by admin | Apr 2, 2014 | Anthology, Books
MY REVIEW:
I would say that Revell is off to a good start with their very first novella collection. I have previously enjoyed full length novels by all of the included authors and was not disappointed by their shorter length contributions to the “Sincerely Yours” collection. These collections of novellas are wonderful for readers who are looking for a good read but do not have time to spare for the longer format.
Each novella in the “Sincerely Yours” collection is built around a life-changing letter. Each one is unique to its story and affect the outcome in different ways. The novellas have a little bit of everything including adventure, suspense, conflict, drama, deception, humor, and of course romance. Each novella has a different historical setting and the heroes and heroines come from different walks of life. Although the plots are diverse, each one contains a faith-filled message and the primary characters learn to trust the Lord with their circumstances.
“Sincerely Yours” is a winner and hopefully Revell will publish similar collections in the future.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Four unexpected letters. Four intrepid women. Four lives changed forever.
Spanning a century and a continent, these romantic novellas will lead you on a journey through the landscape of love. Four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver’s workshop to a remote hospital, you’ll be swept into the lives of women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.
Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes
Camilla Renfrew is a highborn English lady fleeing false accusations when she runs smack into love on a steamboat bound for the new Erie Canal. But can this unexpected attraction survive the treacherous journey?
Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey
Marigold Montgomery Bentley writes marriage advice for Kipler’s Home Weekly even though she is single. Everyone assumes from the initials that “M. M.” is a man. When the editor asks to meet Mr. Bentley, can Merrie come up with a ruse to keep her writing job?
One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Lorraine Caldwell will lose her family fortune to a reckless cousin if she doesn’t marry quickly. When she learns her long-lost brother is alive, she hopes she’s found the answer to her problems. What she finds instead is a mysterious carousel carver who turns her life upside down.
A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
Grace Hathaway must rescue a dear friend from a remote and notorious clinic that promises healing but delivers only heartache. In a place laced with deceit, where lives hang in the balance, whom can she trust to help her?
CLICK HERE to read excerpts from each of the novellas included in Sincerely Yours.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Jane Kirkpatrick
Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling author of more than twenty-five books, including A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the coveted Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center. Her works have been finalists for the Christy Award, Spur Award, Oregon Book Award, and Reader’s Choice awards, and have won the WILLA Literary Award and Carol Award for Historical Fiction. Many of her titles have been Book of the Month and Literary Guild selections. You can also read her work in more than fifty publications, including Decision, Private Pilot, and Daily Guideposts. Jane lives in Central Oregon with her husband, Jerry. Learn more at www.jkbooks.com. |
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| Amanda Cabot Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, Christmas Roses, Summer of Promise, and Waiting for Spring. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers Best. She lives in Wyoming. Find out more at www.amandacabot.com. |
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| Laurie Alice EakesLaurie Alice Eakes is the author of Lady in the Mist, Heart’s Safe Passage, A Necessary Deception, A Flight of Fancy, and several other novels. She won a National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency in 2007 for Family Guardian. Laurie Alice writes full-time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband and sundry dogs and cats. |
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| Ann ShoreyAnn Shorey is the author of the At Home in Beldon Grove series, Where Wildflowers Bloom, and When the Heart Heals. She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma’s Soul. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon. Learn more at www.annshorey.com. |
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CLICK HERE to visit Jane Kirkpatrick’s blog and find out how to enter to win a copy of Sincerely Yours.
by admin | Jul 21, 2013 | Anthology, Books, Historical, Mail Order Brides, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The subject of mail order brides has always been an interesting one to me. It is difficult for me to fathom traveling across the country to marry a man one has never met. What circumstances would induce a young woman to do such a thing? “A Bride For All Seasons” tackles that question a total of four times. What a treat it was to read each story, all of which were penned by familiar and favorite authors.
Normally, I would take my time with an anthology such as this and enjoy each tale separately at my leisure. Each novella was so entertaining and delightful that I found myself having read all of them without a break. I loved the premise of the meddling Mr. Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalogue who thought he could improve on the matches by editing information given by the prospective brides and grooms. The misunderstandings caused by his misinformation made for some humorous situations when the couples met. As expected in a book of this nature, each couple worked out their differences and love bloomed but what fun it was to read!
I will not go into any details about the individual novellas because I do not want to detract from other readers’ enjoyment of them. Each story can stand on its own – the only connection is that the matches were all made through The Hitching Post Catalogue. “A Bride For All Seasons” is a perfect book to take along to the beach or a cabin, or a road trip, etc. The short novellas are light and humorous yet each one contains a strong dose of faith and Christian truth. I highly recommend this book.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It All Started with an Ad in a Mail Order Bride Catalogue…
Melvin Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalog isn’t dishonest—not exactly. If he tweaks his clients’ applications a bit, it’s because he’s looking out for their best interests.
This charming bouquet of novellas introduces four Hitching Post prospects in the year 1870, each one eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they’ll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.
And Then Came Spring by Margaret Brownley
Mary-Jo has been unlucky all her life. But who would guess she’d travel halfway across the country to meet her match . . . only to find him dead!
An Ever-After Summer by Debra Clopton
Ellie had no idea she’s not what Matthew ordered. And what’s wrong with being a “Bible thumper” anyway? She’s determined to show him she’s tougher than she looks—and just the girl he needs.
Autumn’s Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher
Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn’t come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. The trouble is, there’s no money to send them back. . .
Winter Wedding Bells by Mary Connealy
David’s convinced he’s not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he’s gone—nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than twenty-five historical and contemporary novels. @margaretbrownley
Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. Her books often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher
Mary Connealy is a Carol Award winner, an a RITA, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. @MaryConnealy
Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra has her first book coming as a movie starring LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton
A Bride for All Seasons | 12-Day Unexpected Packages Giveaway!
Enter today.
Four novellas, four brides, and four stories to fall in love with.
Enter the world of mail-order brides with four of your favorite authors: Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher, Debra Clopton, and Margaret Brownley. In A Bride for All Seasons (Thomas Nelson) each of the prospective brides is hopeful for a second chance at love—and that second chance always seems to come in an unexpected package.
The authors are celebrating with a fun 12 Days of Unexpected Packages Giveaway! Between July 12-23 visit the authors’ Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on July 23rd! Such fun!
by admin | Jan 21, 2013 | Anthology, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
What is the next best thing to a new novel by one of your favorite authors? How about a collaboration between four of them? Yes, four of my favorite authors have once again joined forces to take their readers back to the picturesque and romantic Vermont town of Smitten. Even its name breathes romance doesn’t it? Each author has contributed a separate novella featuring one of the three Thomas sisters and their mother Anna. Although individual stories could stand alone, each one flows into the other seamlessly to provide a bigger overall picture of life in the Thomas family and Smitten. Once again I was majorly impressed at how well these authors worked together to provide such a flawless combined story.
To summarize, each of the Thomas sisters and their mother had pretty much given up on love for themselves and in some cases were afraid to take a chance on it. As is the usual case in an unashamedly romantic book such as “Secretly Smitten”, the reader can expect the perfect man to show up for each of them at just the right time. That’s a no-brainer but it doesn’t detract at all from the enjoyment provided. It also doesn’t hurt that there is a bit of mystery woven through the stories that involves a long believed dead fiance of Grandmother Rose.
Plenty of humor, action, drama, mystery, and of course romance, blend perfectly together to make “Secretly Smitten” the ideal getaway for these cold winter months. It would also make a good beach read. I am sure many readers will be wishing that Smitten, Vermont was not just an imaginary town. I for one would love to visit and/or live in such a remarkable place.
Be sure to grab a copy of “Secretly Smitten” and while you’re at it, pick up a copy of the first installment “Smitten” too if you haven’t already read it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Summer, fall, winter, spring-Smitten, Vermont, is the place for love . . . and mystery!
There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic-a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?
The mystery intrigues Rose’s three granddaughters-Tess, Clare, and Zoe-and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?
Join popular romance novelists-and real-life BFFs-Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for four delightful intertwined tales of mystery and sweet intrigue.
Purchase a copy of “Secretly Smitten HERE.
MEET “THE GALS”:
RITA-finalist Colleen Coble is the author of several best-selling romantic suspense novels, including “Tidewater Inn”, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. * Christy Award finalist and two-time winner of the ACFW Book of the Year award, Kristin Billerbeck has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times. Her books include “A Billion Reasons Why” and “What a Girl Wants.” * Denise Hunter is the award-winning and best-selling author of several novels, including “A Cowboy’s Touch” and “Sweetwater Gap.” She and her husband are raising three boys in Indiana. * Diann Hunt has lived in Indiana forever, been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, her dog, and, well, chocolate.
Find out more about Coble, Billerbeck, Hunter, Hunt HERE.
Secretly Smitten | An Evening of Giggle, Gab & Prizes
The “gals” are celebrating with a fun Live Webcast on February 5th. They’ll be debuting the *NEW* animated Smitten trailer, giving away tons of prizes, dishing on the book and their friendship. They’ll also be wrapping up the Secretly Smitten blog tour, answering audience questions and testing your trivia skills. Don’t miss the fun and bring your friends. Click here to RSVP and set up a reminder.
by admin | Dec 6, 2011 | Anthology, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
What could be more exciting than four of your favorite authors collaborating on an anthology with related stories? That is just what happened when Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt got together and came up with the idea for “Smitten”. Each author penned the story of one of four young women who reside in the Vermont town of Smitten and each story took up where the previous one left off. These ladies not only produced an interesting and fun tale, but the continuity between each installment was impeccable. I barely noticed when the story was handed over to the next writer. And the story works – even though the genre is very different from the usual styles of several of these authors.
The town of Smitten’s very existence was threatened by the closing of the lumber mill that employed much of its population. Unwilling to allow its demise, best friends Julia, Natalie, Shelby, and Reese come up with a brilliant idea to promote the town as a romantic getaway. Although most of the residents are eager to help, the four women meet resistance from some of the single men who can’t imagine how such a scheme could be successful.
What would a book with the title “Smitten” be without romance – lots of romance? Each of the friends has pretty much given up on finding a husband in their town. All of the eligible men have been their friends for years. It never crossed their mind to view these guys in any other light – until they began working together on the town projects. One by one, Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese come to realize that the men they have always known are exactly the right men for them.
The story is rife with miscommunication, misunderstandings, and humor. Drama, action, and romance abound. I enjoyed the revelation each of the women had when they realized the love of their life had always been so close at hand. I also found myself a bit frustrated at the way they handled the situations which means that I got into the story enough to care about the characters. I am actually having a difficult time reviewing this book without totally giving everything away. Just let me say that if you enjoy a good romance and would like a great book to escape into, then “Smitten” should be on your list.
This book was provided for review by BookSneeze.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Four friends devise a plan to turn Smitten, Vermont, into the country’s premier romantic getaway-and each finds her own true love along the way.
With Smitten Lumber closing, residents wonder if their town can stay afloat. Then four friends and local business owners-Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese–decide the town is worth saving. How will they do it? They’ll turn Smitten into a honeymoon destination!
As Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese work to save the town, each discovers romance in her own life. Meanwhile, the faith of a little child reminds the whole town what it means to have real faith in the God who is the always and forever Love.
Discover a novel written by four of Christian fiction’s most popular romance novelists- friends in real life who’ve drawn an amazing story of four friends! Includes a Reading Group Guide as well as “Conversation over Coffee with the Authors”.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
| Colleen Coble: Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com. Twitter @colleencoble |
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| Kristin Billerbeck: Kristin Billerbeck is the bestselling, award-winning author of several novels, including What a Girl Wants. A Christy Award finalist and two-time winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award, Billerbeck has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times. She lives with her family in northern California. |
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| Denise Hunter: Denise Hunter is the best-selling author of many novels, including The Convenient Groom and Driftwood Lane. She lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too! Visit her website at www.DeniseHunterBooks.com. Twitter @deniseahunter, facebook.com/group.php?gid=124248046980 |
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| Diann Hunt: Diann Hunt has lived in Indiana forever, been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, her dog, and, well, chocolate. |
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by admin | Sep 26, 2011 | Amish, Anthology, Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Healing Hearts contains three previously published novellas by Beth Wiseman. Although the three stories are contained in one volume, each one stands alone and is not directly related to the others. Each of the stories features Amish couples in various stages of life. Themes of acceptance and forgiveness run through the stories that also give the reader an inside look at life among the Amish. Each of these novellas can easily be read in one sitting and are an excellent afternoon escape.
In Healing Hearts, Levina and her husband Naaman have been married thirty years when he leaves and does not return for a year. The story begins with Naaman’s return and the adjustments Levina and her grown children are forced to make – including the choice of whether to forgive his desertion of his family.
A Change of Heart features the youngest couple of the three stories. Leah loves to write stories and has no interest in the everyday chores that most young Amish girls learn in preparation to be a wife and mother. In fact, almost everything she tries, ends up with disastrous results. Her sister sneakily sets her up with her fiance’s brother Aaron against her wishes. Leah fights the attraction but Aaron’s unique ability to accept her as she is is almost irresistible.
A Choice to Forgive is about Lydia who has been widowed after fifteen years of marriage to Elam. When Elam’s brother Daniel, Lydia’s first love, returns after Elam’s death and wants to once again be a part of her life, she is reluctant to subject herself to the possibility of more pain.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Three hope-filled stories about second chances, trusting your heart, and the power of forgiveness.
Healing Hearts: Empty-nesters Levina Lapp and her husband Naaman have no children under their roof for the first time in 30 years. When Naaman leaves to visit cousins in Ohio, Levina never expected him to be gone a year. Now that he’s back, will they be able to move beyond this estrangement and rekindle the fire of the love they once shared?
A Change of Heart: Leah is a writer in a community that does not encourage such fruitless endeavors. She lacks the skills necessary to be a good Amish fraa-cooking, cleaning, quilting, and gardening. Aaron is aware of Leah’s short-comings, but his heart is captured by this spirited young woman. Will Leah’s role as an Amish wife and mother force her to set aside her creative life-or will Aaron make an offer she never dreamed was possible?
A Choice to Forgive: Lydia has loved two men in her life. Daniel, who disappeared one Christmas Eve long ago, leaving only a note saying he wanted to live in the Englisch world. And Elam, Daniel’s brother, to whom she had been happily married for 15 years. When Elam dies, Lydia gives up on ever loving again. But she is shocked when Daniel wants to return to the Order and her life. Is there enough forgiveness in her heart to overlook the past and move into a future that could fulfill her dreams?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series — Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise and Plain Proposal. Her new series–Land of Canaan– debuted in the fall of 2010 with Seek Me With All Your Heart which has been selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Novel of the Year. She is contracted with Thomas Nelson Publishing and is currently working on her first non-Amish novel due for release in the spring of 2012. All of her books have held spots on both the CBA (Christian Book Association) bestseller list and the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller list.
As she puts it, her writing has been “all over the place.” As a former newspaper reporter, she was honored by her peers with eleven journalism awards, including first place news writing for The Texas Press Association. She has been a humor columnist for The 1960 Sun in Houston and published articles in various publications. Those articles included a wide array of topics – an article on premature birth, an article about performance boating, and an article about her mother–a whitewater canoeing enthusiast who still paddles the rivers at the age of 77. However, writing novels is where her heart is. She left her job as a journalist in 2008 to write novels full-time.
“Writing about the Amish lifestyle within fictional love stories has been a wonderful experience,” Beth says. “The Amish and Mennonite contacts I have established in Pennsylvania and Colorado help me to keep the books authentic. These very private people might dress differently, avoid the use of electricity and modern conveniences, but they are just like everyone else. They love, hurt, have daily challenges and struggles, and strive to be the best they can be. An often misunderstood sect of people, it has been a privilege to learn about their ways.”
