by admin | May 28, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I am a bit tardy in submitting my review due to a lightning strike that took out my home phone line and my internet connection along with it. I was told it could be nearly a week before it would be repaired but surprisingly the internet suddenly began to work again. So here I am, taking advantage of a small miracle and my post is only twelve hours or so late rather than several days.
Kari Trumbo is a new-to-me author but I tend to enjoy most western novels so I agreed to review “A Ruby Glows”. Apparently this book is one of a series but I had no problem jumping right into the story. For the most part the story flowed fairly well. Aspects that seemed to annoy some other reviewers didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I felt that the plot was unique and I liked the two primary characters enough to want to know how their story would end. The unobtrusive addition of a strong message of faith was also a plus.
I appreciated that the romance did not overwhelm the plot but developed slowly and naturally between Ruby and Beau. Beau’s determination that he was not the marrying kind kept him oblivious to his attraction to Ruby even though it was pretty obvious to everyone else. Ruby was pretty hard on herself because of her past so that added some difficulties to the relationship also. As expected everything works out toward the end but as is often the case, it seemed to be tied up in a neat little package much too quickly. Nevertheless, “A Ruby Glows” was a satisfying read and I am definitely interested in reading more of this author’s books when I can find the time.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Ruby’s heart froze as she threw her dead husband over the cliff. When Beau walks into her life, one glance has her running from her past. He couldn’t want someone like her. It should be easy to avoid his quiet charm.If he can convince her she’s a prize, not prey, he might have a chance. Beau’s captivated when Ruby scrambles from him whenever he gets too close. Her sweetness is an allure he can’t fight. Can Beau convince Ruby she is beloved?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kari Trumbo is an inspirational romance author, blogger and proud home schooling mother to four great kids. She interacts often on reader groups on Facebook and volunteers at the local library when needed. When she isn’t writing, she is obsessively reading and expanding her skills as a wordsmith. Kari lives in her great-grandfather’s remodeled 1890-built home in central Minnesota with her husband, children, cats, and one hungry wood stove.
GUEST POST FROM KARI TRUMBO:
Greetings! I hope this isn’t your first introduction to Cutter’s Creek, but if it is, let me explain a bit about it. Cutter’s Creek is a series written by myself and three other Christian authors. Though there are numbers on each book, you don’t have to read them in order to get into the series, in fact, since each author writes in their own time period it might be somewhat confusing. Especially if you like a consecutive story. However, they are all stand-alone books and can be read in any order. If you like to read them in date order, you’ll want to read Kit Morgan’s books first, then Vivi Holt, Annie Boone, and finally mine, that will put them roughly in time order.
The Cutter’s Creek series has been a huge blessing to me. I’ve gotten to write with some wonderful authors and learned so much about writing a series together. So, out of my Cutter’s Creek books, why did I choose Ruby over Lily, Ivy, or Carol…well, I hate to play favorites, but Ruby is my favorite. She’s quiet, and her strength is surprising. She has a big trial, and some hurt to work through, but when you find the right person to help you through it, that’s a gift more precious than anything.
I hope you love Ruby as much as I do. Blessings, Kari
BLOG STOPS:
May 18: Blogging With Carol
May 19: Back Porch Reads
May 20: Reading Is My SuperPower
May 21: Just the Write Escape
May 22: A Reader’s Brain
May 23: A Bakers Perspective
May 24: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
May 25: Moments Dipped in Ink
May 26: Connie’s History Classroom
May 26: A Greater Yes
May 27: Carpe Diem
May 27: Karen Sue Hadley
May 28: Daysong Reflections
May 29: Bibliophile Reviews
May 29: Bigreadersite
May 30: Captive Dreams Window
May 31: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
May 31: Mary Hake
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Kari is giving away signed print copies of A Lily Blooms, A Penny Shines, and A Ruby Glows!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/b3de
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by admin | May 22, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas
MY REVIEW:
“Mighty to Save” is one of those story within a story kind of books. Evelyn Nightingale is an author who as best as I can tell is working on two separate books during the course of this narrative. One is the story of Julius and Pearl and the other is a retelling of her own history with her evangelist husband Nathaniel. Readers get a pretty good dose of both those stories as the book progresses.
More than anything, the purpose of “Mighty to Save” seems to be a testimony to the power of God in the lives of the characters. Their tale is documented through both good times and bad times, triumphs and tragedies. Even when life seems to be at the lowest, the author encourages through Evelyn and Nathaniel to praise God anyway. McAdoo does not shrink from portraying real-life situations and tends to use them to illustrate the grace and redemption available to all who seek it.
I have loved many of this author’s previous novels but I am having a bit of difficulty knowing how to rate this one. I would happily give it five stars for its spiritual content. I have absolutely no complaints in that. The writing style is fairly simplistic but I nevertheless often got off track and was uncertain whether I was reading about Evelyn and Nathaniel’s present life or whether I was caught up in one of their reflections on the past or if I was reading from one of the novels Evelyn was working on. Sometimes I felt overwhelmed by all that was going on. Perhaps I was just having a bad day.
Overall, “Mighty to Save” was a pretty good book so please don’t let my own experience deter you from reading it. Many others have thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m sure many more will. Like I said, I usually enjoy this author’s books.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Contrary to her parents’ wishes, Evelyn married a nonbeliever, but it all works out . . . or does it? Not only did the love of her life accept Christ, Nathaniel got baptized by fire and became a minister of the gospel. Woven into the breathtaking tale of love and redemption are two additional stories, Evelyn’s novels of faith, family, and forgiveness.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Caryl McAdoo loves writing stories for all ages that glorify God and is thrilled Christian fiction fits her life purpose so well. Bold not bashful, she’s quick to share the Bible principles she lives by through her characters and hopes each title ministers His love, mercy, and grace. Known as the “Singing Pray-er”—with a YouTube channel to prove it—the prolific hybrid author also loves praising Him with new songs He gives her. Her high-school-sweetheart-husband moved the family from the DFW area—home for fifty-plus years—to the woods and seat of Red River County. After Ron, Caryl counts four children and sixteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings. The McAdoos live a few miles south of Clarksville in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State with two grandsons.
GUEST POST FROM CARYL MCADOO:
Mighty to Save, book nine, is unlike all the other stories in the Texas Romance family saga as the heroine, Evelyn Eversole—you’ll remember her as little Evie in book eight, Covering Love—and hero, Nathaniel Nightingale, are already married in Chapter One. Where’s the romance, Caryl? You may ask. But I think you’ll see that Mighty to Save is brimming with all the stuff love is made of!
The depth of the Nightingales’ love is revealed and tested, and because Evelyn is a novelist like her MayMee (May Meriwether), we are privileged to experience the love of another couple whose progeny is intertwined with the Nightingales’ lineage. (knowing the characters of the next novel Chief of Sinners that was written over twenty years ago and served as the foundation of the Texas Romance series, it’s been a labor of love, tying all these characters together.
And while a very few have remarked that it’s a little hard jumping back and forth in time, the majority of readers have expressed their satisfaction and appreciation for getting to know the backstories in such a fun way. This tale deals with imperfect people—as we all are. I hope my characters come across as real, someone in your family or who might live next door.
In this world, we will have tribulation . . . but being of good cheer isn’t always so easy. Sometime those trials knock us off our foundation, and we find ourselves in an ocean of mire, like trying to swim through jello . . . weary of it to the point where only God can save us. And so we cry out to Him. And He does.
Should that mean what waylaid us no longer has any effect on our lives? Not every time.
I pray that you will enjoy Mighty to Save. This story is another reason why I’m so blessed that God led me to publish independently of the traditional houses, as I’m most certain it would definitely not fit their pigeon hole titled Christian Romance. Life offers hills and valleys. Could we truly appreciate one without the other?
Fair warning, don’t be expecting same-O same-O!
Thank you so much for being a part of my Celebrate Lit Blog Tour Launch! Bloggers, readers, reviewers, and visitors all—everyone at the awesome Celebrate Lit Tour Company, too—y’all are such blessings to me! So much so, I could never repay your kindnesses, encouragement, and support. But my Father can, And I pray He will send every blessing back to you a hundred fold!
BLOG STOPS:
May 16: Inklings and notions
May 17: Carpe Diem
May 18: Christian Bookaholic
May 19: Captive Dreams Window
May 20: A Greater Yes
May 20: The Power of Words (Spotlight)
May 21: Radiant Light
May 21: Connie’s History Classroom
May 22: cherylbbookblog
May 23: Bigreadersite
May 23: Daysong Reflections
May 24: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
May 25: A Baker’s Perspective
May 26: Karen Sue Hadley
May 27: Mary Hake
May 28: Bibliophile Reviews
May 29: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away:
Grand Prize: ALL NINE books in the Texas Romance series!
1st Prize: Four first books in four of Caryl’s series
2nd-6th Prize: Print Copy Vow Unbroken
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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by admin | May 21, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Catching the Wind” is an absolutely amazing novel. Written in dual time periods, World War 2 and the present, the narrative flows so smoothly that I never had any question about what era I was reading about. Poignant, sometimes mysterious, and always intriguing, the book held me captive and continuously wanting to know what would happen next.
This is another of those books I find difficult to adequately describe. I loved the idea of the knight dedicated to protecting the princess even if only in his imagination and his determination to find her at all costs even after so many years. I was also captivated by the way the characters were connected across the years, especially the totally unexpected surprise near the end. The fact that the romantic aspect of the story was so understated was an added bonus.
So, I have failed miserably at expressing what a wonderful book “Catching the Wind” is but this is just one you will have to take my word on and read for yourself. Trust me!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by The Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What happened to Brigitte Berthold?
That question has haunted Daniel Knight since he was thirteen, when he and ten-year-old Brigitte escaped the Gestapo agents who arrested both their parents. They survived a harrowing journey from Germany to England, only to be separated upon their arrival. Daniel vowed to find Brigitte after the war, a promise he has fought to fulfill for more than seventy years.
Now a wealthy old man, Daniel’s final hope in finding Brigitte rests with Quenby Vaughn, an American journalist working in London. He believes Quenby’s tenacity to find missing people and her personal investment in a related WWII espionage story will help her succeed where previous investigators have failed. Though Quenby is wrestling her own demons?and wary at the idea of teaming up with Daniel’s lawyer, Lucas Hough?the lure of Brigitte’s story is too much to resist. Together, Quenby and Lucas delve deep into the past, following a trail of deception, sacrifice, and healing that could change all of their futures.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of sixteen historical romance, suspense, and time-slip novels including Catching the Wind, Beneath a Golden Veil, and The Silent Order. Chateau of Secrets received a Carol Award for historical fiction, Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana, and The Black Cloister was ForeWord’s Book of the Year for Religious Fiction.
Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with Jon’s work, the Dobson family has finally settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to travel and hike in both the mountains and the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn’t writing, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, dancing, and reading stories with her girls.
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by admin | May 21, 2017 | Books, Depression Era, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Judith Miller has been one of my go-to authors for a number of years. I know I can count on her for a good historical romance with well researched facts and often subjects not covered in high school history class. “The Chapel Car Bride” did not disappoint. What an intriguing idea for a story about a railroad chapel car that was moved to mostly inaccessible towns as a means to spread the gospel! I was totally unaware of the practice.
As I can always expect, the story was very well written with an interesting premise and fairly well-rounded characters. Set in the hills of West Virginia and touching on such subjects as the hazards of coal mining, treatment of the miners by the mining companies, producing and running moonshine to supplement low wages as well as details about the chapel car, the book had plenty to keep it interesting. A bit of conflict, danger, and romance added extra dimension. It is probably not necessary to add that a strong thread of faith holds it all together.
I enjoyed “The Chapel Car Bride” and continue to look forward to any and every book this author releases.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After a sheltered life in Pittsburgh, Hope Irvine is ready for a new adventure. When her father takes a position as a preacher in a railroad car converted into a traveling church, she’s thrilled at the chance to accompany him. While accommodations in their new chapel car home are tight, Hope couldn’t be happier putting her musical skills to good use and ministering to the people of West Virginia alongside her father. But when their chapel car arrives in Finch, West Virginia, they find a coal mining community that has hit hard times and is suspicious of outsiders.
Luke Hughes works for the coal mine when he can, but the struggling company doesn’t always offer steady work. When Reverend Irvine and Hope arrive in town, Luke is intrigued by what the reverend can teach him–and by the lovely and kind Hope.
When Hope’s desire to bring supplies and Sunday school classes to neighboring counties leads to her traveling with a flirtatious young mine manager, Luke is hard-pressed to suppress his jealousy. But when he begins to suspect the manager’s motives are less than charitable, can he prove it without hurting Hope, or worse, putting her in danger?
Read an excerpt from “The Chapel Car Bride” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nathan Ham Photography|www.whataham.com
Judith Miller is an award-winning writer whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy and her family make their home in Kansas. Learn more at www.judithmccoymiller.com.
by admin | May 21, 2017 | Books, Historical, Montana, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Readers who enjoy historical western-style romance as much as I do should find “Trusting Grace” right up their alley. Its two primary characters have experienced hardship, loss, loneliness, discouragement, and more which has resulted in difficulty trusting others and little hope for the future. Yet is seems that God had plans for their future that neither of them could begin to imagine.
Both Grace Bidwell and Robert Frasier were widowed. Grace was childless yet yearned for children. Robert had inherited three children he was unaware of until after his wife’s death. Of course most readers would come to the same conclusion I did – Grace and Robert should get together! That would solve the problems of both parties. But as we all know, the road to the perfect (and romantic) ending is usually paved with a few misunderstandings and/or other roadblocks along its usually winding path. Such is the story of Grace and Robert.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale that included several other interesting characters that included Grace’s invalid father and Robert’s children. Another somewhat unusual character blossomed during the course of the story and just might have been involved in a secondary romantic thread. As expected, Brendan’s unique sense of humor popped up frequently during the course of the narrative which added even more spice to the story.
I always enjoy escaping into the pages of one of Maggie Brendan’s books and “Trusting Grace” was no exception. I look forward to her next offering!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With a farm to run, can a widow possibly hope for new love?
All of her life, Grace Bidwell has longed for children, but now the chances of her dreams coming true are looking slim. Widowed and caring for her elderly father, she struggles to maintain her late husband’s farm until she places an ad for a hired hand.
Robert Frasier arrives in town with three pitiful, bedraggled children who have nothing but the tattered clothes on their backs and a load of hurt, pride, and anger. Believing this is divine intervention in her life, Grace welcomes them with open arms. As feelings grow between her and Robert, Grace will have to convince him that she is a woman who can be trusted with his heart.
Get swept away into Montana’s lush Gallatin Valley, nestled among towering mountains and proud pines, in this emotional story.
Read an excerpt from “Trusting Grace” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Maggie Brendan is the CBA bestselling author of the Heart of the West series and The Blue Willow Brides series, as well as The Trouble with Patience and A Sweet Misfortune. Her books have received the Book Buyers Best Award from the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America and the Laurel Wreath Award. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, Georgia Romance Writers, and Author’s Guild, Maggie lives in Georgia.
by admin | May 20, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
I was uncertain of what to expect when I agreed to review “Alice’s Notions”. What little information I read seemed somewhat intriguing but I had no idea that I would be so captivated by this book. As other reviewers have remarked, the plot reminded me of a classic movie from the black and white era. I could absolutely see it being made into a movie.
Something shady is happening in Alice Brighton’s small mountain hometown where she has returned after World War 2 as a widow. It is not the quiet and safe place she remembered. As she endeavors to get her new fabric shop running and helping to plan a barn quilt tour, she becomes aware that strange things are happening and her friends and neighbors are also acting a little suspicious. It is obvious that people around her know more about what’s going on than Alice but no one will open up to her. Then there are the two men who both warn her about the other – who can she really trust? Even the immigrant worker who is quickly becoming a good friend might not be who Alice thinks she is.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Alice’s Notions”. Its plot kept me on edge and guessing right along with Alice through most of the novel. The characters were perfect for the story. Greta’s frequent misunderstanding of American slang added a needed touch of humor to relieve the suspense. Unexpected twists and surprises kept the story moving right along to the perfect ending.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase.
In this quaint mountain town, things aren’t always what they seem.World War 2 widow Alice Brighton returns to the safety of her home town to open a fabric shop. She decides to start a barn quilt tour to bring business to the shop and the town, but what she doesn’t know is sinister forces are using the tour for their own nefarious reasons. Between her mysterious landlord, her German immigrant employee, her neighbors who are acting strange, and a dreamboat security expert who is trying to romance her, Alice doesn’t know who she can trust
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 38 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren. Tamera has two novellas in print: A Christmas Promise and Resurrection of Hope. Her first full length novel, Alice’s Notions released in April through Desert Breeze.
You can contact Tamera on her website at http://tameralynnkraft.net
GUEST POST FROM TAMERA LYNN KRAFT:
How Classic Movies from the 1940s Made Their Way in My Latest Novel
By Tamera Lynn Kraft
One thing I loved about writing my post World War Two novel was my main character’s passion for movies. Alice Brighton and her late husband loved to go to movies on Friday nights. Now, even after the war made her a widow, Alice still loves movies and compares everyone she meets to a movie character.
Of course for Alice, all these wonderful classic movies and movie stars and a part of her culture, but for me, it was so much fun because I love classic movies. In the novel, Alice compares her landlord to Cary Grant. Cary Grant is one of my favorites. After starring in movies like Suspision, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Notorious, Grant was one of the biggest stars around in 1946 when Alice’s Notions takes place. My favorite Cary Grant movie wouldn’t be made until a few years later. An Affair to Remember, released 1957, with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr is one of my all-time favorites.
At one point in the novel, Alice thinks back to when her late husband always said she reminded him of Judy Garland. Garland would have been twenty-four at the time, just a bit younger than Alice, but she became a big star in her teens. She began acting at two years old when she debuted as Baby Francis and sang Jingle Bells. After playing in various roles including a few movies with Mickey Rooney, Garland had her big break in The Wizard of Oz. She went on to star in a ton of movies and had a thriving singing career until she committed suicide in the 1960s. One of my favorite Judy Garland movies released in 1945 during the war was The Clock. The Clock was about a woman who met and fell in love with a GI on leave. Their romance was intensified because they only had the weekend before he was shipped out again for the remainder of the war. This movie must have been in Alice’s mind since she had lost her husband shortly after the movie came out.
During Alice’s Notions, Alice goes on a date to see the movie, The Postman Always Rings Twice, starring Lana Turner and John Garfield. It was released in 1946 and was considered scandalous at the time because the two main characters have an affair and murder her husband. The main theme of the movie is you can’t get away with your sin. The truth will be revealed. In Alice’s Notions, the truth being revealed is also a main theme.
So you may be wondering what classic movie Alice’s Notions reminds me of. Charade with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn was released in 1963. In that movie, Hepburn is being pursued and doesn’t know who she can trust. The movie has light-hearted intrigue, suspense, and romance just like Alice’s Notions. Alice, also, doesn’t know who she can trust.
BLOG STOPS:
May 11: Genesis 5020
May 11: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
May 12: Inklings and notions
May 13: Carpe Diem
May 14: Christian Bookaholic
May 15: A Reader’s Brain
May 16: History, Mystery & Faith
May 17: A Bakers Perspective
May 18: Have A Wonderful Day
May 19: Reading Is My SuperPower
May 19: Jami’s Words
May 20: Mary Hake
May 21: Daysong Reflections
May 22: Vicky Sluiter
May 23: Bigreadersite
May 24: His Grace Is Sufficient
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/b723
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