by admin | Mar 21, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingTide and TempestBethany House Publishers (March 4, 2014)byElizabeth LudwigABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Rocket, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies (co-authored with Janelle Mowery), earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year Award. This book was followed in 2009 by “I’ll be Home for Christmas”, part of the Christmas anthology collection, Christmas Homecoming.
In 2011, her second mystery, Died in the Wool (co-authored with Janelle Mowery) was nominated for a Carol Award. In 2012, the popular EDGE OF FREEDOM series released from Bethany House Publishers. Books one and two, No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home, respectively, earned 4 Stars from the RT Book Reviews. Book three, Tide and Tempest, received top honors with 4 1/2 Stars.
Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Two years ago, her fiance perished during their voyage to America.
Now she discovers it may have been murder…
Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind and, with her beloved fiance by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of the man she holds dear, she’s left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream–to open a home for orphaned children.
Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman’s deathbed confession reveals her fiance’s demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well–dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiance.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Tide and Tempest, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The third installment of Ludwig’s Edge of Freedom series, Tide and Tempest is a riveting tale filled with mystery and intrigue. Featuring Tillie who made an appearance in the previous novel of this series and Keondric Morgan, a ship’s captain who feels responsible for Tillie, this latest novel also includes frequent appearances by other characters from the earlier books.
From the beautiful cover that set the mood for the story, the historical details, to the climatic ending, I loved everything about Tide and Tempest, Although as far as I know I have no Irish heritage, I always find Irish history fascinating. The plot moved along at a brisk rate with plenty of action, danger, and surprises to hold almost anyone’s interest. The romance between Tillie and Keondric was so filled with obstacles and personal issues that it often seemed doomed to failure. Although I felt sure that everything would turn out well in the end, there were times the author had me wondering if one of the characters to whom I had become attached would meet an untimely fate. Several surprises and revelations were exposed and a strong message of faith in the midst of troubles was woven throughout the narrative.
I am sorry to see this wonderful series come to an end but I will look forward to what Elizabeth Ludwig has in store for her readers in the future.
by admin | Mar 7, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
After reading Lori Benton’s wonderful first novel, “Burning Sky”, I was eager to read “The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn” so I was honored to be included among her influencers for this novel.
A story about a man and a woman from very different backgrounds, “The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn” takes the reader on a grueling adventure with Tamsen and Jesse Bird as he helps her to escape her cruel stepfather. Tamsen has lived a life of privilege while Jesse spent most of his young years with Indians after the murder of his parents. The pair experience numerous hardships such as harsh weather as they make their way over the mountains to relative safety but even then they cannot relax their guard. Although Jesse fell in love with Tamsen almost immediately, his own wishes were set aside as he vowed to protect her while allowing her time to choose to marry him for the right reasons.
I loved everything about this book. The characters and the plot were superb! The action, drama, and suspense were so artfully timed that there never seemed to be a place to stop reading. I HAD to find out what would happen next. There were moments when I was afraid to keep reading because I was sure something would happen that I would not like – that is how involved I got with the characters. Thankfully everything turned out especially well but not without some big surprises. “The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn” is the kind of novel that keeps me reading historical fiction. I cannot wait for Lori’s next book to be released.
An advance reader copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Frontier dangers cannot hold a candle to the risks one woman takes by falling in love
In an act of brave defiance, Tamsen Littlejohn escapes the life her harsh stepfather has forced upon her. Forsaking security and an arranged marriage, she enlists frontiersman Jesse Bird to guide her to the Watauga settlement in western North Carolina. But shedding her old life doesn’t come without cost. As the two cross a vast mountain wilderness, Tamsen faces hardships that test the limits of her faith and endurance.
Convinced that Tamsen has been kidnapped, wealthy suitor Ambrose Kincaid follows after her, in company with her equally determined stepfather. With trouble in pursuit, Tamsen and Jesse find themselves thrust into the conflict of a divided community of Overmountain settlers. The State of Franklin has been declared, but many remain loyal to North Carolina. With one life left behind and chaos on the horizon, Tamsen struggles to adapt to a life for which she was never prepared. But could this challenging frontier life be what her soul has longed for, what God has been leading her toward? As pursuit draws ever nearer, will her faith see her through the greatest danger of all—loving a man who has risked everything for her?
READ THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Benton was born and raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American and family history going back to the 1600s. Her novels transport readers to the 18th century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history, creating a melting pot of characters drawn from both sides of a turbulent and shifting frontier, brought together in the bonds of God’s transforming grace.
When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching 18th century history, Lori enjoys exploring the mountains with her husband – often scouring the brush for huckleberries, which overflow the freezer and find their way into her signature huckleberry lemon pound cake.
Learn more about Lori and her books on her website.
by admin | Mar 4, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas
MY REVIEW:
To my surprise I learned that “Vow Unbroken” was Caryl McAdoo’s first novel after I finished reading it. I found it to be very well-written with a plot and characters that held my attention until the very end. I am a lover of historical fiction, especially novels that take place west of the Mississippi so “Vow Unbroken” was of special interest to me.
I particularly enjoyed the interaction between the characters as well as being privy to some of Susannah and Henry’s inner thoughts. Little Becky was so precocious that she practically stole the show. I also enjoyed witnessing Levi’s maturation during the course of their grueling journey. One thing that really stuck out to me was Susannah’s acknowledgement that although Henry had apparently not accepted Christ, his actions were more Christ-like than her own. I thought that Susannah’s portrayal as a Christian who was aware of her shortcomings made her an even more genuine and likeable character.
“Vow Unbroken” was chock full of enough action, danger, romance, and humor to satisfy most readers. The historical background, including speech patterns appear to have been well researched and seemed to be authentic. The spiritual thread was strong and realistic but unobtrusive. I look forward to more books by this author, hopefully in the near future.
This book was provided for review by Howard Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A spunky young widow hires a farmhand with a bad reputation to help her get her cotton to Jefferson to meet the wagon train, and sparks fly—but can she love a man who doesn’t love the Lord?
Susannah Abbot Baylor reluctantly hires Henry Buckmeyer to help her along the Jefferson Trace, the hard stretch of land between her Texas farm and the cotton market, where she is determined to get a fair price for her crop. It’s been a rough year, and she’s in danger of losing the land her husband left to her and the children, but she’ll need help getting both of her wagons to Jefferson safely. She knows Henry’s reputation as a layabout and is prepared for his insolence, but she is not expecting his irresistible good looks or his gentle manner. Soon they are entwined in a romantic relationship that only gets more complicated when Susannah learns that Henry doesn’t know God the way she does. Dangers arise on the road—but none as difficult as the trial her heart is going through.
Will Susannah and Henry’s love overcome their differences? And will she get her crop safely to the cotton market with enough money to save the farm? In this heartening and adventurous tale, a young woman’s fortitude, faith, and heart are put to the ultimate test
Read an excerpt from Vow Unbroken HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Caryl McAdoo lives in Red River County, Texas, where she brags the nearest soda pop or gasoline is almost ten miles from home. In the country setting of the Texas piney woods, she enjoys four wheeling over the 916-acre McAdoo Ranch, horseback riding, and caring for donkeys, dairy goats, chickens, and a plethora of dogs and cats. Caryl credits her relationship with the Lord for every good blessing in her life, including ten children (counting “in-loves”) and fourteen grandsugars. Her heart’s desire is to bring Him glory.
Read a conversation with Caryl about Vow Unbroken HERE.
by admin | Feb 28, 2014 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance
MY REVIEW:
My favorite thing about “The Quilted Heart” was seeing how the hearts of the women in the quilting circle became knit together as they shared their lives in so many different ways. Although each novella featured a different young woman, they were all tied together almost seamlessly. The stories were a picture of life following the Civil War for the women who lost husbands and sons, the women whose husbands came home changed men, and the women who still had no closure and did not know whether their husband would ever return.
I enjoyed reading about each of these women and how they overcame various challenges and found romance. I also liked most of the men in the novellas with the exception of one who did not accept his circumstances and made sure everyone else paid dearly for his unhappiness. Wooly, Quaid, and Garrett were all honorable men who worked hard to protect and cherish the women in their lives which made them the perfect heroes for this series. The narrative was easily followed and held my interest until the end. I was a tad disappointed that there was not closure to “Ripples Along the Shore” but expect that will take place in the follow-up novel “Prairie Song”. Looks like I will need to pick up a copy to learn how everything ends.
In “Bending Toward the Sun”, Mrs. Brantenberg sums up the author’s theme on page 151 – “God, the Divine Quilter, has the perfect patchwork pattern for our lives. Each will be different as sunshine and snowfall…It’s the batting that gives warmth to the quilt. Otherwise we may end up with a beautiful, but limp, blanket. We may choose wool or cotton for fillint our quilts. In our quilted heart, our faith in the good Lord is the filling.”
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging for Books Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Like a beautiful patchwork quilt, the three novellas in The Quilted Heart tell stories of lives stitched together with love and God’s unending grace.
Once a week, Elsa Brantenberg hosts the Saint Charles Quilting Circle at her farmhouse on the outskirts of the riverside town of St. Charles, Missouri. The ladies who gather there have all experienced heartache related to the intense hardships of the Civil War, and together, they are facing their painful circumstances with friendship and prayer. Can the tattered pieces of their hearts be stitched together by God’s grace?
Dandelions on the Wind
When Maren Jensen took a job on Elsa Brantenberg’s St. Charles, Missouri farm, she never expected to call the place her home. As she grows to love Mrs. Brantenberg and her granddaughter, Gabi, Maren is transformed from a lonely mail-order bride-without-a-groom to a beloved member of the Brantenberg household. But when Gabi’s father, Rutherford “Wooly” Wainwright, returns to the farm unexpectedly, everything changes for Maren, and she feels compelled to find another job. Are her choices in obedience to God, or is she running from His plan?
Bending Toward the Sun
Dedicated to her education and to helping her father in his general store, Emilie Heinrich is convinced she doesn’t have time for love. But when a childhood friend returns to St. Charles, Missouri, after serving in the Civil War, his smile and charm captures Emilie’s eye and her heart. Will she be forced to choose between honoring her father and a future with a husband and family of her own?
Ripples Along the Shore
Change is brewing in St. Charles. A group of brave souls are preparing to head west on the Boone’s Lick Wagon Train, led by the mysterious and handsome Garrett Cowlishaw, who served as a Confederate soldier in the war that killed Caroline’s husband. Despite her dislike for him, Caroline is tempted to join the wagon train and start fresh somewhere new, but when Mr. Cowlishaw forbids her—a single woman—to travel with them, will one man’s prejudice destroy Caroline’s hope for a new future? Or will the ripples of God’s love bring the answer she needs?
Praise for The Quilted Heart Series
“Like a warm breeze ripples across a lake, Dandelions on the Wind offers a gentle crossing in this first-in-a-series novel. Mona Hodgson gives readers characters we care about, a bit of intrigue, love, and a satisfying ending that promises more in the second series book. Well done!”
—Jane Kirkpatrick, best-selling author of Where Lilacs Still Bloom
“Filled with true-to-life characters and fascinating historical details, Dandelions on the Wind is a heartwarming story of second chances in the turbulent days immediately after the Civil War. Don’t miss this, the first of Mona Hodgson’s The Quilted Heart trilogy. If you’re like me, you’ll be waiting eagerly for the second.”
—Amanda Cabot, author of Waiting for Spring
“Dandelions on the Wind is a sweet tale about the merging of two hurting hearts. The characters drew me, and I can’t wait to read more about their lives…and their love!”
—Tricia Goyer, best-selling author of thirty-three novels, including The Memory Jar
“In Dandelions on the Wind, Mona Hodgson weaves a tale of broken promises, wounded hearts…and the power of forgiveness—a heartwarming reminder that we walk by faith, not by sight. Maren is a heroine you’ll cheer for!”
—Carol Cox, author of Love in Disguise and Trouble in Store
“Mona Hodgson’s Bending Toward the Sun captures Saint Charles following the Civil War so well. Quaid returns home—a man changed by the war. Emilie is a delight—a young woman pursuing her education, who knows her own mind. And even though the war has changed so many things, this story reminds us that some things, like love, never change.”
—Dorris Keeven-Franke, archivist, Saint Charles County Historical Society
“Mona Hodgson has written a warm, tender tale of family loyalties and forbidden love. When Emilie’s father objects to her seeing the handsome McFarland boy, recently returned from war, the couple struggles to do the right thing. But they are about to discover that God has another plan. Filled with charming characters and godly themes, this
heartwarming story is pure delight.”
—Margaret Brownley, New York Times best-selling author of A Rocky Creek Romance Series and the Brides of Last Chance Ranch Series
“With believable characters, an historic setting, and a gripping love story, Mona Hodgson gives the reader an uplifting account of a time when our country was recovering from a dark period and looking forward to a brighter future.”
—Martha Rogers, author of the Winds Across the Prairie Series and the best-selling Christmas at Holly Hill
Click HERE to download chapter one of The Quilted Heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Over the last twenty-five years, Mona Hodgson’s publishing credits have grown to include nearly thirty children’s books, contributions to more than ten books for adults, and four historical novels, including her debut, Two Brides Too Many in The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series. Mona is a popular speaker for women’s groups, schools, and educators’ and writers’ conferences. She lives in Arizona with her husband and has two daughters and several grandchildren
by admin | Feb 26, 2014 | Books, Canadian West, Historical
MY REVIEW:
It has been awhile since I have read a book by Janette Oke but “Where Courage Calls” reminded me why I once enjoyed them so much. In fact, this collaboration between Janette and her daughter Laurel may just be the best one yet. I enjoyed the fact that although there were several men who showed interest in Beth, the story was so much more than a romance and actually left that aspect unresolved for the most part. I loved Beth’s determination to fulfill her obligations despite adverse conditions. I also liked the way she did everything she could to help the children and the miners and managed to bring the entire community together to help each other. I was honestly sorry to see the book come to an end and look forward to hopefully reading more about Beth and her new friends in Coal Valley in the near future.
“Where Courage Calls” is a must for fans of Janette Oke and a good place to start for those who are not familiar with her novels.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Her courage and her heart will be tested in ways she never expected…
Beth Thatcher has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her family, her friends, and the social outings her father’s wealth provides. But Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father, Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes her way.
But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she’d feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very little prior education, and many of the locals don’t even speak English. There isn’t even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth’s heart is torn between two young men–both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man who comes to her aid more than once.
Despite the many challenges, Beth is determined to make a difference in the rustic frontier town. But when her sister visits from the East, reminding her of all the luxuries she’s had to give up, will Beth decide to return to her privileged life as soon as the school year is over?
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Janette Oke is celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry, Janette Oke is the recipient of numerous awards. Her novels have sold more than 30 million copies and are beloved by readers around the world. Janette lives with her husband, Edward, in Alberta, Canada.
Laurel Oke Logan is the daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of “Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie,” as well as the novel “Dana’s Valley,” which she co-wrote with her mom. Laurel and her husband have six children and two sons-in-law and live near Indianapolis, Indiana.
Purchase a copy and read an excerpt here.
Don’t miss beloved author Janette Oke’s latest book, Where Courage Calls (co-written with her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan). The storyline and characters in Where Courage Calls are based on Hallmark Channel’s TV series When Calls the Heart, set in the Canadian west.
Janette and Laurel are celebrating with an iPad Mini giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on March 4th.
One winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 4th. Winner will be announced at the Where Courage Calls Facebook Party on March 4th. Connect with Janette and Laurel for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more!
So grab your copy of Where Courage Calls and join Janette and Laurel on the evening of March 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 clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!
by admin | Feb 20, 2014 | Books, Historical, Native American, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Sky Without StarsAbingdon Press (February 18, 2014)byLinda S. ClareABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Linda S. Clare is an
award-winning author and coauthor of several books and has also published many essays, stories, and poems in publications, including The Christian Reader, The Denver Post, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Her most recent book is A Sky without Stars, the newest release in Abingdon’s Quilts of Love line. Born in Arizona, Linda and her husband now make their home in Eugene, Oregon, where Linda has taught college-level creative writing classes, and writes, edits, and mentors other writers. She also is a frequent writing conference presenter, a church retreat leader, and mom to four grown children and five wayward cats.
Learn more about Linda and her books on her Website
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Frankie Chasing Bear is caught between cultures. She wants to raise her son Harold to revere his Lakota heritage, but she also thinks he will need to learn the white man’s ways to succeed. After the untimely death of her husband, Frankie joins the U.S. Government’s Relocation Program and moves to Arizona. There she begins sewing a Lakota Star pattern quilt for Harold with tribal wisdom sung, sewn, and prayed into it.
A bed without a quilt is like a sky without stars, but neither the quilt—nor her new life—comes easily to Frankie. Nick Vandergriff, for instance, is the last man Frankie wants to trust. He’s half-Lakota but Christian, and Frankie can see no good coming from that faith after her own parents were forced to convert at an Indian school. Can Nick convince Frankie that white men and Christians aren’t all bad? And will Frankie learn that love is the most important ingredient—for her son’s quilt and life itself?
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Sky Without Stars, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
With Native American ancestry in both my family and my husband’s family, I am always interested in reading about them. There have also been quite a few quilters in our families and I have quilted some myself so the entire Quilts of Love series has been special. A Sky Without Stars combines the two and was both entertaining and informative.
Interestingly enough, the novel took place the year I was born. I was somewhat surprised at the amount of prejudice toward the Native Americans that was still prevalent during that era and also by the contempt so many of them held toward the “white God”. A Sky Without Stars opened my eyes to how these people were treated – possibly with good intentions to help improve their lives but with total disregard to their history and culture. No wonder they resisted the gospel!
I enjoyed A Sky Without Stars very much. The story was well-written and easy to read with strong characters that I could care about. Situations and emotions throughout the book were realistic and believable. I liked how everything was resolved at the end and would not mind reading more about these characters. I actually hated to see the story end.
