by admin | Oct 7, 2009 | Books, Historical, Medical
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Measure of Mercy
Bethany House (October 1, 2009)
by
Lauraine Snelling
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning and best selling author Lauraine Snelling began living her dream to be a writer with her first published book for young adult readers, Tragedy on the Toutle, in 1982. She has since continued writing more horse books for young girls, adding historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers to her repertoire. All told, she has up to sixty books published.
Shown in her contemporary romances and women’s fiction, a hallmark of Lauraine’s style is writing about real issues of forgiveness, loss, domestic violence, and cancer within a compelling story. Her work has been translated into Norwegian, Danish, and German, and she has won the Silver Angel Award for An Untamed Land and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart for Song of Laughter.
As a most sought after speaker, Lauraine encourages others to find their gifts and live their lives with humor and joy. Her readers clamor for more books more often, and Lauraine would like to comply … if only her paintbrushes and easel didn’t call quite so loudly.
Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a cockatiel named Bidley, and a watchdog Basset named Chewy. They love to travel, most especially in their forty-foot motor coach, which they affectionately deem “a work in progress”.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Eighteen-year-old Astrid Bjorklund has always dreamed of becoming a doctor. She had intended to study medicine in Chicago or Grand Forks, but when a disaster wiped out a major portion of her family’s income, Astrid stayed home instead, receiving hands-on training from Dr. Elizabeth.
Joshua Landsverk left Blessing two years ago, but he’s never forgotten Astrid. Returning to town, he seeks to court her.
Astrid is attracted to him, and when the opportunity unexpectedly opens for her to go to Chicago for medical training, she finds it difficult to leave. Love blossoms through their letters, but upon arriving back home, she makes a heartbreaking discovery. She learns he’s left town–again. Believing Joshua no longer loves her, Astrid makes an impetuous, heart-wrenching decision.
Will she regret the choice she’s made? Will she have to give up love to pursue her dream?
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Measure of Mercy, go HERE.
Learn more about Lauraine and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
For the most part I enjoyed A Measure of Mercy. The segments about the practice of medicine and Astrid’s medical training were particularly interesting. I also appreciated the strong spiritual thread that was woven throughout the book. However, I had a little difficulty keeping all the characters straight since I had not read the previous books set in Blessing. I also felt that with all the emphasis on Astrid wanting to be sure if God was calling her to Africa, her decision was made rather recklessly.
It is obvious that there will be other installments to this series but I felt like there were too many strands of the plot that were just left hanging and unresolved. For my own personal tastes, the ending was unsatisfactory. So although I did enjoy the book and found it well written and entertaining, I will probably wait until the series is complete before reading the sequels. I just don’t like to have to wait to find out what happens next.
by admin | Oct 6, 2009 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
A Surrendered Heart is the third installment of Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller’s Broadmoor Legacy series. Although I haven’t read the first two volumes, I had no problem following the story. As I have come to expect from both Peterson and Miller (who are usually on my must read list), this book was beautifully written with fully developed characters and plot.
I was a little disappointed in the way Amanda, who seemed to be an intelligent and spunky young woman, totally resigned herself to her father’s wishes and was willing to sacrifice her dreams for a life with an abusive man. It makes me thankful that women have gained more freedom since those days that men ruled the world. Other than that one point, the book ended well (as it should) and served to prove the old adage that “you reap what you sow”.
I would definitely recommend A Surrendered Heart and plan to get my hands on the first two volumes of The Broadmoor Legacy as soon as possible.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When cholera strikes Rochester, New York, in the spring of 1899, the members of the Broadmoor family flee to their castle home in the Thousand Islands. But Amanda Broadmoor, who has always held a special compassion for the less fortunate, resolves to remain in Rochester with Dr. Blake Carstead, working to help control the spread of the dreaded disease.
However, much more than Amanda’s health hangs in the balance. Mishandling of the family fortune threatens to leave the Broadmoor family penniless–and even willing to sacrifice Amanda’s future. Will she be forced to marry a man she disdains in order to save the Broadmoor legacy?
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
| Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, two of which have placed in the CBA top ten lists. In addition to her writing, Judy is a certified legal assistant. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas. Visit her Web site at www.judithmccoymiller.com. |
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| Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 70 novels. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. Tracie and her family live in Belgrade, Montana. Visit www.traciepeterson.com. |
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by admin | Oct 5, 2009 | Books, Historical
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Though Waters Roar
· Bethany House (October 1, 2009)
by
Lynn Austin
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Along with reading, two of Lynn’s lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction.
Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn’s novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“Thank goodness you’re such a plain child. You’ll have to rely on your wits.”
So went the words of Grandma Bebe. And for all of my growing-up years, I scoffed at the beauty of my sister and what I saw as her meaningless existence. But my wits hadn’t served me well in this instance, for here I was, in jail. And while I could have seen it as carrying on the family tradition (for Grandma Bebe landed in jail for her support of Prohibition), the truth is, my reasons for being here would probably break her heart.
So how did I end up becoming a criminal? I’ve been pondering that question all night. Perhaps the best way to search for an answer is to start at the very beginning.
Harriet Sherwood has always adored her grandmother. But when Harriet decides to follow in her footsteps to fight for social justice, she certainly never expected her efforts to land her in jail. Nor did she expect her childhood enemy and notorious school bully, Tommy O’Reilly, to be the arresting officer.
Languishing in a jail cell, Harriet has plenty of time to sift through the memories of the three generations of women who have preceded her. As each story emerges, the strength of her family–and their deep faith in the God of justice and righteousness–brings Harriet to the discovery of her own goals and motives for pursuing them.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Though Waters Roar, go HERE
Learn more about Lynn and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
Just received the book Saturday so I have done some intensive reading to finish it in time to review. I found Though Waters Roar to be somewhat different than most books I have read. Although Harriet is presumably the primary character, the history of several generations of courageous women in her family tree are related through her memories as she waits to be released from her jail cell. As Harriet remembers the stories related to her by her grandmother Bebe, the reader is given an up close and personal look at how women were affected by and/or participated in the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, the Temperance movement, and the fight for women’s right to vote. But most of all, the one thing that is stressed throughout the book is the need for utter dependence upon the Lord through difficult circumstances as well as for guidance toward a meaningful life.
by admin | Sep 23, 2009 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Fields Of Grace
Bethany House (October 2009)
by
Kim Vogel Sawyer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling, award-winning author Kim Vogel Sawyer is a wife, mother, grandmother, author, speaker, singer of songs and lover of chocolate… but most importantly, she’s a born-again child of the King!
A former elementary school teacher, Kim closed her classroom door in 2005 to follow God’s call on her heart to write and speak. Now blessed with multiple writing contracts with Bethany House, Barbour, and Zondervan Publishing, Kim enjoys sharing her journey to publication as well as the miraculous story of her healing from a life-long burden of pain and shame.
Kim’s gentle yet forthright testimony lends credence to the promise of Ps. 117:2–“Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.”
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will their Mennonite faith be shaken or strengthened by the journey to a new land?
With their eldest son nearly to the age when he will be drafted into military service, Reinhardt and Lillian Vogt decide to immigrate to America, the land of liberty, with their three sons and Reinhardt’s adopted brother, Eli. But when tragedy strikes during the voyage, Lillian and Eli are forced into an agreement neither desires.
Determined to fulfill his obligation to Reinhardt, Eli plans to see Lillian and her sons safely settled on their Kansas homestead–and he’s equally determined that the boys will be reared in the Mennonite faith. What he doesn’t expect is his growing affection for Lillian–and the deep desire to be part of a family.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Fields Of Grace, go HERE
Learn more about Kim and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
Fields Of Grace is one of those books that slowly draws you in even if you are not sure you will even like it. A story of an extended family of Mennonite immigrants who flee to the U. S. to escape the tyranny of the new Russian government, their journey is beset with multiple tragedies and complications. With no choice but to continue, decisions are made with survival in mind.
Fields Of Grace is a story of the courage and faith that helped to make this country strong. It is a story of men and women who did what they had to do no matter what came against them – they didn’t give up. It is a story of an honorable man who chose to do what he felt was right for his adopted brother’s family and a woman who chose what she thought was best for her children. In the face of overwhelming odds and tribulations, misunderstandings and opposition, they stood fast and eventually found the love and family all of them needed.
by admin | Sep 17, 2009 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
In That Certain Spark, the reader once again visits Gooding, Texas where a few of the characters from earlier books make brief appearances. The town has just welcomed (well half-way welcomed) their new doctor and veterinarian, twins Enoch and Taylor Bestman. Unfortunately they expected the twins to be brothers and Taylor turned out to be (horrors) a woman! Needless to say, at that point in history, women doctors were fairly unusual and mostly unwelcome, especially in small town Texas so Taylor had a nearly impossible task to prove herself capable of the job.
Taylor’s first patient is Karl Van Der Vort who is one of the most adamantly opposed to a woman doctor. When she saves his life and leg, Karl becomes her self-appointed protector while letting her know at every opportunity that he is not in favor of women serving in her profession. And independent Taylor certainly didn’t particularly appreciate a stubborn bodyguard.
Filled with Hake’s trademark humor and witty dialogue, a touch of suspense, and keen spiritual content, That Certain Spark certainly lives up to its title. Be sure to pick up a copy and watch as the sparks fly.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As Pride Meets Attraction Head-On, Sparks Begin to Fly!
Gooding, Texas, is about to gain a double blessing–a veterinarian and a doctor. But when siblings Enoch and Taylor Bestman arrive, the discovery that the long-awaited doctor is in fact a woman has the town up in arms. Karl Van der Vort is no exception, though he becomes Taylor’s first patient…against his will.
Karl finds he can’t deny Taylor’s doctoring skills, but he also can’t come to terms with her unladylike occupation. Taylor, on the other hand, wants only to prove that doctoring is her life’s calling, despite the town’s opposition. But when her practice–and Taylor herself–are threatened, Karl’s protectiveness flares into a different emotion altogether.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As a child, Cathy Marie Hake had an imaginary playmate. Now “grown up,” she indulges in a host of imaginary friends as she writes. She teasingly says she decided if those voices in her head were talking, she might as well write down what they said and make a living by doing it. She met her sweetheart in the High School department at church and married him after finishing nursing school. They live in Southern California and have two children and two dogs (one of them even moos – one of the dogs that is, not the kids). Faith in God, a loving family, and a wacky sense of the ridiculous keep her going.
Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.
Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. “I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I’m very conservative on a personal level.”
In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple’s relationship.
by admin | Sep 16, 2009 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Dawn’s Prelude
(Bethany House – October 2009)
by
Tracie Peterson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 70 novels. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.
Ephesians 1:18 has become a cornerstone verse for a new non-fiction book she’s been working on — its also become a cornerstone in her life. The verse reads, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.”
Tracie and her family live in Belgrade, Montana.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
Newly widowed Lydia Sellers discovers that through an unforeseen fluke, she is the sole recipient of her husband’s fortune. But instead of granting her security, it only causes strife as her adult stepchildren battle to regain the inheritance for themselves.
Lydia, longing to put the memories of her painful marriage behind her, determines to travel to Alaska to join her aunt. Lydia’s arrival in Sitka, however, brings two things she didn’t expect.
One is the acquaintance of Kjell Bjorklund, the handsome owner of the sawmill. Second is the discovery that she is pregnant with her dead husband’s child. What will this mean for her budding relationship with Kjell? And what lengths will her stepchildren go to reclaim their father’s fortune? Lydia soon finds her life–and that of her child’s–on the line.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Dawn’s Prelude, go HERE
Learn more about Tracie and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
Dawn’s Prelude is another fine example of why Tracie Peterson quickly became one of my must-read authors. Her writing flows in such a way that I find her books difficult to put down. Her characters have a depth as well as a familiarity – they could be someone you know and/or love. The story contains many of the vital elements that I find essential to a good book. It has action, drama, danger, suspense, some humor, and a sweet romance. The good characters are not Pollyannas nor are the bad ones 100% evil but are well balanced enough to be realistic. In Dawn’s Prelude, Peterson has touched on some difficult issues including domestic abuse, ethnic prejudice, and loss of faith. The spiritual dialogue is natural without being preachy.
All-in-all, Dawn’s Prelude is a wonderful read with plenty of excitement and romance in a historic Alaskan setting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good historical romance with a touch of suspense. If you haven’t read any of Tracie’s other novels, Dawn’s Prelude would be a good place to start. You won’t be sorry.
Award-winning and best selling author Lauraine Snelling began living her dream to be a writer with her first published book for young adult readers, Tragedy on the Toutle, in 1982. She has since continued writing more horse books for young girls, adding historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers to her repertoire. All told, she has up to sixty books published.
Eighteen-year-old Astrid Bjorklund has always dreamed of becoming a doctor. She had intended to study medicine in Chicago or Grand Forks, but when a disaster wiped out a major portion of her family’s income, Astrid stayed home instead, receiving hands-on training from Dr. Elizabeth.
