by admin | Feb 5, 2017 | Alaska, Books, Historical, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I don’t think I’ve read a book by Tracie Peterson that I didn’t like and I have also learned that she and Kimberly Woodhouse make a dynamite writing team. “In the Shadow of Denali” is a historical romantic suspense that beautifully showcases their teamwork.
With a setting in the beautiful yet untamed wilderness at the base of the majestic Alaskan mountain Denali, the authors have brought their readers another thrilling and suspense filled tale. Their characters are down-to-earth and must depend on each other and their faith in order to survive the sinister plans of a depraved man. Historical facts and vivid descriptions provide a believable backdrop for this story of forgiveness and courage – a story that illustrates the old saying “the truth will set you free”.
I thoroughly enjoyed “In the Shadow of Denali” and will eagerly watch for the next book in The Heart of Alaska series.
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:
Their Future Depends on Unlocking the Secrets the Mountain Holds From the Past
Cassidy Ivanoff and her father, John, work at the new and prestigious Curry Hotel near the foot of Mount McKinley–Denali as it’s still called by the natives. John is the wilderness and exploration guide for the wealthy tourists while Cassidy works in the kitchen as Cook’s assistant. The entire staff buzzes with excitement during the busy days preparing for the President’s imminent visit. His historic trip to dedicate the new national park on his way to driving in the golden spike to officially complete the Alaska Railroad will be the beginning of a new era for all of them and place The Curry at the heart of Alaska.
Allan Brennan travels to the Curry Hotel to be an apprentice to the seasoned Alaska mountain guide, with hopes of discovering the truth about his father’s death on the mountain years earlier. His father’s business partner blames the guide for Henry Brennan’s untimely death, but Allan cannot be at peace until he knows for sure. He finds an unlikely ally in Cassidy, and as the two begin to look into the mystery, they suddenly find that things are much less clear, and much more dangerous, than either could ever imagine.
READ AN EXCERPT HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
 Photo Credit: ©Lissa Barber Photography |
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. |
 Photo Credit: © Pauline Fortuna |
Kimberley Woodhouse is a multipublished author of fiction and nonfiction. A popular speaker/teacher, she’s shared her theme of Joy Through Trials with over 150,000 people at more than a thousand venues across the country. She lives, writes, and homeschools with her husband of twenty-plus years and their two awesome teens live in Colorado. Connect with Kim at www.kimberleywoodhouse.com. |
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by admin | Jan 29, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
An unlikely romance set during the days leading up to the Civil War, “Summer on Sunset Ridge” was a delight to read. With a wealth of historic facts that included the lifestyle of the Quakers of that era as well as details about abolitionists and the Underground Railroad, the story held my attention throughout.
Maclaren’s characters were excellent and I was easily drawn into their lives. Rebecca was a young woman to be admired for her dedication to her family and friends as well as her values. Clay was a likeable hero and I was impressed by his instinctive goodness despite his memory loss.
An exciting story of faith and love and learning to follow the Lord’s leading, “Summer on Sunset Ridge” is sure to be a favorite of those who are already Sharlene MacLaren fans and a good book to begin with for those unfamiliar with her work.
I voluntarily reviewed a 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
Brought up on a Quaker farm near Philadelphia at the brink of the Civil War, plainspoken Rebecca Albright is charitable, peace-loving, submissive—and a feisty abolitionist. Determined to aid the Underground Railroad no matter what the cost, her path collides with that of formidable slave-catcher Clay Dalton. When Rebecca is assigned to nurse Clay back to health following a near-fatal gunshot wound, her uneasiness around him and the questions surrounding his mysterious past complicate their strained but developing relationship.
Sheriff Clay Dalton is grimly fighting several battles of his own as he stays on at the Albright farm to work off his debt to the family that has saved his life and taken him in. He is torn between his past commitments in the South and his unlikely present among this quiet Quaker community in the North. Almost against his will, he begins to ponder the impossible idea of a future with Rebecca.…
When tensions between North and South escalate, Rebecca and Clay find themselves propelled on a journey to discover just who God has called them to be, and they soon realize that each holds a key to the other’s answer.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sharlene MacLaren Born and raised in western Michigan, award-winning, bestselling author Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. After graduating, she traveled with a nationally touring Christian vocal ensemble, returning home to Spring Arbor to marry her husband, Cecil, whom she’d known since childhood. Together they raised two daughters. Now happily retired after teaching elementary school for 31 years, “Shar” enjoys reading, singing in the church choir and worship teams, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her novels include the contemporary romances Through Every Storm, Long Journey Home, and Tender Vow; the beloved Little Hickman Creek series (Loving Liza Jane, Sarah, My Beloved, Courting Emma, and Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek, a novella), and three historic romance trilogies: The Daughters of Jacob Kane (Hannah Grace, Maggie Rose, and Abbie Ann); River of Hope (Livvie’s Song, Ellie’s Haven, and Sofia’s Secret); Tennessee Dreams: Heart of Mercy, Threads of Joy, and Gift of Grace.
BLOG STOPS:
January 19: Reading Is My SuperPower
January 19: Giveaway Lady
January 19: A Reader’s Brain
January 20: Books. Books. And More Books.
January 20: The Power of Words
January 21: Bigreadersite
January 21: just the write escape
January 22: Moments Dipped in Ink
January 22: For The Love of Books
January 23: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
January 23: Genesis 5020
January 24: Pause for Tales
January 24: His Grace is Sufficient
January 25: Book by Book
January 25: A Simple Life, really?!
January 26: A Greater Yes
January 26: Connie’s History Classroom
January 26: A Baker’s Perspective
January 27: Christian Author: A.M. Heath
January 27: Splashes of Joy
January 28: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
January 28: Christian Bookaholic
January 28: History, Mystery & Faith
January 29: Stuff & Nonsense
January 29: Bibliophile Reviews
January 30: cherylbbookblog
January 30: Daysong Reflections
January 31: Blossoms and Blessings
January 31: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
February 1: Reader’s cozy corner
February 1: Rhonda’s Doings
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate Sharlene’s tour, Whitaker House is giving away:
Grand Prize
Brown and tan fashion purse with cross, multiple interior and exterior pockets
and
Five Sharlene MacLaren titles: Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom #1); Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1); Livvie’s Song (River of Hope #1); Hannah Grace (Daughters of Jacob Kane #1); Loving Liza Jane (Little Hickman Creek #1)
Second Prize
“Keepers of the Light” Orange/Cinnamon/Clove candle from www.acheerfulgiver.com and
Summer on Sunset Ridge
Third Prize
Summer on Sunset Ridge
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway!
https://promosimple.com/ps/af21
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by admin | Jan 27, 2017 | Books, Historical, New Orleans, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Unjustly branded and condemned to a French prison for murder, Julianne Chevalier decides that relocation in the early settlement of New Orleans had to be better than spending her life imprisoned. She also hoped to find her younger brother there. Forced to marry, Julianne survived the difficult ocean journey only to find that life in New Orleans was primitive and dangerous. All she had was her faith and hope. Would it be enough?
“The Mark of the King” held me captive from page one. It was both difficult and fascinating to read about life during that period of time and how truly powerless many men and women were. Once again an author’s careful research provided me with details not found in my high school history classes. It was disturbing to me how unscrupulous, power hungry men were in charge and had little to no regard for the people under their care. The way the local Indian tribes were manipulated and lied to in order to gain ground for France against the British was particularly troubling. No wonder they hated the white man!
With a well-planned plot filled with historic facts as well as abundant action, danger, mystery, suspense, and even romance to hold most reader’s attention, “The Mark of the King” was difficult for me to put down. Characters were so well defined that it was easy to identify with their trials and triumphs. More than one surprise along the way made it even better. I highly recommend this book and eagerly look forward to the next one in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sweeping historical fiction set at the edge of the continent
After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.
When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne’s brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?
With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king’s mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning author of ten books to date, including “Wedded to War,” a Christy Award finalist in 2013; “Widow of Gettysburg”; “Yankee in Atlanta”; and “The 5 Love Languages Military Edition,” which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. A former military wife herself, her passion for military families informs all of her writing as well as her numerous speaking opportunities. Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University with a BA in English and now lives with her husband and two children in Iowa.
Find out more about Jocelyn at http://www.jocelyngreen.com.
GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win a copy of The Mark of the King from Jocelyn. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced February 7th on Jocelyn’s blog!
by admin | Jan 19, 2017 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Laura Frantz’s novels have been on my must read list since her very first one. I have always enjoyed books about the early days of our nation and Laura has a special gift for transporting her readers back through time to the very setting of her stories.
When I read one of her books I hear every sound in the woods right along with her characters – the chirping of birds, the whir of insects, the snap of a twig, or even the silence when the entire forest seems to wait. I smell wood smoke from a cook fire, the ground after a rain, and all the myriad scents of the relatively untouched land around those characters. I also delight in her descriptions that might include fireflies at night, a meadow filled with flowers, and in this particular book, the rare sight of a moonbow over the falls.
But Laura’s exquisite descriptions alone are not what keep me returning to her books. I so love reading about our early settlers and their strength and courage as they fought to settle the wilderness around them. Hardships, tragedy, and even death dogged their footsteps but hope and determination kept them going and often only their faith and trust in God guided them.
“A Moonbow Night” met every expectation I had when I opened its covers. Temperance Tucker and Sion Morgan were a perfect match – even if it did not seem so at first. It was soon apparent to me that an eventual romance would overtake the pair but what a journey they traveled first! I was there with them when they hid from Indian war parties and I held my breath also. I felt the tension as they witnessed horrific events and rejoiced when they overcame so many obstacles time and again. I could probably rhapsodize for quite awhile about just how good this book is but I will not. Just take my advice and pick up a copy soon – especially if you love early American historical fiction as much as I do.
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:
Her wilderness survival skills are without rival.
But her greatest talent is keeping other people’s secrets.
After fleeing Virginia, Temperance Tucker and her family established an inn along the Shawnee River. It’s a welcome way station for settlers and frontiersmen traveling through the wild Cumberland region of Kentucke–men like Sion Morgan, a Virginia surveyor who arrives at the inn with his crew, looking for an experienced guide.
Though he balks when Tempe is appointed to lead his team through the wilderness, it isn’t long before Sion must admit that her abilities may outmatch his own. But can the tenuous tie they are forming survive the dangers waiting just around the bend?
With her signature sweeping style and ability to bring the distant past to vivid life, Laura Frantz beckons you to join her in a land of Indian ambushes, conflicting loyalties, and a tentative love that meanders like a cool mountain stream.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Frantz is a Christy Award finalist and the author of several books, including The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel’s Lady, The Mistress of Tall Acre, and The Ballantyne Legacy series. She lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.
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by admin | Jan 14, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Jody Hedlund’s Beacons of Hope series so much and I really hate to see it end. Each book has easily been a standalone yet they are all connected by the common thread of the lighthouse keepers who are primary characters. Another common element also connects them all but I will leave that for each reader to discover on her own.
“Never Forget” is the story of Abbie Wilson, granddaughter of the light keeper. She works hard trying to keep the light going and to provide whatever is needed to take care of herself and her grandfather who is declining further into dementia as the days pass by. Her husband has disappeared and she fears he is dead but his presence was all that kept them from being replaced. It is little wonder that she chose to pass off as her husband the young man who had washed ashore suffering from amnesia.
The characters in “Never Forget” were strong ones. I liked how Nathaniel was able to relate to Abbie’s Gramps despite his loss of memory – or perhaps because of it. It was also gratifying to see how Nathaniel’s character changed over the course of the book. Abbie was such a dedicated granddaughter whose love for her Gramps shone through everything she did, even in the poor decisions she made. A strong spiritual message and changed lives were vital components of the narrative. The story also emphasized the importance of truth, regardless of the circumstances.
I enjoyed this story so much that I really didn’t want it to end while at the same time I was eager to find out how things would work out. I am looking forward to finding out what this author has in store for her readers next.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Rose Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island
June 1880
Click here to purchase
Will she betray his trust to stay on the island she loves?
Abbie Wilson is content to spend her days clamming, crabbing, and tending Rose Island Lighthouse. Her grandpa is the head light keeper, but his senility may lead to their eviction. Since leaving the island would kill her beloved Gramps, Abbie will do anything to keep him in the one place he knows and loves.
Wealthy Nathaniel Winthrop III’s wild living has gained him a reputation as the ‘bad boy’ among the elite social circles of Newport. After a blow to the head in a yachting accident washes him up on Rose Island, Nathaniel has no memories of his past.
Abbie tends the wounded stranger in her home only to realize he assumes they’re married. Although she knows she needs to correct Nathaniel’s mistake, his presence calms Gramps and provides a way to prevent eviction from the lighthouse.
The longer the charade continues, the harder it gets for Abbie to tell Nathaniel the truth, more so as she begins to fall in love. Everyone she’s ever loved has abandoned her. Will Nathaniel leave her too, once he discovers he’s not really her husband?
Click HERE to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award and Christy Award, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
GUEST POST FROM JODY HEDLUND:
Which Do You Prefer: Series or Standalones?
By Jody Hedlund
Readers usually have strong opinions about whether they like series or standalones.
Some readers refuse to read books that are inter-related. Others can’t get enough books about their favorite characters.
I see the pros and cons of both.
For series, I don’t like feeling lost as I try to wade through previous characters along with their backstory. I recently started a series by a well-known author and was disappointed to realize the first book was connected to a previous series she’d already published. From the get-go, I felt left out as though I didn’t quite know who all the characters were or their significance.
On the other hand, for standalones, I sometimes feel as though I would like the story to continue. I’ve invested in the setting and characters and so enjoy when I can return to that place and continue to glimpse the characters I’ve fallen in love with—even if from a distance.
My favorites are books that fall in the middle between standalone and series. I like to think of them as standalones within a series. Becky Wade’s Porter brother series is like that. Each of the books centers around one of the brothers (and a tomboy sister). While characters from other books make an appearance in the stories, each plot is separate and complete without any reliance upon another book.
My Beacons of Hope lighthouse series falls in the middle too. The books are related in that they all take place at lighthouses and share a symbolic “cross of hope” that is passed on from one book to the next. A minor character in a previous book becomes the hero or heroine in the next book. But each book can be read by itself without having read any of the others.
In other words, readers can pick up my newest release, Never Forget, which is the fifth and final book in the series, and they wouldn’t be confused about who the characters are or what their history is. The plot starts with a bang and ends with a satisfying sigh. It is complete story unto itself.
And yet, for those who’ve read other books in the series, they’ll get to see the happily-ever-after of a character from a previous book. And they’ll also get to find out where the cross of hope finally ends.
If you’re not a fan of series, I encourage you to give the Beacons of Hope series a try. It might satisfy the need for standalones and series all in one neat little package.
To that end, I’m giving away all FIVE books in the series as part of the Celebrate Lit blog tour to one lucky winner!
Tell us: What is your preference: Standalones, Series, or Standalones within a Series?
BLOG STOPS:
January 10: Reading Is My SuperPower
January 10: Karen Sue Hadley
January 10: Bookworm Mama
January 11: Faithfully Bookish
January 11: Inklings and Notions
January 11: Blossoms and Blessings
January 12: Smiling Book Reviews
January 12: Genesis 5020
January 12: Christian Chick’s Thoughts
January 13: God’s Little Bookworm
January 13: The Scribbler
January 13: Bibliophile Reviews
January 14: Daysong Reflections
January 14: Blogging With Carol
January 14: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
January 15: Moments Dipped in Ink
January 15: Books. Books. And More Books.
January 16: A Greater Yes
January 16: Bigreadersite
January 17: Connie’s History Classroom
January 17: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
January 18: Book by Book
January 18: Jeanette’s Thoughts
January 19: Carpe Diem
January 19: A Bakers Perspective
January 19: Splashes of Joy
January 20: Christian Bookaholic
January 20: Stuff and Nonsense
January 20: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
January 21: Radiant Light
January 21: cherylbbookblog
January 21: His Grace is Sufficient
January 22: Neverending Stories
January 22: A Path of Joy
January 23: History, Hope, Laughter & Happily-ever-after
January 23: Henry Happens
January 23: Onceuponatime
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Jody is giving away the entire Beacons of Hope series. Click below to enter.
Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ad6d
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by admin | Jan 6, 2017 | Books, Historical, Love Inspired, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
Erika Vetsch is an author who is fairly new to me but recently I have run across several of her novels and love them. If you know me at all, you know I have added yet another favorite author to my ever-growing list which makes it increasingly difficult to keep up with all their books I want to read. You can bet I will try my best to make room on my calendar to read hers.
The premise of “The Bounty Hunter’s Baby” is quite interesting. The story begins with the rugged bounty hunter Thomas Beaufort finally catching up with the outlaw he has been tracking for quite some time but once again he makes his escape. Only this time it is because Thomas chooses to give up the chase to help the young woman with the outlaw deliver her baby then doing what he can to save that baby when his mother dies. Knowing he is not equipped to take care of a baby, he takes it to the only person he knows in the area who might help. When he reaches Esther Jensen’s home, he discovers that nothing is the same as when he left several years before.
I absolutely loved “The Bounty Hunter’s Baby”. Thomas was the perfect hero even if Esther had difficulty trusting him after the way he had broken her heart. The story developed naturally and I grew to like Thomas even more with each chapter. It was fun watching how Esther eased her defenses as Thomas proved himself trustworthy over and over. This was not the typical western romance and I hope the author will be writing more in this vein.
If you enjoy western romances and are willing to try a Love Inspired novel, “The Bounty Hunter’s Baby” would be an excellent choice.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Brought Together by a Baby
Bounty hunter Thomas Beaufort has no problem handling outlaws, but when he’s left with a criminal’s baby to care for, he’s in over his head. And the only person he can think of to ask for help is Esther Jensen, the woman whose heart he broke when he left town. But can he convince her to put aside the past until he tracks down the baby’s outlaw father?
Esther is ready to run Thomas off her Texas ranch—until she spies the abandoned newborn in his arms. Soon, working together to care for the precious babe stirs old hopes of a family. With trouble heading to their door, they could overcome it together—if she’ll entrust her wary heart to this sweet, second-chance family…
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Erica Vetsch is a transplanted Kansan now residing in Minnesota. She loves history and romance, and she is blessed to be able to combine the two by writing historical romances for the inspirational market. Whenever she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, she’s the company bookkeeper for the family lumber business, mother of two, wife to a man who is her total opposite and soul-mate, and avid museum patron.
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