by admin | Apr 9, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Over the course of many years of reading countless novels, I don’t believe I have ever run across another one that featured a woman buffalo hunter! I immediately knew that “Caught in the Middle” would be interesting and somewhat different that my usual fare. My suspicions proved to be correct and I was thoroughly entertained by this book.
During the course of the story, I learned the reasons why Anne Tillerton had become a buffalo hunter and watched her tentative relationship with Nicholas Lovelace develop despite its total improbability. It was fun and amusing to watch Nicholas develop strong feelings for Anne who was an absolutely inappropriate companion for an up-and-coming young man with his ambition. I loved the interaction between the pair, especially how Anne challenged Nicolas about his faith when she had no trust in the Lord herself. It was gratifying to watch Anne’s progress as she began to trust others as well as grow into a faith of her own.
“Caught in the Middle” was a satisfying conclusion to the Ladies of Caldwell County series but easily stands on its own strength. I enjoyed all three books and would recommend each of them.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She Wants the Freedom of the Open Plains.
He Wants the Prestige of a Successful Career.
Neither is Ready for What Comes Instead.
The train to Garber, Texas, is supposed to bring life’s next victory to Nicholas Lovelace. Instead, it gets held up by robbers who are thwarted by the last person Nick ever expected–Anne Tillerton from back home in Prairie Lea.
Anne’s been hiding away as a buffalo hunter. She’s only in town to find their runaway cook, but the woman flees–leaving Anne with her infant son. With Nick the only person Anne knows in town, the two form an unlikely team as they try to figure out what to do with the child.
But being in town means acting and dressing for polite society–and it’s not going well for Anne. Meanwhile, Nick’s work is bringing new pressures, and being seen with a rough-around-the-edges woman isn’t helping his reputation. Caught between their own dreams, a deepening relationship, and others’ expectations, can the pair find their way to love?
“[Jennings is] a fresh voice in Christian historical romance…” Library Journal
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.
More Info
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by admin | Apr 2, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Through the Deep Waters” is an emotionally charged book about a young man and woman who have been rejected by their peers most of their lives. Dinah was looked down upon because of where she lived as well as her mother’s profession. A sacrificial decision led to a traumatic encounter that left her unable to sleep because of horrific nightmares and shame. She believes that becoming a “Harvey Girl” will be what it takes to gain the respect of others. Amos is a chicken farmer with a severe disability caused by an accident when he was a child. Determined to make a success of his farm, Amos is certain he can prove his worth to his father and maybe even himself.
Poignant and moving, “Through the Deep Waters” is not only a story about shame and rejection but about the redemptive power of the Lord to bring change and a second chance to lives when all hope seems lost. Sawyer’s characters are so very well defined that I cared what would happen to them. Physically, Amos was a less than perfect hero but his strong faith, integrity, and inner strength overcame his disabilities and gained my respect and admiration. Dinah had my sympathy throughout the story and I rejoiced with her when her life changed for the better. A pivotal scene between Dinah and her room mate was absolutely perfect!
As you can probably tell, I thoroughly enjoyed “Through the Deep Waters”. I could go on but fear I would reveal too much. Do yourself a favor and pick up or order your own copy.
This book was provided for review by the
WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging For Books program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A past filled with shame can be washed away with a love that conquers all
Born to an unloving prostitute in a popular Chicago brothel, timid seventeen-year-old Dinah Hubley was raised amidst the secrets held in every dark, grimy room of her home. Anxious to escape, Dinah pursues her dream of becoming a Harvey Girl, waiting tables along the railroad in an upscale hotel. But when she finds out she isn’t old enough, her only option is to accept a job as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas. Eager to put everything behind her, Dinah feels more worthless than ever, based on a single horrible decision she made to survive.
The Clifton offers a life Dinah has never known, but blinded to the love around her, Dinah remains buried in the shame of her past. When a handsome chicken farmer named Amos Ackerman starts to show interest, Dinah withdraws further, convinced no one could want a sullied woman like her. Despite his self-consciousness about his handicapped leg and her strange behavior, Amos resolves to show Dinah Christ’s love. But can she ever accept a gift she so desperately needs?
Click here to download chapter one of Through the Deep Waters.
Praise for Through the Deep Waters
“Kim Vogel Sawyer paints a picture of redemption and forgiveness in not one but many lives in Through the Deep Waters. Just as weary travelers found comfort in Mr. Harvey’s hotels, readers will find comfort in this wrenching tale of one woman’s shameful past and one man’s struggle to look beyond her indiscretions and accept the woman she has become—a woman redeemed by grace. Ms. Sawyer’s historically accurate novels tug the strings of the heart while giving hope to those who feel unworthy.”
—Pam Hillman, author of Claiming Mariah
“Kim Vogel Sawyer’s careful attention to detail and heartfelt writing make her one of the industry’s favorites.”
—Lori Copeland, author of The Healer’s Touch
“Kim Vogel Sawyer has crafted an emotion-packed novel about two damaged souls whose faith and courage ultimately come shining through. Readers will root for Dinah and Amos to overcome the wounds of their troubled pasts in order to find love and hope for the future. With its vividly rendered settings and well-rounded characters, this lovely story is sure to please Ms. Sawyer’s many fans.”
—Dorothy Love, author of Carolina Gold
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are in print and have garnered awards including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in Kansas, where she and her retired military husband, Don, run a bed-and-breakfast inn with the help of their four feline companions. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and nine grandchildren.
by admin | Mar 30, 2014 | 1960's, Books, Historical
MY REVIEW:
“Summer of Joy” was quite the nostalgic read for me because during the summer of 1964 I was very close to the same age as the book’s main character Jocie and also grew up in a rural/small town atmosphere. It was so easy for me to identify with Jocie’s life although thankfully, my own was fairly boring by comparison. Just when I thought Jocie and her family would get back on an even keel after all the events in the previous books in the Hollyhill Series, it seemed like more excitement and even some danger were in store for the Brooke family and friends.
I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Hollyhill once again and spending time with many of the familiar faces from the earlier books. From smart and spunky Jocie, to her wise and caring father, to wacky but beloved Wes, I love all Gabhart’s wonderful characters. This story has a little something for everyone – a bit of romance, plenty of humor, some danger and suspense, and woven through it all, a wealth of faith and forgiveness.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As summer draws to a close Jocie’s world seems serene–but is it just the calm before a storm?
Unbeknownst to Jocie Brooke and her family, two people are making their way to the small town of Hollyhill, Kentucky. One everyone thought was gone for good and the other no one’s ever heard of. Still, one thing is sure–they promise trouble. The past is coming to call, threatening to destroy strong relationships that everyone has simply taken for granted.
The summer of 1964 may be winding down, but the controversy in this little community where nothing ever seems to change is just heating up.
Bestselling author Ann Gabhart invites you to Hollyhill for a story both exciting and enduring that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, Scent of Lilacs, and Orchard of Hope. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.
by admin | Mar 24, 2014 | Books, Historical, Quilts, WWII
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMaybelle In StitchesAbingdon Press (March 18, 2014)byJoyce MagninABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A word from the Author:
I am the author of seven novels. Five adult novels and two middle grade readers. I never wanted to do anything else but write and every day I wake up astonished that I get to do what I always dreamed about. My days are filled with words and images along with the usual family stuff. I have three children, Rebekah who is married to Joshua. They have three of the most adorable boys on the planet, Lemuel, Cedar and Soren. My daughter Emily Kate is a lovely young woman anthropologist and my son Adam is fourteen and a student–he’s a genius who loves frogs and lizards and fish and plants. He amazes me.
I have never eaten a scallop. I love cream soda. Drink way too much coffee. I do not like elevators but I do enjoy needle arts and of course books. I prefer jazz over country (no offense), milk chocolate over dark, but not roller coasters although my life has often resembled a roller coaster ride.
One of my life’s desires is to meet Amy Grant so I can tell her she saved my life.
Learn more about Joyce and her books on her Blog.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Maybelle can’t sew. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house, she gets the crazy idea to complete it. At first, it’s just a way to fill the lonely nights while her husband, staff sergeant Holden Kanzinzki, is away fighting in World War II.
Yet when Maybelle discovers that the quilt is made from scraps of material that can be traced back through her family heritage, the project is suddenly much more important. Then word comes that Holden is missing in action, and with little else to do, Maybelle clings to the quilt as much as to the hope that her husband is still alive. As neighborhood friends gather around Maybelle to help her through the unknown days and nights ahead, it is the quilt that becomes a symbol of her unflagging belief that Holden will return—to her, to their home, and to their quilt-covered bed.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Maybelle In Stitches, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Maybelle In Stitches is one of the latest additions to the Abingdon Press Quilts of Love series. Although I did have a bit more difficulty getting into the story, I found plenty to interest me once I did. The story takes place during World War 2 with a primary focus on the wives of soldiers fighting in the war. As these women waited for their husbands to return home, they not only managed their homes but often worked in factories to help the war effort. Maybelle and her best friend Doris both work as welderettes on ships but their evenings and weekends are extremely lonely and long. Working together on a quilt started by Maybelle’s mother, the friends and a few other military wives fill their free time putting together a quilt of hope.
The story manages to give the reader insight into the lives of these women as they experience life without their husbands and go through good times and tragedy together. A strong emphasis on the faithfulness of God no matter what the circumstance is present throughout the narrative. Another major theme is the importance of friendship in our lives.
by admin | Mar 24, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, Texas
MY REVIEW:
Having recently read “Butterfly Palace”, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Coble’s novella “Bluebonnet Bride” features Nathan White who had a minor role in the previous novel. Because of circumstances surrounding him in “Butterfly Palace”, Nathan mostly came across as gruff and distrustful although it was obvious that he loved his sister and niece. I enjoyed reading about the Nathan that Elli got to know soon after she married him as a mail order bride.
Colleen managed to pack quite a bit of action and suspense into such a brief story and she kept it believable too! I read my copy of the ebook in one sitting because I NEEDED to find out what happened before I could put it down for the night. Both Elli and Nathan were both characters I would love to revisit. Elli was a sweet young woman desperate for a chance of a safe home and a family to love. Despite her grave circumstances, she was determined to be a good wife to Nathan. Nathan proved himself to be a husband Elli could depend on and easily grow to love. When danger followed Ellis all the way from Finland to Texas, Nathan’s first priority was to protect her and his niece Hannah.
The only complaint I could voice about “Bluebonnet Bride” is that it was much too short; however I could say that about any book written by Colleen Coble. She is one author whose books I do not miss.
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publisher’s BookLook blogger program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
At the turn of the 20th century, Elli Korpela boards The Baltic with hundreds of eager women, all seeking new beginnings and brighter futures in America . . . as mail order brides.
Escaping a forced engagement, Elli seeks refuge in a faraway marriage, desperately needing her new life with a Texan named Nathan White to be safer than the one she left behind in Finland. And as she glimpses her future husband and his darling niece at the train station, she instantly knows her risk will prove the best decision she’s ever made.
Until he became the guardian of four-year-old Hannah, Nathan White never took an interest in marriage, arranging a mail order wife to simply love and care for his orphaned niece. That is, he never took an interest until he laid eyes on the beautiful Elli Korpela.
After a fairytale ceremony in the gardens of the grandest estate Elli’s ever seen, a place called Butterfly Palace, their peaceful beginning takes a disquieting turn as an intruder brutally attacks Elli in the middle of the night. Nathan intervenes, but the devil escapes unidentified, leaving Elli to face two chilling possibilities: either the attack was arranged by strike workers in Nathan’s employ or her shadowy past followed her into the present – and across the sea.
As the danger mounts, Elli and Nathan must face their enemy together, fighting to stay alive – and fighting to stay man and wife.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
by admin | Mar 21, 2014 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Heart’s Rebellion” is a beautifully written novel set in Regency era England. With lavish descriptions of architecture, landscapes, and events attended by the “Ton”, the story was quite easy to picture in my mind. Historical details and customs helped me to understand the reasoning behind the characters’ actions.
Although Jessamine was the main character, it was very difficult to like her at times. Many of her choices were foolishly based on past hurts and very nearly led to her downfall. On the other hand, Lancelot was easy to like and although I wasn’t sure Jessamine deserved him, I was rooting for him nevertheless. I was gratified to watch as Jessamine learned from her mistakes, matured, and found her way back to God. I also thoroughly enjoyed touching base again with Celine and Rees from “Moonlight Masquerade” and the primary roles they played in “A Heart’s Rebellion” also.
“A Heart’s Rebellion” is another fine novel by Ruth Axtell that should definitely appeal to those who enjoy Regency romance novels. This author undoubtedly excels in this genre.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a world governed by unspoken rules, one young woman is about to break them all . . .
Dutiful Jessamine Barry is tired of waiting patiently for a man to decide her future. So even though Lancelot Marfleet, second son of an aristocrat, is taking an interest in her during the London season, she refuses to consider him as a suitor. Instead, she’s ready to take fashionable society by storm–and finds a rakish young man all too willing to help her do it.
Can Jessamine trust her heart to lead her to a love that proves true through thick and thin? Or will her rash actions close the door on the life she really desires?
Lose yourself in Ruth Axtell’s sumptuous story of discovering one’s true self and finding true love.
“Rich and rewarding, A Heart’s Rebellion is a regency unmatched, capturing readers with a plot so unique and compelling, pages will fly and sleep will be lost. With grace and mastery, Ruth Axtell has penned a lush regency tale where a heart’s rebellion slowly ripens into a love everlasting.”–Julie Lessman, award-winning author of the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ruth Axtell is the author of many novels, including Moonlight Masquerade and Wild Rose, one of Booklist’s Top Ten in Christian Fiction. Currently a resident of Downeast Maine, Axtell has lived in the Canary Islands, Miami, and the Netherlands. Learn more at www.ruthaxtell.com.
