TLC Book Tours presents... THE LOVE LETTER by Rachel Hauck!

HI there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining TLC Book Tours for a stop along their current promotion featuring the latest release by author Rachel Hauck via Thomas Nelson.  It's a work of Christian Fiction with both a Historical and Romance element running side by side.  All three play rather well together delivering a reading experience that won't wither away from memory like so many yellowed pages in the wind.  

Speaking of pages, the tale celebrates, among other things, the (somewhat) lost art of letter writing!  Anyone out there actually have (at some time) a pen pal that you actually WROTE to?  *raises hand*  Back in elementary school, sure did...and then again when my family moved way down South and my Northern friends were keeping in touch.  I still remember getting those envelopes from the mailbox and reading the pages with delight...which was only equally matched by joy of penning a response.  Now I know, email is so much faster, and yet there's something about an actual handwritten letter that holds a certain mystique, a certain tangible element of the relationship between those corresponding that makes it a truly magical experience.  But enough about me, let's get to the book!  Today's book of choice and blog tour guest is...

The Love Letter

by

Rachel Hauck

9780310351009

Thomas Nelson

About the book...

Romance has never been actress Chloe Daschle’s forte—in life or on screen. But everyone knows who to call for a convincing death scene . . . and it might be killing her career.

When Chloe is given a peek at the script for an epic love story, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands and request an audition for the lead female role, Esther Kingsley. The compelling tale, inspired by family lore and a one-page letter from the colonial ancestor of scriptwriter Jesse Gates, just might break her out of this career-crippling rut. Jesse would rather write about romance than live through it after his past relationship ended in disaster. But once on-set together, the chemistry between Jesse and his leading lady is hard to deny.

Centuries earlier, in the heart of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow wrote their saga off the silver screen. Esther’s Loyalist father opposes any relationship with Hamilton, but Esther must face her beloved father’s disapproval and the dangers of war in order to convince Hamilton of their future together. Hamilton has loved Esther for years, and on the eve of battle pens the love letter she’s always wanted—something straight from the heart.

Set in stunning upcountry South Carolina, The Love Letter is a beautifully-crafted story of the courage it takes to face down fear and chase after love, even in the darkest of times. And just maybe, all these generations later, love can come home in a way not even Hollywood could imagine.

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

It's a story that transcends generations, so deeply embedded in their bloodline that the love found would not let go despite the loss of body and soul. It takes us on a journey from past to present to make-believe, all the while building our hope, strengthening our reserves, and pointing us towards faith in a higher power, instructing us to embrace that endless love and just let it all go, for while our stories are our own, they are guided by the one that created all.

There are two, nay three story lines that run through these pages...past, present, and the director's cut, so to speak. The present was my favorite, getting lost in Chloe and Jesse's tale as they fought what they felt, while truly trying to open their hurt hearts to one another. You could feel the disconnects, ride the swell of emotion as happier times took hold, and wander through the uncertainties as the ending arrived in all its splendor. The movie angle was my second love, and the way things played out despite the bad influence of the studio was simply stunning. Last place goes to the historical tale being shared, but only just. You see I cared deeply for Esther and Hamilton, but the heartache their tale brought was almost too much to bare...including the conclusion.

           

I gotta say, the ending of the true story (the historical one) was absolutely killing me. I mean, I was already thinking... what in the world have I just spent my time reading, allowed my heart to become attached to, only to ultimately be left bereft, adrift, and seriously lacking any benefit from all the torture, separation, and strife?!? I got it, putting trust in Him led to a life well lived, a lot in life that was satisfying, and happiness...but seriously, like that? And they were happy? I just couldn't swallow my disbelief... but lucky for me, the story wasn't quite finished, and a HEA was still in the cards...sorta. (You'll have to read it to see!)

In the end, it was a wonderfully rich story with so much more to offer then just a well written tale. It shared aspects of history worthy of exploration, tales of the heart in times of war and peace, hope for the romantic in us all, and a reminder that we're not the only one behind our wheel. Whether in the highs or throes of life, we're never truly going it alone.

About the author...

Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower.

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Special thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the Thomas Nelson team for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title celebrated its book birthday June 2018, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

All in good time: HONEYSUCKLE DREAMS by Denise Hunter

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining TLC Book Tours for a stop along their current tour for a the latest release from author Denise Hunter.  It's the second title in her Blue Ridge Romance series and while it fits into the Christian Fiction genre as intended, there's no need to shy away.  I get it; your gut instinct is to think it'll be preachy, and while yes, it does allude to a higher power being in charge and the act of having faith, never does it feel like you're in Sunday school...except when they are actually talking to a pastor, but I mean, HELLO!  He's a pastor!  Anywho, I'm getting ahead of myself.  Let's back up a second and do the introductions properly for today's book of choice is on deck...

Honeysuckle Dreams

by

Denise Hunter

9780718090524

Thomas Nelson

About the book...

Brady Collins is juggling full-time fatherhood with the booming auto repair business he runs out of his barn. His ex-wife's sudden death has shaken him, but the devastating news that follows leaves him reeling: Sam is not his biological son.

When Sam's wealthy maternal grandparents decide they want custody of the child, Brady knows he's in for the fight of his life. Brady's attorney tips him off that one major life change would virtually assure him of winning guardianship of baby Sam at the final hearing: the stability of an impending marriage. And his friend Hope is willing to step in as the loving and devoted fiancée.

Local radio celebrity Hope Daniels has been driven by a solitary goal her entire life, and she's finally been offered her dream job—in Atlanta. Unfortunately, her arrangement with Brady requires her presence in Copper Creek, and she is faced with missing the chance of a lifetime or standing in the way of a dear friend’s dreams.

Both Hope and Brady would give their lives for beautiful Sam. But can they give their trust to one another? With this new novel in the Blue Ridge Romance series, Honeysuckle Dreams shines light on the complicated and beautiful angles of love.

 

Amazon | iBooks | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

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First things first, let's talk about that cover!

The moment I saw it, I was sucked into its simplicity and beauty.  I mean obviously that's honeysuckle pictured there, but why so much...it appears to be an archway, with what intent....what about the blurred image of a table and chairs in the background?  Isn't it funny how so many questions can arise from such a simple scene...and yet they did, and I had no desire to ignore my curiosity.  Now, about that story...

Brady was a gentleman through and through, and a stand up father to boot, even when things started coming down around him.  Hope was an independent woman with a heart of gold dealing with her own demons from a tragic past that she just can't seem to let go of.  Sam was an adorably sweet baby caught in the middle of it all, but making the best of the unfortunate situation with his cheerful demeanor and easy laugh.  Could they forge a life together in less than the usual circumstances?

I love how the couple felt REAL, despite the seemingly out there scenario they were placing themselves in.  I mean, would YOU want to work through a marriage backwards?  Start off as married and aim to become a couple in all senses of the word?  Yeah, sounds daunting, and yet these two have a longstanding friendship to build upon...whether or not its enough to sustain them when times get rough is another story altogether, but the foundation is laid nonetheless.  Despite the heartache it caused, I appreciated the hard times Brady and Hope had to go through....from the custody battle to unexpected blasts from the past to opportunities too good to pass up to lingering fears best brought to light...it made you love them and root for them to make it through THAT much more.  My heart ached when Sam's future hung in the balance.  I was beside myself when Hope was withdrawing from everyone and everything and yet as helpless as she seemed to do a thing about it.  Good thing they had friends, family, and faith to fall back on (even if their relationship with each wasn't always surefooted) because truly it was the combination of them all that helped them reach towards a future they promised one another...and then some.

All in all, a sweet story with its own share of heartache and strife.  I loved this book much more than I thought I was going to and that's saying something because my hopes were pretty high.  Though my first time reading the author's work, I can't say it'll be my last.  Recommended read for Christian Fiction fans as well as Contemporary Romance fans who like their stories sweet with playful banter.

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About the author...

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than twenty-five books, including A December Bride and The Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Special thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the Thomas Nelson team for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  Don't miss the rest of the tour (and the Instagram portion!) as it makes its way through the blogosphere for more bookish fun!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

BOOK BLAST: Sight Unseen by Erin Leigh Crisp + EXCERPT!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

(No, these aren't my dogs...but aren't they adorbs!)

Here's hoping your weekend was stupendous and you're gearing up for the winter holidays.  I managed to go with the family to PetSmart and take advantage of their "stuff your stocking" event...let's just say the fur kids have been VERY NICE this year.  ^-^  I'm looking ahead to some great reads and a few days off (*fist pump*), so all in all, not a bad start to the month...though I do wish my SUV was OUT of the shop for good (darn manufacturer defects...third rental car this month!).  Anywho, let's get to the books, shall we?

Today, we're shining the light on a Christian Romance title courtesy of Pump Up Your Book.  From the sound of things, it holds promise to be a pretty stellar read and while it's not on my rotation this season (overbooked...go figure!  ^-^), it may just find a home on yours.  Ladies and gents, I give you today's title in the spotlight...

Sight Unseen

A Hero's Heart series, Book 1

by

Erin Leigh Crisp

About the book...

Emilia Phillips is looking for a career and a way out of her day job. She is not looking for a man to rescue her heart. 

Asher Mason wants his life back. He lost his sight and the hero-life he loved in a millisecond. He no longer trusts his instincts, especially about women. But the sweet-smelling waitress in his favorite café tempts him to trust. As Emilia helps Asher relearn everyday activities, the two find themselves falling faster than either expected.

Can a woman love a blind soldier? Will she want a man who doesn’t recognize himself anymore? As Asher’s shortcomings become more apparent to him, the wedge forced between he and Emilia widens. Can Asher trust the same God that took his sight to direct his future?

Amazon

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~~~ EXCERPT ~~~

“How long has it been?” Emilia could have bitten off her own tongue. 

His eyes glanced over again, but they didn’t see her. He gave one huge breath and shrugged, like it wasn’t important. “Three months.”

Only three months? And he was walking around town and ordering coffee? No seeing-eye dog, no dark glasses? She wanted to compliment him, but she figured he wasn’t the type of man to take it for what it was. Instead, she eased her hand onto his shoulder for a split second and went for humor instead.

“I should have noticed when you didn’t wink back at me earlier.”

His head shot up, and his cheeks tinged the darkest pink.

Emilia covered her giggle and shook her head. “I swear I’m kidding. I wasn’t flirting with you, but I really should have noticed earlier. My brother was born blind. He’s seventeen.”

The man looked curious, but he was still blushing and she decided not to press him. “Anyway, if you need anything, my name is Emilia. I’ll be here all week.”

His lips turned up in the smallest smile. She reminded herself that she wasn’t looking for a man. She took three steps away before he called her name.

Her feet stopped. “Yeah?”

He swallowed hard, his fingers linking on the tabletop. His eyes searched for her face. “I’m Asher Mason. Thank you, again.”

“It was my pleasure.” She turned and walked away, but the damage was already done. Her heart thumped crazily. Her cheeks heated. Her teeth bit down to stop the smile that threatened. And I’m in a load of trouble, she thought.

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About the author...

Erin was born and raised on the Florida/Alabama state line in a small farming community which has served as inspiration for her novels. She believes the heart of a happy ending is God and His plan for the lives of His people.

 

In 2014, Erin published her first novels for sale.  She currently has eight full-length novels and one novella for sale on Amazon. Erin makes her home in Northeast Georgia with her husband, four children and two fish. Erin has a bachelor degree in Christian Counseling and enjoys photography in her spare time.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

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Special thanks to Dorothy at Pump Up Your Book for the chance to bring this promotion to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or those tours forthcoming, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to Amazon to snag your copy today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



BOOK SPOTLIGHT: The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the (after) BOOK BIRTHDAY SPOTLIGHT on a title that just hit store shelves via Thomas Nelson, an imprint of HarperCollins.  It's book two in the Summer Harbor series from author Denise Hunter and while I haven't partaken of any installments as of yet, it doesn't mean they won't make it on the old wish list because from the sound of things, it's good!  See for yourself!

The Goodbye Bride

Summer Harbor, Book 2

by

Denise Hunter

9780718023737

Thomas Nelson

Lucy Lovett can’t remember the last seven months of her life. She doesn’t remember leaving her fiancé Zac Callahan weeks before their wedding or moving to Portland, Maine. And she sure doesn’t remember getting engaged to another man. All she remembers is loving Zac more than life itself.

 

Zac was just beginning to get his life back on track after Lucy left him with no explanation. And now she’s back—vulnerable, homeless, and still in love with him. Has he been given a second chance with the only woman who stirs his passion and haunts his dreams?

 

Lucy knows she must unlock those missing months and discover why she threw everything away. And Zac knows that if he follows his heart he’ll win back the love of his life—but if Lucy’s memory returns, his would-be bride might say goodbye forever.

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About the author...

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 20 books, including Dancing with Fireflies and The Convenient Groom. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories. Her readers enjoy the experience of falling in love vicariously through her characters and can expect a happily-ever-after sigh as they close the pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are raising three boys.



SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  PINTEREST  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to Rachel at Smith Publicity, Inc. for the chance to bring this promotion to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the series, the publisher, or those features on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Thomas Nelson, so seek thee out a copy at your favorite brick and mortar store or online retailer.
 

Until next time...happy reading!



BLOG TOUR: Sandwich with a Side of Romance by Krista Phillips

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when you're ready to start your week off with a bookish infusion.

Today, we are playing host to a blog tour from Pump Up Your Book featuring a new-to-me author whose work caught my attention despite being outside my usual reads.  How so?  You'll see.  Without further ado, please welcome today's blog tour guest and book of choice...

Sandwich with a Side of Romance

by

Krista Phillips

From Pump Up Your Book...

She moved to Sandwich, IL in search of a new life, but ended up in a giant pickle.

Sandwich represents hope for twenty-year-old Maddie Buckner and Kyle, the eleven-year-old brother Maddie wants to spring out of foster care. Then she loses her new job after less than a day on the clock. It’s all Reuben-the-Jerk’s fault, and she’s determined to make him right the wrong.

He does so, reluctantly, by giving her a job at his restaurant, The Sandwich Shop. Then crazy things start happening at the restaurant, and Kyle’s foster parents apply to adopt him. To stop it all, Maddie must learn the art of humbling herself and accepting the help God has arranged, risking her heart to Reuben in the process.

And she’d rather eat a million corned-beef on rye sandwiches than do that.

Okay, first things first...this book was out of my reading box in two ways when you look at the genre. Officially it's considered a Christian Fiction Romance...the first one I've dabbled in but not often, the third one I usually avoid. However...after seeing the cover (cute and a bit sassy all at once!) and reading the synopsis (love the puns and the overall storyline), I simply couldn't resist. So, I stepped out of the box and took a chance on this one with interesting results. Let's take a look at the story....

I really liked the way the general storyline played out from start to finish. We take a young girl with a harsh past looking to make a brighter future not simply for herself but for the brother she loves and simply wants the best for. Every move Maddie makes is to meet the happy ending of her getting custody of him and putting their broken but still good (sorry....borrowed that line from Stitch) family back together again. It's incredible the things she's survived and nothing I would ever wish on my worst enemies and for her to pull through with any semblance of normalcy was a miracle in and of itself. Speaking of miracles...

Though she is one tough little cookie, her strength didn't magically appear but was bolstered into existence by her new found faith. She's found God and made a promise to live a good Christian life in exchange for a clean slate as it were...more power to her. I don't knock faith in any of its forms and the morals that are employed throughout the story are A-OKAY in my book; heck, they border on the saintly! The only drawback it caused for me was at times, it got a wee bit preachy. Grant it, I understand, it fits the genre and the current happenings in the story; however, that is one reason I don't dabble in this genre more often. Nuff said....moving on to the characters...

Maddie, as I might have already mentioned, was a wonderful character. I appreciated her matter-of-factness combined with a sweet smile and a little snark...as did Reuben. *wink*wink* Now, now; don't get any ideas.....as I said, this book is majorly chaste but it doesn't stop them from having a little flirty bantor, and light blush worthy moments. They're cluelessness about each other will make you smile, and at times shake your head (really Reuben, how could you think SHE did that?!), but it provides the heart of the romance for which the book is labeled. Now the Callahan's are not simply made of Reuben alone....no siree. His sister, his mother and father, and so one all make their appearances and each is more huggable than the last. They really and truly believe in helping those in need in any way they can and expect nothing in return; merely anticipating the rewards their heavenly father will bring. There are however a few people I could do with a little less of....namely Livy, Maddie's Dad, and a few others from Maddie's past that will make a quick appearance, but they do go a ways in making her who she is. Just wish she hadn't had to live through those horrific times to get to this place, you know? *hugs Maddie* Anywho...

In conclusion, a charming story that will leave you smiling and change the way you look at a sandwich for some time after. You'll laugh, you'll tear a time or two, you may even talk back to the characters in regards to things they are assuming (because we all know what ASSUME means...)...but in my mind, those are all things that simply show it's a great book. If you like a little sweet romance with a storyline from the heart and characters that while aiming for grace sometimes fall short, this book is for you. A bit preachy at times, yes....but well worth the lessons shared.

Review copy received courtesy of Dorothy at Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour. (THANKS!) For more information on this tour as well as those forthcoming, feel free to visit their official website, like them on Facebook, add them to your circle on Google+, or follow along on Twitter! To find out more about author Krista Phillips, be sure to stop by her blog. This book is available now from Abingdon Press so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near. you.

Until next time....happy reading!