Book Review and Giveaway: A New Hope (Thunder Point series) by Robyn Carr

This is a lovely reading experience!
My apologies to the tour and blog followers for being late with this post. We were without internet for the past two nights and my work day left me no time to get online for blog time.

A New Hope (Thunder Point series)
by Robyn Carr

File Size: 761 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: MIRA (July 1, 2015)
Publication Date: June 30, 2015
Sold by: Harlequin Digital Sales Corp.
ASIN: B00S4ZH4XY
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Starting over is never easy, but in Thunder Point, where newcomers are welcome and friends become family, it's possible to find yourself again. #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr takes us on a moving and rewarding journey as a young woman finds new hope.

After losing her child, Ginger Dysart was lost in grief. But since moving to Thunder Point, a small town on the Oregon coast, Ginger is finally moving forward. Her job at the flower shop is peaceful and fulfilling, and she's excited to be assisting with the Lacoumette wedding.

In spite of her lasting heartache, Ginger is swept up in the pleasure of the occasion. But the beauty of the Lacoumette farm and the joy of the gregarious family are ruined by an unfortunate encounter with the bride's brother, Matt. Struggling with painful memories of his own, Matt makes a drunken spectacle of himself when he tries to make a pass at Ginger, forcing her to flee the scene in embarrassment.

But when Matt shows up at the flower shop determined to make amends, what started out as a humiliating first meeting blossoms into something much deeper than either of them expected. Everyone around them worries that Ginger will end up with a broken heart yet again. But if Ginger has the courage to embrace the future, and if Matt can finally learn to let go of the past, there may still be hope for a happy ending.

Review:
Ginger had fallen under the spell of a second rate musician who warned her he wasn’t really the settling down type. She worked hard but the marriage failed and she suffered more than just the lose of a self-centered husband; she lost a child too. Ginger moved to Thunder Point to get a new start and to regroup from the emotional losses. She finds herself enjoying new friends in a warm community although she has no plans to try romance again for years.

Matt got married in a fever. It took a little less than a year to learn that their chemistry wouldn't survive their different goals and life styles. Matt spent the next year running through women and figuring it would be a long time before he risked marriage again.

Matt met Ginger at his sister’s wedding when he was drunk and practically groped her. His apology dinner turns out well and they quickly find they enjoy being friends with long, late-night phone calls and visits to share time. Soon they each have to decide if they are willing to risk their hearts to share more than friendship.

This is a strong romance for Ginger and Matt plus the reader gets to enjoy more romance with two other newly wed couples. The characters are well developed, the dialogue is natural and the smooth pacing makes for easy reading. The romances are sweet, conflicted and with just the right touch of sizzle. There are details of work and local interests that add to the story.

In my opinion Robyn Carr is in the top of the writer field when it comes to contemporary, small town romance. Her characters are real and there are always true to life problems and emotions to overcome. Ms. Carr describes human relationships with such insight and feeling that I have to wonder if she has studied psychology. I wouldn’t want a steady diet of small town, family drama and relationships, but when I am in the mood, I know I can pick up a Robyn Carr novel and enjoy a lovely reading experience.

This is part of a series but read fine as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book, and this author, for a touching, uplifting read.

I received this title as part of Little Bird Publicity Tour, to post an honest review with Giveaway. This is part of my NetGalley Challenge.

GIVEAWAY

ONE PRINT COPY (US only). Graciously provided by the tour.

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 2 Extra Bonus entries (a) comment on the review,

OR

(b) visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) July 11, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after July 11, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 29, 2015

This meme starts at Book Journey! Sheila is reading and reviewing a bit. I continue to pray for her family.


What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had to get a new fuel pump on my car at the beginning of the week. The rest of the week was steady busy.

I had a good reading/listening week. I finished two audios and two ebooks.  I posted three reviews  and the usual memes.

I got to visit early in the week but the internet was wonky the rest of the week. (It is giving me fits today as I try to prepare this post. We get a new internet tomorrow and I hope that helps.)
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 22, 2015.

• Audio Book Review: Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things: The Wedding Planner Mysteries, Book 1, by Rachelle J. Christensen ; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.

• Book Review: Murder At Rudhall Manor (A Humorous Murder Mystery) by Anya Wylde; Humorous, Mystery; my rating 4.25.

• Audible Book Review: Eighth Grave After Dark by Darynda Jones ; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 26, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 7/2/2015.

• Book Blitz with Giveaway! Alive at 5 by Linda Bond.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 28, 2015.

• Sharing Beyond Books #209 Comment Giveaway for 6/27/15; Open Worldwide. Ends 7/4/2015.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3

Extremes: A Retrieval Artist Novel
Written by: Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Narrated by: Jay Snyder
I really enjoyed this mystery.
I will get a review posted soon.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Judas the Apostle
by Van Mayhall Jr.
The later part of the book did pick up. 
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

A New Hope (Thunder Point series)
by Robyn Carr
This is a lovely romance.
I will post a review and giveaway on June 30
as part of Little Bird Publicity Tour.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/MP3

Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca
Written by: Maria Goodavage
Narrated by: Neil Shah
This is a wonderful story!
I picked this up as a Daily Deal recently at Audible.
Publisher's Summary
The New York Times best-selling author of Soldier DogsTop Dog, Maria Goodavage takes listeners into the life of Lucca K458, a decorated and highly skilled military working dog. An extraordinary bond developed between Lucca and Marine Corps handler Chris Willingham, launching what became a legendary 400-mission career. A Specialized Search Dog, Lucca belongs to an elite group trained to work off-leash at long distances from her handler. She served alongside both Special Forces and regular infantry. She and Willingham became so sought-after that units scheduled missions around their availability.
The audiobook describes in gritty detail the team’s adventures on and off the battlefields, including tense, lifesaving explosives finds and firefights as well as the bravery of fellow handlers and dogs they served with. Ultimately, we see how the bond between Lucca and Willingham overcame the endless brutalities of war and the traumas this violence ignites. Here is a portrait of modern warfare with a heart-warming and inspiring conclusion that will touch dog lovers and the toughest military listeners.
©2014 Maria Goodavage and Christopher Elden Willingham (P)2014 Recorded Books

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

A Promise of Forever (A Tallgrass Novel Book 1)
by Marilyn Pappano
10% in - I am enjoying the beginning of this.
Review and Giveaway, through Hachette, to post July 2. 2015.
Sergeant First Class Avi Grant's return to Tallgrass, Oklahoma is a long-deferred wish come true. With her final tour in Afghanistan over, Avi can focus on her future-a job here at home and a family of her own. There's just one thing she has to do first: visit her beloved commanding officer's widow and share her grief. The last thing she expected was to feel an instant attraction to the woman's son. Too bad the sexy surgeon is impossible to ignore . . . and even harder to resist.
The sting of his parents' divorce still niggles at Ben Noble. So when a warm, funny, and beautiful young sergeant arrives, mourning his stepfather's loss as strongly as his mother does, Ben can't help but feel conflicted. If his parents taught him anything, it's that love doesn't last-especially with a career soldier. But try as he might to keep his distance, Ben begins to see that Avi-and the spark she brings to his life-is the stuff forever is made of. As Avi's leave ticks away, can Ben convince her to take a chance on forever with him?

2. Audible

The Lost Starship
Written by: Vaughn Heppner
Narrated by: David Stifel
I am becoming engaged by this with an hour in.
I received this audible from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Ten thousand years ago, a single alien super-ship survived a desperate battle. The vessel's dying crew set the AI on automatic to defend the smashed rubble of their planet. Legend has it the faithful ship continues to patrol the empty battlefield, obeying its last order throughout the lonely centuries.
In the here and now, Earth needs a miracle. Out of the Beyond invade the New Men, stronger, faster and smarter than the old. Their superior warships and advanced technology destroy every fleet sent to stop them. Their spies have infiltrated the government and traitors plague Earth's military.
Captain Maddox of Star Watch Intelligence wonders if the ancient legend could be true. Would such an old starship be able to face the technology of the New Men? On the run from killers, Maddox searches for a group of talented misfits. He seeks Keith Maker, a drunken ex-strikefighter ace, Doctor Dana Rich the clone thief stuck on a prison planet and Lieutenant Valerie Noonan, the only person to have faced the New Men in battle and survived to tell about it.
Maddox has to find a place hidden in the Beyond and bring back a ship no one can enter. If he fails, the New Men will replace the old. If he succeeds, humanity might just have a fighting chance...
©2014 Vaughn Heppner (P)2014 Vaughn Heppner

3. eBook/Kindle

Two Hearts: When I Said I Do, I Meant Forever
by James Richey
I received this title from iReads for review on July 9.
Jaxon Tagget is a cattle-rancher's son, born and raised on the Double T, just outside of Dillon, Montana. In love with his high-school sweetheart, Annie, Jaxon proposes on graduation night, presenting her with a wedding ring made from gold he mined himself. Annie accepts immediately, to the horror of her bitter, man-hating mother.
Jaxon's a wonderful husband, but the warnings of Annie's mother linger in the young bride's ears. And it doesn't help that women continue to fall all over the markedly handsome Jaxon.
Unaware of his wife's persistent doubts, Jaxon is struggling with his own troubles when he finds out his dad is sorely in need of money to save the ranch. But hope glimmers gold when he rediscovers the old mine on the Double T.
While Jaxon travels to verify the mine's productivity, Annie grows increasingly suspicious. Is Jaxon's absence what it seems, or does he have another, less faithful reason for his travels? When Annie sees a picture of the beautiful laboratory owner whom Jaxon is visiting, she's sure the only gold he's interested in is long, blond hair. Is Annie right, or will it be her doubts that forever sever their Two Hearts?

4. Print

If My People . . .: A 40-Day Prayer Guide for Our Nation
By: Jack Countryman
I enjoyed my third week in this daily reading. The quotes from our founding fathers are particularly interesting at this time.
If My People guides believers on a 40-day prayer journey in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Click on book title for full description.

June/1/15- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.. I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online.

June:
6/30 A New Hope (Thunder Point series) by Robyn Carr

I posted three reviews last week but I may have five books for this week.
I am back to six books at NetGalley with a couple more requested.
I guess I will have to post a TBR eBook to next month.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

I received one review title this week from NetGalley and requested some others that are not received yet.
I did purchase two eBooks that I want to read and I downloaded the free Audio pair from SYNC.
And -- as usual, I downloaded more free kindle titles to my library.

(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received this title from Hachette for Review and Giveaway on July 2, 2015. 

A Promise of Forever (A Tallgrass Novel Book 1)
by Marilyn Pappano
(See info under Currently Reading above)

Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca
Written by: Maria Goodavage
(See info under Currently Reading above)

I picked these two titles at NetGalley:

Dark Horse
by Michelle Diener
"Some secrets carry the weight of the world."

A City Called Smoke: The Territory 2
by Justin Woolley
"The battle was only the beginning; the real danger is beyond the fence ..."

Won

None.

Purchased

These are two audio titles that I selected with my monthly Audible credits:


1. Seduction in Death: In Death, Book 13 
by J. D. Robb 
Time for another Eve Dallas mystery.

2. 14
by Peter Clines
This Sci Fi sounds good and has good reviews.

Free

Free Downloads from AudioFile SYNC 2015 for week Seven.

 
Monster 
by Walter Dean Myers 
Read by A Full Cast

Lord of the Flies
by William Golding
Read by William Golding

Over the past week I added 46 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sharing Beyond Books #209 Comment Giveaway for June 27, 2015

Hello again on Saturday Sunday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB! (I couldn't get the internet to open last night and had to switch browsers today. I still am having slow response. My DH has ordered a system upgrade which will start next week. We'll see if that helps.)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Seven commenters would try a book by a favorite author, especially if the story is in the genre they like. A couple of those might try the book through the library which is a good solution. Four people would always try a book from a favorite author. Linda has found that she enjoyed such a book. Four others would not try the book if it did not appeal to them. Fredamans feels they deserve a chance.

~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #208 comments is: #3 Sue who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #209 (One Question.)

Elizabeth asks: Q1 What is your dream vacation location??

A: We get to travel a bit and we enjoy variety. We did one Viking River Cruise that was wonderful and I would love to do another. However, my husband and I have often talked about a long railway sightseeing trip. They are just too expensive. So more realistically it would be lovely to set up a month travel in our motorcoach. A month is hard for me but easier now with internet options.

Image found at Vacations by Rail.

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! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if  you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

The four contributors in June were: Becky, nrlymrtl, bn100 and Elizabeth. Random.org picked 1 so Becky gets to pick a book.

Your turn to share:
Elizabeth asks: Q1 What is your dream vacation location??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

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 through Saturday July 4, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

Sunday Words of Encouragment June 28, 2015

We had a lovely Sunday School visit with our Brother E from Haiti. He spoke in stumbling English (since none of us could translate his French or Creole) and shared his thanks for us in a similar fashion as Paul gave thanks to the believers in Philippians 1:3-11. “E” was not in prison but he was imprisoned by poverty and a defeated spirit. As “E” noted, it is amazing that “E” came to our community and met our Sunday School teacher at church and on the street. In other words, the hand of God put us together. There are times we question “why” we have troubles and struggle, then, at a future time it becomes clear. God knows who you will become and He is faithful if we will only submit to God’s plan.

“E” was like Jonah - running from a mission because he didn’t have the resources to teach in an area controlled by voodoo worshipers. He came to America hoping only for work so he could send money home to his own family. Instead, God provided the backing, prayer and financial, to return and claim the area for Christ!

“E” is certain that even God’s light can shine through darkness of voodoo worship. The land that has been purchased was once used for voodoo worship but, as “E” acknowledged, God owns all the land (Psalm 123) and the work is protected by God’s hand (Psalm 91). The plan is to set up a building and start teaching 100 children (Proverbs 22:6) in September! Brother “E” prays for wisdom, prayer support and generous giving that rewards the giver. Corinthians Proverb 19:17. He closed saying that he reminds himself daily to be like Joshua: Don’t be discouraged.

We then had a very moving praise, worship and healing prayer time. This led to Pastor’s Sermon titled: God’s Grace Changes Things. Pastor’s message came from Haggai 2:1-9. Haggai admonished the people to stop looking at the past, at “better days.” God had restored to them freedoms and help to rebuild the temple even though it did not match it’s former glory. But instead of praising God for the restoration the people grumbled.  God wants us to keep our focus on the positive promises and blessings. Haggai reminded the people to ‘be strong.... Do not fear’ (v4-5). Faith is a walk, it is not a sit. Any mistakes we make, as humans, are only temporary. Don’t give up for the best is yet to come. God will fill His house with greater glory (v9).

Interestingly this song seems to go with both messages:

God is stronger than the darkness and His glory is forever!

Verses for Today:
Haggai 2:6-9
6 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7 I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty. 8 ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. 9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”


I am so glad that God's light does shine in the darkness and that we are victorious through His Grace. God has a plan that we can rely on even though we do not understand His ways.

Book Blitz with Giveaway! Alive at 5 by Linda Bond

Come On A Thrilling Adventure Vacation in Alive at 5 by Linda Bond, Now On Sale for 99 cents!!!

Now on SALE! Read the book that is described as a mix of James Bond and Romancing the Stone! Spend part of your summer vacation on a adventure with a TV news reporter and a thrill-seeking undercover cop while they search for a murderer and face their greatest adventure of all, love.

Interested where the idea for Alive at 5 came from? Check out Linda’s blog post here!

Not only is ALIVE AT 5 having a sale, but it also got a new cover! Check it out below!

Don’t forget to enter to win a $25 gift card from Amazon or Barnes and Noble - See Rafflecopter below.

About Alive At 5  

Description: TV news reporter Samantha Steele is one panic attack away from losing her job. Future on the line and cameraman in tow, she follows her mentor on an exhilarating adventure vacation. When he dies while skydiving, her investigative instincts scream “murdered”, and lead her to gorgeous thrill-seeker Zack Hunter. Zack is an undercover police officer investigating his uncle’s death through the same adventure vacation company. Samantha is a thorn in his side the moment they meet. Not only is she investigating the same case, but the emotionally wounded loner doesn’t want another partner, especially one whose goal is to splash evidence all over the evening news. But Samantha’s persistence is quite a turn-on, and Zack’s overpowering desire makes it harder for him to push her away. When the killer turns his attention to Zack, Samantha might be the only one who can save him, forcing the anxiety-riddled correspondent to finally face her greatest fear.


Check out the one of kind book trailer for Alive at 5 here!

Fresh Fiction had this to say about ALIVE AT 5:

"What a Treat: Great Characters, a Clever Plot, and Extreme Adventures!"

“ALIVE AT 5 is extremely well written, fast paced, and what a joy it was to experience, even vicariously, skydiving, scuba diving, and swimming with sharks! Ms. Bond has crafted a superior romantic suspense, and Sam, Zach, and Sam's cameraman George make such a fine team, I dare hope it's the beginning of a series! No chance of dozing off while reading ALIVE AT 5!”

On Sale At These E-Retailers:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks

About the Author:

Linda Bond is an Emmy award winning journalist by day and an author of romantic adventures by night. She’s also the mother of five, four athletes and an adopted son from Cuba. She has a passion for world travel, classic movies, and alpha males. Linda currently lives in Florida, where the sun always shines and the day begins with endless possibilities. You can become a Bond girl and share in her continuing adventures at www.lindabond.com

You can also visit her online at the following places:

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads  |  YouTube |  Google+  |  Pintrest

EXCERPT:

    “I don’t really expect you to help me, just give me a cover.”
    He groaned in a blast of disbelief. The irony of this situation was not lost on him. If he wanted to remain undercover for real, he had to provide her with a pretend cover. The woman did have balls, he had to admit. He forced a smile. “And if I don’t go along with your plan?”
    “I walk right over to my detective friend and tell him my suspicions.” She stared boldly his way, hands on hips, legs slightly apart. “I’ll tell him that Maxwell was killed and you know all about it. That you’re here investigating the other suspicious deaths. I don’t know what agency you’re working for, but Stuart could find out in less than ten minutes, and I imagine you don’t want to blow your cover just yet. Am I right?”
    His jaw dropped. “Blackmail? Really? Do you know the penalty for that if I really am a cop?”
    She snorted. “Extortion, actually. Well?”
    He snapped his jaw shut. He knew very well what would happen if the adventure vacation company knew his real identity, and what his bosses would do if they found out he was still investigating this case after they’d specifically pulled him off it.
    Wow. She had him. He was impressed, and a little turned on. He ground his teeth. He would agree to her plan, only because he had no choice. He was determined to find and nail the son of a bitch who had killed his uncle.
    “All right, fine,” he reluctantly said.
    She might lose her job if she didn’t come back with her investigative story. But he would definitely lose his job if she exposed his undercover activities and his family’s private life on the news. So he would have to keep the nosy reporter under his thumb and under his control.
    One way or another.

Linda Bond has a new release coming out soon called Cuba Undercover!
Check out the exclusive book trailer here!

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway