by admin | Apr 12, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Wildflowers of Terezin
Abingdon Press (April 2010)
by
Robert Elmer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Elmer is a former pastor, reporter and as copywriter who now writes from he home he shares with his wife Ronda in northern Idaho. He is the author of over fifty books, including eight contemporary novels for the adult Christian audience and several series for younger readers. Combined, his books have sold more than half a million copies worldwide. Like his popular “Young Underground” youth series, Wildflowers of Terezin was inspired by stories Robert heard from his Denmark-born parents and family. When he’s not sailing or enjoying the outdoors, Robert often travels the country speaking to school and writers groups.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When nurse Hanne Abrahamsen impulsively shields Steffen Petersen from a nosy Gestapo agent, she’s convinced the Lutheran pastor is involved in the Danish Underground. Nothing could be further from the truth.
But truth is hard to come by in the fall of 1943, when Copenhagen is placed under Martial Law and Denmark’s Jews—including Hanne—suddenly face deportation to the Nazi prison camp at Terezin, Czechoslovakia. Days darken and danger mounts. Steffen’s faith deepens as he takes greater risks to protect Hanne. But are either of them willing to pay the ultimate price for their love?
To read the first chapter of Wildflowers of Terezin, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Wildflowers of Terezin is one of those books that serves to remind us of how quickly our safe and secure world can be turned upside down. Although Denmark was occupied by the Germans in late 1943 and under martial law, life seemed to go on as usual for many of the citizens. Of course there were food shortages and a curfew but for many it was a temporary inconvenience until the Germans left. Steffen, a Lutheran pastor was one of those who made it a point not to rock the boat – that is until he got caught up in the middle of a street fight and met Hanne, a Jewish nurse in the hospital where his injuries were treated. As their friendship grew, Steffen and Hanne found themselves actively working with the underground resistance to secretly transport Jews to Sweden before the Germans could transport them to prison camps.
Wildflowers of Terezin is also a reminder of how easy it is to accept what we are told without question because we do not really want to know the truth that might force us out of our apathy. Steffen and Hanne’s story should serve as a wake up call to be more aware of the world around us and to listen to God’s direction for our lives.
This story is filled with drama, action, and emotion. An unlikely love story develops in the midst of extenuating circumstances. Although fictional, many of the events and places described can be historically documented. Fans of Bodie Thoene’s Zion Covenant and Zion Chronicles series would probably enjoy Wildflowers of Terezin.
by admin | Apr 7, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
She Walks in Beauty
Bethany House
(April 2010)
by
Siri Mitchell
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including in Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.
But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a sermon and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.
Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For a young society woman seeking a favorable marriage, so much depends on her social season debut. Clara Carter has been given one goal: secure the affections of the city’s most eligible bachelor.
Debuting means plenty of work–there are corsets to be fitted, dances to master, manners to perfect. Her training soon pays off, however, as celebrity’s spotlight turns Clara into a society-page darling.
Yet Clara soon wonders if this is the life she really wants. Especially when she learns her best friend has also set her sights on Franklin De Vries.
When a man appears who seems to love her simply for who she is and gossip backlash turns ugly, Clara realizes it’s not just her marriage at stake–the future of her family depends on how she plays the game.
If you would like to read the first chapter of She Walks in Beauty, go HERE.
Learn more about Siri and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
She Walks in Beauty is a fascinating look at a bygone era of New York City, an age where the extravagance and opulence of high society starkly contrasted with daily life of the common man. Mitchell paints a vivid portrait of Clara Carter, a young woman forced to debut a year early to “catch” the De Vries heir in order to vindicate her family’s honor. Filled with details of everything a young debutante endured to meet the expectations of her family and the demands of society, the narrative illustrated the extreme importance of outward beauty to those who dictated the rules of society.
Clara’s unwilling entrance into society is filled with drama and humor as she endeavors to learn how to conduct herself and please her aunt and father. As the season progresses, dark secrets are revealed that leave Clara questioning the wisdom of continuing to pursue “the heir”, a man she doesn’t like, particularly when compared to his younger brother Harry.
I truly enjoyed She Walks in Beauty and found many of the historical details intriguing. Of particular note was the barbaric custom of using corsets to reduce the waist size to unnatural proportions at great risk to a woman’s health. I am so thankful we are past those days.
She Walks in Beauty is an enjoyable read for anyone who loves historical fiction. I highly recommend it.
by admin | Apr 6, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sixteen Brides
Bethany House (April 2010)
by
Stephanie Grace Whitson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls “playing with imaginary friends” (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four home schooled children Nebraska history.
She was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie’s fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year.
Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends.
Her passionate interests in pioneer women’s history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In 1872, sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising “prime homesteads” in a “booming community.”
Unbeknownst to them, the speculator’s true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to the fledgling community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes they will accept marriage proposals shortly after their arrival! Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them.
These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances–especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Sixteen Brides, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Sixteen Brides is an exceptional account of a group of Civil War widows who were persuaded to join The Emigration Society by promises of their own homesteads in Nebraska. Upon arrival at their destination, the women learned that Mr. Drake, the organizer of their expedition, had taken payment from waiting bachelors and promised them wives. This is where the story gets interesting. Several of the widows decide to take the easy way out and accept the security of a husband. The rest of the women refuse to agree and are determined to follow their original plans. From this point on the book is primarily focused on these remaining widows and several other specific characters.
While detailing many of the obstacles and difficulties faced by the widows, Sixteen Brides relates the determination, courage and strength of character that enabled them to survive and thrive in their new environment. Sprinkled with drama, action, humor, romance, and spiritual truth, the story captured my interest from beginning to end. One resounding message delivered by Sixteen Brides is that we shouldn’t judge a person by first impressions or outward appearance.
by admin | Mar 30, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Songbird Under a German Moon had me hooked from the opening page and kept my attention until the last word. I have always been a fan of historical fiction, especially when the book gives me a glimpse of people and events that are not necessarily in the history books. Tricia Goyer has accomplished that in this fast paced suspenseful page turner. Reading about the lives of USO entertainers in Germany immediately after WWII was a unique and fascinating experience. The background details about Hitler and his obsession with Wagner’s music as well as the history of the Festspielhaus were icing on the cake.
The developing romance between Betty and Frank progressed naturally as they worked together to find answers to a suspicious death. Several plot twists and surprises kept me involved in the story and the ending was satisfying. I would recommend Songbird Under a German Moon to anyone who enjoys a good historical romance with some suspense as an added bonus.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
About Songbird Under a German Moon:
The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitler’s Germany. The first nights performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion they’re housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Betty’s dear friend, Kat, turns up missing.
Betty soon realizes Franks photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds’ hearts may find the answers…in each other.
But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.
About Tricia:
Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children’s book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. Tricia’s book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana. Visit www.triciagoyer.com for more info!
What Era? Contest: Leave a comment on Tricia’s blog or send an email through her website CONNECT page and answer this question: What era in history do you wish you’d lived in and why? Earn extra entries by signing up for Tricia’s newsletter here, becoming a Fan on Facebook or Tweeting about the contest on Twitter (use hashtag #songbird)!
You’ll be entered to win one of three signed copies of Songbird Under a German Moon.
by admin | Mar 29, 2010 | Books, Historical
MY REVIEW:
. . . weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
~Psalm 30:5
To be perfectly honest, my first impression of the two primary characters Matthew and Ellie was pretty negative. I felt that Ellie’s grief over the loss of her children was extreme due to the fact that she was over protective of her youngest and pretty much ignored the older four living children. And at first Matthew came across as very self-righteous – that is until I understood the reasons for his intense reaction to the play. Once I gained a better understanding of these characters, I was able to enjoy the story. A strong cast of supporting characters adds depth to the narrative.
The Promise of Morning is a realistic look at the very real hardships and difficulties faced by the early settlers in Illinois. It is a story full of tragedy and challenging situations. Many of the problems encountered were a direct result of choices that were made – choices based on personal pain or feelings of inadequacy. Perseverance and reliance on the Lord eventually led to grace, spiritual maturity, and a satisfying resolution.
I would recommend The Promise of Morning to those who enjoy historical fiction and are not afraid of an emotional and heart rending tale.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
New historical romance set on the Illinois frontier in 1840s:
When loss breaks her heart, can she find the courage to go on?
The Promise of Morning from Ann Shorey takes readers to Beldon Grove on the Illinois frontier in the 1840s. Life isn’t easy here. For Ellie Craig, the graves of her three infant children make it unbearably lonely, despite the love of her husband Matthew. When she uncovers a family secret that suggests she may not be as alone as she thought, Ellie is determined to find the truth.
Meanwhile, Matthew Craig faces controversy in the church he pastors when a man arrives in town claiming to be both a minister and the son of the town’s founder. Will Matthew find the courage to reclaim his church? Or will he return to itinerant preaching, leaving Ellie even more alone than before?
Book 2 in the At Home in Beldon Grove series, The Promise of Morning will touch your soul with themes of overcoming tragedy, finding strength to meet daunting challenges, and trusting your heart to love again.
The Promise of Morning by Ann Shorey
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3333-9
$14.99, March 2010
Endorsements
“It’s human nature to make promises we hope to keep. But sometimes life intervenes: community rhythms bump us into places we hadn’t planned; families disagree and fracture; our bodies break. The Promise of Morning is a story with all those interruptions gracefully portrayed by author Ann Shorey. Through vivid characters we care about (or love to detest) and a story that keeps us turning pages, we are assured that God keeps promises in the morning, noon, and night, and loves us even when we don’t. A fine read.”–Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann Shorey is the author of The Edge of Light and has published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma’s Soul.
~For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com~
Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
by admin | Mar 29, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa
Summerside Press (March 1, 2010)
by
Melanie Dobson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Beroth Dobson is the author of the inspirational novels Together for Good (2006), Going for Broke (2007), The Black Cloister (2008), Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana (2009), Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (2010), Refuge on Crescent Hill (2010), and The Silent Order (2010) as well as the co-author of Latte for One and Loving It! A Single Woman’s Guide to Living Life to Its Fullest (2000).
Prior to launching Dobson Media Group in 1999, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family where she was responsible for the publicity of events, products, films, and TV specials. Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master’s degree in communication from Regent University. She has worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for fifteen years including two years as a publicist for The Family Channel.
Melanie and her husband, Jon, met in Colorado Springs in 1997 at Vanguard Church. Jon works in the field of computer animation. Since they’ve been married, the Dobsons have relocated numerous times including stints in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Colorado, Berlin, and Southern California. These days they are enjoying their new home in the Pacific Northwest.
Jon and Melanie have adopted their two daughters —Karly (6) and Kinzel (5). When Melanie isn’t writing or entertaining their girls, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, traveling, hiking, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Times are hard in 1894. Desperate for work, former banker Jacob Hirsch rides the rails west from Chicago with his four-year-old daughter, Cassie. When a life-threatening illness strands the pair in Homestead, Iowa, the local Amana villagers welcome the father and daughter into their peaceful society. Liesel, a young Amana woman, nurses Cassie back to health, and the Homestead elders offer Jacob work. But Jacob’s growing interest in Liesel complicates his position in the Amanas. Will he fight to stay in the only place that feels like home, even if it means giving up the woman he loves? Or will Liesel leave her beloved community to face the outside world with Jacob and Cassie at her side?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, go HERE.
Learn more about Melanie and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa is primarily a story about life in the Amanas, an Iowan Christian communal society. It features Liesel, a young Amana woman who finds herself uncertain about her impending wedding and the man she is to marry. After helping nurse outsider Jacob’s seriously ill daughter back to health, Liesel’s unexpected attraction to Jacob and her growing attachment to his daughter Cassie lead to difficulties with the Amana elders. Situations arise that test them all and only God’s grace and intervention can see them through.
Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa is a sweet love story that emphasizes integrity and the rewards that come from just doing the right thing. I liked the fact that although it was obvious that Liesel and her fiance were not meant to be together, Emil was not portrayed as an evil man but his positive attributes were emphasized. All in all, Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa is an engaging story against the historical backdrop of Homestead, Iowa that includes intriguing facts about commune life during the late 1800’s. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction should enjoy this book.
