Firefly Summer by Kathleen Y'Barbo

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Firefly Summer
Redbud Press (June 23, 2015)
by
Kathleen Y'Barbo


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.

Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.

A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots (read about their real-life romance here!). Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.


ABOUT THE BOOK:



A new cowboy romance from award-winning author Kathleen Y'Barbo.

Trey’s biggest challenge isn’t performing surgery … it’s restoring Sessa’s heart!

Artist Sessa Chambers may never recover from losing her prodigal son. Even as she grieves the tragic decisions that led to his death, and left her with a toddler to raise, she’s asked to work on her dream project—restoring carousel horses for the Smithsonian. But she can’t do it on her own …

Dr. Trey Brown can’t pick up a scalpel again. Yes, he acted in self-defense, but the events of that awful night haunt him. He was trained to save lives, not take them. When he goes to the young man’s widowed mother to apologize, she’s not at all what he expected. For one thing, she’s not as alone as he thought—not with the fearsome ladies of the Pies, Books, and Jesus Book Club in her corner. For another, she’s beautiful, and being in her presence is more jolting than any eight-second bronco ride from his former rodeo days. Before he knows it, she’s captured his heart as easily as they capture the fireflies gracing Sessa’s Texas ranch.

How can they overcome their past to embrace a future together?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Firefly Summer, go HERE.


Margie's Comments: Oh my! Kathleen Y'Barbo has done it again! I could hardly put the book down once I started reading. Not only is Firefly Summer a romance, it's also a story about the importance of community in our lives, especially women. But men—as depicted in Trey—also need a network of other men who stand beside them, no matter what, who encourage and pray with and for them. Life isn't easy, and it's worse when we try to go it alone! God didn't make us loners, but so many times we ignore His plan. Firefly Summer kept me laughing, crying, cheering, and identifying the women in my life who are the real counterparts to the ones Kathleen writes about. And who doesn't love a cowboy? Sigh. (Wink!!) For a heartwarming yet challenging read, I highly recommend Firefly Summer.

Millie's Treasure by Kathleen Y'Barbo

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Millie's Treasure
Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2013)
by
Kathleen Y'Barbo


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.

Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.

A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.


ABOUT THE BOOK


From bestselling author Kathleen Y'Barbo comes Millie's Treasure, the second book in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series, a new set of novels involving romance, adventure, and hidden identity.

Memphis 1890--Bookish heiress Millie Jean Cope is as clever as she is beautiful. Unfortunately, though adept at solving puzzles and cryptograms, she doesn't realize her new fiancé isn't who he claims to be, but instead is a charming scoundrel. The infamous Will Tucker is presenting himself as a British gentleman, Sir William Trueck, though in reality he is a crafty criminal looking for a hidden map to a secret treasure.

Pinkerton agent Kyle Russell has been on Tucker's trail for years. At last Kyle believes he has Tucker cornered, but he is uncertain whether the lovely woman on the con man's arm is an unsuspecting victim or willing accomplice. Finding reasons to spend time with Millie is easy. Keeping himself from falling in love with her is another issue entirely.
A fun and entertaining story of how God can shine the light of truth on the most cryptic circumstances.


If you would like to read the first chapter of >Millie's Treasure, go HERE.

Margie's Comments: Kathleen Y'Barbo has done it again . . . written a book I'm finding hard to put down! I absolutely love Millie and so don't want her to marry Sir William, the latest of Will Tucker's aliases. Kyle is a much better choice for her all the way around! Another excellently written book by an author I can trust to produce stories that end satisfactorily for her characters and her readers.

Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Flora's Wish
Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2013)

by

Kathleen Y'Barbo


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.

Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.

A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.


ABOUT THE BOOK


May 1887--Flora Brimm is determined the fifth time is the charm. Back home she has a reputation as "Fatal Flora," a woman whose previous four fiancés died in untimely accidents. Flora is desperate to marry, because producing an heir is the only way she can keep her family's estate. She's confident this visit to Eureka Springs with her grandmother will help her land a husband.

Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn is hot on the trail of Will Tucker, the thief who broke his sister's heart. When he discovers the slippery fellow with Flora, he thinks they are in on the devious plot together. Will Flora be able to convince Lucas of her innocence? Will Lucas catch the elusive Mr. Tucker?

And, more importantly, will Lucas survive if he pursues Flora's heart?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Flora's Wish, go HERE.


Margie's comments: I will have to give a full review later, but for now, let me say I think Flora is going to be my favorite of all of Kathleen Y'Barbo's heroines. I absolutely love her! So spunky and unexpected. Can't wait to dig deeper into her story! 

Beloved Counterfeit by Kathleen Y'Barbo

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Beloved Counterfeit
Barbour Publishing, Inc (May 2009)
by
Kathleen Y'Barbo


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


KATHLEEN MILLER Y’BARBO is a tenth-generation Texan and a mother of three grown sons and a teenage daughter. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University and an award-winning novelist of Christian fiction whose first published work jumped onto the Christian Booksellers Association bestseller list in its first month of release. Kathleen is a former treasurer for the American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a member of the Author’s Guild, Inspirational Writers Alive, Words for the Journey Christian Writers Guild, and the Fellowship of Christian Authors. In addition, she is a sought-after speaker, and her kids think she’s a pretty cool mom, too…most of the time, anyway.


ABOUT THE BOOK

LOVE CAN COVER A MUTITUDE OF SINS

Washed ashore on Fairweather Key, Ruby O’Shea and her three nieces─the offspring of the pirate Thomas Hawkins and Ruby’s late sister─have a chance for a new beginning as Ruby takes a job in a boardinghouse and the girls are passed off as her daughters. But will Ruby be able to confess all when she falls for Micah Tate, a widower, wrecker, and soon-to-be preacher?

Micah is determined to marry the young woman who has captured his heart despite knowing she has something to hide. But will he be able to remain true to his vows when his lady love’s shady past comes to light?

Captain Thomas Hawkins will go to any length to discover the whereabouts of his daughters. What will his determination cost the folks of Fairweather Key?

When Ruby finds herself bereft of her newfound love and protector, will she run away in an attempt to escape her present as she did her past? Will Micah’s love cover the multitude of Ruby’s sins, or will Ruby’s duplicity cost her everything?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Beloved Counterfeit, go HERE

Margie's Comments: Kathleen Y'Barbo's Fairweather Key series comes to a satisfying conclusion with Beloved Counterfeit. The characters are those we have come to know in the previous books, and getting a glimpse into life on a Florida Key in the 1830s is an added bonus for me. I know that when I pick up a Kathleen Y'Barbo book, I'm going to find a well-researched historical with unusual settings and wonderful characters. And Beloved Counterfeit is no different. Knowing that Ruby has a huge secret that could destroy the best thing that has ever happened to her outside of her salvation kept me reading. And nearly destroyed the man she loved when he discovers that secret. The theme of forgiveness and God's love is well portrayed through the characters. Even if you haven't read the previous books in this series, each book stands alone.

I highly recommend this series If you send me an e-mail at marjorie (dot) vawter at gmail (dot) com, I'll put your name in a "hat." Next weekend I'll have a family member draw a name from the pot, and I'll send the winner the book.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Beloved Captive by Kathleen Y'Barbo

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Beloved Captive
Barbour Publishing, Inc (November 1, 2008)
by
Kathleen Y’Barbo


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

There’s never a dull moment in the Y’Barbo household! From hockey and cheer mom to publicist to bestselling author, Kathleen Y’Barbo somehow manages to do it all - and well. While wearing her publicist’s hat, Kathleen has secured interviews with radio, television, and print media for clients at NavPress, Hatchette, Integrity, Barbour Publishing, and Broadman & Holman, to name a few. She also brings her own unique blend of Southern charm and witty prose to the more than 350,000 award-winning novels and novellas currently in print. Her novels have been nominated for American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2006; and 2007 will see the release of her 25th book.

Kathleen is a tenth-generation Texan and a mother of three grown sons and a teenage daughter. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University. Kathleen is a former treasurer for the American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a member of the Author’s Guild, Inspirational Writers Alive, Words for the Journey Christian Writers Guild, and the Fellowship of Christian Authors. In addition, she is a sought-after speaker, and her kids think she’s a pretty cool mom, too…most of the time, anyway.

The first book in this series is Beloved Castaway.


ABOUT THE BOOK

In this sequel to Beloved Castaway, Emilie Gayarre is learning to accept her mixed race heritage while finding fulfillment in teaching children of the key. There is no denying the attraction between Emilie and the handsome young naval commander, Caleb Spencer, who is shadowed by his own flock of secrets. But if her heritage is found out, even greater things than his career are at risk. Enjoy this historical romance full of risk and redemption.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Beloved Captive, go HERE.




Review: I've long been a fan of Kathleen Y'Barbo's writing. Her stories are more than fluff; I can always count on a well-told story with substance when I pick up one of her books. And Beloved Captive is more of the same. I first became aware of Kathleen when Barbour sent me a Heartsong Presents! book she'd written. And I fell in love with the South all over again. (Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley in the tip of Texas, though I'm not a native Texan, did that for me. *smile*) Then I got to work with her more closely when I was asked to copy edit a couple of her novella collections. So when I was asked last year to proofread the first book in this series, Beloved Captive, her first full-length novel, I fell in love with her characters. Kathleen tells wonderful love stories, and Beloved Captive is a prime example of Kathleen's writing. The themes of redemption and forgiveness and acceptance run strong throughout this book. I couldn't put this book down. Thank you, Kathleen, for yet another excellent read.

If you'd like a free copy of this book, please leave a comment. We'll have a drawing of a name next Friday, and I'll announce it here then.