Historical | Daysong Reflections

Dangerous to Know by Megan Whitson Lee

by admin | Jul 12, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Dangerous to Know was not at all what I expected when I agreed to review this book. I assumed it would follow the usual pattern for a Regency romance novel but I was in for quite a surprise. Featuring an emotionally tortured hero who defied most dictates of society, the story was often dark and disturbing. For some reason Lord Brumby was sought after by all the young women, perhaps because of his bad boy tendencies which are often attractive for all the wrong reasons. Isabella Bankmill was one of those young women and although all she recommended many of the obvious signs, she ignored them and soon lived to regret her poor choices.

Dangerous to Know is quite well written and was difficult to put down once I got into it. I did not like Lord Bromby at all and wanted to step into the pages of the book and shake some sense into Isabella. It is a heart-breaking account of what can happen when one person allows another to take precedence over the Lord in their life.

Loosely based on the life of Lord Byron, this book is not for readers looking for a light entertaining romance but is perfect for those looking for a bit more meat in their reading choices.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

“Don’t look at him, dear. He’s dangerous.”

Isabella Bankmill seeks a husband whose character matches her list of requirements. The man must share her faith, but he must also possess a certain je ne sais quoi. The enigmatical Lord Gregory Gordon Bromby—London’s newest literary sensation—certainly possesses the latter. Despite a deformed foot and alarming views on politics and religion, he attracts the ladies in droves.

Haunted by his past and overwhelmed by his newfound celebrity status, Lord Bromby’s obsession with his own doom leads to reckless behavior. When he is stalked by an obsessive aristocrat seeking an elopement, Bromby’s friends urge him to marry a suitable lady as soon as possible. Intrigued by Isabella’s convictions and hoping to avoid further scandal, Bromby proposes to Isabella.

Isabella also receives an offer of marriage from kind-hearted philanthropist, David Beringer—a man equally devoted to his faith—but she only has eyes for Lord Bromby. Blinded by his talent and good looks, Isabella convinces herself that he’s not as dangerous as everyone claims. But when Bromby’s world violently collides with hers, Isabella must decide once and for all who is lord of her life. God or Bromby?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Megan Whitson Lee is an anglophile and a recovering runaway. Over the years, she escaped to England and Australia before finally settling down in the US. These days, she lives a relatively quiet life as a wife, a mom of two greyhounds, an editor for Pelican Book Group, and a high school English teacher. She now escapes by writing novels instead of jumping on planes to foreign countries. Her novel, Captives, won the 2016 Director’s Choice Award and was a finalist for a Selah Award in the women’s contemporary fiction category at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.

Megan writes women’s contemporary thrillers and historical fiction featuring characters standing at the crossroads of major life decisions.

Website:             www.meganwhitsonlee.com
Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/meganwhitsonlee/
Twitter:                https://twitter.com/MeganWhitsonLee
Instagram:           https://www.instagram.com/meganwlee1/
Pinterest:            https://www.pinterest.com/megan_whitson/

A Rebel Heart by Beth White

by admin | Jun 29, 2018 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Having read Beth White’s previous series, The Gulf Coast Chronicles, I was delighted to receive a review copy of A Rebel Heart, first book in her latest series. It was everything I expected and more. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading White’s historical fiction about the South that contains an intimate view of the lives and experiences of people who lived during a tumultuous period in our country.

A Rebel Heart gets off to a speedy start with a disastrous train derailment and a daring rescue in which the primary characters Selah and Levi meet. Their paths cross later and the two of them eventually end up working together in a scheme to save her family’s damaged plantation home in Mississippi. The characters come alive in a plot wrought with action, danger, secrets, misunderstandings, suspense, and romance. I liked seeing how they had to learn to depend upon each other and their faith in order to survive and thrive during the difficult days of post Civil War reconstruction.

I look forward to the rest of this series because I can’t wait to learn what happens with Selah’s two sisters and their cousin. I hope you will give this excellent book a chance too.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

“Full of intrigue, grit, and grace, A Rebel Heart is Beth White at her finest.”—Jocelyn Green, award-winning author of A Refuge Assured

Five years after the final shot was fired in the War Between the States, Selah Daughtry can barely manage to keep herself, her two younger sisters, and their spinster cousin fed and clothed. With their family’s Mississippi plantation swamped by debt and the Big House falling down around them, the only option seems to be giving up their ancestral land–until a hotel management agent for the railroad offers her hope for the future.

If she’ll turn her home into a hotel, Levi Riggins says, he can all but guarantee it will be saved. Selah isn’t sure she entirely trusts the handsome Yankee. Yet what other options does she have? She’ll have to stay on her guard . . . but she never expected to have to guard her heart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beth White‘s day job is teaching music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. A native Mississippian, she writes historical romance with a Southern drawl and is the author of The Pelican Bride and The Creole Princess. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers’ Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Learn more at www.bethwhite.net.

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

by admin | Jun 16, 2018 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Native American, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I have been a fan of Michelle Griep’s books since I read Brentwood’s Ward and have attempted to read every other book by her that I can find. I was excited to read her latest, The Captured Bride and I was not disappointed in the least.

Heroine Mercy is the daughter of a Mohawk father and a white mother. Now on her own she functions as a scout for the English because of her natural skill and unusual gifts. The story covers a dangerous assignment in which Mercy accompanies her usual scouting partner and Elias, a condemned traitor escorting a shipment of French gold to a different fort. Along the way, the group face various dangerous situations and begin to wonder if they will be able to complete their mission. Mercy also finds herself undeniably attracted to the one man she is afraid to trust.

I thoroughly enjoyed this action packed novel filled with danger, secrets, betrayal, and a romance that developed naturally without overwhelming the rest of the tale. A few plot twists and surprises along the way served to keep things interesting. It was also gratifying to watch the relationship grow between Elias and Mercy as well as their dependence on the Lord.

I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly that of the early days of America.

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:

Click to purchase

A war-torn countryside is no place for a lady—but Mercy Lytton is a lady like none other. Raised amongst the Mohawks, she straddles two cultures, yet each are united in one cause . . . to defeat the French. Born with a rare gift of unusually keen eyesight, she is chosen as a scout to accompany a team of men on a dangerous mission. Yet it is not her life that is threatened. It is her heart.

Condemned as a traitor, Elias Dubois faces the gallows. At the last minute, he’s offered his freedom if he consents to accompany a stolen shipment of French gold to a nearby fort—but he’s the one they stole it from in the first place. It turns out that the real thief is the beguiling woman, Mercy Lytton, for she steals his every waking thought.

Can love survive divided loyalties in a backcountry wilderness?

Click here to purchase your copy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of historical romances: The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, Undercurrent and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

GUEST POST FROM MICHELLE:

A Visit to Fort Niagara

Whether you’re a history buff or don’t have a clue what the French and Indian War was about, there’s a destination in upstate New York that’s fun to visit for the whole family . . .

My husband and I made the trek to this living history site last summer. I had no idea what to expect, other than what was advertised as a “reenactment camp.” For those who don’t know, this is when volunteers who adore history come together to present a particular event, such as a battle. These people usually choose a real person from the era upon whom they fashion their modern day persona. They dress, speak, eat and live as that person might have. Here I am with some of my new friends:

Generally around the 4^th of July, the 1759 Battle of Fort Niagara is recreated in a 3-day extravaganza of soldiers, muskets, canons and an entire market place to peruse selling period-related items.

Some of the things that surprised me about stepping back into the mid-eighteenth century were:

How much smoke muskets kick out
Once the battle begins, it’s hard to see who is your enemy or ally
Canons are really loud
Everything wasn’t as black and white as it seems in pictures—gowns and uniforms were very colorful

What makes this event so spectacular is that they take the entire 20 day siege and condense it into 3 days. If you visit every day, you’ll see and experience exactly what happened. You’ll be there to see the British, Colonial regulars and Iroquois allies sneak out of the tree line to shoot at some French soldiers who were pigeon hunting just outside the fort. You’ll hear the war whoops and barrage of angry French epithets roaring on the air. You’ll even get a chance to taste some of their food as you wander around inside the French Encampment set up inside the fort walls.

To experience a bit of the danger, sights and sounds of what Mercy and Elias lived through in The Captured Bride, Fort Niagara really is a fantastic place to visit.

BLOG STOPS:

Vicky Sluiter, June 9

Fiction Aficionado, June 9

Blossoms and Blessings, June 9

A Baker’s Perspective, June 9

History, Mystery & Faith, June 10

Inklings and notions, June 10

Just the Write Escape, June 10

Faithfully Bookish, June 11

The Power of Words, June 11

Genesis 5020, June 11

Bakerkella, June 11

My Writer’s Life, June 12

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, June 12

Luv’N Lambert Life, June 12

Among the Reads, June 13

Book by Book, June 13

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 13

Moments Dipped in Ink, June 14

Splashes of Joy, June 14

Artistic Nobody, June 14 (Spotlight)

Bibliophile Reviews, June 14

Pause for Tales, June 15

All-of-a-kind Mom, June 15

Mary Hake, June 15

Bigreadersite, June 15

Connie’s History Classroom, June 16

Simple Harvest Reads, June 16 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Two Points of Interest, June 16

The Christian Fiction Girl, June 17

Daysong Reflections, June 17

Novels corner, June 17

Kathleen Denly, June 18

A Reader’s Brain, June 18

Remembrancy, June 18

proud to be an autism mom, June 19

Texas Book-aholic, June 19

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, June 19

Reading Is My SuperPower, June 20

Red Headed Book Lady, June 20

Margaret Kazmierczak, June 20

Mommynificent, June 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 21

Janices book reviews, June 21

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 21

With a Joyful Noise, June 22

Pink Granny’s Journey, June 22

Carpe Diem, June 22

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of

a signed copy of The Captured Bride and a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card!!

Click below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d06e/the-captured-bride-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck

by admin | May 31, 2018 | American Revolution, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical

MY REVIEW:

I’ll admit that I was a tad disappointed to find that The Love Letter is yet another book that switches back and forth between the past and present. The split-time format seems to be a very popular one these days and I have encountered quite a few of the books among my review novels. Nevertheless, who better than Rachel Hauck to take both stories and pull them together in a way that God’s hand is evident throughout – and she manages to throw in a holy surprise or two along the way. Even when it seems that a monkey wrench has been thrown in to mess everything up, the plans the Lord has in store are fulfilled.

I enjoyed reading this story of Chloe Daschle, and actress and Jesse Gates, the scriptwriter for the film i which Chloe is to star. With the screenplay loosely based on a letter written by one of Jesse’s ancestors, the story switches back and forth between Chloe and Jesse’s experiences to the story of Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow during the American Revolution. Each story could easily stand on its own but the author has woven them together into a romantic tale that reaches across history.

Lovers of historical fiction should love this book for the personal look at life during the Revolutionary War and any fan of Rachel Hauck will definitely appreciate her unique approach to writing that has endeared her to me for a number of years and books.

I voluntarily reviewed copies of this book provided by Amazon Vine and the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress comes a story of long-lost love and its redemption in future generations.

Romance has never been actress Chloe Daschle’s forte—in life or on screen. But everyone knows who to call for a convincing death scene . . . and it might be killing her career.

When Chloe is given a peek at the script for an epic love story, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands and request an audition for the lead female role, Esther Kingsley. The compelling tale, inspired by family lore and a one-page letter from the colonial ancestor of scriptwriter Jesse Gates, just might break her out of this career-crippling rut. Jesse would rather write about romance than live through it after his past relationship ended in disaster. But once on-set together, the chemistry between Jesse and his leading lady is hard to deny.

Centuries earlier, in the heart of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow wrote their saga off the silver screen. Esther’s Loyalist father opposes any relationship with Hamilton, but Esther must face her beloved father’s disapproval and the dangers of war in order to convince Hamilton of their future together. Hamilton has loved Esther for years, and on the eve of battle pens the love letter she’s always wanted—something straight from the heart.

Set in stunning upcountry South Carolina, The Love Letter is a beautifully-crafted story of the courage it takes to face down fear and chase after love, even in the darkest of times. And just maybe, all these generations later, love can come home in a way not even Hollywood could imagine.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauck.

Bounty Beyond Measure by Kari Trumbo

by admin | May 28, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western

Welcome to the blog tour and giveaway for Bounty Beyond Reason by Kari Trumbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Kari Trumbo is a mostly new-to-me author but since it’s difficult for me to resist a good western romance, I decided to take a chance on Bounty Beyond Reason. Oh my! I do believe I have found another author to add to my long list of must read authors.

After four years of searching for the man who stole her father’s horse Hannah Gale has finally found him and is prepared to take him back home to see him pay for his crime. Difficult as it is to believe, Cort (Emmit Hayes) actually doesn’t try to escape the tiny scrap of a woman who he could easily overpower. During the course of their story, Hannah must face a few truths about herself, her father, and the horse thief who may be more honorable than she believed.

Bounty Beyond Reason is a well written tale with just the right blend of drama and romance with a bit of suspense thrown in for good measure. The message of forgiveness and redemption is strong but is woven into the story nicely. This is one book that lovers of western romance should not miss.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Bounty Beyond Reason
Author: Kari Trumbo
Series: Brides of Blessings #7
Release Date: May 9, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

For the last four years, she’s wanted to watch him hang.

Hannah Gale has to avenge her husband’s death and the loss of her future and watching Emitt Hayes swing will do just that. When she’s able to catch him, she can bring him back and claim the bounty, redeeming some of the wealth Emitt stole.

Emitt stole a horse to redeem a debt.

It started a landslide of events that changed many lives, and a has eaten at him ever since. He’s taken on the name Cort Nelson to hide. When his past catches up with him, Han nah is more fire than he’s expecting. His quiet, hidden life will never be the same.

A hidden danger appears that could cost them both their lives, can Cort admit to what he’s done and be the man Hannah needs and can Hannah release her grudge to grab hold of a future worth having?

Purchase Links: Goodreads | Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kari Trumbo is a best-selling author of Christian and sweet romance. She writes swooney heroes and places that become characters, with historical detail and heart. She’s a stay-at-home mom to four vibrant children. When she isn’t writing, or editing, she home schools her children and pretends to keep up with them. Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one’s listening, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota, land of frigid toes and mosquitoes the size of compact cars, with her husband of almost twenty-one years. They have two daughters, two sons, two cats, and one hungry wood stove.

CONNECT WITH KARI: website | Facebook | Twitter

GIVEAWAY

Kari Trumbo is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card, as well as signed copies of Blessed Beyond Measure and Bounty Beyond Reason! One winner. US only. (International winners may be eligible but for gift card only.)

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 28, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm June 4, 2018. Winner will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For the full tour schedule and more giveaway entries, head to JustRead’s Launch Page HERE

Together Forever by Jody Hedlund

by admin | May 26, 2018 | Books, Historical, Orphan Train, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I thoroughly enjoyed the previous book in Hedlund’s Orphan Train series so I was eager to see what happened with Neumann sister Marianne. Together Forever absolutely lived up to my expectations and then some. I do love my history woven expertly into a fast-paced novel complete with a touch of suspense and a large dose of romance.

Although Marianne and Drew did not have the best start to their relationship, it didn’t take very long for them to trust each other and form a fast friendship. Escorting a large group of children from New York City to small towns in Illinois turned out to be more difficult than expected. It was hard not to form attachments to the younger children and some of the older boys could be quite the handful. Along the journey both Marianne and Drew found much to admire in the way the other handled the difficulty.

I was impressed with the way the author developed her characters even through some very frightening and trying situations. Their loyalty and love were put to the test and each had to learn to lean on the Lord to get them through. Together Forever is a wonderful story of forgiveness and reconciliation that is a must read for history lovers. I personally am looking forward to the next book of the series and hope to find out what happened with the youngest sister.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Together Forever, Orphan Train Book 2

Author: Jody Hedlund

Genre: Inspirational historical romance

Release Date: May, 2018

Click to purchase

Determined to find her lost younger sister, Marianne Neumann takes a job as a placing agent with the Children’s Aid Society in 1858 New York. She not only hopes to offer children a better life, but prays she’ll be able to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train so they can finally be reunited.

Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing-out trip, is a former schoolteacher who has an easy way with the children, firm but tender and friendly. Underneath his charm and handsome looks, though, seems to linger a grief that won’t go away–and a secret from his past that he keeps hidden.

As the two team up, placing orphans in the small railroad towns of Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever.

Click here to purchase your copy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jody Hedlund is the author of over a dozen novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher’s Bride, and A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for historical romance. She received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in social work. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog at www.jodyhedlund.com.

GUEST POST FROM JODY HEDLUND:

30,000 Abandoned Children

By Jody Hedlund

Imagine a city where 30,000 abandoned and homeless children live on the streets.

Sounds like something from a futuristic dystopian novel, doesn’t it? Or something that might happen after a war or apocalypse or major disaster, right?

This exact thing actually happened in the 1850’s. And the city was New York City.

It’s hard to believe, but an estimated 30,000 homeless children roamed the dirty city streets and alleys of New York City.

30,000. Children. Let that sink in for a minute. That’s the size of a town.

Historians look back on that time and try to make sense what led to such horrific conditions for children. Of course, the influx of immigrants was at an all time high. Jobs and housing were scarce. Diseases were rampant. Hunger and poverty became a norm. (Orphan Train Depot)

As more and more people became aware of the enormous problem within the crowded slums, courageous heroes rose up and attempted to do their part to make a difference.

While we may not always agree with the methods that were used to save the thousands of homeless children, we can admire the men and women who could no longer sit idly by.

The Children’s Aid Society was started by Charles Loring Brace as one such attempt to help the hordes of homeless children. His “Emigration Plan” is better known today by the term “Orphan Trains.”

Click to purchase

My latest series tackles various elements of the orphan train movement. Together Forever, releasing in May, highlights the placing agents, those devoted people who rode the trains with the orphans. The agents spent weeks and months on the road caring for the children, all the while trying to place them in loving homes.

(If you’d like to try out the series, start with my FREE novella, An Awakened Heart.)

Like the brave men and women who came before us, may we always strive to do our part to make a difference!