by admin | Aug 16, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
In the first two books of the Wings of the Nightingale series, Kay Jobson was not particularly likeable so I fully expected “In Perfect Time” to reveal reasons behind her behavior. I did not expect to like and sympathize with her as much as I did.
Both Kay and her romantic interest Lt. Roger Cooper had pasts that left them feeling inadequate and undeserving. Roger had found some peace through his fairly new faith but guilt over his past caused him to avoid women as much as possible. On the other hand, Kay’s experiences had left her angry at God and with a need to prove herself by teasing men. Their friendship was unexpected but developed into a relationship that eventually set them both free from their past.
I have so enjoyed this entire series and loved reading about each of the “Nightingales” and their experiences as flight nurses during World War 2. Sundin’s character development is exceptional and lends an extra depth to her plots. I like the way she weaves all aspects of life during that era into her stories – from the hum drum daily routine, to dangerous missions both in the air and on the battlefield, to fun and sometimes humorous scenes, and of course some excellent romantic vignettes. Sarah also manages to include plenty of the gospel message into the plot in a natural way as her characters wrestle with their faith or in some cases embrace the gospel for the first time.
For wartime novels set during the Second World War, Sarah Sundin is an author not to be missed. I always look forward to her next one.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bold, sophisticated, and flirtatious, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.
Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer to where they don’t want to go.
Can they confront the fears and misunderstandings in their pasts?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Sarah’s website.
Read an Excerpt from “In Perfect Time” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of “With Every Letter” and the Wings of Glory series. In 2011, A “Memory Between Us” was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards, and 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/.
In Perfect Time by @SarahSundin | Enter to win a Kindle HDX and a set of books!
Don’t miss Sarah Sundin‘s hot-off-the-press novel, In Perfect Time. Publishers Weekly gives it an enthusiastic thumbs up: “Sundin excels at well-researched historical detail . . . with such accurate depictions of culture and setting that we are fully immersed in the times as well as in the story. The strength of relationships forged in war and the apprehension of God in times of trouble infuse this well-crafted novel with substance and light.”
Sarah is celebrating the release of her book with a fun giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle HDX
- The Wings of the Nightingale Series (With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, and In Perfect Time)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. Winner will be announced August 25th at Sarah’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Sarah’s blog on the 25th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)
by admin | Aug 14, 2014 | Books, Europe, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
In the first two books of the Wings of the Nightingale series, Kay Jobson was not particularly likeable so I fully expected “In Perfect Time” to reveal reasons behind her behavior. I did not expect to like and sympathize with her as much as I did.
Both Kay and her romantic interest Lt. Roger Cooper had pasts that left them feeling inadequate and undeserving. Roger had found some peace through his fairly new faith but guilt over his past caused him to avoid women as much as possible. On the other hand, Kay’s experiences had left her angry at God and with a need to prove herself by teasing men. Their friendship was unexpected but developed into a relationship that eventually set them both free from their past.
I have so enjoyed this entire series and loved reading about each of the “Nightingales” and their experiences as flight nurses during World War 2. Sundin’s character development is exceptional and lends an extra depth to her plots. I like the way she weaves all aspects of life during that era into her stories – from the hum drum daily routine, to dangerous missions both in the air and on the battlefield, to fun and sometimes humorous scenes, and of course some excellent romantic vignettes. Sarah also manages to include plenty of the gospel message into the plot in a natural way as her characters wrestle with their faith or in some cases embrace the gospel for the first time.
For wartime novels set during the Second World War, Sarah Sundin is an author not to be missed. I always look forward to her next one.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Two hearts are about to learn the rhythm of love
Bold, sophisticated, and coy, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.
Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer. Can they overcome the fears and misunderstandings of the past in order to take hold of the future?
Sarah Sundin seamlessly weaves together emotion, action, and sweet romance into a tale that transcends time and calls us to believe in the power of love.
Read an Excerpt from “In Perfect Time” HERE.
Praise for Sarah Sundin’s Novels:
“WWII-era fans won’t be able to put it down.”–Publishers Weekly on With Every Letter
“Excellent research and attention to detail with a flair for romance.”–CBA Retailers+Resources on With Every Letter
“Sundin’s novel features characters living large under emotional and physical stress, while the setting provides invaluable details and insights into the wartime mind-set.”–Booklist, starred review on A Memory Between Us
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, and the Wings of Glory series. In 2011, A Memory Between Us was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards, and 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. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.
by admin | Jul 29, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have always loved learning about our history but tend to avoid the cold, hard facts of nonfiction. For that reason I have always gravitated toward historical fiction because most authors tend to do their research and then weave a captivating story about mostly fictional characters around those same cold, hard facts. “Captured by Love” was a prime example of a historical story so well told that I felt a part of it.
“Captured by Love” caught my interest from the very first page. Hedlund’s characters were so well-rounded that it was quite easy to either love or hate many of them. I was unfamiliar with Michigan history and found the story to be intriguing. Serious topics such as the hardships and deprivation of both the island residents and the British army, the Americans’ struggle for freedom, and Angelique’s cruel treatment by her guardian were tempered by the friendly and sometimes humorous banter between Angelique and Pierre.
A beautiful story of sacrificial love and renewed faith, “Captured by Love” is a book that lovers of historical fiction are sure to love.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Michigan Territory, 1814
A voyageur and a young woman swept up in a time of upheaval and danger discover firsthand the high price of freedom.
The British Army has taken control of Michilimackinac Island and its fort, forcing the Americans to swear an oath of loyalty to the crown in order to retain their land. Pierre Durant is a fur trader who returns after being away from the island for years, only to find the family farm a shambles and those he cares about starving and at the mercy of British invaders.
Torn between the adventurous life of fur trading and guilt over neglecting his defenseless mother, Pierre is drawn deeper into the fight against the British–and into a relationship with Angelique MacKenzie, a childhood friend who’s grown into a beautiful woman. She now finds herself trapped by the circumstances of war and poverty, and the cruelty of her guardian, Ebenezer Whiley.
As tensions mount and the violence rages on, Pierre and Angelique must decide where their loyalties rest and how much they’ll risk for love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of The Doctor’s Lady and The Preacher’s Bride. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog at JodyHedlund.com.
More Info
- Twitter: JodyHedlund
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund
- Website: http://JodyHedlund.com
by admin | Jul 16, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Love Comes Home” is the newest book in Gabhart’s Rosy Corner series and it takes place just as World War 2 ends. Members of the Merritt family understandably share mixed emotions at the news since some of the sisters will be welcoming their husbands back home but one of them will not. And after such long separations, will the returning men be the same as when they left to fight in the war?
The small town of Rosy Corner feels like home and its characters are as familiar as well-loved neighbors. It was so easy to celebrate the joy and accomplishments of each character and to grieve and sympathize with their tragedies and loss. I loved seeing how Lorena has grown up and matured as well as touching base with the three Merritt sisters, Jay, and Mike.
“Love Comes Home” is a sweet and poignant story about second chances and following God’s pattern for your life. It is the third Rosey Corner book and I would heartily recommend it and the two preceding novels, “Angel Sister” and “Small Town Girl”.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When the flush of victory fades, there remains a winding road to an uncertain future.
World War II is finally over and the people of Rosey Corner are joyfully welcoming the boys home. The Merritt sisters in particular are looking toward the future. Kate is eager to start a family and live out her dream of happily ever after with Jay. Evangeline craves a beautiful house and encourages Mike to pastor a big-town church. Victoria wants what can never be. And Lorena is growing up and wondering more and more about her birth family.
Each sister must learn to hold her plans with a loose hand, trusting that God will guide and strengthen them as they share the joys and sorrows of life in their little corner of the world.
Award-winning and bestselling author Ann Gabhart invites you back to Rosey Corner for a heartfelt story that closes the distance between the things that were and things that can yet be.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted–and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.
by admin | Jul 16, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“The Butterfly and the Violin” was one of those books that played with my emotions. While the story was so riveting it kept me thoroughly absorbed, I became so involved with the characters, particularly Adele, that at times I did not want to continue reading because of how I feared her story would end.
A story within a story, this novel features Sera James, the owner of a New York art gallery who is obsessed with finding a painting she saw in Paris as a child. Her quest connects her to William, whose family owns a copy of the painting she seeks. As they join forces to search for the original painting, they learn the story of the young woman in the painting. Adele’s story is woven deftly into the whole.
“The Butterfly and the Violin” is a beautifully rendered novel that somehow manages to convey beauty, love, faith, and hope in the midst of the horrifying conditions of Nazi concentration camps yet does not diminish the evil that controlled them. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone. While there is a touch of romance, it is so much more.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program
of Harper Collins Christian Publishing..
ABOUT THE BOOK:
And then came war . . .
Today. Sera James spends most of her time arranging auctions for the art world’s elite clientele. When her search to uncover an original portrait of an unknown Holocaust victim leads her to William Hanover III, they learn that this painting is much more than it seems.
Vienna, 1942. Adele Von Bron has always known what was expected of her. As a prodigy of Vienna’s vast musical heritage, this concert violinist intends to carry on her family’s tradition and play with the Vienna Philharmonic. But when the Nazis learn that she helped smuggle Jews out of the city, Adele is taken from her promising future and thrust into the horrifying world of Auschwitz.
The veil of innocence is lifted to expose a shuddering presence of evil, and Adele realizes that her God-given gift is her only advantage; she must play. Becoming a member of the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz, she fights for survival. Adele’s barbed-wire walls begin to kill her hope as the months drag into nearly two years in the camp. With surprising courage against the backdrop of murder and despair, Adele finally confronts a question that has been tugging at her heart: Even in the midst of evil, can she find hope in worshiping God with her gift?
As Sera and William learn more about the subject of the mysterious portrait—Adele—they are reminded that whatever horrors one might face, God’s faithfulness never falters.
Read an excerpt from The Butterfly and the Violin HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristy Cambron has been fascinated with WWII since hearing her grandfather’s stories. She holds an Art History degree from Indiana University and works as Communications Consultant. Kristy writes WWII and Regency fiction and placed first in the 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations and 2012 FCRW Beacon contests. Kristy makes her home in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons. Website: www.kristycambron.com Twitter: @KCambronAuthor Facebook: Kristy-L-Cambron-Author
by admin | Jun 30, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have so enjoyed the wild and crazy antics of the leading ladies in Jen Turano’s Ladies of Distinction series and I really hate to see its end. “A Match of Wits” is the last but certainly not the least in this wonderful series. I have enjoyed reading about Zayne and Agatha in the previous books and it was great to finally get to their story even though there were indications that it would never happen.
From the very first page all the way to the final one, this book was a joy to read. Agatha was spunky and brave if a bit impetuous at times but seriously, Zayne did not have a clue. What a pair! I loved the inclusion of Matilda and the major role she played in the story. And I laughed out loud when Zayne resorted to receiving romantic advice from his precocious young niece.
With a heavy dose of humor, “A Match of Wits” was balanced with the perfect blend of danger, suspense, drama, and of course romance. It was the perfect book for a relaxing escape from the stress of everyday life, especially if one could use a laugh. I hate to see this series end but will certainly look forward to what Jen Turano has to offer her readers in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author with no requirement for a review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After his departure from New York two years ago to meet up with his almost-fiancée, Zayne Beckett is the last person Agatha Watson wanted to stumble upon in her travels as a reporter with the New York Tribune. Quite pathetically bedraggled, he clearly needs to be taken in hand and sent back East to his family. Although she no longer has feelings for him, Agatha realizes, by hook or by crook, she’ll have to be the one to get the obstinate man home.
Zayne has no desire to be taken anywhere and is prepared to drag his heels all the way home… until he finds himself slipping back into the familiar banter of his former friendship with Agatha. Once they arrive in New York, Zayne realizes Agatha’s determined nose for news has earned her a few enemies, and he hopes to repay her help with some help of his own. When she rebuffs all his attempts to prove himself a knight in shining armor, the lengths to which they’ll go to win this battle of wills lead to some memorable antics.
Everyone else may think them a match, but nothing could be further from the truth–until Agatha finds herself in real trouble. Have these two stubborn, too-smart-for-their-own-good people been meant for each other all along?
Read an excerpt from A Match of Wits HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jen Turano, author of A Change of Fortune, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, and A Talent for Trouble, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.
