by admin | Nov 14, 2014 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
After reading and reviewing Dawn Crandall’s “The Hesitant Heiress”, I knew I would have to read the rest of The Everstone Chronicles series. I am fortunate that Dawn has entrusted me with the opportunity to do so by sending me digital copies to review. I have always loved historical fiction and Dawn’s novels have proved to meet my qualifications for must read books. Although I loved “The Hesitant Heiress”, “The Bound Heart” may be even better. If this is any indication, I can’t wait for “The Captive Imposter”. I already know it will be wonderful.
It will be difficult to review “The Bound Heart” without any spoilers but I will certainly try. This novel features Meredyth Summercourt, a young woman whose one indiscretion with a man she found attractive led to severe guilt and the idea that she was “ruined”. She felt bound to Vance Everstone and was convinced that the only way she could atone for her sin was to marry him. Meredyth’s situation reminded me of some teaching I heard years ago about “soul ties” and how physical intimacy creates them between two individuals – a tie meant to take place within marriage but a reality even outside its boundaries. It helped me to understand how strongly Meredyth felt that her only redemption was marriage to Vance regardless of his poor character and even despite the love she had discovered for her longtime friend Lawry.
Now Lawry – well Lawry is one of the best heroes I have encountered in awhile. Perhaps he is handsome and comes from a prominent and wealthy family but Lawry’s character just shines throughout the book. Lawry is a man whose ambition is to care for orphans plus any other needy people who may cross his path. His love for Meredyth has increased through the years and all he wants is to spend his life with her. His compassion and restraint are admirable and his love of the Lord is evident in nearly everything he does. Meredyth cannot help loving him but is certain that she does not deserve someone as good as Lawry.
I could go on but I am getting close to possible spoilers. “The Bound Heart” is an emotional roller coaster that illustrates the devastating effect that one mistake can have on a person’s entire life. It is also a beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption that leaves the reader with hope for themselves. I highly recommend “The Bound Heart” but suggest reading “The Hesitant Heiress” first.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One accidental kiss. That was all it took to throw Meredyth Summercourt’s world upside-down. Determined to marry the ever-elusive Vance Everstone, she simply doesn’t have the time or the desire to fall for her friend Lawry Hampton. However, with Vance out of the country and Lawry constantly at her side, Meredyth can’t help but wonder if what’s holding her to Vance is nothing more than a desire to redeem herself from their unfortunate past.
When Vance comes home to stake his claim on Meredyth, will she be strong enough to break free from the tangled web she’s convinced she deserves? Or will she find the strength to accept that God’s plan for her life could include redemption… and quite possibly the love of her best-friend?
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.
by admin | Nov 11, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingDreaming on DaisiesDavid C. Cook (October 1, 2014)byMiralee Ferrell
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Miralee and her husband, Allen, live on 11 acres in Washington State. She loves to minister to women (as a certified Lay Counselor with the AACC) or through her writing, riding her horse, working in her flower beds and playing with her dogs—her 7 lb, long-haired Chihuahua, Lacey, spends a lot of time on her lap while Miralee is writing. Miralee speak at various women’s functions and has taught at writers’ conferences. She’s been writing since 2005, and her first book released in 2007. Since then, she’s had 10 more books release, both in women’s contemporary fiction and historical romance, and she’s had the honor of being a best-selling and award-winning author.
Learn more about Miralee and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When her father’s debts, brought on by heavy drinking, threaten Leah Carlson’s family ranch, she fights to save it. When handsome banker Steven Harding must decline her loan request, he determines to do what he can to help. Just as he arrives to serve as a much-needed ranch hand, Leah’s family secrets—and the pain of her past—come to a head. They could destroy everything she’s fought for. And they could keep her from ever opening her heart again.
This is western historical romance that offers hope and healing to the deepest wounds in a woman’s past.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Dreaming on Daisies, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I’m not sure how but I missed the first two books in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series. Now that I have read Dreaming on Daisies, I guarantee that I will definitely acquire them. I would love to read the backstories on some of the characters I met in this book.
Although the third book in the series, I can attest to the fact that Dreaming on Daisies can easily stand on its own merit. Although it is evident that many of the supporting characters probably had more pivotal roles in the earlier novels, knowing their background is not essential to the enjoyment of this one. Dreaming on Daisies may be historical fiction but many of the issues that confront Leah Carlson and Steven Harding are very little different than those faced by actual people in modern society. The author deftly illustrates the emotional, physical, and financial toll that addiction, abandonment, and unforgiveness can have on so many individual lives.
Dreaming on Daisies is an emotionally charged story with wonderfully realistic characters and a believable plot. Leah was a surprisingly strong young woman whose determination and work ethic managed to hide her vulnerability – most of the time. Steven may have appeared to be a city slicker banker but his dreams for the future included land and a home of his own – and those dreams may have begun to include Leah in them. Despite her apparent strength, there was something about Leah that brought out Steven’s protective instincts and his desire to help her pulled him directly into her family drama and secrets.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dreaming on Daisies with its strong emphasis on faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation. I look forward to reading the preceding novels of this series as soon as I can.
by admin | Nov 1, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
It has been awhile since I read a novel by Kelly Eileen Hake and I had forgotten just how much I have enjoyed them in the past. Her characters are always so very well fleshed out that they seem as if they could be a part of your own circle of friends and acquaintances. Hake’s books always have just the right balance of humor and drama and include wonderful examples of how both honorable and dishonorable people tend to act.
I loved all the Darlyn sisters as well as hero Greyson Wilder and his sidekick Miles. The Darlyn sisters exemplified the love and loyalty that should exist between family members yet were unique individuals in their own right. Their father had taught each of them skills considered not to be appropriate for women in order to enable them to protect themselves and each had excelled in the skill of her choice. Anyone would have to admire Grey, a man tortured with guilt over the death of his wife but who couldn’t stop himself from running to the aid of anyone in trouble and standing up for the underdog. He also could not stop himself from falling in love with the oldest Darlyn sister Bea.
“Trails and Targets” is one of those books that makes me wish I had the entire series in hand right now. I can’t wait to read the next installment in the Dangerous Darlyns series. Kelly, I hope you are writing fast!
This book was provided for review by The Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The four Darlyn sisters discover the family farm is mortgaged to the hilt when their father falls desperately ill. Plagued by a creditor with designs on more than their land, will a traveling stranger be the answer to their prayers? Greyson Wilder, searching for buffalo bones, is surprised to find himself saddled with a slew of sisters, instead. But it’s the eldest—sharpshooting Beatrix—who hits the mark of his lonely heart.
Armed with courage, cleverness, and some seriously unconventional skills, Grey and Bea just might find a new future to fight for. Join the fun on a journey filled with trouble, Trails & Targets!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kelly Eileen Hake received her first writing contract at the tender age of seventeen and arranged to wait three months until she was able to legally sign it. Since that first contract a decade ago, she’s fulfilled twenty contracts ranging from short stories to novels. In her spare time, she’s attained her BA in English literature and composition, earned her credential to teach English in secondary schools, and went on to complete her MA in writing popular fiction.
Writing for Barbour combines two of Kelly’s great loves-history and reading. A CBA bestselling author and member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she’s been privileged to earn numerous Heartsong Presents Reader’s Choice Awards and is known for her witty, heartwarming historical romances. A newlywed, she and her gourmet-chef husband live in Southern California with their golden lab mix, Midas.
by admin | Oct 28, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Historical, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Gift-Wrapped Bride” was short and sweet and in some ways the romance itself took a backseat to the rest of the story. Sophie Stewart was not at all happy when her family pulled up their roots in Toledo to move to Chicago. Her brother and his friend Noah were already in Chicago and had helped to pave the way for families from their hometown to find homes and jobs as well as to help start a new church in Chicago. Although Noah showed a decided interest in Sophie, she was unable to forgive him for all the pranks he had played on her during their school years and rebuffed his attempts at friendship at every turn. Could their participation in the church Christmas program change her mind about Noah?
“The Gift-Wrapped Bride” is a wonderful illustration about changed hearts and learning not to form harsh judgements due to a person’s past actions. There is hope for everyone in Christ as long as their heart is open to His love and influence.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by Shiloh Run Studios.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sophie Stewart’s family has just moved to Chicago to join her brother and help start a church. Sophie is an artist with big dreams, but she feels her parents are pushing her to marry someone like Noah Jackson, a young man from their Ohio hometown. But forgiving the past and recognizing Noah’s maturity and changes may take a miracle.
More About The Gift-Wrapped Bride with Maureen LangFor veteran novelist Maureen Lang, the opportunity to write her first novella, The Gift-Wrapped Bride, presented a challenge.“I approached the task with much fear and trembling. I believe writing short, needing to write tight, is far more difficult than taking your time. As the writer then as the reader, it’s easy to take time to get to know characters, to step around in their shoes and in their time period for a while,” she said.
But a novella is much shorter and requires great care in word, setting and scene choices.
“I finally relaxed knowing that storytelling could still work if I focused on the main goal—getting my hero and heroine together after realistically keeping them apart,” she laughed.
The story of an artist and a reformed “bad boy,” pushed together in their 1848 Chicago immigrant church, The Gift-Wrapped Bride surprised its author as she wrote.
“I had more fun than I expected getting to know a hero who was so focused on winning the heroine’s love and respect. He had a hurdle to overcome because she only knew him when he was a bully and a mischief-maker. I had so much fun focusing on the romance that I found myself commiserating with the focus my hero needed to win the heroine’s heart!”
Forgiveness turned out to be a greater theme in her story, across the characters, than she had anticipated.
A native of the Chicago area, her family has been in the Midwest for several generations, Maureen felt at home writing about the city so long ago. Well aware of Chicago’s poor reputation in some quarters, Maureen wanted to explore another side to the city, “one with characters who aren’t part of the violent reputation, but represent the majority of ordinary, flawed but still lovable people who live here.”
The author of contemporary and nonfiction, as well as historical novels, Maureen has always been fascinated by other places and eras.
“Not that I want to live anywhere or at any other time, since I’m spoiled by the relative peace and obvious comforts of today,” she said. “But when I read about other eras, it never fails to impress me that people just like you and me actually survived such conditions! . . . I hope I’d have lived up to the times, but the more research I do about historical conditions, the more thankful I am God chose to let me live here and now, even with our unique challenges.”
Some of her ancestors have been in North America since the 1600?s.
One of the youngest of six children, Maureen grew up in a boisterous family that enjoyed Christmas with decorating, baking and family gatherings. While she enjoys an annual Nativity Pageant that involves original music, real animals (including camels) and a magnificent choir, she knew that wouldn’t fit into her 1848 setting.
“I did keep the spirit of this wonderful tradition in mind as I developed the Nativity aspect in my story. I thought it was the perfect opportunity for my reformed rake of a hero not only to show the heroine that he’d changed, but to make a real difference in boys who were on the same track he’d been on—to mischief or worse.”
“A bonus of working on a novella collection is the camaraderie I’ve enjoyed getting to know the other authors selected for this Christmas-themed set. There is always some excitement and enthusiasm with any publishing venture, but this time I’ve enjoyed not only my editor and others I’ve encountered at Barbour, but also such a great array of other authors. People just like me, trying to meet deadlines, write the best stories we can, lots of laughter and support for what we all love to do—create stories in our imagination to share with others. It’s been so much fun being part of a team that includes other authors as well!”
Who is Maureen Lang?
The author of eleven books, Maureen Lang has been writing since childhood. Her latest release is part of The Gilded Legacy Series:All in Good Time. She lives with her family in the Midwest.
You can learn more about Maureen and her books at her website: www.maureenlang.com
She regularly blogs on the Christians Read website.
You can also find her on Facebook
by admin | Oct 25, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Judith Miller’s novels for several years – both her solo projects and those written with Tracie Peterson. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to read and review “The Brickmaker’s Bride”, first entry in Judith’s latest series (Refined by Love).
As expected, I found the book to be beautifully written with well-rounded characters and an informative yet engaging plot. I liked the mixture of characters with some quite likeable, a couple who were very unlikeable, and even those who began one way but turned out quite another. The ins and outs of brickmaking were quite interesting to me and were something I had never considered. I always enjoy learning something new while reading a good novel.
While there is very little suspense in “The Brickmaker’s Bride”, it is filled with plenty of drama and a surprise or two. Both Ewan and Laura were admirable characters and while I did not care for Uncle Hugh for most of the story, I did like how he turned out later. Unfortunately, I never could abide his wife.
“The Brickmaker’s Bride” is a good book with an excellent message of Christian faith and trusting God plus some fine examples of passing on to others the good that has been done for you.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
Bestselling Author Judith Miller Debuts Historical Series Set in West Virginia
Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it’s Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner’s daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she’s being courted by another man–a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he’ll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.
But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan’s hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura’s heart.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Judith’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. When time permits, Judy enjoys traveling, visiting historical settings, and scrapbooking the photographs from her travel expeditions. She makes her home in Topeka, Kansas
Find out more about Judith at http://judithmccoymiller.com.
Kindle HDX Giveaway and Facebook Author Party with Judith Miller!
Don’t miss Judith Miller‘s latest novel, The Brickmaker’s Bride. CBA Retailers + Resources raves, “. . . a wonderful story about faith and love throughout life’s trials.”
Judith is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and a “Refined by Love” Facebook author event on November 4th.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle HDX
- The Brickmaker’s Bride by Judith Miller
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 4th. Winner will be announced at the Refined by Love Facebook Author Event. Connect with Judith for a fascinating evening centered around her new Civil War-era series. She’ll be hosting a book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in the Refined by Love series, and much more!
So grab your copy of The Brickmaker’s Bride and join Judith and friends on the evening of November 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!
by admin | Oct 21, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The Evergreen Bride is Book 3 in The 12 Brides of Christmas novella series. As I am reading through these delightful Christmas stories I am thinking of how perfect they are for the end of a busy day spent shopping, baking, wrapping gifts, etc. Each novel is the perfect length to curl up with by the fire or under a cozy throw and relax for an hour or so by losing yourself in a sweet Christmas romance.
Several factors in The Evergreen Bride contribute to its theme. Samuel describes Annabelle’s eyes as Evergreen, the story is set in the evergreen forest of Mississippi, and Samuel’s work involves cutting those very trees for lumber.
All Annabelle wants for Christmas is to get away from all that green and to experience a white Christmas with her cousin’s family in Illinois. Although Samuel has declared his intentions, he is concerned that Annabelle will find another man in Illinois and stay there. A special gift may very well turn the tide.
The Evergreen Bride is another special offering in The 12 Brides of Christmas series. If the first three books are any indication, this entire series will be well worth my time.
This book was provided for review by Shiloh Run Studios.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Mississippian Annabelle Denson dreams of visiting cousins in Illinois and seeing a white Christmas. In the face of her excitement, Samuel Frazier hides his growing affection for her behind a quiet smile and a carpenter’s lathe. Samuel starts to worry that if she goes, Annabelle won’t return. Can he convince her to stay?
More About The Evergreen Bride by Pam Hillman:
When Pam saw the list of proposed titles for the series, she jumped on The Evergreen Bride as her title. “I knew immediately the story would be set in my home state of Mississippi, which is an evergreen state. We rarely have snow and even in the middle of winter, we still have a lot of greenery,” thus the heroine’s trip to see a white Christmas with her own eyes. She chose her time period from local history:
“As more and more families settled in Mississippi in the mid-to-late 1800?s, it created a need for homes out of the most valuable resource available: miles and miles of virgin pine forests. Logging crews and sawmills sprang up all over the south as the need for lumber increased.”
Set near where she lives in those same piney woods, The Evergreen Bride tells the tale of a struggling sawmill owner who falls in love with a woman desiring a white Christmas in 1887. Will he get a chance to propose if she’s leaving for Illinois?
Christmas celebrations have changed over the years, Pam noted. “Christmas in the rural south in the late 1800?s wasn’t a lot of fluff and expensive presents. When families couldn’t afford to buy presents, they often made them. And many times, these handmade presents were treasured way beyond anything store bought.” You’ll have to read The Evergreen Bride to discover what gift the heroine received! Most of Pam’s family live nearby, and the celebration begins at Thanksgiving and continues through New Year’s. The Evergreen Bride is close to Pam’s heart in several ways.
“I was raised about a mile from Sipsey Creek, and even though the characters, the Sipsey Creek school and church, and the exact location are fictional, I drew from the area even as I pictured it the way it was in 1887.” She laughed, “other than being separated by a little over one hundred years, a few more gadgets that make life easier,” she lives in the area where her story was set.
Who is Pam Hillman?
Award-winning author Pam Hillman writes inspirational fiction set in the turbulent times of the American West and the Gilded Age. Her debut novel, Stealing Jake, was a finalist in the International Digital Awards and the 2013 EPIC eBook Awards.
Pam is the financial officer/assistant director of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her family in Mississippi. Pam blogs on the sixteenth of the month for Heroes, Heroines, and History.
For more about Pam, visit her webpage www.pamhillman.com You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter
