Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie - Review & GIVEAWAY

Adventure + Romance + Inspiration = 
The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie

When I was first asked to review this book, I wasn't quite sure what my response would be.  I've never been a fan of romance novels.  I've found them to be predictable and raunchy.  The couple of times I tried reading a romance novel I was left flush cheeked with embarrassment and hiding the cover that revealed a bare chested burly man pressed against a tight corset wearing woman. Not for me.  No thank you.

But, I had never read a Christian themed romance novel and that left me at ease that there would be no burning loins or swelled breasts to make me blush with discomfort.  And the cover!  A beautiful (and modestly dressed, mind you) young woman wearing my favorite color....red!  This book might be something I could get into!  Here is the synopsis you will find on the back of the book...

Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King’s ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.

When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.
You also might enjoy this trailer that brings to life the main characters of the story...
I have to admit that it took me a bit to get into the book.  The imagery and wordage is set in days long ago in England.  But, by the time I got to Chapter 3 I didn't want to put it down.  Here is this young woman venturing off on her quest to find her parents and solve a mystery of a treasure hunt!  Now, you're speaking my language!  I won't get into details about the story line, so don't worry....no spoilers here.  I will say that the ending is a cliffhanger and it leaves you marking your calendar for July when Book 2 of the Forgotten Castle series will come out, The Forgiven Duke.

If you want to get your own copy of The Guardian Duke, you can visit Amazon.com and snatch it up for only $11.18 right now.  That is a sale price from the original price of $14.99 so don't wait.  You can also visit The Guardian Duke facebook page and read what others are saying and get in on the great chat. 

One lucky winner will receive their very own book!  Yup!  One of you will received The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie.  Be sure to leave ONE comment for EACH entry and include a way for me to contact you.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Friday, March 9, 2012.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter and this is only open to US & Canada residents.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Remember, you can get ONE entry for EACH of the following....

  • Be a public follower of my blog using GFC 
  • Follow me using Networked Blogs
  • Share with me about someone special you know who may have had a life saving heart surgery.  How has this person touched your life?
  • Send me a Facebook friend request.  My Facebook name is Doreen Petrucci Gadow
  • Share this blog post on your Facebook page
  • Post on your own blog about this giveaway with a link for your readers to come visit it (leave a comment with a link to your own post on your blog)
  • Find another post on my blog that interests you and leave a comment telling me which one and why (be sure to leave that comment here and not at that other post....or do it in both places if it suits your fancy)

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Three Hearts DVD - Review and GIVEAWAY

When I think of Samaritan's Purse I think of Operation Christmas Child.  Every year my church fills shoe boxes with special treats, toys and necessities and sends them off to be distributed to children in other countries as a tool to carry the Gospel message.  Am I the only one who didn't realize Samaritan's Purse was so much more?

They also have a program called Children's Heart.  WOW!  It's amazing!  This DVD, Three Hearts , gives such a beautiful picture of how God is using this organization to change lives and save lives - both physically and spiritually. 

Here is a synopsis of the movie:

Follow Cissie Graham Lynch---granddaughter of evangelist Billy Graham---as she interns with the Children's Heart Project, a mission connecting U.S. sponsor families with medically at-risk children around the globe! You'll hang on every moment as she supervises the arrival and surgeries of three Mongolian children whose future depends on the life-saving interventions of heart surgeons and nurses with Samaritan's Purse. Riveting! 98 minutes. 

I laughed.  I cried.  I prayed.  I went to the website for Samaritan's Purse to learn more about this amazing program.  Did you know that this program has provided life saving operations for over 800 children?  Still hundreds more children are waiting and hoping for their chance at life.  Take a peak at this trailer and you will be as excited as I was to watch this DVD. 


You can purchase your own copy of this DVD at Christianbook.com for only $19.99

One lucky winner will receive their very own DVD of "Three Hearts".  Be sure to leave ONE comment for EACH entry and include a way for me to contact you.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Thursday, March 8, 2012.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter and this is only open to US & Canada residents.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Remember, you can get ONE entry for EACH of the following....

  • Be a public follower of my blog using GFC 
  • Follow me using Networked Blogs
  • Share with me about someone special you know who may have had a life saving heart surgery.  How has this person touched your life?
  • Send me a Facebook friend request.  My Facebook name is Doreen Petrucci Gadow
  • Share this blog post on your Facebook page
  • Post on your own blog about this giveaway with a link for your readers to come visit it (leave a comment with a link to your own post on your blog)
  • Find another post on my blog that interests you and leave a comment telling me which one and why (be sure to leave that comment here and not at that other post....or do it in both places if it suits your fancy)

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."