by admin | Feb 6, 2016 | Books, Historical, Native American
MY REVIEW:
“A River Too Deep” is not one of those books the reader will breeze through but is actually one to savor. The story has the feel of a journal or memoir with very little dialogue and even that is a recounting of conversations by the writer, Alcy Callen. Beginning with a trip to visit her long-lost uncle, Alcy recounts events in her life that lead to her life among the Indians.
The novel is liberally sprinkled with scripture with a verse at the end of each chapter. Alcy’s descriptions of her life in the Indian village and her interactions with them were vivid and realistic. The most striking element of the story to me was Alcy’s strong dependence on the Lord and her determination to follow His plan for her life regardless of the personal price. Her obedience produced abundant fruit that was gratifying to read about.
“A River Too Deep” is an engaging novel that might just leave the reader comparing her own faith to Alcy’s.
This book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the spring of 1817, Alcy Callen and her father visit a step-uncle they have long presumed dead; but instead of enjoying a loving reunion, they are plunged into treachery and deceit. Nothing is as they expected and little is what it seems. Even the man who helps her escape is not the reliable suitor he appears.
Alcy is caught between gratitude and fear, unable to avoid her rescuer’s attentions or understand the responses they stir. Neither can she tell what sort of man he is or what he intends to do with her in the strange place they are going. Will he keep her for himself or will he sell her to the highest
bidder?
Of one person only is she certain, but will he come for her before it is too late?
A River Too Deep is a 274 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre and was released on October 23, 2013. To purchase your copy, click here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sydney Tooman Betts and her protagonist-husband currently reside in the Shenandoah Valley near the extensive cavern system that inspired the setting for several early chapters of this book.
While single, Ms. Betts (B.S. Bible/Missiology, M.Ed) was involved in a variety of cross-cultural adventures in North and Central America. After marrying, she and her husband lived in Europe and the Middle East where he served in various mission-support capacities. Her teaching experiences span preschool to guest lecturing at the graduate level and serving as the Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church Director, or Women’s Ministries facilitator in several evangelical denominations.
Before penning her first novel, A River too Deep, she ghost-wrote several stories for an adult literacy program.
Blog Tour Stops
Feb 1: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
Feb 2: Cassandra M’s Place
Feb 3: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
Feb 4: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
Feb 5: Lavish Bookshelf
Feb 6: Daysong Reflections
Feb 7: Mary Hake
Feb 8: Christian Bookaholic
Feb 8: Reading Is My SuperPower
Feb 9: Texas Book-aholic
Feb 10: A Greater Yes
Feb 11: Simple Harvest Reads
Feb 11: Through the open window
Feb 12: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
Feb 13: BukWurmzzz
Feb 14: For The Love of Books
by admin | Feb 3, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I wasn’t sure what to expect from a novel coauthored by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse. There is so much difference in their usual styles. After reading “Beyond the Silence” I can sincerely state that these two authors work very well together. With Peterson’s long acknowledged expertise with historical novels and Woodhouse’s obvious skill at suspense, this novel kept me spellbound until its conclusion.
The characters in “Beyond the Silence” were excellent. Even the bad guy was well defined. I liked everything about Lillian – her determination, her feistiness, and zest for live, but I especially liked her ability to see people for who they really were and her acceptance of those much different from herself. Her loyalty and compassion were other positive traits I admired. Even young Jimmy’s personality came through despite his lack of conversation.
The plot was suspense filled with a coldly evil villain who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. The townspeople and local sheriff too easily believed the worst of Woody Colton which allowed this man to get away with murder and other crimes much too long. With a strong spiritual theme, the story addressed such subjects as gossip and forgiveness.
I loved “Beyond the Silence” and hope to see more books by this well-matched writing team. This book is well worth the time.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The shadows over this olive grove hide more than just the truth.
Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother’s dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. Murky rumors swirl around Woodward Colton, her new employer, but the gossip doesn’t match the man Lillian comes to know.
Still, something dark did happen in the family’s past. Lillian’s seven-year-old charge hasn’t spoken in over a year. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he’ll one day feel safe enough to share what scared him. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. When the housekeeper is brutally attacked, the town once again suspects the worst. Will discovering the truth help Lillian clear the name of the man she has come to love–or will it endanger her even more?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
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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.
Find out more about Tracie Peterson at http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse. |
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Kimberley Woodhouse is a multi-published 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 home schools with her husband of twenty-plus years and their two awesome teens live in Colorado. |
by admin | Jan 29, 2016 | Books, Historical, Michigan, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I always find it interesting to read a sequel to a book I previously read that features a character I did not particularly like in the other book. I feel certain that it is because that character is seen through the eyes of the primary character of the other book and usually has some negative interaction of some sort with that character. Tessa Taylor is one such character. She caused untold grief for her sister Caroline in “Hearts Made Whole” and I did not expect to like her as much as I did in “Undaunted Hope”.
I was reminded of a sermon I once heard about how the vows and judgements we make sometimes come back to haunt us. Tessa has taken a job as schoolteacher in Eagle Harbor, Michigan because she is determined to keep as far away from a lighthouse as she possibly can. So what does she quickly encounter? Two brothers who are lighthouse keepers and two adorable children who desperately want Tessa to be their new mother. Naturally she finds herself embroiled in their lives and spending more time than intended at the lighthouse. Then there is Percival Updegraff, the man who seems to run the town. Because Tessa refuses his advances, he takes it upon himself to punish her by hurting those she cares about. At times it looks as if the town itself cannot possibly survive the long winter. I liked the Tessa in this book much better than in “Hearts Made Whole”. She has definitely matured and regrets the bad choices she made. Her true caring nature is revealed through the sacrifices she makes for others throughout the story.
The plot moved along at a steady pace with plenty of action, drama, romance, and even a touch of humor. As always, this author’s characters are well-rounded and realistic. I particularly liked Tessa and hero Alex. Even Percival was well-developed. I enjoyed each book in this series and look forward to Jody Hedlund’s next book. I hope it will be soon!
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
1871
Eagle Harbor, Michigan
In a Town Mired in Darkness,
She May Shine the Light They Need
Running from the mistakes of her past, Tessa Taylor heads to the uppermost reaches of Michigan, planning to serve as the new teacher to the children of miners. She quickly learns the town had requested a male teacher, but Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since it’s too late to replace her. Tessa can’t help but thank him and say she is in his debt.
Determined to make herself irreplaceable once spring thaw arrives, Tessa throws herself into her work, and soon two students have decided Miss Taylor is the right match for their grieving father. At the same time, charming assistant lightkeeper Alex Bjorklund makes his interest known, surprising Tessa, who has never had men fight for her hand before. But not all is well as she feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody Hedlund is the author of over a dozen novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher’s Bride, and A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for historical romance. She received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in social work. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog at www.jodyhedlund.com.
by admin | Jan 26, 2016 | Books, England, Romance, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
A gorgeous cover hints at the story found inside the third volume of Turansky’s Edwardian Brides series. Rich with history and romance, “A Refuge at Highland Hall” details life there as Penney and her sister Kate, along with a number of orphans take refuge with Julia and William to escape the German bombs falling on London. I found myself caught up in life within the walls of Highland Hall as I renewed my acquaintance with characters from the previous books of the series.
Although the story was a tad slower moving at first, I learned a number of facts about WWI that my high school history books failed to convey. As the book progressed, the pace did pick up a bit with several exciting scenes, especially those of Alex’s battle experiences. The romance between Penney and Alex had plenty of ups and downs and at times even seemed to be doomed. A secondary romance added some extra interest and I also liked the two characters involved very much. Each character was faced with circumstances that forced them to learn to trust in the Lord for their very lives.
With plenty of history, romance, danger, romance, and even a touch of mystery and suspense, “A Refuge at Highland Hall” was a satisfying conclusion to the series.
This book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Great War shakes the world of a spirited young woman and the brave British pilot she loves, taking her from London to her family’s magnificent country estate, and sending him into the war-torn skies over France.
Penny Ramsey has always considered Highland Hall her home, but when Britain becomes involved in World War One she travels to London to assist her sister Kate with the eight orphan children she and her husband Jon have taken into their home. Doing her part for the war effort takes priority over Penny’s dreams of romance until she meets Alex Goodwin, a Royal Naval Air Service pilot in training.
Alex is determined to prove his worth and do his part to defend his country. Knowing he is heading off for the dangerous assignment of chasing Zeppelins across the front line in France, he feels it’s unwise to form any romantic attachments. But he can’t help admiring the pretty, warmhearted Penny and wondering what it would be like to find her waiting when he returns home from the war.
As Penny writes to Alex, their friendship blossoms, and she becomes his tie to home and normalcy as he faces the hardships war. But being an RNAS pilot means confronting the enemy, and the fallout form those experiences push Alex beyond Penny’s reach. Can God mend the brokenness left by the losses of war? Will faith and forgiveness bring them together again?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bestselling Inspirational Romance Author Carrie Turansky has written more than a dozen historical and contemporary novels. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award; and been a finalist for the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the ACFW Genesis Award.
by admin | Jan 14, 2016 | Books, Edwardian, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I knew I was going to love “After the Rain” from its very first page. The absolutely magnificent descriptions pulled me right into the story and kept me there until the very end. What an excellent assortment of characters! From the kind-hearted and determined heroine Louisa and the perfectly gallant yet down-to-earth Jackson, the author has provided other characters for the reader to either love or hate. Other than the two primary characters, I thoroughly enjoyed Louisa’s two aunts who were both loving and humorous.
Be warned, “After the Rain” is quite lengthy. It could easily have been divided into two separate novels but I am so glad the author chose to keep the story together. I would have hated to wait for the next volume. At any rate, the plot moves along at a steady rate with ample drama, humor, and of course romance to hold my attention. Just as I thought everything was ready to wrap up, something new would happen to take things off in a different direction. Quite a few surprises were in store but I kept rooting for Louisa and Jackson, even when it seemed that a permanent relationship would be impossible.
What more can I say? I loved “After the Rain” and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy historical Christian romance with a few twists. Even at 570 pages, it ended much too quickly for me.
This book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
After the Rain is a 570 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre and was released on September 29, 2015. Click here to purchase your copy.
About the Book
He becomes the love of her life. She becomes his biggest challenge.
It’s 1908, a year in the Edwardian Age, the year J.M. Barrie’s play What Every Woman Knows, premiered in Atlantic City and the first Model T rolled off the assembly line in Detroit. It is a year when the world faced one of its worst disasters in history, when the New Year would heal the wounds of loss. Louisa Borden lives a privileged life in Chevy Chase, Maryland, a new and thriving community on the outskirts of Washington, DC for the well-to-do. Against the wishes of her domineering grandmother, she retreats from the prospects of a loveless marriage and instead searches for what she hopes is her calling in life.
When her horse is spooked along Rock Creek, she is thrown from the saddle—an embarrassing situation for any affluent young lady. Soaking wet, bruised and humiliated, she is carried up the muddy bank to safety by Jackson O’Neil, a stranger to the city, who changes the course of everything, including the lives of all those around her.
About the Author
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Rita Gerlach is a best-selling author of inspirational fiction with a romantic bent, including The Rebel’s Pledge, Thorns in Eden and The Everlasting Mountains, Surrender the Wind, and The Daughters of the Potomac Series. She lives in Maryland near the Catoctin Mountains with her husband Paul. |
Giveaway
Enter below for your chance to win an autographed paperback copy of After the Rain and the audio books of The Daughters of the Potomac series.
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Blog Tour Stops
Jan 11: Our Perfectly Imperfect Life
Jan 12: Singing Librarian Books
Jan 13: Bukwurmzzzz
Jan 13: Artistic Nobody
Jan 14: Daysong Reflections
Jan 15: Texas Book-aholic
Jan 15: Blessed and Bewildered
Jan 16: Reading is My Super Power
Jan 17: Through the Open Window
Jan 18: Jendi’s Journal
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Jan 19: Christian Bookaholic
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Jan 21: Proverbial Reads
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Jan 22: Cassandra M’s Place
Jan 23: Big Reader’s Site
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Jan 24: The Editor’s Note
Jan 24: A Greater Yes
Jan 25: For the Love of Books
by admin | Jan 2, 2016 | Books, Historical, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy Regina Jennings’ historical romance novels because I know I can expect an entertaining combination of humor, drama, and romance laced with a touch of mystery and suspense and surprises. It is also a plus to find a good message of faith woven through her stories. “At Love’s Bidding” did not disappoint with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and a sweet romance that kept me happily reading and satisfied at its end.
I loved this tale about Miranda Wimplegate who travels with her grandfather to Missouri where their new auction house is located, hoping to find a valuable portrait before it is too late. The fun really begins upon their arrival in Missouri where they find themselves over their heads with their new business that is not at all what they expected. It was quite enjoyable reading about Miranda’s efforts to keep up with her grandfather and her interactions with Wyatt Ballentine were fascinating.
As always, the reader can expect some amusing conflicts between the primary characters before the romance commences. A unique group of secondary characters offers added interest and support to the story. Rather than chance revealing more and spoiling the story, I suggest an immediate trip to the closest bookstore or favorite online retailer to pick up your own copy of “At Love’s Bidding”. I do not think you will be sorry.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She sells priceless antiques. He sells livestock by the pound. Is he really the man to make a bid for her heart?
After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she’s accidentally sold a powerful family’s prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the people who could ruin them forever, they track it to the Missouri Ozarks and make an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house and all its holdings before the painting can move again.
Upon crossing the country, however, Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn’t deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt Ballentine, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don’t know a thing about the business he’s single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count–but no mysterious painting–Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She is the author of “A Most Inconvenient Marriage,” “Sixty Acres and a Bride,” and “Caught in the Middle,” and contributed a novella to “A Match Made in Texas.” Regina has worked at the Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with her husband and four children.
Find out more about Regina at http://www.reginajennings.com/.
After a cross-country trip to track down a sold painting that could ruin her family’s business forever, Miranda Wimplegate forms an unlikely but charged partnership with livestock auctioneer Wyatt Ballentine in Regina Jennings’ At Love’s Bidding. Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn’t deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don’t know a thing about the business he’s single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count–but no mysterious painting–Miranda and Wyatt must try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.
Join Regina in celebrating the release of At Love’s Bidding by entering to win her Cozy Winter Night giveaway and RSVPing to her January 5th author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive everything you need for a cozy winter night:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 1/5. The winner will be announced at the At Love’s Bidding Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Regina and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!
