by admin | Jun 21, 2017 | Books, Florida, Historical, Louisiana, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Freedom’s Price” is the third book in Christine Johnson’s Keys of Promise series. Although there are some crossover characters, this book easily stands on its own. I would also recommend both of the other books in this series, “Love’s Rescue” and “Honor Redeemed”, not because they are necessary but because each is an enjoyable read.
I personally have enjoyed this series that has seemed to get better with each book. In my opinion “Freedom’s Price” was amazing with it’s steady plot that seemed to move from one dangerous situation to another as the mystery and suspense escalated. Strong characters whose faith saw them through trials and seemingly impossible circumstances were well crafted and natural. An equally convincing villain brought a compelling sense of evil to the story.
I liked how the relationship between Catherine and Tom developed slowly despite their opposing ambitions. I particularly admired Tom’s determination to protect Catherine even when her stubborn choices put her at risk. It goes without saying that romance was inevitable but was not the primary focus of the story.
I would be quite happy if “Freedom’s Price” is not the last book of this series as is the usual practice. I would enjoy reading more novels set in historic Louisiana and Florida.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sometimes the hardest step to take is the first step forward
When Englishwoman Catherine Haynes loses both her father and her home in 1856, she decides to cross the Atlantic to find her American mother’s family in Louisiana. She enlists the help of Tom Worthington, a dashing Key West man who makes his living salvaging wrecked ships.
When Catherine arrives at the plantation, she finds that her family has left it in the care of a manager–who’s let it fall into disrepair. Torn between returning to Key West with Tom and beginning the hard work of restoring the plantation, Catherine soon finds herself snared in a plot to steal her inheritance. When an incredible secret comes to light, both she and Tom will face a choice: grip their dreams ever tighter or step forward in faith–even if it costs them everything.
Read an excerpt from “Freedom’s Price” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
© E.A. Creative Photography 2013
Christine Johnson is the author of several books for Steeple Hill and Love Inspired and has been twice named a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® award. When not writing, she loves to hike and explore God’s majestic creation. These days, she and her husband, a Great Lakes ship pilot, split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys.
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by admin | Sep 22, 2015 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Florida, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy books by Shelley Shepard Gray. She has a unique way of making her characters come to life that makes them seem like old friends. “A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn” is a continuation of Gray’s Amish Brides of Pinecraft series that is set in Florida. The third book in the series, it can easily stand on its own although there is a thread that runs throughout the series that centers on the inn.
This particular volume contains, not one, not even two, but three romance stories and the reader might be surprised by which couple marries first. Although the story features Emma and Jay primarily, their children, the innkeeper, and her niece also play pivotal roles. An then there is Frankie, a pizza-loving beagle who gets into enough mischief to keep everyone laughing. Overall, “A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn” is a sweet and romantic novel that is good for a quiet evening’s entertainment.
I loved how the Amish of Pinecraft seem to be much more laid back than those who live elsewhere. I could easily visualize the bright colored dresses paired with flipflops and the casual outdoors lifestyle shared by the community. I recommend this book to all who enjoy Amish fiction and to those who might enjoy just a little change of pace.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A wedding brings together two young widowed parents . . . and gives them a second chance at love.
Emma Keim was heartbroken when her husband, Sanford, passed away, leaving her to raise three young daughters alone. Though several years have passed, her relatives have made it no secret that they expect Emma to remain a widow, mourning Sanford indefinitely. But when she meets Jay Hilty—a handsome widower with three young sons of his own—Emma is delighted to have a new friend who understands her struggles. Still, she is dismayed that her family is so opposed to their friendship—and the idea of it ever becoming anything more. She honors her husband’s memory every day, but is she destined to be alone forever?
Emma’s gentleness with Jay’s boys stirs something in his heart that’s been quiet for far too long. But when his oldest son becomes engaged to a local woman, suddenly Jay, Emma, and their children are swept up in wedding preparations. Witnessing his son’s joy, Jay wonders if it’s time for him to move forward, too, and find happiness again.
Once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
When widow Emma’s family opposes her new friendship with widower Jay, she begins to wonder if she’ll be alone forever. Don’t miss Shelley Shepard Gray’s third book, A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn, in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series! A wedding brings together two young widowed parents, and once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight?
Enter to win a copy of A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced October 1 on Shelley’s blog!
by admin | May 29, 2015 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Florida
MY REVIEW:
I have read two or three Amish books lately with a setting in Pinecraft, Florida. It has been both eye-opening and refreshing to read about Amish and Mennonite life there. I can just see the young people in their traditional attire walking around in flip-flops! Shelley Shepard Gray takes the freedom of the beach a step further by featuring a character who is somewhat of a Mennonite celebrity. I can honestly say that is not something I would have ever imagined.
Both Penny and Michael have experienced tragedy in their lives so when they become acquainted, they immediately sense a bond. Michael is especially attracted to Penny’s innocence and caring personality. At an age when most people their age are already married with children, Michael and Penny have not had a chance for courtship or love because of family expectations. They meet at a time when each of them has grown dissatisfied with their lives and are yearning for independence.
“The Proposal at Siesta Key” is a sweet love story that is not without a few hurdles. The characters are all quite likeable and natural. I liked the way Penny and Michael honored their parents while working to break the apron strings. Their quiet faith was an important part of their story but did not come across as preachy.
I highly recommend this novel as well as all of Gray’s books. Lovers of Amish fiction will certainly enjoy it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.
Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.
But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.
Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.
But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael’s time in Pinecraft will be over and he’ll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
