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In most series, the first book in the series is the best and it all goes downhill from there. However, there are quite a few series out there where it actually gets better! So, just in case you read the first one, thought it was okay, and did not read the second one, I’m here to help you out! Here are some of the best sequels out there:

1. Tamera Alexander is one of those rare authors where her sequels have a tendency to be better than her first novels…and her first novels are amazing! The best sequels for her are Beyond this Moment, Remembered and Revealed.

2. Ronie Kendig: My favorite novel by Ronie is Wolfsbane from her Discarded Heroes Series.

3. Lori Wick: Sean Donovan. I’ve read this one so many times, like ten times more then the others in the series. 

4. Kristen Heitzmann: The Breath of Dawn. I so thought she had messed up with this sequel when I read the premise…it was amazing!

5. Karen Hancock: The Shadow Within and Shadow over Kiriath. Fantastic Fantasy novel that keeps getting better.

6. Laura Frantz: Courting Morrow Little. So Romantic

7. Elizabeth Camden: Against the Tide. Surprises on every page…Loved Bane!

I’m sure these cannot possibly be the only sequels out there that are actually better than the first novel. Please feel free to add some. Just to clarify there are some really good sequels out there, but this list is for those series where you remember the second book (or third or fourth) in much more clarity than the first. 

In honor of Mary Connealy’s new release, I am going to give away an older novel of hers ( I judge for the Carol Awards and often end up with doubles). The giveaway will last until three weeks from today. You must leave a comment below and I will randomly draw a winner*. Said winner must respond within 48 hours. So, have fun!

What happens when an idealistic student nurse encounters an embittered army doctor in a stagecoach accident? How will she react when she learns her training didn’t prepare her for tragic reality? How will he, an army deserter, respond to needs when he vowed to never touch another patient? Can these two stubborn mules find common ground on which to work and bring healing to West Texas?

 

*Winner must live in the U.S.

And the winner of

is……

Jane Squires

Congrats!

One of the first Christian romance authors that I read was the famous Janette Oke! I will say, that she has by far written more books than I have read by her. But I thought I would highlight my two favorites. Please, let me know which ones are your favorites and if I should go and pick them up!

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This book is so romantic. I really liked the movie too, though it differs a bit. Definitely a keeper!

Talk about stockholm syndrome. I must have read this book five times when I was a teenager.  This one may be my absolute favorite.

 

Though there are a few others that stand out in my mind, as a romance lover, these two are the ones that take the cake. Anyone read these?

I just got back from the ACFW Conference last night! The ACFW Conference is both fun and overwhelming in some ways. I had been to one before so it wasn’t as overwhelming, but in case you haven’t been, here are some points that describe how it is:

1. A bit lonely. I’m not saying this so that you feel sorry for people there! What I mean is that you arrive at the conference and there are loads of people there. Some who know each other well, some who came with each other, and some who are better at faking like they belong. For me, I have to instantly go to my room, take a deep breath, maybe walk around outside a bit before thrusting myself into the mix (yes, I’m an introvert). I will say that last time I went, I was really by myself. But this time, since I was aware of how it is, I forced myself to talk more to random writers. I found them to be very nice. 🙂

2. Like being on set with all your favorite actors. Yes, this is hands down one of the best parts of the conference. I get to meet and see some of my favorite authors. It’s a joy to put a face with a name (I saw Frank Peretti!) Again, I usually have to work up my confidence to approach, but I’m always glad I did.

3. Lots of learning. There are a lot of workshops that you can take, and I have found all of them to be helpful to me as a writer and reader. The classes are well taught by people of experience. I have always enjoyed the classes.

4. Appointments. When you go, you can meet with mentors, editors, or agents. This is probably the most intense feature of the conference because you want to impress and you want to be memorable. But at the end of the day, you just have to trust God.

So, I would say I had a good conference. I met a lot of nice people who love books just like me. I got to introduce myself to a number of authors and to pitch my manuscript to a couple of people. Overwhelming? Yes, but totally worth it!

Headed to the conference today! Hopefully I will be back with some great stories and fun times!

In honor of Laura Frantz’s new novel, Love’s Awakening, that has just been released, I decided to give away a copy of her old novel Love’s Reckoning! The giveaway will last until two weeks from today. You must leave a comment below stating what you love about historical fiction and I will randomly draw a winner*. Said winner must respond within 48 hours. So, have fun!

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in York. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege’s daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other’s jealousy destroy their love?

In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man’s choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. Love’s Reckoning is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

 

*Winner must live in the U.S.

About the Sweepstakes

In Stranded, Book 3 in author Dani Pettrey’s acclaimed Alaskan Courage series, reporter Darcy St. James knows something is wrong when her friend vanishes from her job on a cruise ship. Everyone else believes Abby simply left of her own accord, but something isn’t lining up, and Darcy knows the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby’s position.

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock in Alaska for a few days of sightseeing. He’s surprised to find Darcy onboard one of the ships, working undercover as a reporter.

Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they dig, the more they realize they’ve only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

To celebrate the story, author Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the ALASKAN ADVENTURES Sweepstakes, and your chance to win one of three fabulous prizes connected with the story!

Timeframe & Notifications:

This giveaway starts September 2, 2013 and ends September 19, 2013 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Winners will be selected Friday, September 20, 2013, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.

Amazing Prizes:

GRAND PRIZE:

BUILD-YOUR-OWN-ADVENTURE PACKAGE

In Stranded, Darcy, Gage, and the McKenna family launch into all kinds of adventures: from high-octane ocean kayaking, to rugged island camping beneath the vast Alaskan skies.

Our grand prize winner will have the chance to build their own adventure, with a $300 adventure gear gift card of their choice from either Eddie Bauer or L.L. Bean.

And what would our hero and heroine do if they won the prize? Gage use it towards one of L.L. Bean’s gorgeous ocean kayaks, while Darcy would go for “Glamping” gear:)

SECOND PRIZE:

CULINARY CONQUEROR PACKAGE

Everyone knows Gage McKenna’s campfire cooking is second to none. But inStranded, Darcy discovers that before Gage was a search and rescue hero, he secretly dreamed of attending culinary school.

Our second prize winner will have the chance to fulfill Gage’s dream with a$200 value, 1-year membership to Top Chef University.

Membership includes over 200 video lessons taught by Top Chef contestants, covering everything from soups to desserts.

THIRD PRIZE:

SHIMMER & SHINE PACKAGE

Darcy once gave her missing friend, Abby, a beautiful shell necklace, engraved with a special message that made it one-of-a-kind.

Our third prize winner will receive their very own, one-of-a-kind “Earth & Sea” necklace valued at $100.

Handmade of New Zealand Paua shells, hammered copper, and Tahitian pearls, this necklace is the perfect compliment for a soft sweater and jeans, or a unique finishing touch for a little black dress on a special date night.

How to Enter:

Go to http://www.danipettrey.com/alaskan-adventures-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between September 2 and September 19.

Review will be posted tomorrow! 

I hope you’re doing something fun today! I am headed out of town, so hopefully, I’ll see you on Wednesday!