by admin | Sep 8, 2020 | Books, England, Historical, Romance, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
I have found that reading a book by Roseanna M. White is akin to climbing into a time machine and taking a trip across the years to the setting of the story. In A Portrait of Loyalty I stepped into the plot and walked beside Zivon and Lily as they experienced life in London during World War 1, complete with danger, intrigue, tragedy, and romance.
The author paints a vivid picture with her words and it is obvious that she has researched her subject well. My history classes always seemed to run out of time before we ever reached this era and we barely touched on WW2 if we studied it at all. I hate to admit that I have learned far more about the Great War from fiction authors such as Roseanna White than I ever learned in school. I found everything about the work of the codebreakers and Lily’s skill at retouching or recreating photographs to be fascinating. So much went on behind the scenes to help win the war.
It was so encouraging for me to see God at work in the pages of this book and the difference love and forgiveness can make in the lives of even the most misguided people. I found it so gratifying the way one particular situation was handled at the end when it could have easily been handled in a less redemptive fashion.
I have loved the Codebreakers series and am a bit sad to see it end. I will miss some of the characters from the three books but who knows, some of them may make an appearance in another series one day. It has been fun to witness that happening a time or two in A Portrait of Loyalty. If you enjoy historical fiction, this book is a must; however I do suggest reading the entire series for the full experience.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He sees patterns in what she deems chaos.
She sees beauty in a world he thought destroyed.
Zivon Marin was one of Russia’s top cryptographers until the October Revolution tore apart his world. Forced to flee to England after speaking out against Lenin, Zivon is driven by a growing anger and determined to offer his services to the Brits. But never far from his mind is his brother, whom Zivon fears died in the train crash that separated them.
Lily Blackwell sees the world best through the lens of a camera and possesses unsurpassed skill when it comes to retouching and re-creating photographs. With her father’s connections in propaganda, she’s recruited to the intelligence division, even though her mother would disapprove if she ever found out.
After Captain Blackwell invites Zivon to dinner one evening, a friendship blooms between him and Lily that soon takes over their hearts. But both have secrets they’re unwilling to share, and neither is entirely sure they can trust the other. When Zivon’s loyalties are called into question, proving him honest is about more than one couple’s future dreams–it becomes a matter of ending the war.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White (www.roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, designing book covers, editing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
GIVEAWAY:
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A Portrait of Loyalty PRIZE PACK Includes:
One (1) Gift Certificate to Shutterfly of $25
One (1) Eiffel Tower Framed Print (photo taken by my daughter)
One (1) “Capture Life” Bracelet
One (1) A Portrait of Loyalty T-Shirt
Complete Print set of The Codebreakers, signed. Includes one (1) copy of The Number of Love, one (1) copy of On Wings of Devotion, and one (1) copy of A Portrait of Loyalty.
Enter via the Rafflecopter link below. Prizes subject to change due to availability. Open to US mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited. Giveaway open 9/8/2020 – 9/15/2020. One (1) winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and will be notified via the email provided. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize before a new winner is selected. See roseannamwhite.com for more information. |
by admin | Mar 26, 2020 | Books, Historical, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy books by Melody Carlson whether one of her annual Christmas novellas, a contemporary or historical, or even one of her young adult novels. This author has a talent for pulling her readers right into the story as well as the lives of her characters. Her books always contain a message of faith, sometimes subtle and other times in your face. I often wish her young adult books had been around when I was raising a teenage daughter. Turning Tide is the fourth book in Carlson’s historical The Legacy of Sunset Cove series. Rumor has it that it is also the final book of the series. I have not read all four books due to time limitations but thoroughly enjoyed the two I have had a chance to read. I hope to find time to catch up on the other two very soon.
With a setting along the Oregon coast during World War 1, the story features newspaper editor Anna, her daughter Katy, and other members of their extended family plus several close friends. Both Katy’s husband and Anna’s fiance are overseas serving in the war, leaving the women to manage things at home. Anna and Katy were very strong women who capably ran their own businesses. The narrative provides readers with a glimpse of everyday life during the war that includes hardships, joys, and sorrows experienced by the citizens of Sunset Cove.
I found this book to be of particular interest as I read it during our own enforced shelter at home for the current Covid-19 virus pandemic. The chapters that described the rumors of and the area’s experience with the Spanish Flu near the end of the war were almost frighteningly familiar yet encouraging too. I enjoyed Turning Tide and recommend it and the rest of the series to those who enjoy historical fiction or even those who just love a good book.
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:
| Book: Turning Tide
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: Feb 15, 2020
Click here for your copy! |
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As the Great War rages on, Sunset Cove continues to feel its impact. Running the small town newspaper, Anna McDowell can’t escape the grim reports from the other side of the world, but home-front challenges abound as well. Dr. Daniel is serving the wounded on the front lines. And Katy, expecting her first child, with her husband in the trenches, tries to support the war effort with her Red Cross club. Even as the war winds down the costs are high—and Sunset Cove is not spared.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.
MORE FROM MELODY:
Writing about the WW1 era has definitely been a good history lesson for me. Prohibition laws in Oregon (and rum-runners breaking them) combined with a massive war that changed the world and a global epidemic is worth paying attention to. Especially since history sometimes repeats itself. The early 20th century had a lot going on—much that seems nearly forgotten. I’m glad to see the movie 1917 is doing well—and we plan to see it this week. Although I’m not a fan of gruesome war movies, this era continues to intrigue me. Even as I wrapped up my Sunset Cove series with Turning Tide I was left wondering . . . what’s next? But isn’t that the beauty of story?
BLOG STOPS:
| The Avid Reader, March 16
For the Love of Literature, March 16
Through the Fire Blogs, March 16
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17
Inklings and notions, March 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 18
deb’s Book Review, March 18
All-of-a-kind Mom, March 19
By The Book, March 19
Wishful Endings, March 19
Texas Book-aholic, March 20
She Lives To Read, March 20
Betti Mace, March 21
Remembrancy, March 21
janicesbookreviews, March 22
Mary Hake, March 22
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 22
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 2
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For Him and My Family, March 23
Maureen’s Musings, March 24
My Devotional Thoughts, March 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 24
Christian Bookaholic, March 25
Artistic Nobody, March 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Older & Smarter?, March 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 26
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 27
Blogging With Carol, March 27
Daysong Reflections, March 27
SPLASHES of Joy, March 28
Vicky Sluiter, March 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29
Pause for Tales, March 29
For the Love of Books, March 29 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize package of a complete set of The Legacy of Sunset Cove series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f6e9/turning-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jan 10, 2020 | Books, England, Historical, Romance, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
Roseanna M. White has become one of my favorite authors so I was so pleased to have the chance to read and review her latest novel, On Wings of Devotion. It was everything I expected and more.
I have enjoyed this author’s tales set during World War 1 so much. My generation seems to see and hear more about WW2 so I certainly appreciate White’s research and attention to this neglected era. I loved reading about the codebreakers and their essential service to winning the war. The details provided made it much easier to understand how necessary the behind-the-scenes people help win wars. I also love how the characters develop throughout the book. Phillip Camden was a believable hero whose personal grief has him believing his country’s accusations against him. And Arabelle’s character touched my heart with her longing for a family of her own and her keen insight into hurting people that helped her to see past what others could see. Arabelle and Phillip were a perfect match and it was gratifying to watch them grow closer to each other and to the Lord as He directed them.
On Wings of Devotion is a wonderful story with a steady plot, plenty of action and intrigue, some quite humorous interludes, and of course a satisfying romance. I recommend this book as well as every other book this author has written. Thus far the Codebreakers series has been amazing and I look forward to the next installment!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Against Every Warning, She’s Drawn
Ever Closer to the Man Known as “Black Heart”
All of England thinks Major Phillip Camden a monster–a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But he would have preferred to die that day with his men rather than be recruited to the Admiralty’s codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved.
As nurse Arabelle Denler observes the so-dubbed “Black Heart,” she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their families and paths twist together unexpectedly, she realizes she has a role to play in his healing–and some of her own to do as well.
With Camden’s court-martial looming, an old acquaintance shows up, intent on using him in a plot that sends the codebreakers of Room 40 into a frenzy. With their fragile hopes for the future in the cross hairs, Arabelle and Camden must hold on to hope–and to each other–if they want to survive.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White (www.roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, designing book covers, editing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
by admin | Aug 17, 2019 | Books, Historical, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
I personally have conflicting views on The Awakening of Miss Adelaide. It was difficult for me to engage with the book for the first several chapters. I found the plot to move quite slowly with little of the interaction between characters that I usually enjoy. This seemed to be a more introspective style. Then a glaring error about the winter solstice that was repeated more than once nearly made me want to stop reading. The fact that the remarks were not even necessary to the story made their inclusion questionable to me. Nevertheless, I continued reading like the good reviewer I try to be and eventually found the story to be worth my time.
The Awakening of Miss Adelaide is a historical novel set during World War 1. Adelaide’s story begins in Italy where she has inherited a villa. A famous opera singer, Adelaide has decided to remain on the estate due to the war but soon finds herself at the mercy of the army and disease which will change her life forever. An unexpected reunion with a former love interest and a trip back home brings even more change and mystery into her life.
Historical details about women’s fight for the right to vote and women’s lack of personal rights during that era were particularly interesting. Overall the story was mostly interesting with a touch of faith, mystery, and romance. Those who enjoy historical fiction may well enjoy this book 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:
| Book: The Awakening of Miss Adelaide
Author: Linda Brooks Davis
Genre: Historical
Release Date: July, 2019
Click here to grab your copy! |
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Orphaned as an infant, Oklahoma heiress Adelaide Fitzgerald has enjoyed every advantage. She possesses a unique gift for music and has excelled on the opera stage in Italy. As a philanthropist, she’s adored from America to Europe.
But Miss Adelaide is about to awaken in a 1918 nightmare. The Great War—and the Great Influenza—knock, and Adelaide finds her uninvited guests more than unwelcome. They threaten her life and alter her identity and purpose.
Snatched from a quiet life in an Italian villa, Miss Adelaide is thrust into conflicts others have created. What battle scars will she sustain? And where will love lead her?
In The Awakening of Miss Adelaide, war and peace, laughter and heartache, love and loss come together to ignite a fresh fire that reveals one woman’s hidden needs and potentials.
What will gaining a fresh understanding of herself require of the Angel of the Opera?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Linda Brooks Davis was born and reared, educated, and married in Texas. Her children and six grandchildren were born in Texas. She devoted the bulk of her 40 years as a special educator in Texas schools. But her mother and grandmother hailed from Oklahoma, the setting for Linda’s 2015 debut novel, The Calling of Ella McFarland, which won the 2014 Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel Award and the 2016 American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award. Linda continues to write from her home in San Antonio, Texas. She and her beloved husband Al worship and minister at Oak Hills Church. Linda enjoys chatting with readers through her website www.lindabrooksdavis.com.
MORE FROM LINDA:
Awakening Miss Adelaide begins with my mother’s cedar chest, which bore an unwritten warning: Hands off! Priceless treasures resided in its depths. My parents’ wedding suits. An old tattered quilt. Mother’s felt hat with a jaunty feather at the rolled-up grim. Bible notes. A stained tablecloth. Equally stained ladies’ handkerchiefs. And old, crocheted, scorched pot holders.
My paternal great-grandmother wrote letters and created intricate, painstaking handwork while she was committed to an asylum in Terrell, Texas. They represent the dearest items in the cedar chest.
Incalculable are the times over the years when a family member would comment Great-granny didn’t appear insane at all. I often wondered how it was she resided at a state mental hospital from 1900 until her death in 1948. How could an insane person write coherent letters and create such handwork?
Mystery shrouds those answers as surely as Great-grandmother herself.
Family legend developed around her. Stories varied from “She wasn’t crazy. Her husband wanted to get rid of her” to “She was an Indian who chose the name McFarland to avoid White bias against the indigenous people.” The truth hides somewhere amid the deadfall of her tragic life.
Sometimes research for a novel can feel like digging up bones. In a way, it is.
One such “bone” I got my teeth around and refused to let go was an article in a 1913 edition of Fort Worth Star-Telegram. It described a murder committed in the lobby of the Metropolitan Hotel. This violent act occurred in connection with an adulterous affair.
Consequently, heightened emotions, lowered common sense, and the control males exerted over females resulted in one man’s murder and the murderer’s acquittal. The “offending” woman’s husband dragged her home kicking and screaming and committed her to a mental asylum for “emotional insanity.”
I wondered if the “offending” man had been treated in like manner. Hardly.
How could I NOT include this morass in a novel?
Someone ought to write a book about that was often said around our family reunions. My interest in doing just that developed little by little over the years. The Women of Rock Creek series deals with some of the ways in which women were denied equal rights when they were denied the vote. Such realities presented an ideal platform for illustrating some women’s plight in the hands of unscrupulous men–inequality in education, the courtroom, and even in mental health care.
With an abundance of love and respect for my great-grandmother; her daughter, my grandmother; and her grandson, my father, I offer this imaginary story. It contrasts two different women: one with a voice heard around the world and the other with no voice at all.
I offer The Awakening of Miss Adelaide to the Lord to do with it as He sees fit. May this story inspired by the agony experienced by my great-grandmother serve to lighten someone else’s load.
BLOG STOPS:
| Bettimace, August 10
Godly Book Reviews, August 10
Reflections From my Bookshelves, August 10
Connect in Fiction, August 11
Mary Hake, August 11
Genesis 5020, August 12
Through the Fire Blogs, August 12
For Him and My Family, August 13
Just Your Average reviews, August 13
Life of a traveling wife, August 14
Connie’s History Classroom, August 14
Bigreadersite , August 15
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 15
Blessed & Bookish, August 16
Emily Yager, August 16
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CarpeDiem, August 17
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 17
Daysong Reflections, August 18
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, August 18
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 19
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 19
Pause for Tales, August 20
For The Love of Books , August 20
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 21
Texas Book-aholic, August 21
janicesbookreviews, August 22
A Reader’s Brain, August 22
Inklings and notions, August 23
Simple Harvest Reads, August 23 (Spotlight) |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of her book and a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/e682/the-awakening-of-miss-adelaide-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jun 11, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, World War 1
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White with JustRead Publicity Tours! Follow along with the tour for a special inside peek at how The Number of Love is connected to the author’s previous book from another series, A Song Unheard.
MY REVIEW:
Although I somehow missed this author’s first series, I have been a fan throughout the previous two series and fully intend to catch up on the earlier books as well. They are already on my shelf waiting for me to find the time to read them.
The Number of Love is Roseanna M. White’s first novel in her latest series, The Codebreakers which features members of Room 40, a secret and important part of England’s intelligence network during World War 1. Readers met Margo De Wilde in White’s novel, A Song Unheard, the second book in the previous Shadows Over England series. I loved seeing her in this important role as one of the esteemed codebreakers and learning more about her life and a bit of how her mind worked. Her reluctant romantic relationship with Drake Elton was a welcome bonus as he proved himself a very worthy suitor for her.
I am constantly amazed at the talent of Roseanna White and the magical way she brings her characters to life as well as the depth of her research. History comes to life from her gifted imagination and I find myself learning and wanting to know even more about our past. WWI was given so little time in my high school history classes and because WWII was the “big war” for my parents’ generation, it was the one I knew most about. I so appreciate the way White has filled in some of the gaps in my woefully inadequate knowledge about WWI.
As I have found in all White’s books, The Number of Love was easy-to-read with characters I cared about. It captured and held my full attention from the very beginning with its danger, mystery, action, and romance as well as its profound spiritual truths. This book added one more reason why I am such a fan of this author. All her books are on my keeper shelf. If you are a late comer to her novels, don’t wait any longer and give them a try, especially if you are a lover of history. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours and am also a member of the author’s influencer team. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: The Number of Love
Series: Codebreakers #1
Author: Roseanna M. White
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: June 4, 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Intrigue
Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.
Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?
Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | ChristianBook
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself.
Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
CONNECT WITH ROSEANNA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
TOUR GIVEAWAY:
Grand Prize: Shadows Over England series, The Number of Love, and the Decrypto board game, plus “Mi Alma” necklace (Necklace is 24″ chain with a 1″ pendant that says “Mi Alma” Spanish for “My Soul”. A term of endearment used throughout the book. Handmade by Bookworm Mama)
(3) additional winners of The Number of Love.
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight June 3, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm June 17, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
by admin | Apr 7, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
There is no lack of Christian historical fiction featuring World War 1 but very few authors seem to have written stories about the First World War. Kate Breslin is one of those authors and she offers some wonderfully researched tales that are quite informative as well as suspenseful and romantic. I thoroughly enjoyed Far Side of the Sea which gave me more insight into behind-the-scenes of the war, especially the use of carrier pigeons and spies.
I particularly liked the two main characters Colin and Johanna who despite their instinctive distrust of each other grew to depend on each other as well. Their search for Johanna’s sister Jewel led them on a dangerous chase across Europe that could easily end in disaster at any moment. Ample plot twists and surprises had me holding my breath at pivotal points. I also appreciated the author’s emphasis on faith that helped see them through their dangerous venture.
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 1918 England, Lieutenant Colin Mabry spends his days decoding messages for MI8 after suffering injuries at the front. When he receives an urgent summons by carrier pigeon from Jewel Reyer–a woman who saved his life and whom he believed to be dead–he can only hope he’ll regain the courage he lost on the front lines as he’s driven back into war-torn France.
But Jewel isn’t the one waiting for him in Paris. Instead, it is a stranger who claims to be her half sister, Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence. She found Jewel’s diary and believes her sister is alive and in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is at first skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust grows.
That trust is quickly put to the test, however, when their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot and their search for answers quickly turns into a battle for their lives.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: ©Samantha Panzera Photography
A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is a Carol Award winner and a RITA and Christy Award finalist and lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Find her online at www.katebreslin.com.
