Saturday, October 17, 2009

Giveaway Winner

I didn't have a huge response for my giveaway of The Sound of Sleigh Bells, Cindy Woodsmall, but I picked a winner out of the three entries. I used random.org to pick the number and it was #1! Congrats to Tina B.

In a few more weeks I'll be having another giveaway for Thirsty by Tracey Bateman. Come back on Nov 16 and enter.


*Tina, if you didn't receive an e-mail from me, please let me know. I'll be sending the book as soon as I have your address.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall




I was lucky to receive a review copy* of The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall and was very anxious to read it. I know there are several books that take place among the Amish and I just haven't had a chance to read any of them. This was my first foray into the genre and I found it to be very sweet.

The book revolves around two people who are broken in their own ways. Beth has never recovered from the death of her fiance and continues to shun the idea of falling in love. Jonah was the victim of a tragic accident as a teen and never quite felt whole. Through a series of letters, a few mix ups, and a meddling relative, Jonah and Beth realize that they might just be what the other needs.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in reading a beautiful love story and learn a little more about the Amish way of life. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Don't forget, you can enter to win a brand new copy of the book by clicking here.

You can purchase the book here.

*This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Teaser Tuesdays - Oct. 13

This week's teaser comes from The Sound of Sleigh Bells, by Cindy Woodsmall. It is a sweet love story set amidst the Amish. My review will be posted tomorrow and you can also win a brand new copy of the book by leaving a comment to the previous post. . . Click Here.

From page 112

The concern in his eyes as he asked what was wrong magnified her emotions. She shouldn't be here, not if they meant to keep their relationship quiet.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Book Giveaway!


This week I am hosting a giveaway of The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall!

In order to win, just leave a comment with your first name and first initial of your last name. I will do a random "draw" on random.org, Saturday, October 17th.

Book description:

Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store and serves as a contact between Amish craftsmen and Englischer retailers. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart every day, and she still wears dark dresses to indicate her mourning of her fiance. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children laying in the snow in an Englischer store, something deep inside Beth's soul responds, and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after meeting Jonah, the artist, she is determined that Beth come to know this man whose hands create healing art. But it's not that simple - Beth has cut herself off from any possibility of romance. Will Lizzy's elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth new hope and a second chance at real love - or just more heartbreak?

To purchase the book, head over to this website: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307446534

This contest is open to US residents only because of shipping costs. I apologize but I just can't afford international shipping at this time.

Tribute by Nora Roberts


Tribute, by Nora Roberts, is another solid book by the author. The characters are enjoyable, the plot interesting, and overall it's a satisfying read. I'm a huge fan of Nora Roberts so I've read nearly all of her novels. I'm rarely disappointed.

Cilla is a former child star and granddaughter of one of the most famous actresses of all time. Janet Hardy is one of those actresses that after death became a legend but before her death was beloved. Cilla never met her grandmother but feels very close to her after moving to her "Little Farm" and renovating the neglected home. Add a charming neighbor with his charming dog and the stage is set for a romance.

Romance is only part of the story however, as someone really doesn't want Cilla to live in that house. She is threatened, run off the road, and terrorized by someone. With a mystery to solve, Cilla and Ford delve into her grandmother's past and try to figure out who may blame Cilla for her grandmother's sins.

If you are a fan of Nora Roberts, you've probably read this, but if not you should. I loved the character of Ford because he's a nerd and I can relate! If I have any complaint at all it is that I feel I have met the character of Cilla in other books. Ms. Roberts enjoys writing strong women but maybe they are all too strong? Maybe too similar? It seems that the men take on distinct personalities but the women are all the same. It's not a big complaint because I enjoyed the story but I just didn't feel there was anything new about the female lead.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Teaser Tuesday - Oct. 6


Today's teaser is from the book Tribute by Nora Roberts. Say what you will, the woman can create a good story. In this teaser, Cilla is explaining to Ford about her failed marriage.

Page 127

Wound up, she tossed out her arms, paced the room. "I jumped into marriage two seconds after I turned eighteen because finally, finally, here was someone who loved me, who cared, who understood. But I couldn't make that work."

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Booking Through Thursday - Oct 1

Today's Booking Through Thursday question is. . .

Two-thirds of Brits have lied about reading books they haven’t. Have you? Why? What book?

I think I probably have told little white lies at times. I don't do it to make me look better or more well read though! Here are a few examples. . .

A friend tells me I really need to read a book. I know of the book or the author and have absolutely no desire to read it. In order to not have to explain myself, I usually just say that I've read it, or I started it and didn't really like it all that much.

I start reading a book, don't love it, and ended up skimming through to the end. In my mind I didn't read the book, but I might tell someone I read it because I at least gave it a good try.

Some books, A Christmas Carol for example, have been made into 13,576,987 movies* and therefore I feel like I've read the book even though I haven't.

It's rare that I would lie, but those are a few instances when I might. Like I said, I wouldn't lie to make myself appear smarter or more intelligent. I could care less what people think of the books I read. What about you?

*That number is just a random guess. According to one website there are over 200 versions out there but I like my number better.