by admin | May 14, 2015 | Books, Depression Era, Historical, Mystery, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I chose to read and review “Hollywood Lost” because I have often seen books by Ace Collins but am fairly unfamiliar with his work and decided to try something a bit different from my usual choices. Apparently many reviewers were disappointed with this particular novel but I actually enjoyed it. If “Hollywood Lost” does not live up to this author’s usual quality, then I absolutely must read more by him.
“Hollywood Lost” takes place during the depression era and the story revolves primarily around one movie studio. A number of murders takes place that seem to be connected to the studio and evidence points to one of its top actors. As the story progresses, the lines become a bit blurred as numerous red herrings point to more than one possible guilty party. I had my suspicions all along that turned out to be correct but there were times that I had to wonder just a bit if I was on the wrong trail.
I enjoyed reading about life during the glory days of Hollywood where nothing was as it seemed and studios were adept at manufacturing fairytale lives for their actors both on and off the stage. Shelby Beckett was a breath of fresh air and innocence in the midst of all the glitz and glamor and pretense. Other characters were hard to read. I wanted to like Dalton and even Flynn but the author did a good job of keeping me suspicious of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip back to Hollywood’s past through the pages of this novel. I would recommend “Hollywood Lost” to all who enjoy an old-time detective type novel.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Struggling to make ends meet during the Great Depression, Shelby Beckett flees the Oklahoma dust bowl to find work in the wardrobe department of Hollywood’s largest movie studio. Surrounded by glamor and wealth, Shelby is charmed by box office star Flynn Sparks as well as Flynn’s chief rival, fellow actor Dalton Andrews. As Shelby joins her suitors at opulent parties and intimate dinners, she rubs elbows with the likes of Clark Gable and Cary Grant and is drawn deeper into a lifestyle where her small town values are challenged or ignored.
Lurking in the shadows of this Gatsby-like lifestyle is an unseen evil force that strangles beautiful women. Suspecting a madman is connected to the studio production where Shelby works, homicide chief detective Bill Barrister believes the only way to uncover the identity of the ruthless killer is to offer Shelby as bait.
Hollywood Lost is a romantic suspense novel where separating reality from fantasy is all but impossible; where love is rare, life is cheap, and values are lost in pursuit of fame and fortune.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than fifty books including novels Farraday Road, Swope’s Ridge and Words of the Father, as well as the nonfiction Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, grAttitudes, and Lassie A Dog’s Life. His books have become movies and network television specials. He has appeared on Good Morning America, the NBC Nightly News and The Today Show and has been featured in the Distinguished Lecture Series at the National Archives in Washington D.C. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career.
You can visit Ace on the web at www.acecollins.com.
by admin | May 11, 2015 | Appalachia, Books, Colonial America, Historical, Native American, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have eagerly anticipated the release of this book since reading Thomas’ first novel, “Miracle in a Dry Season”. The setting of “Until the Harvest” is the same but the time frame has changed. Twenty years have passed and the next generation has become the central focus.
Much like real life, a death occurs at the beginning of the book that I was not too happy to see. And like real life, this death has a far-reaching influence on others, especially Henry Phillips whose reaction is less than positive. For reasons I did not entirely understand, Henry became involved with some very unsavory individuals whose influence brought about some disturbing consequences for Henry. Fortunately for Henry, there were people in his life who cared about him and were willing to give him more than one second chance. I personally did not like Henry very much for most of the book but he eventually came around.
Then there was Margaret, older sister to Mayfair, a young diabetic. Daughter of two unbelievably incompetent parents who thought only of themselves, Margaret was dedicated to taking care of her neglected sister. Mayfair was such a pure and caring individual despite her health issues – and she seemed to have a mysterious gift of healing – at great risk to her own health.
“Until the Harvest” is a down-to earth story that does not hesitate to deal with common Appalachian problems such as moonshine and drug running but in the midst of the ugliness was a story of wonder, love, hope and redemption.
I love these Appalachian novels with their touch of Holy Spirit miracles and cannot wait for the next installment.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Take This Journey of Broken Souls Restored
and Tentative Hearts Brought Fully to Life
When family tragedy derails Henry Phillips’s college studies, he’s left unmoored and feeling abandoned. The only things that can tamp down his grief are the family farm, his fiddle, and an unexpected friendship with sweet but unusual preteen Mayfair Hoffman.
Unfortunately, Mayfair’s older sister, Margaret, despite her spray of freckles and cute, turned-up nose, has a completely different effect. His grandmother’s helper, she’s always around, ready to push his buttons, and it seems at first that she doesn’t care about his troubles.
Henry soon realizes, though, that Margaret’s facing her own struggles. Mayfair’s health and unique gift sit at the heart of those worries. Henry and Margaret soon find themselves relying on each other as potential tragedy collides with growing hope in a warm story of family bonds and the surprising ways healing finds us all.
Read an excerpt from “Until the Harvest” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fundraiser for a children’s ministry, who has also written for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times. Her debut novel was Miracle in a Dry Season. She holds a BA in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in Asheville, North Carolina. She can be found online at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
by admin | May 11, 2015 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Native American, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Wood’s EdgeWaterBrook Press (April 21, 2015)byLori Benton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Benton spent her late teens and early twenties pursuing a career as a wildlife artist, attending the Maryland College of Art & Design before she began painting professionally. When not writing or researching, Lori can be found exploring the mountains of southern Oregon with her husband, Brian. Lori’s first novel, Burning Sky was nominated as an ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award Finalist and also received double nominations for 2014 Christy Awards. The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn is her second novel.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
At the wood’s edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact?
The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.
On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald’s wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.
When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood’s edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin’s absence, another unaware of his twin’s existence. And for Anna, who loves them both—Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Wood’s Edge, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Although set during similar time frames and in the same general area of colonial America, each of Lori Benton’s novels has been a unique read for me. I was instantly captivated by the pure poetry of the opening lines of “Burning Sky” and by the almost immediate action and suspense of “The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn”. “The Wood’s Edge” seemed to take me a bit longer to get into because there was so much background needed to set the stage for what would happen later. I am so glad I continued reading it until I reached a point I couldn’t stop.
“The Wood’s Edge” is an epic historical novel with a pre-Revolutionary War setting in and around Schenectady, New York. The story is shared through the viewpoints of several characters who all play an important part in the overall plot. I was actually puzzled for awhile by the prominent part played by Lydia during the early portion of the story since the back cover indicated that Anna was the primary character. In actuality, in my opinion it would be difficult to assign any one character the leading role because each and every one of them were extremely important to the narrative.
I enjoyed reading how each character, both English and Native American, was affected by one event that changed their lives forever. The grief, anger, guilt, and sacrifice were just a few of the emotions experienced by various characters. What a beautiful plot with such deep feelings! If only American History classes could be taught with this much emphasis on the human experience rather than the hard, cold facts. “The Wood’s Edge” is such a beautiful example of the power of redemption and forgiveness. I especially loved the unexpected twists that brought the message home in such a new way.
I fear that to continue would be to chance revealing too much and ruin the story for others. If you love historical fiction, you NEED this book! If you are not a history lover, “The Wood’s Edge” just might change your mind.
by admin | May 7, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Tennessee
MY REVIEW:
Once again Tamera Alexander has captured my attention and my heart with her latest novel. Not only does she include rich historical detail but she makes that history come to life through her characters.
“To Win Her Favor” is a touching and heart-wrenching story that takes place in Nashville, Tennessee following the Civil War. Slaves have been set free but life is no better and possibly worse for them and their former masters. Emotions are running high among the defeated southerners and prejudice against the former slaves and the Irish has developed into escalating violence. In the midst of this turmoil, Maggie Linden marries Irishman Cullen McGrath in one final act of desperation in order to save her family property.
Both the character and plot development were extremely well done and realistically portrayed. I loved the way primary characters were shown with all their spots and wrinkles and allowed to mature and change their outlook on different issues during the course of the book. I also liked the way the relationship between Maggie and Cullen developed naturally and did not seem to be at all rushed. Cullen was a great hero with his courage and compassion as well as his willingness to sacrifice for those he cared about. Maggie was just a bit irritating at the beginning but grew into a loving and compassionate person as well.
With a conclusion that was both expected and surprising, I closed the covers with satisfaction. Although part of a series, “To Win Her Favor” easily stands on its own merit. I highly recommend it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.
An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He’s come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he’d wagered, especially when Maggie Linden’s father makes him an offer he shouldn’t accept yet cannot possibly refuse.
Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance—and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder—Maggie’s father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail—Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Tamera’s site.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don’t forget Jack, their precious–and precocious–silky terrier.
Find out more about Tamera at http://tameraalexander.com/.
Tamera Alexander’s To Win Her Favor Blog Tour and Kindle Giveaway
Can Maggie prove that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America? Find out in Tamera Alexander’s To Win Her Favor.
To give her that chance—and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder—Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.
Celebrate the release of To Win Her Favor with a Kindle Fire and book giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HD 6
- A copy of To Win Her Favor
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 10th. Winner will be announced May 11th on Tamera’s blog. Plus stay tuned for more opportunities to win after May 11 with a special Pinterest contest—more details coming soon! 
by admin | May 5, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Even if I had not already been a fan of DeeAnne’s novels, the gorgeous cover of “Tiffany Girl” would have immediately captured my attention. Ultimately, it is the story inside the covers that counts and this one did not fail to meet my approval.
Set against the backdrop of New York City during the months leading up to the Chicago World’s Fair, “Tiffany Girl” exposes some little known facts about the girls behind the mosaic chapel produced by the Tiffany company for display during the fair. Gist has deftly woven a compelling romance into the rich history and achieved a novel that held my interest until the very end.
Due to some changes in her family’s circumstances, a somewhat pampered Flossie Jayne decides to strike out on her own by taking a job offered by Louis Tiffany and moving into a boarding house where she meets newspaper journalist Reeve Wilder. For reasons of his own, Reeve is not at all impressed with sassy and independent Flossie who he tags as just another “New Woman”. As can be expected, Flossie and Reeve have their share of conflicts but end up with strong feelings for each other. Both characters learn quite a bit over the course of the story, especially about first impressions and trust.
All-in-all, “Tiffany Girl” was a lovely read with well-researched historical facts and interesting characters. Previous fans of DeeAnne Gist will not want to miss this one. Other lovers of historical fictions should definitely check it out.
This book was provided for review by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From the bestselling author of It Happened at the Fair and Fair Play comes a compelling historical novel about a progressive “New Woman”—the girl behind Tiffany’s chapel—and the love that threatens it all.
As preparations for the 1893 World’s Fair set Chicago and the nation on fire, Louis Tiffany—heir to the exclusive Fifth Avenue jewelry empire—seizes the opportunity to unveil his state-of-the-art, stained glass, mosaic chapel, the likes of which the world has never seen.
But when Louis’s dream is threatened by a glassworkers’ strike months before the Fair opens, he turns to an unforeseen source for help: the female students at the Art Students League of New York. Eager for adventure, the young women pick up their skirts, move to boarding houses, take up steel cutters, and assume new identities as the “Tiffany Girls.”
Tiffany Girl is the heartwarming story of the impetuous Flossie Jayne, a beautiful, budding artist who is handpicked by Louis to help complete the Tiffany chapel. Though excited to live in a boarding house when most women stayed home, she quickly finds the world is less welcoming than anticipated. From a Casanova male, to an unconventional married couple, and a condescending singing master, she takes on a colorful cast of characters to transform the boarding house into a home while racing to complete the Tiffany chapel and make a name for herself in the art world.
As challenges mount, her ambitions become threatened from an unexpected quarter: her own heart. Who will claim victory? Her dreams or the captivating boarder next door?
Read an excerpt from Tiffany Girl HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deeanne Gist has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very fun, very original historical novels. She has won the National Readers’ Choice Award, Booksellers’ Best Award, USA Best Books Award, and stellar reviews. With a background in education and journalism, Deeanne has written for People, Parents, and Parenting magazines. Visit her online at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/DeesFriends.
by admin | Apr 27, 2015 | Books, Historical
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingGathered WatersWhiteFire Publishing (April 15, 2015)byCara Luecht
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from the Author:
I never planned to be a writer. In fact, it took me a while to finish college. But I did, and here I am. And I now I can’t imagine not being a writer.
By day, I am an English Instructor for a local college, Marketing Manager for Degnan Design Builders, Inc., mother to four amazing children, and wife to an eternally patient and supportive husband.
In the evening, when I can squirrel away some quiet time, I read and write historical fiction.
I have a B.A. in English Lit. from UW Whitewater and an M.F.A in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
They want to worship as their hearts demand…but is it something they can give up everything for?
Brianna has only ever been what her life demanded. A wife, a hostess, a mother. But when a stand her husband takes ostracizes them from the Lutheran church that controls so much of life in Sweden, Brianna finds herself needing to find a strength beyond her station…a strength that will see her through prejudice and persecution and to a home she never dreamed she would find.
Based on the true story of the author s family s journey from Sweden to America, this sweeping saga paints the brilliance of new faith, the bravery of a new land…and the beauty of plunging beneath the waters and emerging a new person, capable of what one never thought one could do.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Gathered Waters, go HERE.
