Tree Swing Reading

BIG 5X5 Giveaway, Day 3

I'm giving away 5 books per day for 5 days!

Here are the rules for entering:

A. Post a comment answering the day's "top 5" question (for fun).

Today's question: "What would you pick as your top 5 movies that you've seen?"

My answer: "Sense and Sensibility (with Emma Thompson)," "Singing in the Rain," "Soul Surfer," "Joy Luck Club," and "Lord of the Rings"--trilogy!

B. Let me know which books you are entering for. (Like, I want to be in the drawing for number 1, 3, and 4.) You can enter for one book or all the books, any ones you want.

C. Enter on or before the ending date for the drawing: Today's date is September 22. Winners announced September 23.

D. If you win, you'll get an email from me asking for your address for book mailing. Just reply to it with the best place to send your new book!

E. Come back to my blog again soon for more book drawings!

SO, here are the five books I'm giving away today!

1. Nothing but Trouble by Susan May Warren

Description:

PJ Sugar knows three things for sure:
1) After traveling the country for ten years hoping to shake free from the trail of disaster that's become her life, she needs a fresh start.
2) The last person she wants to see when she heads home for her sister's wedding is Boone-her former flame and the reason she left town.
3) Her best friend's husband absolutely did not commit the first murder Kellogg, Minnesota, has seen in more than a decade.

What PJ doesn't know is that when she starts digging for evidence, she'll uncover much more than she bargained for-a deadly conspiracy, a knack for investigation, and maybe, just maybe, that fresh start she's been longing for.

2. Fatal Illusions by Adam Blumer

Description:

With her pastor husband, Marc, entangled in a church discipline situation, Gillian Thayer agrees to a much-needed sabbatical at Whistler's Point in Michigan, where amateur illusionist Haydon Owens is also visiting. When a woman is strangled, the police arrest the last person to see her alive---Marc! Can the investigator of Cincinnati's "magician murders" clear him?

 

 

3. The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer

Description:

When false accusations rip apart the life of school teacher Crockett Gray, his only hope of redemption and of reclaiming his son is finding out who has targeted one of his elementary students, twelve-year-old Jaimie Gregg, for death. But the truth behind her gift and her abandonment as a baby is a secret that lies at the heart of centuries-old witchcraft conspiracy hidden within the Vatican - a secret on the verge of destroying Christianity for bleievers all across the world.

 

4. The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Description:

With a vibrant, fresh style Suzanne Woods Fisher brings readers into the world of a young Amish woman torn between following the man she loves--or joining the community of faith that sustains her, even as she questions some of the decisions of her elders. Her choice begins a torrent of change for her and her family, including a marriage of convenience to silent Daniel Miller. Both bring broken hearts into their arrangement--and secrets that have been held too long. Filled with gentle romance, The Choice opens the world of the Amish--their strong communities, their simple life, and their willingness to put each other first. Combined with Fisher's exceptional gift for character development, this novel, the first in a series, is a welcome reminder that it is never too late to find your way back to God.

5. Someone to Blame by C.S. Lakin

Description:

In the wake of heartrending family tragedies, Matt and Irene Moore and their 14-year-old daughter, Casey, move to a small Pacific Northwestern town. When young drifter Billy's arrival in Breakers parallels a series of hateful crimes, unexpected circumstances entangle his life with the Moores. Will they all find grace and healing in unlikely ways?

BIG 5X5 Book Giveaway, Day 2

I'm giving away 5 books per day for 5 days!

Here are the rules for entering:

A. Post a comment answering the day's "top 5" question (for fun).

Today's question: "Who are the Top 5 celebrities (currently living) that you would like to meet?"

My answer: I would love to meet Johnny Depp, Taylor Swift, Ewan McGreggor, Bethany Hamilton, and Meryl Streep.  How's that for an interesting mix of people?

B. Let me know which books you are entering for. (Like, I want to be in the drawing for number 1, 3, and 4.) You can enter for one book or all the books, any ones you want.

C. Enter on or before the ending date for the drawing: Today's date is September 21. Winners announced September 22.

D. If you win, you'll get an email from me asking for your address for book mailing. Just reply to it with the best place to send your new book!

E. Come back to my blog again soon for more book drawings!

SO, here are the five books I'm giving away today!

1. While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin

Description:

In an unassuming apartment building in Brooklyn, New York, three lives intersect as the reality of war invades each aspect of their lives. Young Esther is heartbroken when her father decides to enlist in the army shortly after the death of her mother. Penny Goodrich has been in love with Eddie Shaffer for as long as she can remember; now that Eddie's wife is dead, Penny feels she has been given a second chance and offers to care for his children in the hope that he will finally notice her and marry her after the war. And elderly Mr. Mendel, the landlord, waits for the war to end to hear what has happened to his son trapped in war-torn Hungary. But during the long, endless wait for victory overseas, life on the home front will go from bad to worse. Yet these characters will find themselves growing and changing in ways they never expected--and ultimately discovering truths about God's love...even when He is silent.

2. The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen

Description:

When Lindsey Adams first visits the Kindred Spirit mailbox at Sunset Beach, she has no idea that twenty years later she will still be visiting the mailbox—still pouring out her heart in letters that summarize the best and worst parts of her life.

Returning to Sunset for her first vacation since her husband left her, Lindsey struggles to put her sorrow into words. Memories surface of her first love, Campbell—and the rejection that followed. When Campbell reappears in her life, Lindsey must decide whether to trust in love again or guard herself from greater pain. The Mailbox is a rich novel about loss, hope, and the beauty of second chances.

3. They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti

 

Descritpion:

When Libby's husband Greg fails to return from a two-week canoe trip to the Canadian wilderness, the authorities soon write off his disappearance as an unhappy husband's escape from an empty marriage and unrewarding career. Their marriage might have survived if their daughter Lacey hadn't died.and if Greg hadn't been responsible. Libby enlists the aid of her wilderness savvy father-in-law and her faith-walking best friend to help her search for clues to her husband's disappearance.if for no other reason than to free her to move on. What the trio discovers in the search upends Libby's presumptions about her husband and rearranges her faith.

4. The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews

Description:

When wounded Lt. Josef Bartels Landermann slips off his German U-boat into the sea and washes ashore, war widow Helen Mason is tempted to leave him for dead. But an unusual faintly uttered phrase changes her mind---and her life. A powerful historical tale of forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing.

5. The Brotherhood by Jerry B. Jenkins

Description:

Boone Drake has it made. A young cop rising through the ranks of the Chicago Police department, he has a beautiful wife and young son, a nice starter house, a great partner, and a career plan that should land him in the organized Crime Division within five years-the reason he wanted to be a cop in the first place.

Everything is going right, until everything goes horribly wrong.

BIG 5X5 Book Giveaway, Day 1

I'm getting new books! That means I need to make room for them! So, I'm giving away 5 books per day for the next 5 days!

Here are the pesky rules for entering:

A. Post a comment answering the day's "top 5" question (for fun).

Today's question: "What are your TOP 5 all-time favorite fall-type foods/drinks?" 

My answer: I love pumpkin shakes, apple crisp, pumpkin chai tea, apple pie, and pumpkin muffins!

B. Let me know which books you are entering for. (Like, I want to be in the drawing for number 1, 3, and 4.) You can enter for one book or all the books, any ones you want.

C. Enter on or before the ending date for the drawing: Today's date is September 20. Winners announced September 21.

D. If you win, you'll get an email from me asking for your address for book mailing.  Just reply to it with the best place to send your new book!

E. Come back to my blog again soon for more book drawings!

SO, here are the five books I'm giving away today!

1.Self Incrimination by Randy Singer

Description:

Tara Bannister's abusive stepfather finally pushed her too far. To save herself she had to kill him. Or did she? Tara's confession doesn't add up, and as her self-defense claim crumbles, attorney Leslie Connors must overcome more than first-trial jitters to mount a credible defense. Leslie must save Tara's life-against her client's will. In the midst of this taxing case, Leslie's wedding plans to law partner Brad Carson are interrupted by a devastating diagnosis. Does she dare tell Brad? Before the final gavel falls, Leslie must confront the truth about herself and her mysterious client, or the darkness of the past will swallow them both.

2. The Fine Art of Insincerity by Angela Hunt

Description:

Three grown Southern sisters have nine marriages between them-and more loom on the horizon-when Ginger, the eldest, wonders if she's the only one who hasn't inherited what their family calls "the Grandma Gene": the tendency to like the casualness of courtship better than the intimacy of marriage. Could it be that her two sisters are fated to serially marry, just like their seven-times wed grandmother, Mrs. Lillian Irene Harper Winslow Goldstein Carey James Bobrinski Gordon George? It takes a "girls only" weekend, closing up Grandma's treasured beach house for the last time, for the sisters to really unpack their family baggage, examine their relationship DNA, and discover the true legacy their much-marrying grandmother left behind.

3. A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell

Description:

The elegance of Madame Forza's gown shop is a far cry from the downtrodden North End of Boston. Yet each day Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana enter the world of the upper class, working on finery for the elite in society. The three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream-and their chance for love. But the ways of the heart are difficult to discern at times. Julietta is drawn to the swarthy, mysterious Angelo. Annamaria has a star-crossed encounter with the grocer's son, a man from the entirely wrong family. And through no intent of her own, Luciana catches the eye of Billy Quinn, the son of Madame Forza's most important client. Their destinies intertwined, each harboring a secret from their families and each other, will they be found worthy of the love they seek?

4. The Judgment by Beverly Lewis

Description:

Rose Kauffman is engaged to Silas Good, a well-liked Amish fellow, so why does she still pine for Nick Franco, the former foster son of the bishop? Especially now that Nick has left the Amish community under a cloud of suspicion after the death of the bishop's biological son? Will Rose marry Silas, even while struggling with romantic feelings for Nick?

Meanwhile, Rose's older sister, Hen, has returned to live at her parents' farm with her young daughter. Hen and her modern husband, Brandon, are separated by mutual agreement, although he is threatening to sue for custody of their daughter if Hen does not return soon. Will the judge rule in Brandon's favor? Is there any way Hen can reestablish her place among the People without sacrificing her marriage?

5. Under the Cajun Moon by Mindy Starns Clark

Description:

New Orleans may be the “Big Easy,” but nothing about it was ever easy for international business etiquette expert Chloe Ledet. She moved away years ago, leaving her parents and their famous French Quarter restaurant behind. But when she hears that her father has been shot, she races home to be by his side and to handle his affairs—only to learn a long-hidden secret that changes everything she knew to be true about herself and her family.

Framed for murder, Chloe and a handsome Cajun stranger must search for a priceless treasure, one whose roots weave through the very history of Louisiana itself. But can Chloe depend on the mysterious man leading her on this cat-and-mouse chase into the heart of Cajun country? Or by trusting him, has she gone from the frying pan into the fire?

Following up on her bestselling Gothic thriller, Whispers of the Bayou, and Amish romantic suspense, Shadows of Lancaster County, Mindy Starns Clark offers another exciting standalone novel, one full of Cajun mystery, hidden dangers, and the glow of God’s unending grace.

 

Thanks for entering! 

We Remember

There is a sense of reverence to this day.

I was pregnant with my second child and babysitting a bunch of children for a Bible Study Leaders' meeting when it happened.  I could not stop watching the news later that day.  I was afraid but proud, too, you know? Proud of the people of our country who came together in a way they hadn't in a long time.

I don't want to forget.

What were you doing that day?

Review AND GIVEAWAY of "Torrent" by Lisa Bergren

I'm giving away a copy of this book! Post a comment by September 20 to be entered to win.

Description:

In this conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision Gabi and Lia make is about life, and death. Being able to now control their time travel, the girls travel back to modern time to save their father from a certain, tragic death. But when their love from medieval Italy comes calling, they are determined to go back in time forever, despite the knowledge that the Black Plague is sweeping across Europe. Will the girls leave their time, home, and family forever?

My Thoughts:

I have been waiting and waiting to read this book! I absolutely adore this series and was not disappointed with this book.  I was ready to jump into the book and meet the characters because I like them so much! (Well, the good guys at least) I have recommended this "River of Time" series to everyone I know. There's action! Romance! Heroes and Heroines! Wonderful!

Book Bullets

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Genre: teen/fantasy

Part of a Series: yes, book 3 of River of Time Series

Publication year: 2011

Publisher: David C Cook

Post a comment to be entered in a drawing to win a copy of this book for youself! Enter by September 20, 2011.

Review of "The Queen" by Steven James, Loved It!

Description:

While investigating a double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that twists through long-buried Cold War secrets and targets present-day tensions in the Middle East. A pulse-pounding thriller that explores the rippling effects of the choices we make!

My Thoughts:

I got to read this a few weeks ago when we were in Door County, Wisconsin. It was fun reading about a Wisconsin-based story, and, even though it is summer now, I could totally related to the tales of the winter storms and snow. I always love Steven James' books! The Patrick Bowers series is fantastic! If you like suspense, these are books you cannot miss. There's something about Patrick Bower's character, too, that draws a reader in and makes him both believable and human.  He works against some majorly bad dudes!  But the book is not just about the action, there's also the human side of him, wrestly with issues of right and wrong, how best to raise his step-daughter, and falling in love.

A great book, a great series, a great character! 

Book Bullets

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Genre: contemporary

Part of a Series: yes, book 5 of Patrick Bowers Series 

Publication year: 2011

Publisher: Revell

 

Back to Life, Back to Reality!

I've got that song in my head lately! Got back from our third trip of the month and have sent the kids off to school!  Yay!  I love my kids, but I was ready to get back to a routine again.

I'm also excited to get back to blogging.  I don't have many followers, but thanks to those who have stuck with me. I will have some more giveaways again coming up. 

I'm in a "get organized" mood these days. I'm excited to be working through various cabinets and shelves and purging and cleaning.  It feels good!  I'm organizing my books too!  Call me crazy, but I love making lists of my books and tracking them and arranging them almost as much as I love reading them.

So, I just wanted to say hello! Can't wait to tell you about some good books I've been reading!