by admin | Jan 11, 2020 | Books, Gold Rush, Historical, Montana, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The Forever Sky is book 4 on Voigt’s Montana Gold series and features several characters from earlier volumes. Although the primary characters are Maisey and Rob, it was fun to catch up with Shane and America. Widowed Maisey’s daughter Phoebe also added an entertaining addition to the story.
In this novel, Rob has returned after three years away, hoping to continue his future with Maisey but she isn’t interested in letting him hurt her again. Unfortunately she is unable to keep her heart under control and the love she had for Rob refuses to remain buried. Every time Rob thinks he might have another chance, something happens to cause another misunderstanding and once again his hope is battered. How can he prove to the wounded Maisey that he loves her and can be trusted with her heart?
I always love a good historical novel, especially one with a western setting. The Forever Sky contains a steady plot, excellent characterization, and enough action, danger, and suspenseful moments to hold a reader’s attention. A touch of humor and a complicated romance add extra interest to this exciting tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all historical fiction lovers.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: The Forever Sky
Series: Montana Gold, Book 4
Author: Janalyn Voigt
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: December 1, 2019
Genre: Western/Historical Romance
Can a young widow with no faith in love, hope for a future with the man who broke her heart?
Maisey isn’t about to give Rob another chance to reject her love. Why should she believe that the man who left town without a backward glance three years ago cares about her? Life had taught her all about broken dreams, and she didn’t want to hope again. If only her young daughter would stop adopting Rob as a father, ignoring him—and her own emotions–would be a whole lot easier.
Thoughts of the woman he’d left behind haunted Rob for three long years. It wouldn’t have been fair to ask Maisey to wait while he mined a gold claim. After making his fortune, he’d returned to his family in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. Rob was ready to settle down, and he’d rather do so with Maisey. But after their first encounter, it was clear that he’d lost her forever.
Circumstances force Maisey and Rob into one another’s company. They learn, through hardship and loss, that the only way to one another is to surrender first to God’s love.
Based on actual historical events during a time of unrest in America, The Forever Sky explores faith, love, and courage in the wild west.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics to her at night. After Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with bedtime stories “written” in her head. Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in multiple genres. The same elements–romance, mystery, adventure, history, and fantasy/whimsy–appear in all her novels. Janalyn Voigt is represented by Wordserve Literary. Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books, subscribe to her e-letter, and join her reader clubs at her website.
CONNECT WITH JANALYN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub
by admin | Jan 10, 2020 | Books, England, Historical, Romance, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
Roseanna M. White has become one of my favorite authors so I was so pleased to have the chance to read and review her latest novel, On Wings of Devotion. It was everything I expected and more.
I have enjoyed this author’s tales set during World War 1 so much. My generation seems to see and hear more about WW2 so I certainly appreciate White’s research and attention to this neglected era. I loved reading about the codebreakers and their essential service to winning the war. The details provided made it much easier to understand how necessary the behind-the-scenes people help win wars. I also love how the characters develop throughout the book. Phillip Camden was a believable hero whose personal grief has him believing his country’s accusations against him. And Arabelle’s character touched my heart with her longing for a family of her own and her keen insight into hurting people that helped her to see past what others could see. Arabelle and Phillip were a perfect match and it was gratifying to watch them grow closer to each other and to the Lord as He directed them.
On Wings of Devotion is a wonderful story with a steady plot, plenty of action and intrigue, some quite humorous interludes, and of course a satisfying romance. I recommend this book as well as every other book this author has written. Thus far the Codebreakers series has been amazing and I look forward to the next installment!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Against Every Warning, She’s Drawn
Ever Closer to the Man Known as “Black Heart”
All of England thinks Major Phillip Camden a monster–a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But he would have preferred to die that day with his men rather than be recruited to the Admiralty’s codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved.
As nurse Arabelle Denler observes the so-dubbed “Black Heart,” she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their families and paths twist together unexpectedly, she realizes she has a role to play in his healing–and some of her own to do as well.
With Camden’s court-martial looming, an old acquaintance shows up, intent on using him in a plot that sends the codebreakers of Room 40 into a frenzy. With their fragile hopes for the future in the cross hairs, Arabelle and Camden must hold on to hope–and to each other–if they want to survive.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White (www.roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, designing book covers, editing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
by admin | Jan 1, 2020 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western, Western Fort
MY REVIEW:
I first met Caroline and Frisco in a previous book from the Fort Reno series so it was especially fun to catch up with them again now that Caroline had grown up a bit. I don’t remember ever thinking that the two of them might end up together so The Major’s Daughter was a reading adventure for me.
I loved reading everything about the land run but can still only begin to imagine all the hard work and emotions involved in such an endeavor. I particularly enjoyed Caroline and Amber’s determination to claim parcels for themselves – Amber who wanted a home for herself and her soon-to-be husband and Caroline who wanted to declare her own independence by building a business of her own on her new property.
Anyone who has read a few books by Regina Jennings will know that nothing will work out quite as planned and that the reader will be in for a few laughs over the antics of the characters. Naturally a villain or two also turn up in the story which complicates things even more. Needless to say everything works out well in the end with the help of a few good friends and the Lord.
The Major’s Daughter is another fine example of why I always must read anything by this author. If you are not familiar with her books and enjoy historical romance with a western setting, pick up a copy for yourself. This book can easily stand on its own but the others in the series provide a background that you will not want to miss.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She Staked a Claim on His Land,
So He Decided to Stake a Claim on Her Heart
Caroline Adams returns to Indian Territory after tiring of confining society life. She wants adventure, and when she and her friend Amber come across swaggering outlaw Frisco Smith, his dreams for the new territory are very persuasive. With the much-anticipated land run about to happen, she may just join the rush.
Growing up an orphan, all Frisco Smith wanted was a place to call his own. It’s no wonder he fought to open the Unassigned Lands to people with the same longing. After years of sneaking across the border, he’s even managed to build a dugout house on a hidden piece of property he’s poised to claim.
But when the gun sounds, everyone’s best plans are thrown out the window in the chaos of the run. Caroline and Frisco find themselves battling over a claim–and both dig in their heels. Settling the rightful ownership will bring these two closer than they ever expected and change their ideas of what a true home looks like.
by admin | Dec 1, 2019 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
hr />
MY REVIEW:
It did not take but a book or two for Carolyn Miller to earn a permanent spot on my favorites shelves. I have not missed a single one of her novels and I personally believe that each one has surpassed the previous ones. Misleading Miss Verity may well be my favorite of them all but I really did also have a fondness for A Hero For Miss Hatherleigh, the first book of Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley series. You could probably truthfully say that my favorite book by Carolyn Miller is the one I am currently (or just finished) reading.
Once again Ms. Miller has given her readers a strong and feisty heroine who does not perfectly fit the expectations of society or her mother. Verity is not at all interested in society functions and would rather be riding a horse or spending her time outdoors. Banished to her grandmother’s she is quickly secreted away to a friend’s home in Scotland where where finds a most intriguing castle and the man who seems to be the gardener. Both Verity and Anthony have secrets the other does not know and those create a complicated and sometimes confusing relationship between them. Verity’s lack of faith further complicates the situation as Anthony’s strong faith makes his attraction to Verity a very bad idea.
Vivid descriptions of the Scottish setting and the characters pulled me right into the story. Anthony was a perfect hero as well as the perfect man for Verity. I loved how he always encouraged her, defended her, and built up her wounded self image. Verity, too, was a special heroine with her own determination to help others despite her privileged upbringing. Her encounter with the Lord was a special passage in this wonderful novel.
I hate to see this series end but am confident that the author has more special books in store for her readers. I would love to see one featuring Anthony’s friend Mac.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Kregel Publications. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Verity Hatherleigh has a mind of her own–but her impulsive actions do not impress her viscount papa. When she gets into one scrape too many, he sends her off to the wilds of Scotland to rethink her headstrong ways.
Anthony Jardine relished his role as curate, but his new duties as laird of Dungally aren’t always to his liking. Though he thought his new inheritance would be a blessing, somehow he’s finding nothing but trouble on these estates. And the intelligent, compassionate, feisty lass who was sent to rusticate in his territory is one of the biggest problems. He’s falling in love with her, but she doesn’t share the faith that’s his foundation–not to mention he’s been lying to her about who he really is. For the truth-loving Verity, that may be unforgivable.
The tangled web these two have woven may spell disaster for their happiness–and for the tenants of Dungally.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. Check her out at www.carolynmillerauthor.com.
by admin | Nov 24, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, West Virginia
MY REVIEW:
In her latest novel, When Silence Sings, Sarah Loudin Thomas relates the story of Colman Harpe, a young man who feels God’s call on is life despite a long-standing feud between his family and the McClean family. After the death of his cousin at the hands of a McClean, Colman feels an urging from God to take the Gospel to his longtime enemies but like the Biblical story of Jonah, Colman decides to follow his own path and like Jonah, he pays dearly for his choice.
This book is a powerful story filled with exceptional characters both good and evil and there were times some of them surprised me. One in particular was not at all the person I thought he was. It is a story of enemies driven by a feud that no one can remember how it began. It is a story of one man who finally decided to obey God or possibly die and a special woman whose heart was so pure despite the difference that made others fear her.
Although there are hints of romance in When Silence Sings, it is not the primary focus of the story. It is a story that points out the hate and prejudice that drives humans away from God and the power of love and forgiveness to bring reconciliation and restoration to those who need it most.
I have loved each of this author’s previous novels but When Silence Sings is a special story that will linger in my mind for some time to come.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As a Long-Standing Feud Threatens to Spark Once More,
the Fates of Two Families Rest on the Most Unexpected of Shoulders
For years, Serepta McClean has towered over the coal-filled hills of West Virginia, taking more than her share of legal and illegal trade alike. She’s intent on securing the future of the McClean name, despite two unreliable sons and a long-standing feud with the Harpe clan that’s exploded once again into violence.
While many fear her, and many more despise her, few dare to stand against her. Especially not someone like Colman Harpe–a railroad man with dreams of being a preacher. And yet it’s a reluctant Colman, Serepta’s sworn enemy, who finds himself in this powerful woman’s territory, supposedly sent there by God himself to share stories of love and hope.
With the feud growing ever more dangerous, putting the entire region at risk, these two impossibly different people find themselves on a collision course. And the very lives of everyone close to them will be changed forever.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Kristen Delliveniri
Sarah Loudin Thomas (www.sarahloudinthomas.com) is a fund-raiser for a children’s ministry who has time to write because she doesn’t have children of her own. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Coastal Carolina University and is the author of the acclaimed novels The Sound of Rain and Miracle in a Dry Season–winner of the 2015 Inspy Award. Sarah has also been a finalist for the ACFW Carol Award and the Christian Book of the Year Award. She and her husband live near Asheville, NC.
by admin | Nov 16, 2019 | Books, Harvey House, Romance
MY REVIEW:
As a long-time reader of every author in this collection, I was thankful to be receive complimentary copies and the opportunity to review this excellent anthology of novellas. Each story features a Harvey Girl who works at one of the famous Harvey House restaurant stops along the railroad west. In addition to different characters, the Harvey House in each novella has a different location and/or time frame.
I have previously enjoyed historical novels about the Harvey girls and loved reading more about them. For some reason this aspect of our nation’s history was fascinating to me and it was a treat to learn more about this era of our history. Because of the short format of each novella, I will not attempt to describe each one.
Each of the authors are favorites of mine and I found that each story completely met my expectations. Despite the short length, each author expertly condensed their tale without taking away from its enjoyment. Characters were portrayed in a manner that made me care about each of them and the plots were developed nicely with just the perfect amount of action, suspense, humor, and romance that was necessary. Each story also included a touch of faith that made it more meaningful to me.
I thoroughly enjoyed Serving Up Love and recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction. If you are not familiar with these authors, this book would be an excellent introduction to their work.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Jen Turano, Regina Jennings and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
On the Menu for These Ladies?
Adventure, Independence, and a Big Serving of Romance!
A storied part of American history, Harvey Houses offered women a unique chance to gain independence and see amazing parts of this great country. Celebrated historical romance writers Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano offer four fun, romantic tales of Harvey girls whose western adventures lead to love.
Tracie Peterson – A Flood of Love
Returning home to New Mexico for the first time in years to fill in at the Harvey House, Gretchen Gottsacker is sure the past is behind her. But nothing can be that simple. When the man she loved long ago steps back into her life–with a daughter, no less–will she ever be the same?
Karen Witemeyer – More Than a Pretty Face
Rosalind Kemp becomes a Harvey Girl, clinging to the promise of one day transferring even farther west, someplace her youthful indiscretion won’t catch up to her. But the past is hard to escape, and when the worst occurs, will anyone stand up for her?
Regina Jennings – Intrigue a la Mode
When Willow Kentworth is warned that strange things are happening in the rail yard after dark, she never intends to get involved. That is, until a handsome new employee at the Harvey House–who has secrets of his own–needs her assistance.
Jen Turano – A Grand Encounter
After her fiancé abandons her, Miss Myrtle Schermerhorn flees New York’s pity for a position at the El Tovar Hotel on the rim of the Grand Canyon. She’s determined to hold fast to her life of independence–but a rugged, frequent guest of the hotel makes that vow difficult to uphold.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
 |
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She’s the winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com. |
 |
Jen Turano, the USA Today bestselling author of eleven books and two novellas, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com. |
 |
Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com. |
 |
Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. |
?
