by admin | Aug 15, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The final installment of the Journey of the Heart series, “A Heart’s Home” is both poignant and hopeful. New life and death walk side-by-side at Fort Phil Kearny with joy and grief close companions. Emmie and Isaac’s future together is threatened by both secrets and past promises at the same time the fort is threatened by the Sioux.
With its share of conflict, danger, emotional upheaval, and romance, “A Heart’s Home” brought the series to a satisfying conclusion. I thought that all the hanging threads were tied up nicely with all my questions answered. My only complaint is that because I am accustomed to the author’s longer novels, I missed the character and relationship development that is impossible in such short books. As I have stated previously, I did enjoy the chance to read Colleen’s very first series that paved the way for all her novels that I have loved over the past several years.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Emmie’s hope for a life with Isaac is overshadowed by a tragic loss at Fort Phil Kearny.
Isaac Liddle is keen to marry Emmie, and she knows she shouldn’t hide her pregnancy from him any longer. But before she can tell him her secret, a widower friend asks the impossible of Emmie: Will she honor her promise to his dead wife by marrying him to care for the orphaned baby?
With the Sioux Wars threatening outside the fort, Emmie’s solemn vow threatens her happiness from within. Will she honor a promise sure to break her heart—and Isaac’s? Or is there another way to find a home for her heart?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including “Tidewater Inn,” “Rosemary Cottage,” and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
‘A Heart’s Home’ and Conversations with Colleen Coble Giveaway
A hidden pregnancy, a promise sure to break hearts, and a tragic loss at Fort Phil Kearny: Don’t miss the gripping conclusion in book six, A Heart’s Home, of Colleen Coble’s A Journey of the Heart series. With the Sioux Wars threatening outside the fort, Emmie’s solemn vow threatens her happiness from within. Will she honor a promise sure to break her heart—and Isaac’s? Or is there another way to find a home for her heart?
Colleen is celebrating the final book release of her A Journey of the Heart series by giving away the entire series and the chance to host Colleen virtually at your book club, local library, or women’s group to talk about the series.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- Books 1–6 of A Journey of the Heart series
- A chat with Colleen via Skype or Google Hangout
- A custom book-club kit PDF, featuring Colleen’s favorite recipes and group discussion questions
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 31st. Winner will be announced September 1st on Colleen’s website.
by admin | Aug 14, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Irish Meadows” is an interesting first novel that takes place mostly on Long Island, New York. At first the story seems to feature Brianna O’Leary but before long her sister Colleen quickly gains a very important role. With the O’Leary horse farm facing financial difficulties, father James believes it can be saved if both daughters marry well and a well-placed marriage of foster son Gilbert would not hurt the chances of a successful bank loan. With all his manipulation, James fails to consider the desires of others involved in his planning.
As another reviewer stated, I much preferred Brianna at the beginning and thought Colleen was not at all nice – especially to her sister. Somewhere along the way, my preference did an about face and I realized that Colleen was not the villain I had thought but was acting out of misplaced guilt and shame. A love interest that took her entirely by surprise changed her outlook and helped her find true faith. Brianna, on the other hand, became more rebellious and found it difficult to trust Gilbert or Colleen. I was more and more frustrated with Gilbert as he allowed James to manipulate his life rather than stand up for what he really wanted.
All-in-all, “Irish Meadows” was an intriguing story that held my interest. Of all the characters I think I liked Rylan the best, even if he vacillated about what he wanted for awhile also. Pick up a copy to find out for yourself how things turn out for Irish Meadows and the O’Leary family. There might be a few surprises in store.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Faced with an uncertain future, sometimes all you have left is the courage to dream.
Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he’s put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.
Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry—as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans.
As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O’Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan Anne Mason’s debut historical novel, “Irish Meadows,” won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. A member of ACFW, as well, she lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children.
Find out more about Susan Anne at http://www.susanannemason.com.
Susan Anne Mason’s ‘Irish Meadows’ Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat Will Brianna and Colleen have the courage to stand up to their father’s schemes to save their horse farm and instead pursue true love? Don’t miss Irish Meadows, the newest book by Susan Anne Mason! As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, their father grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?
Join Susan in celebrating the release of Irish Meadows by entering to win her Kindle Fire giveaway and RSVPing to her September 1st author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HD 6
- One copy of Irish Meadows
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/1. The winner will be announced at the Irish Meadows Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Susan 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 1st!
by admin | Aug 14, 2015 | Books, Historical, Mystery, Romance, Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
In “Through Waters Deep” Sarah Sundin has provided an intimate glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during the tense days preceding U.S. involvement in World War 2. A secretary in the Boston Navy Yard, Mary Stirling prefers to remain in the background. She learned a difficult lesson about the dangers of pride as a child and practically flees from any threat of attention. Naval Ensign Jim Avery is an old school acquaintance of Mary’s who crosses her path in Boston. Spending time together as friends leads to stronger feelings on both sides but complications threaten to end their relationship before it begins.
Tensions are at a high at the naval yard and several apparent acts of sabotage have everyone on edge. As a fan of Nancy Drew mysteries and a keen observer, Mary cannot resist a bit of undercover investigation despite warnings to remain uninvolved. As time passes, the list of potential saboteurs grows and so does the risk of danger to the ships and the men who are assigned to them. Are Mary’s observations just a game or can she help solve the mystery before it’s too late?
Both Mary and Jim are strong characters who have trauma from their childhoods to overcome. Sarah’s fear of being too proud has kept her true personality under wraps. Jim, in turn, blames himself for injuries sustained by his younger sister and avoids taking charge from fear that someone else could be injured because of his actions. I loved how each of them encouraged the other and enjoyed how they overcame their fears by drawing closer to the Lord.
“Through Waters Deep” has plenty of action, suspense, and romance to meet the needs of most readers. Historical details added authenticity to the story and helped me as a reader to understand a bit more about life during that era. I highly recommend this book and any other book this author has written.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war.
Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them.
Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and romantic story.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of “With Every Letter,” “On Distant Shores,” “In Perfect Time,” and the Wings of Glory series. In 2014, “On Distant Shores” was a finalist for the Golden Scroll Awards from both AWSA and the Christian Authors Network. In 2011, Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.
Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahsundin.com/.
Dive into Sarah Sundin’s explosive new series, Waves of Freedom, with book one, Through Waters Deep. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them in the midst of their budding romance.
Join Sarah in celebrating the release of Through Waters Deep by entering to win an Anchors Aweigh prize pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of Through Waters Deep
- A nautical tote bag
- A set of compass rose notecards
- A “Hope Anchors the Soul” journal
- A Boston Tea Party earl grey tea set
- A Through Waters Deep apron
- A set of nautical tea towels
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. The winner will be announced August 25th on Sarah’s blog.
by admin | Jul 28, 2015 | Books, Historical, Novella, Series
MY REVIEW:
There’s quite a bit going on in “A Heart’s Promise”, the fifth installment of Coble’s Journey of the Heart series. Emmie returns Isaac’s interest but fears that the secrets of her past will make him hate her. She makes a promise to a friend that could change her life forever. Then as the old saying goes, a troublemaker turns up again “like a bad penny”. And then there are rumors that another troublemaker may still be alive.
So – with one more installment left in the series, “A Heart’s Promise” left me with several questions I would like to have answered and anxious to read the last book. This has been an interesting that has give me and other Coleen Coble fans a look back at her very first novels. How far she has come yet the indications of greatness were there from the start.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Emmie makes a promise to her friend that, if fulfilled, could mean the end to her dreams of a future with Isaac.
Emmie Croftner let Isaac Liddle go to avoid telling him about her past. But Isaac remains determined to win Emmie’s heart and hand. Though Emmie resolves to keep her heart in check, it hurts when she sees that another woman has set her bonnet for Isaac.
Then Emmie’s dear friend extracts a costly promise: if anything happens to her in childbirth, Emmie will marry her widower and raise the baby herself. And it seems Emmie may have to fulfill that promise. But can she live happily without Isaac?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including “Tidewater Inn,” “Rosemary Cottage,” and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
Take it to the Beach with Colleen Coble’s ‘A Heart’s Promise’ and Tote Giveaway
Take a day off and head to the beach with a new giveaway from Colleen: five books (books one–five in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series) and a beach bag to tote your new books in!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of A Heart’s Promise
- A Lands’ End beach tote
- A copy of A Heart’s Betrayal
- A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
- A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
- A copy of A Heart’s Danger
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced August 3rd on Colleen’s website.
by admin | Jul 17, 2015 | Books, Historical, Mail Order Brides, Romance
MY REVIEW:
At the death of Anthony’s mother, three people want custody of him. Kate Dawson is Anthony’s teacher and loves him as a son. Two men also want Anthony – Silas, who may actually be Anthony’s father and another man who also calls him son. As Kate and Silas work together to work out what will be best for Anthony, she finds that both the boy and the man have caused major complications to her life and her job as teacher.
“A Bride at Last” is an attention grabbing story about two very wounded people who have difficulty trusting each other. Their friendship and mutual attraction grows despite the multiple complications they encounter yet misunderstandings threaten to come between them. Each character was well defined and it was easy to relate to both Silas and Kate and their situation. Anthony’s reactions to his circumstances were extreme but understandable from a child’s point of view.
The plot moved along at a good pace with a few unexpected twists and turns and at least one nice surprise before its end. “A Bride at Last” is a story that emphasizes faith, family and trust. I very much enjoyed this book and think I need to go back and read the previous books from this series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts.
Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she’d been deceived about her intended groom, she’s now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she’ll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony–until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy’s father.
Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony’s wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?
Read an excerpt from “A Bride at Last” HERE.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melissa Jagears, an ESL teacher by trade and the author of “A Bride for Keeps” and “A Bride in Store,” is a stay-at-home mother on a tiny Kansas farm with a fixer-upper house. She’s a member of ACFW and CROWN fiction marketing, and her passion is to help Christian believers mature in their faith and judge rightly.
Find out more about Melissa at http://melissajagears.com.
Can Silas and Kate overcome their rocky start and experience healing—and possibly love? Discover the answer in Melissa Jagears’ new book, A Bride at Last.
Neither Kate nor Silas is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light as they attempt to prove nine-year-old Anthony’s paternity to the court. Can their wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?
Celebrate the release of A Bride at Last by entering to win a $100 Memory-Making giveaway and RSVPing to Melissa’s August 4th author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A $100 gift card to Netflix (for a family movie night), Shutterfly (to create a family memory book), or TablePlayGames (for a family game night)
- One copy of A Bride at Last
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/4. The winner will be announced at Melissa’s 8/4 A Bride at Last Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Melissa and fiction fans, 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 4th!
by admin | Jul 16, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Seattle
MY REVIEW:
Tracie Peterson always makes history come alive for me in her books and I enjoy learning a few facts while reading for pleasure. After all, history is really about the people and when carefully researched, fiction is a wonderful teaching tool.
The second book in the Brides of Seattle series features Militine Scott and Thane Patton. Although Militine is one of the young women in training at the Madison Bridal School, secrets from her past prevent her from hoping to ever marry – that is until Thane comes along. Thane has a few secrets of his own and he recognizes and relates to the sadness he sees in Militine’s eyes. The question is, will either of them ever let down their guard and let their relationship progress beyond friendship?
Once again I was fascinated by the three older women who ran the bridal school. They were good for several laughs. And – once again Abrianna and Wade’s relationship hijacked a large portion of the story. I am in hopes that everything will work out for those two in the final volume “Love Everlasting”. I did enjoy reading about Abrianna’s food mission as well as sharing a major surprise in her life. You’ll just have to read the book to find out! I also liked learning about the volunteer fire department in Seattle and the hurdles that hindered their work.
Lots of drama and danger and a bit of mystery are in store for readers of “Refining Fire”. The title is very much apropos as the city is threatened by a devastating fire. As always, Peterson blends a strong Christian message into her story in a natural way that does not detract.
I always enjoy Tracie Peterson’s novels and “Refining Fire” did not let me down. I look forward to the final book in this excellent series.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Twenty-two-year-old Militine Scott is in training at the Madison Bridal School in Seattle, yet she has no intention of pursuing marriage. What respectable man would have her? But she has found the school provides the perfect opportunity to keep her unsavory past hidden.
Thane Patton, though fun-loving and fiercely loyal to his friends, hides a dark secret, as well. He finds himself drawn to Militine, sensing that she harbors a haunting pain similar to his own.
Will they allow God to make something new and beautiful from the debris of their past?
Read an excerpt from “Refining Fire” HERE.
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 Belgrade, Montana. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com.
