Laura Jackson's Blog, page 14

Bookmarks and PDFs

  I turned in my final edits for Worth the Wait, which is a little nerve-wracking but even more exciting! I have bookmarks to giveaway to anyone who would like a few.  Also, I'm preparing a list of reviewers. If you'd like to receive a PDF file of Worth the Wait in exchange for an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, or some place like that, please email me at laurajacksonwrites at gmail dot com. I just need your first and last name and the email address where you'd like the PDF sent.   I know I did a call for influencers earlier, and I'm thankful to those who responded. I have your emails saved and will send you a copy of the book, along with some bookmarks and pens, when the book releases. This option is for those people who would like an electronic copy and promise to write an honest review the book.  In other news, Happy New Year's Eve. I hope it's a fun one. I have no plans and am happy with that.....I think. 


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February Bride: A Review

 
Allie is good at running away. Just like her mother and grandmother before her, she bailed on her groom Marcus just before walking down the aisle. When they're thrown together a few minutes later for a mutual friend's wedding, Allie learns sometimes, love is worth staying for.

This novella is cute. I liked the characters although I sometimes grew frustrated with Allie's inability to commit. Sometimes it's hard to evaluate a novella for character development because they're so short, but I loved seeing Allie grow from a confused girl to a confident one, sure of her worth in Christ.

The romance is sweet, and while the ending was predictable, it was an enjoyable ride to the end.

Fans of Christian fiction should definitely check out this author's other books.

I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.


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Redeeming Love: A Review

 
Even though I read this book years ago, I still stayed up until 3 a.m. on Christmas morning to finish it because the story grabbed me once and again and wouldn't let go until the last page. What perfect timing---reading a fictional example of the great love Jesus has for us.

Redeeming Love is one of the all-time best Christian fiction books. A retelling of the story of Hosea, Michael and Sarah/Angel/Amanda are beautiful characters. Sarah's written so realistically that my heart hurt for her, especially as I remembered the thousands of girls just like her being sold and used today in America and around the world.

With great heartache as Sarah runs from Michael's love over and over, the story could become melancholy and a little depressing, but hope fills the story....just like our own life stories.

Fans of Christian fiction will love this book. It's an amazing story of love, redemption and hope.

I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.


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A December Bride

   Usually when you read a marriage of convenience story, it's a historical novel. After all, why would someone have to get married these days? But Denise Hunter does a great job pulling it off. Layla blames Seth "Murphy" for her fiancé running off with her cousin. So, when they're thrown together and Murphy says their engaged to save Layla some embarrassment, it opens the door for a huge job opportunity for Layla....if she can just pretend to be in love for a few weeks.  Murphy is a fantastic character. I wish he was the main character in a full-length novel. He's steady and calm, balancing Layla's frantic desire to build her company on her own.  Although it was short, the story didn't feel rushed or the characters un-developed. It's the perfect holiday quick read. Fans of Denise Hunter as well as fans of contemporary Christian fiction will enjoy this novella.  I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.     '

Dear Mr. Knightley: A Review

    Over the years, I've taught several kids in foster care and mentored two seniors in foster care as part of a PAL program, so I loved the characters of Sam and Kyle. Their raw emotions were strong and pulled me into the story. Although foster care situations can be horrible, the author handled such events with realistic hope, keeping the book from being melancholy or trite.  Sam has the chance to go to college, to make a future for herself, if she'll write monthly letters to her mysterious benefactor. Needing someone to listen, she pours out her heart, never hearing a response. Through the course of letters, readers see Sam blossom as she discovers people can be trusted.  I enjoyed the characters, especially Kyle, who I pictured as so many boys I taught. I also enjoyed the set-up of the story being told through letters. The author's voice is fresh, and the book is well written. The only disappointment is the ending. I could see it coming, and I hoped I'd be wrong. It wasn't a bad ending....just not as strong as the rest of the book.  Overall, it's a great book with strong characters. I look forward to reading Katherine Reay's next book. I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own. '

Yay!

The Kindle giveaway has ended, and I'm thrilled to announce Cindi won! I feel like I've won too. :)She choose the Amazon gift card. I hope you enjoy it.

If you didn't win, don't worry. I'm going to give away some books soon. 
Merry Christmas!

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Last Chance to Win!

  The HopeSprings authors are teaming up to offer some Christmas cheer. Here's your last chance to enter to win a prize and a chance to win a kindle (or 90.00 Amazon gift card). Stop by Ginny Hamlin's blog:http://eghamlin.com/Gblog/2013/12/I'll-be-home-for-christmas/'

Trapped: A Review

   Librarian Laura (it's so weird to write that since that used to be the name of my blog) will admit adjusting to living with her half sister is harder than expected, but when Darcy runs away, Laura will stop at nothing to get her back.  Irene Hannon is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors, and this one doesn't disappoint. I loved Laura and Dev, and my heart hurt for Darcy, who had lost everyone she loved. But, it was the action and the insight into the villain's mind that intrigued me the most. There were times I raced through the pages to see what happened next, not realizing I was holding my breath.  There were twists and turns, and the ride is fantastic. Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this book. I'm looking forward to book three. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own. '

Congrats, Cindi!

    Congrats to Cindi for winning a copy of Worth the Wait, a gift card and some lotion. Thanks for being a loyal blog reader. I'm so thankful for you! There's still time to win a kindle. Here's the link to the Entry:a Rafflecopter giveaway'

Another HopeSprings Giveaway!

 The HopeSprings authors are celebrating Advent with giveaways galore. Each author is doing a giveaway and there's a grand prize giveaway for a Kindle (or Amazon gift card).  Stop by Angie's Blog to enter to win:http://angiebrashear.com/2013/12/16/angels-and-snowflakes/ '