by admin | Oct 12, 2013 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“The Journey of Josephine Cain” is a historical novel that takes place during the period of time immediately after the end of the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln. Much of the story revolves around the Transcontinental Railroad and the people involved with its construction as well as the temporary towns that grew around the construction sites. It was a place where gunfights and Indian raids were common and saloons and brothels were more evident than churches and schools.
Josephine Cain is the pampered daughter of the former Union general who has been assigned to oversee the eastern end of the railroad construction. Bored with living in a house of mourning, Josephine finds a way to manipulate her father into letting her new suitor accompany her and her aunt to visit the site. She finds a new dangerous but exciting world so unlike the safe and comfortable home to which she is accustomed. She also meets an entirely unsuitable young railroad worker but immediately feels a strong connection to him. Torn between her feelings for Hudson and the suitability of Lewis, Josephine may be forced to make an unwelcome decision regarding her future.
“The Journey of Josephine Cain” was perfectly paced with a storyline that was not only entertaining but informative. I loved learning about the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and its importance to the history of our country. The plot contained several unexpected twists and a few surprises. Josephine was a well-rounded character who evolved from a spoiled, selfish, and manipulative girl to a strong, compassionate, and mature woman of God. Hudson was proof that social standing is not as important as integrity and Lewis was a good example of what can happen when a person allows revenge to rule their life.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When a socialite from the nation’s capital embarks on a journey to the Wild West, her life is changed forever.
A setting populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians is hardly the place for a wealthy general’s daughter. But Josephine Cain is determined to visit her father, who supervises the day-to-day work involved in the grandest ambition of post-Civil War America: the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Life with the railroad is far from the proper life Josephine is used to, and she faces deadly gunfights, harsh weather, and vigilante uprisings. She is torn between the West and the East; between her privileged upbringing and the challenges of a new frontier; between the pull of the suitable beau her parents approve of and an attraction to a rough but charming Irish railroad worker. But if Josephine is willing, she just might find a new life, a unique purpose . . . and true love.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
NANCY MOSER is the best-selling author of more than twenty novels. She is a winner and two-time nominee of the Christy Award, and her latest novel was named to Booklist’s “Top 10 Romance Novels of 2011.” Nancy and her husband have three grown children and three grandchildren, and they live in the Midwest.
Learn more at Nancy’s website.
The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser follows the adventures of a D.C. socialite as she gets involved with the building of the Transcontinental Railroad right after the Civil War. Be sure to check out Nancy’s fun Pinterest board for the book!
Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!
Five winners will receive:
- The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 26th. All winners will be announced October 28th at the Litfuse blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 28th to see if you won one of the books!
by admin | Jul 5, 2013 | Adventure, Books, Historical, Nautical, Post Civil War, Romance
MY REVIEW:
When I open the pages of a new novel by MaryLu Tyndall there are several things I know I can count on – an exciting adventure on the sea, most likely with some mystery and suspense, a turbulent romance, and an uncompromised message of faith. I am pleased to say that I found all of that and more within “Forsaken Dreams”. Even its gorgeous cover hints at what I found inside.
A varied group of Southerners have responded to an advertisement to leave the post-Civil war south to help set up a community in Brazil. Once aboard the ship where they will live in close quarters for weeks, they quickly find that it will not be an easy journey. The ship is plagued with a number of unexpected incidents from the very beginning, some of which remain unexplainable. As the story progresses, it is evident that many of the passengers harbor secrets that could affect the others. At times their very survival is questionable.
I admired Eliza. Because of poor choices in her past, she had hoped that one major secret would not be revealed. When it came to light the reactions of many of the passengers were very negative (to say the least) but Eliza continued to treat their medical problems with love and forgiveness which eventually won most of them over. Although Colonel Blake Wallace had fallen in love with Eliza, he could not bring himself to forgive her for her past.
I loved everything about this book. Although some secrets were revealed, many more were not. Although the book ended on a positive note, a sense of brooding darkness remained. Of course that is the perfect setup for the next novel in the Escape to Paradise series, “Elusive Hope”. I for one can’t wait for its November release.
This book was provided for review by The Bookclub Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
They Left Everything behind to Build a New Southern Utopia.
Embark on a seafaring adventure in a brand-new series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall. After witnessing the death and destruction caused by the Civil War, Colonel Blake Wallace is eager to leave his once precious Southern homeland for the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new Utopian community. Widow Eliza Crawford seeks passage on Wallace’s ship harboring a dirty secret—and a blossoming hope for a fresh start. But will dangers from the sea and from man keep them from the peace and love they long for?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Acclaimed author, M.L. (MaryLu) Tyndall dreamed of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida’s Coast. After obtaining a degree in Math and working as software engineer for 15 years, she decided to test the waters as a writer. With now more than ten books published, she makes no excuses for the deeply spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. As a follower of Christ, her stories often reflect her own journey and walk with God. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, and four cats on the California coast, where her imagination still surges with the sea.
by admin | Feb 27, 2013 | Books, Post Civil War, Romance, Southern, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Flora’s WishHarvest House Publishers (February 1, 2013)
by
Kathleen Y’BarboABOUT THE AUTHOR:
RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.
Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.
A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.
Learn more about Kathleen and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
May 1887–Flora Brimm is determined the fifth time is the charm. Back home she has a reputation as “Fatal Flora,” a woman whose previous four fiancés died in untimely accidents. Flora is desperate to marry, because producing an heir is the only way she can keep her family’s estate. She’s confident this visit to Eureka Springs with her grandmother will help her land a husband.
Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn is hot on the trail of Will Tucker, the thief who broke his sister’s heart. When he discovers the slippery fellow with Flora, he thinks they are in on the devious plot together. Will Flora be able to convince Lucas of her innocence? Will Lucas catch the elusive Mr. Tucker?
And, more importantly, will Lucas survive if he pursues Flora’s heart?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Flora’s Wish, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I realize that I’m pretty much down to the wire in the time frame for reviewing Flora’s Wish. I have been trying desperately to read it since Sunday and just now finished. That is pretty sad for someone who usually zips through books, especially one as entertaining as this one. Unfortunately I have succumbed to the flu and simply either could not focus or kept falling asleep. Neither is conducive to getting a book read or reviewed. I am beginning to see some hope that this scourge is nearly over and managed to finish Flora’s Wish within the last hour. Never again will I say I don’t mind being sick since it gives me an excuse to read. Never wanted to be this sick.
To get back to the book in question, Flora’s Wish lived up to all my expectations that were based on past books I have read by this author. In fact, I think Flora may just be the feistiest, frustrating, and fearless heroine yet. Our Flora, otherwise known as “Fatal Flora”, has plenty to live down after losing four (yes four!) fiances to premature death before they could make it to the altar. And for some reason her current fiance Will Tucker is just a bit difficult to pin down. So when Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn accuses Will of being a thief and Flora his accomplice, Flora is bound and determined to prove him wrong. Lucas immediately takes Flora into custody and the pair soon find themselves in over their heads.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Lucas and his clever inventions that reminded me of watching the old TV show Wild, Wild West back in the day well before I ever heard the term “Steampunk”. There were ample twists, turns and surprises in the plot with new and unexpected villains introduced to keep things really intense. I plan to go back and read Flora’s Wish again with a clear head. I am sure I will enjoy it even more then.
by admin | Dec 11, 2012 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance, Tennessee
MY REVIEW:
Believing it is God’s will, Sophie has returned to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee to fulfill her dream of owning her own newspaper. Despite her memories of an unhappy childhood at the orphanage where she felt lonely and rejected due to her uncertain lineage, Sophie has managed to form a close friendship with Gillie and even hopes for the possibility of a romantic relationship with Ethan Heyward. Ethan, the young partner, designer, and builder of Blue Smoke, an exclusive resort said to rival those in Saratoga, is also very attracted to Sophie but he has his own dark secrets that continue to haunt him. Will it be possible for the two of them to overcome their pasts to build a fresh future together?
Dorothy Love’s characters are so full of life that they seem to want to step out of the pages of the book. From the primary characters of Sophie and Ethan, to Sophie’s new friend Gillie, her old friend Robbie, and a host of other townspeople, each adds a unique perspective to the story. The plot progresses at a fairly even pace with highs and lows that reflect normal day-to-day life. A strong message on forgiveness permeates the story and I found the ending quite satisfying.
As with the previous two Hickory Ridge novels, I also recommend “Every Perfect Gift”. It would be an excellent gift choice for lovers of historic Christian romance.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Ethan and Sophie long to share a future together. But the secrets they’re not sharing could tear them apart.
Sophie Caldwell has returned to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, after years away. Despite the heartaches of her childhood, Sophie is determined to make a home, and a name, for herself in the growing town. A gifted writer, she plans to resurrect the local newspaper that so enchanted her as a girl.
Ethan Heyward’s idyllic childhood was shattered by a tragedy he has spent years trying to forget. An accomplished businessman and architect, he has built a majestic resort in the mountains above Hickory Ridge, drawing wealthy tourists from all over the country.
When Sophie interviews Ethan for the paper, he is impressed with her intelligence and astounded by her beauty. She’s equally intrigued but fears he will reject her if he learns about her shadowed past. Just as she summons the courage to tell him, Ethan’s own past unexpectedly and violently catches up with him, threatening not only his life but their budding romance.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
An accomplished author in the secular market, Dorothy Love makes her inspirational fiction debut with her Hickory Ridge series of historicals set in her native South. Her skillful blending of the historical and the personal reflect her passion for discovering the histories of ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary things and set her apart as an authoritative voice of Southern historical fiction.
Dorothy Love is celebrating the new book in her Hickory Ridge Romance series, Every Perfect Gift with a “Home for the Holidays” 12 Days of Gifts contest.
Celebrate the holidays with Dorothy Love and her protagonist, Sophie Caldwell, as they count down the days to Dorothy’s author chat party with 12 Days of Gifts! Dorothy will be giving away copies of Every Perfect Gift and other holiday essentials, as well as key items from the book that Sophie would have worn during or used to celebrate the holidays (a beautiful, red shawl, Victorian ornaments, stockings). It’s all happening on Dorothy’s Facebook page. She’ll post a new giveaway each day.
So bring on the Christmas cheer with Dorothy and the “Home for the Holidays” 12 Days of Gifts. Then join Dorothy on the evening of December 13 for her author chat party! During the party, Dorothy will announce the 12 winners from the Home for the Holidays giveaway and host an author chat about Every Perfect Gift and favorite Christmas traditions. Oh, and she’ll be giving away lots of fun prizes. RSVP today.
by admin | Oct 12, 2012 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)
by
Lynn AustinABOUT THE AUTHOR:
For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband’s work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she’d earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn’s novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the aftermath of the Civil War, Josephine Weatherly and her mother, Eugenia, struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives when they return to their Virginia plantation. But the bitter realities of life after the war cannot be denied: their home and land are but shells of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken. The privileged childhood Josephine enjoyed now seems like a long-ago dream. And the God who failed to answer any of her prayers during the war is lost to her as well.
Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival–and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine’s mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak…but a bitter hatred fuels her.
With skill and emotion, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of the Reconstruction era by interweaving the stories of three women–daughter, mother, and freed slave–in a riveting tale.
If you would like to read the first chapter of All Things New, go HERE.
by admin | Sep 11, 2012 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
It is a special treat for me to read a book by one of my favorite authors in a very favorite genre – western historical romance. And it is set in Texas, a place I’ve always thought I’d like to live. There’s just something about the land and people of Texas that appeals to me. As expected, “Taming the Wind” delivered a riveting story with plenty of action, drama, suspense, and romance to go around. I was at first concerned that the novel might be a little short on romance since the guys were all going off on a trail drive while the women folks stayed at home. Knowing that a trail drive took literally months away from home, I didn’t know how Tyler and Carissa would ever manage to get together. I should have known that was a needless worry – after all they are the primary characters in a romance novel. And no, that wasn’t a spoiler – if you read the back cover you know the inevitable ending. It’s just the getting to that point that is the unknown quantity.
Needless to say, I heartily endorse “Taming the Wind” as well as most any novel Tracie Peterson has ever written. I consider her one of the premier Christian historical fiction authors at this time. If you are unfamiliar with Tracie’s work, do yourself a favor and check out “Taming the Wind”. Better still, invest in the entire Land of the Lone Star series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A young widow nursing the wounds of her past…
A cowboy with demons of his own…
Though grateful for the blessing of her daughter, Carissa Lowe has accepted that widowhood is her lot in life. Bound by fear and mistrust, she feels incapable of opening her heart again.
Tyler Atherton has never forgotten Carissa. When he discovers she’s living with her sister on a nearby ranch, his life becomes intertwined with the lovely widow’s. And Carissa’s daughter, Gloria, seems determined to wrap herself around his little finger. But while Tyler longs to provide a home and future for Carissa, he is haunted by an obligation he feels unable to fulfill.
Challenged by mounting hardships, can Carissa and Tyler preserve their fledgling love in a land as unforgiving and vibrant as the people who call it home?
See what other bloggers are saying about “Taming the Wind” HERE.
Purchase a copy of “Taming the Wind” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie’s Web site at www.traciepeterson.com and her blog at www.writespassage.blogspot.com
Celebrate with Tracie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!
See what people are saying about Taming the Wind.
One winner will receive:
- A Brand New Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
- The entire Land of the Lone Star series by Tracie Peterson
Hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/25/12. Just click one of the icons below to enter. The winner will be announced at Tracie’s “Taming the Wind” Author Chat Party on 9/26! Connect with Tracie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of Taming the Wind and join Tracie on the evening of the September 26th for a chance to connect with Tracie and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN,
RSVP TODAY. TELL YOUR FRIENDS VIA
FACEBOOK or
TWITTER AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 26TH!
