by admin | May 27, 2014 | Books, Historical, Quilts
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Stitch and A PrayerAbingdon Press (May 20, 2014)byEva GibsonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
(No image available) Eva Gibson is the author of twenty books, including A Stitch and a Prayer, the latest release in the Quilts of Love series from Abingdon Fiction. She currently teaches Writing Your Life Story classes for Portland Community College and is an active member of Oregon Christian Writers. She has lived most of her life on the family farm in Wilsonville, Oregon, which is the setting for her novel.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After her fiancé returns from the Klondike gold rush in 1897, Florence Harms sets about building a new life in her new marriage—even though the lingering effects of illness have left her weak and vulnerable. She and her young husband, Will, work tirelessly to clear the land around their Northwest cabin, content with their modest life.
But then a stranger comes knocking and Florence suddenly senses a restlessness in Will’s spirit that she had never seen before. When he leaves her with only a note that tells her he will return before their baby’s birth, she is devastated, and the illness that stiffened her joints returns. Counting the days until Will walks back through her door, Florence busies herself with a Tree of Life quilt displaying a map of the farm they call home. Doubts claw at her heart as Florence struggles to believe Will’s promise to return to her. Will her labor of love—and faith in God—sustain her as she waits to see her beloved once again?
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Stitch and A Prayer, go HERE.
by admin | May 27, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“While Love Stirs” is a charming and sometimes amusing novel featuring feisty and opinionated Charlotte Gregory. Sparks fly at her first meeting with Dr. Joel Brooks as they clash over her idea of proper meals for his patients. Having recently graduated from Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery, Charlotte is certain that she can teach Dr. Brooks and his staff a thing or two about nutrition but tight hospital funds force him to turn her down. A job opportunity allows Charlotte to travel all over the state and her new co-worker Lewis is sweet, handsome, and head-over-heels for her. But for some reason, Charlotte can’t get the cantankerous Dr. Brooks out of her mind.
I thoroughly enjoyed the give and take between the characters and also found Joel’s OCD tendencies to be a unique and fund addition to the story. Charlotte was an excellent heroine who was often quite outspoken, sometimes impetuous, but almost always generous and kind. Joel’s compassionate nature was sometimes hidden behind his professional bearing but his caring heart became obvious over the course of the story.
I have enjoyed each of Seilstad’s previous novels and “While Love Stirs” was no exception. I will always recommend her books.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Take one lovely young woman.
Add two ambitious young men.
Stir . . . and stand back.
As a graduate of Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery, Charlotte Gregory is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution–the gas stove. And she certainly doesn’t mind that the gas company has hired the kindhearted Lewis Mathis to entertain at her lectures.
Lewis encourages Charlotte’s work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made–especially by this outspoken young woman.
When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?
Follow the second Gregory sister as she looks for true love and makes her way in a rapidly changing world in this breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep you guessing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.
by admin | May 11, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, France, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Chateau of Secrets” tells two related stories, one that is current and one that took place in France during World War 2. Through alternating chapters the reader learns the historic story of Gisèle Duchant and the risks she took to hide French resistance fighters as well as saving numerous others after the German army moved into the family chateau during the German occupation of France. The contemporary story follows Gisèle’s granddaughter Chloe Sauver as she travels to France to answer questions for a documentary featuring the family history.
“Chateau of Secrets” is a fascinating novel that held my attention until the very end. It was easy to follow each story thread and I enjoyed reading what happened to Gisèle at the same time Chloe learned more about her. The historical setting and details were excellent. I almost felt as though I was there. The dramatic tension was perfect and surprises were revealed at just the right moments. Chloe’s love interests added extra depth to the narrative but in my opinion Gisèle was the star of this book.
A special story, “Chateau of Secrets” is a book I would recommend to all lovers of historical fiction.
This book was provided for review by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A courageous young noblewoman risks her life to hide French resistance fighters; seventy years later, her granddaughter visits the family’s abandoned chateau and uncovers shocking secrets from the past.
Gisèle Duchant guards a secret that could cost her life. Tunnels snake through the hill under her family’s medieval chateau in Normandy. Now, with Hitler’s army bearing down, her brother and several friends are hiding in the tunnels, resisting the German occupation of France.
But when German soldiers take over the family’s château, Gisèle is forced to host them as well—while harboring the resistance fighters right below their feet. Taking in a Jewish friend’s baby, she convinces the Nazis that it is her child, ultimately risking everything for the future of the child. When the German officers begin to suspect her deception, an unlikely hero rescues both her and the child.
A present day story weaves through the past one as Chloe Sauver, Gisèle’s granddaughter, arrives in Normandy. After calling off her engagement with a political candidate, Chloe pays a visit to the chateau to escape publicity and work with a documentary filmmaker, Riley, who has uncovered a fascinating story about Jews serving in Hitler’s army. Riley wants to research Chloe’s family history and the lives that were saved in the tunnels under their house in Normandy. Chloe is floored—her family isn’t Jewish, for one thing, and she doesn’t know anything about tunnels or the history of the house. But as she begins to explore the dark and winding passageways beneath the chateau, nothing can prepare her for the shock of what she and Riley discover…
With emotion and intrigue, Melanie Dobson brings World War II France to life in this beautiful novel about war, family, sacrifice, and the secrets of the past.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of thirteen historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010. Melanie lives with her husband Jon and two daughters near Portland, Oregon. Visit her online at MelanieDobson.com.
by admin | May 5, 2014 | Books, England, Historical, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
On the very first page I was pulled directly into the action that paved the way for an exciting story filled with danger and suspense, secrets galore, forbidden romance, and a quest for the family treasure. Many elements of the story brought to mind the gothic novels I loved when I was much younger and reminded me why I loved them.
Elizabeth Trelawney has endured several London seasons without securing a husband and the man her parents want her to marry frightens her. She is weary of men who are interested in her only for her family’s riches and her prime desire is to live her life under the security of her beloved Bastian Point, her grandparents’ home on the Cornwall coast. If she can only discover the family treasure quickly, she will be guaranteed to inherit.
Unfortunately, even Bastian Point is no longer the refuge she once knew. Murder and even an attempt on Elizabeth’s life are only part of the growing sense of danger that surrounds Bastian Point. In addition Elizabeth is increasingly drawn to Rowan Curnow, a man unsuitable for a woman of her station.
I loved every minute of “A Lady’s Honor” and found that the end came much too quickly. I liked both Elizabeth and Rowan and was as surprised as Elizabeth when I learned Rowan’s secret. It was also interesting knowing what the family treasure was and wondering how long it would take Elizabeth to realize it for herself. The plot was filled with several unexpected twists and a major turning point or two. One scene in particular made me want to cheer for Elizabeth.
All-in-all, “A Lady’s Honor” was quite satisfying and I look forward to future novels by Ms. Eakes.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Society is concerned about her honor, but Elizabeth must realize her worth doesn’t lie in her inheritance.
In order to avoid a forced marriage to a dangerous man, Elizabeth Trelawney flees London. An unexpected stranger arrives to help her, and as they elude her pursuers across Cornwall in the night, Elizabeth realizes her rescuer, Rowan Curnow, is familiar.
Their differences in social status kept Rowan from pursuing a courtship with the lady his heart wouldn’t let him forget. Now because of dangerous smugglers and local murders, the two are plunged into a reckless alliance that rattles Rowan’s fledgling faith in God.
The closer they get to Bastian Point-Elizabeth’s true home-the more she realizes it is the only place she longs to be. Even the sight of its solid structure perched on the cliffs makes her feel safe. Elizabeth is the most likely to inherit Bastian Point if Grandfather never learns she spent the night, however innocently, with a near stranger.
As spring warms into summer, Elizabeth finds herself torn between wanting to be the perfect grandchild and her growing love for a man of whom no one will approve as a match for her, a man she knows she shouldn’t entirely trust. Unsure whether she is being foolish or following the right path, she sets out with Rowan on a quest to find the true culprit behind the local violence.
Their quest leads them to danger, and she must choose whether to follow the man she loves or cling to the safety of her family home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
“Eakes has a charming way of making her novels come to life without being over the top,” writes Romantic times of bestselling, award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes. Since she lay in bed as a child telling herself stories, she has fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author. To date, she has sixteen books in print with five more under contract for release over the next two years. Eight of her books have been published in large print editions, one as a Crossings Bookclub hardcover edition, and one book has been put into Braille.
A graduate of Asbury University with a degree in English and French, and Seton Hill University, with a masters degree in Writing Popular Fiction, she also writes articles in writers publications, teaches writing workshops, and gives inspirational talks.
She lives in Texas with her husband, dogs, and cats. She enjoys long walks, all too rare rainy days, and knitting—rather badly—while watching movies or listening to music.
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurieAEakes
Read excerpts from her books at: http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com
by admin | May 5, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed quite a few novels by DeeAnne Gist over the past several years. One thing that comes to mind when I think about her books is the amount of humor that she manages to insert into her historical romance stories. “Fair Play” follows that general form with a moderate amount of levity but on the whole, its content is much more serious.
Set against the backdrop of the Chicago World’s Fair, the chapters open with actual photos taken either at the World’s Fair or in scenes comparable to those in the story. Billy Jack Tate is a woman doctor working at the fair while attempting to establish her own medical practice at a time when women doctors are frowned upon. Hunter Scott is a Texas ranger also working at the fair as a guard at the women’s building, a position he feels is quite below his personal qualifications. Hunter and Billy Jack clash repeatedly because of their different outlooks on men and women’s places in society but as can be expected, an attraction begins to grow between them.
The romance between Billy Jack and Hunter is well and good but to me the meat of this story was the contrast between the opulent buildings of the World’s Fair and the deplorable living conditions in the low income area that was nearby. The neglect and mistreatment of children were especially heart-breaking, especially the child left chained alone in an apartment while the rest of her family worked and the children thrown and kept in jail for minor infractions.
Most fiction has its heroes and villains and “Fair Play” had its share. Although the plot may have moved a bit slowly at times, it never failed to hold my interest. Dialogue between Billy Jack and Hunter was often amusing. They both held firm opinions but their hearts were compassionate. I loved the scenes about the development of the first city park and the dedication of the women at Hull House toward helping the children.
“Fair Play” was not the most entertaining and carefree novel I’ve read by DeeAnne Gist but as historical fiction, it is top notch. I recommend it highly.
This book was provided for review by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Saddled with a man’s name, the captivating Billy Jack Tate makes no apologies for taking on a man’s profession. As a doctor at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, she is one step closer to having her very own medical practice—until Hunter Scott asks her to give it all up to become his wife.
Hunter is one of the elite. A Texas Ranger and World’s Fair guard specifically chosen for his height, physique, character, and skill. Hailed as the toughest man west of any place east, he has no patience for big cities and women who think they belong anywhere but home…
Despite their difference of opinion on the role of women, Hunter and Billy find a growing attraction between them—until Hunter discovers an abandoned baby in the corner of a White City exhibit. He and Billy team up to make sure this foundling isn’t left in the slums of Chicago with only the flea-riddled, garbage-infested streets for a playground. As they fight for the underprivileged children in the Nineteenth Ward, an entire Playground Movement is birthed. But when the Fair comes to an end, one of them will have to give up their dream.
Will Billy exchange her doctor’s shingle for the domesticated role of a southern wife, or will Hunter abandon the wide open spaces of home for a life in the “gray city,” a woman who insists on being the wage earner, and a group of ragamuffins who need more than a playground for breathing space?
Read an excerpt from “Fair Play” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deeanne Gist has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very fun, original historical and contemporary novels. She has received three RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, and rave reviews. With a background in education and journalism and a degree from Texas A&M, Deeanne has written for People, Parents, and Parenting magazine. She has four grown children and lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband. Visit her online at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/DeesFriends.
by admin | May 2, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
As a lover of American historical fiction and a southerner, I found “The Pelican Bride” to be practically perfect. I have read hundreds of historical novels during my lifetime and I don’t remember ever reading one about the early settlement of the Mobile bay area. The facts about the French women aboard the Pelican who were brought in as wives was quite interesting as was learning about all the political and religious division during that period of our history.
I liked both Tristan and Geneviève and knew from the beginning that they would end up together. What else would one expect from a man and a woman who were both determined not to marry? Of course even with those expectations, it was quite enjoyable to read their story to discover how that all worked out. Set in what is now coastal Alabama, “The Pelican Bride” is a wonderful overview of the lives of those who settled the area and leaves little to the imagination about the hardships and life-threatening disease those settlers faced day to day. Yet in the midst of it, Tristan and Geneviève not only found true love but learned that God is faithful whether one is Catholic or Protestant.
A diverse group of other characters added depth and realism to the narrative. There were those who were honest and cared about others, some who were totally self-centered and irritating, and a few who were unscrupulous and dangerous. Danger lurks both within the walls of the fort and even more so in the area surrounding it. Both the French and the English want the land and both try to manipulate the native Indians to take their side. With a plot filled with secrets, betrayal, danger, and unexpected twists, “The Pelican Bride” was an intense but enjoyable read. I look forward to the next installment of this series.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s come to the New World to escape a perilous past. But has it followed her to these far shores?
It is 1704 when Frenchwoman Geneviève Gaillain and her sister board the frigate Pélican bound for the distant Louisiana colony. Both have promised to marry one of the rough men toiling in this strange new world in order to escape suffering in the old. Geneviève knows life won’t be easy, but at least here she can establish a home and family without fear of persecution for her outlawed religious beliefs.
When she falls in love with Tristan Lanier, an expatriate cartographer-turned-farmer whose checkered past is shrouded in mystery, Geneviève realizes that even in this land of liberty one is not guaranteed peace. Trouble is brewing outside the fort between the French colonists and the native people surrounding them. And an even more sinister enemy may lurk within. Could the secret Geneviève harbors mean the undoing of the colony itself?
Gulf Coast native Beth White brings vividly to life the hot, sultry South in this luscious, layered tale.
Read an excerpt from The Pelican Bride HERE.
Endorsements:
“Fresh as a gulf breeze, The Pelican Bride is the perfect pairing of history and romance. Finely tuned characters and a setting second to none make this a remarkable, memorable story. Beth White’s foray into colonial Louisiana is historical romance of the highest quality.”–Laura Frantz, author of Love’s Reckoning and Love’s Awakening
“Not your usual setting, not your usual historical romance–The Pelican Bride breaks new ground in the historical genre. Choosing to write a story set in the French colony that became Mobile, Alabama, draws the reader into a new and exciting period. A winning beginning to a new historical series.”–Lyn Cote, author of The Wilderness Brides series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth White’s day job is teaching music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. A native Mississippian, she is a pastor’s wife, mother of two, and grandmother of one–so far. Her hobbies include playing flute and pennywhistle and painting, but her real passion is writing historical romance with a Southern drawl. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Visit www.bethwhite.net for more information.
