by admin | Jan 9, 2018 | 1950's, Appalachia, Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I adored the author’s debut series so I was excited to have the chance to read the first book in her latest series. It is somewhat different than her Appalachian Blessings novels but I still found the well-rounded characters and vivid descriptions that captivated me in the first books.
I liked Judd Markley from the start and hoped that he would find the new beginning and success in South Carolina that he desired. It took me a bit longer to like Larkin. It took getting past her spoiled little rich girl exterior and getting to know her true heart for me to care. Once I saw the real Larkin, I could see the light in her that attracted Judd.
“The Sound of Rain” is a story filled with tragedy and triumph, hopes and dreams, and learning to walk the path the Lord has laid out. It was encouraging to see Judd and Larkin find their way down that very path despite the hurdles set before them. It was also gratifying to watch how the Lord used circumstances to soften some very hard hearts and use them to restore lives and relationships.
This wonderful story is further enhanced by the gorgeous cover. I especially liked the three dimensional reflective raindrops on the front. Looking forward to the next book in this series. I hope you will check it out for yourself.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the Dark of the Mine, In the Face of Rising Water,
In the Shadows of the Hills, Faith Will See Them Through
Judd Markley knows he can never set foot underground again. The mine collapse that nearly killed him and claimed his brother’s life means leaving West Virginia forever. Although that hard Appalachian world is all he knows, he puts it behind him and heads for the open sky of the thriving town of 1954 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Larkin Heyward’s life in the beach town is uncomplicated, mostly volunteer work and dancing at the Pavilion. But she dreams of one day doing more and being more–maybe moving to the hills and hollers of Kentucky to help the poor children of Appalachia. But she’s never even met someone who’s lived there–until she encounters Judd, the newest employee at her father’s timber company.
Drawn together in the wake of a hurricane that changes Myrtle Beach forever, Judd’s and Larkin’s dreams pull them in divergent directions. It will take a significant sacrifice to keep them together–or maybe, it will take a miracle.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Kristen Delliveniri
Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fundraiser for a children’s ministry and has written for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times. She is the author of Miracle in a Dry Season, Until the Harvest, and A Tapestry of Secrets. She holds a BA in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in Asheville, North Carolina. She can be found online at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
by admin | Nov 25, 2017 | Appalachia, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Charming the Troublemaker” is the first book that I’ve read by Pepper Basham but I guarantee it won’t be the last. In fact I plan to find time to read “A Twist of Fate” as soon as possible since it is already in residence on my Kindle.
Rainey has met Dr. Alex Murdock before and she is less than excited to find out he will be on staff at her university because all that she can see is an handsome but arrogant flirt, in other words, a troublemaker. And Rainey doesn’t need one of those anywhere near her ordered world. Alex considers his new position a come down from his usual position and plans to find a way out of the backwoods of Appalachia as quickly as he can – that is until he encounters Rainey and her five-year-old daughter Sarah. Yeah, romance readers know exactly what will happen by the end of this story. But oh what a delightful and fun time I had on the way to that satisfying conclusion.
Each and every one of the characters was perfectly well-rounded and natural. They could all be someone we know (or wish we knew). Rainey and Alex each had hidden depths beyond the faces they showed the world, buried pain and secrets they guarded at all costs. Yet somehow God had a plan for them to get to know one another and find the healing they so desperately needed.
For a spiritually deep novel, “Charming the Troublemaker” had so many humorous scenes that kept me laughing and smiling between the more serious ones that touched my heart. Who could resist a muddy man in underoos who can also make a verbally abused woman feel beautiful again?
Loved, loved, loved this book. Do yourself a favor and run, not walk to your nearest bookstore or online retailer and grab a copy of “Charming the Troublemaker” for yourself. You might want to pick up a copy of “A Twist of Fate” to save some time because I feel sure you will want it also.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Troublemaking never looked so good…
When Dr. Alex Murdock is demoted to a university in rural Virginia, the last thing he expects to find is a future. But country charm never looks as good as it does on Rainey Mitchell.
Rainey Mitchell doesn’t need a high-class flirt in her wounded world, but trouble and temptations wafts off the new professor as strong as his sandalwood-scented cologne.
When circumstances thrust them together to save her tutoring clinic, can the troublemaker find the hero inside and encourage the reticent Rainey to open her heart again.
Click here to purchase!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes novels inspired by her love for history and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Her Penned in Time series has garnered recognition in the Inspys, Grace Awards, and the ACFW Carol Awards. Her contemporary romance novel, A Twist of Faith, received 4-stars from Romantic Times, and most recently, her newest release, The Thorn Healer, received a Top Pick from RT with 4 ½ stars. Her newest contemporary romance, Just the Way You Are, releases in April 2016. You can get to know Pepper on Facebook, or over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley, or Instagram.
GUEST POST FROM PEPPER BASHAM:
I have a thing for underdogs.
Misfits.
Lost souls who desperately need to find where they belong.
I can’t help it! Call it a ‘fix-it’ mentality or an awareness that God rescued me and now I want to rescue other people…even fictional characters, but I’m definitely a softy for those characters that people are less likely to root for. Catherine from The Thorn Bearer/Keeper became my first rescue…and I just HAD to find another.
I guess that’s how Charming the Troublemaker came into existence.
Dr. Alex Murdock desperately needed to be rescued.
In a bad way.
If you’ve had a chance to read my first book in the Mitchell’s Crossroads series, A Twist of Faith, you’ll know that Alex doesn’t seem to be made up of much hero material. He’s a flirt, a little arrogant, and…well, kind of like a lost puppy.
As book 1 grew and came to a close, I knew Alex and Rainey’s story would be next…but I immediately ran into a real problem.
Who in the world was Alex Murdock? We really didn’t get to know him very much in book 1. He zoomed in a few times, ruffling feathers and then finally showing off some interesting kindness/compassion in the end, but…he was still a big-time flirt.
So the question emerged: Can a flirt be a hero?
What is Alex hiding behind that ready smile and sense of humor? Why does he seem so lost?
The answers were surprising!! Just wait.
The Mitchell family draw him right in, as they did with Dee, and his world is forever changed.
And then there’s Rainey. Strong-willed and independent, she is deeply wounded by her ex-husband’s betrayal. Though she gives off all these ‘confident’ vibes, she hides her insecurities behind a tough exterior in a desire to keep people at a distance – well, everyone except her family.
Alex rocks her world with his ready charm.
And she sees beyond the plastic grin to recognize another wounded soul.
Throwing them together into a book has been a hilarious and heart-stirring adventure, I wasn’t prepared to encounter. They’re so much fun!
AND…he’s ADORKABLE!! Seriously!! He is SUCH a dork, but makes me grin. And…he looks like Armie Hammer ?
Let me just give you a hint to some of my favorite scenes:
Anything with Sarah!
Underoos
All of the scenes in Rainey’s house
And those in Mama Mitchell’s
Okay, I like the WHOLE STORY…and I can’t wait to see what you think too.
BLOG STOPS:
By The Book, November 14
Just the Write Escape, November 14
Avid Reader Book Reviews, November 15
Reading Is My SuperPower, November 15
Moments Dipped in Ink, November 15
Fiction Aficionado, November 16
autism mom, November 16
Fiction, Faith, and Fun, November 17
Inklings and Notions, November 17
Faithfully Bookish, November 18
Radiant Light, November 18
Reflections From My Bookshelves, November 19
The Power of Words, November 19
Cordially Barbara, November 20
Red Headed Book Lady, November 20
Smiling Book Reviews, November 20
Kat’s Corner Books, November 21
A Greater Yes, November 21
100 Pages per Hour, November 22
Splashes of Joy, November 22
Carpe Diem, November 23
Bookworm Mama, November 23
A Baker’s Perspective, November 24
The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate, November 24
Daysong Reflections, November 25
Rachel Scott McDaniel, November 25
Remembrancy, November 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, November 27
Karen Sue Hadley, November 27
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away a grand prize of a paper copy of A Twist of Faith, a mug from the Blue Ridge Parkway, one driftwood scented candle, one mango scented candle, and a Troublemaker snickers ? highly appropriate. Chocolate with a nutty personality :)!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/c1f1
by admin | Oct 1, 2017 | Appalachia, Books, Historical, Post WW2
MY REVIEW:
“These Healing Hills” is a beautifully written novel that takes place in the Kentucky Appalachian Mountains near the end of World War 2. Central characters are Francine Howard, a nurse who has moved to the mountains for training as a nurse midwife for the Frontier Nursing Service and Ben Locke, a lifelong resident of the community who has recently returned from the war. As Fran and Ben get to know one another, they find themselves increasingly attracted despite the vast differences in their upbringing.
Ann Gabhart has written a story that held my interest from the very beginning. Her descriptions of the Appalachians and their people were captivating and it was easy to see why Francine lost her heart to the area. I loved reading about the Frontier Nursing Service and the challenges these brave women encountered and the rewards they gained from their sacrifices. It was great fun getting to know all the unique residents of the area, especially Ben and Woody. What a blessing to see that all people have similar struggles no matter what their background and that faith in the Lord is the ultimate connection that draws them together.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Francine Howard has her life all mapped out–until the man she loves announces his plans to bring home an English bride from war-torn Europe in 1945. Devastated, Francine seeks a fresh start in the Appalachian Mountains, training to be a nurse midwife for the Frontier Nursing Service.
Deeply affected by the horrors he witnessed at war, Ben Locke has never thought further ahead than making it home to Kentucky. His future shrouded in as much mist as his beloved mountains, he’s at a loss when it comes to envisioning what’s next for his life.
When Francine’s and Ben’s paths intersect, it’s immediately clear that they are from different worlds and value different things. But love has a way of healing old wounds . . . and revealing tantalizing new possibilities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Memories by Chris
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, Love Comes Home, Words Spoken True, and The Heart of Hollyhill series, as well as several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.
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by admin | Aug 23, 2016 | Appalachia, Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I fell in love with the Appalachian Blessings series with its very first introductory novella and have eagerly awaited each subsequent book. I especially liked “Miracle in a Dry Season” but I now believe “A Tapestry of Secrets is my very favorite one.
If asked what makes this series and this book so outstanding to me, I would be hard pressed to come up with a definitive answer. I loved the Appalachian setting, the strong bond between family members and in turn their relationships with their neighbors. The close connection the characters had to their roots and the underlying spiritual thread that ran throughout were also important features.
I loved reading about Perla once again but it was also a bit sad to see her declining health in her old age. I liked Ella’s character and have to admit that I much preferred one of her suitors over the other. I was happy with how things turned out for her and also was impressed with how the author resolved the situation with the other man. Some important lessons and bits of wisdom were scattered though “A Tapestry of Secrets” if one pays even a smidgen of attention.
I know all good things must come to an end and I suspect the Appalachian Blessings series may now be complete. I hate to see it end but anticipate equally great books from Sarah in the future. I can’t wait to see what she has to offer her readers next!
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What is the weight of a secret?
And what happens when that burden becomes almost too much to bear?
For decades, Perla Phillips has hidden the truth of a decision that still fills her with guilt. But now, seeing her granddaughter, Ella, struggle in a similar way, she’s prepared to finally open the past to her family, no matter the consequences. But when the opportunity is snatched from her in a most unexpected manner, will she have waited too long?
Spanning generations, this moving family drama weaves together the interlocking stories of two women as they navigate relationships, family, faith, and the choices that will shape their lives. Heartwarming and nostalgic, the story explores the courage to share the wounds of the past and celebrates the legacy a family passes from one generation to the next.
Read an excerpt from “A Tapestry of Secrets” HERE.
Purchase a copy of “A Tapestry of Secrets” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Kristen Delliveniri
Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fundraiser for a children’s ministry and has written for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times. She is the author of Miracle in a Dry Season and Until the Harvest. She holds a BA in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in North Carolina.
She can be found online at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
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by admin | May 11, 2015 | Appalachia, Books, Colonial America, Historical, Native American, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have eagerly anticipated the release of this book since reading Thomas’ first novel, “Miracle in a Dry Season”. The setting of “Until the Harvest” is the same but the time frame has changed. Twenty years have passed and the next generation has become the central focus.
Much like real life, a death occurs at the beginning of the book that I was not too happy to see. And like real life, this death has a far-reaching influence on others, especially Henry Phillips whose reaction is less than positive. For reasons I did not entirely understand, Henry became involved with some very unsavory individuals whose influence brought about some disturbing consequences for Henry. Fortunately for Henry, there were people in his life who cared about him and were willing to give him more than one second chance. I personally did not like Henry very much for most of the book but he eventually came around.
Then there was Margaret, older sister to Mayfair, a young diabetic. Daughter of two unbelievably incompetent parents who thought only of themselves, Margaret was dedicated to taking care of her neglected sister. Mayfair was such a pure and caring individual despite her health issues – and she seemed to have a mysterious gift of healing – at great risk to her own health.
“Until the Harvest” is a down-to earth story that does not hesitate to deal with common Appalachian problems such as moonshine and drug running but in the midst of the ugliness was a story of wonder, love, hope and redemption.
I love these Appalachian novels with their touch of Holy Spirit miracles and cannot wait for the next installment.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Take This Journey of Broken Souls Restored
and Tentative Hearts Brought Fully to Life
When family tragedy derails Henry Phillips’s college studies, he’s left unmoored and feeling abandoned. The only things that can tamp down his grief are the family farm, his fiddle, and an unexpected friendship with sweet but unusual preteen Mayfair Hoffman.
Unfortunately, Mayfair’s older sister, Margaret, despite her spray of freckles and cute, turned-up nose, has a completely different effect. His grandmother’s helper, she’s always around, ready to push his buttons, and it seems at first that she doesn’t care about his troubles.
Henry soon realizes, though, that Margaret’s facing her own struggles. Mayfair’s health and unique gift sit at the heart of those worries. Henry and Margaret soon find themselves relying on each other as potential tragedy collides with growing hope in a warm story of family bonds and the surprising ways healing finds us all.
Read an excerpt from “Until the Harvest” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fundraiser for a children’s ministry, who has also written for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times. Her debut novel was Miracle in a Dry Season. She holds a BA in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in Asheville, North Carolina. She can be found online at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
by admin | Aug 26, 2014 | Appalachia, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
After reading my very first novel by Lisa Wingate, I became a forever fan of her work. I love that I often have the opportunity to review her novels but it is a certainty that I would purchase each and every one of them if I happened to miss receiving one for review. “The Story Keeper” is Lisa’s latest and greatest. I’m not 100% sure about the greatest because whatever book of hers that I happen to be reading is my current favorite. They are ALL so good that it is difficult for me to choose between them.
Books with Appalachian settings have always intrigued me so “The Story Keeper” came as a pleasant surprise. I loved the union of two stories in one that features an historic journal with a pivotal role in a contemporary story. The characters in both are so well-rounded that they began to feel like friends. The trials and tribulations of Sarra and Rand offered a peek into how difficult life could be in the mountains during that time frame. The bias against Melungeons was new to me and Sarra’s story inspired me to do a little research on them. It was quite easy to sympathize with Jen because I have a familiarity with similar family situations and know how difficult it can be to know where to draw the line when attempting to help.
I have always noticed how quotable Lisa’s novels can be and “The Story Keeper” is no exception. I wish I had taken the time to jot some of them down so I wouldn’t forget. Ahh…just another reason to go back and read it again! I really can’t say enough good things about this book. Everything about the story was spot on and I found it filled with history, romance, drama, a bit of mystery, inspiration, and faith. But most of all, Lisa has a way with words that always leaves me with something to think about after an enjoyable escape into her fictional world.
My only complaint is that Lisa just doesn’t write fast enough! Of course she is just human and I have to practice my patience. Can’t wait to see what she has for her readers next time.
This book was provided for review by Lisa Wingate’s Book Ambassadors.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When successful New York editor Jen Gibbs discovers a decaying slush-pile manuscript on her desk, she has no idea that the story of Sarra, a young mixed-race woman trapped in Appalachia at the turn of the twentieth century, will both take her on a journey and change her forever. Happy with her life in the city, and at the top of her career with a new job at Vida House Publishing, Jen has left her Appalachian past and twisted family ties far behind. But the search for the rest of the manuscript, and Jen’s suspicions about the identity of its unnamed author, will draw her into a mystery that leads back to the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains . . . and quite possibly through the doors she thought she had closed forever.
Read a preview from The Story Keeper HERE.
Purchase a copy of The Story Keeper HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Wingate is a magazine columnist, speaker, and the author of nineteen mainstream novels, including the national bestseller, Tending Roses, now in its eighteenth printing. She is a seven-time ACFW Carol award nominee, a Christy Award nominee, and a two-time Carol Award winner. Her novel, Blue Moon Bay, was a Booklist Top Ten of 2012 pick. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. When not dreaming up stories, Lisa spends time on the road as a motivational speaker. Via internet, she shares with readers as far away as India, where her book, Tending Roses, has been used to promote women’s literacy, and as close to home as Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the county library system has used Tending Roses to help volunteers teach adults to read.
Lisa lives on a ranch in Texas, where she spoils the livestock, raises boys, and teaches Sunday school to high school seniors. She was inspired to become a writer by a first grade teacher who said she expected to see Lisa’s name in a magazine one day.
Lisa also entertained childhood dreams of being an Olympic gymnast and winning the National Finals Rodeo, but was stalled by the inability to do a back flip on the balance beam and parents who wouldn’t finance a rodeo career. She was lucky enough to marry into a big family of cowboys and southern storytellers who would inspire any lover of tall tales and interesting, yet profound characters. She is a full time writer, and pens inspirational fiction for both the general Christian markets. Of all the things she loves about her job, she loves connecting with people, both real and imaginary, the most. More information about Lisa’s novels can be found at www.Lisawingate.com.
