Historical | Daysong Reflections

Underestimating Miss Cecilia by Carolyn Miller

by admin | Jul 22, 2019 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Underestimating Miss Cecilia is yet another marvelous Regency romance penned by the prolific author Carolyn Miller. Shy Cecilia has loved Ned Amherst most of her life and hasn’t given up on him despite the disgrace he supposedly brought to his family and friends. Fortunately Ned has repented of his wild ways and has become a responsible person but he has yet to recognize that Cecilia is no longer the neighbor child he remembers.

Of course the nature of Regency romance is that the hero and heroine will eventually fall in love but Miller has a way with her plots that keep them quite interesting. Shy Cecy is no longer nearly as quiet and actually has a secret or two that would horrify her staid parents if they knew what she was up to. She has definitely become more outspoken as she has grown up.

I loved seeing the changes in both Ned and Cecilia over the course of the story and the intrigue and suspense kept me turning the pages. The historical facts were woven skillfully into the story and increased my education of that era in an entertaining manner. A wonderfully strong message of faith was a natural part of the story and did not seem intrusive. I can’t think of a single thing I didn’t like about this book except that it came to an end. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Kregel. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cecilia Hatherleigh has many secrets in her shy, sweet heart–but none bigger than her unrequited love for Edward Amherst, the earl’s son next door. Her love has persevered over many years, even when he grows to be a bit of a rake. Yet despite his fondness for females, he never seems to see her as anything more than the quiet younger sister, and nothing Cecy does has changed that. Rather than pining after his perhaps unworthy love, she decides to turn her focus toward living out her newly found faith. Now she’s determined to follow God’s leading to make a better world for the poor and dispossessed around her.

A London riot awakens Edward to the responsibilities due his family name. It’s time to turn his life around to please his noble father–and that means restoring his abandoned legal career and making a marriage of convenience. Neither will be easy, given his past and the prejudices of the upper echelons of society to which he belongs.

When misadventure strikes at a house party, these two are thrown together even as their lives are upended. If Cecy can’t trust God, overcome her shyness, and find her inner strength, the good work they’ve both done may be for naught–and neither will ever find true love . . .

Well known for her authentic Regency romances set against less-explored, true historical backgrounds, best-selling author Carolyn Miller continues her newest series with a clean, wholesome tale sure to please her many fans.

Read an excerpt here.

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.

https://www.carolynmillerauthor.com/

Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes

by admin | Jul 22, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Romance, Split Time

MY REVIEW:

A few years ago I was blessed with a digital review copy of Amanda Dyke’s Bespoke. I was enchanted by the story and by her marvelous, lyrical writing style. At some point I also read her Tin Can Serenade and loved it also. I was excited to have a chance to read this author’s first full length novel Whose Waves These Are. With a cover that beautiful the story inside had to be beautiful too, especially given the previous experience I’ve had with her work.

It is somewhat difficult for me to capture all the impressions this book left on my heart. At times it was almost unbearably heartbreaking and other moments made me want to jump up and cheer. It is a story that will take your emotions on a roller coaster ride and leave them wanting another ride. Characters were vividly portrayed in a plot that pulled me in and made me feel a part of it. The author’s poetic style and so many quotable passages were such a pleasure to read.

This book made me yearn for relationships such as described in its pages and made me want to be more like Annie and her GrandBob and Fletch as well as all the others who worked together and made this book such a profound experience.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In the wake of WWII, a grieving fisherman submits a poem to a local newspaper: a rallying cry for hope, purpose . . . and rocks. Its message? Send me a rock for the person you lost, and I will build something life-giving. When the poem spreads farther than he ever intended, Robert Bliss’s humble words change the tide of a nation. Boxes of rocks inundate the harbor village on the coast of Maine, and he sets his callused hands to work.

Decades later, Annie Bliss is summoned back to Ansel-by-the-Sea when GrandBob, the man who gave her refuge during the hardest summer of her youth, is the one in need of help. But what greets her is a mystery: a wall of heavy boxes hiding in his home. Memories of stone ruins on a nearby island ignite a fire in her anthropologist soul to uncover answers.

Together with the handsome and enigmatic town postman, Annie uncovers the story layer by layer, yearning to resurrect the hope GrandBob once held so dear and to know the truth behind the chasm in her family’s past. But mending what has been broken for so long may require more of her and those she loves than they are prepared to give.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Photo Credit: © Michael Pettrey

Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. Give her a rainy day, a candle to read by, an obscure corner of history to dig in, and she’ll be happy for hours. She’s a former English teacher, and her novella, Bespoke: A Tiny Christmas Tale, was met with critical acclaim from Publishers Weekly, Readers’ Favorite, and more. She is also the author of a novella in The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection. Whose Waves These Are is her debut novel

The King’s Mercy by Lori Benton

by admin | Jul 8, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Lori Benton’s books have been on my must read list since I read the opening pages of Burning Sky. It was such a beautifully written book that I couldn’t imagine one better. Of course I have come to realize that each and every one of this author’s books have been so very well researched and thought out that they couldn’t help but become another masterpiece in her repertoire. The King’s Mercy joins those novels as a standout among Christian historical romance.

Alex MacKinnon’s life is one of tragedy and loss. Although allowed to live by the king’s mercy, his exile to a North Carolina plantation as an indentured servant only served to increase his anger about the unfairness of his circumstances. Friendship with Joanna Carey, daughter of the plantation owner only increases his hopelessness since she is expected to marry Reeves, the overseer.

The King’s Mercy is an engaging tale filled with vivid descriptions of life during that era and well defined characters readers will either love or hate. The author skillfully illustrates how choices we make affects our lives and beautifully contrasts the earthly king’s mercy with the mercy of our true King in heaven. There is a wonderful depth to this story that should leave readers pondering their own faith. I was held captive by this book and held my breath at times as I wondered what would happen next and if the truly evil person would ever be exposed. Reverend Pauling added an extra layer to the story with his wisdom and willingness to lay his own life down for others.

I highly recommend The King’s Mercy and encourage every reader who loves historical fiction to grab a copy as soon as possible.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Waterbrook Multnomah. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When captured rebel Scotsman Alex MacKinnon is granted the king’s mercy–transport across the Atlantic Ocean and exile to the colony of North Carolina–he’s indentured as a blacksmith to Edmund Carey, prosperous owner of Severn Plantation. The arrangement devastates the Scot who mourns the life he lost and finds life on a slave plantation intolerable. Unwittlingly, Alex is drawn into the plight of Carey’s slaves, particularly those connected to Carey’s stepdaughter, Joanna.

A mistress longing for a different life, Joanna Carey is expected to wed the plantation’s overseer, Phineas Reeves, who has no patience for her kinder vision for Severn’s future. For guidance, Joanna relies on itinerant minister Reverend Pauling, who travels to the plantation seasonally, bringing the gospel to all with ears to listen.

Despite his growing bond with Joanna, Alex longs to break the chains of servitude and forge his freedom, until he’s faced with the choice that hounds him: continue down his destructive, rebellious path or embrace the faith of a man like Pauling, whose freedom in Christ no earthly power can steal. But the price of such mercy is total surrender and perhaps Alex’s very life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori Benton was born and raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American and family history going back to the 1600s. Her novels transport readers to the 18th century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history, creating a melting pot of characters drawn from both sides of a turbulent and shifting frontier, brought together in the bonds of God’s transforming grace.

Lori’s debut novel, Burning Sky, earned the 2014 Christy Award for First Novel, Historical, and Book of the Year.

The Crossing at Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman

by admin | Jun 26, 2019 | Books, Historical, Mississippi, Natchez, Pirates, Romance

MY REVIEW:

The Crossing at Cypress Creek is the exciting conclusion to Pam Hillman’s Natchez Trace series. Another of the O’Sheas enters the scene and Caleb is just as endearing as his brothers, a bit of an Irish scamp with a history he regrets yet totally loyal and protective of those weaker than himself. Alanah Adams was a strong, independent woman, accustomed to taking care of herself. Her knowledge of herbal medicine and healing were not only helpful in the wilderness but a much needed source of income for her family. Several secondary characters who added extra depth to the story included Lydia, Tiberius, Caleb’s giant of a companion, Alanah’s sister Betsy, their Uncle Jude, and the ruthless pirates who plagued the area. Of course we can’t forget the O’Shea brothers and their wives who had their own stories in the first two books of the series.

Alanah was a multifaceted woman who was at home in the wilderness but could easily fit in with society. Feisty and brave, she was well matched to former mercenary Caleb who had a tendency to wander but would fight to the death for those he cared about. I was not a fan of Uncle Jude, a preacher whose attitude towards his nieces disturbed me. Thankfully, changes took place before the story ended which helped to redeem my opinion of him.

There are so many good things I could say about The Crossing at Cypress Creek but I feel totally inadequate to express them as eloquently as I would like. I love all of Pam Hillman’s books and this one may be my favorite yet. If you enjoy your history peppered with plenty of action, danger, and adventure, authentic characters, a sometimes complicated romance, a touch of humor, and an uncompromised message of faith, the The Crossing at Cypress Creek (as well as the rest of the series) should be quickly added to your TBR list.

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:

Sailing and soldiering around the world has taken Caleb O’Shea far from his native Ireland, so he never imagined that a promise to see a fellow crewman safely home would practically land him on his brother’s doorstep. After spending years away from his family, Caleb isn’t certain what kind of reception he will receive when he steps foot in Natchez, Mississippi. The one thing he knows for sure is that he won’t stay long.

Since her sister was kidnapped by river pirates six months ago, Alanah Adams has taken special care to avoid drawing attention to herself. Those living in the rough-and-tumble settlement of Cypress Creek might even think she’s addled. But when she stumbles into Caleb and his friends in Natchez, she appears to be the picture-perfect lady.

Caleb only catches glimpses of the mysterious and beautiful Alanah before she disappears. But a chance encounter with her at his brother’s logging camp near Cypress Creek leaves him uncomfortable at the thought of the young woman traversing the dangerous area alone. At a crossroads in his life, Caleb must decide whether he wants to give up the worldly adventures he’s been seeking for one closer to home.

Read an excerpt HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that’s the kind of life every girl should dream of.

Connect with Pam online at her website (pamhillman.com) or on either of these social media platforms:

Facebook.com/PamHillmanAuthor
Twitter.com/PamHillman

No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky

by admin | Jun 25, 2019 | Books, Canada, England, Historical

MY REVIEW:

I have had the opportunity to read and review several books over the past few years that featured unfortunate children who were poor and/or orphaned and became victims of unscrupulous organizations who exploited them in the name of charity. I was familiar with the Orphan Trains as well as the infamous Georgia Tann and her Tennessee Children’s Home. I was not aware of the thousands of British children who in a similar manner were shipped to Canada and a new life there.

Carrie Turansky’s No Ocean Too Wide features a family who became caught up in the system from which there seemed to be no escape. When Laura’s mother became gravely ill and hospitalized, her younger siblings were taken to an orphan’s home, then quickly sent to Canada despite Laura’s desperate attempts to bring them home.

No Ocean Too Wide is the riveting tale of one young woman’s brave journey to find and bring home the sisters and brother she loves even when all seemed hopeless. Helped by a young lawyer who was sent to research the orphan homes, they discover just how unethical the system has become. I was heartbroken at the treatment of the McAlister family and angry that something like this could be allowed to happen over and over again. The author brought the story to life with each page and I found myself holding my breath at crucial points, hoping for a positive resolution.

Vivid imagery and strong characterization along with an unexpected twist or two made this book difficult to put down. A compelling Christian thread was woven deftly throughout which offered encouragement and hope to a dark, hopeless narrative. A bit of romance also added a bit of hope and light. A very well-researched novel, No Ocean Too Wide is a must read for those who love historical fiction. This book will definitely be added to my keeper shelf.

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:

Between the years of 1869 to 1939 more than 100,000 poor British children were sent across the ocean to Canada with the promise of a better life. Those who took them in to work as farm laborers or household servants were told they were orphans–but was that the truth?

After the tragic loss of their father, the McAlister family is living at the edge of the poorhouse in London in 1908, leaving their mother to scrape by for her three younger children, while oldest daughter, Laura, works on a large estate more than an hour away. When Edna McAlister falls gravely ill and is hospitalized, twins Katie and Garth and eight-year-old Grace are forced into an orphans’ home before Laura is notified about her family’s unfortunate turn of events in London. With hundreds of British children sent on ships to Canada, whether truly orphans or not, Laura knows she must act quickly. But finding her siblings and taking care of her family may cost her everything.

Andrew Fraser, a wealthy young British lawyer and heir to the estate where Laura is in service, discovers that this common practice of finding new homes for penniless children might not be all that it seems. Together Laura and Andrew form an unlikely partnership. Will they arrive in time? Will their friendship blossom into something more?

Inspired by true events, this moving novel follows Laura as she seeks to reunite her family and her siblings who, in their darkest hours, must cling to the words from Isaiah: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God”.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bestselling Inspirational Romance Author Carrie Turansky writes historical and contemporary novels and novellas set in England and the US. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the International Digital Award. Readers say her stories are: “Heartwarming and inspiring! I couldn’t put it down!” . . . “Touching love story. It captured me from the first page! Rich characters, beautifully written” . . . “My new favorite author!” Visit her website and sign up for her email newsletter at Carrie Turansky.com. Follow Carrie on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma

by admin | Jun 24, 2019 | Books, Historical, Memphis, Romantic Suspense, True Crime

MY REVIEW:

I grew up just outside of Memphis shortly after Boss Crump and Georgia Tann’s reign. I remember hearing my parents and grandparents talking about Georgia Tann and even speculation about an adopted uncle who may have come from the Tennessee Children’s Home. We never found out for certain and everyone who may have known are long gone. After reading The Pink Bonnet as well as Lisa Wingate’s novel about Tann, I am thankful that her infamous days of power were over by the time my sisters and I were born.

The Pink Bonnet is a page-turner that I did not want to put down until I reached its end. Although I probably had a bit more interest in it than some due to knowing the city intimately, the story was both poignant and encouraging. I particularly liked how determined Cecile was to get her daughter back, even to the point of placing her own life in danger. Percy was even more inspiration as he put his own life and job on the line when he realized just how corrupt his employer was. It was heart-breaking to learn how these children were taken from their parents and literally sold to anyone who could pay the price with no concern at all how they would be treated. Although a happy ending was doubtful for Cecile, I was pleased with how her story ended.

Those were truly dark days for Memphis but I couldn’t help but think about all the missing children and child trafficking in our current society and wonder if there are powerful individuals controlling that industry today.

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 Pink Bonnet

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Historical, Suspense

Release date: June, 2019

A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child
Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.

How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child?

Click here to purchase your copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Liz Tolsma is a popular speaker and an editor and the owner of the Write Direction Editing. An almost-native Wisconsinite, she resides in a quiet corner of the state with her husband and is the mother of three. Her son proudly serves as a U.S. Marine. They adopted all of their children internationally, and one has special needs. When she gets a few spare minutes, she enjoys reading, relaxing on the front porch, walking, working in her large perennial garden, and camping with her family.

MORE FROM LIZ:

A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child

True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through 6 unique stories of historical romantic suspense in the exciting new True Colors series.

In book two, The Pink Bonnet, Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.

How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child? Find out in The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma.

The True Crime Behind the Story

Georgia Tann was a woman who ran an adoption agency in Memphis, Tennessee, from 1924 until 1950. It is estimated that, in that time, she kidnapped over five thousand children and sold them to the highest bidder. She even advertised the children in the newspaper, especially around the holidays. Some of the nation’s biggest celebrities adopted through Miss Tann, including Joan Crawford, Dick Powell, and June Allyson. Learn more about Georgia Tann HERE and visit www.TrueColorsCrime.com for more exclusive content.