by admin | Jun 30, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
Sequel to Peterson’s “A Sensible Arrangement”, “A Moment in Time” features Alice Chesterfield, the young woman hired to work for Marty and Jake Wythe who quickly became Marty’s good friend. Alice is still being stalked by a mysterious man who may have a connection with the murder of her father so when a change in fortune for the Wythes leaves them no choice but to leave Colorado and return to Texas, Alice is eager to make the change with them.
“A Moment in Time” contains all the essential elements that make Tracie Peterson’s novels must reads for me – some conflict, a bit of mystery, a few misunderstandings, a sweet romance, interesting historical facts, and a good dose of faith. The novel is quite able to stand on its own merits but background provided in the previous installment of the Lone Star Brides series makes it all the more enjoyable. I enjoyed the continuation of Marty and Jake’s story, especially the reality that their marriage was not 100% “happy ever after” but actually had a serious disagreement or two in common to real marriages. I loved the surprises Alice had in store for her and was happy that there were good ones to balance the bad. If I had any complaint, it would be that the romance between Alice and Robert may have been just a bit too rushed and shallow.
Overall, “A Moment in Time” was enjoyable and allowed me to escape everyday modern life for a brief time to venture back in time to Colorado and Texas as I joined the lives of Alice, Robert, and the other characters. I look forward to the next book of this series.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Alice Chesterfield is a woman pursued. Having survived an attack that left her scarred and her father dead, she is never free from the fear and memories of the man who is responsible.
Texas seems to be an answer to Alice’s prayers, and when she has the opportunity to relocate to a ranch near Dallas, Robert Barnett captures her attention. Unlike any man Alice has ever known, Robert doesn’t worry about the obstacles that stand in their way–and he hardly seems to notice the scar she bears.
But there are storm clouds gathering; devastating information about her family comes to light, threatening Alice’s peaceful sanctuary. Disillusioned, Alice must learn to place her trust in God as she seeks a measure of peace for her future…and for her heart.
Read an excerpt from “A Moment in Time” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
by admin | Jun 19, 2014 | Anthology, Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Four Weddings & a Kiss” is a collection of novellas by four of my favorite authors of western romance that features couples who appear to be unsuitable for each other. Novella collections such as this are perfect for those hot summer afternoons when one needs a cool break under the air conditioner, by the pool, on the beach or in the backyard under a shade tree.
Each novella stood on its own with strong feminine characters and men who were able to meet them as equals. Humor was plentiful in all of the stories yet there was adequate serious material and strong themes of faith as well. The short format allowed the authors little space to develop a romance but I felt that each one of them did a bang-up job. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book and would be hard pressed to choose a favorite from among the four. I how the prologue set things up and I also liked learning what happened to that particular preacher at the end.
“Four Weddings & a Kiss” is the perfect book for your vacation or even a “staycation”. Be sure and pick up a copy soon.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Spitfire Sweetheart by Mary Connealy
Maisy MacGregor’s reckless ways injured rancher Rylan Carstens, endangering his livelihood. So she signs on as his caregiver – but just until he’s well enough to run his ranch. Maisy’s tender care soon has Ryan falling hard and fast. Can these two willfull souls give up their solitary ways to embrace love?
A Love Letter to the Editor by Robin Lee Hatcher
Molly Everton writes the most popular features in her town’s newspaper. When newcomer Jack Ludgrove is named the new editor, Molly is flabbergasted. She wants the position for herself and will do what it takes to get it. But Jack is not easily intimidated. He’s determined to change Molly’s mind about him – and win her heart too.
A Cowboy for Katie by Debra Clopton
Katie Pearl must rebuild her ranch after the tornado, but she can’t do it on her own. Treb Rayburn is a cowboy with a serious case of wanderlust. He signs on to help Katie so he can afford a new horse. But once Treb gets to know Katie, will his desire to stay drown out the call of the open road?
Courting Trouble by Margaret Brownley
Grace Davenport is a young widow in a heap of trouble. When her son asks attorney Brock Daniels to take on her case, Brock wants to say no, but then he meets the lovely Grace. As Brock and the boy work to free Grace, Brock discovers that her arrest may be the best thing that’s ever happened to him.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than thirty novels. Her books have won numerous awards and has written for a TV soap opera. @margaretbrownley
Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. She is the author of over seventy novels and her work often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher
Mary Connealy is an award-winning author of romantic comedy with cowboys. Mary and her Nebraska rancher husband have four grown daughters and two spectacular grandchildren. @MaryConnealy
Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra’s first book-to-movie aired on ABC Family and starred LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton
Find out more about Brownley, Hatcher, Connealy, Clopton at http://amzn.to/118aiwL.
FOUR WEDDINGS AND A KISS – Win an iPad Mini & rip-roarin’ Facebook Party!
Four best-selling romance novelists bring tales of feisty heroines, stubborn heroes, and unlikely love in the Wild West in Four Weddings and a Kiss. Don’t miss the latest from the Western Brides Collection from Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton.
The authors are celebrating with a “Sweet on Love” iPad Mini Giveaway and rip-roarin’ Facebook party.
One winner will receive:
- An iPad Mini
- A Bride for All Seasons and Four Weddings and a Kiss
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 8th. Winner will be announced at the Four Weddings and a Kiss Facebook Author Chat Party. Connect with Western Brides Collection authors Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton for an evening of fun book chat, western-themed trivia, and prizes. The authors will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in the collection!
So grab your copy of Four Weddings and a Kiss and join the authors on the evening of July 8th 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Hope to see you on the 8th!
by admin | Jun 18, 2014 | Books, Civil War, Historical
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingYankee in AtlantaRiver North(June 1, 2014)byJocelyn GreenABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed…Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.
Learn more about Jocelyn and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When soldier Caitlin McKae woke up in Atlanta after being wounded in battle, the Georgian doctor who treated her believed Caitlin’s only secret was that she had been fighting for the Confederacy disguised as a man. In order to avoid arrest or worse, Caitlin hides her true identity and makes a new life for herself in Atlanta.
Trained as a teacher, she accepts a job as a governess to the daughter of Noah Becker, a German immigrant lawyer, who is about to enlist with the Rebel army. Then in the spring of 1864, Sherman’s troops edge closer to Atlanta. Caitlin tries to escape north with the girl, but is arrested on charges of being a spy. Will honor dictate that Caitlin follow the rules, or love demand that she break them?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Yankee in Atlanta, go HERE.
by admin | Jun 17, 2014 | 1950's, Appalachia, Books, Historical, Romance, West Virginia
MY REVIEW:
I was privileged to have the opportunity to read a pre-release galley of Sarah Loudin Thomas’ first novel “Miracle in a Dry Season”. I am almost at a loss for words to express how much I liked this book. I most assuredly will purchase a printed copy once it is available. I intend to add the entire series to my keeper shelf so that I can read them again.
I’m not absolutely certain what it was about this book that caused me to like it so much. The author’s way with words was extraordinary, her characters almost stepped off the page, the setting was perfect, and the story was filled with scripture without being heavy-handed. I absolutely loved Perla, a young mother who had never been married and who exhibited a certain unusual way with food that may have caused her more social problems than her obvious sin. Her constant willingness to serve others and her love for her daughter was inspiring. Then there was Casewell, who despite his initial reaction to Perla’s past, quickly found himself helping and standing up for her as she tirelessly worked to help feed their community during a severe drought. Casewell’s integrity and faith were a highlight of the story.
Oh, there are so many lessons in this story that apply to our own lives! And each lesson is illustrated in such a kind and gentle manner within the context of the story that it is nearly painless – that is until the reader realizes that the guilty character could be herself. Wonderful examples of faith, forgiveness, and servanthood permeate the pages of this book and could be examples for each and every one of us.
I could not find a thing about this novel that was not absolutely perfect. I believe it may be the best one I have read in a long time (and I read every day and have many favorites). I highly recommend this book and hope everyone will pick up a copy when it is finally released. Love, love, love it! 
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a Drought, It’s the Darkest Cloud
That Brings Hope
It’s 1954 and Perla Long’s arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.
Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor…until he meets Perla. She’s everything he’s sought in a woman, but he can’t get past the sense that she’s hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla’s unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.
Read an excerpt from “Miracle in a Dry Season” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fund-raiser for a children’s ministry who has also published freelance writing for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times and The Journey Christian Newspaper. She holds a bachelor’s in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in Asheville, North Carolina. Learn more at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
by admin | Jun 13, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Lawman’s Oklahoma SweetheartLove Inspired (June 3, 2014)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter, harp player and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The “dare from a friend” to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; Becoming a Chief Home Officer and Facing Every Mom’s Fears and now novels for Steeple Hill Books. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Katrine Brinkerhoff’s cabin is attacked, only sheriff Clint Thornton’s heroism saves her. She owes Clint her life—and her help catching the men responsible. All she has to do is trust in Clint’s plan to protect her family. But she can’t let herself care too deeply, not when her past carries secrets that would drive him away.
Infiltrating the murderous gang is a dirty job, yet Clint is determined to see it through. The brigands will face justice—and they will never harm Katrine again. Clint would give his life to keep the beautiful settler safe…but will he be willing to risk his heart?
Bridegroom Brothers: True love awaits three siblings in the Oklahoma Land Rush
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lawman’s Oklahoma Sweetheart, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The Lawman’s Oklahoma Sweetheart is a fast-paced historical romance that takes place during the Oklahoma land grab. The story is filled with loads of action, danger, suspense, and of course romance. I had not read the previous two books of this series but it was obvious that if I had read it, several of the supporting characters would be familiar to me. Nevertheless, my enjoyment of this book did not suffer because I had not read the others. If time were to permit, I would probably enjoy reading them.
Both primary characters were strong and likeable. Katrine was lovely and appeared to be fragile but she had a backbone of iron. After Clint saved her life, she had no choice but to go along with his plans to keep her and her brother Lars safe from the men who threatened the entire area. Clint was a steadfast sheriff whose goal was to drive out the troublemakers and protect the town’s residents as well as those on surrounding farms. As Clint and Katrine spent more time together, their attraction grew but Clint held a personal secret that convinced him he should never marry. Would he be able to overcome his pain and let himself love Katrine? And will any of them survive the increasing violence of the men known as the Black Four?
by admin | Jun 10, 2014 | Books, Historical, Novella
MY REVIEW:
“Appalachian Serenade” is the prequel novella to the new Appalachian Blessings series by Sarah Loudin Thomas. Set in small town West Virginia during mid twentieth century, the story is short enough to be read through in one sitting (at least I did). Sarah has a way with words that quickly transported me back to a kinder and gentler (or so it seems) period of time. Her descriptions of Robert’s store brought back memories of the country stores that were so familiar during my childhood.
Delilah Morrissey is a young widow who always seems to know what people want or need before they know for themselves. In certain Christian circles, her special gift might be considered the spiritual gift known as word of knowledge. However one might define her gift, Delilah always used it to bless others and as a result, the business at Robert’s store flourished. Both Delilah and Robert have cherished dreams for their future but after years of waiting, each of them has virtually given up hope of seeing their dreams fulfilled.
“Appalachian Serenade” is a short but sweet romance that gives the reader hope that her own dreams might yet be realized also. If this is any example of the full length books in the series, I cannot wait to dig into them.
This book was a free Kindle download provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Delilah Morrissey has always wanted to be a mother, but when she becomes a young widow, that dream now seems farther away than ever. Unable to continue to live alone in Chicago, her only option is to accept her sister’s offer to move in with her family back in West Virginia. Will Delilah have the faith to pursue a new dream–even if it means giving up the old?
Includes an excerpt of Miracle in a Dry Season, the first full-length novel in the Appalachian Blessings series–a book New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber called, “Wonderful, simply wonderful.”
Download a free copy of Appalachian Serenade HERE for a limited time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fund-raiser for a children’s ministry who has also published freelance writing for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times and The Journey Christian Newspaper. She holds a bachelor’s in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in Asheville, North Carolina. Learn more at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
