top Books of 2015 (Falcon).

MY THOUGHTS

Ronie Kendig is already known for her Rapid-Fire Fiction, and she doesn't let up for a moment in this phenomenal and fast-paced novel which was originally released as a serialized digital novel. Non-stop action rips across the pages as each team member finds herself thrust back into the line of fire and unable to determine who is behind it. Not a scene or word is wasted as the story unfolds and the team's lives unravel. Kendig is at her best as she perfectly balances the non-relenting action with matchless character development and razor-sharp verbal exchanges. Vivid detail and descriptions bring each page to life...and leave the reader dangling at the cliff-hanging end of each chapter. Just when it seems things might be turning a corner toward a resolution, another twist sends the story--and the reader's heart!--down another perilous and adrenaline-filled track. Danger appears at every turn and for some of the team, hearts and emotions are as much in jeopardy as the team members' physical lives. Nothing is predictable or certain except for the realization that setting this book aside for such mundane pursuits as eating or sleeping is virtually impossible. Kendig wraps up this adrenaline-laced novel with an intense finale that keeps turning up the heat until the final pages. This is not a casual read as rapid-fire action and quickly changing scenes keep the reader's heart and mind racing to keep up with the team and determine who or what lies around the next corner. Kendig excels at twists and surprises, and she stretches the tension to the very end. Powerful and compelling, Operation Zulu Redemption is a must-read and one for the keeper shelf! Grab your copy today!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Ronie Kendig and Shiloh Run Press 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.”


GIVEAWAY!!

Ronie Kendig has graciously offered to give away a copy of this book to one of my readers. To enter, fill out the form below by 11:59 pm Sunday, 7/17/16. Sorry, US addresses only, please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Cold Shot Sweepstakes Giveaway!

Earlier this month, I told you about Dani Pettrey's new release, Cold Shot. the first book in her new Chesapeake Valor series. (Read my review here.) I am happy to share with you that Dani and her publisher have put together a fun Sweepstakes Giveaway celebrating the launch of this book and series. Keep reading to learn more about the prizes and how to enter!




Summary:

In COLD SHOT, the first book of author Dani Pettrey’s brand new Chesapeake Valor series, park ranger Griffin McCray and forensic anthropologist Finley Scott uncover buried remains near the Civil War battleground of Little Round Top. There’s only one problem: the bones aren’t Civil War-era.

Griffin just wants the case to go away, but when Finley discovers evidence pointing to the work of an expert sniper, the case connects them with FBI agent Declan Grey, and crime scene investigator Parker Mitchell, friends from a past Griffin’s tried to leave behind.

Soon the reunited friends realize they’ll need to confront the darkest days in their shared history if they–and those they care about–are going to escape a downward spiral of crime, danger, and murder.

To celebrate the launch of this exciting new series, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the COLD SHOT SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.

Timeframe & Notifications:

This giveaway starts February 16, 2016 and ends March 7, 2016 @ 11:59 pm (PST).

Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Tuesday, March 8, 2016, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.



GRAND PRIZE:

ROAD TRIP REUNION GETAWAY

In COLD SHOT, Griffin reunites with friends after they’ve drifted apart over the years. Do you have a friend you want to reconnect with? Here’s your chance to hit the road with them for a friend getaway!


Our Grand Prize winner will receive: A $250 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com, good for reservations at lodges across the Continental US, plus a $50 Darden restaurants gift card, and a Chesapeake Bay tote bag, to pack your road trip essentials.


SECOND PRIZE:

FINLEY’S FAVORITES PACK

Finley has a lifelong love of travel and exploration, something captured in her cozy home decor, right down to her steamer trunk coffee table. This prize gives you a chance to have a steamer trunk just like Finley’s, and a coffee table book from the Chesapeake Bay to go with it.

Our Second Prize winner will receive: A $150 value cedar wood steamer trunk and vivid Maryland coffee table photo book.


THIRD PRIZE:

TASTE OF MARYLAND KIT

COLD SHOT is sure to leave you with a craving for the mouth-watering snacks Griffin, Finley, and the rest of the crew enjoy in the story. If you wish you could sample Chesapeake’s one-of-a-kind local fare too, this prize is for you.

Our Third Prize winner will receive: The beautifully lithographed, $50 value Taste of Maryland Tin, including the Chesapeake Bay Cookbook and famed local treats such as Old Bay Seasoning, Maple Syrup, Maryland crab soup mix, specialty dip, and Goetze’s Caramel Creams.



How to Enter:

Go to: http://www.danipettrey.com/cold-shot-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between February 16 – March 7, 2016.

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Promise to Keep Plus a Giveaway!

Promise to Keep
(Promise of Sunrise)
Elizabeth Byler Younts
(Howard Books)
ISBN: 978-1476735054
October 2015/352 pages/$14.99

World War II Marine Joe Garrison returns home from war longing to be a father to his deaf daughter, Daisy, only to find that she is attached to Esther Detweiler, the Amish woman who has raised her since his wife’s death in this touching historical romance.

Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin’s deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther’s grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.

When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his seven-year-old daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.

As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch. She lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters. Learn more by visiting her website and Facebook Author Page.

MY THOUGHTS

Elizabeth Byler Younts is in a class all her own when it comes to writing Amish fiction. Her family history lends an authenticity that resonates throughout her stories, and this, her third standalone novel in this series, is a beautiful historical tale set in the World War II era. A gifted wordsmith, Younts swept me back decades and immersed me in the the lives of Esther, Daisy, and Joe. The attitudes of the time toward deafness were an eye-opener for me and, quite frankly, heartbreaking. Younts weaves a mulit-dimensional tale as she delves into matters of family, tradition, faith, and love. Raw and honest, this book made me cry and smile, and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Don't miss this book or this series, and add Younts to your list of must-read authors. Highly, highly recommended!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Elizabeth Byler Younts and Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster. 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.”



Click on the titles to read my reviews of the first two novels in this series:
Promise to Return
Promise to Cherish


GIVEAWAY!!

I have an extra copy of this book that I am giving to one of you! Enter via Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Falcon - PLUS Two Giveaways!

Falcon
The Quiet Professionals, Book 3
Ronie Kendig
(Shiloh Run Pres)
ISBN: 978-1624163197
May 2015/350 pages/$13.99

Special Forces operator Salvatore “Falcon” Russo vowed to never again speak to or trust Lieutenant Cassandra Walker after a tragedy four years ago. But as Raptor closes in on the cyber terrorists responsible for killing two of their own, Sal must put his life—and the lives of his teammates—in her hands. Despite his anger, Cassie is ill-prepared for his resistance and the fallout when she must protect the one asset who can end the attacks. As allies become enemies and hostiles become unlikely partners, Raptor fights for its very existence.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. After twenty-plus years of marriage, she and her hunky hero husband have a full life with their four children, a Maltese Menace, and a retired military working dog in Northern Virginia. Author and speaker, Ronie loves engaging readers through her Rapid-Fire Fiction. Ronie can be found at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.


MY THOUGHTS

Whew! Just when I think I can handle Ronie Kendig's Rapid-Fire Fiction, she unleashes another no-holds-barred novel that blows me away. Falcon is everything I've come to expect from Kendig and more: staccato-paced action, complex characters fiercely loyal to each other and the country they have pledged to protect, and a setting pulsating with authenticity. I couldn't put down the first two books in this series, Raptor 6 and Hawk (click the titles for my reviews). Somehow, Kendig has raised her own bar with Falcon, and the only time I didn't read with my heart in my throat was when my jaw dropped due to several unexpected twists. While I have always appreciated our military, Kendig's novels have raised my awareness and respect, particularly for Special Forces, tenfold. And I love that Falcon's cover picture does not portray a model but an actual Marine Sargeant, who is also a Purple Heart recipient and double amputee. Kudos to Ronie Kendig for another incredible novel. You don't want to miss it!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Ronie Kendig. 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.”


Read an excerpt of Falcon, followed by not one, but TWO cool giveaways!

EXCERPT

Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan
25 March—1745 Hours
Do you see the shooter?”

Sal shifted, pressing his shoulder against the hull of a Jeep sitting in the parking lot of the burning CECOM building and scanned the distance. It wasn’t like Kandahar Airfield was small and jammed up against the city. There was distance—the airport sat ten miles southeast of Kandahar City. The base was massive, hosting a couple hundred aircraft. Maintained by the U.S. Armed Forces and the ISAF, it also had a smaller, dedicated portion to the Afghan Armed Forces’ base and an even smaller portion for the Afghan Air Force.

Whoever was firing on them had to be on the base—and was it his imagination or were those shots coming from the AAF’s location?

“I got nothing,” he said.

The man they’d caught lay dead in a pool of his own blood. CECOM was burning. American soldiers and Afghan allies were dying. This mess had to stop.

He shot a look to Knight, who had taken cover behind a portable building. “We need to end this.”

Knight nodded. “Ddrake and I will find them.” He turned to his intense German shepherd, who stood ready and willing to work. After his handler spoke a quiet command to him, Ddrake turned and started his methodical stalking of the scent. Weapon cradled in both hands but held down, Sal trailed the MWD team away from CECOM. Experience had sharpened his trust in the K9 units, in their ability to track down trouble and their fierce loyalty to protect their pack. It’s why he’d requested a team for Raptor.

Dirt crunched beneath his boots as they skirted one building after another, Ddrake systematically making his way toward what had once been a thriving center of downtime—the Boardwalk. Most shops had closed down, a few rebellious, stubborn ones lingering as the troop count had been drastically scaled back.

Ddrake trotted on, his breathing almost staccato as he hauled in air and processed the scents at the back of his throat, tasting as much as smelling what lingered in the air.

They were sitting ducks out here, with most of the base personnel embroiled in the chaos at CECOM. Sal slowed, his gaze sweeping back and forth. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled. What he wouldn’t do to have his M4A1 carbine with its modified trigger he’d done with an off-the-shelf kind and overhauled. That beat a handgun in a firefight any day and every day.

He rolled his shoulders and swallowed, telling himself the enemy wasn’t as well trained. They were more frantic. More desperate. They made mistakes.

Still. A carbine went a long way in making him feel more secure.

“Falcon!” came a hissed voice.

He pivoted, bringing his weapon up.

Dean and Todd “Eagle” Archer jogged toward him, both carrying weapons and a vest. Dean tossed him the tac vest. Sal threaded his arms through it and secured the straps before accepting the assault rifle.

“What’ve you got?” Dean asked Knight.

“Nothing yet. But he’s tracking.” Knight kept moving, following his dog.

Sal resumed his course, this time with Eagle and Dean in tow. That felt better. Right. Even though he had his issues with Dean. Friends could handle that though. And Dean was a bigger man than to let differences get in the way of doing the job or the mission.

Sal wished he could be like that.

At a juncture of two portable buildings, Ddrake suddenly backtracked. Lowered his snout and hauled in hard.

Hawk and Titanis caught up with them as the German shepherd sorted the scents. Sal scanned their surroundings, thinking through what could be in the area. “Less than half a klick to the airfield.”

“Even less to the Afghan Air Force base,” Titanis added.

Sal focused on that area. After the president had announced the U.S. withdrawal and scaled back efforts, there’d been a lull in attacks then there seemed to be a vicious uptick in Blue-on-Green attacks. What infuriated him were the innocent civilians who wanted the protection against the Taliban but were caught in the middle and suffering because of the swell of violence.

“He’s got something!”

Sal swung around as the two bolted down the darkened alley between the buildings. Ddrake went right. Knight followed.

“Stay with them!” Dean shouted.

Known for his gift of speed, Sal sprinted behind them, his boots digging into the half-dirt, half-pebbled ground. He rounded the corner just as Ddrake sailed over a barricade. Even as he watched Knight throw himself at the wall, Sal slung his weapon over his shoulder. Knight cleared it, but not as easily as the dog.

Sal jumped against the wall. His feet hit. He palmed the cement bricks and vaulted over. He landed with a thud and shifted to the side, going to a knee. Assessed. Knight and Ddrake were circling a small car.

“Back! Get back!” Sal could just see that thing blowing sky-high and taking the MWD team with him.

“Ddrake, heel!” Knight slapped his left thigh twice and the dog immediately circled back, turned, and sat against Knight’s leg, looking up at his handler happily. “I can see supplies, but it doesn’t look like a bomb.”

Sal kept his weapon trained out, staring down the sight as the others grouped up.

Dean dropped over the wall next, followed by Hawk and Eagle. Approaching cautiously, Dean eyed the interior of the car. Keyed his mic. “Command, this is Raptor Six Actual. We are just north of the blast well and found some chemicals. Let’s get Hazmat out here.”

“Shooters?” Hawk asked.

“Nothing yet. I can have him track.” Knight shrugged.

He can decipher between human and chemicals?”

“Ddrake tracks chemicals, but whoever carried those”—he pointed to the car—“they’ll have that scent on them. Ddrake can find them.”

“Let’s do it.”

The words had no sooner left Sal’s mouth than a wall of growling, snarling teeth and fur flew into the air. With a beastly growl-snap, Ddrake bolted into a dark sliver of space between a shack and the perimeter fence.

“He saw som—”

A primal scream howled through the night.

TWO GIVEAWAYS

I'm giving away a copy of this book to one of my readers here in the USA. Sorry, only US mailing addresses. Please enter using the Rafflecopter immediately below. Contest ends at midnight CDT on 5/14/15.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Ronie Kendig has a fantastic giveaway! Just enter via the Rafflecopters below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Jeremy Camp: "I Will Follow" - Giveaway!

UPDATE Wednesday, 4/8/15: WINNER!

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
3
Timestamp: 2015-04-09 01:54:19 UTC
Congrats to Aerykah! Email me your address, Aerykah, and the publicist will send you the CD.

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"I Will Follow"
Jeremy Camp
Label: Capitol Records
ASIN: B00P826ZRCC
February, 2015/$12.99/CD/MP3
Available on Amazon, iTunes and other music retailers
TRACK LISTING:
He Knows
Living Word
I Will Follow (You Are With Me)
Finally Home
Christ In Me
'Til The End
Can't Be Moved
Only You
Same Power
We Are The Dreamers
Here I Am
Spirit Now
Be Still
Perfect Love

MY THOUGHTS

I love Jeremy Camp's voice, and he produces some great music. His new CD has several songs that resonate with me. "He Knows" may be familiar as it is the current single being featured on the radio, and I love the reminder that He knows every thing we are going through. The more reflective "Be Still" (available only on this deluxe edition) calls me to

Be still and know that You are my God
Be still and know that You are enough
Though my heart is racing
Still You're in control
Be still and know that You are my God.

And "Finally Home" is a beautiful reminder of the joy and beauty of heaven. Listening to it this week, I couldn't help but think of Kara Tippetts as she is "forever running free." You'll be blessed by Jeremy Camp's music - grab your copy of this CD or download it today!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this album free from Merge PR 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.”


GIVEAWAY!
I have the privilege of offering a copy of this CD to one of you! To enter, leave a comment on this post by 8:00 pm CDT Easter Sunday, 4/5/15, and a winner will be randomly chosen. You must include an email address so that you can be contacted. Offer limited to US and Canada mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited. Winner must respond to notification of win within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

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Hawk Nelson's New CD plus a Giveaway!

UPDATE Wednesday, 3/25/15: WINNER!

My apologies for being slow to draw a winner; the combination of work and my girl being home for spring break totally blocked this from my mind.

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
1
Timestamp: 2015-03-25 23:39:55 UTC
Congratulations to Laura Pol! Email me your address, Laura, and the publicist will send the CD your way.

* * * * *

Diamonds
Hawk Nelson
Label: Fair Trade Services
ASIN: B00SJ9TY9C
March 17, 2015
Audio CD: $9.99
MP3: $8.99 Amazon and iTunes
ABOUT THIS ALBUM
From Hawk Nelson's frontman Jon Steingard
Reflecting on how God uses those times of trial to shape us into something stronger and more beautiful gave the band the idea for Hawk Nelson’s new album title. “I feel like a diamond was a great metaphor for that. It’s strong. It reflects light. It doesn’t have any light of its own, but it reflects the light that it receives. There are so many aspects to the idea of a diamond that are indicative of the way God shapes us.”

Diamonds Track Listing:
Diamonds
Drops In the Ocean (current radio single)
Just Getting Started (featured on FOX's American Idol)
Live Like You're Loved
Sold Out
Thank God For Something
Count on You
Made to Live
Straight Line
Only You

ABOUT HAWK NELSON:

L to R: David Niacaris, Jon Steingard, Daniel Biro, Micah Kuiper 

PHOTO CREDIT: David Molnar

This powerhouse band has won the hearts of thousands since its debut release in 2004. Hawk Nelson has released six studio projects (Letters to the President, Smile It’s the End of the World, Hawk Nelson is My Friend, Live Life Loud, Crazy Love, and Made). Hawk Nelson has been awarded two Canadian GMA awards, multiple GMA Dove Award nominations as well as a JUNO nomination. The band's music has been featured on NBC, MTV, WB, WGN, KTLA, Nickelodeon and the NFL Network. Their music has been used with special promotions for American Idol, the NFL, Nike, JCPenny's, Olympics, NHL and Michelle Obama's "Big Day Out" 2011 campaign. Hawk Nelson is Jonathan Steingard (vocals, guitar), Daniel Biro (bass) and Micah Kuiper (guitar) and David Niacaris (drums).


MY THOUGHTS

I had heard Hawk Nelson on the radio but hadn't really paid much attention to their music until I had the opportunity to review this new CD. I will definitely be keeping my ears open for them in the future! This release is full of songs that will have you tapping your foot and singing along. Several have quickly become favorites that echo in my head. More than just catchy tunes however, the songs contain solid lyrics that will uplift and inspire you. I especially love the title track.

He's making diamonds, diamonds
Making diamonds out of dust
He is refining
And in His timing
He's making diamonds out of us

"Drops in the Ocean" is currently being played on KLOVE and other radio stations, and it's a great reminder of God's love for us, as is "Live Like You're Loved". And when things aren't going our way, we can always "Thank God for Something!" Grab your copy of this release today!




GIVEAWAY!

I have the privilege of offering a copy of this CD to one of you! To enter, leave a comment on this post by 8:00 pm CDT Sunday, 3/22/15, and a winner will be randomly chosen. You must include an email address so that you can be contacted. Offer limited to US and Canada mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited. Winner must respond to notification of win within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this album free from Merge PR 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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Sabotaged Heart of Adventure Sweepstakes!

In SABOTAGED, the fifth and final book of author Dani Pettrey’s award-winning Alaskan Courage series, Kirra Jacobs and Reef McKenna experience the high stakes of Iditarod search-and-rescue when Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, goes missing.

Kirra and Reef put aside their differences to search for him, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank’s daughter Meg has been kidnapped, and Frank must do the kidnapper’s bidding or Meg will die.

Soon Kirra, Reef, and the entire McKenna family are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

To celebrate their epic race, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the HEART OF ADVENTURE SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.


This giveaway starts February 2, 2015 and ends February 22, 2015 @ 11:59 pm (PST).

Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Monday, February 23, 2015, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.



About the Prizes

GRAND PRIZE:
LUXURIOUS LODGE GETAWAY

During their cross-country hunt for answers, Kirra and Reef stop to rest at a gorgeous mountain lodge in Denali that holds special memories for Reef. This prize offers you a chance to build your own special memories, with a luxurious lodge getaway for two.

Our Grand Prize winner will receive: A $250 gift certificate to Hotels.com, good for reservations at lodges and hotels across the Continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, and numerous International locations


SECOND PRIZE:
PALS WITH PAWS DONATION

In the Alaskan Courage series, Kirra is the proud owner of Nanook Haven, a rescue shelter for sled dogs. In real life, animals need rescue as well, and this prize will allow you to give a special gift to support an organization like Kirra’s.

Our Second Prize winner will receive: A $150 donation in your name, to the animal rescue, shelter, or veterinarian of your choice


THIRD PRIZE:
SWEETHEART SURVIVAL SLED

In SABOTAGED, Kirra and Reef take shelter in a snow cave while hiding from a man determined to put them on ice– permanently! Luckily, Kirra has a survival kit, to help them make it through the sub-zero temperatures.
If you prefer a little more romance and a little less suspense in your survival kit, this is the prize for you.

Our Third Prize winner will receive: A $100 value sweetheart survival pack. This gift basket includes double chocolate raspberry cake, smoked salmon, brie cheese and crackers, and a wide variety of gourmet snacks



How to Enter:

Go to http://www.danipettrey.com/heart-of-adventure-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between February 2 – 22, 2015.


Click the cover to read my review of Sabotaged!

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Rachel Hauck Fires Up the Romance with “A Brush with Love” Kindle Giveaway!

"Fire" up the romance in the new year with Rachel Hauck's newest book, A Brush with Love, by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway! And be sure to catch a sneak peek of the soon-to-be-released How to Catch a Prince!

 One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway only runs for a week, 12/30 – 1/5. Winner will be announced January 6th on Rachel's blog.


{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

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CFBA - Hidden in the Stars - plus Giveaway!

I was so excited about Robin Caroll's new book that I inadvertently signed up for two blog tours! I'm giving away the second book, so be sure to read all the way to the end of the post and comment on this post for your chance to win!

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHidden in the StarsAbingdon Press (September 16, 2014)byRobin Caroll

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books.

When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-plus years, her 3 beautiful daughters, 2 precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?

ABOUT THE BOOK

Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, 21-year-old Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept her estranged grandmother’s offer to return to their family home. Although detective Julian Frazier is working hard on the case, Sophia unknowingly frustrates him because her inability to speak thwarts her eyewitness evidence. The fact that Julian is undeniably attracted to Sophia doesn’t help either, so Julian hides his feelings as concern for a trauma victim and focuses instead on finding the killer.

Little do they know, the clues to solving the case may be right in front of them, displayed in Sophia’s mother’s “special” quilt design. Who will realize the secret Sophia’s unwittingly been hiding in plain sight? When the truth comes to light, will Sophia find her voice again? Or will the murderer—still at large—silence her forever?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Hidden in the Stars, go HERE.



MY THOUGHTS

Robin Caroll is one of my favorite suspense authors so I was excited to discover she was writing one of Abingdon's Quilts of Love novels. Hidden in the Stars is a little different from her usual books but just as captivating. The brutal attack that destroyed Sophia's gymnastic career in addition to taking her mother's life broke my heart and immediately endeared her to me. Caroll's skill at crafting stories with multiple layers is evident as Sophia confronts surprising and difficult revelations about family relationships, recounts painful memories of the attack to the detective with the assistance of a lip reader, and wrestles with her feelings for Julian as well as her grief. Another can't-put-down book from this talented author!


GIVEAWAY
I have an additional copy of this book that I am giving away to one of you! To enter, leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm Sunday, 9/28/14, and I will randomly choose a winner. Continental US residents only. You must include an email address. Void where prohibited.

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Hidden in the Stars - Giveaway!

Update 9/30/14 WINNER!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
1
Timestamp: 2014-09-30 22:34:51 UTC
Congrats to Sara! Email me your address, Sara, and I will send the book your way. Thanks to all for entering!

* * * * *
I was so excited about Robin Caroll's new book that I inadvertently signed up for two blog tours! I'm giving away the second book, so be sure to read all the way to the end of the post and comment for your chance to win!

Hidden in the Stars
Robin Caroll
(Abingdon Press)
ISBN: 978-1426773600
September 2014/224 pages/$13.99
A quilt holds the secret to a killer still at large—and who his next victim will be.

Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, 21‑year‑old Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept her estranged grandmother’s offer to return to their family home. Although detective Julian Frazier is working hard on the case, Sophia unknowingly frustrates him because her inability to speak thwarts her eyewitness evidence. The fact that Julian is undeniably attracted to Sophia doesn’t help either, so Julian hides his feelings as concern for a trauma victim and focuses instead on finding the killer.

Little do they know, the clues to solving the case may be right in front of them, displayed in Sophia’s mother’s “special” quilt design. Who will realize the secret Sophia’s unwittingly been hiding in plain sight? When the truth comes to light, will Sophia find her voice again? Or will the murderer—still at large—silence her forever?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robin Caroll is the author of 22 published novels. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of 20‑plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character‑filled pets at home in Little Rock, Arkansas. She gives back to the writing community by serving as conference director for ACFW. Her books have been named finalists in such contests as the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.

Find out more about Robin at http://www.robincaroll.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

MY THOUGHTS

Robin Caroll is one of my favorite suspense authors so I was excited to discover she was writing one of Abingdon's Quilts of Love novels. Hidden in the Stars is a little different from her usual books but just as captivating. The brutal attack that destroyed Sophia's gymnastic career in addition to taking her mother's life broke my heart and immediately endeared her to me. Caroll's skill at crafting stories with multiple layers is evident as Sophia confronts surprising and difficult revelations about family relationships, recounts painful memories of the attack to the detective with the assistance of a lip reader, and wrestles with her feelings for Julian as well as her grief. Another can't-put-down book from this talented author!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an advanced copy of this book free from Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity 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.”


Don't miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll. September's QOL release is a wonderful combination of mystery, romance, and family love bound together by a quilt and the story it tells.

Enter to win a "Night on the Town" (a $200 Visa cash card!) and RSVP for the "Fall into Fall" Quilts of Love Facebook party on 10/7.

One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa cash card (The perfect accessory for a "night on the town"!)
• A Grand Design by Amber Stockton
• Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 7. Winner will be announced at the October 7th author chat party with Amber Stockton and Robin Caroll! RSVP for an evening of book chat, quilting tips and tricks, prizes, and more!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends
about the giveaway via 
FACEBOOK or TWITTER
and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on October 7th!

GIVEAWAY
I have an additional copy of this book that I am giving away to one of you! To enter, leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm Sunday, 9/28/14, and I will randomly choose a winner. Continental US residents only. You must include an email address. Void where prohibited.

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