COVER REVEAL

FINALLY!!!! I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR BOOK THREE FOREVER!!!! I absolutely love this series and think that it is the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for this generation! But this has pirates, knights, and romance!!! What a story and message! :)

The cover is stunning!!!

a Pirate

bound by a centuries-old oath

a Knight

determined to prove her calling

a Legacy

demanding surrender

As Keeper of the Seahorse Legacy, Cazien de Pollis is a King among pirates, divinely appointed to dispense justice on the seas. Bound by the sacred oath of a long-dead ancestor, he must fulfill a contract to wed the green-eyed Oracle’s Daughter named therein—or risk losing everything he and his people hold dear. But at nineteen, with the identity of his betrothed only recently revealed, Cazien resents the contract—and the urgency within him to see it satisfied.

Erielle de Gladiel returned from the quest for the Remedy, changed. Not only are her formerly-blue eyes now a brilliant shade of green, but she must don gloves to hide inky evidence that her prophetically-bestowed title, the Oracle’s Daughter, demands more from her than the task already completed. Erielle’s dearest-held dream is realized when she is knighted by her King, but unbeknownst to her, that very honor jeopardizes the prophesied purpose to which she and Cazien have been called.

Just as Cazien summons the courage to collect his bride, dark rumors and darker deeds crawl up the coasts, calling its guardians, the Seahorse Pirates, into action—and Cazien away from Erielle. But even though the Oracle’s Daughter knows nothing of the contract to which she has been consigned, Cazien’s enemies have somehow learned of his interest in Erielle. And if they reach her before his ancestor’s weighty oath is executed, the Seahorse Legacy will be forfeited . . . and darkness will be given reign.

Subtly paying homage to several classic tales including Peter Pan, Robin Hood, The Little Mermaid, Much Ado About Nothing, and even The Three Little Bears, THE SEAHORSE LEGACY begins an epic re-imagining of the classic Grimm fairy tale, The Twelve Dancing Princesses which will conclude in Eyes of E’veria, Book 4: THE SUNKEN REALM. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Serena Chase lives in Iowa with her husband, two teen daughters, and one very spoiled (but really adorable) dog, Albus. A frequent contributor to USA Today’s Happy Ever After blog, she also writes for Edgy Inspirational Romance. Serena has served as a youth leader for high school students at her church, coaches her local high school’s Color Guard, and drinks entirely too much coffee between these and her daughters’ activities. You can find Serena on Facebook, Twitter @Serena_Chase, and Pinterest.  Visit her website www.serenachase.com

If you haven't read The Ryn or The Remedy go and get your copy now!!! Be prepared though to be sleep deprived and accomplish nothing as you won't be able to put the books down!!! 

And because Serena is that awesome she is having a giveaway!!! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

It Had To Be You

It Had To Be You

A Christiansen Family Novel

Book 2

Susan May Warren

Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.

Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

I loved the first book of this series Take a Chance on Me and couldn't wait to read the second book! I fell in love with Jace as he struggled to be "good enough" for Eden... And I loved Eden and could relate as she struggled to be a "someone" who was the best at something... 

"My dad says that hope is one part confidence in God's love for us and on part in our delight in Jesus. And that when we start to hope it changes us."

"God's love simply is. We can't sin it away- our only option is to accept or reject it."

"A woman's greatest honor is to look at her son with pride and know that she's helped him become a man."

Those are some of my favorite quotes from the book. You will love this book... I really is "where faith and family meet real life"!

The Pelican Bride

About

She's come to the New World to escape a perilous past. But has it followed her to these far shores?

It is 1704 when Frenchwoman Geneviève Gaillain and her sister board the frigate Pélican bound for the distant Louisiana colony. Both have promised to marry one of the rough men toiling in this strange new world in order to escape suffering in the old. Geneviève knows life won't be easy, but at least here she can establish a home and family without fear of persecution for her outlawed religious beliefs. 

When she falls in love with Tristan Lanier, an expatriate cartographer-turned-farmer whose checkered past is shrouded in mystery, Geneviève realizes that even in this land of liberty one is not guaranteed peace. Trouble is brewing outside the fort between the French colonists and the native people surrounding them. And an even more sinister enemy may lurk within. Could the secret Geneviève harbors mean the undoing of the colony itself?

Gulf Coast native Beth White brings vividly to life the hot, sultry South in this luscious, layered tale.

I loved this book! How could I not? It involved Canadians! :) I am Canadian; and while I am not French Canadian, I enjoyed reading a book that touched on a different piece of history. Beth takes you on a journey to the Golf Coast with the men and women who settled there. It was slower getting started as all the characters were introduced but I promise you it is worth the read... There is mystery, conflict, romance, struggle and forgiveness. If you have read Lori Benton or Laura Frantz and loved their books I guarantee that you will enjoy The Pelican Bride. It is beautifully written. You will fall in love with Genevieve and Tristan as they learn to love and forgive each other and themselves.

Elusive Hope

About:

Elusive Hope - Escape to Paradise Series Book Two

In a colony named New Hope, while their friends are seeking a Southern utopia. . . .

Hayden is seeking revenge. Relentlessly.

After years of all but selling his soul to track down his scoundrel of a father, Hayden Gale discovers his search must continue in South America, where his father is reported to be helping colonize Brazil. Hayden has nothing more to lose, certainly not a good reputation, and vows to keep pursuing--at any cost--the vile man who he believes killed his mother. 

 Magnolia is seeking a way out. Desperately.

She’s in the jungles of Brazil against her will, but what choice does Magnolia Scott have? Her father insisted on uprooting their family to escape the uncertainty of Southern life after the Civil War. But how will she survive without all she holds dear—wealthy suitors, beautiful clothes, summer balls, and slaves waiting on her every whim? She vows to find a way to get back home—and attaches herself to handsome Hayden Gale.

 As they journey toward Rio de Janeiro, they both seek to use the other for their own purposes. Deceptively. Falling in love was never part of their plans. . . .

I loved this book and cannot wait to read book 3 in this series... There is adventure, revenge, deception, strange visions, a pagan temple with mysteries and unknown danger, and love... My favorite part was the mirror that reflected the state of Magnolia's soul. What would I see if I looked in a mirror and it reflected my inner self- would it be beautiful or ugly?

I recommend this book, like all of MaryLu Tyndalls's books, because it is full of adventure and romance! And like all of her books woven throughout the story is God's truth!

:) I love the reference to the Maiden and the Frog as Magnolia and Hayden interacted throughout the story!:)

The Ryn and The Remedy

Eyes of E’veria series by Serena Chase

Book 1: 

THE RYN

DESTINED by prophecy. GUARDED by deception. PURSUED by Love.

Centuries ago, an oracle foretold of the young woman who would defeat E’veria’s most ancient enemy, the Cobelds. But after two centuries of relative peace, both the prophecy and the Cobelds have been relegated to lore—and only a few remain watchful for the promised Ryn.

Finally, a child is born who matches the oracle’s description, but a Cobeld curse accompanies her birth. Led to believe they succeeded in killing the prophesied child, the Cobelds emerge from hiding with plans to overtake the Kingdom.

But the child survived.

Secreted away and called “Rose” for the first nineteen years of her life, Rynnaia E’veri has no idea of her true identity until a chance meeting with an injured knight reveals not only her parentage and true name, but the task assigned her by the oracle: discover the Remedy that will destroy the Cobelds’ power.

Now, her time has come.

Offered the assistance of pirates, scribes, storytellers, a young woman who died centuries ago, and the knight who is quickly working his way into her heart, Rynnaia is fortified with friends. But if the Ryn is to complete her task, she must come to terms with not only who she is, but for whom she must be willing to die. For the kingdom’s survival depends on her.

BOOK 2:  

THE REMEDY

Watch for cover redesign and paperback edition, coming late spring 2014! Available now for Kindle and Kindle apps

Having come to terms with her long-hidden identity, Princess Rynnaia E’veri is ready to take her rightful place. But before she can join her father at Castle Rynwyk, she must endeavor to fulfill a 200-year-old prophecy and defeat the Kingdom’s ancient enemy, the Cobelds. Joined by her faithful knight, Sir Julien de Gladiel, and a gifted group of friends, Rynnaia must trek a dangerous path through canyons, forests, and into the very depths of a mountain where, if the prophetic scrolls prove correct, she will face an unknown foe, alone. Treacheries will be discovered, sacrifices will be made, friends will be lost, and love will be tested, but if even one line of the riddled prophecy is misinterpreted, Rynnaia will fail . . . and the Kingdom will fall.

Beginning at the point THE RYN ended, THE REMEDY concludes an epic re-imagining of the classic Grimm fairy tale, SNOW WHITE & ROSE RED. But the Eyes of E’veria series is only beginning . . .

Wow is all I can say I read The Ryn and The Remedy and I the only bad part is waiting to read book three! I am sharing this book with family and friends! 

It is the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for this generation! What a story and message! :)

The Ransome

About:

The Ransom - Legacy of the King's Pirates Book Four

Port Royal, Jamaica 1692

Living in a city deemed the wickedest in the world is no easy task for Miss Juliana Dutton. To make matters worse, with an ailing father and a drunken fool for a brother, she is forced to take over the running of the family business in order to survive. When a meddlesome suitor threatens to discover her secret and cast them all onto the streets, she agrees to a spurious engagement with the town buffoon, Lord Munthrope. She only hopes the man is trustworthy.

The Pirate Earl, Alexander Hyde, son of the infamous Captain Edmund Merrick Hyde, is the most feared pirate in Port Royal. Disillusioned with the religion of his parents and the pleasures of the world, Alex staves off his emptiness by leading a dual life to hide his deepest secrets.

A long-time enemy is out to destroy Alex and take Juliana for his own. Struggling to maintain her faith in the Divine, Juliana faces her problems bravely, but the harder she tries, the more it seems everything is working against her. Unwittingly, she and her weak fiancé become entangled in the hostility between the Pirate Earl and his enemy, while even more dangerous forces are rising up to destroy them all.

Give thanks for 'all things' for, as it has been well said 'OUR DISAPPOINTMENTS ARE BUT HIS APPOINTMENTS,'" A.W. Pink.

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus," 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

I love all of MaryLu Tyndall's books... But especially her books that involve pirates! This story is a story of love, redemption, masquerade, forgiveness and trust. You can't help but fall in love with Juliana and Alexander as you go on this journey with them as they struggle to survive and figure out who they are in God... I love how the book ends as they look back on the events leading them up to standing side by side on the ship watching their city being destroyed and realizing that God's hand had been on them all along... What seemed like they were being forsaken by God was actually Him protecting them! 

I am not going to spoil this for anyone by going more in depth but I guarentee that you will love this book! 

In the Shadow of Jezebel

                                         About:

In a kingdom controlled by cruel and manipulative women, one princess will discover the power of truth and love.

Trained as a priestess in the temple of Baal, Princess Jehosheba strives to please the demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach far beyond the realm of earthly governments. 

Forced to marry Yahweh's high priest in order to further Athaliah and Jezebel's power plays, Jehosheba enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh's Temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family--and the nation--she loves?

With deft skill, Mesu Andrews brings the Old Testament to life, revealing a fascinating story of the power of unconditional love.

Princess Jehosheba did not want to marry Yehweh's High Preist Jehoiada but through this story from the Old Testament I was reminded that God's plan is bigger and better than ours! I am often guilty of bypassing the Old Testament and reading the New Testament as I find it "more relavant" to my life. However after reading this book I am reminded that the Old Testament is full of demonstrations of God'd faithfulness, forgiveness, love and judgement. I cannot do justice to expressing how much I loved and enjoyed reading this book so I am just going to end with some quotes that really stood out to me when reading In the Shadow of Jezebel...

"Your anger, my friend, has become an idol every bit as real as Asherah or Baal. You must choose to destroy it before it destroys you.... And yet you willfully choose anger over reason, anger over prayer, anger over forgiveness.... Your anger has become an idol... Destroy it before it destroys you..." (pg. 317)

Made To Last

About:

Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that's how it looks when she's starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she'll do anything to boost ratings and save her show--even if it means pretending to be married to a man who's definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda's every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth--and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she's built come crashing down just as she's found a love to last?

My favorite quote from the book was: 

"There's nothing so deep God can't pull you out... Sometimes, though, it means doing the hard things. Because how can you grasp His hand if your holding so tight to the prison bars" (pg.317)

I love romantic comedy books that make you laugh but still have depth to them. I was amazed at how she wrote a laugh out loud story that pulled at your heart strings. Miranda and Matthew are real life characters who wrestle with the questions in about life, faith and romance... They are not perfect but not matter what we have done in the past God is a God of love and forgiveness! 

I don't do spoilers because I don't want to ruin this book! However, I am looking forward to Melissa's next book Here to Stay because I can't wait to hear Blaze's story. :)

AMEN

The PURSUIT of TAMSEN LITTLEJOHN

About:

Frontier dangers cannot hold a candle to the risks one woman takes by falling in love

 In an act of brave defiance, Tamsen Littlejohn escapes the life her harsh stepfather has forced upon her. Forsaking security and an arranged marriage, she enlists frontiersman Jesse Bird to guide her to the Watauga settlement in western North Carolina. But shedding her old life doesn’t come without cost. As the two cross a vast mountain wilderness, Tamsen faces hardships that test the limits of her faith and endurance. 

 Convinced that Tamsen has been kidnapped, wealthy suitor Ambrose Kincaid follows after her, in company with her equally determined stepfather. With trouble in pursuit, Tamsen and Jesse find themselves thrust into the conflict of a divided community of Overmountain settlers. The State of Franklin has been declared, but many remain loyal to North Carolina. With one life left behind and chaos on the horizon, Tamsen struggles to adapt to a life for which she was never prepared. But could this challenging frontier life be what her soul has longed for, what God has been leading her toward? As pursuit draws ever nearer, will her faith see her through the greatest danger of all—loving a man who has risked everything for her?

"Sometimes you read a book so special that you want to carry it around with you for months after you've finished just to stay near it"- Markus Zusak

That about sums up my review of this book. I loved it from the moment that I started on page one... Tamsen and Jesse take you on a journey over the mountains and through history. This book is quite a different story from Burning Sky but trust me when I say you will not be disappointed as it is rich in history, love, mystery, dreams and God... Tamsen and Jesse learn to trust God and each other with the different challenges they face with themselves, the wilderness and others...  

I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone so I won't go into depth but while I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Jesse and Tamsen I couldn't have imagined a more perfect ending to the story! I cannot wait to see what Lori Benton writes next... All I know is I will be first in line to purchase book 3! :) 

(Images taken from Lori Benton's Pinterest board http://www.pinterest.com/lorilbenton/)