Thursday, September 22, 2016

Celebrate Lit November Celebration Box!



The November Celebration Box is here! 



This celebration box is a unique, one of a kind box with goodies hand picked by the author just for you! These boxes are special because they are not sold anywhere else. There is a limited supply so be sure to get yours right away!


 The November’s box features Carrie Fancett Pagel’s Tea Shop Folly. Sales for the November box will close on October 10 or while supplies last. The first 12 people to order will receive an ebook copy of the Maggie Award 2016 finalist, The Substitute Bride. The basic box includes: A minimum of 6 items handpicked by the author themed around the book. A themed charm specifically chosen for this book. One lucky box will contain a special teacup and saucer that no one else will receive. The first 12 people to order will receive an ebook copy of the Maggie Award 2016 finalist, The Substitute Bride. Along with the basic box, you can purchase the ebook, paperback or an autographed paperback book. To purchase your box, click here.




**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Friday, September 16, 2016

Reclaiming Treasure with I-Cash!

This is a sponsored post on behalf of the Illinois Treasurer’s I-Cash program. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine. 



A happy Friday morning to you all! Hard to believe we are entering the fall season and getting closer to our holiday times. There is only one problem with that. Money! I do believe every year I spend more on gifts than I did the year before. Some people are very hard to buy for :) Today I want to introduce to you a program that just might help out with the spending funds. I had personally never heard of this program before and was very interested in trying it out. Let me tell you a little about what it is, and then I want to show you what I found.



"Through the I-Cash program, the Illinois Treasurer's Unclaimed Property Division connects people with their unclaimed property. 1-in-4 residents who search for property end up finding something to claim. And the average payout is $2,900." 

Now, don't go getting all excited ahead of time, but I was eager to see how it worked and what I might find by searching my name and any relative's names. I am going to show you exactly what I found as I go!



First, I visited IllinoisTreasurer.gov/ICASHThe website is easily accessible and I loved how uncomplicated it was to follow the steps. As you can see, you just click on the big "Get Started" button and voila! You will enter your name, or a relative's name, as well as the zip code or city. I put in my name, it took just a few seconds, and the page popped up with, no results. Now, I really didn't think there would be anything big for my name. My money and property, little though they may be, are kept pretty close handed. But it sure was fun to dream about finding an old checking account, unknown inheritance, or some long lost piece of property that would have money spilling out of my pockets. You all know how it is :) Money is scarce to come by nowadays, and it is always exciting when there is the possibility of an unclaimed treasure out there.



So, while I didn't come across anything in my searches, I would urge you all to take a minute, follow the link below, and just give it a try. It;s fast, free and confidential can't hurt and it just might result in finding what's yours. Definitely worth it in my opinion!




**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

The Amish Firefighter #Review



A Beautiful Young Woman Banished from Home 
Abigail Stutzman thought it was bad enough being dropped at the nearest bus station and sent to live several states away with some relatives she'd never heard about, much less met. But now, just a week after her arrival in Jamesport, Missouri, she finds herself at the scene of a barn fire. An intentional barn fire. And all fingers are pointed at her. She's desperate to prove her innocence and protect her reputation, but nobody's making that easy to do. And God certainly doesn't seem willing to help. 
A Brave Firefighter with an Agenda of His Own
Sam Miller is in the process of turning over a new leaf. Determined to atone for the follies of his past, he is a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a doctor–in–training. When local barn fires escalate, everyone suspects arson. And since the Miller family are among the victims, no one is more determined to see the perpetrators brought to justice than Sam.

A Kindled Flame Neither One Could Have Anticipated
When their paths first cross, at the site of a barn burning, the emotional intensity rivals the warmth of the flames. Soon, they must decide whether this fire is one they should feed or extinguish. And they'll discover that the truth can prove more dangerous than a blazing inferno.


MY REVIEW- Wowza! Just because the Amish are more of a quiet and plain people sure don't mean they are any less ardent! By the second chapter I had to keep fanning my flaming cheeks because of some of the intense scenes between the two main characters :)

Abigail is a newcomer to the town of Jamesport. And when she is found at the scene of a barn fire shortly after her arrival, many of the townspeople suspect her of helping start it. Including Sammy Miller, the strapping Amish man who also is a volunteer firefighter. The only problem is, every time they are around each other, or even touch the smallest bit, sparks fly! And these aren't as easy to put out as the normal flames he is used to dousing. Needless to say this book is quite a handful and I thoroughly loved it. Plenty of language sprinkled about that you might have issues with understanding but the author gives a glossary of Amish terms that will help a bit with that. Great story to pick up!



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

The Wedding Shop #Review and #Giveaway @RachelHauck




To purchase your copy, click here.

About the Book


Two women separated by decades. Both set out to help others find their dreams when their own have crumbled.


It’s the early 1930s, but Cora Scott is walking in stride as a career woman after having inherited her great aunt’s wedding shop in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, where brides come from as far away as Birmingham to experience her famed bridal treatment. Meanwhile, Cora is counting down the days until her own true love returns from the river to make her his bride. But days turn into months and months to years. All the while, Birch Good continues to woo Cora and try to show her that while he is solid and dependable, he can sweep her off her feet.



More than eighty years later, former Air Force Captain Haley Morgan has returned home to Heart’s Bend after finishing her commitment to military service. After the devastating death of her best friend, Tammy, and discovering the truth about the man she loved, Haley is searching for her place in life.

When Haley decides to reopen the romantic but abandoned wedding shop where she and Tammy played and dreamed as children, she begins a journey of courage, mystery, and love.

As Cora’s and Haley’s stories intertwine through time in the shadow of the beloved wedding shop, they both discover the power of their own dreams and the magic of everyday love.


MY REVIEWWow! I cannot even begin to tell you how much I loved this story! Rachel Hauck has written a humdinger winner of a tale, one that drew me in from the start and didn't let go til the end. I do have to warn readers, the storyline goes through about 5 different peoples POV. At times it can be confusing, especially at the beginning. But the book is so worth it! Haley and Cole are the modern day heroine and hero. Cora and Birch Good are the past story. There are so many twists that it will make your head spin, seeing how everything comes together at the end. Personally I loved Haley. Her dreams and the promises she keeps, she is quite the strong woman. And Cole? Don't get me started on him :) Cora I wanted to shake a couple of times. Boy she frustrated me!! But there were so many parts that I just loved, one of which comes closer to the finish. I don't want to give anything away, but it just made me cry, Haley being forced into the wedding gown and the scene that ensues. Rachel pens a story that will have you reading through tears, laughter and much emotional ups and downs. Also, it is part of a series, but is totally possible to read without first reading the others. An excellent job!!


About the Author


Rachel Hauck is a USA Today Bestselling author. Her book, The Wedding Dress, was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Her book Once Upon A Prince was a Christy Award finalist.
Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at rachelhauck.com, Facebook: rachelhauck, and Twitter: @RachelHauck


Guest Post from Rachel Hauck 

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share The Wedding Shop with you. This book is one of my favorites.
While all books are my “babies,” this one found a special place in my heart.
This standalone novel is part of the Wedding Collection – The Wedding Dress and The Wedding Chapel – and it came to life when I discovered the story of Cora Scott, a 1930s wedding shop owner.

At 30, she’s an old maid, but the best “bride’s maid” in fictional Heart’s Bend, Tennessee. But she’s in love with a charismatic, charming river boat captain.

The contemporary heroine, Haley Morgan, is a retired Air Force captain returning to Heart’s Bend to restart her life. She’s recovering from a broken heart. The handsome, dynamic, charming man she loved was nothing but trouble.

Returning home, Haley is set on keeping a childhood promise she made with her best friend—to open the old wedding shop.

The shop is legend in Heart’s Bend. Haley grew up with stories of Miss Cora and the shop, hearing the town’s mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers reminiscing about their “day in the shop,” walking down the grand staircase in their wedding gown.
But in 2016, the shop is dilapidated, neglected and in need of more money than Haley possesses.
While writing this story, I had to ask a lot of questions. Why reopen the old shop? Why not just open a new one?
Haley was a combat veteran, deployed to Afghanistan twice, why would she want to open a wedding shop?
I also investigate the meaning of the shop to the town? To Cora? To Haley?
As I developed the backstory for the characters, the shop and the town, Cora’s came to life. She fascinated me. I admired this fictional woman. She exuded ingenuity, courage, and deep, deep devotion.
On the other hand, Haley was a bit of a mystery but from the start, she saw value in something no one else did.
What if we all saw value in people or places others wanted to reject?
Isn’t that what Jesus does for us?
The heroes of the book, Birch and Cole, are just stellar guys. Princes among men. I love writing about slightly wounded but strong and tender men.

The theme of family and community populates the story. Also, how misconceptions and preconceived ideas often ruin relationships.

Booklist gave The Wedding Shop a Starred Review and called it, “Spellbinding.”

There’s a lot of fun drama in this book! I hope you enjoy spending time with Cora and Haley, the men they love and the shop they bring to life.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Connect with me at www.rachelhauck.com.


Blog Stops




September 13: A Holland Reads


September 14: Giveaway Lady


September 14: Daysong Reflections



September 15: Bibliophile Reviews


September 16: Bigreadersite


September 16: The Scribbler


September 17: Books,Dreams,Life


September 17: ASC Book Reviews


September 18: Book Babble


September 18: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS


September 19: Pause for Tales


September 19: Book by Book


September 20: The Power of Words


September 20: Lighthouse Academy


September 21: Proverbial Reads


September 21: Splashes of Joy


September 22: Faithfully Bookish



September 23: Tell Tale Book Reviews



September 24: Quiet Quilter



September 25: For The Love of Books






Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away her Wedding Collection Series! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a366





**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**
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