by admin | Oct 10, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romantic Suspense, Western
MY REVIEW:
There is nothing I like much more than a historical romantic suspense and Tracie Peterson is a master at writing them. I have been faithfully reading her books since I first discovered them and am always thrilled if I have a chance to review her latest. I have especially enjoyed the Sapphire Brides series and learning about the history of the Yogo sapphires.
Clara had been forced to leave the love of her life and marry someone chosen by her mother. When her husband is murdered and it appears that her mother will attempt to take over her life once again, Clara packs up and returns with her two children to the one place she remembers ever being truly happy – the Montana ranch of her aunt and uncle. Not only is she welcomed by her relatives but is surprised by who is living with them as he recuperates from serious injuries from a mine cave-in. Clara and her children settle into the routine and find themselves content with life but secrets of her late husband and his twin threaten them all.
Once again Tracie Peterson has penned a tale that had me turning the pages well into the night. It was impossible to find a stopping point. Her characters were so well defined that I disliked a couple of them from the start. What a self-centered mother Clara had! And that brother-in-law! There was something fishy about him from the start. I was also not too thrilled with Curtis – I thought he was a bit whiny and sorry for himself but he eventually grew on me. I did like Clara and her strength and determination and her children were adorable. I also loved her aunt Madeline who never hesitated to tell someone the truth they needed to hear.
“A Love Transformed” is Tracie’s usual mix of history, romance, and suspense with a strong touch of faith. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend the entire series to others who love historical Christian fiction.
A free copy of this book was provided for review 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:
Clara lacks for nothing in her lavish New York mansion–except love.
When her husband, Adolph, dies suddenly, Clara Vesper is stunned. Not grief-stricken, as their marriage had never been a love match, but staggered by what might become of her and her children. For years she designed the sapphire jewelry that made her husband’s company a fortune, but she has little money in her own name and soon discovers that she has inherited nothing. Fearing for the welfare of her two small children, she decides to take them to her aunt and uncle’s ranch in Montana, the only place she has ever been happy.
But much has changed since she last visited the Montana ranch, both for Clara and for those she was forced to leave behind. And when dangerous secrets from her late husband’s past threaten everyone she loves, Clara must fight to remain where she can fulfill her dreams.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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.
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by admin | Oct 10, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
“When the Cowboy Rides Away” is a romantic western set in Texas that is faithful to historic detail and relates an authentic view of life on a ranch. Maggie had her hands full with a ranch to run, a younger sister and an orphaned nephew to raise. It didn’t help things when she found an injured cowboy nearby who can’t remember much of anything by Maggie’s compassion compelled her to help him recover. Naturally a bit of romance develops along the way but plenty of drama, mystery, and surprises are in store before its satisfying conclusion.
I loved this book but then I am a huge fan of books with historical Texas settings. “When the Cowboy Rides Away” is extremely well-written with bigger-than-life characters and a plot that grabbed hold of my attention from the get-go. I also loved how well the author blended a message of faith throughout the story.
I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the author. A favorable
review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Maggie Gallagher, twenty-one, runs the Gallagher Ranch in South Texas and has raised her little sister and orphaned nephew since her parents and older sister died. No wonder she can’t find time for romance! The novel opens two years after Maggie loses her family members.
Out for a ride with her sister, she discovers Alex Lancaster, a handsome cowboy, shot and seriously wounded on her land. Kind-hearted and a Christian, Maggie nurses him back to health despite all her other chores. How could she know that Alex had a secret that could break her heart?
When the Cowboy Rides Away is a romantic western set on a cattle ranch in south Texas in 1880, and it was published in September 2015. The novel is available in paperback and as an e-book, but what makes all Molly’s westerns unique is the fact that both her father and her grandfather were ranch managers, real Texas cowboys. Molly spent part of her growing up years on a sixty thousand acre cattle ranch, and when she writes about ranches and cowboys and south Texas, she knows what she is talking about.
“When the Cowboy Rides Away” is First Place Winner in the Christian Western category of the 2016 Texas Association of Authors Award.
Besides winning the 2016 Texas Association of Authors contest in the Christian Western category, “When the Cowboy Rides Away” is also a finalist in the 2016 Will Rogers Medallion Awards contest in the Inspirational category.
Read an excerpt from When the Cowboy Rides Away
Listen to an interview with Molly
Purchase on Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Molly Noble Bull, Christian novelist, might be called a Genre Jumper because she enjoys writing everything from Christian romances to adventure stories to humor to books and stories for children to scary Gothic novels to western romances to non-fiction, and she is a wife, mother, grandmother and former elementary and early childhood teacher. A native Texan, she is also a graduate of Texas A&M University at Kingsville.Molly has a Texas cattle ranch background, and When the Cowboy Rides Away, her historical western with a touch of romance, won the 2016 Texas Association of Authors contest in the Christian Western category. Other of Molly’s westerns include Love Inspired’s The Winter Pearl and Brides And Blessings and also, The Rogue’s Daughter–first published by Zondervan.
Molly’s father and maternal grandfather were ranch managers, making them real Texas cowboys, and she spent part of her growing up years on a 60,000 acre cattle ranch. She and her husband have three grown sons and six grandchildren, and all three of their sons are involved in ranching in Texas today.
www.mollynoblebull.com
http://writersrest.blogspot.com
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by admin | Oct 6, 2016 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I loved “Brentwood’s Ward” so much that I just knew I would also love “The Captive Heart”. I was not disappointed. Many things about “The Captive Heart” are so different than “Brentwood’s Ward” but the vivid descriptions, compelling characters, and a suspenseful yet romantic plot remained the same.
Eleanor Morgan was a character I could admire. Her strong determination to survive coupled with a tender and merciful heart had me in her corner from the start. Samuel Heath was also a hero I could love. I liked how he came across as so gruff and even frightening but it didn’t take very long to see his true and loyal heart. No wonder Eleanor found herself falling in love with him, almost without realizing it. He certainly was not the man everyone thought him to be.
“The Captive Heart” was such an intense read that I didn’t want to put it down. What adventure! What danger! What suspense! What romance! Bears and fire and evil demented men and faith, and love and loss. Oh, there is so much I could say about how much I liked this book but I would be sure to reveal a spoiler or two. Take my word for it and grab a copy for yourself soon. I love Michelle Griep’s novels and highly recommend them.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing Review Crew.
A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
On the run from a cruel British aristocratic employer, Eleanor Morgan escapes to America, the land of the free, for the opportunity to serve an upstanding Charles Town family. But freedom is hard to come by as an indentured servant, and downright impossible when she’s forced to agree to an even harsher contract—marriage to a man she’s never met.
Backwoodsman Samuel Heath doesn’t care what others think of him—but his young daughter’s upbringing matters very much. The life of a trapper in the Carolina backcountry is no life for a small girl, but neither is abandoning his child to another family. He decides it’s time to marry again, but that proves to be an impossible task. Who wants to wed a murderer?
Both Samuel and Eleanor are survivors, facing down the threat of war, betrayal, and divided loyalties that could cost them everything, but this time they must face their biggest challenge ever . . . Love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep has been writing for most of her life and attended poetry workshops instead of summer camp and spent her time writing in her room while her teen peers threw parties when their parents weren’t home. She lives in Minnesota where she tutors writing and history at a local high school homeschool co-op.
She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. Michelle loves Great Britain, boxers, Science Fiction, and once-a-month cooking. Married for twenty years, she is mother to two sons and two daughters.
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by admin | Sep 27, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I knew as soon as I saw the cover of “Guide Me Home” that it was a book I must read and was thrilled when I found it was a choice on my Blogging For Books account. I can enthusiastically say that it more than met my expectations.
“Guide Me Home” is the story of a family struggling to make a living in Kentucky in the area near the famous Mammoth Cave. Despite their hardships and family tragedies, the family members are almost all content with their lives and the love they have for each other. The oldest daughter Rebekah carries a heavy load of guilt and regret over the accidental death of her brother so she is determined to find employment that will allow her to help her father provide for their family. When the only job available happens to be as a guide in the very caves where her brother died, Rebekah overcomes her fear, dons some men’s clothing and becomes “Reb” during working hours. As such stories usually go, Rebekah meets a young man, Devlin Bale in the course of her work and begins to care for him.
“Guide Me Home” is a story overflowing with unique characters who embody the best and sometimes worst of human nature. I loved the way Tolly looked out for Rebekah’s reputation and took the time to teach her what she needed to know in order to succeed at her job. I also liked the secondary story-line that featured sister Cissy, the one family member not satisfied with her lot in life. Although her character was sometimes frustrating, it was gratifying to see her attitude undergo change before the story’s end. Rebekah was such an admirable character who won my heart early in the novel and Devlin worked his way in as well.
Another book that I didn’t want to put down until I finished the last page, “Guide Me Home” was such a satisfying read. Once again Kim Vogel Sawyer has penned a masterpiece that took me back to another time and place and made me want to stay there. Loved, loved, loved this book!
A copy of this book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Working in the massive cave might allow Rebekah the chance to bring joy back to her family.
But will it claim more than it gives?
After tragedy leaves its mark on Rebekah Hardin’s family, she plans to help her parents and six siblings honor her beloved brother’s memory and alleviate their poverty by working as a guide in the dangerous cave system. Kentucky’s renowned Mammoth Cave presents profitable opportunities in for hardworking, capable men. But Rebekah is determined and if it means presenting herself as a himself, then she’s up to the job.
Under the wing of experienced guide Tolly Sanford, “Reb” begins to learn the complexities of the cave and the two are joined by an aspiring young cartographer, Devlin Bale.
The university student has traveled to the hill country to map tunnels—not to fall for a girl in disguise. Can the God who designed miles of underground astonishment shape Devlin’s ambitious plans and free Reb from the weight from the past?
Read an excerpt from “Guide Me Home” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
KIM VOGEL SAWYER’s titles have garnered awards including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband Don. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and grandchildren.
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by admin | Sep 24, 2016 | Books, Canada, Dectective, Historical, Mystery
MY REVIEW:
The second installment of McMillan’s Herringford and Watts Mysteries finds Jem married to Ray but it seems that the honeymoon may be over. Oh, they are still in love but pressure from Ray’s long hours at work, not enough money to meet their needs, and Ray’s determination to take care of his sister and nephew has taken its toll. And now that they are married, Ray seems equally determined to protect Jem much to her dismay. Not only that but a new client has upset Merinda’s usual composure.
As in the first novel of the series, I found the dialogue to be witty. The quotations at the beginning of each chapter and the footnotes often added just the right touch, especially the quotations from Benny and Jonathan’s handbook. I personally found them quite eloquent. As other reviewers have mentioned, I liked seeing the personal growth of the primary characters but also sympathized with Ray and Jem’s communication problems. I also found it very natural to have two such good friends with only one of them a believer yet also could see some progress being made in that area.
Then there was the plot. Although not quite as mysterious as the first novel, “A Lesson in Love and Murder” was very action-packed with danger at every corner. The mystery itself was more in the line of proving who was behind the death and destruction that followed the team from Toronto to Chicago. I enjoyed the introduction of Benny the Mounty but felt sorry for Jasper as he watched Merinda’s reaction to Benny.
I thoroughly enjoyed another encounter with those endearing bachelor girls and can’t wait to join them on their next adventure. I love the unique yet somehow old-fashioned approach this author has taken with this series.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by Howard Books through NetGalley.
I later purchased a print copy.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From political danger to personal drama, life is about to get explosive…
The legacy of literary icon Sherlock Holmes is alive and well in 1912 Canada, where best friends Merinda Herringford and Jem Watts continue to develop their skills as consulting detectives.
The city of Toronto has been thrown into upheaval by the arrival of radical anarchist Emma Goldman. Amid this political chaos, Benny Citrone of the Royal North-West Mounted Police arrives at Merinda and Jem’s flat, requesting assistance in locating his runaway cousin—a man with a deadly talent.
While Merinda eagerly accepts the case, she finds herself constantly butting heads—and hearts—with Benny. Meanwhile, Jem has her hands full with a husband who is determined to keep her out of harm’s way.
As Merinda and Jem close in on the danger they’ve tracked from Toronto to Chicago, they uncover a sinister plot to assassinate presidential candidate Theodore Roosevelt. Will they be able to save the day and resolve the troubles threatening their future happiness before it’s too late?
Independence, love, and lives are at stake in A Lesson in Love and Murder, the gripping second installment of the Herringford and Watts Mysteries series.
Purchase a copy of “A Lesson in Love and Murder” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel McMillan is a keen history enthusiast and a lifelong bibliophile. When not writing or reading, she can most often be found drinking tea and watching British miniseries. Rachel lives in bustling Toronto, where she works in educational publishing and pursues her passion for art, literature, music, and theater.
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by admin | Sep 19, 2016 | Books, England, Historical, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have absolutely loved all the books in Roseanna M. White’s Ladies of the Manor series but if I had to choose a favorite, I’d probably have to choose “A Lady Unrivaled”. Not only was it romantic and suspense filled with an absolutely perfect ending but it was just so witty!
Lady Ella was quite the entertaining heroine. She was not only beautiful but was also loyal and brave and cared about those in her family so much that she often didn’t think about the risks she took to protect them. And Lord Cayton – he was the perfect counterpart to Ella’s personality. His determination to protect her reputation from his own shameful past often led him to be what Ella was fond of calling “surly”. Despite his better judgment, Cayton was literally unable to resist Ella and she refused to put up with his surliness for even one moment. I personally could not resist the banter between the two at nearly every encounter.
Well, I feel like I am probably gushing about “A Lady Unrivaled” and I have to say it is worth gushing about. Readers will finally learn what happens with the infamous red diamonds with all the danger and suspense involved with that mystery but Cayton and Ella were the overwhelming highlight of the story for me. They have to be my very favorite couple in a long time.
Well done, Roseanna! I can’t wait to see what you have next for your readers.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Amid the Unforgettable Cotswolds, the Final Grasp for the Fire Eyes Diamonds Could Threaten Them All
Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile–even if it’s just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well how the dangerous Fire Eyes diamonds have haunted her brother and their friends, and she won’t wait for peril to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.
Lord James Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he’s determined to live a better life . . . but that proves complicated when old acquaintances pull Cayton into their desperate attempt to seize the jewels. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won’t budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her–and his daughter–from those intent on destroying them all?
Read an excerpt from “A Lady Unrivaled”.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of nine novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
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