by admin | Sep 19, 2016 | Books, Historical, Novella, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Ask Me to Marry You” is a novella with an unusual twist on the age-old mail order bride story. In it, Audra Drysdale has come to realize that in order to save the family ranch after her father’s death, she needs a man to run it. Although she knows how to do it herself, her hands do not trust a woman to be in charge. Not only that but another rancher wants the ranch – and Audra. So…she has her uncle find her a temporary husband. Little does she expect she will want to make it permanent.
I am a new reader of Heather Blanton’s novels but what I have read to date has made me a fan. My only complaint about “Ask Me to Marry You” is that it ended much too quickly. I would have been quite happy with a full length novel. I loved her unique take on what she called a “male order bride”. The entire story was well-written and moved along at a fast clip. Her characters were well-rounded and realistic. There was just the right amount of action, danger, humor, and romance for a story of this length and the author made the characters’ faith seem natural and not out-of-place. I like the fact that Blanton is not afraid to present real life with all its grit yet manages to do so without offense. Did I say it ended too soon?
I have more of the author’s books on my Kindle. I really want to find time in my review schedule to work them into my reading. I am so happy that I ran across this author and would recommend her to anyone who enjoys a good Western romance.
A digital copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Though she’s loath to admit it, Audra Drysdale needs a man to save her ranch.
Her father has passed away and her hands are abandoning her like rats from a sinking ship. Worse, neighboring cattle baron Jess Fairbanks is making a play for the Diamond D and Audra, whichever he can get his hands on first.
Audra grudgingly accepts that the mere presence of a husband will keep her men working, and Fairbanks under control. It seems a perfectly reasonable idea, then, to ask her uncle, who is the town attorney and a matchmaker of sorts, to find her a groom—a “proxy” who will take her orders and dish them out to the men.
Dillon Pine is in jail for a conspiracy charge, but because of certain mitigating factors he’s deemed a good risk for an unusual form of probation: serving as Audra’s husband. After a year, he can abandon her and she won’t tell. By then, she will have proven to the cowboys she’s a competent rancher, and the cattle man next door will be looking elsewhere for a wife. But when word gets out that Dillon came to Audra via Evergreen’s matchmaker, he’s dubbed a “male order bride.” The resulting jokes at his expense are constant and brutal. Just how much abuse can Dillon’s pride stand?
When Audra discovers her father’s death was no accident, she realizes her new husband is in danger, too. And she cares . . . quite a lot, it turns out.
To save Dillon, she may have to let go of the one thing she’s fought her whole life to keep.
Read an excerpt from “Ask Me to Marry You” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A former journalist, Heather is an avid researcher and skillfully weaves truth in among fictional story lines. She loves exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. She has walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw’s note in her hand. You can learn more about her and her work at https://ladiesindefiance.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/heatherfreyblanton. Sign up for Heather’s email newsletter to receive the latest book release updates, as well as info about contests and giveaways (https://ladiesindefiance.com/).
Heather is the independent bestselling author of several Christian Westerns, including the Romance in the Rockies series, which has sold over 40,000 copies. Intrigued by the concept of three good sisters stranded in a lawless Colorado mining town, a few notable Hollywood producers have requested the script for her first book in that series, A Lady in Defiance. Heather’s writing is gritty and realistic. In fact, her books have been compared to AMC’s Hell on Wheels series, as well as the legendary Francine Rivers book, Redeeming Love.
She writes Westerns because she grew up on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne movies. Her most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to her father, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester!
She can be reached several different ways:
http://ladiesindefiance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheatherblanton/?ref=hl
https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfblanton/
Christian Westerns is the genre that lets her write about strong pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Romance is always a strong element in her stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God, and a perfect reflection of how he loves His children: sacrificially and lavishly. Heather’s stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but she hopes they are heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense.
“I believe Christian fiction should be messy and gritty, because the human condition is … and God loves us anyway.” — Heather Blanton
Save
Save
Save
Save
by admin | Sep 15, 2016 | Books, Historical, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Each volume of Dawn Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles has been my favorite – that is until I read her latest. I believe each book has been a little better than the previous one and that is saying a lot because I’ve loved them all.
“The Cautious Maiden” may be best because black sheep Vance Everstone is back in the picture as its hero. And what a hero he is! With a questionable reputation that was earned through his poor choices and past mistakes, Vance is a changed man who has found the Lord. Determined to live up to his new-found beliefs, Vance suddenly finds himself in the very center of a scheme devised by Violet Hawthorne’s brother Ezra to save her from the man he lost her to in a poker game. As Vance grows to know Violet better, he finds himself falling in love with her.
This was one book I definitely did not want to put down. Between the romantic tension between Vance and Violet that was made all the better due to his vow to keep the relationship pure and the danger that seemed to stalk them at every turn, I found myself turning each page in anticipation of what might happen next. “The Cautious Maiden” is just the kind of book I love – a romantic historical woven with suspense and mystery plus a good dose of faith.
Violet was a strong and likeable character but Vance was the real star of this book. He was such a shining example of how finding the Lord can help turn a scoundrel into a saint. You really did good on this one Dawn. Now I’m ready to see how you will surpass it with your next novel.
Anyone who has not discovered Dawn Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles needs to pick up the entire series soon. “The Cautious Maiden” can certainly stand alone but is so much better if you have the background from the previous novels.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Violet Hawthorne is beyond mortified when her brother Ezra turns their deceased parents’ New England country inn into a brothel to accommodate the nearby lumberjacks—but when Violet’s own reputation is compromised, the inn becomes the least of her worries. In an effort to salvage her good name, Violet is forced into an engagement with a taciturn acquaintance—Vance Everstone.
As she prepares for a society wedding, Violet learns that her brother had staked her hand in marriage in a heated poker game with the unsavory Rowen Steele, and Ezra had lost. Now Rowen is determined to cash in on his IOU.
With danger stalking her and a new fiancé who hides both his emotion and his past, Violet must decide who to trust—and who to leave behind.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dawn Crandall is the author of The Hesitant Heiress (released August 1, 2014).A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn’t begin writing until 2010 when her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.
Save
Save
Save
by admin | Sep 11, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Steeplechase” is a novella that is quickly read – possibly in one sitting if you are a speedy reader like myself. The historical story takes place in Virginia in the days preceding the War of 1812 and features Martha Osborne, a young woman who only wants to find a way to bring her young brother home from boarding school. What she finds is possible danger and also love.
As is the case of most novellas, I found myself wanting more details about the characters that are necessarily missing due to the shorter length of the book. Nevertheless, I found “The Steeplechase” to be well written and a satisfying read. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Martha Osborne fears for her six-year-old brother, who was shuffled off to boarding school when his British mother departed to England.
Set in Hampton Roads, Virginia, in the build-up to the War of 1812, expert rider Martha plans to substitute for her older brother in a “race to the steeple” to win the prize—and a bet with Phillip Paulson, equestrian trainer at Yorkview Academy, to help have her little brother returned home. When Phillip stumbles upon the real reasons behind the secret race he finds he may not be able to keep his end of the bargain. Can he save Martha and her brother? And will his heart be lost in the process?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carrie Fancett Pagels is a multi-published award-winning author of Christian historical romance. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn’t “cure” her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!
Save
by admin | Sep 11, 2016 | 1950s, Books, Mystery
MY REVIEW:
I reluctantly agreed to review “The Rector” because it seemed that others were not requesting it. Afterwards I even questioned my sanity for taking on a novel I was not that interested in reading. I really did not need any more commitments – I have plenty of other books I want to read languishing on my shelves waiting for me to find time to read them. Well, as usually happens, I ended up being glad that I read the book!
“The Rector” is a somewhat lengthy but quite clever mystery that takes place in Mississippi during the 1950s which is not that far from where I have spent my entire life. Being somewhat familiar with the area and the Southern customs, I found the story of particular interest. “The Rector” actually includes three different rectors within its pages although the reader actually meets the first rector after his death.
A lot goes on within the pages of “The Rector” and Martha is right in the middle of all of it. At times I thought Martha was a real busybody and at other times I thought she had a strong gift of discernment and a quest for truth and justice. Whatever it was, Martha was largely responsible for solving the mystery of “The Rector”. I enjoyed reading the story from Martha’s point of view and was constantly entertained by the unique and quirky residents of Solo, Mississippi.
I am happy that I took the time to read “The Rector” and would recommend it to any who love a good mystery or a story with a Southern setting.
A copy of this book was provided for review by The Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
If Solo, Mississippi, had any claim to fame in the 1950s, it was due to the small town’s proximity to notorious Parchman Farm Penitentiary. The Rector is a thrilling mix of mystery, suspense, and Christian allegory. Solo may be a speck on the map, but a story as large as the heavens is playing out in its boundaries.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After earning a master’s degree in mass communication from the University of South Carolina, Michael started a one-man ad agency. It grew to 87 employees in two cities, winning numerous national and international creative awards. Michael sold his firm in 2011 and turned his attention to full-time Christian fiction writing. His latest novel, The Rector, is available on Amazon in print, on Audio Book, and Kindle.
Michael was born in his mother’s own bed on a farm in Yazoo County, Mississippi. He grew up in a town of 310 souls. He knows a thing or two about strong Christian women, alcoholic men, and Jesus. He’s a member of Kairos (prison ministry), been to Cuba twice on door-to-door evangelism mission trips, been a Sunday School teacher, and a member of Independent Presbyterian Church for 35 years. He and his wife of 44 years live in Memphis, TN, have three sons and four grandchildren. The little ones call him “Big Mike.”
He’s a member of the ACFW, Mystery Writers of America, The International Crime Writers Association, and the Southern Writers Association. His books have won BEST GRAPHIC NOVEL and BEST INTERIOR DESIGN from the International Book Awards; the Silver and a Bronze IPPY (for Christian | Fiction) from the Independent Publisher Book Awards; BEST RELIGION | FICTION novel from the National Inde Excellence Awards; a Finalist in the Beverly Hills Book Awards, and Mystery & Mayhem Awards.
Save
by admin | Aug 18, 2016 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance, Texas
MY REVIEW:
Once again Shelley Shepard Gray has proven her versatility in writing different genres. I first got to know her work through Amish fiction but have since read a number of her novels outside that genre and have been so impressed with her talent.
“The Loyal Heart” is the first book in a new series that promises to be everything I look for in my reading choices. As far as I’m concerned, it was just perfect! I loved the strong characters, especially Robert and Miranda. I also appreciated the basic premise of the story in which several Confederate officers who were prisoners of war made a pact with each other to always be there for each other and their families. In this volume, Robert is called upon to make sure fellow officer Phillip Markham’s widow Miranda is okay. Naturally he finds himself falling in love with her despite how often he tells himself how inappropriate that would be.
I really liked how I was able to see both sides of the story from Robert and Miranda’s viewpoints. The suspense and drama was woven into the plot seamlessly with a few surprises along the way. Faith was also an important factor but it was never intrusive. “The Loyal Heart” held my interest until the very end. I can’t wait for the next installment of this series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Robert came to Galveston to fulfill his promise to a dying man and look after his widow. He didn’t expect to find love in the unlikeliest of places.
Robert Truax, former Second Lieutenant and Confederate officer in the Civil War, made a promise to his comrade Phillip Markham. If anything happened to Phillip, Robert would look after his beloved wife, Miranda. She was his life, his world, his everything.
After the war, Robert is left to pick up the pieces and fulfill his pact. When he arrives at Miranda’s home in Galveston, Texas, things are worse than he imagined. Phillip’s name has been dragged through the mud, everyone in town believes him to be a traitor, and his widow is treated as an outcast. Even more disturbing is her emotional well-being. Miranda seems hopeless, lost, and so very alone.
Robert had thought his duty would be simple. He would help Miranda as quickly as possible in order to honor a promise. But the moment Robert laid eyes on her, his plans changed. He’s mesmerized by her beauty and yearns to help her in any way he can.
He makes it his duty to protect Miranda, turn her reputation around, and to find some way to help her smile again. But it doesn’t prove to be an easy task—Robert knows something about Phillip that could shake Miranda to the core and alter her view of the man she thought she knew so well.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
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.
Save
by admin | Aug 15, 2016 | 1960s, Books, Historical
MY REVIEW:
“Eden Hill” is a nostalgic look back to a time not so long ago when life was a little slower and everyone knew almost everyone who lived in small towns like Eden Hill, Kentucky. I grew up in a similar small town in Tennessee, a place where no one locked their doors and neighbors helped neighbors. Ice cream suppers and picnics on the last day of school and Bible school were the norm. So reading “Eden Hill” brought back some memories for me and the realization that I have now lived long enough that a book set during my childhood years could be considered historical.
Eden Hill was not the perfect town. It certainly had its problems. The church needed a new roof but only heaven knew where the money for it would come from. And anyone who lived during those years knows that there was definitely a separation between blacks and whites in that part of the country. Then there was always the town busybody or the one person who wanted to tell everyone else what they needed to do. Life as normal in the 60’s. It wasn’t ideal or even good but it was normal.
Well, into that little town Cornelius Alexander saw an opportunity to provide for his growing family by opening a fancy new gas station right across the road from Virgil T. Osgood’s station. His fancy-dancy new station threatened to take business away from not only Virgil but possibly even other businesses in town. Naturally Virgil and the other business owners worried and kept their distance from the interloper, hoping against hope that their livelihood would survive the competition. Well, as they always do, things happened and the Alexanders found themselves floundering. What happened next should be a lesson for all of us.
This story was a wonderful lesson about loving your neighbor the way Jesus taught. It’s not usually easy, in fact sometimes it’s really difficult but the rewards can be astonishing. I will just stop here lest I give too much away. Just take my word – read it!
A copy of this book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Nothing seems to change in Eden Hill, Kentucky, and that’s just fine with Virgil T. Osgood. He’s been content to raise his family and run the only service station in town. But when a new station is set to open right across the road from Virgil’s pumps, he suddenly faces obstacles in his career, his marriage, and his self-worth that he’s never even dreamed of.
Cornelius Alexander wants his new Zipco station to succeed and help establish a strong foundation for his growing family. As long as he follows the Zipco guide, he’s sure to be a success—and prove his father wrong.
Reverend Caudill wants to be a conduit for grace in his town, but that grace is challenged by the changes sweeping through in the early 1960s. For the sake of this small town, Virgil and Cornelius must learn to get along, but how do you love your neighbor when his very presence threatens to upend everything you hold dear?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bill Higgs is a lapsed academic, former engineer, and avid storyteller. He also admits to being a nostalgic baby boomer, with a keen interest in how things past can teach lessons for the present. He lives in Kentucky with his wife, author Liz Curtis Higgs, and her two cats. Eden Hill is his first novel.
http://billhiggs.com
Save
