by admin | Apr 3, 2020 | Books, Historical
MY REVIEW:
The Blue Cloak was a beautifully written story that covered a horrible, ugly, and evil period in history that took place in the general area of Knoxville, Tennessee. At times it was a bit like witnessing a train wreck – too gruesome to watch but unable to turn away. I literally felt the fear experienced by Sally after her wedding to Wiley Harpe when she realized what she had gotten herself into. I literally cannot comprehend how she and the other two women survived as they were forced through the wilderness with the Harpe men and had no choice but to witness the terrible acts of violence against innocent people. It was a very difficult story to read, especially because it is based on true events.
I have to applaud the author for her bravery in even attempting to write about this subject and even more for the tactful way she conveyed the facts without glorifying the violent acts. My imagination did that too well without more details. As bad as these men were, there were actually characters in the book that embodied goodness, especially Rachel Taylor who never gave up on her friend Sally and faithfully prayed for both her and her new friend Ben Langford who has lost his cousin to these evil men.
I would caution those who have difficulty with violent content. Although not graphic in nature, this book does include some accounts of violence that may disturb some. One scene was especially difficult and I am sure it will stay with me for some time. 
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 Blue Cloak
Author: Shannon McNear
Genre: Christian Historical/Suspense
Release Date: March, 2020
Click here for your copy. |
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Evil Incarnate Leaves a Trail of Destruction across the Frontier
Book 5 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History
Rachel Taylor lives a rather mundane existence in 1797 at the way station her family runs along the Wilderness Road in Tennessee. She attends her friend Sally Rice’s wedding only to watch the marriage dissolve into horror has the groom, Wiley Harpe, and his cousin Micajah become murderers on the run, who drag their families along. Declaring a “war on all humanity,” the Harpes won’t be stopped, and Ben Langford is on their trail to see if his own cousin was one of their latest victims.
How many will die before peace can return to the frontier?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. Connect with her at www.shannonmcnear.com, or on Facebook and Goodreads.
MORE FROM SHANNON:
How dark is too dark for a Christian to write?
That was the question I wrestled with when deciding whether or not to take on the story of the Harpes. The histories in Scripture itself aren’t rated G, but writing fiction requires a level of detail and depth of emotion I wasn’t sure would be wise, or helpful, to explore in this case. But as I prayed and sought the counsel of those whose discernment I trust, the answer came back, overwhelmingly …
Is God stronger than the darkness, or not?
Well, of course He is. And nothing in human history has ever escaped His notice, or taken Him by surprise.
So, was there something redeeming to be found in the tale of the Harpes?
For the first few weeks of research, I walked around in a state of shock at the horror of the historical accounts, but details surfaced that helped me shape my fictional characters Rachel and Ben. With Rachel working in her family’s trading post near the wild frontier town of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Ben a lawyer who recently passed the bar, the real-life Hugh Lawson White provided a handy connection point between them. Many other details fell together in ways I had not foreseen when I began developing the story. Sally Rice Harpe, however, rose to the forefront. This was more her story than anyone’s, but realizing I couldn’t properly write the book without using her point of view? That was scary. I knew the moments I’d have to visit, some of them in real-time.
Despite the tragedy, however, I could see an overarching story of spiritual warfare. Felt a growing conviction that prayer must have played a vital role in bringing the Harpes’ reign of terror to an end. So it is my hope that against the backdrop of one of the most chilling episodes of our country’s early history, the hand of God shows clearly, and that yes, the reader finds it redemptive.
BLOG STOPS:
| Just the Write Escape, March 24
Texas Book-aholic, March 24
Inklings and notions, March 25
Girls in White Dresses, March 25
Emily Yager, March 25
Godly Book Reviews, March 26
Genesis 5020, March 26
Remembrancy, March 26
Among the Reads, March 27
Through the Fire Blogs, March 27
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 28
Christian Bookaholic, March 28
Inside the Wong Mind, March 28
For the Love of Literature, March 29
For Him and My Family, March 29
Betti Mace, March 30
Older & Smarter?, March 30
deb’s Book Review, March 30
Robin’s Nest, March 31
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Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 31
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 1
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 1
Stories By Gina, April 1
By The Book, April 2
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, April 2
Blossoms and Blessings, April 2
A Reader’s Brain, April 3
Connie’s History Classroom, April 3
Artistic Nobody, April 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 4
Back Porch Reads, April 4
Daysong Reflections, April 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 5
Pause for Tales, April 5
Britt Reads Fiction, April 5
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 6
Hallie Reads, April 6
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, April 6 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of The Blue Cloak and a $25 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/f7a3/the-blue-cloak-celebration-tour-giveaway
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 | Mar 20, 2020 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The Merchant’s Yield is the second book I’ve read by Lorri Dudley and I’m definitely a fan. Looks like another author has been added to my must have list! I was thoroughly entertained and captivated by her first book The Duke’s Refuge so I opened this one with great expectations. I was not disappointed. Once again the author has given readers exemplary characters who practically walk off the page. Her frequent touches of humor act as a welcome counterpoint to some very serious circumstances throughout the plot.
Amelia was my kind of heroine. Always dominated and criticized by her mother, the one time she rebelled against her mother’s unreasonable expectations, Amelia found herself innocently in what looked to be a compromising situation. It wasn’t long before she was married to an unwilling but honorable husband and on her way to the Leeward Islands. I so enjoyed watching Amelia and Nathaniel get to know each other despite their awkward circumstances. It was so heartening to watch Amelia step into her own strength and dignity with a steadfast spiritual confidence.
The Merchant’s Yield has it all – action and romance along with danger and betrayal and pirates. What more could a reader ask? I honestly did not want to put this book aside for anything! I can’t wait for The Sugar Baron’s Ring, third book in the Leeward Island series. If you love historical Christian romance, please give this new author a try. I don’t think you will be sorry.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Wild Heart Books. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It was a marriage of inconvenience…
Charlotte Amelia Etheridge has cowered to her mother’s sharp tongue and endless demands for the last time. In a fleeting moment of rebellion, she recklessly asks the last person her mother would ever consider appropriate, a foreigner from the Leeward Islands, for a dance. However, her courageous act ends in disaster when an innocent mistake lands her in a compromising position with the islander. Forced to wed a stranger, Lottie leaves the only home she’s ever known to sail across the Atlantic to the isle of St. Kitts.
Life has a wicked sense of humor…
Nathaniel Winthrop’s troubles are mounting. The rumors of him being cursed are spreading, and his merchant ships have been raided. The last thing he needs is a wife to care for. Especially when he discovers Lottie had been confined to a sick room most of her childhood. Her weak constitution will never survive the hardships of island life. The fever has already claimed the lives of his mother and sisters. Nathan guards his heart against falling in love with this gentle beauty, knowing that, for Lottie, island life will be a death sentence.
The meek shall inherit the earth…
No longer under her mother’s scrutiny, the newfound freedom of the island rejuvenates Lottie’s spirit with fresh wind. She is tired of being told she’s too ill to enjoy life. If her days on this earth are limited, then it’s time she lives it to the full. Lottie must prove to Nathan that God is more powerful than any curse, and that even though Nathan was forced to marry her, she is the one he can’t live without.
Freedom isn’t the absence of struggle; it’s the presence of God.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
“Why I write…
I believe readers should be led on a heart journey. Romance should allow for an escape from everyday life. It should also lead us to a better understanding of the human condition and how God views us. I believe readers, like the heroines and heroes of stories, are not static creatures and can discover different aspects of themselves through empathizing with characters’ comical mishaps and dramatic misunderstandings. I believe romance novels can depict a fallible human heart that can be made whole again by a merciful creator and remind us of the hope for the same.”
Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone-filled household.
by admin | Mar 20, 2020 | Arkansas, Books, Historical
MY REVIEW:
Earl Steen would be the first to admit that members of his family would be justified in hating him. He knows how much pain he caused in their lives and does not believe he is deserving of their forgiveness. But Earl is a changed man thanks to the grace of God and wants to serve Him the rest of his days. Earl’s daughters have begun to forge a sometimes uneasy relationship with their father but his wife Lorena still carries around a huge burden of hurt and unforgiveness. Author Candace West has begun a story at this point in the characters’ lives and writes it so beautifully that her readers will feel every emotion along with them.
Valley of Shadows is a wonderful story of forgiveness and redemption with a major emphasis on second chances. Sometimes poignant and sometimes action-filled, this tale takes the reader on a touching journey that will not soon be forgotten.
I have a copy of Lane Steen, the first book in this series but have not had a chance to read it. Although the two books share characters, I was easily able to read Valley of Shadows as a stand alone. Nevertheless, according to the wonderful reviews I have read, readers would be advised to read the books in order if at all possible simply for chronological purpose.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lorena Steen gave up on love years ago. After arriving at Valley Creek to visit her daughters, she stumbles first thing into Earl, the husband who abandoned her.
As for Earl, facing Lorena while fighting his own demons tempts him to flee town. How can he rebuild a relationship with his daughters and cynical neighbors when guilt shadows every step?
While the storm brews between them, another storm descends on Valley Creek. Will a ghost town stand in its wake?
But then the townsfolk devise a plan. All they need is a former concert pianist and violinist. A wife and husband estranged.
Can Lorena and Earl set aside their feelings to rescue a community? Even though it sweeps them back through valleys best forgotten? Especially when a forbidden love claims his right to win Lorena’s heart?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Candace West was born in the Mississippi delta but grew up in small-town Arkansas. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Ever since the age of twelve, she dreamed of writing inspirational fiction. Over the years, she has published short stories as well as poems in various magazines. By weaving entertaining, page-turning stories, she hopes to share the Gospel and encourage her readers. Lane Steen is her first novel.
by admin | Mar 14, 2020 | Books, Historical, Mystery
MY REVIEW:
Meddlin’ Madeline is back again with what looks to be another exciting adventure. I recently had the opportunity to read the first five chapters of Chautona Havig’s latest novel Byrd’s-Eye View. Due to circumstances beyond her control the book is unfinished at the present time; however the first four chapters gave me a taste of what is to come as well as the desire to read the rest once it is complete.
Madeline is determined to put her “sleuthing life” behind her but somehow something always seems to happen to trigger her meddlin’ ways. Her current goal is to improve her photography skills and learn to develop her own photos but something happens to sidetrack her good intentions.
Honestly, Havig’s characters are such fun but these five chapters have managed to frustrate me almost beyond endurance because I want to know the rest of the story and I want it now! I suppose that is a good indication that the rest of the book should be excellent. I surely hope so because I can’t wait to read it! I’m rooting for a romance between Madeline and a certain friend and am impatient to find out if that’s the direction the story will take.
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: Bird’s Eye View
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre: Fiction / Christian / Historical / Mystery
Release Date: February 18, 2020
Click here for your copy! |
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If everything looks so perfect, how does she know it’s all wrong?
Madeline just wanted to learn to develop her own pictures. It seemed an innocent enough pastime until she sees something in the developer’s tray that piques her meddlesome curiosity.
Now she’s on the hunt for clues to spare a man’s life, and she might just land her father in hot political waters while she’s at it.
The fifth book in the Meddlin’ Madeline Series, Byrd’s Eye View sees Madeline back at home in Rockland and determined to stay out of trouble, although that’s not likely to happen, is it?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.
MORE FROM CHAUTONA:
It’s Like This Book Didn’t Want to Be!
It’s an hour and a half from my mother’s old house in Missouri to the Springfield airport—a perfect distance for plotting out a book. So, when I had to drive back to swap out rental cars, I decided to work on the early 2020 books. Up first… Madeline #5.
Often when I’m plotting out a new book, the first few minutes are kind of jumbled messes as I consider this plot point or that and get into a work flow, and that day was no exception. However, by the time I hit the interstate again, I’d done it. Madeline would learn how to develop pictures in this one. The plot would revolve around that new skill.
By the time I hit Noel, I’d really come up with a cool book idea. I was so excited. You have no idea. Then, as I passed Noel on my way to the hospital in Gravette, Arkansas, I stopped on the side of the road so I cold turn off the voice recorder and start working on another book.
The recorder was off. All my “brilliant ideas” were gone.
Sometimes, I wish I was a crier. It would have been appropriate right there. Just sayin’.
Determined to record the ideas all over again before I forgot them, I started the first few things, watching the recorder bars rise and fall with the inflection of my voice. It worked great.
The only problem was I couldn’t remember anything I’d come up with. Photography. That was it.
That’s when I called my friend and wailed.
Look, it had been a hard couple of weeks, a rough day, and now this. But, complaining about it offered enough catharsis that by the time I went back to Springfield the next week, I was able to record most of it again. Some of it was actually better.
Little hint: it usually is the second or third round of ideas.
By the time I’d finished, I knew what happened and what havoc it would cause, but not to whom or why. Enter Clark.
You know, the guy who made me split the first book into two separate books (you can read about that HERE), and the guy who tried to make things get really gruesome in book four (you can read about that HERE—halfway down the pageish—and be assured that I didn’t do it).
So, just as I was getting into Byrd’s Eye View, Clark and I met up at Denny’s to figure out how to make all the elements I had work.
My one issue became another one. Why became totally different from anything I’d considered. Who became a great reason for it to make things tough on Madeline’s father, and a previous thing I’d thought was a bit excessive became more so… and more believable at the same time. How cool is that?
There was still one problem, though.
I wasn’t done with the book I needed to finish before I could immerse myself in this one.
And this book needed to be done yesterday.
Look, I had actually considered not doing this book until later in the year. For a few minutes, I wished that I had. But Madeline always comes out in February/March and I’d kind of like to keep it that way. So…
Despite losing my notes, having plotter’s block, having Clark upset everything I’d planned and making it better… again. It’s here. And I think it’s my favorite one yet. Who am I kidding? Of course it is!
BLOG STOPS:
| Through the Lens of Scripture, March 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 13
Texas Book-aholic, March 14
Daysong Reflections, March 15
Mary Hake, March 15
Back Porch Reads, March 16
Inklings and notions, March 17
For Him and My Family, March 18
Betti Mace, March 19
deb’s Book Review, March 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20 |
Godly Book Reviews, March 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 22
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 23
Carpe Diem, March 23
She Lives To Read, March 24
Bigreadersite, March 24
Lots of Helpers, March 25
Pause for Tales, March 26
janicesbookreviews, March 26 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of all five paperbacks in the Meddlin’ Madeline 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/f791/byrd-s-eye-view-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Mar 10, 2020 | Books, Colorado, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I am loving Mary Connealy’s latest series, Brides of Hope Mountain. Aiming for Love was great but I believe Woman of Sunlight is even better! The saga of the Nordegren sisters continues in book two approximately where book 1 ended.
Ilsa’s character is so much fun. Her true innocence leaves her wide open to one misunderstanding or misinterpretation after another when she encounters the world below Hope Mountain. Despite their dislike of each other and many disagreements that took place in book 1, Mitch and Ilsa find themselves having to depend on each other – maybe for their very lives.
Woman of Sunlight was filled with Connealy’s typical humor and romance so it was such fun to read. The story was kicked up a notch or two by quite a bit of action, danger, and suspense laced with more than one surprise along the way. The growth of the relationship between Mitch and Ilsa was beautiful to witness and I enjoyed both characters immensely. I saw some hints that one of the bad guys might be having second thoughts about his involvement in crime and am hoping my suspicions about a possible featured role in the next installment are correct. Whatever the case, I loved this book and can’t wait to read the final installment of this series. It promises to be every bit as good.
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’s Seen the Entire Country.
She’s Never Been Off Her Mountain Home.
When Danger Comes, This Unlikely Couple Will Need to Rely on Each Other.
After years of isolation on top of Hope Mountain, Ilsa Nordegren may finally be ready to leave. Raised to fear the world, Ilsa and her sisters never planned on coming down, but when the Warden family arrived in need, they had to help. But with the arrival of added danger, it may cost them the only life they’ve ever known.
Having made his fortune, Mitch Warden returned home and found the family homestead abandoned. In a land grab, a ruthless cattle baron had forced his family to escape up the mountain, and when Mitch follows, the last thing he expects is to fall smitten with a strong-willed, dark-haired woman who dresses like Robin Hood and defends herself better than most men.
Mitch is intent on helping his family reclaim their land but doesn’t realize the risks his past has brought. Hired killers are tracking him, and he’s determined to draw them away before anyone else gets hurt. But that means a journey to the city–and when Ilsa insists on joining him, the mismatched pair suddenly find themselves on an adventure they’ll never forget.
Read an excerpt here.
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 more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, 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.
