by admin | Oct 11, 2017 | Books, Historical, Oregon, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have long been a fan of Tracie Peterson’s novels and was quite happy to have the opportunity to review “Cherished Mercy”. As it is the final book in a three book series, I decided to purchase the first two books and actually had a chance to read the series in order. Time constraints have prevented me from writing reviews for the first two thus far but I was blessed to have the background provided by “Treasured Grace” and “Beloved Hope”. It was also fun to learn more of the history of the area of Oregon where my daughter and her husband have lived for the past two or three years.
The youngest of three sisters, Mercy had experienced hardship and tragedy as they traveled to and settled in Oregon Territory. Held hostage by Indians during the earlier attack on the Whitman mission, Mercy witnessed tragic death and brutality at the hands of the natives but her faith has helped her to forgive during the years since the attack. Tensions are still high between the white men and the Indians in the Rogue River Valley but Mercy feels led to accept the plea for help from an ailing family friend despite possible danger.
This final chapter in the Heart of the Frontier series featuring the Flanagan sisters was one I didn’t want to put down. From the historical facts to the gripping situations to the growing love story between Mercy and Adam, I wanted to know it all. I liked Mercy’s strong character and her compassion for the Indians although she found herself in great danger. Adam was a low key yet admirable hero who made sure to protect Mercy and Faith even though he tried to convince himself they had no future together. The trials and tribulations they experienced kept the plot moving right along until its satisfactory ending.
As always I had a great time learning a bit more history through the wonderful writing of Tracie Peterson. I can’t wait for her next series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As Oregon Territory teeters on the brink of armed conflict, one woman strives for peace.
Mercy Flanagan survived the Whitman Massacre as a child, and now her heart’s cry is for peace between the native peoples and the white settlers inhabiting Oregon Territory. Unfortunately, most of the settlers want the tribes removed from the land completely, one way or another.
At the request of family friend Eletta Browning, who is experiencing a difficult pregnancy, Mercy travels south to the Rogue River Valley to help. At the Browning Mission, she meets Eletta’s brother-in-law, Adam. Despite her attempts to befriend him, Adam seems determined to focus on ministering to the local tribes and keeps her at arm’s length. Why is he so intent on pushing her away?
When tragedy strikes and tensions in the territory reach the combustion point, Mercy is pushed to the limit of her strength. She and Adam will have to rely on their faith in God and on each other in order to make it out alive.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson 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. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com.
by admin | Oct 2, 2017 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed the previous novels in Hunter’s Hawthorne House series and have been looking forward to Griffith’s story. I cannot say that the entire story was everything I anticipated but as the hero Griffith did not fail. It was amusing to me that after seeing his brother and sisters (as well as good friends) happily married, Griffith decided it was time to choose a bride and went about it in his usual logical fashion. Determined to choose the most suitable bride, rather than the expected one, Griffith somehow believed that once chosen, he could make himself fall in love with her. That’s where everything went so wrong.
I’ll admit that Isabella was not my favorite heroine. I realize that she was so desperate to help her family out of their financial problems that she fell for her uncle’s manipulations and even blackmail. At times I just wanted to shake her and tell her to just confess the truth and break out of that man’s clutches instead of going along with his plans. I liked Frederica’s character very much and was so happy that things turned out well for her also. She was a fun character who was comfortable in her own skin while Isabella fretted way too much about her own beauty and the problems it caused. I did come to like Isabella more as she finally grew a backbone and stood up for herself.
For the most part, the plot moved along at a good pace. It had several quite humorous moments as well as the expected romance. A thread of faith ran throughout the story but was unobtrusive. I hate to see this series end but am certain that Ms. Hunter will provide her readers with a new series that is equally enjoyable.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and her publisher. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Griffith, Duke of Riverton, likes order, logic, and control, and he naturally applies this rational approach to his search for a bride. He’s certain Miss Frederica St. Claire is the perfect wife for him, but while Frederica is strangely elusive, he can’t seem to stop running into her stunningly beautiful cousin, Miss Isabella Breckenridge.
Isabella should be enjoying her society debut, but with her family in difficult circumstances, her uncle will only help them if she’ll use her beauty to assist him in his political aims. Already uncomfortable with this agreement, the more she comes to know Griffith, the more she wishes to be free of her unfortunate obligation.
Will Griffith and Isabella be able to set aside their pride and face their fears in time to find their own happily-ever-after?
Read an excerpt from “An Inconvenient Beauty” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristi is the RITA® award winning author of Regency romance novels from a Christian worldview. Her titles include A Noble Masquerade, An Elegant Façade, and An Uncommon Courtship. Beyond writing, she is also speaker, teaching classes in writing as well as Biblical and spiritual topics. She has spoken to writers’ groups, schools, and young women’s groups at churches.
When she is not writing or interacting with her readers, Kristi spends time with her family and her church. A graduate of Georgia Tech with a computer science degree, she can also be found fiddling with her computer in her free time. A born lover of stories she is also an avid reader. From very young she dreamed of sharing her own stories with others and praises God daily that she gets to live that dream today.
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by admin | Oct 1, 2017 | Appalachia, Books, Historical, Post WW2
MY REVIEW:
“These Healing Hills” is a beautifully written novel that takes place in the Kentucky Appalachian Mountains near the end of World War 2. Central characters are Francine Howard, a nurse who has moved to the mountains for training as a nurse midwife for the Frontier Nursing Service and Ben Locke, a lifelong resident of the community who has recently returned from the war. As Fran and Ben get to know one another, they find themselves increasingly attracted despite the vast differences in their upbringing.
Ann Gabhart has written a story that held my interest from the very beginning. Her descriptions of the Appalachians and their people were captivating and it was easy to see why Francine lost her heart to the area. I loved reading about the Frontier Nursing Service and the challenges these brave women encountered and the rewards they gained from their sacrifices. It was great fun getting to know all the unique residents of the area, especially Ben and Woody. What a blessing to see that all people have similar struggles no matter what their background and that faith in the Lord is the ultimate connection that draws them together.
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:
Francine Howard has her life all mapped out–until the man she loves announces his plans to bring home an English bride from war-torn Europe in 1945. Devastated, Francine seeks a fresh start in the Appalachian Mountains, training to be a nurse midwife for the Frontier Nursing Service.
Deeply affected by the horrors he witnessed at war, Ben Locke has never thought further ahead than making it home to Kentucky. His future shrouded in as much mist as his beloved mountains, he’s at a loss when it comes to envisioning what’s next for his life.
When Francine’s and Ben’s paths intersect, it’s immediately clear that they are from different worlds and value different things. But love has a way of healing old wounds . . . and revealing tantalizing new possibilities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Memories by Chris
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, Love Comes Home, Words Spoken True, and The Heart of Hollyhill series, as well as several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.
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by admin | Sep 24, 2017 | Books, Christmas, Historical
MY REVIEW:
I always look forward to Melody Carlson’s Christmas book each year. It has become such a tradition for me that Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without them. This year’s book “The Christmas Blessing” is a historical one that takes place during the World War 2 years.
As is often the case, the story is a poignant one that pulls at the reader’s heartstrings. It is also filled with hope and joy and comes complete with a glorious surprise or two before its end.Although the story is short and character development is limited, the author still manages to make her readers care about what happens to Amelia and her baby.
This small hardback can easily be read in an evening or two which is a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the winter holidays. So grab a hot drink and a warm throw and take a short break with this lovely little novel. I may just join you be reading it again closer to Christmas.
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:
Although Amelia would be on the train only until tomorrow morning, she unpacked a few things with the goal of making Jimmy and herself as comfortable as possible. To her delight, this cozy sleeping car felt just right for the two of them. Not only that, but as the train began to move, Jimmy relaxed and settled in. Almost as if he were glad they were finally on their way. Maybe he instinctively knew that life was about to get better for them. Perhaps he would enjoy meeting his paternal grandparents. At the moment the train pulled out of the station, anything seemed possible.
She’s determined to give her baby a better life.
Could a Christmas miracle make it possible?
Not long after she receives the news in 1944 that her baby’s father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant’s paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don’t know that she–or their grandson–exists.
When Amelia discovers the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with combined sales of more than six million. She is the author of several Christmas books, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington’s, The Christmas Cat, The Christmas Joy Ride, and The Christmas Angel Project. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
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by admin | Sep 21, 2017 | Books, Civil War, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Shelley Shepard Gray’s Lone Star Hero’s Love Story series so I was happy to have the opportunity to review the latest book in the series, “Love Held Captive”. I was not disappointed. In fact this book actually provides the reader with two different love stories.
Once again, Confederate officers who spent time in the same prison camp are featured. Both Ethan Kelly and Devin Monroe are heroes in this novel and they both meet women who have managed to survive the war on their own despite many hardships. Both women have also been mistreated by a despicable man who had also spent time in the prison camp with them. Will Ethan and Devin become the true heroes Lizbeth and Julianne need?
I thoroughly enjoyed “Love Held Captive”. Although it did touch on some very adult subject matter, I personally thought it was handled tastefully and discreetly with no explicit intimate scenes. Some readers may still prefer to pass on this book and that is their choice.
The plot is well written and moves along steadily with some flashbacks to the prison camp that helps set a background for the relationships between the men. As in the previous novels, I was impressed by the strength of their friendships and their determination to be there for the others when needed. I have loved this series and am hoping this will not be the last book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After the War Between the States, a Confederate officer longs to heal the heart of a beautiful woman—but first he’ll have to right the wrongs that were done to her.
Major Ethan Kelly has never been able to absolve himself of the guilt he feels for raiding a woman’s home shortly before he was taken prisoner during the Civil War. He is struggling to get through each day until he once again crosses paths with Lizbeth Barclay—the very woman he is trying to forget.
Life after the war is not much different for former Captain Devin Monroe until he meets Julianne VanFleet. He knows she is the woman he’s been waiting for, but he struggles to come to terms with the sacrifices she made to survive the war.
When Ethan and Devin discover that their former colonel, Adam Bushnell, is responsible for both Lizbeth’s and Julianne’s pain, they call on their former fellow soldiers to hunt him down. As the men band together to earn the trust of the women they love, Lizbeth and Julianne seek the justice they deserve in a country longing to heal.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
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by admin | Sep 18, 2017 | Books, Christmas, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have to admit that I haven’t read either “Bleak House” by Charles Dickens or “Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie as mentioned by other reviewers but I enjoyed “12 Days at Bleakly Manor” nonetheless. And yes, I would like to read both of those books if only to understand their references here.
The gorgeous cover prepares the reader for a delightful Victorian Christmas adventure with just a hint of darkness inside but oh my, some of the characters and happenings were quite unexpected. It was such fun watching what transpired and anticipating what might happen next. Everything about this book was so clever and I loved the surprises at the end!
I cannot say more because I fear I might give everything away. Just take my word for it, do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy of “12 Days at Bleakly Manor” for your holiday reading. I warn you though that you might not want to wait that long to read it.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Barbour Books. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A mysterious invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home may bring danger…and love?
England, 1851: When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet feels compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of five hundred pounds.
But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, Benjamin Lane.
Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar. Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters.
What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.
Pour a cup of tea and settle in for Book 1 of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series–a page-turning Victorian-era holiday tale–by Michelle Griep, a reader and critic favorite.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit michellegriep.com
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