She is a beautiful young Jewess, content in her life of anonymity.

He is the most powerful king in the world.

When chance brings the two together, the course of history is forever altered.

The glittering court of the Persian Empire serves as the backdrop for one of the most poignant tales of courage in the Bible, brought vividly to life in the pages of bestselling author H.B. Moore’s sweeping saga. And it begins on a dusty road in the Jewish Quarter . . .

An unexpected meeting between Esther and King Xerxes results in an immediate and unmistakable connection. When Esther is summoned to enter the king’s harem—the first step toward becoming his wife—Esther is torn between her desire to be with Xerxes and the knowledge that they will forever be divided by the secret of her Jewish heritage. Encouraged by her family to do what she must to help her people, she deftly navigates her new position in the palace, quickly becoming beloved by all—including Xerxes.

But when a treacherous plan threatens to engulf the kingdom in violence, Esther must choose between love and duty. Is she prepared to sacrifice all that she holds dear in order to save her people from certain annihilation?

My Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author did a beautiful job of weaving an inspiring Biblical story with a fabulous romance. I loved the way she portrayed Esther and King Xerxes and I loved learning more about this time period and people through a quick-paced and exciting story. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you enjoy historical fiction.

H.B. Moore's Website
Buy Esther the Queen

My mom's dearest friend, Marie Evans, passed away on Friday. We attended the funeral yesterday where my mom and all of Marie's children spoke. It was amazing. You always expect to attend a funeral for a loved one and be devastated, but this was just a complete spiritual lift. Marie was an angelic lady, she loved everyone and made us all feel like we were her best friend. While everyone is heartbroken to not be able to see Marie, be spoiled by her, and hear her lovely English accent, the theme for the funeral became - if you loved Marie, go out and love like she did. So inspiring to stop and evaluate if I'm being as loving, kind, and charitable as I can be so that someday I can see my friend Marie again, have her place her hand on my arm and say, "Oh, Cami..." I loved how she always prefaced every conversation with that!
I love you, Marie.

 

The Enemy

A red-hot political thriller from a blue state author. Buried among the thousands of financial transactions he reviews each day, analyst Randy Duncan finds a secret web of laundered money financing the assassination of the President, which, in turn, will lead the country into war. Can Randy and his law-student daughter Clare follow the money and stop the enemy in time? In a political thriller worthy of Dan Brown, Richard Condon, and Allen Drury, award-winning novelist Larry Bograd charts a political thriller sure to keep you reading and leave you sleepless wondering and worried about who really controls America.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Goodreads

      Author Larry Bograd Larry Bograd has published more than two dozen books, primary for children and young adults--and now his first eBook original, "The Enemy." He is also a playwright, screenwriter, and filmmaker. He is president of Roundtable Media Group, which produces documentary films, Web shows, and events.  

Book Blast Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/31/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participat author/publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Prize value $100 US.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

For Mother's Day, Ellie Campbell is offering Looking for La La free on Amazon. 


In a recent survey 65% of mothers admitted feeling undervalued, over-criticised and constantly tired.

Cathy is no exception. Her dull, uneventful days as a stay at home, mother of two, are radically transformed however with the arrival of a heavily lipsticked postcard addressed to husband, Declan. Who is the mysterious La La? Could Declan really be having an affair? And is Cathy actually being stalked?

Whatever – it will definitely prove riveting gossip for the Tuesday Twice Monthlies, Cathy’s 'Mothers Restaurant Research’ group where scandal flows as recklessly as the wine. But what starts as a light-hearted investigation with best friend Raz, soon turns into something much more sinister.

With a possible murderer on the scene, a sexy admirer igniting long-forgotten sparks, and all her friends hiding secrets, it’s not only Cathy’s marriage that’s in jeopardy. Add in the scheming antics of Declan’s new assistant, the stress of organizing the school Save The Toilet’s dance and the stage is set for a dangerous showdown and some very unsettling, possibly deadly, revelations.’

Praise for previous Ellie Campbell novels:

When Good Friends Go Bad
‘Quirky and intriguing and kept me interested throughout… all the key ingredients for a gripping read: love and lust are angling for room with an unsolved mystery, lots of juicy secrets (old and new) and a nice bit of suspense and surprise towards the end.’ The Bookbag
‘An engaging story about the bonds of friendship stretching over 12 years, by the sister duo who gave us How to Survive Your Sisters.’ BOOKSELLER
‘When Good Friends Go Bad really was a fabulous novel and I wholly recommend you read it.’ Chicklit Reviews and News
Nominated as a “Top Ten Beach Read” Red Magazine

How to Survive your Sisters
‘Makes sibling rivalry funny.’ Cosmopolitan
‘A rollicking read,’ Carol Smith, author of ‘Twilight Hour’ and ‘In the Dead of the Night’.
‘A cracking book with the entangled plot developing at great speed, one of the best in this area.’ BOOKSELLER
‘Ellie Campbell's infectious sense of fun is immensely cheering. Her stories are a gorgeous blend of memorable characters, plot-twisting treats and heart-warming nostalgia. I hope the Ellie Campbell phenomenon is here to stay.’ Fiona Walker, author of Four Play and The Love Letter.

Anastasia Loveay won Poison Me through the Spring Fling Giveaway Hop and Shelley S. won Honey Do You Need a Ride, Confessions of a Fat Runner.
Thanks so much to all who entered!

 
Journey of Promise When converts Richard and Leah Kenyon leave Wales and heed the call to Zion, they are unprepared for the toll exacted by the journey. To face the incredible odds mounted against them they call upon the Lord's tender mercies to see them through and strengthen their love for one another. Their story will remind you where to turn during your trials. Amazon * Barnes & Noble  
All That Was Promised In 1847 Wales Methodist Minister Richard Kenyon converts to Mormonism. Richard’s newfound faith is put to the test when he faces the anger of his former congregation, his wife’s indecisiveness, his brother’s betrayal, and the murderous intentions of misinformed villagers.   Amazon * Barnes & Noble    
Author Vickie Hall Vickie is a native of Utah, but growing up, lived in the states of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Nebraska. When she's not writing, she's composing music, or shopping with her sister. She loves animals of all kinds and camping with her family. Her favorite pastime is watching old movies on TCM, and unashamedly has a crush on Cary Grant.
Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/26/13  a Rafflecopter giveaway  

I lowered the price on The Broken Path to only $.99 on Saturday night. I wanted to see if it would bring the book back up on Amazon ratings (it was #1 for Christian Romance throughout January).

I'm happy to report that Monday The Broken Path was at #169 overall and #1 for Christian Romance. That was pretty exciting. It's dropping on the rankings now so I'll probably change the price back tonight. If any of you don't have The Broken Path and want it click here to get the $.99 deal.

I'm still trying to figure out what the ideal price is for an ebook. $.99 sells really well, but I might as well be giving the books away (not really, but close). It seems like $2.99 does well also, but I see ebooks selling for $10.99 and up.

What are you willing to pay for an ebook? Does it seem crazy to you that some of them are almost as expensive as the print version?