by admin | Jul 6, 2016 | Books, Civil War, Historical
MY REVIEW:
I have long been a fan of Dorothy Love’s books but it quickly became apparent that “Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray” would be somewhat different from her earlier novels. Naturally I was a bit uncertain about whether I would like it. I should not have worried – this book was so well written and full of interesting facts that I could hardly put it down.
There were so many events and details in “Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray” that never graced the pages of my history books. Indeed, I found myself researching some of them to find out if Ms. Love found these facts through her own research or if they were just part of the story. She definitely did her research. My education obviously had huge gaps in American History – whether because of bias or lack of time I cannot say.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, especially getting an intimate view of the wife of General Robert E. Lee which also showed me a different aspect of his life. The strong friendship that developed between Mary Lee and her slave Selina was inspiring and illustrated another viewpoint of the relationship between slave owners and their slaves. This book is a must for history buffs as well as those interested in the Civil War.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A general’s wife and a slave girl forge a friendship that transcends race, culture, and the crucible of Civil War.
Mary Anna Custis Lee is a great-granddaughter of Martha Washington, wife of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and heiress to Virginia’s storied Arlington house and General Washington’s personal belongings.
Born in bondage at Arlington, Selina Norris Gray learns to read and write in the schoolroom Mary and her mother keep for the slave children and eventually becomes Mary’s housekeeper and confidante. As Mary’s health declines, Selina becomes her personal maid, strengthening a bond that lasts until death parts them.
Forced to flee Arlington at the start of the Civil War, Mary entrusts the keys to her beloved home to no one but Selina. When Union troops begin looting the house, it is Selina who confronts their commander and saves many of its historic treasures.
In a story spanning crude slave quarters, sunny schoolrooms, stately wedding parlors, and cramped birthing rooms, novelist Dorothy Love amplifies the astonishing true-life account of an extraordinary alliance and casts fresh light on the tumultuous years leading up to and through the wrenching battle for a nation’s soul.
A classic American tale, Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray is the first novel to chronicle this beautiful fifty-year friendship forged at the crossroads of America’s journey from enslavement to emancipation.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A native of west Tennessee, Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels.
Facebook: dorothylovebooks
Twitter: @WriterDorothy
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by admin | Jun 21, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“More Than She Dreamt” is a sweet, historical romance novel that made me think of all the Grace Livingston Hill novels I devoured at one time of my life. I believe it was the dialogue that gave me that impression at first, then the lofty thoughts Danny had about Katie clinched it for me.
The story wasn’t all sweet and light though. Young widow Katie Jensen had been through some hard times and had sacrificed much for her children and had their well-being as her priority. When she felt the Lord prompt her to leave her uncle’s home, she left with bare minimum funds and her faith, buoyed by her young son’s constant reminders that “the Lord will provide”. And provide He did! Yet in the midst of that provision, Katie’s faith was put to the test over and over as danger stalked her more than once.
Character development in “More Than She Dreamt” was well done and the plot moved along at a fairly decent pace. Some readers might find the story just a bit too sweet but I felt that the sweetness was tempered well by the added danger and suspense. Then we can’t forget those precious children who provided abundant humor throughout the story.
“More Than She Dreamt” is a novel filled with hope and faith that demonstrates how important it is to trust and depend on the Lord and to follow His lead.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It was more than she dreamt. But as the romance began to bud, she felt the thorns of a heartless beauty rise to tear it apart.
Young widow, Katie Jensen, endures patiently under her oppressive uncle in desolate Arizona Territory. She tries to keep her promise to her dead aunt to be a witness and take care of her uncle but when his tirades grow worse, she gathers her two precious little ones and runs.
Making their way to an unknown land, they come to the town of White Rock, which is strangely like the place in the dreams Katie has been having. They are welcomed into the cottage of a kindly grandmother who takes in borders.
When Danny, the older woman’s grandson, comes home, he finds surprises in store: a crisis, a beautiful young woman, and her adorable children who bring laughter and life into all their weary souls.
Katie is filled with hope when an unexpected romance sparks but there is a vindictive raven-haired beauty and an old enemy conspiring to put it out—permanently.
Will God give Katie rest as she and the family pray for their enemies?
Can she stand strong in her faith when fear overwhelms her?
Purchase your copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandy Faye Mauck writes Historical Romance in the light of the gospel and with the heart of her Savior.
Slip into a comfy chair with a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate and travel back to the first years after the turn of the century.
Enjoy faithful Christian characters who have come through a spiritual wilderness into a place of hope. Stories of charming romance sprinkled with humor and topped with redemption. And be sure not to put the cup too close to the edge of the table because there are enemies lurking about.
Sandy lives in her own happily-ever-after with her Bible doctrine writer husband in the west they love. They have five children and nine grandchildren. She enjoys crocheting (a different kind of yarn) and is also a professional artist.
Guest Post from Sandy Faye Mauck:
Hi everyone! Sandy Faye Mauck here! Today I launch my book on Celebrate Lit!
They say to write the book that is missing from your bookshelf. So I did. I wrote a story that brought the purity of a Christian romance with a touch of humor and endearing characters who live what they believe, with real enemies and redemptive grace.
More Than She Dreamt is set at the time just after the turn of the century. Probably my favorite time travel place if I had to choose because of the interesting changes and the lovely clothing and yet there was indoor plumbing, and lights, LOL!
My greatest writing inspiration (other than my Lord), was my favorite author, Grace Livingston Hill. She could tell a story, make you feel you were there in every sense. Grace could bring romance, excitement, and enemies and then touch your heart with a truth of God’s word that would penetrate your heart. I hope to do this as I write my heart and I add humor because that is who I am.
I hope you enjoy this Celebrate Lit Blog Tour and the special personal giveaway at the end!
Blog Tour Stops:
June 14: cherylbbookblog
June 15: Singing Librarian Books
June 16: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
June 17: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
June 18: Bigreadersite
June 18: Cassandra M’s Place
June 19: A Greater Yes
June 19: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
June 20: Pause for Tales
June 21: Daysong Reflections
June 22: A Holland Reads
June 23: Splashes of Joy
June 23: Christian Bookaholic
June 24: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
June 25: Red Headed Book Lady
June 25: It’s Storytime With Van Daniker
June 26: Bukwurmzzz
June 27: For the Love of books
Giveaway:
To celebrate her tour, Sandy is giving away a charming keepsake box filled with some Rose Arbor themed prizes. Enter here: https://promosimple.com/ps/9c26
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by admin | Jun 8, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
As a lifetime southerner, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about some of our history in Beth White’s Gulf Coast Chronicles. For some reason, that history was severely neglected during my school years. “The Magnolia Duchess” takes the reader to the southern coast during the War of 1812, particularly during the Battle of New Orleans. I couldn’t help but recall that beloved song by Johnny Horton from my childhood –
“We fired our guns and the British kept a-comin’
There wasn’t nigh as many as there was a while ago
We fired once more and they begin to runnin’
On down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico”
Sorry, couldn’t help myself. What self-respecting southern child (or grownup for that matter) wouldn’t love a rousing song with lyrics like that? After reading Beth White’s account of the battle, the song made so much more sense.
Back to the book. I have loved reading about the Lanier family and their life on the Gulf Coast. As the female protagonist, Fiona was a strong young woman driven by compassion whose first response was to care for others whether friend or foe. I liked how conflicted she was about keeping Charlie’s identity secret from her family and how she tried to do the right thing despite how it affected herself. I liked Charlie a lot too. I had to admire his determination to fulfill his commitments but at the same time I was frustrated by his decisions.
Once again, Beth White captured my imagination and interest to the point I had difficulty taking care of everyday chores. I hate to see this series end but am in hopes the author will see fit to provide her readers with more southern fiction.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As the War of 1812 rages across the newly formed United States, another war rages in Fiona Lanier’s heart–one that threatens to tear her family apart.
Fiona can scarcely take in the news of her brother’s capture and imprisonment by the British Navy. It is almost as unbelievable as the half-drowned British sailor who is washed ashore on the beach of Navy Cove.
Charlie Kincaid claims to have no memory of his life before being discovered by Fiona, but in a world that seems saturated with treachery, she cannot be sure he is telling the truth.
As Charlie’s memory returns in agonizing jags and crashes, he and Fiona discover that falling in love may be as inevitable as the tide. But when political allegiances collide, they’ll each have to decide where their true loyalty lies.
Read an excerpt from The Magnolia Duchess HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth White‘s day job is teaching music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. A native Mississippian, she writes historical romance with a Southern drawl and is the author of The Pelican Bride and The Creole Princess. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers’ Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Learn more at www.bethwhite.net.
by admin | Jun 7, 2016 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Dawn at Emberwilde” is yet another example of why I love Sarah Ladd’s books. The mysterious and often threatening forest of Emberwilde is the perfect background setting for the events that take place within the narrative. The strongly depicted characters have differing motives that only come to light at just the right points of the story. At times their motives are fairly obvious and at other times they are not easily discerned. Unexpected twists in the plot lend a certain amount of suspense and the romantic tension is flawless. The story moved along at a good pace with adequate dialogue, action, suspense, and romance to hold my attention – in fact it ended much too quickly as most good books do.
As of late my favorite type book is historical fiction that contains not only a romantic element but also one of mystery and suspense. “Dawn at Emberwilde” absolutely meets those qualifications. It reminds me of the old Gothic type romance novels I used to devour when I was much younger. Apparently my taste in books has not changed very much.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Dawn at Emberwilde” and my only regret is that I will have to wait awhile for Sarah’s next novel. It will definitely be on my must read list.
Copies of this book were provided for review by LitFuse Publicity and The Fiction Guild.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.
For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would enable her to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father’s death.
The unexpected arrival of a stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel’s small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.
At her new family’s invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with rumors and ominous folklore—along with whispers of something far more sinister. Perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.
At Emberwilde Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it—in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for “The Heiress of Winterwood.” She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky Golden Retriever.
Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahladd.com.
by admin | May 25, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romantic Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Anchor in the Storm” may just be Sarah Sundin’s best book yet. With a large dose of World War 2 facts I never knew, a suspense filled mystery woven into the story, a lovely romance, and her bold inclusion of what many would consider “defective” characters, this novel was fascinating from the first to the last page.
Both Lillian and Arch made appearances in “Through Waters Deep”, the first book in Sundin’s Waves of Freedom series and have moved to center stage to star in their own story. Arch is one of those guys who is burned out on romance because all the gals are more interested in his family’s wealth than in who he really is. Lillian is just as shy of romance but for her own reasons. After losing a leg to a childhood accident, she has grown used to people thinking of her as a “freak” and because of a bad experience does not trust any man. Naturally that is just the right fuel to ignite the fires of romance but is it possible for either of them to overcome their fears enough to trust the other?
I loved reading about Lillian and Arch and seeing their personal development through their story. It was encouraging to watch Lillian’s confidence grow and her fearless pursuit of the truth about the drug ring she and Arch were investigating. Arch had some personal growth too as he learned to trust Lillian (most of the time) and to trust the Lord as he slowly began to overcome his fear of death while on his ship.
“Anchor in the Storm” is a wonderful tale with just the right combination of elements to make it work. I look forward to the final book in this series and hope I don’t have to wait too long to read it.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One plucky female pharmacist + one high-society naval officer = romance—and danger
For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg’s attentions only annoy–even if he is her brother’s best friend.
During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves–and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?
Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won’t soon forget.
Read an excerpt from Anchor in the Storm.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of eight historical novels, including “Anchor in the Storm.” Her novel “Through Waters Deep” was named to Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years,” and her novella “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” in “Where Treetops Glisten” was a finalist for the 2015 Carol Award. A mother of three, Sarah lives in California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school.
Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahsundin.com/.
GIVEAWAY:
Celebrate the release of Sarah’s Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
- Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
- Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
- 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
- Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
- “Hope Anchors the Soul” journal
- Set of two nautical tea towels
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah’s blog.
by admin | May 25, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, San Francisco
MY REVIEW:
Before I finished my very first novel by Karen Barnett, I knew I had found yet another author whose books I must have. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to review them so far but I can assure you that if I happen to miss out on a blog tour, I will definitely purchase anything she pens. “Through the Shadows” met all my expectations and more.
The third book of Barnett’s Golden Gate Chronicles series, “Through the Shadows” takes place two years after the great San Francisco earthquake. The city is beginning to rebuild but many people have lost everything and the rich seem to get richer at their expense. Political corruption is rampant and an evil human slavery trade takes advantage of the innocents among the Asian community. It is to this volatile environment that young lawyer Charles McKinley comes to his uncle’s law practice because he wants to help others. Unfortunately his noble ambitions are squashed by the realities of his new job. Elizabeth King has also recently arrived in San Francisco hoping to atone for her mistakes by helping in a mission to the young rescued Chinese girls.
I loved this book! Elizabeth is just the kind of character I like – one who fights for the oppressed without a thought of her own danger, loving and loyal to those she cares for, yet fragile and wounded in spirit. Charles is the perfect hero also. He has such fine ambitions to help others and even when things do not go as planned, he always takes the high road. Working without sleep to prove himself worthy, he turned the other cheek time and again to those who wanted to undermine him and went out of his way to protect and serve those who needed him.
It was a joy to catch up with Elizabeth’s brother and sister as well as their spouses from the first two books of this series. Other familiar characters played important roles also. With plenty of drama, danger, misunderstandings, romance, and suspense, “Through the Shadows” held my attention through the end. It is a fine story of forgiveness and reconciliation plus learning to see ourselves the way the Lord sees us and accept his plans for us.
I am sorry to see this series end but I look forward to whatever Karen Barnett has in store for her readers next. I can’t wait!
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As San Francisco rises from the ashes, an age-old battle looms between corruption and the promise of new beginnings.
The devastating earthquake is just two years past, but the city of San Francisco is still trying to recover. Destruction of this magnitude is not so easy to overcome-and neither are the past regrets shadowing Elizabeth King’s hopeful future.
Hoping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth dedicates herself to helping girls rescued from slavery in Chinatown brothels, even if it means putting her own life at risk to sneak through the gloomy alleys and rooftops where dangers lurk.
Putting her life on the line for a worthy cause is admirable. But opening her heart is even more terrifying. So when Elizabeth meets attorney, Charles McKinley—a man who dreams of reforming San Francisco’s crooked politics—Elizabeth begins to doubt: Can she maintain her pretense and hide her past? Or will her secret jeopardize both their futures?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Karen Barnett is the author of “Beyond the Ashes,” “Out of the Ruins,” and “Mistaken.” Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs.
Find out more about Karen at http://karenbarnettbooks.com.
GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win a copy of Through the Shadows—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced June 7th on Karen’s blog!
