by admin | Aug 27, 2013 | Books, Historical, Quilts, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingPattern for RomanceAbingdon Press (August 20, 2013)byCarla GadeABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carla Olson Gade has been imaging stories most of her life. Her love for writing and eras gone by turned her attention to writing Inspirational Historical Romance. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Writers, and the Maine Fellowship of Christian Writers. She is represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary.
Her publishing credits also include a variety of newspaper articles, newsletters, and web content. She also enjoys developing discipleship materials for women. She has been a book judge for the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest (RWA), and ACFW’s Genesis Contest.
In addition to writing, Carla is a freelance website designer and webhost and an advocate for adult literacy. An experienced event and program planner/promoter, Carla designs marketing materials for her writing group, women’s ministry, and other functions. Carla has also spoken at several women’s events and facilitated many workshops and classes through the years.
An autodidact, creative thinker, and avid reader, Carla also enjoys genealogy, web design, and photography. A native New Englander, she lives in beautiful rural Maine with her “hero” husband and two young adult sons, and a new grandson.
Learn more about Carla and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Honour Metcalf’s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston Mantua-maker for whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager’s niece. A beautiful design emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own. When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton comes to her aid. As he risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence, the two discover a grander plan—a design for love.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Pattern for Romance, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Pattern for Romance was an interesting and informative tale about life in Boston prior to the American Revolution that featured Honour Metcalf, a skilled quilter and Joshua Sutton, an equally skilled tailor. I enjoyed reading about the development of their relationship despite the many setbacks Honour’s health. I especially liked the way Joshua felt led to protect and defend Honour even before he realized the depths of his feelings for her.
I have grown up around quilters who go as far back as my great-grandmother and my mother-in-law was a prize winning quilter also so each of the books in this series has been of great interest to me. I loved the fact that Honour’s quilts were what she called “whole cloth” quilts as I have a definite preference for those even though my relatives never made one. I own two such quilts but I am sad to say that they were machine quilted. I wish I had the incentive to make one but I am not a quilter.
The plot of Pattern for Romance moved at a steady pace and I liked the twists and turns it took as it worked its way to the conclusion. The story contained ample drama and romance with a bit of danger and mystery. I also liked the way Honour and Joshua talked about their faith and the way it matured as the story progressed.
by admin | Aug 23, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingInto the WhirlwindBaker Publishing Group (August 15, 2013)byElizabeth CamdenABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.
Learn more about Elizabeth and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After her father’s death, Mollie Knox takes over his watchmaking company and uses her head for business to solidify the good name of the 57th Illinois Watch Company. Her future looks bright until the night her beloved city is destroyed in the legendary Great Chicago Fire. With her world crumbling around her, Molly must do whatever it takes to save her company in the aftermath of the devastating fire.
Zack Kazmarek is an influential attorney with powerful ties to the political, mercantile, and ethnic roots of Chicago. His only weakness is Mollie Knox, a woman who has always been just beyond his reach. However, all bets are off after the fire destroys Chicago, and Mollie is in desperate need of assistance. Just as Zack finally begins to pursue the woman he loves, competition arises in the form of a hero from her past who can provide the help she needs to rise from the ashes. While Mollie struggles to rebuild, the two men battle for her heart. One has always loved her, but the other has the power to save her. In the race to rebuild the city, can she survive with her business and her heart intact?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Into the Whirlwind, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I seem to rediscover Elizabeth Camden’s talent with each of her novels that I read. Each one is a special experience and are always highly recommended to my friends. If they are lucky, I might just loan them my copy. I definitely have a place for each and every one of them on my bookshelf. Somehow each novel seems to get better but that might just be because it is the one I am currently reading – they have all been SO good.
Into the Whirlwind is a fascinating look into the lives of a few Chicago residents during the great Chicago fire and its aftermath. Camden made the actual fire come to life with all the danger and terror experienced by everyone as they ran for their lives and then the shock as they realized they had nothing left. A strong testimonial to the human spirit, the novel illustrated the determination, the compassion, and the hard work that brought the city back to its feet after such a tragic event.
I loved both Mollie and Zack’s characters although each of them were sometimes exasperating. Their loyalty and faith in the midst of such tragedy were truly inspirational. I enjoyed reading the details of Mollie’s watchmaking business as well as the specifics of Zack’s duties as lawyer for an exclusive department store. This is too good a book to risk spoilers so I will close by encouraging everyone to read not only Into the Whirlwind but also Elizabeth Camden’s previous novels. I personally cannot get enough of them.
by admin | Aug 15, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“What Once Was Lost” is a wonderful story of the way God is at work in our lives even during tragedy and trials and how he refines us and makes us stronger as we trust in Him as we work our way through the hard times. I enjoyed the way I could see the hand of God all through the book as He orchestrated the lives of Christina and the people under her care as well as how the lives of Levi and Tommy were also changed.
With a great setting, an excellent cast of characters, and perfectly paced plot, “What Once Was Lost” captured my interest from the very beginning. A good balance of drama, action, suspense, and romance kept me reading. The novel provides good examples on the importance of trust – both in God and in others and finding the purpose He has for you. It also beautifully illustrates the impact of forgiveness.
Once again Kim Sawyer has provided me with an enjoyable escape for a few hours. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging For Books Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A woman meant to serve, a child in the dark, a man standing apart—can these three souls embrace a God with new plans for them?
On a small Kansas farm, Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of poor and displaced individuals who count on her leadership and have come to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a fire breaks out in the kitchen leaving the house inhabitable, she must scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear “family.”
With no other options, Christina is forced to approach Levi Jonnson, a reclusive mill owner, to take in a young blind boy named Tommy Kilgore. Levi agrees with reluctance but finds himself surprised by the bond that quickly grows between him and Tommy. As obstacles to repairing the farm pile up against Christina, she begins to question her leadership ability and wonders if she can fulfill the mission to which she’s dedicated her life. And when an old adversary challenges Christina, will she find an unlikely ally—or more—in the aloof Levi? Can Levi reconcile with the rejection that led to his hermit-like existence and open his heart and life to something more, especially a relationship with a loving God?
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 currently in print with awards including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas, where she and her retired military husband, Don, run a bed-and-breakfast inn with the help of their feline companions. She savors time with her daughters and grandchildren.
by admin | Aug 10, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Book two in The Ladies of Distinction Series, “A Most Peculiar Circumstance” continues with yet another somewhat unconventional road to romance . Once again the heroine is an independent and spunky young woman whose quest to follow God’s direction often leads her to venture outside the boundaries set by society. A devoted member of the women’s suffrage movement, Arabella Beckett’s determination to help other women often leads her into big trouble. The story opens with Arabella praying for God to get her out of a major predicament. When the prayer is answered quickly, Arabella is not as grateful as she should be and definitely not at all impressed by the man sent to get her out of trouble. Arabella and Theodore have very little in common and tend to rub each other the wrong way most of the time. So why do they both find themselves thinking about each other so often?
“A Most Peculiar Circumstance” has its moments – some are dramatic or suspenseful and others are delightfully humorous. Then again the romantic scenes are pretty good also. I like the way the author tells her story through the use of dialogue. Some of the conversations are truly entertaining and there was plenty of action to keep me involved in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel – it met every expectation I had for it. If you are looking for a good, entertaining historical romance, then “A Most Peculiar Circumstance” fits the bill.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Miss Arabella Beckett, defender of the down-trodden women of America, is returning from her travels in support of the women’s suffrage movement when she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need. But things go sadly awry, and both ladies soon find themselves in dire need of rescue. Arabella, always loath to admit she needs help, is particularly reluctant to receive assistance from the arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor who shows up just in time.
Private investigator extraordinaire Mr. Theodore Wilder is on an assignment that began as a favor to his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across the country. He is already in a less than pleasant mood, and when Hamilton’s sister turns out to have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he’s at his wit’s end.
Much to their chagrin, Theodore and Arabella’s paths continue to cross when they return home to New York, but the most unusual feelings beginning to grow between them certainly can’t be anything serious. When the trouble Arabella accidentally stirred up in her travels follows her home and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance of all: love.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jen Turano is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. When she’s not writing, Jen can be found watching her teenage son participate in various activities, taking long walks with her husband and dog, socializing with friends, or delving into a good book. She lives in suburban Denver, Colorado. Learn more at www.jenturano.com.
by admin | Aug 6, 2013 | Books, Historical, Pinkertons, Romance, Steampunk, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMillie’s TreasureHarvest House Publishers (August 1, 2013)byKathleen Y’BarboABOUT THE AUTHOR:
RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.
Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.
A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo comes Millie’s Treasure, the second book in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series, a new set of novels involving romance, adventure, and hidden identity.
Memphis 1890–Bookish heiress Millie Jean Cope is as clever as she is beautiful. Unfortunately, though adept at solving puzzles and cryptograms, she doesn’t realize her new fiancé isn’t who he claims to be, but instead is a charming scoundrel. The infamous Will Tucker is presenting himself as a British gentleman, Sir William Trueck, though in reality he is a crafty criminal looking for a hidden map to a secret treasure.
Pinkerton agent Kyle Russell has been on Tucker’s trail for years. At last Kyle believes he has Tucker cornered, but he is uncertain whether the lovely woman on the con man’s arm is an unsuspecting victim or willing accomplice. Finding reasons to spend time with Millie is easy. Keeping himself from falling in love with her is another issue entirely.
A fun and entertaining story of how God can shine the light of truth on the most cryptic circumstances.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Millie’s Treasure, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I LOVE this series! The first book “Flora’s Wish” was excellent and it just might be possible that I liked Millie’s Treasure even more. It’s a hard call because I loved them both. What more could I ask for ? Millie’s Treasure is a historical romance with a dash of danger and suspense and the steampunk element made it all the more interesting and fun. I also enjoyed the historical Memphis setting of a city I’ve known my entire life. I once worked in a building overlooking the roof of the Peabody Hotel which plays an important role in the story so it was especially easy for me to visualize the scenes that took place there.
I found it difficult to put this book down and could easily have been tempted to read it during our church service (but I didn’t). The plot moved at the perfect pace and I fell in love with both Millie and Kyle. It was evident from their first encounter that they were perfect for each other despite Millie’s determination to marry Sir William. In addition to the romance, the story is filled with adventure, danger, and drama and peppered with humor. Their faith is such an integral part of both Millie and Kyle that the Christian aspect was perfectly natural. The author is to be commended for her devotion to details, especially in keeping Kyle’s inventions potentially early versions of devices that actually exist today.
There is no way I can say much more without the risk of spoilers. Take my advice and don’t miss either of the books in this series – The Secret Lives of Will Tucker. Millie’s Treasure can easily stand alone but it is oh so much better if you have read “Flora’s Wish” first.
by admin | Jul 28, 2013 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Burning Sky” grabbed my attention at first glance with its gorgeous cover. Once I had read its beautiful yet haunting opening words I had to know everything about this woman. I am not certain why I first hesitated to choose this book to review but I am so glad that I changed my mind. “Burning Sky” is one novel that will remain on my keeper shelf. Another new author has been added to my must-read list.
Captured by Indians at a young age, Willa Obenchain returned after twelve years to the family farm to find her parents missing. As she neared the end of her journey, she discovered wounded Neil MacGregor who she rescued and nursed back to health. The war with the British was over but resentment and hatred for the Mohawk remained strong. Torn between the two cultures, Willa encountered prejudice and harassment at the hands of some of her former friends and neighbors as well as the threat of losing the family farm. Neil remained to help Willa while he recuperated from his injuries and grew to care for her but Willa had determined to never let herself care for anyone again because the pain of loss was too great. Two other men – one a former suitor and one her Indian brother also played important roles in the story.
I enjoyed most everything about “Burning Sky”. Character development was excellent from the Willa and Neil to the children, Joseph Tames-His-Horse, Francis, Anni, Goodenough, and even the dog Cap. The steady plot moved at a steady pace and included just the right amount of historical details and descriptions of the settings to make me feel a part of the story. Scripture was sprinkled liberally throughout the story but was used naturally and was not overwhelming. In fact one scripture in particular seemed to be the theme of the story and was often an encouragement to Willa as she struggled with everything that came against her. “Burning Sky” helps the reader understand the points of view from both the Indians and the settlers.
I could go on but I do not want to reveal too much. “Burning Sky” should appeal to those who enjoy books about the early days of our nation. I look forward to what this new author will offer us next.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“I remember the borders of our land, though I have been gone from them nearly half the moons of my life. But who there will remember me? What I have seen, what I have done, it has changed me.
I am the place where two rivers meet, silted with upheaval and loss.
Yet memory of our land is a clear stream. I shall know it as a mother knows the faces of her children. It may be I will find me there.“
Abducted by Mohawk Indians at fourteen and renamed Burning Sky, Willa Obenchain is driven to return to her family’s New York frontier homestead after many years building a life with the People. At the boundary of her father’s property, Willa discovers a wounded Scotsman lying in her path. Feeling obliged to nurse his injuries, the two quickly find much has changed during her twelve-year absence—her childhood home is in disrepair, her missing parents are rumored to be Tories, and the young Richard Waring she once admired is now grown into a man twisted by the horrors of war and claiming ownership of the Obenchain land.
When her Mohawk brother arrives and questions her place in the white world, the cultural divide blurs Willa’s vision. Can she follow Tames-His-Horse back to the People now that she is no longer Burning Sky? And what about Neil MacGregor, the kind and loyal botanist who does not fit into in her plan for a solitary life, yet is now helping her revive her farm? In the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, strong feelings against “savages” abound in the nearby village of Shiloh, leaving Willa’s safety unsure.
Willa is a woman caught between two worlds. As tensions rise, challenging her shielded heart, the woman called Burning Sky must find a new courage–the courage to again risk embracing the blessings the Almighty wants to bestow. Is she brave enough to love again?
Click here to download chapter one of Burning Sky.
Preorder a copy of Burning Sky HERE.
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.
