Saturday, December 3, 2016

On the Fourth Day of Christmas...

🎜🎜On the fourth day of Christmas, my favorite author gave to me...
A copy of A Family Arrangement...that has a tree...on the cover...🎜🎜

I'm definitely not a singer, or a lyricist. Thankfully you don't have to listen to us sing to enter this amazing Christmas giveaway! Join me and nine other authors as we celebrate Christmas with the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway! We're giving away 78 prizes to 12 winners--and one of them could be you!


Here’s how it works:

We’ll randomly select a winner every day for the first twelve days of December. Each day the prize builds with another book or book-related goody.

On the first day of Christmas your authors gave to you...


On the second day of Christmas, your authors gave to you...


On the third day of Christmas, your authors gave to you...


On the fourth day of Christmas, your authors gave to you...


Abram Cooper has ten months to turn rough Minnesota country into a vibrant town, or his sister-in-law will take his three sons back to Iowa with his blessing. Until then, Charlotte Lee has agreed to keep house and help raise his children as part of their bargain. But can the single father fulfill Charlotte's requirements in time to make sure that she and his boys don't leave—and take his heart with them?

Charlotte is convinced that the wilderness is no place to raise her nephews. But as she watches the community slowly develop, she sees that Abram just might be able to make it blossom. With three little matchmakers bringing her and Abram together, Little Falls could become not just a flourishing town, but the perfect home for their patchwork family.

πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„

Enter the Rafflecopter below by following some of your favorite authors on social media and signing up for their newsletters. Every entry carries over–so the sooner you enter, the more chances you have to win. So check back every day until the 12th of December to try and win one of the many awesome prizes.

On Monday, December 5th be sure to visit Author Erica Vetsch to see what she'll add to the prize for the fifth day of Christmas!

My questions for you: Do you have your Christmas tree up? Is it real or artificial? Do you have any fun traditions focusing on your tree?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Several Ways to Win!


Today is a big day for me! I have two new books releasing in December. A Family Arrangement from Love Inspired Historical, and Seven Brides for Seven Texans from Barbour.

There are so many promotions going on, I can hardly keep them all straight! I've teamed up with several authors to bring you multiple ways to win my books, as well as dozens of others. We're also giving away a loaded Kindle Fire, jewelry, clothing, calendars, food and so much more! And it's just in time for Christmas! All these things would make wonderful gifts for you or your loved ones.

Here are all the ways to win! 









I'd love to hear from you! Have you started Christmas shopping yet? Have you finished? Do you enjoy receiving books for Christmas? Do you give books as gifts?

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Winner of Book Club Giveaway Package!

Thank you to everyone who participated in my book club giveaway! It was fun to connect with new readers and to see some of my old favorites, as well.


I have a winner! Rafflecopter chose Melissa Henderson as the winner of the package! Congratulations, Melissa. I'll send everything out to you soon.

For those who didn't win, don't fret! There will be other ways to win copies of A Family Arrangement as the release date draws near.

Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to be informed of upcoming releases, as well as giveaways, behind the scenes information and so much more.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Book Club Package Giveaway


Do you belong to a book club?
Are you looking for a great book to read with friends?

My newest novel, A Family Arrangement, releases in December with Harlequin's Love Inspired Historical and I'd love to share the story with your book club.*

Here's what the package will include:
  • Up to 10 free copies of A Family Arrangement
  • $50 Visa gift card for your favorite book club treats
  • Discussion questions
  • Behind the scenes look at the history that inspired the story
  • And a chance to chat with me in person or via Skype during the meeting
Here's how to enter:

1. Sign up for my newsletter (in the box on the right)
2. Fill out the Rafflecopter below

That's it! To increase your chances to win, have each book club member enter the drawing.

*If you don't have a book club, but you'd like to get some of your friends together to read and discuss A Family Arrangement, that's fine, too! Just let me know in the comments.

I'll pick a winner on Tuesday, November 1st and announce it on my blog.

About the Book:

Makeshift Family 

Abram Cooper has ten months to turn rough Minnesota country into a vibrant town, or his sister-in-law will take his three sons back to Iowa with his blessing. Until then, Charlotte Lee has agreed to keep house and help raise his children as part of their bargain. But can the single father fulfill Charlotte's requirements in time to make sure that she and his boys don't leave—and take his heart with them?

Charlotte is convinced that the wilderness is no place to raise her nephews. But as she watches the community slowly develop, she sees that Abram just might be able to make it blossom. With three little matchmakers bringing her and Abram together, Little Falls could become not just a flourishing town, but the perfect home for their patchwork family.

About the Author:

 
Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people and events. 

Other books by Gabrielle
 
Coming Soon
Of Rags and Riches Romance Collection
 
*US Citizens only, please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Newton & Polly, by Jody Hedlund

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Jody Hedlund's writing. Here are my reviews for Unending Devotion, A Noble Groom, Rebellious Heart, and Captured by Love.

I love Jody's storytelling ability. Her words are effortless to read, the love story flows naturally, and the conflict is so intricately woven into the story, it feels authentic and realistic. To date, my favorite of Hedlund's stories are the ones inspired by real couples from history, with Rebellious Heart at the forefront (the story was inspired by John and Abigail Adams).


This week I picked up Newton & Polly, A Novel of Amazing Grace. The story is inspired by the true love story of John Newton & Polly Catlett. I made the mistake of "just peeking inside" when the book arrived at my house. I'm on a tight deadline and had told myself I couldn't read it until my story is written, but Newton & Polly grabbed my attention and I couldn't stop reading. Literally, last night at about 10 p.m. I told myself I'd just read a couple chapters before bed. I became so engrossed in the book, I stayed up until 3 a.m. to finish it! I was shocked when I rolled over and looked at the clock.

Despite the fact that I only had four hours of sleep last night, I'm not disappointed that I stayed up to finish the story. There were several things I loved about Newton & Polly. First, it's inspired by a true story--and it's an incredible one at that. I knew a little about John Newton, but I had no idea how deep his tale of redemption went. The ending is so worth the wait. God's amazing grace met John Newton and the world was never the same. He went on to write the most powerful hymn of all time, which also happens to be my personal favorite. Second, the attention to detail in Jody's book was masterful, without being cumbersome. I felt everything these characters felt. I lived through all the toils they endured. It was almost exhausting, but in a heart-pounding kind of way. Third, the emotional depth to this story is remarkable. Not only because it's John & Polly Newton's story, but because Jody does a superb job of bringing it to life and helping us understand how John could continue to make the decisions he made--and see how truly powerful his redemption was.

This is an excellent book. I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves romance, history, and the story of God's unending love.

About the Book:

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found…

Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father—until the night he hears Polly Catlett’s enchanting voice, caroling. He’s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John’s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.


About the Author:

Winner of 2016 Christian Book Award for fiction and Christy Award for historical romance, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Saturday, August 6, 2016

The Lady and the Lionheart, by Joanne Bischof


I've finally dried my tears enough to type legibly. The Lady and the Lionheart moved me so deeply, I'm not sure I can do this review justice. There are some books that are entertaining, and some that are life-changing. This book is both. From the very first scene, where Ella Beckley sees the circus streamers blowing down the street, to the final scene where Holland Lionheart is looking back on the past fifteen years of her parents' life, I was enthralled to keep reading.

Charlie Lionheart is the hero of all heroes. One scene in particular had me so emotionally enraptured by him, I dare say I fell in love with a fictional character. He is both tender and brave-hearted, perfect and flawed, humble and proud. He is so prominent on the page, one would think the heroine would pale in comparison, but not in this story. Ella Beckley is a beautifully woven heroine, with threads of fear, courage, weakness, strength, despair and hope. She is lovely, both inside and out, and is so real, it's almost as if she reaches out and grasps your hand to come along on her journey.

I was encouraged to read this story by a friend who said she wept at the end. Truth be told, I felt deeply for these characters, and I had come to the end, and wasn't sure why my friend had cried. But then, in the final scene, Holland shares a musing that struck me so swiftly, and so profoundly, I began to weep. For what Christ has done for me, and what He has called me to do for others. I believe the story will resonate with every reader on a different level, and the message will affect some more than others, but for me, the message had me on my knees with a deeper understanding of unconditional love and sacrifice. Truly, a must-read.         

About the book:
Two worlds collide when the circus comes to Victorian-era Virginia.

Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it’s away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet—freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice.

As the circus tents are raised on the outskirts of Roanoke, nurse Ella Beckley arrives to tend to this Gypsy girl. All under the watchful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a love that wraps around Ella’s own tragic past, awakening a hope that goodness may yet reign. When their forbidden friendship deepens, Charlie dares to ask for her heart, bringing her behind the curtain of his secret world to reveal the sacrifice that gave hope to one little girl—boldly showing Ella that while her tattered faith is deeply scarred, the only marks that need be permanent are his own.

You can purchase the book here.

About the author:

A Carol Award and three-time Christy Award-finalist, Joanne Bischof writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the reader's heartstrings. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children.

www.joannebischof.com
INSTAGRAM @masonjarbooks
FACEBOOK Author, Joanne Bischof

Monday, May 16, 2016

Book Review: A Flight of Arrows, by Lori Benton

Now that I'm a full-time writer, I have less and less time to read books for pleasure. But there are a handful of authors I absolutely will not miss. I read all their releases, sometimes putting my life on hold for a day or two, because I cannot put their books down...

Lori Benton is one of the authors on my must-read, cannot wait-for, refuse-to-miss list.

Last year I read The Wood's Edge, by Lori. It was my favorite book of 2015, but it was the first of a two-book series, so I was left wanting to know what happened to the characters I had grown to love! It was a hard year to wait for the second book in the Pathfinder's Series, and when it finally arrived, I was as giddy as a child on Christmas morning.

http://www.amazon.com/Flight-Arrows-Novel-Pathfinders/dp/1601427344/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463445671&sr=8-1&keywords=a+flight+of+arrows

A Flight of Arrows is a deep and complex story that picks up right where The Wood's Edge left off. My one regret is that I wish I would have re-read The Wood's Edge before starting A Flight of Arrows, simply because there are so many characters and threads, and it had been a year since I read the first story. I found myself lost for part of the book as I tried to recall all the characters and their role in the story.
A Flight of Arrows is a rich tale of love and hatred, faith and fear, loyalty and betrayal, hope and doubt, loss and restoration. I was so emotionally connected with the characters, I felt everything they felt.

Lori Benton is a master at creating rich details, heart-tugging love stories, and vivid storyworlds. By the end of the story, I was fully satisfied with the outcome for every character, though not everything turned out the way I had hoped--but that only made the story more realistic and beautiful. The historical details are outstanding and I was left amazed at Lori's ability to weave in authentic history with fictional characters. Some of the battle scenes were a bit drawn-out, but again, that adds to the realism in the story.

I loved A Flight of Arrows, and I will definitely re-read both books in the Pathfinder's series. I fell in love with the characters and the world they inhabit. I cannot wait for Lori's next story.

Here's the description from the back of the book:

Hearts are Divided Loyalties Will Be Tested
The Fates of Two Families Hang in the Balance

Twenty years past, in 1757, a young Redcoat, Reginald Aubrey stole a newborn boy—the lighter-skinned of Oneida twins— during the devastating fall of Fort William Henry and raised him as his own.

No one connected to Reginald escaped unscathed from this crime. Not his adopted daughter Anna. Not Stone Thrower, the Native American father determined to get his son back. Not Two Hawks, William’s twin brother separated since birth, living in the shadow of his absence and hoping to build a future with Anna. Nor Lydia, who longs for Reginald to be free from his self-imposed emotional prison and embrace God’s forgiveness— and her love.

Now William, whose identity has been shattered after discovering the truth of his birth, hides in the ranks of an increasingly aggressive British army. The Redcoats prepare to attack frontier New York and the Continentals, aided by Oneida warriors including Two Hawks, rally to defend it. As the Revolutionary War penetrates the Mohawk Valley, two families separated by culture, united by love and faith, must find a way to reclaim the son marching toward them in the ranks of their enemies.
You can buy a copy here.

*I was given a copy of A Flight of Arrows for my honest review.

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Throwback Thursday: Happy Birthday, Charles A. Lindbergh!

Happy 102nd Birthday, Charles A. Lindbergh!


Please join me at my group blog, Coffee Cups & Camisoles where I share why February 4th will always stay with me.

You can find that blog post here.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

What Does it Mean to Have a Savior?

 
Today I'm blogging on my group blog, Coffee Cups & Camisoles. I'd love for you to join our conversation.

You can find that blog post here.

~ Gabrielle

Monday, January 11, 2016

Book Review: Until the Dawn, by Elizabeth Camden

I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Camden's writing. I never miss a book she publishes, so I was very excited when Until the Dawn arrived in my mailbox!


This book, like all the others by Elizabeth, is centered around a strong, intelligent heroine and a very masculine hero. There is a great deal of mystery, intrigue, and history.

I'm used to Elizabeth's stories taking place in metro areas, like Washington, D.C., so it was a bit different to have this book set in a remote village, in a palatial mansion called Dierenpark. I loved the setting, and had an easy time picturing it in my mind. The threat in the story is that the hero has arrived to tear down Dierenpark, but the heroine has practically grown up there, and she'll do anything she can to prevent it from being destroyed.

I loved the character of the heroine, Sophie van Riijn. She was sweet, gentle, and unassuming--yet very determined and strong. She flounders a bit for a purpose in life, but loves her work as a volunteer for the National Weather Service and as a cook for the staff at Dierenpark.

I wasn't quite as fond of the hero, Quentin Vandermark. He's a hard, angry man at the beginning, but slowly he's transformed into a man who is worthy of Sophie. It's a long transformation, and there are a few scenes that left me wanting to throttle the man! It only made for a sweeter redemption at the end and a more compelling love story.

Dierenpark takes on a character all its own and Elizabeth did an amazing job bringing the setting to life. It's one of those fictional places I'd love to visit! There is a great deal of mystery swirling about the estate and it's so much fun to find out the truth toward the end. The revelations do not disappoint.

The story begins a bit slow, but by the midway mark it picks up pace and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it to others.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.