by admin | Mar 19, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Set in the make-believe kingdom of Brighton, “How to Catch a Prince” is Hauck’s third novel in the Royal Wedding Series. Very much a modern fairytale, this novel is filled with romance and whimsy but also some cold, hard looks at reality. The fact is, no one is exempt from heartache and tragedy, not even royalty or the wealthy. Each person must deal with whatever life hands out and this book is a fine illustration of how much more successful one can do so by trusting in the Lord’s help.
I have been a huge fan of Rachel Hauck’s book since the very first one I opened. I have enjoyed the Royal Wedding series very much and found “How to Catch a Prince” to be a wonderful addition to the series. Each of the previous books has had special touches of the supernatural woven into the story but I think Hauck took it a step further with her inclusion of Adelaide and Brill who just might have been guardian angels.
“How to Catch a Prince” is a story complicated by miscommunication, imagining how another would respond if told the truth, and wrongly applied guilt. It is a story about a family nearly destroyed by grief and a man who has wrongly blamed himself for the deaths of others. But most of all it is a story about the redemptive power of the God who loves His children and is ready to restore their hearts in order that they might fulfill the plans He has for their lives.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?
American heiress Corina Del Rey’s life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she’s shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.
But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.
Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.
When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen’s pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?
Yet, true love has a destiny all it’s own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must chose to answer the call of love on their hearts.
Or let it be lost forever?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Rachel’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as “The Wedding Dress,” “Love Starts with Elle,” and “Once Upon A Prince.” She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, “Softly and Tenderly,” one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.
Find out more about Rachel at http://www.rachelhauck.com/.
New Book from Rachel Hauck | ‘How to Catch a Prince’ and Royal Giveaway
An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever? Find out in Rachel Hauck’s new book, How to Catch a Prince. True love has a destiny all its own. With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?
Enter to win a “royal” prize pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A royal-themed Brighton charm bracelet
- 2 tickets to see the new Cinderella movie
- The Royal Wedding series (Once Upon a Prince, Princess Ever After, and How to Catch a Prince)
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on Rachel’s blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
by admin | Mar 18, 2015 | Books, England, Fantasy, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingDauntlessBethany House Publishers (March 3, 2015)byDina L. Sleiman
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A word from the author:
Since selling my first book, I have also become an acquisitions editor for the company. I am a member of the Inkwell Inspirations blog, HEWN Marketing, ACFW, and a contributor to Christian Review of Books. I hold publishing credits in poetry and songwriting, and I was the writer and featured teacher in a nationally distributed instructional dance video for children. I have written several songs about the plight of the Islamic people, which have been produced in association with the Christian Broadcast Network. In addition, I have taught college and high school classes in writing and literature, as well as homeschool classes in the fine arts, and now enjoy teaching at writers conferences throughout the nation.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Where Legend and History Collide,
One Young Woman Will Fight for the Innocent
Born a baron’s daughter, Lady Merry Ellison is now an enemy of the throne after her father’s failed assassination attempt upon the king. Bold and uniquely skilled, she is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village–a group that becomes known as “The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest.” Merry finds her charge more difficult as their growing notoriety brings increasing trouble their way.
Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform some feat so legendary that he will rise from obscurity and earn a title of his own. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he might have found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, he’s forced to reexamine everything he’s known.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Dauntless, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
With a similar setting and time frame, Dauntless aims for the same audience as the legend of Robin Hood. But Dauntless has a twist – the leader of this merry group of “The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest” is a young woman. Lady Merry Ellison, an orphan herself, has dedicated herself to caring for all the other orphaned children of her former village. She has managed that task fairly well until the day Timothy Grey, decides to gain fame and recognition by finding the notorious thieves.
Dauntless is an easy-to-read tale that kept me in suspense as I wondered what would happen to Merry and the children if they were caught. I was totally surprised when I learned the identity of the person who hated Timothy so much – I really thought it was someone else until it was revealed later in the book. I liked the contrast between the four characters of Merry, Allen, Timothy, and John, especially the different ways they responded to the misfortunes and tragedy in their lives. What a lesson for each of us!
Although Dauntless is aimed at a young adult audience, this particular oldie enjoyed it too. Be sure and check it out!
by admin | Dec 21, 2014 | Books, Fantasy
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed novels by a certain well-known Christian author since approximately 1990 and have learned that I can expect an excellent story that is well-written and well researched each time I pick up one of his books. It doesn’t matter if it is contemporary fiction, historical fiction from various areas of the world, Biblical fiction, political fiction, fiction written with another well-known author, etc. It is all quality fiction and I never question whether I should invest in his latest offering.
This particular author has just released the first volume of a new epic fantasy series under the pen name of Thomas Locke that targets the general market. Although the reader will not find an overtly “Christian” message in this novel, it is a classic story of the battle between good and evil and should appeal to those who have enjoyed tales from C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Those who have a problem with magic, wizards, and elves, etc. should probably skip this one but fantasy lovers may find themselves with a new favorite to add to their collection.
“Emissary” features two primary characters, Hyam and Joelle, two young people who have never really fit in with the rest of the world that surrounds them. Separately they each have been endowed with unique gifts that have equipped them for the destiny that draws them together in order to fight the malevolent forces that threaten the entire realm. Alone the challenge is impossible but together, along with others called to risk everything for their kingdom, there might just be a slim chance to overcome the evil that draws near.
This novel is written in a manner that drew me into the action almost immediately. Hyam and Joelle were characters that I could care about. Neither of them were perfect, in fact the opposite was true. Both had been sorely mistreated in the Long Halls where they were apprenticed and each found it difficult to trust others. Nevertheless they did not shrink from the call on their lives but bravely marched forward to even the possibility of death.
I find myself lacking in the eloquence needed to adequately describe “Emissary”. It encompasses the best of classic fantasy with beautifully descriptive passages, gallant characters, and a cause to die for. What more can a reader ask?
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Hyam is a likeable lad who will make a fine farmer someday. But he carries a burden few can fathom. As his mother slips toward death, she implores him to return to Long Hall, where he spent five years as an apprentice. It was there that Hyam’s extraordinary capacity for mastering languages came to light–and soon cast him into the shadows of suspicion. How could any human learn the forbidden tongues with such ease? When Hyam dares to seek out the Mistress of the Sorceries, her revelation tears his world asunder.
He has no choice but to set out on the foreboding path–which beckons him to either his destiny or his doom. An encounter with an enchanting stranger reminds him that he is part hero and part captive. As Hyam struggles to interpret the omens and symbols, he is swept up by a great current of possibilities–and dangers.
With lyrical prose that unveils a richly imaginative world, Thomas Locke takes readers on a journey into the Realm. There he invites them to awaken their sense of wonder. This cracking adventure moves like a contemporary thriller but harkens back to the enduring genre of classic fantasy.
Read an excerpt from Emissary HERE.
Purchase Emissary HERE.
Free ebook short excerpt from Emissary – The Captive.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Thomas Locke is an award-winning novelist with total worldwide sales of seven million copies.
His work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction and his 2014 induction into the Christy Hall of Fame.
Thomas divides his time between Florida and England, where he serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University. He holds a lifelong passion for epic fantasy, science fiction and techno-thriller stories.
Thomas’s screenplay adaption of Emissary is under development as a feature film with a British production company.
Contact Thomas at info@tlocke.com
by admin | Jul 16, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingShenandoah DreamsOakTara Publishers (July 1, 2014)byLisa BelcastroABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Belcastro lives with her family on Martha’s Vineyard. She loves chocolate, gardening, outdoor activities, cooking, laughing, reading, traveling, a healthy dose of adventure, and her cat Ben, who keeps her company while she spends hours working at the computer.
She was inspired to write Shenandoah Nights, the first book in the Winds of Change trilogy, while chaperoning two Tisbury School summer sails with her daughter, Kayla, aboard the schooner Shenandoah. The weeklong adventure, sans electricity, Game Boys, iPods and modern conveniences, kindled her imagination to dream of an altogether different voyage.
In addition to writing romance novels, Lisa currently pens the cuisine column for Vineyard Style magazine. She has worked as a staff and freelance reporter and photographer for The Chronicle of the Horse and as assistant editor at The Blue Ridge Leader. She has written articles for USA Today, Dressage (London), USA WEEKEND Magazine, The Blue Ridge Leader and Sidelines.
When she’s not at her desk, Lisa is living in paradise, volunteering at her daughter’s school, serving in her church community, planting and weeding her numerous gardens, trying to run a marathon a month, or walking the beach looking for sea glass.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What if she met the man of her dreams…in another century? Tisbury, Massachusetts, Martha s Vineyard. It s just a dream, Melissa Smith whispers as she stares into the intense eyes of a man dressed in Colonial clothes, as though stepping out of an American Revolution movie set. A school chaperone with Holmes Hole Elementary, she d boarded the old schooner Shenandoah for a week long educational sail. But they are not visiting Plimoth Plantation, the Boston Tea Party Museum, or the Concord Bridge reenactment. They re sailing the waters around the island of Martha s Vineyard. Yet, when she awakes in Cabin 8, the captain claims to be Isaiah Reed, who sailed the original Shenandoah in the eighteenth century. He cannot possibly be real, Melissa thinks. And traveling back in time is impossible. But days pass, and she s still in 1770. What if Isaiah, who is simply too handsome to be real, is real? What if the fire he ignites in her from barely a touch isn’t in her imagination? Can a dream last for weeks on end? If so, how will she find her way home…to the twenty-first century? And can she bear to leave the one man who has captured her heart, when everything in her longs to stay? A Vineyard Romance Romance, history, adventure. Get swept into the exciting Winds of Change series.
If you liked to read the first chapter of Shenandoah Dreams, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Shenandoah Dreams was an unusual read. It was a bit of a stretch for me to accept that God would take someone to a different century to find the perfect man to marry. Yes, it is what I would consider a fantasy novel that involves unexpected time travel. Not my favorite genre but interesting nevertheless.
Actually, the book is well-written with appealing characters and is quite easy to read. I did hate that some of the characters were left with unresolved questions regarding Melissa but I don’t know of another way the situation could have been handled. Historical facts and details about sailing added extra depth to the story.
by admin | Mar 5, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Princess Ever After” is a modern day fairytale that reminds us that God chose us and had a specific plan for us even before we were born – but it is up to us to choose to accept that calling in faith and step out in obedience, knowing that He has our back.
Rachel’s characters are usually normal everyday people but God tends to interrupt their routine lives with something extraordinary. In “Princess Ever After”, Regina learns that she is a princess of Hessenburg, a small European country whose citizens need her to save it. Confusion and fear dog her every step as she struggles to make a decision that will change her life forever no matter how she chooses. Tanner is the government official of Hessenburg who is assigned to convince Regina to accept the throne and to help her become acquainted with her new kingdom. Although Tanner falls in love with Regina at first sight, his past mistakes convince him he is not good enough for her. Several questions are in play here. Will Regina give up her life of restoring old automobiles and become the new ruler of Hessenburg? Can Tanner make peace with his past? Is true love possible for Regina and Tanner?
Written in the author’s usual thoughtful style, “Princess Ever After” quickly drew me into the story and held my interest until the last page. I loved getting to know both Regina and Tanner and was eager to see how their story would turn out. I loved the sweet romance, the touch of mystery and the aura of wonder that filled the plot…and of course those “Holy Spirit” moments that Rachel manages to insert at just the right places. What more could I ask?
This second installment of Hauck’s Royal Wedding series is just another example of why her novels are on my must read list. I refuse to miss even one of them. In my opinion, “Princess Ever After” was perfect and I can’t wait for the next installment of this series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Regina Beswick was born to be a princess.
But she’s content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother’s hand-painted book of fairytales.
Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation’s future—and his own.
Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever. Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she’s destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together—with a little divine intervention—Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love.
Purchase a copy and learn more at Rachel’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as RITA nominated “The Wedding Dress” and RITA nominated “Love Starts with Elle,” part of the Lowcountry series, the Nashvegas series and the Songbird Novels penned with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Their novel “Softly and Tenderly,’ was one of Booklists 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, she worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full time in 2004. Rachel serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.
Rachel is celebrating her “swoon”-worthy romance with a fun $200 “Princess” prize package giveaway and a Facebook “Princess” party on March 6th. Grab your tiaras and RSVP today!
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa cash card (buy your very own “princess ever after” gown or tanks of gas for your “royal” ride)
- Princess Ever After, Once Upon a Prince, and The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 6th. Winner will be announced at Rachel’s “Princess” Facebook Party on March 6th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of “royal” book chat, princess-themed trivia, laughter, prizes, and an exclusive look at the next book in the Royal Wedding series!
So grab your copy of Princess Ever After and join Rachel and friends on the evening of March 6th for a chance to connect 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 6th!
by admin | Nov 20, 2012 | Books, Fantasy
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
StarflowerBethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)
by
Anne Elisabeth StenglABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She is married to the handsome man she met at fencing class and lives with him and a gaggle of cats. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.
Anne Elisabeth is also the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Black Dogs Are on the Hunt, But Who Is Their Prey?
When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps fairest Lady Gleamdren, the Bard Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission…and a race against his rival for Gleamdren’s favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.
But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren’s rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Starflower, go HERE.
