To Love a Beast (Once Upon a Time in Texas, #1)

To Love a Beast by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To Love a Beast is yet another enjoyable read from Karen Witemeyer. This story offered just the escape I needed with flawed, lovable characters encased in a clever, Christian retelling of Beauty and the Beast. No magic necessary--only love and a bit of gumption are needed to make a difference in someone else's life. I definitely recommend this novel as it teaches that our scars don't have to define us; instead, they can help us grow into better people. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received this book free from the publisher. My thoughts are my own.


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Cloaked in Beauty (Texas Ever After #3)

Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Karen Witemeyer has done it again! True Christian fiction at its finest. Cloaked in Beauty is another wonderful page-turner full of relatable characters immersed in an intriguing plot. Letty and Philip's story is enjoyable from start to finish, and Rusty is an added bonus. You'll be glad you picked this book.

I received this book free from the publisher. My thoughts are my own.

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"If the Boot Fits" Book Review

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! What a fantastic read! If the Boot Fits is Christian fiction at its best! Karen Witemeyer enthused such heart and authenticity into her characters you couldn't help but be moved by their experiences, and trust me, there are plenty. You do not want to miss this book! None of the stories in the Texas Ever After series connect so feel free to read this one now. You won't regret it!

(I received this book free from the publisher for review. My thoughts are my own.)

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A Four-in-One that reads as a full novel

The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch: Four Generations of Love, Loss, and Grace by Mary Connealy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great read! This four-in-one much like a full novel. I enjoyed each story. The first and last were the best. Thank you, ladies, for writing this collection together.

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Chasing the Horizon by Mary Connealy

Chasing the Horizon by Mary Connealy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great start to a new series. I can't wait for the next one.

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Romancing the Bride by Melissa Jagears

Romancing the Bride by Melissa Jagears
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An excellent Christian historical romance! So many simply tack on a bit of faith or Christian values to their stories nowadays, but Melissa Jagears wove multiple Godly lessons into this novel. I HIGHLY recommend this book.

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Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although the plot was easier to guess than most of Karen Witemeyer's stories (since it was a western retelling of Snow White), Fairest of Heart was still an enjoyable read. The Biblical message woven throughout the book was touching, and the seven drovers brought a smile. A couple of my favorite quotes were...

"Could it be that her trial was necessary to bring her to a place of blessing?"

"If bad comes, it comes. You can deal with it then. No sense borrowin' trouble when each day's got enough of its own."

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Snow White retelling.

I received is book free from the publisher. My thoughts are my own.

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A Great Read

In Honor's Defense by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love it when I get to read a story that I can dive head first into and disappear. Karen Witemeyer's In Honor's Defense is definitely one of those books. I enjoyed all the twists, turns, and touching characters. I'd definitely read this series again. Everyone of them is a keeper. Thanks, Karen!

I received this book free from the publisher. My thoughts are my own.

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The Heart's Charge

The Heart's Charge by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When a Karen Witemeyer book arrives at my door, it moves to the top of my to-be-read pile. The Heart's Charge did not disappoint. This page-turner will encourage, challenge, and give you hours of enjoyment. Two great loves stories are wrapped up in one compelling tale with characters that'll touch your heart and stay with you for years to come. I definitely recommend this book and look for ward to the final installment in the Hanger's Horsemen series. Thanks for the great read, Karen. Keep up the good work!

I received this novel free from the publisher. My thoughts are my own.

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At Love's Command -- Highly Recommended

Karen Witemeyer has another hit on her hands with the new Hanger's Horseman series. I loved every part of the story--- the characters, the plot, the biblical message woven into both. A very timely, very good read that I highly recommend for anyone with scars, those struggling to trust God and surrender to His lead, or for anyone who just wants a good escape into the exciting times of yesteryear. Thanks, Karen. Keep up the great work. We need this kind of story now more than ever.

I received this book free from the publisher. My thoughts are my own.

More than Words can Say

More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fantabulous read! I enjoyed every minute of it. Such well thought out, believable characters and a super engaging plot kept me turning pages until the very end. Can't wait for the next one!

I received this book free from the publisher. My thoughts are my own.

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Happy Mother's Day! #FREE

Happy Mother's Day to all the ladies! Here's my gift to y'all. 

HUSBAND HUNTING is FREE!!! 

for a limited time (5/10-5/14/19) on Amazon Kindle. 

Grab it and enjoy your day!

https://amzn.to/2YhdfyT

Can You Believe It?! #99cSALE

Celebrate with me!!! God got me a Bookbub ad, and now Love, Stock, and Barrel is 

A BEST SELLER!!!! 

God is so AWESOME!!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year #FREE

My gift to you! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

#FREE on Kindle for a limited time:
- Husband Hunting (http://amzn.to/2E1R8mA)
- Signed, Sealed, & Delighted (http://amzn.to/2BXvkey)

#99cent on Kindle for a limited time:
- Win, Love, or Draw (http://amzn.to/2zC0RN3)

$0.99 Sale! Catch 'em while you can!

Psst...In case you need something to read, I've got multiple kindle books up for grabs this week for only $0.99! Catch 'em while you can! 

Win, Love, or Draw: http://amzn.to/2ifcQvx
Love, Stock, and Barrel: http://amzn.to/2i5icJg
Husband Hunting: http://amzn.to/2i5ojx5
Journey to Love Collection: http://amzn.to/2iBFLun
Lone Star Love Collection: http://amzn.to/2i54mXg
My Secret Love Collection: http://amzn.to/2hrfEEF

Interview and #Giveaway!

Howdy y'all! Today I'm featured on Lena Nelson Dooley's blog. She's asking insightful questions, and we're offering a giveaway of a copy of my newest release. Drop by and leave a comment to be entered in the drawing.



A Christian Writer's World ~~ Characters who grip your heart: HUSBAND HUNTING - Crystal L Barnes - A Chance to W...: Welcome back, Crystal . What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? Oh, I’ve done a lot of different ones, whatever ...

Sweepstakes and Secret Love

Howdy y'all! Love reading inspirational historical romance? Then you'll definitely want to keep reading. I've got two great announcements for you.

• Here's a wonderful opportunity to win a slew of titles, plus a Kindle Fire! There are a host of great authors in this bunch, including Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer, Vickie McDonough​​, Lena Nelson Dooley, and...ehem... yours truly. :-) Follow the link to enter: http://bit.ly/historical-inspy





• I've also got a new novella (another short story I quadrupled in length) titled Husband Hunting
  
   that has just released in a new collection with the fabulous Janice Thompson, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Traci Hilton, and Janetta Fudge-Messmer. Snag your copy of My Secret Love today at: 

A Delightful Story!

After a Fashion by Jen Turano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a delightful story! Jen Turano's After a Fashion will keep you turning pages for hours on end. You won't want to put it down. When Harriet Peabody asks God for "something wonderful" for her birthday, she experiences one of the worst days of her life...or could it be the best in disguise?

I would definitely read this story again. :)

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Kicking Off the Summer Right

Howdy y'all! Just wanted to let y'all know that I'm hosting a giveaway on Amazon. Click the link below and follow the instruction to enter for a chance to win a kindle copy of Win, Love, or Draw (Marriage & Mayhem, Book 1):

https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/0e661e96abb2c3e8

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Every eligible entry has 1 in 40 chance to win, up to 2 winners. This giveaway started June 30,2016 1:48 PM PDT and ends the earlier of July 15,2016 11:59 PM PDT or when all prizes have been awarded.

Summer Reading List + Updates

Howdy y'all! I did a bit of catching up on my summer reading list this week. Read 'em each in one sitting. :)

No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great romance by Karen Witemeyer! No Other Will Do contains a well-woven mystery, a strong, caring female lead, a hunky hero called upon to defend a women's colony. It'll keep you turning pages until its sigh-worthy ending. Definitely a book to add to your must-read list.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. My review and thoughts are my own.


The Lady and the Mountain Call by Misty M. Beller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Lady and the Mountain Call is another great edition to Misty Beller's Mountain Dreams series. She kept you eagerly turning pages to the end with lots of twists and turns brought on by mountain struggles and an unpredictable dementia patient. A great read and a definite recommend.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.

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What are you reading?

Giveaway Updates...

There are only a few days left on these giveaways:

• My novella Signed, Sealed, & Delighted is featured on Lena Nelson Dooley's blog. The winner will be announced this Saturday, June 25th, so be sure to drop by and leave a comment before then to be entered in the drawing. The winner will have their choice of a stand-alone ebook or paperback of Signed, Sealed, & Delighted or an kindle copy of the five-book collection Lone Star Love. http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2016/06/signed-sealed-and-delighted-crystal-l.html

• Debbie Lynne Costello is hosting the whole Lone Star Love gang on her blog this week. The giveaway ends the 26th. Be sure to drop by and leave a comment for you chance to win a FREE copy of the 5-book collection. http://theswordandspirit.blogspot.com/2016/06/signed-sealed-and-delighted-by-crystal.html
• Another giveaway of Lone Star Love that ends on the 26th is on Stitches Thru Time. Visit the blog and comment on any post this week to enter. The more comments you make, the more entries you earn, so be sure to drop by and let us know you're there. :) http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Look-It!

I discovered this week that my Marriage & Mayhem series is now available on Barnes & Nobles! I nearly cried when I saw it. :) If you've read any one (or all) of the stories and care to share your review there, I'd be so grateful.  

Link to: Barnes & Noble - Crystal L Barnes

Upcoming Giveaway...

Tomorrow I'll be on Preslaysa Williams's blog talking about my summer reading list and offering a giveaway of any one of my books to one special commenter. Hope you can visit. http://www.preslaysa.com/blog/