Book Review and Print Giveaway: Scattered Petals by Amanda Cabot

This is a warm and rich story that addresses some difficult issues in a lovely way.

Scattered Petals (Texas Dreams Book #2): A Novel

by Amanda Cabot

• File Size: 575 KB
• Print Length: 385 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800733258
• Publisher: Revell (March 1, 2010)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• ASIN: B00B5J4PTC

Genre: Historical Romance, Christian
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2010

Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston and heads for Texas, never dreaming that the adventure she seeks will leave her badly injured and her parents dead. Priscilla is determined to rebuild her life and make a home for herself in the beautiful Hill Country. But the bandits who took her parents' lives also destroyed her hope for the future.

Ranch foreman Zachary Webster knows what the future holds for him, and it's not a woman like Priscilla. She deserves a cultured East Coast gentleman, not a cowboy who's haunted by memories of his mistakes. The best thing he can do is leave her alone.

When necessity draws them together, Priscilla and Zach begin to forge a life that, like the scattered petals of her childhood, is filled with promise. But then the past intrudes, threatening their very existence.

Review:
Priscilla Morton always longed for adventure so she is thrilled to have talked her parents into traveling from Boston to Texas for the wedding of her former brother-in-law, Clay. Unfortunately bandits attack the stage coach, killing her parents. Although her life is spared when she is rescued by a passing Ranger, the physical and mental damage has already occurred that causes her to believe her future is ruined. She may never be able to be close to a man and have the family she once dreamed of.

Zachary Webster is a hard working foreman overseeing two ranches for Clay. He is immediately smitten by Priscilla but realizes that she is scared at the mere sight of him. Besides, he knows he has sins from his own past that make him unworthy of such a lovely woman.

Circumstances bring Zach to propose a marriage of convenience which Priscilla reluctantly accepts. Although their marriage is not one in truth, they soon find comfort in the daily presence of each other. But another tragedy threatens to pull them apart. Priscilla thinks that Zach doesn’t really want her, especially since she has not been able to overcome her fear of men. Zach continues to think he is unworthy of her because of his past misdeeds. He also thinks that perhaps Priscilla has feelings for the handsome Ranger who continues to deliver reports in person on the success, or lack thereof, in finding the outlaws.

While Priscilla and Zach face their personal demons the town is facing a widening gulf of prejudice. Isabelle, from a French family. and Gunther, a German widower, have fallen for each other.  Isabelle’s family and the other townfolk are against any mixing of the two countries. Priscilla and Zach reach beyond their own problems to try to find a solution for Isabelle and Gunther.

There is more going on too as the son of the town’s founder escapes from his work program and begins a journey of evil and revenge back to Ladreville. There is plenty of movement and conflict in the story to keep the reader interested. It had me wondering about how prejudices regarding different cultures and unwed mothers have changed over the years. I also had to wonder about the evil nature of some people.

The reading is easy and God’s messages are shared in a very nature and gentle fashion. As in “Paper Roses”, the first book, I loved the meaning of ‘Scattered Petals.’  Our Book Club members all enjoyed the book and I recommend it to those who like historical romance.

This book was read for my church Book Club.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for a Print Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open to those with US address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on September 20, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on September 21, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 15, 2013

I am home sick today. My DH was kind and sweet to share his flu/cold bug with me. I know how important it is to get plenty of rest when fighting off infection. I had short nights twice this week because of having to be up early to drive to court. So my immune system was weakened and my body got the bug.

I believe God's word that we should rest. He set the example by resting after creation. Genesis 2:2. Our bodies need rest from the stresses of the week. Keep that in the mind whenever you begin to get overworked or stressed. Remember that we need to give our bodies proper rest!

A cold bug is minimal to the deceases that some face...but we all have the same healing available from the great Creator and Healer.

I like this gentle song that reminds us that God is our Healer

A Verse for Today:
Psalm 30:2 (NIV)
Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.

I give thanks that God directs us to rest and gives us healing in His Wisdom and through His Grace.

Sharing Beyond Books #117 Comment Giveaway 9/14/13

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to SBB, Sharing Beyond Books.

I hope everyone had a good week as the weather starts to change. :-) I was busy with some travel to court hearings this week - good listening time. Today I have been slogging along, home bound with a yucky flu/cold that my DH was so sweet to share with me. :-(

Five people always finish. At least eight of us "rarely" do not finish. Everyone tries to give the books a chance through 50 pages or a couple of chapters and some will try more than once to get through.

Only five of 25 have attended a rally, most in college but at least one, Fredamans, for a traffic safety issue. Mary P says she could see attending one on an issue of importance. Two people have written letters or signed petitions.

Thank you to all who shared last week.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #116 comments is: #5 Carol NW who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #117

Q1. Mary P asks: Do you still borrow books from a library? and Liss asks: How many books do you get from the library when you visit??

A: Sad to say I have not been to the library for several years. I have enough books on my TBR shelves, my Kindle and my Audible library to last a long time.

Trinity College Library, Dublin - Image found at The Zooom.

Q2. My non-bookish Question: Have you ever visited jail other than on tour??

A: I didn't want to put anyone on the spot by asking "have you ever been in jail?" :-) I have visited jail several times even though I never did criminal law. I worked on an Appeals project for a few years and would visit inmates at a women's prison.  Also I have visited jail a few times when our choir has gone in for special performances. Getting through those double doors can be rather alarming.

Image found at Tolerance for Ambiguity.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We are getting low on questions so hopefully you will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Mary P asks: Do you still borrow books from a library? and Liss asks: How many books do you get from the library when you visit??

Q2. My nonbookish Question this week: Have you ever visited jail other than on tour??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the June 2012 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, September 20, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Saturday Snapshot September 14, 2013 Bahamas Cruising - Half Moon Cay

The stop on Day 3 was a Half Moon Cay.

The ship anchored off its own little island where they off load for a bar-b-que on the beach. They have lots of beaches and sports activities including horseback riding, snorkeling and swimming with sting rays. I swam with sting rays many years ago when my kids were early teens. :-)

The weather was slightly overcast. 

These are pictures (taken from our window)  
of the tender returning from the island to the ship.

(You can see here that the tender is pretty empty.)

These aren't real exciting but you get a feel for the weather.
We had a relaxing day on the boat with many people gone. :-)

Thanks to all who stop by and visit. Hopefully I will get to visit back this week!

A big Thank You to Alyce of At Home With Books who has hosted this meme for a number of years. She is taking a summer hiatus at her blog and the new host will be Melissa at West Metro Mommy. Thank you to Melissa for picking up the responsibility.

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky being hosted this summer by West Metro Mommy. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 13, 2013

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Happy Friday Friends!! Aghh! Another long week for me. Several mornings in court and lots of work. (I hope to pull together another group of books next week.)

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the September 6 Pick. There was one Automatic win again this week. (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were three blocked titles again.
Anita gets Female Intelligence!

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from September 6 Pick:

Brooke gets Deck the Halls

Fredamans gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

This may be a time of "back tos" but I'll always go back to Books!

Image found as Postcard available at Zazzle.com.

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Pairs:
Jude Deveraux
    Return to Summerhouse and Twin of Fire
Mariah Stewart
    Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Singles:
The Shadowed Heart by Nina Beaumont
Hannah by Lori Copeland
My Lady Midnight by Laurie Grant
Wicked and Wonderful by Valerie King
The Door to December by Dean Koontz
Heart of the Storm by Lindsay McKenna
Crucfixtion River by Marcia Muller & Bill Pronzini
Tabitha in Moonlight by Betty Neels
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Caught in a Bind by Gayle Roper
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Pairs:
     (Highlands) Highland Treasure by Amanda Scott and Highlander Unbound by Julia London
     (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
What Sarah Saw by Margaret Daley (Cover has black line across where bookstore crossed it for clearance)
Her Last Chance by Terri Reed  (Cover has black line across where bookstore crossed it for clearance)
The Clairvoyant Countess by Dorothy Gilman
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Mission: Irresistible by Lori Wilde
Sin and Scandal in England by Melody Thomas
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice
A Mother's Day Anthology - three stories
Rising Moon by Lori Handeland
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone
Another View by Rosamunde Pilcher
Promise Forever by Marta Perry


New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Oops - I never added all the links last month so no promises on these either.

Pairs:
Hannah Howell
     Highland Hearts and Highland Destiny
Catherine Anderson
     My Sunshine and Blue Skies
Elizabeth Lowell
     Remember Summer and Too Hot to Handle
Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Playing with Fire by Gena Showalter
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
Shadow of the Sun by Tammy Hilz
Dark Summer by Iris Johansen
Summer at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs
Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs
Shadow Beach by Barbara Freethy
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler


New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Here is a group with many mysteries.  Links to be added as I get time.

Pairs:
Amanda Scott
      Abducted Heiress and Highland Bride
Sandra Brown
     Texas! Chase and Exclusive (spine wear) (not the covers as on the links)
A Murderous Yarn by Monica Ferris
Deadly Advise by Roberta Isleib
Dial Emmy for Murder by Eileen Davidson 
On Deadly Ground (Love Inspired Suspense) by Lauren Nichols
Happy Never After by Kathy Hogan Trocheck
Female Intellignece by Jane Heller
Improper English by Katie MacAllister
Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
Caitlin's Guardian Angel by Marie Ferrarella
Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013

As I am linking these titles it is clear to me why they were in my TBR boxes and it is really hard to let them go but I have soooo many. Better that they find good reader homes than sit on my shelves, or in a box, and collect dust. 
Pairs:
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.
To Tame a Rebel by Georgina Gentry
While Passion Sleeps by Shirlee Busbee
The Admiral's Bride by Suzanne Brockmann
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl



New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

Pairs:
Tara Taylor Quinn
     Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Singles:
Timeline by Michael Crichton
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe


New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing 
Pairs
Singles-- I found a couple of boxes of romances (a lot of Harlequins) that I haven't gotten to read over the past 8 years so... I will send them off to others to read!

*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland

New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)


New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012

- Oops upside down book! NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley


New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.

An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)


New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander (postage too much - replaced with GC)

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser


New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011
Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes
*Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (as of November 2012)

I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 556+ books (I forgot to update this number for a month) have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 $7.00 and $6.00 $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown  (postage too much - replaced with GC)

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10---(All Gone)