by admin | Oct 21, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, Seattle
MY REVIEW:
“Such a Hope” is one of the absolute best books I have read this year. It moved me in such a way that I am quite certain that anything I can say here would be inadequate. Sondra Kraak has such a true gift that I found myself totally immersed in the story and was so sad when it ended.
The beautifully crafted plot is filled with fascinating characters, especially Anna and Tristan. Anna is a young woman who loves God, hears from Him, and tries her very best to be obedient to his directions. As a result she is the instrument God uses in more than one miraculous healing. Although she always stresses that God is the one that heals, Anna soon becomes the center of controversy. Not everyone is happy about her desire to pray for the sick. Tristan, a gifted farmer dedicated to improving agriculture in the Seattle area, struggled with believing that God even cared. He too had issues with Anna’s faith and her determination to pray for others but despite himself, Tristan found himself her champion and maybe even beginning to care for her. Unfortunately, Tristan carried some secrets that could change everything.
I really appreciated the insight the author gave on spiritual gifts and how people tend to react to them. This story rang so true with some who sought her out for prayer, others who were offended, and then those who wanted to use her gifts to help advance their own ministries. So realistic! This book made me think – a lot. One thing I gleaned from this story is that I would like to be more like Anna. Not a bad goal for any of us!
I loved everything about “Such a Hope” and cannot wait for the next book of the series.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Seattle, 1871
Anna Warren grew up on the seat of a wagon, the daughter of Seattle’s busiest freighter. After her father’s death—a tragedy away from home—she returns to their cabin on the outskirts of Seattle, seeking the sense of belonging that eluded her childhood. But will her desire to pray for miraculous healing for the sick and wounded endear or alienate her to the community? Her most aggravating challenger is also her staunchest defender and has brown hair and eyes, stands six feet tall, and farms with unchecked tenacity. Tristan Porter. This farmer her father had befriended holds more secrets than Yesler’s Mill holds logs.
When ugly rumors arise about her spiritual gift and her property, Anna fears her quest to find belonging will be thwarted.
Tristan holds the truth to set her free, but revealing it will require him to face the disappointments of his past and surrender his plans for the future–a sacrifice he’s not sure he can make.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A native of Washington State, Sondra Kraak grew up playing in the rain, hammering out Chopin at the piano, and running up and down the basketball court. Now settled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, blogging about spiritual truths, and writing historical romance set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She delights in sharing stories that not only entertain, but nourish the soul. Her debut novel, One Plus One Equals Trouble, was a Genesis semi-finalist (2015) and the winner of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Unpublished Women’s Fiction Award (2015).
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by admin | Oct 11, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Seattle
MY REVIEW:
I have been a fan of Tracie Peterson’s books for a number of years and am always pleased when I have a chance to review one of them. Having reviewed the first two installments of her Brides of Seattle series, I was excited to read the rest of Wade and Abrianna’s story and hoped to discover that weasel Priam Welby would get what he had coming to him.
I did learn the answers to those questions and enjoyed myself while doing so. I have to admit that I did get a bit aggravated with Abrianna and her vacillation about whether she should actually marry Wade or not, especially when she continued to consider Welby as a substitute. Couldn’t she tell that he was not at all a nice man?
It was fun catching up with all the characters from the previous two books of the series and learning what was happening in their lives. As before, the three older ladies who ran the finishing school were good for a few chuckles and I liked seeing Abrianna’s relationship with her long-lost father develop.
“Love Everlasting” has everything Peterson’s fans have come to expect in her books – well-developed characters, a touch of humor, some mystery and suspense, and of course a romance or two. What more can one ask?
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Growing up in a Seattle bridal finishing school never prepared Abrianna Cunningham to become one of the brides, but now Wade Ackerman, who has always been the reliable boy next door, is indicating he wants to be more than friends. And even the people closest to Abrianna believe Wade is the man she should marry. So why is she having such a hard time choosing between Wade Ackerman and Priam Welby?
Watching Welby’s relentless pursuit of Abrianna is making Wade’s blood boil. Welby can offer her wealth and security, but what about character and integrity? Surely Abrianna can see past Welby’s smooth tongue and fine clothes. Can’t she?
Caught between the devil and the boy next door, either choice she makes will change Abrianna’s life forever.
Read an excerpt from “Love Everlasting” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: ©Lissa Barber Photography
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com.
by admin | Jul 16, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Seattle
MY REVIEW:
Tracie Peterson always makes history come alive for me in her books and I enjoy learning a few facts while reading for pleasure. After all, history is really about the people and when carefully researched, fiction is a wonderful teaching tool.
The second book in the Brides of Seattle series features Militine Scott and Thane Patton. Although Militine is one of the young women in training at the Madison Bridal School, secrets from her past prevent her from hoping to ever marry – that is until Thane comes along. Thane has a few secrets of his own and he recognizes and relates to the sadness he sees in Militine’s eyes. The question is, will either of them ever let down their guard and let their relationship progress beyond friendship?
Once again I was fascinated by the three older women who ran the bridal school. They were good for several laughs. And – once again Abrianna and Wade’s relationship hijacked a large portion of the story. I am in hopes that everything will work out for those two in the final volume “Love Everlasting”. I did enjoy reading about Abrianna’s food mission as well as sharing a major surprise in her life. You’ll just have to read the book to find out! I also liked learning about the volunteer fire department in Seattle and the hurdles that hindered their work.
Lots of drama and danger and a bit of mystery are in store for readers of “Refining Fire”. The title is very much apropos as the city is threatened by a devastating fire. As always, Peterson blends a strong Christian message into her story in a natural way that does not detract.
I always enjoy Tracie Peterson’s novels and “Refining Fire” did not let me down. I look forward to the final book in this excellent series.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Twenty-two-year-old Militine Scott is in training at the Madison Bridal School in Seattle, yet she has no intention of pursuing marriage. What respectable man would have her? But she has found the school provides the perfect opportunity to keep her unsavory past hidden.
Thane Patton, though fun-loving and fiercely loyal to his friends, hides a dark secret, as well. He finds himself drawn to Militine, sensing that she harbors a haunting pain similar to his own.
Will they allow God to make something new and beautiful from the debris of their past?
Read an excerpt from “Refining Fire” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: ©Lissa Barber Photography
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Belgrade, Montana. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com.
