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04 August 2015

Noela reviews WITH THIS SPARK - CHRISTIAN HISTORICAL ROMANCE by Four award-winning authors!

With This Spark

By Four Award-winning historical authors

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

Texas Tea by Mary Connealy

“Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea.” Those words make me grin as they conjure up images of ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’. But when Libby Cooper thinks of Texas tea… well, it just makes her mad! In Sour Springs, Texas, 1895, the beautiful thirty-something local teacher is living with her Ma and Pa on their large ranch. And none of them are interested in making money from the oil seep on a far reach of their property. Least of all Libby! In her opinion, those in the oil business are rough, ruthless, and unscrupulous varmints. So when her old childhood friend Luke Reeves comes back into her life and sparks explode between them, she’s mightily disappointed to discover he’s come looking for oil on their land. Libby’s past was embroiled with a couple of the most despicable men, one being a conniving, greedy oilman. How can Luke show her that he’s different and has her family’s interests at heart? And can he keep them all safe from the real scoundrels seeking to get rich on the Cooper’s oil?

With the customary finesse of author Mary Connealy’s pen, she had me flipping through the pages, devouring this delightfully spirited and romantic story with laugh out loud humor! Making this story extra special are revisits with characters from other books of Mary’s, providing some tempting bait to those who may not have read about them! A wonderful novella!!

*Don't miss Mary Connealy's fabulous 'Now and Forever' (Wild at Heart, Book #2) which was released June 2, 2015. Coming up Oct 26, 2015 is Book #3 of the Wild at Heart series, 'Fire and Ice'.
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The Pastor Takes a Wife by Ruth Logan Herne

Macy Evers is about to embark on a new life by becoming seamstress Hattie MacGillicuddy’s assistant in the aptly named town of Second Chance. Before she takes that first step through the shop door, Macy manages to knock the local pastor Will Barber down the couple of steps from the boardwalk and into the dusty street below! As the weeks pass, Macy manages to cause him to fall again… but this time it was his heart that tumbled for Macy. Although it is her long-held dream to be someone’s cherished wife, Macy’s secrets that accompanied her to Second Chance, results in her not only feeling completely undeserving and shameful, but also fiercely protective of those secrets. Can this woman who desperately needs a new beginning, find her second chance at life? Or will her massive deception crush all chances of happiness?

This engaging and uplifting story wrapped itself around my heart, touching me deeply with its powerful message of using God’s Word for guidance and the inspiring themes of forgiveness and trusting God. The ever so charming and likable personalities enriched the story all the more. And the tender love between the characters… made me realize afresh why I adore reading romances! Just perfect. Thank you Ruth!!

*Check out Ruth Logan Herne's fantastic 'Healing the Lawman's Heart', released on May 19, 2015.
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 *** I have read all four of these incredible stories and can highly recommend this collection! Here I’m just reviewing the first two novella’s in the book, and on Thursday, Bonnie Roof will review the following novella’s by Pam Hillman and Myra Johnson. ***

You can find this amazing book on Kindle for purchase at Amazon!

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GIVEAWAYS: We have FOUR Giveaways this week as each one of these four wonderful authors are giving away a copy of 'With This Spark'!! Leave a comment (and your e-mail if we don't know you) to enter!

129 comments:

  1. What a fun group of stories. Would love to win and review on my site. Thanks for the post and the giveaway!

    sydneyjames68[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Sydney, this really is a fun and thoroughly enjoyable group of stories!! All the best!

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    2. Sydney, I'm so glad you stopped by! We love doing these collection!!!!!

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  2. Such a beautiful cover for the books. I would love too read these
    oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com

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    1. Isn't it great, Danie?!! Lots of sparks there... And inside as well! ;) Hope you get a chance to read them too!!

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  3. I have only read Mary Connealy the rest are new for me.
    Thank you for the chance to win.(I'm international so not sure if I can enter, but it still looks like a great read).

    lientjiehuman(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)au

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    1. If you love Mary's books, Lientjiehuman, then you will definitely love these other authors as well!! All the best with your entry!!

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    2. Lientjihuman, that's the fun of Kindle books! We can deliver, LOL! Thanks so much for stopping in, and I love Mary's books too.... but she's my buddy so I also MAKE FUN OF HER. :) That's what friends are for!

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    3. Hi, Ruthy's right, the books are all terrific. Though it pains me to say she's right. She's a HANDFUL and we try to keep her humble in all possible ways!

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    4. You guys are a crack up!! :-) I'd love to know some of these all possible ways, lol!

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  4. Noela, thank you for a FANTASTIC review! This collection sounds wonderful! :)

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    1. Thank you dear Caryl!! Caryl, I so loved ALL these stories, they really were some of the best novella's!! :)

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    2. This crew always puts heart and soul into their reviews. I'm always over-the-moon happy when they like my stories because they're smart, well-read and talented women in their own right. That's huge! Caryl, so good to see you over here!

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    3. Thanks Ruth, what a beautiful thing to say! It is true too that when we love a book, we put our all into the review. We fully appreciate you authors and what you give in writing these stories for everyone's enjoyment, inspiration, and spiritual growth!

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  5. Awesome reviews, NOELA, and such a lovely post! WOW! Thank you. I just love the patriotic theme of these covers--flags and fireworks - beautiful!

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    1. Thanks Diana! I think some of the fireworks made their way into the book too! ;) I agree, gorgeous cover!!

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    2. Diana, we wanted it to just shine with "Americana" when folks saw the cover! I'm so glad you like it! Thank you!!!!

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  6. NOELA, I've only read Mary Connealy but the collection is right up my alley. Thanks for sharing your review!

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    1. Oh you so have to read this Anne, not only are they up your alley but they are brilliant stories too, all four of them! :) Hugs!

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    2. Anne, I love Mary Connealy's books too! She's amazing. The fun of these collections is that you can either win (YES!!!) or pay a low price ($2.99) for the four stories, and that gives folks a nice sample, just like at the grocers! :) A sample is a wonderful thing to try!

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  7. These books sound just like something I would love to read and I love the cover! Would love to win copies of the four books. Thank you for that opportunity!

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    1. Four amazing stories in one, an awesome opportunity Glenda. All the best!!

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    2. Glenda, I love that name!!!! Must put it into a book!!!! So glad you stopped by, thank you!

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  8. Tea, falling for a woman, new beginnings, second chances and hero Luke. Cool that someone wrote a book about me. ;-)
    Nice review.
    Luke

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    1. What more could anyone want eh Luke? :) You made a great hero too! ;) Thanks for stopping by!!

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    2. I have always told my brothers someone should write a romance story about me. Good to hear I made a great hero. Was it a toe-curler? It has to be. Haha. ;-)
      Luke

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    3. I'll never hear the end of my toe-curling line from him, Noela. Lol Rolling my eyes at "it has to be." Pffft!

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    4. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Toe curling Luke stopped by????? We are blessed!

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    5. Haha Diana! Everytime I see a couple kissing I wonder if there's toe-curling going on. Eye roll back at you. ;-)
      Luke

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    6. :Luke I have a book currently FREE on all ebook formats with a hero named LUKE. Luke Stone the hero of Swept Away by Mary Connealy. And guess who the heroine is named after and the character created for???????????????
      RUTHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    7. Thanks Mary. I'm going to check it out.
      Luke

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    8. LOL Ruth, yes I do believe 'toe-curling Luke' popped in after his namesake!! I think you've just got a new nickname Luke! ;)

      MARY, I never knew 'your' Ruthy was named after the one and only!!! Too cute!! :-)

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    9. I'm honored. :-)
      Luke

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  9. What an exciting collection. I'd love to win them and I just finished a Mary Connealy book "Swept Away" and have "Fired Up" on hold at the local library. She is one fantastic writer. Darlene

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    1. That she is, Darlene!! :) And wait til you read Ruth's story also... They are two amazing stories!!

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    2. Darlene, that "Ruthy" you just read about.... Well guess who that was based on, LOL! :) Mary and I have been friends for years and have tortured each other in books for as long as we've been published! But somehow one of my grandkids got named "Mary Ruth".... 'Sup with that???? I think the least her kids could do would be to return the favor and have a little Ruthy!!!! :) Glad you stopped by!

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    3. HAH!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here is Ruthy talking about my Ruthy in Swept Away. I knew that would make her happy.

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  10. Great review! This collection sounds wonderful. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
    Blessings,Tina

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    1. Thanks Tina, and thanks to these wonderful authors for providing the 4 books for giveaway!! All the best to you my friend! God Bless!

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    2. Tina, hello!!!! We're glad to give you a chance and totally blessed that Noella, Bonnie and Carrie invite us to drop by! I brought cookies... Delicious, homemade cookies. Because you guys deserve it!

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    3. Yum, I love virtual cookies! TY! Are they GF?

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    4. Carrie they are NOT gluten Free if that's what GF means, but they are a magical RUTHY cookie and they will harm NO ONE nor make you gain even a fraction of an ounce.

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    5. The cookies sound delicious!
      Blessings, Tina

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    6. I made some gluten free just for you, Carrie! But not all because gosh... that would be SILLY. :) I got your back!

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  11. Great review, Noela! I can't wait to read this collection by some great authors including our "You Take the Cake" honoree Ruth Logan Herne, who is also a 2015 front runner for Angels' Heart award. I ordered the plaque today from our artist, Beverly Mayes of TN. That award is decided in December. I can guess you'll nominate her, too, Noela!

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    1. Thanks Carrie, you will LOVE this collection!!! Yep, Ruthy has my nomination!! :-)

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    2. Stop this!!!! You know I'm rarely nice, and I cringe at awards, but I do love people and you folks are about the nicest crew around.... Having said that, I LOVED THE CAKE!!!!! laughing out loud, it was soooo good. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

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  12. I don't think I've read any of Myra's books, but I love Mary, Ruth, and Pam's writing. Would love to win this set!

    And in case you don't have my e-mail...ginger dot solomon at gmail dot com

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    1. Myra tells beautiful stories, Ginger. You need to give her a try. It's a charming story.

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    2. I think you'll love Myra's work, Ginger. She's a charmer and touches the heart of women. Beautiful stuff. And it's so stinkin' fun to see you over here!!!!! YAY!!!!

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  13. Wow! To say I am excited is an understatement! Thank you for this great giveaway!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Good luck in the drawing, Melanie. And remember this 4 novella collection costs $2.99 for all four books. We want people to sample them and find new authors to love!!!!!!!!!!!

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    2. Melanie, good to see you again!!!! Waving from upstate!!!!!!

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  14. I have only read Mary Connealy books but if she is with the others then they must be good. Please enter me in the giveaway.
    imabrassy1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi Connie, you're in for some fun. It's a great collection.

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  15. Sounds like a great collection! toss me in please :)
    dkstevensne AToutlook(Dot)CoM

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    1. Good luck, Deanna. I think you'll love it!!!!!!!!!!

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    2. Good morning, Deanna! We've got you in the cat dish.... (okay, Carrie is sophisticated enough to probably not use a grungy ol' cat dish, but you understand, don't you???) :)

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  16. Neola thanks so much for this great review. I appreciate you taking the time to write such a nice blog post about With This Spark!!!!

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    1. Thank you, you're very welcome, Mary!! And hey thanks so much for being a part of the celebration and taking the time to chat to everyone!! It's a terrific book.. in case I hadn't got that across! ;)

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  17. This sounds like another great novella collection. I really like how Mary brings in characters from her other books. It will be fun to read about another of those wild Reeves boys, all grown up!

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    1. It really was Pam!! It brought back a whole lot of memories for me and it was fun to see them all again! All the best!!

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    2. I have marveled at how Mary can entwine 17 different series, crossing 47 states and still have it all straight!

      GO MARY!!!!!!

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  18. Yes please enter me! These books sounds great!!!! I'd love to read and review them! I LOVE the authors I know and am interested in the ones I don't! ;)

    Many Blessings, Amada (pronounced; a.m.a.th.a)
    amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

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    1. You are SO entered, Amada! :-) I know you will LOVE this book and have fun getting to know and love the new authors to you, too!!

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    2. Amada, I love that name too! Jotting down you and Glenda because I love names that draw people/readers to envision the heroine. Beautiful, beautiful name!

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    3. YAY! Thank you Noela! I always love "meeting" new authors! :)

      Thank you SO much Ruth!!! It was my grandmother's name and it means "Loved" in Spanish! :) I've always loved the name Glenda also, but that may be because the Glenda I know is a sweet and amazing woman! :)

      Hugs, Amada

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  19. Thank you for the reviews! Definitely will have to read this! Did you have a favorite part of this collection?

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    1. To be completely honest, MammaG, I loved each and every story the same!! They all brought loads of fun to the table, along with a unique and totally captivating story! Bless you!

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    2. Noela gets the diplomacy award, LOL!!!! Honestly, we all know that people have favorite authors. Gosh, that's just normal. But we love doing collections so that we can introduce readers to new authors, new peeps! Risking $2.99 isn't a big deal.... but we all quake at the thought of $12.99 for an unknown. That's four gallons of milk! Five loaves of bread! Nothing wrong with being frugal!

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    3. HA Ruth!! :-) It's the truth though!! I won't say I don't have favorite authors lol, but y'all honestly did such an awesome job with these stories!! :-) I can't believe how cheaply these books are... They truly are a bargain!!

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  20. I would love to win a copy of this book, some of my favorite authors have contributed! Thank you for the opportunity.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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    1. Isn't it fantastic when such wonderful authors get together for a collection, Wendy?!! You know you're in for a treat then!! ;) Here's hoping for you!

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    2. Wemdy. good luck in the drawing. Fun to see you over here!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  21. These sound great. I like it when books are grouped together like this, thank you fir the giveaway.

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    1. It sure makes for some fun and varied reading, Karen, doesn't it?!! All the best with your entry in the giveaway!!

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    2. Karen, we like it too... This gives us a chance to explore indie publishing by putting together themes and thoughts in our own ways. When Tina Radcliffe and I first got published, we wanted to put out a novella two-for-one collection, but that didn't happen... and now indie publishing has offered us a fun forum to put these out. Love it!!! So we do contemporary collections and historical ones and we're having so much fun!!!

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  22. This looks like a great collection. And what great authors!
    susanmsj at msn dot com

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    1. I know, Susan!! All great authors, which makes for an awesome collection!! Hope you get to read it soon, Susan!

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    2. Aw, Susan, thank you!!!! Bless you!

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  23. 4 authors + 1 book= Someones in for some great reading!! (maybe me?) :-)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Maybe, Trixi, maybe!! And definitely some great reading! :-)

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    2. Trixi! Nice to see you over here!!!! Trixie Belden was one of my first favorite heroines!!!

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    3. TRixi I so admire that scary math talk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    4. Lol MARY... Ain't that the truth about maths!! ;) Sounds like Trixi knows her math well though!

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  24. Oh, this was so fun to read the reviews and the comments. You guys are SO awesome. Looking forward to visiting with y'all again later in the week!

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    1. Thanks heaps PAM!! I'm having lots of fun too! :-) We're so looking forward to having you visit on Thursday/Friday!!

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  26. WOW! This is an amazing giveaway of authors of great story telling.
    Thank you for the chance!
    wendyshoults(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. You're welcome Wendy, and I wish you all the best in winning this wonderful giveaway!! Blessings!

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    2. Wendy, I love the collie in your picture! Is that your art work? What wonderful talent!!!! God has gifted you, woman!

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    3. Two Wendy's commenting!!! I have a daughter named Wendy. It's like the universe is aligned!!

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  27. This looks like such an amazing collection.

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    1. It sure is Mary! They are all thoroughly enjoyable stories!! :-)

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    2. Mary Preston, waving to you, dear girl!!!!! Thanks for stoppin' by, here... Try one of my "Ruthy's Happy Cookies" they're delicious!

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    3. MARY!!! Hi! I am so glad the book I sent you arrived. That was TRICKY!!!!!!!!!!!! I love thinking my book fly so far around the world.

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  28. This will be a must read for me. Amazing authors sharing their gift of writing as their words flow across a page with grace.
    Jhdwayne(at)peoplepc(dot)com

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    1. Yep, definitely a must-read book Deana, that show-cases their gifted writing and story-telling,superbly! :-) All the best with your entry!!

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    2. Well, now I love, love, love Deana!!!!

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  29. 3 more author to add to my to read list. I have read most of Mary's books. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

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    1. Kim thank you so much. I appreciate readers like you. God bless you. Good luck in the drawing!

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    2. Kim, you got Mary to be NICE to someone!!!! GO YOU!!!!! :) Honestly, we'd be nowhere without readers. We love you like crazy!

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  30. Noela what a terrific bunch of followers you have here! Great friendly place to hang out online!

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    1. You're not wrong Mary! :-) They are all fantastic!! We love them all and have made some wonderful friends here at OWG! We're loving having you here too and would love to have again!

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  31. Hey Mary!!! The books look awesome and sounds awesome, I would love the chance to read them and I would be happy to leave a review on goodreads after I've read them!!! Thanks for the amazing giveaway and God Bless!!!

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    1. Hi Sarah! Me here for now, but thanks for coming by to read about this awesome collection by the equally awesome authors featured! :-) God bless!!

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    2. Sarah, happy summer! I'm so glad you had time to stop by! I know the blog has moved on to the other two authors (we love them to pieces, too!) but I'm so happy to see you here!

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  32. I would love a copy of With This Spark - at his sounds like great fun to read and enjoy!!

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    1. It sure is sweet Betti!! And I hope you get to read this thoroughly enjoyable collection soon!! :-)

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    2. Betti, I hope you get a chance to read it. We loved doing this collection and I'm so glad it's doing well... #1 on the Hot New historical releases! That makes us happy.... but moreover the comments from readers mean everything to us. We like/love happy readers!

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  33. Another great collection of authors! Would love a copy,

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    1. All the best Patty!! This great collection of authors makes for a wonderful collection of stories so I know you will LOVE them Patty! :-)

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    2. Patty, good to see you! We're tossing your name into the dish!

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  34. I love this collection of authors, I'm ready to enjoy the sparks flying!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. Merry!!! Such a sweet spelling on such a sweet name! Bless you and I'm glad you stopped by!

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  35. Another good job with the review Noela! Such good details of both stories! All this talent in one place.
    jennydtipton at gmail dot com

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    1. Jennifer, doesn't Noela do a great job???? I've loved getting to know these gals and I'm so sorry I didn't find them sooner! But they're stuck with me now. :)

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    2. Thanks so much Jennifer, and Ruth!! Ruthy, I'm so glad we're stuck with you, and it goes both ways!! :)

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  36. reading romances! I do enjoy it too!

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    1. Who doesn't hey Deanna? Oh well maybe most men lol, but we won't count them!! ;)

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  37. NOELA, like I told Bonnie in her reviews, you girls got me chomping at the bit to dive into this anthology, which I already know will be wonderful with authors like Mary, Ruthy, Pam, and Myra. I shouldn't read your reviews till I have time because you always hook me in, making me want to ditch whatever I'm reading to read the book you've reviewed. Well, at least I have something wonderful to look forward to after I finish my obligated reading!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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    1. Hey Julie!! Haha yes you do have some wonderful reading to look forward to with these fantastic novella's!! Thanks for coming by Julie. I can hardly bear the wait until your contemporary novel comes out. Will no doubt see you again here then! Blessings and hugs!

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  38. Beautiful reviews, Noela - thank you!!

    Aren't the 4 novellas in 'With This Spark' wonderful?? Something for most every reader - at such a reasonable price, how could any reader resist them?? And - such accomplished authors, to boot. Such a treat to have Ruthy, Mary, Pam, and Myra as guests - they've certainly added their own individual "sparks" to our celebration of "With This Spark"!! I've so enjoyed having them here and appreciate their time and generous giveaways.

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    1. Thanks Bonnie! Oh yes, these authors have sparkled heaps here on OWG. :) It's been a real pleasure for sure!!

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  39. I really enjoyed your wonderful review ! So many great authors in this collection ! Thank you
    mcnuttjem0(AT)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks so much Jackie, it was a fabulous collection to read and review! Bless you!

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  40. All these books sound wonderful! I would love to win the set! Thanks for giving us the chance!
    rw620 AT aol DOT com

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    1. You're welcome Robin and thanks to the generosity of these fabulous authors, OWG have 4 to give away this week! :-)

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