by admin | May 17, 2021 | Books, Colonial America, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Maine, Rocky Mountains, Romance
MY REVIEW:
What a blessing to be able to return to Three Sisters Island in Maine for another visit! Suzanne Woods Fisher’s latest series almost makes me want to pack up and move to Maine. Unfortunately I am not a fan of winter weather so that would be a deal breaker. Our winters here in southwest Tennessee are more than enough for me.
It was a delight to visit with old friends from the previous novels and to make a new friend or two in At Lighthouse Point. All three Grayson sisters are back with Blaine as the predominate character. After time away studying at a French culinary school, Blaine returns to Camp Kicking Moose with big dreams and plans to serve gourmet food to their guests. Her well-meaning family who know absolutely nothing about commercial kitchens have already remodeled the kitchen as a surprise. Poor Blaine struggles to keep her disappointment to herself to avoid hurting their feelings.
The family is also not so happy that Blaine brought an unexpected companion with her for the summer – one who is so completely accident prone that he spends the entire summer on the couch recuperating from one mishap after another. Surprisingly it is his wisdom that brings the family members together as he encourages each one to follow God’s plan for their lives. And through it all, he might just discover God’s plan for his own life.
There is so much going on in At Lighthouse Point that I would be hard pressed to touch on even a fraction of it. Surprises abound, hearts are healed, relationships are mended, and above all the members of the Grayson family and their friends discover that the Lord’s plan is even greater than their own dreams.
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:
Book: At Lighthouse Point
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Release date: May 4, 2021
Click here to get your copy!
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Blaine Grayson returns to Three Sisters Island with a grand plan–to take Camp Kicking Moose to the next level. Her dream starts to unravel when she discovers Moose Manor’s kitchen has been badly remodeled by her sister, Cam, who doesn’t know how to cook. Added to that blow is the cold shoulder given by her best friend, Artie Lotosky, now a doctor to the unbridged Maine islands.
As old wounds are opened, Blaine starts to wonder if she made a mistake by coming home. Little by little, she must let go of one dream to discover a new one, opening her heart to a purpose and a future she had never imagined.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected. With more than one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of more than 30 works, ranging from novels to non-fiction books to children’s books. Currently, she lives with her very big family in the East Bay.
MORE FROM SUZANNE:
10 Curious Facts about Lighthouses
People love lighthouses. There’s just something special about those sturdy sentinels with their beacons of light, patiently sweeping the water, their mournful and haunting wail of a foghorn. Longfollow’s poem, The Lighthouse, written in 1850, captured the allure so well:
And as the evening darkens, lo! how bright,
Through the deep purple of the twilight air,
Beams forth the sudden radiance of its light,
With strange, unearthly splendor in the glare!
“Unearthly splendor.” Wow, doesn’t that hit the nail on the head? A lighthouse, to me, represents a spiritual truth: Someone’s watching out for us, looking out for the dangers ahead, and always glad to welcome us home.
Here are 10 facts about lighthouses that you might not know:
- THE FIRST KNOWN LIGHTHOUSE was Egypt’s Pharos of Alexandria, Egypt, built in the third century B.C. The lighthouse was made from a fire on a platform to warn sailors of the port’s entrance. This lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- THE OLDEST EXISTING LIGHTHOUSE IN THE WORLD is considered to be La Coruna in Spain that dates from ca. 20 B.C. A Roman lighthouse is located on the Cliffs of Dover in the UK that was constructed in 40 A.D.
- THE UNITED STATES IS HOME to more lighthouses than any other country.
- THE FIRST LIGHTHOUSE IN AMERICA was at Boston on Little Brewster Island (1716). The first keeper was George Worthylake who, sadly, was drowned, along with his wife and daughter, when returning to the island in 1718.
- THE TALLEST LIGHTHOUSE is on Cape Hatteras, NC. Built in 1872, it reached 196 feet tall.
- THE FIRST WEST COAST LIGHTHOUSE was built on Alcatraz Island in 1854.
- DAYMARKS are the painted colors and patterns (diamonds, spirals and stripes) on lighthouse towers to distinguish them from each other.
- LIGHTHOUSE KEEPING was one of the first U.S. government jobs available to women, as far back as the 19th century. Most obtained their position when their husband died or became incapacitated.
- THE RANGE OF THE LIGHTHOUSE LIGHT produces a light seen 25 miles at sea.
- ABOUT 700 LIGHTHOUSES are still in active use in the United States.
As I wrote the third book in the ‘Three Sisters island’ series, I just had to give that little charred lighthouse its day in the sun. It had patiently played a role in the first two books, waiting for its turn on center stage. Not only did its setting provide a very unexpected “WHAT? How did that happen?” conclusion to the series, it even stole the headline! The undisputed title: At Lighthouse Point.
Do you have a favorite lighthouse? If so, please add your picture in the comments below. Don’t forget to include its location.
Thanks for reading! Stay well, stay home, and read.
Suzanne
BLOG STOPS:
lakesidelivingsite, May 11
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 11
Wishful Endings, May 11
The Avid Reader, May 12
Just Writing, May 12
The Write Escape, May 12
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 12
By The Book, May 13
HappyWhenReading, May 13
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, May 13
Texas Book-aholic, May 13
Inklings and notions, May 14
Cultivating Us, May 14
Blogging With Carol, May 14
Batya’s Bits , May 14
Betti Mace, May 15
Bizwings Blog, May 15
Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 15
For Him and My Family, May 15
deb’s Book Review, May 16
Jeanette’s Thoughts , May 16
HookMeInABook, May 16
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 16
Connie’s History Classroom, May 17
Lighthouse-Academy, May 17
Where Crisis & Christ Collide, May 17
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 18
Godly Book Reviews, May 18
Daysong Reflections, May 18
Mary Hake, May 18
Artistic Nobody, May 19 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 19
EmpowerMoms, May 19
SusanLovesBooks, May 19
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 20
Older & Smarter?, May 20
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 20
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 21
Simple Harvest Reads, May 21 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Splashes of Joy, May 21
Blossoms and Blessings, May 21
Through the Fire Blogs, May 22
Vicky Sluiter, May 22
Pause for Tales, May 22
Moments, May 22
She Lives To Read, May 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23
Labor Not in Vain, May 23
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 24
Life, Love, Writing, May 24
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 24
Remembrancy, May 24
by admin | Nov 16, 2020 | Books, Historical, Rocky Mountains, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Set in the Rocky Mountains, Book 2 in Lisa J. Flickinger’s Rocky Mountain Revival series features life in a logging camp. Both of the young protagonists have already tasted more of hardship and tragedy than many of us ever will. Each of them was quite mature for their age but most people grew up quickly in those days.
The plot of Rocky Mountain Revelation moves at a steady pace with frequent action and danger. A sinister undercurrent threatens the camp but those in charge find it difficult to pinpoint who is behind the plots of the wicked. Will and Madeline must learn to trust the Lord rather than their own strength and plans.
I enjoyed this book and was happy to see that more than one evil plan was foiled however I am pretty sure readers have not seen the end of the troublemakers. I would not be at all surprised to see them turn up in the final book of the series where I hope they will either repent or be dealt with justly.
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: Rocky Mountain Revelation
Author: Lisa J. Flickinger
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: November 3, 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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A Rocky Mountain logging camp may be just the place to start her new life.
Widowed at nineteen, Madeline Lamb seeks to find a new husband amongst the crew of the Rocky Mountain log drive. With a baby growing inside her, she has no choice. She signs on as cook’s helper, and it soon becomes apparent her options for a mate are limited. Madeline’s grieving heart wavers between the security an older man offers and the tender feelings a new crew member stirs.
Will Matheson earned the chance to work the high-paying spring log drive. The boon ensures he can recoup the logging wages stolen by a pretty face with some fast fingers. Frustration builds when the boss pulls him from the river and assigns him the job of camp chore boy. If it wasn’t for the pretty cook’s helper, he’d take the first train home.
When the dangers of the river journey prove more treacherous than anyone expects, the budding attraction between Will and Madeline is put to the test. If they survive the adventure, life as they know it will never be the same.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa J. Flickinger lives and writes from the cliff of a river along the majestic Rocky Mountains. When not writing or reading, you will find her scouring antique shops or sipping a maple latte with friends and family. To learn more about her other books, visit www.lisajflickinger.com.
MORE FROM LISA:
When I research a new novel, I love to find obscure facts about the setting. My study of the old time river drives for Rocky Mountain Revelation led me to a particularly tasty morsel. The river crews were served massive amounts of food over four meals to make up for all the energy expended transporting logs in the frigid water. Often, their meals included donuts.
Yes, donuts! However, we’re not talking about the scrumptious treat picked up at your local bakery or grocery store. These donuts were cooked over an open fire in the backwoods. Yum.
Picture what they call a tin kitchen, a small boxy metal contraption, set over a blazing fire. The cook would place a wide mouthed aluminum basin on top and fill it with cooking oil. When the oil reached the perfect temperature he would drop the batter into the oil using a ladle. The piping hot donuts would be rolled in sugar when they were cooked and served to the crew fresh from the fire. A half whiskey barrel of donuts could disappear in just one meal. Several times a day, the cook would travel downstream by raft and repeat the process.
Will, the hero of Rocky Mountain Revelation, finds his sweetheart Madeleine particularly pretty with flour up to her elbows. However, he grows tired of the mounds of donuts and by the end of the drive attempts to trade them for the cook’s fluffy biscuits.
Enjoy the trip downriver with Will, Madeline…and the donuts.
Dear reader, enjoy!
BLOG STOPS:
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 5
Artistic Nobody, November 5 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Vicky Sluiter, November 6
Inklings and notions, November 7
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 7
For Him and My Family, November 8
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 9
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess., November 10
Genesis 5020, November 10
Texas Book-aholic, November 11
Life of Literature, November 11 |
Older & Smarter?, November 12
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 13
Sara Jane Jacobs, November 13
Betti Mace, November 14
deb’s Book Review, November 14
Blossoms and Blessings, November 15
Labor Not in Vain, November 15
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 16
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 17
Daysong Reflections, November 17
Connie’s History Classroom, November 18
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GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize of 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/10354/rocky-mountain-revelation-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Nov 10, 2020 | Books, Colorado, Historical, Rocky Mountains, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Her Secret Song is another great read from Mary Connealy that wraps up her Brides of Hope Mountain series. Between its covers I once again found a wonderful tale filled with vivid descriptions, interesting characters, and more of Connealy’s trademark humor.
Set against the backdrop of Colorado mountains, Her Secret Song is a story of hope, redemption, and overcoming fear. The conclusion of the series features Ursula Nordegren who has yet to overcome her fears of the unknown world below the mountain where she has spent her entire life. After spending the entire winter alone, Ursula finally summons enough courage to venture down the mountain but midway down she encounters badly injured outlaw Wax Mosby. With no choice but to help him up the mountain, Ursula takes him to her winter home and nurses him back to health.
A wonderful tale with an unexpected love story, Her Secret Song may have been my favorite of the series. It was a fitting conclusion with answers to a mystery or two revealed and major problems overcome. I loved all three of the Nordegren sisters as well as the members of the Warden family. I also found inspiration in the major life changes in Wax Mosby. I particularly enjoy how this author manages to teach important messages of life and faith while keeping me delightfully entertained the entire time.
If you are not familiar with Mary Connealy’s books, please do yourself a favor and pick up all three books of this series. Her Secret Song could easily stand on its own but would be much more enjoyable after reading the previous two books.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House Publishers. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He hunts down outlaws.
She hides away from everyone.
When a long winter alone has each rethinking their lives,
Will they be ready to spring for unexpected second chances?
With both her sisters gone and married, Ursula Nordegren is the only one left clinging to their grandma’s fears about the outside world. But after a winter spent in isolation, even she is rethinking those warnings. She bravely starts to venture down Hope Mountain, only to stumble upon a badly wounded stranger and realize God may have had an extra special purpose behind sending her out.
Wax Mosby thought he was a skilled hired gun with principles. But that identity was upended the day he realized he’d been duped into wrongfully driving out the Wardens. He’s spent the winter planning to climb Hope Mountain to find the family and atone for his deeds. But when he’s wounded during the climb, the last person he expects to rescue him is a beautiful blond woman with the voice of an angel.
As both Ursula and Wax weigh the costs of leading new lives, the two find an unlikely bond. And they’re joined by Ursula’s sisters and the Warden family as the final showdown over the Wardens’ ranch looms with the coming of spring.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than half a million books. She is the author of the popular series Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.
by admin | Aug 6, 2020 | Books, Historical, Historical Mystery/Suspense, Rocky Mountains, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Although I learned after reading it that Love’s Mountain Quest is the second book in a series, I had no problems reading it as a stand-alone novel. A minimal amount of background was provided within the story which was quite enough for me to understand the context. I read historical fiction because I love it and am not a stickler for details. I trust the authors have done their research so I just sit back and enjoy a good book.
Love’s Mountain Quest was quite the wilderness adventure that took place in the Rocky Mountains of Montana territory. When Joanna’s young son and his companion were kidnapped by a group of outlaws, she insists on going with Isaac Bowen to rescue them. As the pair travels together through the rough mountain country, they encounter one delay after another due to several unexpected calamities. Frequent readers will assume that romantic feelings will develop during such close proximity in a tense situation and they would be correct.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with its vivid descriptions of the wilderness, strong characters, and plenty of danger and action. Although I love reading books of this type, they do tend to make me realize what a sheltered life I have led and how unprepared I would be to attempt such a journey myself. I am definitely an armchair adventurer.
So all you other armchair adventurers, Love’s Mountain Quest should satisfy your longing for adventure right in the comfort of your own home. Be sure to pick up a copy and join Joanna and Isaac as they venture through the Montana wilderness to rescue her son and his companion.
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: Love’s Mountain Quest
Author: Misty M Beller
Genre: Historical romance
Release Date: June 30, 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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After losing her husband in the Rocky Mountain wilderness, young widow Joanna Watson is struggling to make a new home for her five-year-old son, Samuel, in the little mountain town of Settler’s Fort. When she returns home from work to find Samuel and the woman watching him missing–and the sheriff dead–she enlists a man she prays has enough experience in this rugged country to help.
Isaac Bowen wants nothing more than a quiet, invisible life in these mountains, far away from the bad decisions of his past. But he has a strong suspicion of who’s behind the kidnapping and murder, and if he’s right, he knows all too well the evil they’re chasing.
As they press on against the elements, Joanna fights to hold on to hope, while Isaac knows a reckoning is coming. They find encouragement in the tentative trust that grows between them, but whether it can withstand the danger and coming confrontation is far from certain in this wild, unpredictable land.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After working for 13 years in the corporate world, Misty M. Beller (mistymbeller.com) is now the author of fourteen independently published Christian historical romance novels. Raised on a farm in South Carolina, she combines her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life by writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. She lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, is an active member of ACFW, and teaches regularly at conferences and writing groups on effective book marketing.
MORE FROM MISTY:
The Story Behind the Story: Love’s Mountain Quest
Love’s Mountain Quest was one of the hardest books I’ve ever written, even though I LOVE Isaac and Joanna and their story. What made this book so hard was the fact that I wrote most of the story during my third trimester of pregnancy with our son!
Our little Matthew is our fourth baby (and first boy), so I was VERY heavy with child during the last three months I carried him, and that was the time that I’d scheduled to write Love’s Mountain Quest. Needless to say, the words were not flowing very well. My creativity was as exhausted as the rest of me! I could see Isaac and Joanna’s story in my mind, but showing it for readers using real words was the hard part.
Thankfully, I have an amazing editor at Bethany House (waving at Jen Veilleux!) who helped me massage the first draft, pushing both me and the story to be the very best we could be. Unfortunately for her, the edits for this book were the first bit of writing I did after taking a short maternity leave after the birth, so my brain was still a bit mushy from all the post-partum hormones and lack of sleep a newborn always brings. Jen’s patience through the process was remarkable, yet I so appreciate her determination not to stop until we had the very best book possible.
Our little Matthew just turned one, and Love’s Mountain Quest is finally making its way out into the world. Because of Jen, I’m so excited to share it with you! I can’t wait for you to meet the characters and story I love so much.
BLOG STOPS:
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize package of Love’s Mountain Quest, Hope’s Highest Mountain, and a bath bomb!!
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/fe39/love-s-mountain-quest-celebration-tour-giveaway