Thursday, February 28, 2019

Blog Blitz: A Most Inconvenient Love by Ruth Logan Herne

a most inconvenient love blitz

Welcome to the Blog Blitz and Giveaway for A Most Inconvenient Love by Ruth Logan Herne, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK

A Most Inconvenient Love - Front Cover Title: A Most Inconvenient Love  
Series: Prairie Brides #1  
Author: Ruth Logan Herne  
Genre: Historical/Western Romance  
Release Date: February 26, 2019

Sober businessman Seb Ward may have come from a wealthy lumber-baron family in Minnesota, but he knows that appearances can be deceiving, and that his illustrious family is pretty dysfunctional. Being in another state has provided the buffer he sought from his father’s misdeeds, but when a little boy shows up on a train… a little boy who looks enough like Seb to be his own child… Seb’s faced with a dilemma. Raise the boy as his own, or let his mother suffer the embarrassment of “a brother by another mother.” And when the boy takes a shine to the Rachel Eichas, the newly contracted school teacher, Seb can’t help but do the same.

But Rachel was raised by an unloving, business-first father and there’s no way she’s looking for those same qualities in a husband. Can she see through Seb’s focus and drive to find the loving man within?  


EXCERPT:


The shouts of children drew his attention as school let out.
He walked that way. He wanted to see Eli.
You mean Rachel, his conscience scolded.
Both, he decided. And when he spotted her closing up the school, he increased his speed.
He’d missed her. He’d missed the boy. He’d never much missed anything before, not since Artie died, but these last few days had been filled with sharp longing.
She saw him coming and paused, on the top step. The autumn wind puffed her gown and wisped her hair into tiny, feathered ringlets around her cheeks, and the urge to tame that hair and kiss those cheeks and then her mouth...
Her sweet, beautiful mouth...
Swept over him. 


PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ruth2blogan2bherne
Best-selling, multi-published, award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne is the author of nearly fifty novels and novellas through traditional publishers and her own independent works. She loves God, her family, country, coffee, chocolate and dogs, and wishes possums would leave the cat food on the side porch alone. And yet… they don’t. With over a million books in print, Ruthy is living her dream of touching hearts and souls by writing the kind of books she likes to read.

She lives on a pumpkin farm in Western New York where they grow all kinds of cool things for fall from sumptuous squashes and veggies to gorgeous stacking pumpkins. Ruthy’s farm is quickly becoming the place to be every September and October!  

CONNECT WITH RUTHY: website | Facebook | Twitter

a most inconvenient love giveaway

 TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win
  • (1) copy of A Most Inconvenient Love
plus choice of
  • a treasure box of FUN (or)
  • $25 Amazon gift card
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight February 28, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm March 7, 2019. Open internationally except where prohibited by law. Shipping is for US residents only though; international winner will receive digital copy of the book + egift card. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.



Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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Monday, February 25, 2019

Book Review & Giveaway: A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Desperate Hope
(Empire State #3)
By Elizabeth Camden
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages
February 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Eloise Drake's prim demeanor hides the turbulent past she believes is finally behind her. A mathematical genius, she's now a successful accountant for the largest engineering project in 1908 New York. But to her dismay, her new position puts her back in the path of the man responsible for her deepest heartbreak.

Alex Duval is the mayor of a town about to be wiped off the map. The state plans to flood the entire valley where his town sits in order to build a new reservoir, and Alex is stunned to discover the woman he once loved on the team charged with the demolition. With his world crumbling around him, Alex devises a risky plan to save his town--but he needs Eloise's help to succeed.

Alex is determined to win back the woman he thought he'd lost forever, but even their combined ingenuity may not be enough to overcome the odds against them.



Other Books in the Series:




My Thoughts:

A Desperate Hope is the third installment in Elizabeth Camden's Empire State series, but can be read as a stand-alone story. I savored this well-written novel and its combination of romance, adventure, enterprise, and mystery.

Of all the novel's good qualities, I think I enjoyed the characters the most. Eloise and Alex were so different. Their personalities juxtaposed each other, yet they balanced and complemented each other without one being inferior to the other. Their snappy conversation and delightful flirtation both amused me and deepened my interest in the novel.

As the story progressed, the characters developed as their weak areas grew stronger. Likewise, the relationship between Alex and Eloise deepened past flirtation to mature into a true partnership of mind and heart. The story's secondary characters were also well-crafted. I especially liked the author's treatment of Bruce Garrett and the fact that I didn't know the mysterious culprit until the big reveal near the end.

For me, the characters, their development, and the conflicted relationships shined brightest in this novel. I recommend A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden to readers looking for an engaging historical fiction story of faith, relationships, and community.



About the Author


Elizabeth Camden is the author of twelve historical novels and two historical novellas and has been honored with both the RITA Award and the Christy Award. With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. She lives with her husband in Florida.



Tour Schedule:


Bookstagram Tour:


Check out the Bookstagram Tour:
February 17th (launch): @prismbooktours
February 18th: @heidireadsblog
February 19th: @suziewaltner
February 20th: @girlandherbooks
February 21st: @singinglibrarianbooks
February 22nd: @betherin02
February 23rd: @all.the.lovely.pages
February 24th: @christenkrumm

Tour Giveaway:



One Grand Prize winner will receive print copies of all three books in the Empire State series: A Dangerous Legacy, A Daring Venture, and A Desperate Hope
Two additional winners will receive a print copy of A Desperate Hope
- US only
- Ends March 1, 2019

Grab Our Button!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Book Spotlight: Valentine Gold by Danielle Thorne






Valentine Gold by Danielle Thorne

When Natalie Boyd inherits an old cabin in the north Georgia mountains, she thinks it could be the answer to all of her problems. She’s ready to start over after a heart-breaking divorce, and the cabin on the banks of a river once mined for gold is the perfect hideaway for her new, reclusive life.

No sooner does she settle in, and Natalie realizes that living in the shadow of Good Hope Mountain isn’t what she expected. Her new neighbor, Jonathan Wilby, has plans for his property as soon as winter’s over, and that means noise, traffic, and people. To make things worse, he’s drop-dead gorgeous and could charm the skin off a snake.

 Natalie braces herself to do battle over the land and to resist Wilby’s charms, but her healing heart, an incredible discovery, and unexpected friendships along the way bring a gold mine of change she never expected – and just in time for Valentine’s Day.





 




This story reels you in from the beginning. Natalie and Jonathan's story is relatable. The story was sweet and I couldn't put it down! I highly recommend this book!

I liked how the author went beyond a mere romance. A sweet romance that uplifts and helps you remember the nuances to falling in love. ❤


 



 






   

Author Danielle Thorne

Danielle Thorne is the author of classic romance and adventures in several genres. She loves Jane Austen, pirates, beaches, cookies, antiques, cats, dogs, and long naps. She does not like phone calls or sushi. A graduate of BYU-Idaho, Danielle saw early work published by Every Day Fiction, Arts and Prose Magazine, Mississippi Crow, The Nantahala Review, StorySouth, and… you get the idea. Besides writing, Danielle has edited for both Solstice and Desert Breeze Publishing. Her growing blog, The Balanced Writer, focuses on writing, life, and the pursuit of peace and happiness. Currently, Danielle freelances as a non-fiction author while waiting to hear from readers like you through her website. During free time, which means when Netflix is down, she combs through feedback and offers virtual hugs for reviews. Her next historical romance is coming soon.







 


 



Giveaway Details: $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway.  Ends 3/12/19.  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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Friday, February 22, 2019

Book Review & Giveaway -- Grit & Grace: Devotions for Warrior Moms

About the Book:


Hang in There, Mama!
For those moments when you think you’ll never live up to the Supermoms around you—when you’re elbow deep in the grind of diapers and laundry and peanut butter sandwiches—you need a good dose of Grit and Grace.
This refreshing collection of 90 daily devotions comes from two moms who’ve found themselves face-to-the-floor in need of encouragement and now offer it to you. Through humor and vulnerability, these short messages of truth remove the filters of perfection clouding your vision and bring clarity to your purpose as a mom. As you read the Scripture and prayer that accompany each day’s message, you’ll discover more fully who you are in Christ and how to raise your children to reflect His love to the world.
In giving yourself grace, you will find you have even more grace to give from the One who is present in your life right now and in every moment.


My Review:


I wish I'd had Grit & Grace when I first became a mother nearly seven years ago. I needed loving, affirming, wise voices of women who'd gone before. That's what Suzanne and Gretta do in this book. Their stories are relatable and inspiring. They often cite Scripture and there is a prayer at the end of each devotion.

It takes me less than five minutes to read a devotion (good for busy moms) and I often read more than one a day. There's a large range of topics and, for the most part, they can be read in any order. I did not notice anything that contradicts the Bible. I do feel the book is best suited for mothers with babies and young children. Not that a mother of a older child wouldn't glean wisdom from the devotions, but I feel like most of the devotions deal with the issues that arise with younger children.

I'll share one of my favorite statements that has altered my perspective: “The reality that your time with your little ones is limited shouldn't depress you, Mama. It should empower you. It should empower you to sit longer snuggled on the couch, reading 'just one more' book. It should empower you to set aside your to-do list to watch your tutu-clad princess perform her original production for you. (Page 12)”  That's just a snippet of one devotional that really hit home for me, but I've underlined statements in nearly each devotion. I can see myself reusing this book over and over again.



About the authors:

Suzanne Hadley Gosselin is a regular writer and editor for Focus on the Family and David C Cook and previously served as an editor for Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. Gosselin has written books for Zondervan, Harvest House and Tyndale and is the author of Expectant Parents: Preparing Together for the Journey of Parenthood.

Gosselin lives in Bakersfield, CA with her husband, Kevin, and four children. The family enjoys escaping to the ocean.



Gretta Kennedy is a speaker, mentor and writer with a degree in women’s ministry from Multnomah University and over 20 years of ministry experience. She passionately supports her husband, Jay, and his full-time camp ministry. They are raising their three children on Vancouver Island and report their adventures on the travel blog Traveling Islanders.  

Grit & Grace is her first book.



Fellow Grit & Grace Warrior Moms can connect on Facebook (gritandgracemoms), Twitter (@Gritandgracemom) and Instagram (@gritandgracemoms).


Giveaway:


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."


First Line Fridays: The White City by Grace Hitchcock

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today I'm sharing the first lines from The White City by Grace Hitchcock:

"Winnifred Wylde concentrated on his forehead, nodding, trying to respond appropriately, but it was so difficult with his nose hair escaping and retreating into his left nostril with every breath."

This novel is a case of cover-love for me. I saw the cover and wanted the book before I even read the description. Looking forward to reading and reviewing it soon!

What are you reading this weekend? Go ahead and share the first line!

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!


About the Book:

Mysterious Disappearances Taint the Chicago World’s Fair.

Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime.

While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.

Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?


First Line Fridays hosted by Hoarding Books

Saturday, February 16, 2019

Book Review: The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson


About the Book:

She knows women are expected to marry, cook, and have children, not go to war. Can she manage to stay alive, save her mother, and keep the handsome son of a duke from discovering her secret?

When Mulan takes her father’s place in battle against the besieging Teutonic Knights, she realizes she has been preparing for this journey her whole life—and that her life, and her mother’s, depends on her success. As the adopted daughter of poor parents, Mulan has little power in the world. If she can’t prove herself on the battlefield, she could face death—or, perhaps worse, marriage to the village butcher.

Disguised as a young man, Mulan meets the German duke’s son, Wolfgang, who is determined to save his people even if it means fighting against his own brother. Wolfgang is exasperated by the new soldier who seems to be one step away from disaster at all times—or showing him up in embarrassing ways.

From rivals to reluctant friends, Mulan and Wolfgang begin to share secrets. But war is an uncertain time and dreams can die as quickly as they are born. When Mulan receives word of danger back home, she must make the ultimate choice. Can she be the son her bitter father never had? Or will she become the strong young woman she was created to be?

This fresh reimagining of the classic tale takes us to fifteenth-century Lithuania where both love and war challenge the strongest of hearts.


My Thoughts:

First off, I loved the fitting title and gorgeous cover of the book.

I also loved the well-paced story line that held my attention from beginning to end. I liked that The Warrior Maiden was loosely based on the Mulan movie, but didn't strictly adhere to the movie's plot. The author gave fresh resolutions to scenarios from the movie. There was a different setting and reason for war. These variations allowed the story to give a nod to the original while retaining its own uniqueness.

I also liked that the author subtly addressed gender equality through the character of Mulan and her experiences. Though sometimes moody, Mulan's determination and resilience made her a strong female leader. Her ability to deal with difficult situations inspired others to have confidence in her. She demonstrated solid confidence and faith in God numerous times.

Unfortunately, I felt like this book was not as well-written as some of Melanie Dickerson's other books. Especially in the beginning, some conversations felt choppy and stilted. My husband and I agreed that certain things the characters did were unrealistic. (Not naming them because I don't want to include spoilers.) Plus, I strongly disliked Mulan's pet name for Wolfgang.

Bottom line: I loved the story enough to overlook the sometimes mediocre prose and give it a permanent home on my bookshelf.

Lastly, The Warrior Maiden is part of Melanie Dickerson's YA Fairy Tale Romance series. I have read some, but not all of them and this functioned fine as a stand-alone.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."

Friday, February 15, 2019

First Line Fridays: A Flight of Arrows

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby
book.

Today I'm sharing the first lines from A Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton:

"Satahuhsiyost -- Listen! Open your ears to a story I will tell you."

Last weekend I started its predecessor, The Wood's Edge, and as I write this, I am currently invested in the characters of that story. They have captured my imagination and I'm thankful for the kind of my book club leader in lending both of these novels to me.

What are you reading this weekend? Share your first line in the comments below.

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!


About the Book:

Twenty years past, in 1757, a young Redcoat, Reginald Aubrey stole a newborn boy—the lighter-skinned of Oneida twins— during the devastating fall of Fort William Henry and raised him as his own. 
 
No one connected to Reginald escaped unscathed from this crime. Not his adopted daughter Anna. Not Stone Thrower, the Native American father determined to get his son back. Not Two Hawks, William’s twin brother separated since birth, living in the shadow of his absence and hoping to build a future with Anna. Nor Lydia, who longs for Reginald to be free from his self-imposed emotional prison and embrace God’s forgiveness— and her love. 
 
Now William, whose identity has been shattered after discovering the truth of his birth, hides in the ranks of an increasingly aggressive British army. The Redcoats prepare to attack frontier New York and the Continentals, aided by Oneida warriors including Two Hawks, rally to defend it. As the Revolutionary War penetrates the Mohawk Valley, two families separated by culture, united by love and faith, must find a way to reclaim the son marching toward them in the ranks of their enemies. 

Book 2 in The Pathfinders Series.



First Line Fridays hosted by Hoarding Books

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Book Blast: The Billionaire Looks Back by Christie Logan

The Billionaire Looks Back by Christie Logan:

A famous athlete turned billionaire. The woman he loved and left behind. When they meet again, will sparks re-ignite? Or will a long-kept secret tear them apart forever?

Billionaire football star Shawn Canaday may seem like every woman’s dream, but his reappearance in Applewood, New York makes him Marg Hahn’s worst nightmare. She fell for him once, before fame and ambition became more important to him than love, and she has the evidence to prove it—Lauren, their twenty-four-year-old daughter. Marg soldiered on as a single mother, raising her child on her own while keeping Shawn in the dark. She didn’t want to hold him back from all he hoped to achieve. Now guilt and a promise to an old friend bring him back to town, where he and Marg reconnect. When they find themselves stranded together, they discover their love never died. But he still doesn’t know about Lauren. When he learns the truth, will they at last be a family? Or will he turn his back on Marg for good?




Excerpt:

She and Shawn had met the summer between his prep school graduation and his first year of college. He'd already secured his college scholarship and was spending time at home with his parents. Marg had a summer job serving cones, sundaes and milkshakes at the local ice cream stand. "What are you talking about?" He asked. "I noticed you right away. There you were, all business behind the window, asking to take my order and I blanked. Stood there like a fool, completely forgetting what I wanted."

"You ordered a large chocolate cone," Marg answered.

"You remember that? All I remember was how cute you were in your little Dairy Maid outfit, and how much I wanted to get you to go out with me."

"Oh, that outfit." She shuddered. "So ugly. I hated it."

"Nah. You rocked that thing. And I hung around till closing, hoping to talk to you."

"When you found out I was walking home, you offered to drive me. And I let you. My mom would have killed me if she knew I accepted a ride from a strange boy." She smiled. "You weren't exactly a stranger, though."

"No?"

"No. I knew who you were. You were pretty famous around town. Local hero. Kid from humble means with the whole world in the palm of his hand…" Marg's voice trailed off. Where had she heard those words before? Then she remembered. Shawn's own father had spoken them back in the day.
"Right now Shawn has the whole world in the palm of his hand. How are you going to live with yourself if you take that away from him?"

Shawn didn't seem to notice she'd drifted off into her thoughts. "I'm glad you took the chance with me. It was a great summer."

Marg stiffened. A great summer. That's all it was, for him. A little fling to enjoy, fun while it lasted, easy to forget. She was the only one who had to deal with the consequences.

A chill crept through her. The closeness and camaraderie she'd felt just moments ago drained away, leaving her empty.
He must have picked up on her change of mood. "I'm sorry," he said. "That was a clumsy way to phrase it."

"Forget it," she answered, turning her face away. She stood and descended the stairs. "Have you finished your tea? I'll take the cups back to the kitchen."

"Sure." His voice was tentative, but she refused to look at him. It wasn't her job to manage his emotions. "I, uh, I wanted to take a look around the basement. I'll do that now."

As she rinsed out the cups in the sink, Marg second-guessed herself. Yes, the romance had left her with consequences: Lauren. It had been tough trying to juggle an education, job, and childcare, but she'd managed. And she had a beautiful daughter to love. In the end, Marg knew she was the lucky one.


Praise for The Billionaire Looks Back:

Clean, heartwarming and heartbreaking, this was a mesmerizing read.

This story had me turning pages, a well-written story that held my interest throughout.

This book has all the classics of a great lost love coming back to find their happy ending.

What a sweet story about second chances.




Author Christie Logan:

Christie Logan writes sweet romance straight from the heart. She lives in upstate New York with too many pets, too many dust bunnies lurking under the bed, and too many plot bunnies bouncing around in her head. She thinks everyone deserves a happy ending and in her books, everyone gets one.

Giveaway Details: 

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/5/19 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, February 9, 2019

Book Review: When I Pray For You by Matthew Paul Turner

About the Book:

From the moment I saw you,
I started to pray.
Big prayers and small ones 
I have sent God's way.

I prayed you felt safe,

full of joy and content.
When I whispered "I love you,"
you knew what I meant.


From the author and illustrator of the best-selling When God Made You comes a new illuminating message about God's design affirming young readers.

With lyricism, whimsy, and heartfelt emotion, Matthew Paul Turner reveals the tender emotions connected with watching a beloved child grow up and experience the world. Paired with Kimberley Barnes's vivid and playful illustrations, When I Pray for You is a beautifully affirming book, in which children and parents will see their own stories come to life. 


When I Pray for You celebrates the dreams, hopes, and longings parents pray over their children, and shares with the little ones how much care and concern a loved one feels for them. 
This is a book you will read to your child again and again. Perfect for any occasion, as well as for milestones including baby showers, birthdays, and graduations. 



My Girls' Reactions:

My girls are always excited to get a new book and as soon as they saw the cover of When I Pray for You, they asked me to read it. Our first read through took awhile as they loved the illustrations and wanted to point out all kinds of interesting things. My three year old especially liked the puppy and the page where the girl jumps out of bed. I'm not sure how much of the story they absorbed at first as they were completely captivated by the illustrations. However, now that I've read it to them a few times, I think they are enjoying both the illustrations and the narrative.


My Thoughts:

I enthusiastically recommend When I Pray for You, written by Matthew Paul Turner and illustrated by Kimberley Barnes, to anyone with a child in their life. The poignant prose had me tearing up the first time I read it to the girls. The book is well-written and perfectly captures so many of the moments and stages children pass through as they grow up.

My favorite sentence (coming from a mom-perspective) is: “'Cause when I pray for you, / God knows this is true, / every word I whisper / is a prayer for me too.” Isn't that so true? To be the mommy God wants me to be, I need prayer just as much as my girls do.

While When I Pray for You affirms to children how much we love and pray over them, it also challenged me to pray more in those little moments of the day, not just during bedtime prayers with the girls or my personal prayer time.

Lastly, the illustrations in When I Pray for You are absolutely beautiful – bright and whimsical. I especially like the little girl's wild, curly hair as I've got one with hair just like that.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."